---------- Forwarded message --------- From: New England Council <necouncil@newenglandcouncil.com<mailto:necouncil@newenglandcouncil.com>> Date: Mon, Oct 2, 2023 at 9:29 AM Subject: NEC's Weekly Washington Report Latest Updates from Capitol Hill & the Administration [https://r20.rs6.net/on.jsp?ca=3c3a94d1-cce5-445e-b6c9-1a96327658b3&a=1103481512715&c=e415d712-017f-11ea-8fe5-d4ae52733bf0&ch=e416f886-017f-11ea-8fe5-d4ae52733bf0] View as Webpage<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XIxJpReEqJUvzQoej5SvwAkp3lQXsN3fmo-7l3oOF7t_hvcw2gtP0cvwwD7W82TeXt9m_OUmBztHYgkPEIDvznRgHoU38ZBKWiTHSxFFzSEGKZ7VB66rpgFQxfN0zm6CdJPA9nRzD7ipkmAt7CQhpw==&c=Rl6NnIGdCc1N7F32g1eJbNNE1NhJwaqOM6b45tZBVKk64P5qyj2YeQ==&ch=G5U9NsNcwWjj8QdCiXef8xEJYzSFU2ac63rS_CKinJn5D1Q0H0TMYg==> [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]   October 2, 2023   Welcome to the October 2, 2023, edition of The New England Council's Weekly Washington Report. Upcoming in Congress When the Senate convenes on Tuesday afternoon, there will be a 5:30 vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of James O'Brien to be Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs. It is anticipated that the Senate will finish this nomination in the days ahead. In addition, cloture has been filed on the nomination of Brendan Abell Hurson to be United States District Judge for the District of Maryland as well as for Susan DeClercq to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Michigan. The Senate could take up these nominations or could consider any other nomination or legislative item that has been cleared for action. The House will begin the week on Monday with five bills for consideration from the Suspension Calendar – four post office naming bills and the Modernizing the Acquisition of Cybersecurity Experts Act of 2023 (H.R. 4502). On Tuesday and Wednesday, the House will consider the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2024 (H.R. 4394). On Thursday, the House will consider the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2024 (H.R. 4364). The House could also take up any other legislation cleared for action. Budget/Appropriations Upcoming Hearings & Markups * Thursday, October 5, 2023 (10:00) – Senate Budget Committee – Hearing: The Costs of a Government Shutdown<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XIxJpReEqJUvzQoej5SvwAkp3lQXsN3fmo-7l3oOF7t_hvcw2gtP0cvwwD7W82TeJUrS1cI_k04B-LOjOL04d9fsj8sWBI3gqvO4jxgYiOUs0wwgRziUU2d-Hl6EYHRb7staXqFZma_Nu8cv0nhMhSHC5A1QDeYwluha7vTpAVdbIEsfCxRC9So84NhedsNsNjVwHRRClmPeAW5LP6hi6g==&c=Rl6NnIGdCc1N7F32g1eJbNNE1NhJwaqOM6b45tZBVKk64P5qyj2YeQ==&ch=G5U9NsNcwWjj8QdCiXef8xEJYzSFU2ac63rS_CKinJn5D1Q0H0TMYg==> Congress Passes Stopgap Spending Bill; Averts Shutdown – On Saturday night, the Senate adopted H.R. 5860, the Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act by a vote of 88 to 6<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XIxJpReEqJUvzQoej5SvwAkp3lQXsN3fmo-7l3oOF7t_hvcw2gtP0cvwwD7W82TeNqkQWsY7HA44-11h7JdB9kHoRrDFRw6T4hv1Bcs3r4Sv065HrcnmFUUktCX3L4XMCe_2LqrNRP29yaNWkCF8kp0bzR9teJ2hMOO5kZa9Jo6Pyi3Rk56_ir13wqcMjr2NLsR7OqAE8ueK1MmEZlimfTtpJ2oVP_idvcaAPVQWwOE=&c=Rl6NnIGdCc1N7F32g1eJbNNE1NhJwaqOM6b45tZBVKk64P5qyj2YeQ==&ch=G5U9NsNcwWjj8QdCiXef8xEJYzSFU2ac63rS_CKinJn5D1Q0H0TMYg==> With just several hours to spare before federal funding would have expired, the bill was sent along to President Biden for his signature<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XIxJpReEqJUvzQoej5SvwAkp3lQXsN3fmo-7l3oOF7t_hvcw2gtP0cvwwD7W82Tev_fvOQ9FoC9x5kcTYmQjrm5EjnjBYx-vQWI2AZjbkRW4yf0C6szZD7a47zm50JSxTSNvHlAhoAySGQcw8HB86_e3aRRRAz09cgseCN-N_huwizapcsFc-tmAV6jSsHBjwshI_GOnohddT2tMBe6LVLloe-FSI61TlQOqMTvBHFJfba_2cFhcVdYSybMCL0vNH-vtkYCml4k=&c=Rl6NnIGdCc1N7F32g1eJbNNE1NhJwaqOM6b45tZBVKk64P5qyj2YeQ==&ch=G5U9NsNcwWjj8QdCiXef8xEJYzSFU2ac63rS_CKinJn5D1Q0H0TMYg==>. Earlier in the day, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 5860 after a weeks-long effort on the part of Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) to convince recalcitrant members of his own Caucus to support a temporary bill to keep the government afloat for a short period of time. To ensure that the government would not run out of funds, Speaker McCarthy worked with House Democrats on a final bill. As such, the vote in the House was 335 to 91<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XIxJpReEqJUvzQoej5SvwAkp3lQXsN3fmo-7l3oOF7t_hvcw2gtP0cvwwD7W82TebDlQzG6w7LnR54qrwoESE1YnKyfQ_o0y3FHk9ricpyu5V1S_smhpl5OR7GIwDsO8DI_Zc5W7DC0mQVeh_w4SNlUHNU_M2AMiuthVdAk2v30oJPWq3Lqhfg==&c=Rl6NnIGdCc1N7F32g1eJbNNE1NhJwaqOM6b45tZBVKk64P5qyj2YeQ==&ch=G5U9NsNcwWjj8QdCiXef8xEJYzSFU2ac63rS_CKinJn5D1Q0H0TMYg==> and included all but 1 Democrat and a majority of House Republicans (126) voting in favor of the measure. As passed, H.R. 5860 provides funds for the federal government to continue operations through November 17th at current fiscal year 2023 levels. While the bill contains $16 billion in emergency disaster assistance, it does not contain funds for aid to Ukraine. Among the “other extensions” in the bill, the programs and policies of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will be extended through the end of the calendar year and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program (TANF) will be extended through November 17th. Those opposing the measure generally were seeking cuts below current fiscal year spending levels, strict southern-border immigration policies, and no aid for Ukraine. The passage of H.R. 5860 bought lawmakers in both the House and Senate six weeks of additional time to pass the 12 regular appropriations measures, reconcile them in Conference, and send them to the President for his signature. House of Representatives Adopts Fiscal Year 2024 Defense Department Spending Bill – On Thursday, the U.S. House pf Representatives passed<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XIxJpReEqJUvzQoej5SvwAkp3lQXsN3fmo-7l3oOF7t_hvcw2gtP0cvwwD7W82Te_45aGO9BQu-J8aZ_EXMWvj5nrACzYoN2EiWlJhWAvhfeA2Gr3Q6Jcefm2Bk1FhwPZWIaWg5iF7IafSjEpc2yYawr958yHt10k6HgLGWitxrVqUhPiKJ4ciUV6NEzYzW-0u2uN9Sc2flnaw9UdN0gwLriCAt831aKdWpIONCYgkFXzqT284ZGnAcg2dAlTVp-bZjvRDGpVGk=&c=Rl6NnIGdCc1N7F32g1eJbNNE1NhJwaqOM6b45tZBVKk64P5qyj2YeQ==&ch=G5U9NsNcwWjj8QdCiXef8xEJYzSFU2ac63rS_CKinJn5D1Q0H0TMYg==> the fiscal year (FY) 2024 Defense Department funding bill (H.R. 4365) by a vote of 218 to 210<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XIxJpReEqJUvzQoej5SvwAkp3lQXsN3fmo-7l3oOF7t_hvcw2gtP0cvwwD7W82TeJKsyGDU5PZ0YDpnisym8bA-N1MyJIi-MppoPV13y-uQ1EnBb_HCh3zQucrrqm07C-846v2PyE9N7aXwjOUajuXhX56udGdz7iOZsIsuMrVf4R5pfKkDVfw==&c=Rl6NnIGdCc1N7F32g1eJbNNE1NhJwaqOM6b45tZBVKk64P5qyj2YeQ==&ch=G5U9NsNcwWjj8QdCiXef8xEJYzSFU2ac63rS_CKinJn5D1Q0H0TMYg==>. The House approved a total of $826.15 billion in discretionary spending, which is approximately $28.4 billion higher than the FY 2023 enacted level. Of the amount provided, the bill would fund a 5.2 percent pay raise for U.S. servicemembers and would include an average 30 percent increase in pay for junior enlisted service personnel. The bill also has a variety of provisions meant to counter the rise of China’s military including elements designed to bolster security cooperation efforts with Taiwan, boost funding for 5th and 6th generation aircraft, add $9 billion for a Pacific Deterrence Initiative, and forego the retirement of four naval vessels. The bill also funds the modern “nuclear triad” of the B-21 Raider, the Columbia Class submarine, and the Sentinel missile system. Further, the bill allocates $1.16 billion for the Defense Department’s drug interdiction and counterdrug activities to help stop the flow of fentanyl and other opioids. The bill also contains provisions to establish a special inspector general for Ukraine and that would prohibit DEI implementation in the military among other things. During floor consideration, Members of Congress adopted a slew of amendments en bloc as well as others by voice vote. With House passage, the Senate must now act on its own version of the bill. Once both bills are passed in their respective chambers, a conference committee will be formed to rectify differences between the two bills and formulate one final bill. House Adopts Fiscal Year 2024 State and Foreign Operations Spending Bill – On Thursday, the House of Representatives adopted<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XIxJpReEqJUvzQoej5SvwAkp3lQXsN3fmo-7l3oOF7t_hvcw2gtP0cvwwD7W82TekOVVNeVQEMsr00PgovtpdVXef3u0baX7ZLxheMM3EbJecc5cwzlKe_SvuMEgg04ZzpW8fZmuCyCMADE_pUfKU21SdPoXFPeS1d66NtiopYJ4e-KT_bi08Ksxdwl1fgIeBaz9Y2JCF_NMHSO6Q4lIluK7IYA8I0mbZ3F4HIvs7zOLYBybdwVkiu37GsdWv7VOselgwhKyvOEbOR2rt9NXWfI90eYiamsupdli6K1p9EA=&c=Rl6NnIGdCc1N7F32g1eJbNNE1NhJwaqOM6b45tZBVKk64P5qyj2YeQ==&ch=G5U9NsNcwWjj8QdCiXef8xEJYzSFU2ac63rS_CKinJn5D1Q0H0TMYg==> the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs fiscal year (FY) 2024 funding bill (H.R. 4665) by a vote of 216 to 212<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XIxJpReEqJUvzQoej5SvwAkp3lQXsN3fmo-7l3oOF7t_hvcw2gtP0cvwwD7W82TezWc018DsM5VJcQrF4HIIc2H0gL8IQweazAAOlTLiRcxdpP4c_FdLOOFLERekfCTtGWlz04cssMJbcm5z5n69x-TV-sHIKPrZ7EGSZvLbUwyZsCNDn0-MAA==&c=Rl6NnIGdCc1N7F32g1eJbNNE1NhJwaqOM6b45tZBVKk64P5qyj2YeQ==&ch=G5U9NsNcwWjj8QdCiXef8xEJYzSFU2ac63rS_CKinJn5D1Q0H0TMYg==>. The House approved a total of $51.5 billion in discretionary spending, which is a decrease of $8.2 billion from the FY 2023 enacted level, and also rescinds some $11.1 billion from the previous two fiscal years. Of the amount included in the bill, the Department of State would receive a total of approximately $15.3 billion including $6.07 billion for embassy security, while the USAID would see $1.53 billion. The bill would allocate some $25.2 billion for bilateral economic assistance to foreign countries, $9.7 billion for international security assistance, and a total of $6.725 billion to fight HIV/AIDS. The bill provides $125 million for the U.S. Export-Import Bank. Further, the bill provides $3.9 billion for international disaster assistance and $410.5 million for the Peace Corps. The bill also reversed course from previous efforts to repeal two long-standing anti-abortion provisions: the “Helms Amendment,” which served to ban foreign aid from being used for abortions, and the “Mexico City Policy” which prevented U.S. funds from being used for counseling abortion as a family planning means. House Republicans also state that the bill contains funding to help counter the Chinese Communist Party while supporting Taiwan, secures the border in America’s southwest, supports Israel, provides oversight on Ukraine aid while also countering Russian aggression, holds the United Nations accountable, eliminates waste and abuse in government programs, and promotes freedom and democracy worldwide. On September 22nd, the White House issued a veto threat<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XIxJpReEqJUvzQoej5SvwAkp3lQXsN3fmo-7l3oOF7t_hvcw2gtP0cvwwD7W82TeOyf2ljjIA9AfunNkrKtfJpQ70ioS8UQtJ2RZw2u84z52sMuM4jbza8giTODtxclrwXC54weOLRKAzxLawh2DlJP0W_wnpxrOgvuD74NiTa3oqwkfeDQRJD68Xzg4muNxu6PFIncBH7joYf3bswwaQoqfjczwgTFaX3m0eS3Bgq4c9kPjcvcMVFHEgrWqk9xKD6iy9KvcvfFg2k40MCwi-aRkLvcNxFHRVWlevkiLKz8BO6MpbVvAG-a41T6o9GbVd5MtihqI41G9_nOh0K_8twJua_yMy3vW&c=Rl6NnIGdCc1N7F32g1eJbNNE1NhJwaqOM6b45tZBVKk64P5qyj2YeQ==&ch=G5U9NsNcwWjj8QdCiXef8xEJYzSFU2ac63rS_CKinJn5D1Q0H0TMYg==> against the bill saying that H.R. 4665 and other House appropriations bills “cut discretionary spending to levels well below the [Fiscal Responsibility Act] agreement and endanger critical services for the American people.” With House passage, the Senate must now act on its own version of the bill. Once both bills are passed in their respective chambers, a conference committee will be formed to rectify differences between the two bills and formulate one final bill. House Adopts FY24 Homeland Security Spending Bill – On Thursday, the House of Representatives adopted<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XIxJpReEqJUvzQoej5SvwAkp3lQXsN3fmo-7l3oOF7t_hvcw2gtP0cvwwD7W82Te5PDhs9mZHiMTvsFrasbAThk5WaQ4ixMYeuOBAr52GH-PhkauDo5mX7K0AGS_vaOVcojvPw0C-c9k03a1YIbMXz4rt-U8T29-UlSQ3BL6GuvGLiMIqp4WnR2FQ6UoJiWJv64fUWn33hCmG7WE7lGrdNlykqy32PzBkCL4pTJsol_atUPfPVYUHXXL7hOg09jnSDPq46o0t5z03-QxrFAIm8NpeN4tXJrL&c=Rl6NnIGdCc1N7F32g1eJbNNE1NhJwaqOM6b45tZBVKk64P5qyj2YeQ==&ch=G5U9NsNcwWjj8QdCiXef8xEJYzSFU2ac63rS_CKinJn5D1Q0H0TMYg==> the fiscal year 2024 Homeland Security spending bill (H.R. 4367) by a vote of 220 to 208<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XIxJpReEqJUvzQoej5SvwAkp3lQXsN3fmo-7l3oOF7t_hvcw2gtP0cvwwD7W82TeMgztAoafVG7rR-mnML-Mh1vHMtD60-M4Od93wYi9Nl_GOvv05MR9Ktp2_Ayym17gZied1ITD4TCsffqxOYnnDtnJ0qB4-G8jOUuzQcYmyGLYybP3r3q0XA==&c=Rl6NnIGdCc1N7F32g1eJbNNE1NhJwaqOM6b45tZBVKk64P5qyj2YeQ==&ch=G5U9NsNcwWjj8QdCiXef8xEJYzSFU2ac63rS_CKinJn5D1Q0H0TMYg==>. For fiscal year 2024, the Committee approved a total of $91.5 billion in discretionary spending, which includes $62.8 billion in base funding along with $20.26 billion for federal disasters. The overall allocation is an increase of $2.1 billion in discretionary spending above the FY 2023 enacted level. Of the total amount, the bill provides roughly $2.7 billion for the Office of the Secretary and related entities like the Office of the Inspector General. It also provides $19.9 billion for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), $9.8 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), $10.66 billion for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), $12.5 billion for the U.S. Coast Guard, $3 billion for the U.S. Secret Service, $2.93 billion for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and $26 billion for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) among other allocations of funds. Further, the bill allows for the allocation of $2.1 billion for construction of a border wall, contains extra money to hire more Border Patrol agents, contains extra funds for border security technology, provides $150 million for a Coast Guard icebreaker for the Arctic, and $335 million for Coast Guard cutters for Indo-Pacific use. During the floor consideration, a number of amendments were adopted en bloc, as well as others adopted on voice vote. The bill contains Community Project Funding (earmark<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XIxJpReEqJUvzQoej5SvwAkp3lQXsN3fmo-7l3oOF7t_hvcw2gtP0QUZG8Kpb-CbLiKPz9hH60Jbf2LpLhBpy7fB_Uuwf8IhKf23wQg7EY69ehQtJc_p_whj1dxw8oX5o7R4OV6827zpnLGRan75jyOAV-3rMBdgBvyYJRYeNObrXehnit3P5h9vIexxcPjVdCaWPxtJrvB92VtfoxB7elfbXnQuNS1eV0I2Adhd4Kk78SEZjD8twC3OVOzsICUzzXNETHJ4u4LKmufmiflJ594cG_h40RWrIxjE1x0TBg5b9DDL3_uTzQq8GNbb889UsS-vMFx5_rVuXU7fKjEwZ13eo__S8HjG&c=Rl6NnIGdCc1N7F32g1eJbNNE1NhJwaqOM6b45tZBVKk64P5qyj2YeQ==&ch=G5U9NsNcwWjj8QdCiXef8xEJYzSFU2ac63rS_CKinJn5D1Q0H0TMYg==>) requests made by Members. On September 22nd, the White House issued a veto threat<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XIxJpReEqJUvzQoej5SvwAkp3lQXsN3fmo-7l3oOF7t_hvcw2gtP0cvwwD7W82Te6WzXbvXgW2m1pAh-lpo9z1DexQ7py3lts2Xbq9n1y97ZEh6cb1O7Mel-dF2KkPei2yTg-KqRfSsALS9q8yPYvzS94TdBez8uiacq2KcZiGz9jEH3KZLEpIot4a9ESJV6uoBbmNyHb42vcGgQs0YH4Vs2lF7QntgBfhVWbIrzd-RSxTkp70tQ1lAWj2uH4h3OGPTzQCbJDKXBdko0x_cLYAYQeFdDdKNXAblBw_jEqyBgaPjmqy1ng942B5gznTuO&c=Rl6NnIGdCc1N7F32g1eJbNNE1NhJwaqOM6b45tZBVKk64P5qyj2YeQ==&ch=G5U9NsNcwWjj8QdCiXef8xEJYzSFU2ac63rS_CKinJn5D1Q0H0TMYg==> against the bill saying that H.R. 4367 and other House appropriations bills “cut discretionary spending to levels well below the [Fiscal Responsibility Act] agreement and endanger critical services for the American people.” With House passage, the Senate must now act on its own version of the bill. Once both bills are passed in their respective chambers, a conference committee will be formed to rectify differences between the two bills and formulate one final bill. Energy & Environment GAO Highlights Work on PFAS; Issues Renewed Recommendations – On Wednesday, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a “snapshot” report<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XIxJpReEqJUvzQoej5SvwAkp3lQXsN3fmo-7l3oOF7t_hvcw2gtP0cvwwD7W82TemKmgfegkGB-cNgsTDv4prgf0mehxvbM0XFXKNFAVJtR1O2OtxBmliHg6a8EjXlc1ZX10VJU73B78EAGcz26p25Vvk3BuKHdle631Y25lsSQ=&c=Rl6NnIGdCc1N7F32g1eJbNNE1NhJwaqOM6b45tZBVKk64P5qyj2YeQ==&ch=G5U9NsNcwWjj8QdCiXef8xEJYzSFU2ac63rS_CKinJn5D1Q0H0TMYg==> aimed at shedding light on the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the United States. The GAO noted that these synthetic chemicals – commonly used in products like nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, and firefighting foams – may pose potential health risks, including cancer, at certain exposure levels. The GAO report pointed out that PFAS contamination can infiltrate air, soil, and water through multiple routes, and their persistence in the environment can span decades. The GAO report highlighted that while “more than 4,000 types of PFAS exist…much remains unknown about PFAS in drinking water.” The GAO referenced a study they completed last September where their investigators “found that at least 18 percent of 5,300 water systems in six states (Illinois, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, and Vermont) had concentrations of two PFAS above the levels at which adverse health effects can occur” as identified by the EPA. “The water systems served nearly 10 million people in states with drinking water regulations or guidance for various PFAS,” added the GAO. Besides the work that the GAO has done “related to detecting PFAS occurrence in drinking water, limiting human exposure to PFAS, and treating PFAS contamination,” they have also “conducted a technology assessment on broader challenges and opportunities for PFAS assessment, detection, and treatment.” In this work, they have come up with three options for all those involved in limiting the impacts of PFAS: “promote research to address the limited information on health risks for the large number and diversity of PFAS; expand the development of methods to allow researchers to better identify and quantify the thousands of PFAS known to exist; and support the development and evaluation of full-scale technologies for disposing of and destroying PFAS.” State Attorneys General Sue EPA Over Wood Heater Pollution – On September 21st, a coalition of Attorneys General from ten states, including Massachusetts and Vermont, and other interested parties, initiated legal action<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XIxJpReEqJUvzQoej5SvwAkp3lQXsN3fmo-7l3oOF7t_hvcw2gtP0cvwwD7W82TenoJOfk0GME8hkL0cKr5OZlb-SOdnAJw-A17UPwDobPdKD26MzO7_iOk5kOqncL8NGIeyy68t5eqYIiSTT8EGCc63tPnXjZonkCAq1JCmiLTJkhM5ZhdeD7l-AYNsGdqWf4VvhQ-4nmKTB9FNHStmwOkhqnRs-DRwT-BnNFP1ZL3mY6h6DITkQg==&c=Rl6NnIGdCc1N7F32g1eJbNNE1NhJwaqOM6b45tZBVKk64P5qyj2YeQ==&ch=G5U9NsNcwWjj8QdCiXef8xEJYzSFU2ac63rS_CKinJn5D1Q0H0TMYg==> against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in an effort to compel the EPA to fulfill its statutory obligations under the Clean Air Act. Specifically, the litigants called for the EPA to review and revise the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for particulate matter pollution stemming from new residential wood heaters. In their lawsuit, the State Attorneys General (AGs) argued that this enforcement is necessary due to the health risks associated with wood smoke pollution, which they contend contains harmful pollutants such as fine particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and which they indicate are linked to adverse health effects, including premature death. The lawsuit further contends that the EPA last updated these standards in 2015 and no updates have occurred since then. Furthermore, the AGs called into question the effectiveness of the EPA's testing and certification program for wood heaters, and pointed to evidence suggesting the agency fails to ensure compliance with emission limits. The lawsuit seeks a court declaration that the EPA is violating the Clean Air Act as well as an injunction compelling the EPA to promptly review and propose revisions to the NSPS. Congressional Democrats Urge SEC on Climate Disclosure Rule – On Wednesday, a group of 23 House and Senate Democrats led by Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) announced<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XIxJpReEqJUvzQoej5SvwAkp3lQXsN3fmo-7l3oOF7t_hvcw2gtP0cvwwD7W82TeMC6SN-odrCejOWB4LH2mSl6SA_AFh41XBcMmLBvpz8TxD_YXQdITHjG4rEdwHPsV196EydkVvK9hJfMwtm14yIRJJzpxfB8Fbz0MSe8wJua9iKwWxMdBph6Yj1ubhBKQ_47NRoQ6SJMreSJgkt0EN_peHeBWD1-RBnhh2o1tVRxjXAklqsdzGZAuo3_mgFt44CrkHF1lyvTUImnzKwBQ_us7L_zy9ZOud3Fu1Wn2J_9eCwDV7EgN7xuybx6941mG&c=Rl6NnIGdCc1N7F32g1eJbNNE1NhJwaqOM6b45tZBVKk64P5qyj2YeQ==&ch=G5U9NsNcwWjj8QdCiXef8xEJYzSFU2ac63rS_CKinJn5D1Q0H0TMYg==> that they had sent a letter to U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair, Gary Gensler, urging that the SEC expedite the release of a robust climate disclosure rule. According to the lawmakers, “the SEC's regulatory agenda indicates that the final rule is expected to be issued in October 2023.” In their letter<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XIxJpReEqJUvzQoej5SvwAkp3lQXsN3fmo-7l3oOF7t_hvcw2gtP0cvwwD7W82TehMYYiFnlGj7q9DTUJlE6ucgVJnXRlj8EAr1f9cFHIsZ6LqOf9gk3t_WcudYARtr0iw4Ed23_BRwneR8x7nas7uP7vhPRaMSGssKZQQD5OnDHHPBw8bweLeYHGutXaf0gqEA33GnCJXm_SO22J_HaGDQbzMWTN_AD3TweKCvNdQliwtTwlMJrvqkvGNA_911RSWjddGOhxgdYEUgRqd7J-LDZUuQlA80_sLDSBFMsWt9IY0MoEbFwZQ==&c=Rl6NnIGdCc1N7F32g1eJbNNE1NhJwaqOM6b45tZBVKk64P5qyj2YeQ==&ch=G5U9NsNcwWjj8QdCiXef8xEJYzSFU2ac63rS_CKinJn5D1Q0H0TMYg==>, the lawmakers urged the SEC Chair “to expeditiously release a final, strong climate disclosure rule that results in detailed disclosure of firms’ transition risk and opportunities, including Scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, details around energy transition plans, and capital expenditures related to the transition.” They added that “finalizing a rule without these components could create a regulatory greenlight for public companies to disclose misleading GHG and transition plan information that systematically understates their transition risks.” Among those signing the letter were Senators Ed Markey (D-MA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Peter Welch (D-VT) as well as Representatives Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), Seth Magaziner (D-RI), and Jim McGovern (D-MA). For more information on the Council's Energy & Environment Committee<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XIxJpReEqJUvzQoej5SvwAkp3lQXsN3fmo-7l3oOF7t_hvcw2gtP0QR8V1zzdu8pCTMsq_aCHkArvqheJaLiSzsXODxWmsmwUt4J-ueGc5R-lX-QGeJKVKqvdZnmWZYKp0Y6vx3wbBw2LTwdJXIQU2-WZkpjsxVegIi8yO3w-Qlk-Y3aCeD_Wr4hzvsG5FYq&c=Rl6NnIGdCc1N7F32g1eJbNNE1NhJwaqOM6b45tZBVKk64P5qyj2YeQ==&ch=G5U9NsNcwWjj8QdCiXef8xEJYzSFU2ac63rS_CKinJn5D1Q0H0TMYg==>, please contact Sean Malone<mailto:smalone@newenglandcouncil.com>. Financial Services/Fiscal Policy Senate Banking Advances SAFER Act - On Wednesday, for the first time ever, the Senate Banking Committee advanced the SAFER Banking Act<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XIxJpReEqJUvzQoej5SvwAkp3lQXsN3fmo-7l3oOF7t_hvcw2gtP0VKj3H9nwhXmrcaBByejVvBkBdfEG0dbuTCGDpm-ps5Nyxu1U8yPsJVeyZ1RSfjo4uyGXzXteVmmJtWlsWxaxkea_F4cCzRJJrI4cZbhg03TqG35-5zo8kWNsR4RZExhLldTbJ6HQJETiMLnKSmEepPbVfQoR-MGcXapj4iH_Uih&c=Rl6NnIGdCc1N7F32g1eJbNNE1NhJwaqOM6b45tZBVKk64P5qyj2YeQ==&ch=G5U9NsNcwWjj8QdCiXef8xEJYzSFU2ac63rS_CKinJn5D1Q0H0TMYg==>. This bill would allow banks and other financial services related institutions to take state-legalized cannabis businesses as customers. While the previous version of this bill has had considerable success in the House over the years, it is unknown how the Republican controlled House of Representatives will take it on. The bipartisan bill passed 14-9, the furthest it has ever gone in the Senate. “Cannabis banking is just one part of the necessary conversation about marijuana policy. There's still much work that needs to be done to acknowledge and mend the damage done by the war on drugs,” Chairman Brown said<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XIxJpReEqJUvzQoej5SvwAkp3lQXsN3fmo-7l3oOF7t_hvcw2gtP0W5tQNLGAr_rfo9yU0y8U2a7YjGrhPVaJccZdadFcFxogoRMr5rr7N-y0uPnK19I5PdvYX26c1N3L2FUhDRDOmtgLr41cjT0HaLcXea7F5yaD0KbeB2lzFYoZkTjbuUrbhefzSJg_s9oTz08ZcnuvGoAqza8dBrKNn3EQf3rJa_H-nm4vf7yOXXh4tfqfx8Riw==&c=Rl6NnIGdCc1N7F32g1eJbNNE1NhJwaqOM6b45tZBVKk64P5qyj2YeQ==&ch=G5U9NsNcwWjj8QdCiXef8xEJYzSFU2ac63rS_CKinJn5D1Q0H0TMYg==>. “Regardless about how you feel about states’ efforts to legalize marijuana, this bipartisan bill is necessary and will make it safer for legal cannabis businesses and service providers to operate to protect their workers.” For more information on the Council's Financial Services Committee<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XIxJpReEqJUvzQoej5SvwAkp3lQXsN3fmo-7l3oOF7t_hvcw2gtP0fkGmO-Q8nnW3tROim1wLIU1Xb-nuAjMofvNVCLWG3HdIM3-TuUIAdAdYHzU_I4E_uqEtCd4I3D0hfD3GT4cXjTVEOQxHs7_6vLoghHA7sGA_ES867mraI35fOCEq0eP7jWWOY3ud5nk&c=Rl6NnIGdCc1N7F32g1eJbNNE1NhJwaqOM6b45tZBVKk64P5qyj2YeQ==&ch=G5U9NsNcwWjj8QdCiXef8xEJYzSFU2ac63rS_CKinJn5D1Q0H0TMYg==>, please contact Griffin Doherty<mailto:gdoherty@newenglandcouncil.com>. Healthcare Biden Administration Announces Location of First Two Hubs for ARPA-H Program: On Tuesday, September 26, the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) announced<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XIxJpReEqJUvzQoej5SvwAkp3lQXsN3fmo-7l3oOF7t_hvcw2gtP0cvwwD7W82TeSGeC6K6xxnKw5adfmPXzg8B6xtHOoEbakkAZGZMcUmlPQN4pPLyglnr7Szi_rOKJLWoLfEqj5L7WvzKKPM9_QaCYheZUGs1v&c=Rl6NnIGdCc1N7F32g1eJbNNE1NhJwaqOM6b45tZBVKk64P5qyj2YeQ==&ch=G5U9NsNcwWjj8QdCiXef8xEJYzSFU2ac63rS_CKinJn5D1Q0H0TMYg==> that their first two hubs of operation would be located near Dallas, TX and Boston, MA. ARPA-H, a recently established agency under the jurisdiction of the Department of Health and Human Services, listed the two new hub sites in conjunction with the formal launch of ARPANET-H, a national health innovation network. ARPANET-H will be comprised of three primary hubs and a smattering of corresponding spoke locations, with each hub responsible for a different facet of health innovation. The Dallas-based hub will focus on customer experience, specifically concerning clinical trials and pulling from representative patient populations. The Greater Boston-based hub, dubbed the “investor catalyst hub”, will bring ideas to life by combining entrepreneurs, researchers, and investors in a collaborative space. The third hub, whose location has not yet been announced, will work with stakeholders and the federal government and coordinate operations. The ARPA-H was founded in March 2022 by the Biden Administration, with a focus on expanding the nation’s biomedical research through partnerships with health sites across the U.S. More information can be found here<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XIxJpReEqJUvzQoej5SvwAkp3lQXsN3fmo-7l3oOF7t_hvcw2gtP0cvwwD7W82Te68_NR2sd7N33tL6HFHS2CxpuO0YOI5au7Ge80GCUDaJ-KbfebowKf2unNuw6PxP31xaLr1ClrSVKZlP4-BWnAKtGw1X2BlgQgFI0uC2ydoAqckqa8MSghLgmoexD4E1uwSpEJq6MXSNMSQ6pSz4dnhr_tk-WnoqQ&c=Rl6NnIGdCc1N7F32g1eJbNNE1NhJwaqOM6b45tZBVKk64P5qyj2YeQ==&ch=G5U9NsNcwWjj8QdCiXef8xEJYzSFU2ac63rS_CKinJn5D1Q0H0TMYg==> and here<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XIxJpReEqJUvzQoej5SvwAkp3lQXsN3fmo-7l3oOF7t_hvcw2gtP0cvwwD7W82TeOjKfnYoLixEcvdNaBHygpZdDCGHJ-ZO61L1O9nxh_glSowQ3JvJAf3kNQwlMEEGSlqKYB6fUeEUQptiMpsmpatenqfLzGwO4wG2VXmoqK4goBD_F2G6HC-Nd_DBtWPn3A7CFqvtFoR5uDTPc2OFk5b0V0aJmOOU9QsZ4_9T_wpU=&c=Rl6NnIGdCc1N7F32g1eJbNNE1NhJwaqOM6b45tZBVKk64P5qyj2YeQ==&ch=G5U9NsNcwWjj8QdCiXef8xEJYzSFU2ac63rS_CKinJn5D1Q0H0TMYg==>. Department of Health and Human Services Announces over $100 Million for Maternal Health, Launches Maternal Mental Health Task Force: On Wednesday, September 27, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), announced the allocation of funds for Maternal Health. Through the Health Resources & Services Administration, funds, totaling nearly $90 Million, will be distributed to programs that expand and support access to Maternal Health services. The full distribution is as follows: - $12.5 million to expand maternal prenatal health employment, including training and recruitment programs - $34 million to bolster care in rural and underserved communities - $32 million for patient and family support - $10 million to create a research network for studying disparities in maternal health outcomes - $13 million in grants to incorporate community-based perinatal care systems Additionally, the move establishes the Task Force on Maternal Mental Health, which will examine and improve current federal efforts on data collection, mental health equity, diagnosis and prevention. In conjunction with this announcement, the office of Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) posted<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XIxJpReEqJUvzQoej5SvwAkp3lQXsN3fmo-7l3oOF7t_hvcw2gtP0cvwwD7W82TeoHoY4Boc91J6WI3o6pmdxq7yB4HsHV3WeNKoyTK7l6_7D5UXkcqVGM3yS_y-MBKiQZntCpsp5Xm9M2u2vZ3B7_cw63I7BiLsLs6wCS3_0SqMJz1KA9uQegHsKIwEjttPozuS0XkMjYJJCMmP5MfphHnOxI7K4SdL2hw6UbuIg4amr_IW5fX0DWVDQve9Fws_BggEBBFtudNJwZxmqblH_o_Z77hWwzB9GvxpGCZZC7QKFixpOdFgMXXBF-GSuqDjKCSzZTl2o2I=&c=Rl6NnIGdCc1N7F32g1eJbNNE1NhJwaqOM6b45tZBVKk64P5qyj2YeQ==&ch=G5U9NsNcwWjj8QdCiXef8xEJYzSFU2ac63rS_CKinJn5D1Q0H0TMYg==> a press release Wednesday specifically regarding the establishment of the task force, as she introduced<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XIxJpReEqJUvzQoej5SvwAkp3lQXsN3fmo-7l3oOF7t_hvcw2gtP0cvwwD7W82TeFoFigvaUciNmWD5iIawhhLXE_Dmysxc7lP3LqcylMflQSsN3ohRABKaBDiZoNKScyMz-hAr-sl7SEUyfr2i8K6y5lup9AK1TPxepu5BcW7WXRAaqNrEW2j_3Y-ee1IIL681EX_l1oXgrPgG2czV_1pAbNm3luUezYBHYOGecMnBlf-sz4c9VoagWpWeKkeDdLEXp1y2DKL4HTFOEjyiWd1v8NJQjUA94udTDJRClRmJ080Ie6n2jVNpB7vjKZ0qd2e_CN5mdIaE5mRBGHtiklkaH6DrS5yMj&c=Rl6NnIGdCc1N7F32g1eJbNNE1NhJwaqOM6b45tZBVKk64P5qyj2YeQ==&ch=G5U9NsNcwWjj8QdCiXef8xEJYzSFU2ac63rS_CKinJn5D1Q0H0TMYg==> the original legislation which required the creation of such a task force. Ultimately, this move comes as a result of the U.S.’s “maternal mortality crisis”, according to Vice President Kamala Harris, who cited the fact that “Women in our nation are dying from pregnancy-related causes before, during, and after childbirth at a higher rate<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XIxJpReEqJUvzQoej5SvwAkp3lQXsN3fmo-7l3oOF7t_hvcw2gtP0cvwwD7W82TeFB832el5yBwGVymdFjU-dvyrvHPie5xaX0LnhWf6lnlE5GCiC3GIHAc-48MPDzu2c-CAfzTt9_9lcNtgg_mo9nIYpv-7y2mWvDBYmTxHmhwXiLmth6rXTclZam-kcgzDOehjNjjKIXfUuZ-Q_PY0Ki19alEaZ6wp3ES2-4EK77rTYAH-RWQwDL1Ne16v9a7qklvow12MTvA=&c=Rl6NnIGdCc1N7F32g1eJbNNE1NhJwaqOM6b45tZBVKk64P5qyj2YeQ==&ch=G5U9NsNcwWjj8QdCiXef8xEJYzSFU2ac63rS_CKinJn5D1Q0H0TMYg==> than any other developed nation”. This funding distribution thus marks the latest action in the White House Blueprint for Addressing the Maternal Health Crisis<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XIxJpReEqJUvzQoej5SvwAkp3lQXsN3fmo-7l3oOF7t_hvcw2gtP0cvwwD7W82Tesw2u54umho69wg_55otePTExZ_GERqzXQoWupWdEUwHJpkvvm0MgTGex9lKPDT-rteiESfvuJFK1jkFoZxPz09mmYy5czI72dZ4FaLSOK2aI8uweg0tXafv0_r6jf4zXRXF0qc8ZJC__6NP4WcJDTXh9hZTBOUp-nwEr78oT81g=&c=Rl6NnIGdCc1N7F32g1eJbNNE1NhJwaqOM6b45tZBVKk64P5qyj2YeQ==&ch=G5U9NsNcwWjj8QdCiXef8xEJYzSFU2ac63rS_CKinJn5D1Q0H0TMYg==>, which was first introduced in June 2022. More information can be found here<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XIxJpReEqJUvzQoej5SvwAkp3lQXsN3fmo-7l3oOF7t_hvcw2gtP0cvwwD7W82TeuxwDM2CPgfb9uICHr0xja5PFyG_oIGB25qvEGcF8T0T04HDMFCGKRDMATszvjZH9sHrDS7neVmGp0gE95p11MJQUhyuL6N6HhP2vwq4fVx59XeT7hO8rUUcPrnoN75SdHOSbt3IVemahw9IVjSSnDTLN5-2kvScN-rFBu52U_S65uqorlsfgNtew47ls6FzVOgpLvI_DOx-BS01Il8NyjF5IsPjOhvCeaaqoITf27myoHzighQA4C0k3eAO4g2EuptoIcgbnYfyt-rVQwsYYvzONuZsiON1R7cmcyhZ0Ljoi8-xcEJc45OKKQE2ILEEWn3VViDn5LXk=&c=Rl6NnIGdCc1N7F32g1eJbNNE1NhJwaqOM6b45tZBVKk64P5qyj2YeQ==&ch=G5U9NsNcwWjj8QdCiXef8xEJYzSFU2ac63rS_CKinJn5D1Q0H0TMYg==> and here<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XIxJpReEqJUvzQoej5SvwAkp3lQXsN3fmo-7l3oOF7t_hvcw2gtP0cvwwD7W82TezLPldJ_tWdtdqEPWO56DmuMYPdEA6gkqVMTqQLlqHacofTEIfXQ1DY5t3ggrNlFFMeYySAUvuRNFJCdA0KM_iwTCxpn7wEato9Z3yACVxcaVWz9kGZmhZqalWsU5MrtQdSr1CTla_OBjCtM6Pr7UcxhaEy1x6NDMf9ZJrSAbRPU=&c=Rl6NnIGdCc1N7F32g1eJbNNE1NhJwaqOM6b45tZBVKk64P5qyj2YeQ==&ch=G5U9NsNcwWjj8QdCiXef8xEJYzSFU2ac63rS_CKinJn5D1Q0H0TMYg==>. Senators Ed Markey (D-MA), Todd Young (R-IN), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) Reintroduce legislation to Reduce Opioid-Related Infectious Diseases: On Tuesday, September 26, Senator Ed Markey, chairman of the Subcommittee on Primary Health and Retirement Security for the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pension, and member of the U.S. Commission on Combating Synthetic Opioid Trafficking introduced the Eliminating Opioid-Related Infectious Diseases Act, which would reauthorize funding for initiatives to prevent and research the spread of many common infectious diseases associated with the opioid epidemic, such as viral hepatitis, HIV, and infective endocarditis. Over the past 5 years, through this legislation, the CDC has been tasked with coordinating at a state-level to surveil, report, and educate the public on the degree and type of risk posed by these common diseases. Under the current Public Health Service Act<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XIxJpReEqJUvzQoej5SvwAkp3lQXsN3fmo-7l3oOF7t_hvcw2gtP0cvwwD7W82TeBF8kboEkwaARx7XiSh3g-Ef4ipH4Ed8PqtZFhy5gSv-oalwa1YAiScVRi9KMGgFeoSsE8hpJS43g_7pJgQzrTfl6iwBRATs1W8lN-vvFUoIVK7i67MAwv_d1W51Mli2EyllNnz78A3Q4YAuqUC_emqARDeMAPRUr3dgSxDcueDAXAXmSK6RCyw==&c=Rl6NnIGdCc1N7F32g1eJbNNE1NhJwaqOM6b45tZBVKk64P5qyj2YeQ==&ch=G5U9NsNcwWjj8QdCiXef8xEJYzSFU2ac63rS_CKinJn5D1Q0H0TMYg==>, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been appropriated up to $40 million annually for this purpose, starting in 2019, but the authorization is set to expire at the end of 2023. With this bill, which Senator Young has called “commonsense legislation”, the same level of spending will be re-authorized through 2028. More information can be found here<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XIxJpReEqJUvzQoej5SvwAkp3lQXsN3fmo-7l3oOF7t_hvcw2gtP0cvwwD7W82TeOVoRwuteOBhL80zdsZt71aZl81c3NFy6Nouc7h_9RRMiquL4mNqCftzx34br18myi7TPEVvsOBl4WaG-wLH0iIDNVmCYiVSwTd1JFKFrcQThomKbr3cHKnQp2AaLxjwwDDPynPH1Grz0OTfPrDDCTYeyvL4KuqHUPwjUzDoAA1XUKOBmUeNZvBsMAJCvfbxNwZs4_yUqIva8bvxcq5t7Jqdgdl3wkxSbYmFPn2hI87A_dAzeWq4zMDYb-9W_vHqP&c=Rl6NnIGdCc1N7F32g1eJbNNE1NhJwaqOM6b45tZBVKk64P5qyj2YeQ==&ch=G5U9NsNcwWjj8QdCiXef8xEJYzSFU2ac63rS_CKinJn5D1Q0H0TMYg==> and the bill text can be viewed here<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XIxJpReEqJUvzQoej5SvwAkp3lQXsN3fmo-7l3oOF7t_hvcw2gtP0cvwwD7W82TesRqT5mzxMu9fmd_dkNYf8LCFYdNo7wMX7Z0LmFAXXDesMA4MRxkXzGL0YxVMFyDjNJi8UJn1qll5fCyO29N4D3AsJzF0n9dw1g4CdyI-_z4dMR84oxXgXALPID_8DNa5zQl9PRulaYcSLB-M-Ohz1TO9FMXqUCfU69sm2GvtRdgpmcJg4tSAvSzOOyR17jun-ysX0Xjnfqk=&c=Rl6NnIGdCc1N7F32g1eJbNNE1NhJwaqOM6b45tZBVKk64P5qyj2YeQ==&ch=G5U9NsNcwWjj8QdCiXef8xEJYzSFU2ac63rS_CKinJn5D1Q0H0TMYg==>. For more information on the Council's Healthcare Committee<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XIxJpReEqJUvzQoej5SvwAkp3lQXsN3fmo-7l3oOF7t_hvcw2gtP0bmD09nyxmdgXlG9zQu5CUEKusHXo_AGHG0-DShZZJG9Lz2_ByoxgWcQ5v2dcCAQrQLi_xaWEMxkbJ2FY-25DzcrOw4w1dEB2uCyTDiflL9yrUuUGSgOPQ67wuRuV5cViA==&c=Rl6NnIGdCc1N7F32g1eJbNNE1NhJwaqOM6b45tZBVKk64P5qyj2YeQ==&ch=G5U9NsNcwWjj8QdCiXef8xEJYzSFU2ac63rS_CKinJn5D1Q0H0TMYg==>, please contact Sean Malone<mailto:smalone@newenglandcouncil.com>. Higher Education What Could the Education Department Have Faced During a Government Shutdown.— Had the pending government shutdown come to fruition, it would have impacted every aspect of the US Federal Government, including the Department of Education which has many higher education issues pending. On October 1st, student loan repayments, which have been paused since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, resumed. In addition to student loans, the Department of Education is also currently working “to issue final rules on Title IX and gainful employment...and a new version of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid [which] is set to launch in December” since it was already delayed from October. While the Department would have tried to designate as many employees as possible as essential, it is unclear what would happen with these pending issues. Further, according to the article “the department’s recent shutdown plan from September 2021, [stated that] about 90 percent of its staff would have been furloughed." White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre also stated that if there had been "a prolonged shutdown, lasting more than a few weeks, [it] could [have] substantially disrupt[ed] the return-to-repayment effort and long-term servicing support for borrowers.” A shutdown would also have made it difficult to plan for the next year, which will already be difficult to pass legislation and rules in as it is a Presidential election year. Another important issue pending with the department now which could have been disrupted are a “set of regulations that would once again define what it means to prepare graduates for gainful employment, require institutions to meet new conditions to access federal financial aid, and make it easier for the agency to take action against institutions.” While the government shutdown was averted for now, these issues remain important for the Department of Education. Additional information can be found here<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XIxJpReEqJUvzQoej5SvwAkp3lQXsN3fmo-7l3oOF7t_hvcw2gtP0cvwwD7W82TeTkVit0cKEiG9M8e55t4hfTHHSIBHxtKOXRawy61OVyYsa_JnufoLgm3yHJh52_mB_3NfzkjsaguiTLgCGjRiwSwuZ9pwEIZs1PAkezrFvRah9OQWCT4-7lx4kwRiwcWaOB8sKmKnjBSkyJu0Qw0Daoj8knVaGiTDeqi7MzAsyJXCBYskPeAu5yjVMpuFgIYLbt3_pbsW3J3IfBcYMxBR7iKIln3lUJUtaCGiDuL5Rt1EG2w8Mhp9by0QNtWCCrlEAeFTSbICKNwZS8U443b_azPlbt7x4mhKwO2xWG8L97D6uCfucCWjL7MHha4GJXkw3TjOF1OjikLPbC8KmLUsfDKkMbWqkgU63NZHDvb0k2y0tdD7Aa0ZlhAKNm_G4k3os0a_eIefww5gbnYcClMosqJVb5oz43v6b3IAIgNYooVJpCeM33dpfzKah4QdGzECaMzcGxQa6NzKAKlx9dDaZIYoTRE70etz8EldeMyfAEg=&c=Rl6NnIGdCc1N7F32g1eJbNNE1NhJwaqOM6b45tZBVKk64P5qyj2YeQ==&ch=G5U9NsNcwWjj8QdCiXef8xEJYzSFU2ac63rS_CKinJn5D1Q0H0TMYg==>. For more information on the Council's Higher Education Committee<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XIxJpReEqJUvzQoej5SvwAkp3lQXsN3fmo-7l3oOF7t_hvcw2gtP0bmD09nyxmdgYcGb8SbVGcCA_s5iXCv_jVGi8P-qIqcdXFjwyIiQL7pBc5z4jQiqMwbOHihNwRLpjAD9gn-alqczNuvPl1Ist9X2ofdoKC3w-AxR92Kqhx2dNZVnVKtkegZZN-jGp_Jw&c=Rl6NnIGdCc1N7F32g1eJbNNE1NhJwaqOM6b45tZBVKk64P5qyj2YeQ==&ch=G5U9NsNcwWjj8QdCiXef8xEJYzSFU2ac63rS_CKinJn5D1Q0H0TMYg==>, please contact Mariah Healy<mailto:mhealy@newenglandcouncil.com>. Technology & Innovation Larson, Estes Announce R&D Bill Reaches 150 Bipartisan Cosponsors.— Last week H.R. 2673 the American Innovation and R&D Competitiveness Act reached 150 cosponsors. This is a bill which the New England Council sent a letter on earlier this year urging members of the New England delegation urging them to sign on as a co sponsor. On this milestone Congressman Larson (D-CT) stated that he is “proud this legislation has reached a milestone of 150 cosponsors, and it goes to show just how important this deduction is.” He further iterated that “research and development play an integral role in creating good-paying jobs across the country and in [his] home state of Connecticut, and we must ensure this bipartisan initiative makes it across the finish line.” For years businesses have been allowed to fully deduct their R&D expenses in the same year because the tax code appreciated the importance of research and development. However, under a provision of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 that went into effect for the 2022 tax year, businesses must amortize or deduct these expenses over a period of years. This will ultimately make R&D more costly to conduct in the New England and across the U.S. As a result of this change, the US is now only one of two developed countries requiring the amortization of Research and Development expenses. Comparatively, our nation’s competitors, such as China, currently provide a “super deduction” for Research and Development expenses which drastically increases the allowed amount deducted for companies who previously did not qualify. This will take Research and Development facilities and funding away from the US because it will be more costly to do research in our own nation. This will damage our competitiveness and lead to national security ramifications. Congressman Larson’s American Innovation and R&D Competitiveness Act will reverse changes put in place under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 and would permanently allow for immediate research and development expensing looking back to 2022 when the provision expired and has received broad bipartisan support. Additional information can be found here<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XIxJpReEqJUvzQoej5SvwAkp3lQXsN3fmo-7l3oOF7t_hvcw2gtP0cvwwD7W82Tem098n_1MziQeND5NP16CZj69-kgQVLSW1pZB3X07mXZWKDTn9wYRnAlmMWpybJxMLXHqMWNgz-vcDY_S9qYvK77WvvXxCsWfRsRAsZXo-SO72h3BYJ6SANTGm-TgSoLp7EI29k7Go5BlSuvVZJHXYJ90FipCYPAHAkmowKrHZgLMdRgcdYVBtwQ__qRZpGe4RTxlffm12F4yzFxjCUAU4A==&c=Rl6NnIGdCc1N7F32g1eJbNNE1NhJwaqOM6b45tZBVKk64P5qyj2YeQ==&ch=G5U9NsNcwWjj8QdCiXef8xEJYzSFU2ac63rS_CKinJn5D1Q0H0TMYg==>. For more information on the Council's Technology & Innovation Working Group<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XIxJpReEqJUvzQoej5SvwAkp3lQXsN3fmo-7l3oOF7t_hvcw2gtP0b4XnDay3nRrq0HnFI3dW7OQSxVgWSDp8lYlVfUSM-iJb4dLXeJBqxjbjObsXjpZs0Og4dutfl5ouA-NldPdLI8r2gh2qwA6w8AVgZb79tBOufJB4yh20mFVa_UJ5mie0q0XgVuvYSFfLqKZR62bQD4=&c=Rl6NnIGdCc1N7F32g1eJbNNE1NhJwaqOM6b45tZBVKk64P5qyj2YeQ==&ch=G5U9NsNcwWjj8QdCiXef8xEJYzSFU2ac63rS_CKinJn5D1Q0H0TMYg==>, please contact Mariah Healy<mailto:mhealy@newenglandcouncil.com>. Trade US-Mexico Officials Discuss Economic and Commercial Priorities – On Friday, senior leaders from the Biden Administration met<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XIxJpReEqJUvzQoej5SvwAkp3lQXsN3fmo-7l3oOF7t_hvcw2gtP0cvwwD7W82TeCV8OUC9bMTnQWbPuV2nNh7hFVyKjYT3czbXJJGY8DMns72WdgcS2YcVfJjzVeqZifr-UJPeDBwrvR7OIo9rZp50_dkBE51dYHW7kc9-8q2vz25Elk0sL_iHXGVQgLQHDElHcjGr-xtqc4gHjZAUCdTx_GRYfXKTSa9Q1CVvcRE3vuBwEcx0GC6tXjfgIqOIgT4IDyi5jDwDU7JOorR2_2hede1GdJBTN2Tb3uNAlycsAQvHCpzRvJq7NC2rSgBT1j5KGjHF2lpA=&c=Rl6NnIGdCc1N7F32g1eJbNNE1NhJwaqOM6b45tZBVKk64P5qyj2YeQ==&ch=G5U9NsNcwWjj8QdCiXef8xEJYzSFU2ac63rS_CKinJn5D1Q0H0TMYg==> with their counterparts in Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s cabinet under the auspices of the U.S.-Mexico High-Level Economic Dialogue (HLED). Among those present from the U.S. side for this third meeting of the HLED were Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, and U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai. As stated by the American participants, “under the HLED, the United States and Mexico are strengthening our region’s supply chains, supporting economic development in Central America and southern Mexico, [and] coordinating to expand workforce development efforts.” The three leaders pointed to accomplishments that have occurred in the past year and also “explored deepening collaboration in ongoing areas of work and considered new potential areas of joint activity” including under the U.S. CHIPS and Science Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. For more information on the Council's Trade Working Group<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001XIxJpReEqJUvzQoej5SvwAkp3lQXsN3fmo-7l3oOF7t_hvcw2gtP0bmD09nyxmdg4WC2yzvHQmqFToERrpv38s2xIxBkx7MWcDqwdufFTbMlzc5W2OLVHkJJ0QpaOBooiXooZCqhH1EzGigT4MW3RWc2zaFB5dS7zMqJedO8Lh-pV8vwvt-8yQ==&c=Rl6NnIGdCc1N7F32g1eJbNNE1NhJwaqOM6b45tZBVKk64P5qyj2YeQ==&ch=G5U9NsNcwWjj8QdCiXef8xEJYzSFU2ac63rS_CKinJn5D1Q0H0TMYg==>, please contact Peter Phipps<mailto:pphipps@newenglandcouncil.com>.