NEOA members may find the Higher Ed section below of particular interest. Best, Sarah Morrell Co-Chair, NEOA Advocacy Committee  CAUTION: EXTERNAL SENDER Latest Updates from Capitol Hill & the Administration [https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/on.jsp?ca=1ea250df-8bf1-45c5-b4b5-aaa53b4c32fa&a=1103481512715&c=9c8285dc-7d89-11ee-b2f7-fa163e4ddc15&ch=9c83854a-7d89-11ee-b2f7-fa163e4ddc15] View as Webpage<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rRLctiJV8U24y2CYB0SUmd5OsO16IY5lCUY0D0RhBOKWlEl1wRpFK_rH_xLtXL0qAGqyb9x-C8YBWD2DTrg20N3rx2qJ8Tii5rnaIhKwcxUM5RZ6QMzoUTnfnEPNEgIsVp9g7N0VKcXLt2-pHC4IrA==&c=Mgpcv3jH-O41SZx8BD-vmOpPwap5QM2YyyKUviAbMAnbEh5Wl-Uw_g==&ch=ce-NBVohuDbkRj9ifT851-g9yr3FZPTBDJMZWDs913H_XGoFqTuxmg==> [https://files.constantcontact.com/b03af9ce001/6f647e9d-56d2-42e0-a854-0c85f5e16d2b.png]   Weekly Washington Report [https://files.constantcontact.com/b03af9ce001/93015654-d62e-4726-bfce-42471230aa82.png]   January 27, 2025   Welcome to the January 27, 2025, edition of The New England Council's Weekly Washington Report. Upcoming in Congress The Senate will be in session for the week ahead while the House of Representatives is scheduled to be out of session. The Senate will begin its week on Monday with a 5:30 vote on the nomination of Mr. Scott Bessent to be Secretary of the Treasury. Following that vote, the Senate will vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Sean Duffy to be Secretary of Transportation. Assuming that cloture is invoked, the Senate will likely finish consideration of this nomination in the days ahead. In addition, the Senate could take up any nominations for Cabinet or Sub-Cabinet level positions that have been cleared for action. Budget/Appropriations Senate Committee Approves OMB Nominee Vought; Budget Committee Holds Hearing on Vought – On Monday, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee approved the nomination of Russell Vought to be Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) by a party-line vote of 8 to 7. In a statement<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rRLctiJV8U24y2CYB0SUmd5OsO16IY5lCUY0D0RhBOKWlEl1wRpFK_rH_xLtXL0qbwXuaslYz4MkwBhSQ9WEJNiZVrXskOr0qTXDym1TvZKON1wCeLnb6MxYmWe51iob_wlEM8RB9MPRPsI-T72fVn9eUxlNaVJ1RjDuSTsxKed-PS5XAMS3OSmsJ1YoJnkL5ol8MFyeBMRI4h8ptGgNBtbZEPzm0Wgs5egtEhyzfFkaTglvQygCO4gjLUT3DVJDiyH8cGAKdVw4IDOxniOo56_jY6_4hfBPYnIqTbnYw5KSFQemBINxBeJeKLbQ60kVpjCHTjVxW3x2Wc_NcTOjCRuTg3FJFRodvh_ZnFEah0o=&c=Mgpcv3jH-O41SZx8BD-vmOpPwap5QM2YyyKUviAbMAnbEh5Wl-Uw_g==&ch=ce-NBVohuDbkRj9ifT851-g9yr3FZPTBDJMZWDs913H_XGoFqTuxmg==>, Committee Chairman Rand Paul (R-KY) said “throughout the confirmation process, Russell Vought has demonstrated he knows the challenge ahead of him and President Trump and will not be distracted by partisan attacks or distortions of President Trump’s agenda,” adding that he hoped the full Senate would confirm him quickly. In his own statement<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rRLctiJV8U24y2CYB0SUmd5OsO16IY5lCUY0D0RhBOKWlEl1wRpFK_rH_xLtXL0qdjlQvlG-oSTt-hKIelm3oist6S8g0tU-geYDz9y6mfBfWeLmOm_AbYMmkRTIL0GuViu98-6vaMQev6DOJTbXkunaNA3GTNYDJtBDwZnHCUVOfO-Mwr5xe5U8kLZnfA4xnf4PozvNHcTyU8Avl_rIDi9IjCHGydKCaM2UjgADm6dEYb2mzLQ1WrxR55T9sjVL33npr9Pl1HIqSXFyStErmjVWxgbnfYsSFeBeXT9hqplpwgz7A5gwNw==&c=Mgpcv3jH-O41SZx8BD-vmOpPwap5QM2YyyKUviAbMAnbEh5Wl-Uw_g==&ch=ce-NBVohuDbkRj9ifT851-g9yr3FZPTBDJMZWDs913H_XGoFqTuxmg==>, the Committee’s Ranking Member, Gary Peters (D-MI), contended that during his previous stint at OMB, Mr. Vought “regularly flouted the laws passed by Congress to direct how federal resources should be spent – including by withholding vital security assistance for Ukraine and critical disaster relief funds in the wake of a hurricane.” Senator Peters continued that “throughout his confirmation hearing, Mr. Vought doubled down on his intention to continue disregarding the rule of law if he is confirmed again,” adding that it was his view that Mr. Vought “intends to take illegal actions that violate the very checks and balances on which our democracy is founded.” While the Senate Homeland Security Committee approved Mr. Vought, the Senate Budget Committee held a hearing<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rRLctiJV8U24y2CYB0SUmd5OsO16IY5lCUY0D0RhBOKWlEl1wRpFK6-F65i2RlI7IAQs56BMMmJvT3leD8q6Iut_t8_i5E3RopnrGlL3X7kEZ-8a9TwqCahUx8b3OfDKxZCv3PdTsScTMgEUXSmi4QcjCaukCfaHJirtUQofwx8_O6tF9TaoF3QsfNqb4T4SSkKfcxC8SEGqgkc-HGaGW-qyVCkaH_ScyWGDJT7r5GflRmAePqb9vzt5BjxUlLwmU-XU40-uc2zoYdEVtbWKv9noa6dQ7hXRZhOQgGP5OHc0T1WbhLNSajIFHImWuMkdaTYmGR8D0eo=&c=Mgpcv3jH-O41SZx8BD-vmOpPwap5QM2YyyKUviAbMAnbEh5Wl-Uw_g==&ch=ce-NBVohuDbkRj9ifT851-g9yr3FZPTBDJMZWDs913H_XGoFqTuxmg==> on Wednesday to gather their own information on Mr. Vought’s nomination. The Committee’s Chairman, Lindsey Graham (R-SC), posted a series of questions<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rRLctiJV8U24y2CYB0SUmd5OsO16IY5lCUY0D0RhBOKWlEl1wRpFK_rH_xLtXL0q6_j_1GxMcgQjUuW9KgTUepAWvFizmgobyfGSRb120zyUGVWfMnntMGbm86C6JhajXmGSfJk_TGfKdFAl91k55Yp7HpbKInSLXFbB7PuLoneuwOiGvzb98TebwXNS2Oewbb2qloKd9lynFJ9OGtHS-RutnbXbHo9YBfsntnfaW59Qi47qJWMFHyazNB2DECOgRhNT_xM4eGc=&c=Mgpcv3jH-O41SZx8BD-vmOpPwap5QM2YyyKUviAbMAnbEh5Wl-Uw_g==&ch=ce-NBVohuDbkRj9ifT851-g9yr3FZPTBDJMZWDs913H_XGoFqTuxmg==> and answers that the two exchanged on topics ranging from U.S. Navy strength, tax cuts, and energy independence. The Committee’s Ranking Member, Jeff Merkley (D-OR), issued his own statement<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rRLctiJV8U24y2CYB0SUmd5OsO16IY5lCUY0D0RhBOKWlEl1wRpFK_rH_xLtXL0qVgAQ_FnAGvQ5yATnVscK1pzirxlReYGnPFtOuivzjAiCWKgBVJg_hvRKsh3DpEZ9VoUCt5YSWkyVMlKOcnp5dmy8b64_MornQaHp3bmcqDth5YjuwavoJUY4fTcS6yqXW3N2M6ZB37GAJsquC2YbTGd-WDM8iQxGKdukYFOmDzULgOPoc_UcVqSnSHdNUlhIp5ker1TTmqA=&c=Mgpcv3jH-O41SZx8BD-vmOpPwap5QM2YyyKUviAbMAnbEh5Wl-Uw_g==&ch=ce-NBVohuDbkRj9ifT851-g9yr3FZPTBDJMZWDs913H_XGoFqTuxmg==> saying “OMB Director is a position you’ve held before, so you know its ins and outs,” adding “that said, Mr. Vought, there’s no way around the fact that you are a fierce partisan warrior with, frankly, troubling views about how you would use this position, if confirmed, beyond the troubling ways you used it in the past.” Energy & Environment Senate Moves Quickly to Advance President Trump’s Cabinet Appointments - Following last week’s hearings, the Senate is working quickly to finalize confirmations of newly elected President Donald Trump’s Cabinet members. Lee Zeldin, President Trump’s choice for Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, was approved<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rRLctiJV8U24y2CYB0SUmd5OsO16IY5lCUY0D0RhBOKWlEl1wRpFK_rH_xLtXL0q0l0B-TKQwDsCsJV4AvStbDbZ5pH9xFg15EpDP7jNy2WSgeBA76oqJuN2Bp_WYCeDK_Qo90a6fCs=&c=Mgpcv3jH-O41SZx8BD-vmOpPwap5QM2YyyKUviAbMAnbEh5Wl-Uw_g==&ch=ce-NBVohuDbkRj9ifT851-g9yr3FZPTBDJMZWDs913H_XGoFqTuxmg==> in the Senate Environment and Public Works committee vote Thursday and is expected to be confirmed officially in the full Senate. Additionally, The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources voted in favor of both Christopher Wright for Secretary of Energy, and Doug Burgum<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rRLctiJV8U24y2CYB0SUmd5OsO16IY5lCUY0D0RhBOKWlEl1wRpFKyfLJjGqZQmOz72C3b9EHjBHehY8wH7LgNMnBcu5CvspPAdzFrlRtgnVPCNyY0M_rmgOVvEnCR-mWq06heQBAM1mcd0MUITqMOGeHeC6Uu3rsLJgUU-PoVjK-q8NliE1FzQcLT5LqlFXddx4rBosyef6Phvm5xVKRcVokU9c-LcRW_RAIM4Xny5BzTadNev89jAJHdYZNs30KZNOuddhnEf6Y8vJ3Y00rGrwybJnRTpuKAiYRs7l6o60FyuzwWGXIZNTVxwPa29B&c=Mgpcv3jH-O41SZx8BD-vmOpPwap5QM2YyyKUviAbMAnbEh5Wl-Uw_g==&ch=ce-NBVohuDbkRj9ifT851-g9yr3FZPTBDJMZWDs913H_XGoFqTuxmg==> for secretary of interior. Full Senate floor votes will likely take place within a week. For more information on the hearings, click here<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rRLctiJV8U24y2CYB0SUmd5OsO16IY5lCUY0D0RhBOKWlEl1wRpFK_rH_xLtXL0qkWckjsvTjOBp6TwRSWtoFzV58KiZUg82x8hvL-dtFa8EotKYWsFzsOcUh7XqA00bpYLAiyxCkEl5_0AgOKFskIuXO8e6VZE2F7vruJYaghDi32wd8yM83evFqxugpl06RxJQC9EOBdUV8N40MWFu40maXgsoThUNxsq1UREIRCBgoi_r_tOBei5_agurZUjrMYOp6WokUDWesHFfrtbQrg==&c=Mgpcv3jH-O41SZx8BD-vmOpPwap5QM2YyyKUviAbMAnbEh5Wl-Uw_g==&ch=ce-NBVohuDbkRj9ifT851-g9yr3FZPTBDJMZWDs913H_XGoFqTuxmg==>. President Trump Signs Several Energy and Environmental Executive Orders on his First Day Back in the Oval Office – On Monday, just hours after his swearing in, President Trump declared<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rRLctiJV8U24y2CYB0SUmd5OsO16IY5lCUY0D0RhBOKWlEl1wRpFK_rH_xLtXL0qetz6ZAtgldUAPN-lWokz2i4V-ftXxZpE4pINoEWqX_pDkMQEzuh0F9RjbSyvhOwGNJxMixVUzA18JlXTP-VpYm0zhAFPCVx79Nb-tS-NGFXFUTHvx2ycwhAlIR-BQ8YkLh928tbckyBUs991G0zMrIY_Ff-i4iRrznDiF1GseIsdaCzufqHB3Z4qGUG6oBKb&c=Mgpcv3jH-O41SZx8BD-vmOpPwap5QM2YyyKUviAbMAnbEh5Wl-Uw_g==&ch=ce-NBVohuDbkRj9ifT851-g9yr3FZPTBDJMZWDs913H_XGoFqTuxmg==> a national energy emergency, focusing on the expansion of domestic energy production and distribution. Notably, the declaration lacks mention of solar, wind, or other renewable options. Additionally, President Trump also signed two executive orders which emphasize the new administration’s push for U.S. energy independence and a retreat away from international climate commitments. This includes the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, as well as directives to freeze new wind projects<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rRLctiJV8U24y2CYB0SUmd5OsO16IY5lCUY0D0RhBOKWlEl1wRpFK_rH_xLtXL0qgLY9TL7fUSF7y5Sv7CqMBJgwJMkHww7aUtFGyKvQumO7deZ3sO8wKFa2Jd2NLOCw7_EO0l4OIui78XEl5RdBHehRjZVPEqwCvJ4fT8h66GKX6e98RtCFPrVuRl0fbl63ovB4j-Z3_awVEj8xIwpPm5paDOGDl_DOrPhUh48hmt2daAEputS5FyET_GCsj-MJiSv6J_tks24ODKGYiJjoIS4QpRiT23ju9mrf2eYbwOxLI65gBFwT3XzD89Orkvjvmbw0tZCdtAWAX5dEStBBmiAGR3_-jy8cJKKru88J2rK0eOz_e8HHa8DI8MBrWyZZs4r5LKydsC6AJZrMv_dPmyWnYlaONjx3qCs2gpfoLqknwLxpWYWBsdw4W34UiY_f&c=Mgpcv3jH-O41SZx8BD-vmOpPwap5QM2YyyKUviAbMAnbEh5Wl-Uw_g==&ch=ce-NBVohuDbkRj9ifT851-g9yr3FZPTBDJMZWDs913H_XGoFqTuxmg==> and review the environmental impacts and permitting practices of offshore wind leasing. Additionally, as part of his Unleashing American Energy<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rRLctiJV8U24y2CYB0SUmd5OsO16IY5lCUY0D0RhBOKWlEl1wRpFK_rH_xLtXL0q0i1BrC6R6Q51911T1vaMm7MQ7wBVCVvEK3fWvkkUBPrY2y2AwqMZiujGtYQ4pbeXGq85KcaTMDCc-TCygmaQtPPvXiG5XzXWMH8pEwoiNFphcHVJ_aU1z2-2dqV5FUQUFiL5ACFRgtiRhzcSidUp4HhJpiMGTrLQeS1a4XSSSftD7RbYiB7jOA==&c=Mgpcv3jH-O41SZx8BD-vmOpPwap5QM2YyyKUviAbMAnbEh5Wl-Uw_g==&ch=ce-NBVohuDbkRj9ifT851-g9yr3FZPTBDJMZWDs913H_XGoFqTuxmg==> initiative, the President launched a 90-day review of the Inflation Reduction Act’s energy policies, putting the brakes on fund disbursement for numerous renewable energy projects. The move to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement is already drawing harsh criticism<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rRLctiJV8U24y2CYB0SUmd5OsO16IY5lCUY0D0RhBOKWlEl1wRpFK_rH_xLtXL0qRpUo9ULFI7rB2cS_hSfh57Wv-bt4uogow8Alg3pS3vfVmEFYg9CFQ1rpMX3wtH7Bmaty01KTSXCvWGNzB7nqgLGm7WVN8QuNHan_LCIH6j5oo-0pJNPOGWcJkWHXrkn4-FUMsogmEzET5r9GnkMLIYTmW9PtDndPXhULLrwUy90OFFarQVVVsw==&c=Mgpcv3jH-O41SZx8BD-vmOpPwap5QM2YyyKUviAbMAnbEh5Wl-Uw_g==&ch=ce-NBVohuDbkRj9ifT851-g9yr3FZPTBDJMZWDs913H_XGoFqTuxmg==> from environmental groups like the Union of Concerned Scientists and the European Climate Foundation, and the new orders mark a significant shift in the country’s climate and energy direction from under the Biden Administration. Read more about the executive orders here<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rRLctiJV8U24y2CYB0SUmd5OsO16IY5lCUY0D0RhBOKWlEl1wRpFK_rH_xLtXL0qoPpSfgZlrMDisUBfe12OYNl01EUlqvSaUtmsOwGIfG7sBfq-1uwlIzG20rRTlRH_hFeydyIAGit-yiyCh1UhHFIQCNcureyDFcjjUrtmnEQpVYOpdYVEJ_5LS6MDls76BDovcrj3ZTiiVSS0OFXgIIQ2ipB4KtSpsAQxmbLnt_-EbQBZR4Fh-zTqvos2kHu3wq6dL6TOd9DyiE8gIXm7ikAk8yuYewxz&c=Mgpcv3jH-O41SZx8BD-vmOpPwap5QM2YyyKUviAbMAnbEh5Wl-Uw_g==&ch=ce-NBVohuDbkRj9ifT851-g9yr3FZPTBDJMZWDs913H_XGoFqTuxmg==>. White House Announces Investment in AI Infrastructure - On Tuesday, the Trump Administration announced <https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rRLctiJV8U24y2CYB0SUmd5OsO16IY5lCUY0D0RhBOKWlEl1wRpFK_rH_xLtXL0q-tu7gXbzYVl8i7V5hjxrMzjcQpILE6RXgWZMx7T68SDLtAPKnQeFse2peck7jfXgz4uBGPhZUIIB_J7yWhiXgevIj5k0tEKxKIj4zo02GZ5odSpgSJWX5b5fv-yNu2ggrz_JIeyVGmFK6qUbv9SP1mhauUq6DmLAGY4qWVeNTS7N-_yklXc9CLwAtRyg8dSVcMs5oNQKt_5_dMqQ7mE3lvMPBI-DFuaRIN63q7Az0N0JF_0huFg9MF3ZSYv28CGC&c=Mgpcv3jH-O41SZx8BD-vmOpPwap5QM2YyyKUviAbMAnbEh5Wl-Uw_g==&ch=ce-NBVohuDbkRj9ifT851-g9yr3FZPTBDJMZWDs913H_XGoFqTuxmg==> a $500 billion joint investment to build AI Infrastructure in a project called Stargate, and stated that he will use the national energy emergency powers to approve new power station build outs. However, the growing concerns over the demands of AI data centers and energy grid capacity raise important questions about grid reliability and the energy challenges that the U.S., particularly the New England states, will face going forward. According to a<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rRLctiJV8U24y2CYB0SUmd5OsO16IY5lCUY0D0RhBOKWlEl1wRpFK_rH_xLtXL0qAuGMXiJOK877UEcbPjXI1QWDBMsOmqQGOdMAJ7wPKYBJuCRco8yORQ57WwxWlyefoPfSsGfNFud09SpfQcLhfH9hMGP8oTJ-HmqkUQDGOBxUQfZLWjPYhu7OYytUW8k6nchlOTda7TxVZBOHVisn-DthuMGyDNRzi3NiPnybkPZKWbw6AiD0jOVe9NpZG7HGarHFRBoTk-A=&c=Mgpcv3jH-O41SZx8BD-vmOpPwap5QM2YyyKUviAbMAnbEh5Wl-Uw_g==&ch=ce-NBVohuDbkRj9ifT851-g9yr3FZPTBDJMZWDs913H_XGoFqTuxmg==> <https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rRLctiJV8U24y2CYB0SUmd5OsO16IY5lCUY0D0RhBOKWlEl1wRpFK_rH_xLtXL0qAuGMXiJOK877UEcbPjXI1QWDBMsOmqQGOdMAJ7wPKYBJuCRco8yORQ57WwxWlyefoPfSsGfNFud09SpfQcLhfH9hMGP8oTJ-HmqkUQDGOBxUQfZLWjPYhu7OYytUW8k6nchlOTda7TxVZBOHVisn-DthuMGyDNRzi3NiPnybkPZKWbw6AiD0jOVe9NpZG7HGarHFRBoTk-A=&c=Mgpcv3jH-O41SZx8BD-vmOpPwap5QM2YyyKUviAbMAnbEh5Wl-Uw_g==&ch=ce-NBVohuDbkRj9ifT851-g9yr3FZPTBDJMZWDs913H_XGoFqTuxmg==>Department of Energy report<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rRLctiJV8U24y2CYB0SUmd5OsO16IY5lCUY0D0RhBOKWlEl1wRpFK_rH_xLtXL0qAuGMXiJOK877UEcbPjXI1QWDBMsOmqQGOdMAJ7wPKYBJuCRco8yORQ57WwxWlyefoPfSsGfNFud09SpfQcLhfH9hMGP8oTJ-HmqkUQDGOBxUQfZLWjPYhu7OYytUW8k6nchlOTda7TxVZBOHVisn-DthuMGyDNRzi3NiPnybkPZKWbw6AiD0jOVe9NpZG7HGarHFRBoTk-A=&c=Mgpcv3jH-O41SZx8BD-vmOpPwap5QM2YyyKUviAbMAnbEh5Wl-Uw_g==&ch=ce-NBVohuDbkRj9ifT851-g9yr3FZPTBDJMZWDs913H_XGoFqTuxmg==> in December, the energy demand for U.S. data centers tripled over the past 10 years and is expected to double or triple again by 2028. These centers are projected to consume between 6-12% of the U.S.’s electricity by 2028, putting a substantial burden on the energy grid. For more information on the Council's Energy & Environment Committee<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rRLctiJV8U24y2CYB0SUmd5OsO16IY5lCUY0D0RhBOKWlEl1wRpFK7HoW4GCPYr-AYtp1di5jy5TWAPeIZq3A8GCcuNWkY6A2EeWsjAe9M_XnR0aMqWma1FX2dL59MEIr44o-EDv1MxpDzGdDkG2L-HMI7FuTSxVx0v_osi_NcQTZU_NxBz0F6GjDtZ4KybY8N1zCBBOhXE=&c=Mgpcv3jH-O41SZx8BD-vmOpPwap5QM2YyyKUviAbMAnbEh5Wl-Uw_g==&ch=ce-NBVohuDbkRj9ifT851-g9yr3FZPTBDJMZWDs913H_XGoFqTuxmg==>, please contact Sean Malone<mailto:smalone@newenglandcouncil.com>. Financial Services/Fiscal Policy Senate Finance Advances Treasury Secretary Nomination – On Tuesday, the Senate Committee on Finance approved<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rRLctiJV8U24y2CYB0SUmd5OsO16IY5lCUY0D0RhBOKWlEl1wRpFK_rH_xLtXL0qANIfA-mlUYFwwouPiVfA9leY56NjI6E9ur6Up3QVsctfVECEqwHUWpWXtscq8zkOw8dXA3fjUU6uZDAFor248s32CdFzPVwDBwD2w7yBq93zTSvN6he79wsHAdK1QwQg6ixwYPM043ddy1MjfZ-_nmnXUiECyLbZ-duiXuhwqKPfzxrL9N9AYj_xcrikkW7C8KcGRF8ZZiA=&c=Mgpcv3jH-O41SZx8BD-vmOpPwap5QM2YyyKUviAbMAnbEh5Wl-Uw_g==&ch=ce-NBVohuDbkRj9ifT851-g9yr3FZPTBDJMZWDs913H_XGoFqTuxmg==> Mr. Scott Bessent’s nomination to be Treasury secretary. The bipartisan vote was led by New Hampshire Senator Maggie Hassan, who voted with Republicans to advance the nominee. “When it comes to Mr. Bessent’s qualifications, there’s no room for debate—his decades of academic, professional and leadership experience make him tailor made for the role of Treasury Secretary. I am confident he will provide the necessary leadership to help restore economic prosperity and opportunity in the United States, and I look forward to his nomination being considered by the full Senate,” said Chairman Mike Crapo. HFSC Votes to Change Committee Rules – On Wednesday, the House Financial Services Committee voted (29-23) to approve the panel’s authorization and oversight plan and rules<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rRLctiJV8U24y2CYB0SUmd5OsO16IY5lCUY0D0RhBOKWlEl1wRpFK_rH_xLtXL0qIPTWryeH_bI6W9C5bwHZM3QhwIh_-ad01UT6vpqkHRXL1g2pxZw9BTV-926PDP6WgbRns6fnMItSPNAafwn_tnDBd8YAULvfo6S-eGUdr33q8N4QCwXuvlJxTlR025qI7CvEvb__6chXqy_SX7J6fa7P-K2FDU9EEs_HxQhPxMY=&c=Mgpcv3jH-O41SZx8BD-vmOpPwap5QM2YyyKUviAbMAnbEh5Wl-Uw_g==&ch=ce-NBVohuDbkRj9ifT851-g9yr3FZPTBDJMZWDs913H_XGoFqTuxmg==>, which made changes to subcommittee jurisdictions and created a task force to monitor the Federal Reserve. Among the changes include redesignating the Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Monetary Policy as the Subcommittee on Financial Institutions, approval of a resolution to establish a task force on Monetary Policy, Treasury Market Resilience and Economic Prosperity for six months, changing the name of a digital assets subcommittee to expand its scope and also changing rules to give the chairman the authority to work with the ranking member to use electronic voting at committee meetings. For more information on the Council's Financial Services Committee<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rRLctiJV8U24y2CYB0SUmd5OsO16IY5lCUY0D0RhBOKWlEl1wRpFKzUSn2C1UK9EaEe2s0W_hxeozH-zQK3jGnU8BkXxEtnwixEq1oFKeikk33d95e0dbVmOJBPdXJ2XLZ8AsOS-zzhb4FWNT7shgrE2BCDSozRDjFGSqyj9JLiEVH6JD1SC7ggYpb2reNu7pdI7yBleOGE=&c=Mgpcv3jH-O41SZx8BD-vmOpPwap5QM2YyyKUviAbMAnbEh5Wl-Uw_g==&ch=ce-NBVohuDbkRj9ifT851-g9yr3FZPTBDJMZWDs913H_XGoFqTuxmg==>, please contact Griffin Doherty<mailto:gdoherty@newenglandcouncil.com>. Healthcare Upcoming Hearings & Markups * Wednesday, January 29th, 2025 – Senate Committee on Finance –Hearing to consider the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., of California, to be Secretary of Health and Human Services<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rRLctiJV8U24y2CYB0SUmd5OsO16IY5lCUY0D0RhBOKWlEl1wRpFK_rH_xLtXL0qIuXrMiQMFgpwqtONjPw8Ud7GDX-0ZMxf5v7eQbnjRREeUcjU25a-m43vZJk90Y4Vnq9PZpm_PzgdtVOt_F0l_4UXQLr_nChWeh-MVn2MNaVaA_esb5GkqFi4mjUk3G1QC-fU0h-q_Lu1gx5w5zp79CeaT6sybU_-sNXKz17mcK60BszydyWou-fhM5Vvb8ttOv3kuo8Cu1OFxgWqz03XWXxpv2nxrvfInNpbnD54T-_PIRu7AQiMo3ep-Yhv6tzWX1cC8iR9wQE=&c=Mgpcv3jH-O41SZx8BD-vmOpPwap5QM2YyyKUviAbMAnbEh5Wl-Uw_g==&ch=ce-NBVohuDbkRj9ifT851-g9yr3FZPTBDJMZWDs913H_XGoFqTuxmg==> * Thursday, January 30th, 2025 – Senate Health Education Labor and Pensions Committee - Nomination of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to serve as Secretary of Health and Human Services<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rRLctiJV8U24y2CYB0SUmd5OsO16IY5lCUY0D0RhBOKWlEl1wRpFK_rH_xLtXL0qJh4qfEsH9T9VL6kDYfZxYFOsnExmA99gfHFTYy7kMOqWB9BHNQbcw6tbCMKQTShvZi4d8jcpwrmrXWJVfWlOb_WdCI8lnzI4A98xsJSFGrAccr9Kfgxz9lqN9HQWne9IyRgr9VvYXPDoPIlAGFEbK4S-YwpisuTCt6MS3KbRJi8UTSvFL8yhOAcui4qtdsEcGN2mtpjVpuWGl6GltsPDt6JZ-ZEv17n2&c=Mgpcv3jH-O41SZx8BD-vmOpPwap5QM2YyyKUviAbMAnbEh5Wl-Uw_g==&ch=ce-NBVohuDbkRj9ifT851-g9yr3FZPTBDJMZWDs913H_XGoFqTuxmg==> <https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rRLctiJV8U24y2CYB0SUmd5OsO16IY5lCUY0D0RhBOKWlEl1wRpFK_rH_xLtXL0qJh4qfEsH9T9VL6kDYfZxYFOsnExmA99gfHFTYy7kMOqWB9BHNQbcw6tbCMKQTShvZi4d8jcpwrmrXWJVfWlOb_WdCI8lnzI4A98xsJSFGrAccr9Kfgxz9lqN9HQWne9IyRgr9VvYXPDoPIlAGFEbK4S-YwpisuTCt6MS3KbRJi8UTSvFL8yhOAcui4qtdsEcGN2mtpjVpuWGl6GltsPDt6JZ-ZEv17n2&c=Mgpcv3jH-O41SZx8BD-vmOpPwap5QM2YyyKUviAbMAnbEh5Wl-Uw_g==&ch=ce-NBVohuDbkRj9ifT851-g9yr3FZPTBDJMZWDs913H_XGoFqTuxmg==> Trump Signs Various Health Executive Order – On Monday, President Trump rescinded an executive order relating to President Joe Biden’s 2022 domestic policy law calling for the development of policies to lower drug costs for people on Medicare and Medicaid. While the Administration will have to take further regulatory steps to fully reverse Biden's policies, the executive order outlines the direction the new president may take for the U.S. heath care system. In a January 21st letter<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rRLctiJV8U24y2CYB0SUmd5OsO16IY5lCUY0D0RhBOKWlEl1wRpFK_rH_xLtXL0q2pNvIDNEeytlAFs_V_EqszvhvgJdPXOURr2srY3Cr3KCZrI_QjtGkUnajB1OoEGBCmbrRvlh9m__xKdGKy4jgl_9M4IIpK-J7ekMxdW11Eyn6zHXjkve-aylTOM7ZY3vaaYvbw5PbKVYFWPZwBxtsSu8qbxll3fmE3Pt4KwiD4vJxx6DX0FGI3m0Loxqn62a9RP6jlnToO6USKd_lGbJ5louYO4Kbtfq1DIdLZBAglCVIGqAnqll2PlGZWQ-dsvn2Fg4XkJR9ea_387vu9ICnWyFcQbhln70jCKrPWqBKbe4dCLBjgnsAqpkDDK73r6W&c=Mgpcv3jH-O41SZx8BD-vmOpPwap5QM2YyyKUviAbMAnbEh5Wl-Uw_g==&ch=ce-NBVohuDbkRj9ifT851-g9yr3FZPTBDJMZWDs913H_XGoFqTuxmg==> to Trump, Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Bernie Sanders (I-VT), urged him to change course and continue negotiating with drug companies after reports that drug companies would ask the administration to pause Medicare price negotiations. Additionally, an executive order was signed by Trump rescinding Biden orders on racial and gender equity and issued an order asserting that there are only two sexes, male and female. HHS under the Biden administration supported gender-affirming health care for transgender people and provided guidance on civil rights protections for transgender youth. Trump's messaging on gender has intensified concerns within the LGBTQ+ community that he will seek to restrict such care. An additional executive order was signed withdrawing<https://Trump%20also%20rescinded%20Biden%20orders%20on%20racial%20and%20gender%20equity%20and%20issued%20an%20order%20asserting%20that%20there%20are%20only%20two%20sexes,%20male%20and%20female.%20HHS%20under%20the%20Biden%20administration%20supported%20gender-affirming%20health%20care%20for%20transgender%20people%20and%20provided%20guidance%20on%20civil%20rights%20protections%20for%20transgender%20youth.%20Trump's%20missive%20on%20gender%20has%20intensified%20concerns%20within%20the%20LGBTQ+%20community%20that%20he%20will%20seek%20to%20restrict%20such%20care.> the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO). However, as often the case, just days later the Administration indicated that it may rejoin the WHO at a later date. The U.S. withdrawal will generate a loss of hundreds of millions of dollars for the WHO’s core budget, hindering the global health agency's ability to effectively respond to infectious disease outbreaks and other emergencies around the world. Read more here<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rRLctiJV8U24y2CYB0SUmd5OsO16IY5lCUY0D0RhBOKWlEl1wRpFK_rH_xLtXL0qSdzYtXhZksDR04Ziw8SDKBUt2OqFTyh4y9vHciHQU2FWGcKISGEyFKVOcd89PU7JuOZaR4VML_LmYKpbZQ5r1mFb9b_-CB1jJaE7PJnqqrW9EkPJt1jtbGW3iwn_wwiymFUPo-NGpaQTXk_EkWKU-MoWyFd0m61I9HYw4OFt2HfjWqWgxAnamxaJnpddxj9kuP20xOaE4CJQVZ5MXGpPxxXtLxsK7mYx&c=Mgpcv3jH-O41SZx8BD-vmOpPwap5QM2YyyKUviAbMAnbEh5Wl-Uw_g==&ch=ce-NBVohuDbkRj9ifT851-g9yr3FZPTBDJMZWDs913H_XGoFqTuxmg==>. House and Senate Dive into Reproductive Rights – Last week, both Congressional chambers tackled legislation related to reproductive rights. Specifically, on Wednesday Senate Republicans failed<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rRLctiJV8U24y2CYB0SUmd5OsO16IY5lCUY0D0RhBOKWlEl1wRpFK_rH_xLtXL0qRnZhLMXp82spV96AJ14GYu1Gvry5bm60WkitndiRJ-D_YWcqYLLiGpR-MdZfet2loXnRmDi13lk9hE4cDTVGz8HgrDgWq8_XhAdhAAHZ4vqggmnTGU4pm_wO7VjeHasRd12cQZsu9pzMhtR2PebfNVzAAifXmioMjcuRqfgdkos=&c=Mgpcv3jH-O41SZx8BD-vmOpPwap5QM2YyyKUviAbMAnbEh5Wl-Uw_g==&ch=ce-NBVohuDbkRj9ifT851-g9yr3FZPTBDJMZWDs913H_XGoFqTuxmg==> to invoke cloture on a bill legislating care for infants “born alive” during attempted abortions. While the motion largely served to get Democrats on the record as voting against a bill being framed as anti-infanticide. Additionally, House Republicans on Thursday passed their version of a “born-alive” abortion bill, which would require health care practitioners to provide the “same degree of professional skill, care, and diligence” for a child born alive during an attempted abortion as they would during normal childbirth. Republicans have framed the bill as not being anti-abortion but anti-infanticide. Democrats have criticized the legislation as being redundant, as killing infants born alive after an attempted termination, a rare occurrence, is already illegal, and the bill only serves to “criminalize” doctors. Health care practitioners who fail to comply with the law would face fines and up to five years in jail or both. The Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act previously passed in the House in 2023<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rRLctiJV8U24y2CYB0SUmd5OsO16IY5lCUY0D0RhBOKWlEl1wRpFK_rH_xLtXL0qR-jgxrMCtzYQjgGyOU1WmpDojz2YudDPfQFnv1MOx0-M4XLgCWLYFi-0t9E6X9gqP0-u_5gikQM-Z948bW-LLsP8LzY0-qbQMT91tWjM3l8W8NN9q58rf4iXQfWBNK4j4_6p68Rr4Vc9vkZ6ONA5AR2oOj3WKpMnKg5vDUaMoVKuVOEAy3D-sMJlFVNN8250sSJl1ePhbbwPXQGpqkHRurSPqCAmBOOZiVt51w0Y_rk=&c=Mgpcv3jH-O41SZx8BD-vmOpPwap5QM2YyyKUviAbMAnbEh5Wl-Uw_g==&ch=ce-NBVohuDbkRj9ifT851-g9yr3FZPTBDJMZWDs913H_XGoFqTuxmg==> with a vote of 220-210-1. The bill passed in the House on Thursday with a vote of 217-204. For more information on the Council's Healthcare Committee<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rRLctiJV8U24y2CYB0SUmd5OsO16IY5lCUY0D0RhBOKWlEl1wRpFK9_h3kLHJYIDMioGwm6PZX01EpTF6tOftFyVUoSASTBDMRFFvFq_Stn_PEd1TPvr-cxsDolDH4p2xc-V9IWN2O2RzvNcFZxtYYEsEB-w7j1xwvKj6Cdmy-sW-6kBeC60ygwxuRVAzYAL&c=Mgpcv3jH-O41SZx8BD-vmOpPwap5QM2YyyKUviAbMAnbEh5Wl-Uw_g==&ch=ce-NBVohuDbkRj9ifT851-g9yr3FZPTBDJMZWDs913H_XGoFqTuxmg==>, please contact Sean Malone<mailto:smalone@newenglandcouncil.com>. Higher Education DEI in Higher Education is on President Trump’s Agenda.— Last week, during his first week as the 47th President, President Trump signed a slew of executive orders, including one around DEI. This particular executive order “aims to end ‘illegal’ diversity, equity and inclusion policies and could upend programs that support underrepresented groups on college campuses.” The next steps of this executive order were not made clear and has caused concern and confusion, according to the article. Though the Executive Order refrains from defining DEI, it “directs the attorney general and education secretary—neither of whom have been confirmed—to create guidance for colleges and universities on how to comply with the 2023 Supreme Court ruling, which banned the use of race-conscious admissions policies.” Immediate next steps are unknown, however this EO has caused a stir already in the higher education sector as higher education and DEI advocates “are certain [the EO] represents an attempt to reverse more than 50 years of civil rights work to promote equal access to the American education system.” Republican representative and House Education and Workforce Committee Chair, Tim Walberg, said in a statement that “for too long, social justice warriors crusaded to mandate DEI in every corner of America. Instead of merit, skills, and ability, DEI devotees pushed policies that are antithetical to American exceptionalism.” He went on to say, “from the classroom to the board room, Americans have felt the negative effects.” Though there have been other DEI Executive Orders signed this week, this one in particular Higher Ed experts believe will impact the sector as “the order designates any institution that receives federal financial aid as a subcontractor,” and, according to the order, “as subcontractors, colleges’ employment, procurement and contracting practices ‘shall not consider race, color, sex, sexual preference, religion, or national origin in ways that violate the nation’s civil rights laws.’” Another aspect of this EO is that the “Education Department must pick up to nine colleges that have endowments worth more than $1 billion to investigate as part an effort ‘to deter DEI programs or principles.’” Additional information can be found here<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rRLctiJV8U24y2CYB0SUmd5OsO16IY5lCUY0D0RhBOKWlEl1wRpFK_rH_xLtXL0qfzimORL5EVUrzEn3LjRdJhjlR7fAZ4OMGL7HTj8aX4tuJg-9IgV8GmzehyLfmfER7rB7vJDukRxCh9stQZmUStI5_ip78s2ItP2UPXa9f0M7E6oVEEeKhmPJqNrXQ_uYy4CMYFkGmJGxfH89MFMShKbcpGoTZU9xo2f6Euuz5rbChzRn7Wf8xAxZ16FPJW600uEN6LySeNMUMq460EKF-WoabfrknGf2b4q0kNDkPk2oQzkj741S2g==&c=Mgpcv3jH-O41SZx8BD-vmOpPwap5QM2YyyKUviAbMAnbEh5Wl-Uw_g==&ch=ce-NBVohuDbkRj9ifT851-g9yr3FZPTBDJMZWDs913H_XGoFqTuxmg==>. For more information on the Council's Higher Education Committee<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rRLctiJV8U24y2CYB0SUmd5OsO16IY5lCUY0D0RhBOKWlEl1wRpFK9_h3kLHJYIDZDy8D9_5fNeO2GhrgMiZrt61VCJF4hUrYpa_njOerieJ476efMviI8V8GSCpC0xhSyxM-WB_geA6uQvD1-rfkdmCrCty01VeDsHOvR6buGyU6lB1J01QaT0xvwsklVD2hD6_LLA4Uc8=&c=Mgpcv3jH-O41SZx8BD-vmOpPwap5QM2YyyKUviAbMAnbEh5Wl-Uw_g==&ch=ce-NBVohuDbkRj9ifT851-g9yr3FZPTBDJMZWDs913H_XGoFqTuxmg==>, please contact Mariah Healy<mailto:mhealy@newenglandcouncil.com>. Housing Senate Banking Advances Turner for HUD – On Thursday, the Senate Banking Committee voted along party lines to advance<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rRLctiJV8U24y2CYB0SUmd5OsO16IY5lCUY0D0RhBOKWlEl1wRpFK_rH_xLtXL0qeb747Zl3s80qZSVfPJkUDGyYwLXzov5c0EWNRrLGJzj4ov6TJkkzb-dNYbVGIBI1pAziW-xA8nNzGp4LeBjrgOip4cGmwa6nVTgJLbUlDIWmHDuDmcU9xwRjLnwIgo5_rP865IRbf3wBfUZ94WNTYxPp9v4oa6lrqYltz4mhRE1zNmXQhqJrObBt8kcUa_9F&c=Mgpcv3jH-O41SZx8BD-vmOpPwap5QM2YyyKUviAbMAnbEh5Wl-Uw_g==&ch=ce-NBVohuDbkRj9ifT851-g9yr3FZPTBDJMZWDs913H_XGoFqTuxmg==> the nomination of Mr. Scott Turner to be secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The process advanced without much opposition, except from Senator Elizabeth Warren<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rRLctiJV8U24y2CYB0SUmd5OsO16IY5lCUY0D0RhBOKWlEl1wRpFK_rH_xLtXL0qrKWqKQRU9ZSwB23JLcISpA54RLt-6rAZ5iepUnliOupzW5JBTEFqcvxSJH2v9nPW2fJrSe_fVySze7ieKDE6Hi9O4HDuVly0LVZGIQkp9Y5BLI_jsUz-AYhvsbtdtaNjeBn7e8fQ-jXVM2FN7DSqWCJIHKQEyI4BzI0XGZju1EqOgRzPDp-JkB4-xgLJ3_cP6OytPLr7U4TZwPV0fy1afP3CiUZIUO3NOohvffWDbIoZMnERn5ZyOEDTozZfhcCdL4mDL-Nd1yedBKhvcMbTVFgEjnseRjj_QFu3DPl02WEfbtdZw1iFg_rFUaDJtslH&c=Mgpcv3jH-O41SZx8BD-vmOpPwap5QM2YyyKUviAbMAnbEh5Wl-Uw_g==&ch=ce-NBVohuDbkRj9ifT851-g9yr3FZPTBDJMZWDs913H_XGoFqTuxmg==> (D-MA), who wanted to delay the process until a proper FBI background check was performed on Mr. Turner. “There is no reason to anticipate a problem, but it would be irresponsible for this committee to vote on a Cabinet nominee without his background check, and it would not be consistent with committee precedent,” Warren said. For more information on the Council's Housing Working Group<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rRLctiJV8U24y2CYB0SUmd5OsO16IY5lCUY0D0RhBOKWlEl1wRpFK--RISrWa88enrv1KYuYn56Iduy_ZR60NjGOOfIutzNRsuOYDhC7YdV8EAWSBvabvxT75FfNP-pL0NizJ_c1ZLdqf8C4vfO9ZvBarcNMSXDSO5RUSvm21KPzVnRRrrEe8VeQ-3erkPjk&c=Mgpcv3jH-O41SZx8BD-vmOpPwap5QM2YyyKUviAbMAnbEh5Wl-Uw_g==&ch=ce-NBVohuDbkRj9ifT851-g9yr3FZPTBDJMZWDs913H_XGoFqTuxmg==>, please contact Griffin Doherty<mailto:gdoherty@newenglandcouncil.com>. Technology & Innovation President Trump Announces AI Investment During First Week of Presidency.— Last week three companies announced that they are going to work together to create a a company that will build AI Infrastructure in the US, and that they are going to call it Stargate. Three companies and their CEO’s, OpenAI, Sam Altman, SoftBank, Masayoshi Son and Oracle, Larry Elliso, have the support of President Trump who hosted them at the White House last week. The President called this investment the “largest AI infrastructure project in history” and is “expected to create 100,000 US jobs” and help in the race with China in “in the AI arms race, given that AI is poised to impact everything from the economy to military capabilities.” To start, these three companies will need to invest 100 billion dollars, and the first project is already being built in Texas. This company will “build the ‘physical and virtual infrastructure to power the next generation of AI,’ including data centers around the country.” The Stargate project comes on the heels of AI leaders stating that “more data centers, as well as the chips and electricity and water resources to run them, are needed to power their artificial intelligence ambitions in the coming years.” OpenAI released a white paper recently stating that with proper investment the country “can ensure that US AI tools win out over Chinese technology, as well as creating new US jobs and economic opportunities.” He also “urged the US government to create ‘foundational strategy to ensure that investment in infrastructure benefits the most people possible and maximizes access to AI.’” The overall messaging of this new AI investment by the President and these three companies seems to be competition with China, and how the US can get ahead. Additional information can be found here<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rRLctiJV8U24y2CYB0SUmd5OsO16IY5lCUY0D0RhBOKWlEl1wRpFK_rH_xLtXL0qKNizzyq9loE1Hxg-FHOgHikVfB7pKRK5kLtH5G_MZ5bZUJ0S1rNmf2YS3cqPfKr3aQBqbeJm1dD6Le6QT_nhB0Q67IYAahG48_NMwb90_hfrbUsxWfZB0WJqXPYsDHnGvYlg_52CEugmvg9IQoCGp_IgIvX7EsR5JKG8dT_stmRjP-Gpiwx10-axvt18diBY&c=Mgpcv3jH-O41SZx8BD-vmOpPwap5QM2YyyKUviAbMAnbEh5Wl-Uw_g==&ch=ce-NBVohuDbkRj9ifT851-g9yr3FZPTBDJMZWDs913H_XGoFqTuxmg==>. For more information on the Council's Technology & Innovation Working Group<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rRLctiJV8U24y2CYB0SUmd5OsO16IY5lCUY0D0RhBOKWlEl1wRpFK7u3Kw4wyuRqsxP18lt_JKlZAtgHNso_elJTCLRxBIdncFUGFUw9FKXb-HjQEnKob-lLNnKC-ezZQMIqqbID4x0IoeoP3_GfMnv9QOfX7QzZl4I135CC4RjmwSshCZum0iHHGMMGY0oggX09Yxlzid2r3UmSt-icdg==&c=Mgpcv3jH-O41SZx8BD-vmOpPwap5QM2YyyKUviAbMAnbEh5Wl-Uw_g==&ch=ce-NBVohuDbkRj9ifT851-g9yr3FZPTBDJMZWDs913H_XGoFqTuxmg==>, please contact Mariah Healy<mailto:mhealy@newenglandcouncil.com>. Trade Upcoming Hearings & Markups * Tuesday, January 28, 2025 (10:00) – Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee – Hearing: Examining the Panama Canal and its impact on U.S. trade and national security<https://Hearings%20to%20examine%20the%20Panama%20Canal%20and%20its%20impact%20on%20U.S.%20trade%20and%20national%20security,%20focusing%20on%20fees%20and%20foreign%20influence.> President Issues Memorandum on Trade – On Monday, newly sworn-in President Donald Trump signed a litany of Executive Orders and Memorandum to reverse actions taken in the previous Administration as well as initiate new policy items to govern his second term in office. Among the various items issued by the President was a directive titled the America First Trade Policy<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rRLctiJV8U24y2CYB0SUmd5OsO16IY5lCUY0D0RhBOKWlEl1wRpFK_rH_xLtXL0qDhOMnX-Mwf72_Xga9VzEQNKoR9tMiorbvlqlnUByWIt-Vipv1pQkpl0bsA6ASWwWfvWNnoSr7RGBoqlcl45iHRb7zPefVPiQdVpkc0Hei7sJ6ijC8wS0SAKB10nfX_ApnmScIrtRkxEPTSKC7fkMuqiADxQRY0jYWEvcZb7C43AEEJ4u0euBfA==&c=Mgpcv3jH-O41SZx8BD-vmOpPwap5QM2YyyKUviAbMAnbEh5Wl-Uw_g==&ch=ce-NBVohuDbkRj9ifT851-g9yr3FZPTBDJMZWDs913H_XGoFqTuxmg==> aimed at “establishing a robust and reinvigorated trade policy that promotes investment and productivity, enhances our Nation’s industrial and technological advantages, defends our economic and national security, and – above all – benefits American workers, manufacturers, farmers, ranchers, entrepreneurs, and businesses.” In so doing, the Administration will seek to address “unfair and unbalanced trade” by looking into “the causes of our country’s large and persistent annual trade deficits in goods, as well as the economic and national security implications and risks resulting from such deficits.” In addition, the President will set up a new External Revenue Service (ERS) to “collect tariffs, duties, and other foreign trade-related revenues.” Federal officials will look at means to review and identify “any unfair trade practices by other countries and recommend appropriate actions to remedy such practices.” Further, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) will begin the public consultation process set out in law “with respect to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in preparation for the July 2026 review of the USMCA” and assess the impact that the USMCA has had on various sectors of the U.S. economy. The new directive instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to investigate possible currency manipulation among U.S. trading partners, and calls on the USTR to review existing trade agreements and “recommend any revisions that may be necessary or appropriate to achieve or maintain the general level of reciprocal and mutually advantageous concessions with respect to free trade agreement partner countries” while also looking into possible opportunities to engage in new bilateral or sector-based agreements. Further, the Commerce Department will “review policies and regulations regarding the application of antidumping and countervailing duty (AD/CVD) laws” and Commerce and other Cabinet Departments and Agencies “shall assess the loss of tariff revenues and the risks from importing counterfeit products and contraband drugs, e.g., fentanyl.” Treasury, Commerce and USTR officials will “also investigate whether any foreign country subjects United States citizens or corporations to discriminatory or extraterritorial taxes” and the USTR will be tapped to review federal procurement requirements. In a statement<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rRLctiJV8U24y2CYB0SUmd5OsO16IY5lCUY0D0RhBOKWlEl1wRpFK_rH_xLtXL0qyrhRwNSUIP5IkmmjO_r9rMok2sDqYyiiCjGkKZROPIVk5qOSAIWOtFsmONGyvkhKUYhhpVflOmEqQH2FybPDeiwlKTaf0RaZ452RQPBo_cuHx4mYlxKOIofq1wZJwaug4fYy0Nra0-fQDPrD-dphNSkjocbwMcin1vD7dv_LG-8QrioiHl0nSqluaTpbAW5cw4C3CNDSHslzX9NPChHK49R9I6ys3CyHsdo0NxEZXx_8luJtllitphfjVpVJ96EGJ_TUsS3A0ycfb4FOlw7nbg==&c=Mgpcv3jH-O41SZx8BD-vmOpPwap5QM2YyyKUviAbMAnbEh5Wl-Uw_g==&ch=ce-NBVohuDbkRj9ifT851-g9yr3FZPTBDJMZWDs913H_XGoFqTuxmg==> of support of the President’s actions, House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO) said “directing his cabinet and other key advisors on trade and economic issues to evaluate all available measures to address persistent trade deficits, including a potential global tariff on imported goods, is a prudent approach that will give the Administration time to analyze the most effective new policies and chart a path forward on future action to achieve fairer treatment and trade relations for the American people.” For more information on the Council's Trade Working Group<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rRLctiJV8U24y2CYB0SUmd5OsO16IY5lCUY0D0RhBOKWlEl1wRpFK9_h3kLHJYIDx_naKtsEE9bMINo9HKhqzmjflrPSCZ0ggCUcXy2DERgBq7dDkmAOHO97uphRpOeWUYC9gI7S6MWXa7VxHK7q4YVjqpEGOc35yszwu0VbzXVsjcMuwD-fqQ==&c=Mgpcv3jH-O41SZx8BD-vmOpPwap5QM2YyyKUviAbMAnbEh5Wl-Uw_g==&ch=ce-NBVohuDbkRj9ifT851-g9yr3FZPTBDJMZWDs913H_XGoFqTuxmg==>, please contact Peter Phipps<mailto:pphipps@newenglandcouncil.com>. Transportation & Infrastructure Senate Committee Approves Nominee for DOT Secretary – On Wednesday, the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee voted 28 to 0<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rRLctiJV8U24y2CYB0SUmd5OsO16IY5lCUY0D0RhBOKWlEl1wRpFK_rH_xLtXL0qA_PusFe3v3fIopYdqxjJfXPx6_1jNN8khdmv-rbKnTXUjHbA_pmkSmAImwqndRNuV-M3h1GjJBhaDKdubjqFiT--XO1SYvfObk3P_wPdeDAu7q93uWI6ddHx_OzFGHx2x4-djIjj49L-ukFOS3-wu6SjAIx_dnE_E6z-oe4RxzMK1EjATc_KTM6zdyMJdubMQt8YdtB50loNZ0zWQ2oSt8oYceRLaAvj&c=Mgpcv3jH-O41SZx8BD-vmOpPwap5QM2YyyKUviAbMAnbEh5Wl-Uw_g==&ch=ce-NBVohuDbkRj9ifT851-g9yr3FZPTBDJMZWDs913H_XGoFqTuxmg==> in favor of the nomination of Sean Duffy to serve as the next U.S. Secretary of Transportation. Mr. Duffy is a former Congressman from Wisconsin. In a statement, Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-TX) said “as Secretary, he will prioritize safety while fixing our broken permitting process,” adding that he “will work, as Senator Baldwin said, with ‘both sides of the aisle to improve our infrastructure and address the challenges that arise in the years ahead.’” With Committee passage, the nomination now goes to the full Senate for further consideration. House T&I Committee Makes Several Changes to Subcommittee Leaders – After previously announcing<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rRLctiJV8U24y2CYB0SUmd5OsO16IY5lCUY0D0RhBOKWlEl1wRpFK6-F65i2RlI73KLHK3Q6afRvZsLkLVtYGgBIlCHPDa2rugHmPZJlpF6dFTJ2RPYfVZSocabOpjwNYVq2teO54C5d_R4s1YzI-2A_0bhcp2jFH2YNRyJGzXkNpSWGZHpYB7iW3Ti1_1_U_i05AHXaCWrq6BzeWJNTE1uyLkc4t0tq&c=Mgpcv3jH-O41SZx8BD-vmOpPwap5QM2YyyKUviAbMAnbEh5Wl-Uw_g==&ch=ce-NBVohuDbkRj9ifT851-g9yr3FZPTBDJMZWDs913H_XGoFqTuxmg==> the names of the individuals who would be leading the six subcommittees of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) reversed course on several names and readjusted the Committee rosters. His reasoning is because one subcommittee chairman – Rick Crawford (R-AR) – was named as the full Committee Chair of the House Intelligence Committee. As such, on Tuesday, it was announced<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rRLctiJV8U24y2CYB0SUmd5OsO16IY5lCUY0D0RhBOKWlEl1wRpFK_rH_xLtXL0q4t1QZbRaoLKT6W20bg5ewgnfltdhQCdBdRStireNVPP2UiNkDIbMHGDdqO6cQorkbpi2NtOayVZr0dgAk3pItFQ4m9dqcdjmqir-f76oXMQED4BFSOBFvNXCFmYwje3KT2CAg49LO-UeZujHpFITuEvsAK_DcR9V&c=Mgpcv3jH-O41SZx8BD-vmOpPwap5QM2YyyKUviAbMAnbEh5Wl-Uw_g==&ch=ce-NBVohuDbkRj9ifT851-g9yr3FZPTBDJMZWDs913H_XGoFqTuxmg==> that Representative Crawford would be given the ceremonial position of Vice-Chairman of the full Committee, while several subcommittees will see leadership changes. As previously announced, these subcommittee leaders will stay in their positions: Representative Troy E. Nehls (R-TX) ­will serve as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Aviation; Representative Scott Perry (R-PA) will serve as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management; and Representative Mike Collins (R-GA) will serve as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment. Representative David Rouzer (R-NC) ­will take Mr. Crawford’s place and serve as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit; Representative Daniel Webster (R-FL) ­will take Mr. Rouzer’s previous assignment and serve as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials; and Representative Mike Ezell (R-MS) ­will be elevated to serve as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, taking Mr. Webster’s previous assignment. The subcommittee assignments on the Democrat’s side of the Committee will not change. President Issues Memorandum Ending DEI at FAA – On Tuesday, President Donald Trump issued a Presidential Memorandum<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rRLctiJV8U24y2CYB0SUmd5OsO16IY5lCUY0D0RhBOKWlEl1wRpFK_rH_xLtXL0qIuaF3U_cNdVP6HZWW3WyWH1qEAUomu_4v8abhmhXEYfcFI18yUCBXvNSoi6ZS5ca6Gm6yK6bWzqK1cB0UXKS66dmryePBQvOqU3n3JSfugY8hKShHd9nu5TgpmaMwrnRy8w0X2ZnS_KGvm-iQL1x7T4Dx1KF5j4EbPlEp3IZSZ2PLuXfUaEafJmrIdV4eaxW&c=Mgpcv3jH-O41SZx8BD-vmOpPwap5QM2YyyKUviAbMAnbEh5Wl-Uw_g==&ch=ce-NBVohuDbkRj9ifT851-g9yr3FZPTBDJMZWDs913H_XGoFqTuxmg==> that eliminates “a Biden Administration hiring policy that prioritized diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs” at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Under the new Memorandum<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rRLctiJV8U24y2CYB0SUmd5OsO16IY5lCUY0D0RhBOKWlEl1wRpFK_rH_xLtXL0qGUYwil2d5ZHayiQr86KPRB3y62Mvj9RXyg5i6i0p_ubTeCci0-UPieqOJOLmpO_g45ggk9ztbJA6ZykNrAK-Qfkr26jDjCUhlcdwLY0lRw8m6iOJ03t-UVqNCOnT7zISevi7ZHScq7rDu_4ZPeWdT8xc-YaSNskFXANcGsxZtS7towW8QpUVJDiIhCX4-dHCu9L-L1lwHv4UmMYjPx-jGZkTubRKaoKgzifYzaPxrTkS32Of966Xza8mqnt1sRPThCoE4sYjlFy6DcfUCyWfsw-hmTMjZsNTPMVdggK8hyLKq5N150xy4w==&c=Mgpcv3jH-O41SZx8BD-vmOpPwap5QM2YyyKUviAbMAnbEh5Wl-Uw_g==&ch=ce-NBVohuDbkRj9ifT851-g9yr3FZPTBDJMZWDs913H_XGoFqTuxmg==>, the FAA is directed to “immediately stop Biden DEI hiring programs and return to non-discriminatory, merit-based hiring.” Further, the head of the FAA is required to do a review of “performance standards of all FAA employees in critical safety positions and to make clear that any individual who fails to demonstrate adequate capability is replaced by someone who will ensure Americans’ flight safety and efficiency.” House Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Highway Programs – On Wednesday, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Subcommittee on Highways and Transit held a hearing<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rRLctiJV8U24y2CYB0SUmd5OsO16IY5lCUY0D0RhBOKWlEl1wRpFK_rH_xLtXL0qvNB-p170MAlIstOqtlww6f-M7IgqkJQXDTxkI0Suefq8uJpk3jFSGTfTITzunftX0BtdKyjL2ryb1bkSLqE3peXsm5WbL6kko4Ege2IX8Yq5V46mKjQa9p1yCZHxAYjYlmbCFlj9Ky5UTEF2OUItG23Jfn6XNLBx&c=Mgpcv3jH-O41SZx8BD-vmOpPwap5QM2YyyKUviAbMAnbEh5Wl-Uw_g==&ch=ce-NBVohuDbkRj9ifT851-g9yr3FZPTBDJMZWDs913H_XGoFqTuxmg==> to get insight from road and highway stakeholders on their priorities for the new Congress and what these industries would like to have considered in surface transportation reauthorization legislation. The Subcommittee noted that “witnesses highlighted some common themes, including a need for a timely, multi-year bill that provides long-term certainty for states to plan projects, as well as the needed flexibility to address their most critical priorities.” In addition, “the panel discussed the benefits of funding core formula highway programs compared to discretionary grant programs, which are frequently more cumbersome and restrictive.” Finally, the hearing’s witnesses “urged the Subcommittee to continue slashing red tape to help move projects forward, noted the need for sustainable funding for the Highway Trust Fund, and called for all highway users to pay into the Highway Trust Fund.” House Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Rail Safety – On Thursday, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials held a hearing<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rRLctiJV8U24y2CYB0SUmd5OsO16IY5lCUY0D0RhBOKWlEl1wRpFK_rH_xLtXL0qWSZWJjfsoe7KNLGnsUbyghqKhOQ43QY6R6FhJVkVOoGN8v0rztx1E56AydEX-SA_UsOmHNquSX_V9ocXwI2FdZcOCV3mXbhBqMKNdSuwzCTxG073Kk0qQSKbW7FxbBHiQ3ba9xsEwJUCdRzOzubLoDdXZBNPICY2&c=Mgpcv3jH-O41SZx8BD-vmOpPwap5QM2YyyKUviAbMAnbEh5Wl-Uw_g==&ch=ce-NBVohuDbkRj9ifT851-g9yr3FZPTBDJMZWDs913H_XGoFqTuxmg==> to get insight from the rail industry on their priorities for the new Congress and what these stakeholders would like to have considered in surface transportation reauthorization legislation. The Subcommittee noted that “witnesses commonly highlighted support for programs that help build and improve the U.S. rail infrastructure network, such as federal programs to eliminate rail grade crossings and the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program.” For more information on the Council's Transportation & Infrastructure Committee<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rRLctiJV8U24y2CYB0SUmd5OsO16IY5lCUY0D0RhBOKWlEl1wRpFK05V3CEFRLAREGOVTDhX6UKTSA3qiAmlNd35Aadg0ZAvQ2HDno_sT2Xu92d6wd4uFxHhJzG0nc5Oymy-fMpXODoRHgt5VODjL7cZpRBUFPuswPlFcGv3hoJ-skjxzX5QXIsO0vpI5TCS&c=Mgpcv3jH-O41SZx8BD-vmOpPwap5QM2YyyKUviAbMAnbEh5Wl-Uw_g==&ch=ce-NBVohuDbkRj9ifT851-g9yr3FZPTBDJMZWDs913H_XGoFqTuxmg==>, please contact Peter Phipps<mailto:pphipps@newenglandcouncil.com>.       [https://files.constantcontact.com/b03af9ce001/afa46647-035c-480c-a883-b97836541693.png]   Stay up to date with Council events, news, advocacy initiatives, and more. VISIT OUR WEBSITE<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rRLctiJV8U24y2CYB0SUmd5OsO16IY5lCUY0D0RhBOKWlEl1wRpFK5nueeQ_Di8p2w0PX-osXzP7jeTXaYLtuhWw3MRmJDt39FwkoY435Rfpi3bDeP6PW09D6YofKP3CXrMoZ1DYD7S6kL4fCRmhlWmw_oeEttGufjVRNiLPy-E=&c=Mgpcv3jH-O41SZx8BD-vmOpPwap5QM2YyyKUviAbMAnbEh5Wl-Uw_g==&ch=ce-NBVohuDbkRj9ifT851-g9yr3FZPTBDJMZWDs913H_XGoFqTuxmg==>     Stay Connected!   [Facebook]<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rRLctiJV8U24y2CYB0SUmd5OsO16IY5lCUY0D0RhBOKWlEl1wRpFKzUDRfXPVd6n8vQakLp-T9MnB6_0uEfx7OmC8pBDipF823wc6jUXxgDsB6ZN4AVcb1Hcq1_MtgYYnOhuozIprAqMjb8vPLMohXqZH-z68Z4CftXZehEjOab1iFQ0i_Zzdw==&c=Mgpcv3jH-O41SZx8BD-vmOpPwap5QM2YyyKUviAbMAnbEh5Wl-Uw_g==&ch=ce-NBVohuDbkRj9ifT851-g9yr3FZPTBDJMZWDs913H_XGoFqTuxmg==> [X] <https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rRLctiJV8U24y2CYB0SUmd5OsO16IY5lCUY0D0RhBOKWlEl1wRpFKzZBj7e17iT0IR00I1e9hIAq4RuFxkyIG2GZ-08HcbGjKGYYOvdZqdEcLFiU6j6Bi7Vm9mrAo80Ael857YAjFNXSY5AjIL0dHrxGF5Ipug6d&c=Mgpcv3jH-O41SZx8BD-vmOpPwap5QM2YyyKUviAbMAnbEh5Wl-Uw_g==&ch=ce-NBVohuDbkRj9ifT851-g9yr3FZPTBDJMZWDs913H_XGoFqTuxmg==> [Instagram] <https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rRLctiJV8U24y2CYB0SUmd5OsO16IY5lCUY0D0RhBOKWlEl1wRpFK6q0SZucnfjyTC3y6ocX27aOdykHZWIvgMzIndgxbJYi5SVc4Trn5eVOCt2DbglDOg9EvwZ7Ad8vDWaM3cEOnLhZCh7Oiw8xMJQ30G-ScUTNesWYfJWo5lA=&c=Mgpcv3jH-O41SZx8BD-vmOpPwap5QM2YyyKUviAbMAnbEh5Wl-Uw_g==&ch=ce-NBVohuDbkRj9ifT851-g9yr3FZPTBDJMZWDs913H_XGoFqTuxmg==> [LinkedIn] <https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rRLctiJV8U24y2CYB0SUmd5OsO16IY5lCUY0D0RhBOKWlEl1wRpFKzZBj7e17iT0HWY5SfTKEnE6xBer_ZR2CXZBISOXjlIOGsSqXEgI13zQ0Preso2S0MruYDnapvouq-87FCdqY26L2jXAAm1dJ8-Y_t4HnseGE32IDuqq1rr9CdK_RV7wXg==&c=Mgpcv3jH-O41SZx8BD-vmOpPwap5QM2YyyKUviAbMAnbEh5Wl-Uw_g==&ch=ce-NBVohuDbkRj9ifT851-g9yr3FZPTBDJMZWDs913H_XGoFqTuxmg==> [YouTube] <https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rRLctiJV8U24y2CYB0SUmd5OsO16IY5lCUY0D0RhBOKWlEl1wRpFKxkt1U5EQPgBbMQs_-fuakaIqpYkes11XdpYe5S2TL_QjuUHGLNZEApfD7hnexrlfFckumw-mL-NScGFCeAcy7nEAEpBz6kxnkXWsZBCogz2rjEbVBod56BYK0i76c9g81JOsh-0Sshaz-TjnDNDcxE=&c=Mgpcv3jH-O41SZx8BD-vmOpPwap5QM2YyyKUviAbMAnbEh5Wl-Uw_g==&ch=ce-NBVohuDbkRj9ifT851-g9yr3FZPTBDJMZWDs913H_XGoFqTuxmg==>