Dear Colleagues, NEOA members may find the Higher Education section below of particular interest, as well as Budget/Appropriations, where New England senators play key roles. Best, Sarah Morrell NEOA Advocacy Co-Chair Begin forwarded message:  CAUTION: EXTERNAL SENDER Latest Updates from Capitol Hill & the Administration [https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/on.jsp?ca=06fbb198-8195-4777-a844-12520b1663a8&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=00129kU_fz90Iq30f8j4CHYMM-hgcBQaj0GqEW-vUurxG97sdeqmcpy7eD1m-wFsfjyLJrReFADp1DvuYmYWMekkAWCENrINEVVpmdttEI7oHO7rTu8kBXiUHVGbVYF3rryc15QPyKZagt1QnZaqcMSuQ==&c=GpFmb7svvNVOPPxjXSGrZMnOVIVhpzRqd4j6X076ypd7f5l3krbAbw==&ch=O69rT2ngQFLh4bpuUsSG8qvxn8s9Lq9s8ODHhKzPxs8nGz8jPiPf9Q==> [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 13, 2025   Welcome to the January 13, 2025, edition of The New England Council's Weekly Washington Report. Upcoming in Congress The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives will both be in session for the week ahead. For the week ahead, the House is scheduled<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00129kU_fz90Iq30f8j4CHYMM-hgcBQaj0GqEW-vUurxG97sdeqmcpy7W8iL829TJsk5ilFwm8UbqiQqeelvcWAGK5QfoHIW3nO5fOZF2722U_I3SGXktjx6CKksZrqVyPhggzJh1Rkf8FdPKpY2gk_7w80cr7UjPXq1QJlA7A0FagBEAxpf1B1_7H6-FiR2lk_TWgduXBME6c=&c=GpFmb7svvNVOPPxjXSGrZMnOVIVhpzRqd4j6X076ypd7f5l3krbAbw==&ch=O69rT2ngQFLh4bpuUsSG8qvxn8s9Lq9s8ODHhKzPxs8nGz8jPiPf9Q==> to convene on Monday and hold votes on seven bills from the Suspension Calendar, all of which were referred by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Beginning on Tuesday and throughout the rest of the week, the House will consider three bills once they are cleared by the House Rules Committee. These bills are the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025 (H.R. 28), the United States-Taiwan Expedited Double-Tax Relief Act (H.R. 33), and the Preventing Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act (H.R. 30). The House is expected to be out of session on Friday. The Senate will begin its week on Monday with a 5:30 vote on the motion to proceed to consideration of S. 5, the Laken Riley Act. Cloture on this measure was invoked during the previous week and the Senate is expected to give final clearance to this measure. In addition, the Senate could take up any nominations for Cabinet-level positions that have been cleared for action. As a reminder, the 119th Congress is officially underway. Bills that were not cleared by the House and Senate when the 118th Congress adjourned sine die on January 2, 2025, will need to be reintroduced. Budget/Appropriations Upcoming Hearings & Markups * Wednesday, January 15, 2025 (1:00) – Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee – Hearing: Nomination of Hon. Russell Vought to be Director of the Office of Management and Budget<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00129kU_fz90Iq30f8j4CHYMM-hgcBQaj0GqEW-vUurxG97sdeqmcpy7eD1m-wFsfjyWndbf8qf7eyEg7surf-66ZsBKORVpIEn_BbqxiUenBVRkIfknJX2h4MSkR53rtJn-JdIm4kuXHJvlJSppUUrnnzKAnl1NL29dZZ_ndbn-DdDqhxamMrJkLAKvid4ezfxUrexsLlBxp6vHpDkUYgGdg==&c=GpFmb7svvNVOPPxjXSGrZMnOVIVhpzRqd4j6X076ypd7f5l3krbAbw==&ch=O69rT2ngQFLh4bpuUsSG8qvxn8s9Lq9s8ODHhKzPxs8nGz8jPiPf9Q==> Maine’s U.S. Senator Susan Collins to Lead Senate Appropriations Committee – On Tuesday, the Senate adopted the recommendation of the Senate Republican Conference (SRC) – the whole of Senate Republicans – that Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) be the Chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee in the 119th Congress. She is the first Republican woman in history to serve as the Chair of this Committee, and the first Maine Senator to do so in nearly a century. Senator Collins was previously the Committee’s Co-Chair/Ranking Member, the distinction of which now falls to outgoing Chairwoman Patty Murray (D-WA). In a statement<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00129kU_fz90Iq30f8j4CHYMM-hgcBQaj0GqEW-vUurxG97sdeqmcpy7eD1m-wFsfjyU7Ej--tx1BECoJMMNPGsdfYTSDFgALfiE0pPciVN6XBXOLI-EyX6PjpmKDyQxQYVz-oGgO0zK0IRqgR8E-qFnkzCNxCvHNU38JhlT_-p89ywKM8ofD7dIVJfnr14pESApHGPtk0c6UK05TlN-qM7Q9W8dU_rlkhQX_AMP9YMWmIqLkCO71tW7UzrLAJ2IHrm-h9xhtWCXKOhH9cUYk0tC6Vi3vWNgtT8ukZPVgGVWHE=&c=GpFmb7svvNVOPPxjXSGrZMnOVIVhpzRqd4j6X076ypd7f5l3krbAbw==&ch=O69rT2ngQFLh4bpuUsSG8qvxn8s9Lq9s8ODHhKzPxs8nGz8jPiPf9Q==>, Chairwoman Collins said “as Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, my priorities will remain helping Maine’s communities, funding lifesaving biomedical research, investing in rural communities by supporting education, workforce, and child care programs, strengthening our national security, and improving our infrastructure.” In addition to Senator Collins, other New Englanders on the Committee are Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Chris Murphy (D-CT). Senator Lindsey Graham to Lead Senate Budget Committee – On Tuesday, the Senate adopted the recommendation of the Senate Republican Conference (SRC) – the whole of Senate Republicans – that Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) be the Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee in the 119th Congress. Senator Graham takes over the top Republican slot from Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) who will lead the Senate Judiciary Committee. The Committee’s incoming Ranking Member will be Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), who replaces Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), the new Ranking Member for the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. In a statement<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00129kU_fz90Iq30f8j4CHYMM-hgcBQaj0GqEW-vUurxG97sdeqmcpy7eD1m-wFsfjyWsV_Hr7BzeKPPwOCOX0src8LGxxVevGfNSTv_HenwNY4-DHnzwfrC9-6aLrLUBCgRhWVLtrcb-QLmZb6LjiCjTqOeuM9rozsJXA8T1Osf5ZM5V0I5f8LwGrCieL23Kk3j-aFHmx_qU_a4MmyR-vsxU1VO7_nclgWFsJql33E2rayVsVd_j5Wv7rr4oGY73fi2R2FAPEIfg8=&c=GpFmb7svvNVOPPxjXSGrZMnOVIVhpzRqd4j6X076ypd7f5l3krbAbw==&ch=O69rT2ngQFLh4bpuUsSG8qvxn8s9Lq9s8ODHhKzPxs8nGz8jPiPf9Q==>, Senator Graham thanked his colleagues and said “the Senate Budget Committee – through the reconciliation process – will aggressively push the most transformational border security bill in American history and revitalize our military.” New England members on the Committee are Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Bernie Sanders (I-VT) – both former Chairs of the Committee. Energy & Environment Upcoming Hearings & Markups * Tuesday, January 14th, 2025 – Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resources - Hearing to Consider the Nomination of the Honorable Doug Burgum to be Secretary of the Interior<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00129kU_fz90Iq30f8j4CHYMM-hgcBQaj0GqEW-vUurxG97sdeqmcpy7eD1m-wFsfjycPMJZgidRG2wUIbuMGR1j9fhStANGhFEHJeh6CuWZm3bPqLb6MHp2RxkfPRAv-LZCfzvRjBvhxiu5gClV6ikkUZLLcRbW6U7lVFRq2C7x-mCbycDWQTCegDbEiawNuaFceG9c5C5W3yZM9kQD89jBv-vd0RZijujLCjNlluaJBCISDAm5zjegPpqggyKik9yFJIw5qdqVmrKIJQyuV-26_my8-2_QbsUFRhy7W2kiEJSAIoUvnCR99RnmHdYVk9d&c=GpFmb7svvNVOPPxjXSGrZMnOVIVhpzRqd4j6X076ypd7f5l3krbAbw==&ch=O69rT2ngQFLh4bpuUsSG8qvxn8s9Lq9s8ODHhKzPxs8nGz8jPiPf9Q==> * Wednesday, January 15th, 2025 – Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resources - Hearing to Consider the Nomination of Mr. Chris Wright to be Secretary of Energy<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00129kU_fz90Iq30f8j4CHYMM-hgcBQaj0GqEW-vUurxG97sdeqmcpy7eD1m-wFsfjyC62jorwMpjpt_1QtkYY_Pa0mVoolIyI-7p_LChbFvByJpILGTOEt_cF3vEjGuy2Y-V8SzvJdCoboOexz_9Mx15IdKBzPIF5RDk5LSi31CclmpTaBQKLctFMOR87dLxnDwTUuQW8QMa_gw3evtJdIjZTSck6jc5sIk9Y0MVCFpc9HEIBQp4yAe06cxK4gttAKH9L5bDiW0FozI0V5ntHG2R7dISFPGIJSkDBLnOWcS7Y=&c=GpFmb7svvNVOPPxjXSGrZMnOVIVhpzRqd4j6X076ypd7f5l3krbAbw==&ch=O69rT2ngQFLh4bpuUsSG8qvxn8s9Lq9s8ODHhKzPxs8nGz8jPiPf9Q==> * Thursday, January 16th, 2025 – Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works - Hearing on the Nomination of the Honorable Lee M. Zeldin to be Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00129kU_fz90Iq30f8j4CHYMM-hgcBQaj0GqEW-vUurxG97sdeqmcpy7eD1m-wFsfjy4jnSWzxLamZ69_kPY4KPHaq-nMci4mIosAe6ObRsJOoE14oADlhDkoz-3WNoAXy0EUSKD-EG9_cOPyrYhBgF9iuWB43VBptm1-SpWoeT5DEwC18AWNUZD4xS4DYAig3l80qXDZ_DqDIHlUUqSU2zUft486LN-u3sLiHoDG10g-YCizLCj96UQnZbkkZo_84D&c=GpFmb7svvNVOPPxjXSGrZMnOVIVhpzRqd4j6X076ypd7f5l3krbAbw==&ch=O69rT2ngQFLh4bpuUsSG8qvxn8s9Lq9s8ODHhKzPxs8nGz8jPiPf9Q==> Biden Administration Bans Most New US Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling – In the waning days of his administration, President Biden announced<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00129kU_fz90Iq30f8j4CHYMM-hgcBQaj0GqEW-vUurxG97sdeqmcpy7eD1m-wFsfjy9FuXEz8ScA8GDl3HykCPE9o_rmT2SGZIEOad1PYKVaALHbyi4fc870D6gzeTep8tO2fd54jKbyyrFmbFGG2qFRHt1j9rYnEx96npjXBKW2BJ1lQLlDlCCbcL_5GPS3jXBIhG5s29_6ZH_vzX6m5oIx8BAR-AN1CCtgtmcMy3U8qyR5LH71fyUP5LUx9YOvVicyfn2dtb5-pLk9RNA5aieOiNnhv9WpvKNmg1kY2_2F0WVl-5xxrvz0fptIZPgvVPwL8irtGwDzDXnbs-H-LPXpYz0y04OKjNjVo5D2KfOc4=&c=GpFmb7svvNVOPPxjXSGrZMnOVIVhpzRqd4j6X076ypd7f5l3krbAbw==&ch=O69rT2ngQFLh4bpuUsSG8qvxn8s9Lq9s8ODHhKzPxs8nGz8jPiPf9Q==> an executive action Monday that protects more than 625 million acres of U.S. coastline areas from future offshore drilling. The ban will apply to the entire Atlantic coast, the eastern Gulf of Mexico, the Pacific coasts of Washington, Oregon and California, and portions of the Northern Bering Sea in Alaska. President Elect Trump quickly responded, indicating that he intends to “unban” drilling immediately, however, a federal judge in U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska ruled in 2019 that the president has the authority to withdraw areas from the federal oil and gas leasing program, but Congress would have to act to return the area to the program. Senate Energy and Natural Resources member Mike Lee, R-Utah, has indicated that week he will introduce a resolution under the Congressional Review Act to nullify Biden's action. However, the thin Republican majority in the House could make it hard to pass. For more information on the Council's Energy & Environment Committee<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00129kU_fz90Iq30f8j4CHYMM-hgcBQaj0GqEW-vUurxG97sdeqmcpy7UiiGPN0_96Mr82Pvn8N5s2d_-FY8T4YaDfjcTLnWCZ5B6jMppy2jbOdmJo3eBo4yjo32ItcxLFwL0eGVWNTFiASlsRm5JpDzh5UHZO0OY9DUFNRa8-PqHvX0mvTb60-_izec75cno3uM9CO4KEWpGU=&c=GpFmb7svvNVOPPxjXSGrZMnOVIVhpzRqd4j6X076ypd7f5l3krbAbw==&ch=O69rT2ngQFLh4bpuUsSG8qvxn8s9Lq9s8ODHhKzPxs8nGz8jPiPf9Q==>, please contact Sean Malone<mailto:smalone@newenglandcouncil.com>. Financial Services/Fiscal Policy Upcoming Hearings & Markups  * Tuesday, January 14, 2025 - House Committee on Ways and Means - Hearing on The Need to Make Permanent the Trump Tax Cuts for Working Families<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00129kU_fz90Iq30f8j4CHYMM-hgcBQaj0GqEW-vUurxG97sdeqmcpy7eD1m-wFsfjyhS0tCpXZgPnVkFKz_63stXFB6rTYQYbrGXZVj8hDuyc4AQC8sVjCBx22QhkkDAdfZTVWHDkcDCXuU2cH13E3pzmMoxq9kL4mkKkxPFz5hoEa1E5-IvvvS5dPEmSSv_OdKEGgBEXvN7V8LRRFhi_jkLEs0WG3_mh8-wG_-AtIy5hpBS5-OYw41_LcLTHZct-HNen3bPDyLQTu6ob0zhpMHQ==&c=GpFmb7svvNVOPPxjXSGrZMnOVIVhpzRqd4j6X076ypd7f5l3krbAbw==&ch=O69rT2ngQFLh4bpuUsSG8qvxn8s9Lq9s8ODHhKzPxs8nGz8jPiPf9Q==> * Thursday, January 16, 2025 - Senate Committee on Finance - Hearing to Consider the Anticipated Nomination of Scott Bessent, of South Carolina, to be Secretary of the Treasury<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00129kU_fz90Iq30f8j4CHYMM-hgcBQaj0GqEW-vUurxG97sdeqmcpy7eD1m-wFsfjyLv0_rD6c6tO8EIhY7SviGbFROpfcagwt7XbA5C8nDq_essQiFd1nuDeH9Znqto5bE2tUi93EzgXQ4eVK-Vz3F_hMdwgxxBp35Wd_N2U8l-ALplfmnZPtPjUXxCFaad9Wi4aFNF-8eC63-EZ5W6v3VN34O9NNeb6-4E2XvUFO7gOlT1n6T1B0oKEb6D0oO_NI8Sx6f7UVcmdZsbtaIOlRNmE1C5f_kmfiIwnFl8mDCcK6ST3EKAS56BbT9H_vhEUrH0nJnwQ6qjg=&c=GpFmb7svvNVOPPxjXSGrZMnOVIVhpzRqd4j6X076ypd7f5l3krbAbw==&ch=O69rT2ngQFLh4bpuUsSG8qvxn8s9Lq9s8ODHhKzPxs8nGz8jPiPf9Q==> For more information on the Council's Financial Services Committee<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00129kU_fz90Iq30f8j4CHYMM-hgcBQaj0GqEW-vUurxG97sdeqmcpy7T4DS8ZYwO_yAvNpHeyI85stOyJUBPBUR36o2QzzIN_ihB6AwThY5NMFq2YTVHLUU5BXwtSMD5C6-svpKvhvcTt3eTX3iw8MdZU0ev2Avdfj6wITzve0m74MGdUxZKqMXj1bt5HBVOPhQ9KKbgJkfUg=&c=GpFmb7svvNVOPPxjXSGrZMnOVIVhpzRqd4j6X076ypd7f5l3krbAbw==&ch=O69rT2ngQFLh4bpuUsSG8qvxn8s9Lq9s8ODHhKzPxs8nGz8jPiPf9Q==>, please contact Griffin Doherty<mailto:gdoherty@newenglandcouncil.com>. Healthcare Biden Administration Finalizes Rule on Medical Debt - On Tuesday, The Biden administration finalized a rule banning the inclusion of medical debt on credit reports, fulfilling a key priority of President Joe Biden in the waning days of his presidency. Specifically, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) finalized a rule<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00129kU_fz90Iq30f8j4CHYMM-hgcBQaj0GqEW-vUurxG97sdeqmcpy7eD1m-wFsfjyYxL__Hjs0_0UlY_LBf1Hs08s54EZD7R6rfz7hfaHTaNH_O6M7ErA5wkecOMgy-y-AcRG4XfoYHx2ZCoUFi6Awa4yyQT9AYriwGcp-Ma9wwttYqjqavBPo1FgiiVltzyUX5sYnQW7s3_FiZgsDJeaxzdQOylKBBgIQPGuR6BqkRJLPwQY5EmASRxymx1LCZ-6hmegoS4Qwd8kTN84pP1keA==&c=GpFmb7svvNVOPPxjXSGrZMnOVIVhpzRqd4j6X076ypd7f5l3krbAbw==&ch=O69rT2ngQFLh4bpuUsSG8qvxn8s9Lq9s8ODHhKzPxs8nGz8jPiPf9Q==> which it anticipates will remove $49 billion in medical bills from the credit reports of 15 million Americans as a result. Americans with medical debt on their credit reports could see their credit scores rise by an average of 20 points after the removal, the CFPB said. Whether the incoming Trump administration or the Republican-controlled Congress will keep the rule remains to be seen. New England Lawmakers Urge FTC to Release Report on Pharmacy Benefit Managers – On Friday, bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers including Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Representative. Jake Auchincloss (D-Mass.), calling on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to vote in favor of releasing an interim staff report on pharmacy benefit managers (PBM). The FTC launched its inquiry into PBMs in 2022. PBM reforms were included in earlier drafts of the government funding bill last month, but were ultimately left out. The FTC’s open commission meeting<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00129kU_fz90Iq30f8j4CHYMM-hgcBQaj0GqEW-vUurxG97sdeqmcpy7eD1m-wFsfjy3MgQJFhy4jOszCcnMFGaP4rFHQCWgv2e3TwEBwg24XZnbJrKGfTdhxcUqBG8lmt2e_SxbYnHcpqinQxsmZhWslymujdrLN9hd8D_lHgI44B65e1cluhXZM-FCdn0nS7DhaUomiaYhpbE_0aCN_8sEy0BtIKXi7SEpeU4zc4Kpkv3XU_4t9TYiQ==&c=GpFmb7svvNVOPPxjXSGrZMnOVIVhpzRqd4j6X076ypd7f5l3krbAbw==&ch=O69rT2ngQFLh4bpuUsSG8qvxn8s9Lq9s8ODHhKzPxs8nGz8jPiPf9Q==> will be held virtually at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, with time for members of the public to address the commission. More Than 15,000 Doctors Urge Senate to Reject RFK Jr. Nomination – On Thursday, more than 15,000 doctors across the country signed an open letter urging senators to vote against Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination for secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). In the letter<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00129kU_fz90Iq30f8j4CHYMM-hgcBQaj0GqEW-vUurxG97sdeqmcpy7eD1m-wFsfjyIF3fGHIcJYYFJYxDBcTvNkuzgULlqS-tG7dzgEnS4upkUcQ_PG__XQgF5DJ-1yuTxn0B5vcw6Xvx5M3TlZQvCHOra3GvCqIhaEHIdKNaQ8ydltgFGQlEiFuW6_iRw7izkm-mgPOdj_N9U_FKVZ6f29nj6OSKUwr6gmyszfyqr7M0pS4HIfjR6w==&c=GpFmb7svvNVOPPxjXSGrZMnOVIVhpzRqd4j6X076ypd7f5l3krbAbw==&ch=O69rT2ngQFLh4bpuUsSG8qvxn8s9Lq9s8ODHhKzPxs8nGz8jPiPf9Q==>, physicians say they are “appalled” by Trump’s “reckless” appointment of Kennedy, arguing he would be “dangerous” if confirmed to the top public health post. Physicians’ outrage over Kennedy’s nomination stems mainly from his many controversial health stances, including the long-debunked idea that vaccines contribute to autism and that school shootings are linked to antidepressant use, according to the letter. Kennedy is meeting with senators on Capitol Hill to convince lawmakers to vote in favor of his HHS secretary confirmation. If every Democratic senator opposes him in his confirmation hearing, he will need all but three Republican votes to be confirmed to the position. For more information on the Council's Healthcare Committee<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00129kU_fz90Iq30f8j4CHYMM-hgcBQaj0GqEW-vUurxG97sdeqmcpy7Z1Klkwwd2b0zsa7uG58W8_qALK9BlQYLUSOgHGcight8X61bBRjVFTBo83H8uvogYeth1rFW3iQ2WKDsbn6DhDknLUImKDv08MwWKb_WOkP-VghNCIf820FH86X4yDWFX23_57y-7w7&c=GpFmb7svvNVOPPxjXSGrZMnOVIVhpzRqd4j6X076ypd7f5l3krbAbw==&ch=O69rT2ngQFLh4bpuUsSG8qvxn8s9Lq9s8ODHhKzPxs8nGz8jPiPf9Q==>, please contact Sean Malone<mailto:smalone@newenglandcouncil.com>. Higher Education Biden leaves behind many higher ed agenda items as we move into the next Administration.— With the new Administration poised to start next week, only 42% of the Biden Administration Higher Ed policies and rule making decisions have been finalized. This article warns that “rules that survived the gantlet of public comment and legal challenges—such as ones that hold institutions accountable and increase scrutiny over college mergers—could quickly be rolled back under Trump, landing in the graveyard alongside the rules that the Biden administration proposed or plan to pursue over the last four years.” The likely final policy agenda item related to Higher Education that the Biden Administration passed was “finalizing new regulations that require colleges to report more data about their online programs, among other changes,” however even this did not go as far as they originally wanted. Further, “the Biden administration [itself] called time of death for several other efforts, scrapping two of the department’s remaining debt-relief proposals from consideration as well as a controversial rule regarding the participation of transgender student athletes in sports that align with their gender identity.” According to the article the goal in not moving forward with those agenda items was to prevent the next administration from retooling them to their advantage. However, the agenda items that the Administration was able to move forward will have a lasting impact according to the article, such as “making debt relief for public servants easier to access and opening up the Pell Grant to students in prison” and some people went as far as to say this Administration was able to achieve in four years what usually takes others a full eight years. Additional information can be found here<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00129kU_fz90Iq30f8j4CHYMM-hgcBQaj0GqEW-vUurxG97sdeqmcpy7eD1m-wFsfjyECHAy8Bz5BZi4-48swF8CWRAOAXrjWCCVIt33eYVThg0D4AEeWUb3cPsVJ72k0YAxDrq5m4Q-uSKZZS3-M4f-WPq9B_m4s7aCRpQM7BUBzju7Xl8R1L6KCgczYyBh-nCuGAQxuDkc-r6h3iCsoBmc6Z9CZ9B-4s3vtMOeF-Xn-MBqsK-oPsD_UGbWK4s2bKHXLlYSL8GQ--2OVooNa8fNQ==&c=GpFmb7svvNVOPPxjXSGrZMnOVIVhpzRqd4j6X076ypd7f5l3krbAbw==&ch=O69rT2ngQFLh4bpuUsSG8qvxn8s9Lq9s8ODHhKzPxs8nGz8jPiPf9Q==>. For more information on the Council's Higher Education Committee<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00129kU_fz90Iq30f8j4CHYMM-hgcBQaj0GqEW-vUurxG97sdeqmcpy7Z1Klkwwd2b0ZDiaoywhviJp1bACjM2FKZsPrZa4kCJabY7mAYCLFb5Knp9OY1KnNKIH56Dq2XC5qiCsKtdHUUf-oR1Bb6xMHRqwxkK6H15jMcDwCQcWEcM9Uo0eZFwZ1s9H_1on6oNrbDYL-C2QARo=&c=GpFmb7svvNVOPPxjXSGrZMnOVIVhpzRqd4j6X076ypd7f5l3krbAbw==&ch=O69rT2ngQFLh4bpuUsSG8qvxn8s9Lq9s8ODHhKzPxs8nGz8jPiPf9Q==>, please contact Mariah Healy<mailto:mhealy@newenglandcouncil.com>. Housing Upcoming Hearings & Markups * Thursday, January 16, 2025 - Nomination Hearing for Mr. Eric Scott Turner, to be Secretary, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. <https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00129kU_fz90Iq30f8j4CHYMM-hgcBQaj0GqEW-vUurxG97sdeqmcpy7eD1m-wFsfjyF5TLYqj7zH1ZvyM5jVPLrNi4owM2ganrzx6PjhXPkpDnIUW5c3norpvQogPeoLB5sEsETWo_z_qVbEucGh69nSZR8o6VosPuAGQ0OFJ0XlbVSMjpn0vKGp_6LXS3z80tKZdGEmc7Ex5iEpJuLyYMrnca2BlxeHGP&c=GpFmb7svvNVOPPxjXSGrZMnOVIVhpzRqd4j6X076ypd7f5l3krbAbw==&ch=O69rT2ngQFLh4bpuUsSG8qvxn8s9Lq9s8ODHhKzPxs8nGz8jPiPf9Q==> For more information on the Council's Housing Working Group<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00129kU_fz90Iq30f8j4CHYMM-hgcBQaj0GqEW-vUurxG97sdeqmcpy7RP4C2QRLzkyMchc6sNJMR631oFw1JQOrpwUejgKw5T0MV6oWX3BnzLkzdXCOXO84q8L144BW1n-IU_GabY-BKzvP9i8gLFMqFWf-tLbF103AF38CANZXTqE-Q1oSOoOQwymfTvZvpNJ&c=GpFmb7svvNVOPPxjXSGrZMnOVIVhpzRqd4j6X076ypd7f5l3krbAbw==&ch=O69rT2ngQFLh4bpuUsSG8qvxn8s9Lq9s8ODHhKzPxs8nGz8jPiPf9Q==>, please contact Griffin Doherty<mailto:gdoherty@newenglandcouncil.com>. Technology & Innovation AI In Government in 2025.— Last year we witnessed the government begin to experiment and accept generative AI into its practices, cautiously. However this year it is likely to be much more widely adopted and “gen AI is poised to fundamentally transform how government agencies operate, enabling new levels of efficiency and constituent-centric service delivery.” Thus, according to the article here are four trends to watch for 2025 when it comes to AI in the federal government: * Multimodal AI: unlocking new opportunities * “Imagine analyzing surveillance footage in conjunction with written reports to identify security threats more effectively, or using satellite imagery and sensor data to predict and respond to natural disasters.” * AI agents: automating tasks and optimizing workflows * These intelligent agents “will equip the workforce with powerful tools to help streamline back-office processes, freeing up valuable human resources. On the front lines, AI-powered chatbots will provide constituents with 24/7 access to information and services, enhancing accessibility and responsiveness.” * Elevating the constituent experience * “AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants will provide intuitive, conversational interfaces for accessing information and navigating complex processes.” * Strengthening security, building trust * “The rise of AI brings new cybersecurity challenges. In 2025, we can expect more sophisticated AI-driven cyberattacks targeting government systems. However, AI is also a powerful tool in our defense arsenal. Advanced AI systems can detect anomalies, identify vulnerabilities, and automate incident response, enhancing our ability to protect critical infrastructure and data.” AI is likely here to stay and “building public trust in AI is crucial” to having public buy-in. Thus, “Government agencies must be transparent about how they are using AI and actively address concerns about privacy and bias.” Additional information can be found here<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00129kU_fz90Iq30f8j4CHYMM-hgcBQaj0GqEW-vUurxG97sdeqmcpy7eD1m-wFsfjypJP0UjE64RfrHAvz1Tau4vHfbPwHN2gMH9-vK1AYPb4J-9tbCZDN1qlUrJkYz1RF0GIWBllxEsAUTUTxINcz_xAd-nsHqzlFPboDYCdVmRc__NwnDVXlnbXvDrp6DnXFH9rZlNXlQt6gZ42mH08vDpYp12Vz9DAGTHPWV4k-GpIrncSNDYAviepdxQQqXZ1hopEiEtw12s6Cj-utD8l-sQ==&c=GpFmb7svvNVOPPxjXSGrZMnOVIVhpzRqd4j6X076ypd7f5l3krbAbw==&ch=O69rT2ngQFLh4bpuUsSG8qvxn8s9Lq9s8ODHhKzPxs8nGz8jPiPf9Q==>. For more information on the Council's Technology & Innovation Working Group<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00129kU_fz90Iq30f8j4CHYMM-hgcBQaj0GqEW-vUurxG97sdeqmcpy7dalLBQLJsUsBnA1pA4C3JFiS45paFo6dSw_HB5BvZ5L2Sl8jtV4LhVsg6gJIceGnWIAuI7AKJn2bQdbNOVMsloZv8fCDP8UgLn_Xr9RGHdo8C7hXX4_MGzQ6rgv11Pwz2w-Qoy5Ri2447oKJZhwRSXe7rQFNW4ggA==&c=GpFmb7svvNVOPPxjXSGrZMnOVIVhpzRqd4j6X076ypd7f5l3krbAbw==&ch=O69rT2ngQFLh4bpuUsSG8qvxn8s9Lq9s8ODHhKzPxs8nGz8jPiPf9Q==>, please contact Mariah Healy<mailto:mhealy@newenglandcouncil.com>. Trade Senator Mike Crapo to Lead Senate Finance Committee – On Tuesday, the Senate adopted the recommendation of the Senate Republican Conference (SRC) – the whole of Senate Republicans – that Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) be the Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee in the 119th Congress. Senator Crapo was previously the Committee’s Ranking Member, the distinction of which now falls to outgoing Chairman Ron Wyden (D-OR). In a statement<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00129kU_fz90Iq30f8j4CHYMM-hgcBQaj0GqEW-vUurxG97sdeqmcpy7eD1m-wFsfjyFv-eAcXxX7lLsB6BcSqpouH_XbEcRJxniQELsXI6AnkT_5KThAxhEi_G3C-iX6kaahlSFNMoTaTsk3_88SU8KgzWGjLS7pzhAsJ1D1DjciMQlldUTPX991jCeJJU3S5Even0Uzk1TTyZ2VfZYDiqoDykHlXWg1sVu4ugTjiLFrMkR1wSyGgeo9OAl-Y0VgBr&c=GpFmb7svvNVOPPxjXSGrZMnOVIVhpzRqd4j6X076ypd7f5l3krbAbw==&ch=O69rT2ngQFLh4bpuUsSG8qvxn8s9Lq9s8ODHhKzPxs8nGz8jPiPf9Q==>, Senator Crapo thanked his colleagues and said “the Committee has important work ahead to preserve and build on pro-growth tax policies, improve our global competitiveness in trade deals, and expand access to affordable, quality health care.” He added that he looked forward to “working with my colleagues on pro-growth policy that will enhance opportunities for American families and job creators.” On trade matters specifically, Senator Crapo stated that the U.S. “must resume negotiating real, comprehensive trade deals that expand market access for American producers,” adding that “Congress must work with the U.S. Trade Representative to reauthorize key trade programs, enforce existing agreements, and negotiate on behalf of American farmers, producers and manufacturers.” New England will be well-represented on the Finance Committee with five members: Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Peter Welch (D-VT). House Committee Chair to Investigate Possible Restriction on Investor Protections – On Friday, House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) sent a letter<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00129kU_fz90Iq30f8j4CHYMM-hgcBQaj0GqEW-vUurxG97sdeqmcpy7eD1m-wFsfjyxhl3RjjrAL0D06vG_rPBE9nChl0Ni_ByP1-28ZsB39eI8nUHkV3XYvsBBbDTXAOi2StNHQhp53LsXkAALofmuTalfZB0DlVOd1Ph3rSwKK-zmMOhbf4ZiR6dACIrlH5Tztpqiv_JtNbWMjrpKJ3DxYEb1baKDTBxaPVKk3RgiKR0HWb-oX5U-fpH2Rt5lCMo9KmPwkhwuhz7Oe2Yh2ZqJeTpJKPpcs1tTFJrpq1OaIZP8-Pv4LzRX2nvs-8iztz_tpTx85mzWuV2U5WctUVjzw==&c=GpFmb7svvNVOPPxjXSGrZMnOVIVhpzRqd4j6X076ypd7f5l3krbAbw==&ch=O69rT2ngQFLh4bpuUsSG8qvxn8s9Lq9s8ODHhKzPxs8nGz8jPiPf9Q==> to U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Katherine Tai informing her that his Committee was looking into possible “efforts to remove essential investor protections for U.S. companies from free trade agreements.” According to Chairman Comer, the USTR “is working rapidly to withdraw these necessary investor protections in the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) without consulting Congress or impacted stakeholders” and has called for an immediate briefing from the USTR head. Chairman Comer stated further that “United Nations activists and some Congressional Democrats argue that investor protections pose a threat to the environment and human rights.” “However, USTR’s removal of investor protections will instead severely undercut the ability of U.S. companies to protect themselves in disputes with foreign countries and will signal weakness to foreign governments,” the Chairman added. In his letter<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00129kU_fz90Iq30f8j4CHYMM-hgcBQaj0GqEW-vUurxG97sdeqmcpy7eD1m-wFsfjyi3I0K4s5gXKkURmGosr640OBboQBKJEl4_ykaVXhrhRjasqUaNHPoGWAgiISUEPaKmxN6k9CLjZs_LZMqit1COkrqioKvLbVk2CS06w5UgQCN16JoyiLCGFpnAt_3jMyo0GOroOcGipPhtflv1IgYI4O_Ub9waJlPB7FUlI4PQpCaV_dAGcf0ia1wpr18lMA&c=GpFmb7svvNVOPPxjXSGrZMnOVIVhpzRqd4j6X076ypd7f5l3krbAbw==&ch=O69rT2ngQFLh4bpuUsSG8qvxn8s9Lq9s8ODHhKzPxs8nGz8jPiPf9Q==>, Chairman Comer noted the urgency of the matter with the inauguration of President-elect Trump just days away as he called for the briefing from Ambassador Tai. For more information on the Council's Trade Working Group<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00129kU_fz90Iq30f8j4CHYMM-hgcBQaj0GqEW-vUurxG97sdeqmcpy7Z1Klkwwd2b0CKFYp3M8pQahLYdl0xa6Q_Ud-Ao10-Xov2WTdCOjxOy86ZOzbLk3jdr8JQws55nIw6kaWnGzIaz7Xxjao17-3ee_jEzAUT2rAEME2cGUSeTsZPMqbkHtdQ==&c=GpFmb7svvNVOPPxjXSGrZMnOVIVhpzRqd4j6X076ypd7f5l3krbAbw==&ch=O69rT2ngQFLh4bpuUsSG8qvxn8s9Lq9s8ODHhKzPxs8nGz8jPiPf9Q==>, please contact Peter Phipps<mailto:pphipps@newenglandcouncil.com>. Transportation & Infrastructure Upcoming Hearings & Markups * Wednesday, January 15, 2025 (10:00) – Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee – Hearing: Nomination of Hon. Sean Duffy to be Secretary of Transportation<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00129kU_fz90Iq30f8j4CHYMM-hgcBQaj0GqEW-vUurxG97sdeqmcpy7eD1m-wFsfjytxCh6osgVFz4JU1fptX6FfCMPvzic2T5vcIT31nRyklLVPRMr5GZ_xmj8H1LaNyibWzteX0st-TosxyeNxnI9T0_WcxaH1pZcQwJDop3VFpgyRU-So1Gw-oYR57qLoZWPAI8V59pEPUYBJp3h34VIhfKQruRY-x8&c=GpFmb7svvNVOPPxjXSGrZMnOVIVhpzRqd4j6X076ypd7f5l3krbAbw==&ch=O69rT2ngQFLh4bpuUsSG8qvxn8s9Lq9s8ODHhKzPxs8nGz8jPiPf9Q==> * Wednesday, January 15, 2025 (10:00) – House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee – Business Meeting and Hearing: Organization of the Committee for the 119th Congress & The State of America’s Transportation System<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00129kU_fz90Iq30f8j4CHYMM-hgcBQaj0GqEW-vUurxG97sdeqmcpy7eD1m-wFsfjyrgQ8A-l2b-shb0HCzcD9N6frYWG0KRgmiLQ_EBeMtMypReXXXph2ZC8SQTpWUzYTKCZuTuWwkNmoNq1h8AId1Ox2eoqZr9lwRZXpMcusxwKVjOSsB7kDXw5IsQyIpn8Qr64agXNFpGzPUt4ihiQJGDNJNjGqV7yh&c=GpFmb7svvNVOPPxjXSGrZMnOVIVhpzRqd4j6X076ypd7f5l3krbAbw==&ch=O69rT2ngQFLh4bpuUsSG8qvxn8s9Lq9s8ODHhKzPxs8nGz8jPiPf9Q==> Senator Ted Cruz to Lead Senate Transportation Committee – On Tuesday, the Senate approved the recommendation of the Senate Republican Conference (SRC) – the whole of Senate Republicans – that Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) be the Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee in the 119th Congress. Senator Cruz was previously the Committee’s Ranking Member, the distinction of which now falls to outgoing Chairwoman Maria Cantwell (D-WA). In a statement<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00129kU_fz90Iq30f8j4CHYMM-hgcBQaj0GqEW-vUurxG97sdeqmcpy7eD1m-wFsfjy72T-98HdIu4OWQjKfL7Pz26rmlNlu1NYVOHccZ0C09mYCZUJXsqjiAfM2ZQO4U7SWwr3ycfdi3EN7jjKY1MkD7ZKxa85vQFNNAvMPKSrQPEobUFPAKb8H1W36XzpItRB24-7Sh4nX2Vy6ngjsO6zyeUtksPzFJrmvkAmzZeqj9QBJYqEw0fryGNDKhOfCEkmHDka5PRTrdaIWrXYG6vU-Jm014hsvHSIxEc6fuLgQpA=&c=GpFmb7svvNVOPPxjXSGrZMnOVIVhpzRqd4j6X076ypd7f5l3krbAbw==&ch=O69rT2ngQFLh4bpuUsSG8qvxn8s9Lq9s8ODHhKzPxs8nGz8jPiPf9Q==>, Chairman Cruz thanked his colleagues and said that he intends for the Committee’s focus to be on “expanding commercial access to electromagnetic spectrum, boosting human and commercial space exploration, improving the safety and efficiency of our nation’s transportation system, ensuring the future and viability of college athletics, and much more.” He added that he looked forward to “continuing to work with Ranking Member Cantwell and our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to find common ground and deliver results that will make a difference in the daily lives of the American people.” Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) is the only New Englander on the Senate Commerce Committee in the upcoming Congress. Biden Administration Releases Billions for Hundreds of Transportation and Infrastructure Projects – In the waning days of the Biden Administration, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DoT) announced<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00129kU_fz90Iq30f8j4CHYMM-hgcBQaj0GqEW-vUurxG97sdeqmcpy7eD1m-wFsfjyjLUCOw1iCUtdXer130LTHY4zaOQI_qnl4irpWJ5gCLRjt-1mXhNU8ZF4EIbTkVGYvG2wbiSG1QDv92t8CS6BZsDyBv11VNLUBHDKQt-KDafgUwvQ2ilLiRWEGPq_fYLw0Mg8uoE93FaqjPlOCeK7meN78jiDH9cmB4PRade-PgOCFUEgE-PQ0_P9hN7FkgGnlKkBs93pnUCpQJVcIStEhUgv26gRsmF9&c=GpFmb7svvNVOPPxjXSGrZMnOVIVhpzRqd4j6X076ypd7f5l3krbAbw==&ch=O69rT2ngQFLh4bpuUsSG8qvxn8s9Lq9s8ODHhKzPxs8nGz8jPiPf9Q==> that it was making awards totaling nearly $5 billion for more than 560 projects across the nation. On Wednesday, the DoT issued<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00129kU_fz90Iq30f8j4CHYMM-hgcBQaj0GqEW-vUurxG97sdeqmcpy7eD1m-wFsfjyIY_Sna-U8vLvKF24MfKWmMKzcG4jIN-dJ2FH_tKNKK_93g9UtwQMw2CLZbHgQRNqF9G-4CRS3kcjXRbGvf2DRdB-FHV3QedY4dltaWy9Bw0lg3IUJFYqgEZpanfiyG1Y2exWQjZU62E-OERmiuA3V4CSS6sVlnP7U_CKQCDqJKxP9UAasnW6JShnS2I0CaOvGLRtngjVPcFbGzBWYlHcL6cgyXHcU9L-&c=GpFmb7svvNVOPPxjXSGrZMnOVIVhpzRqd4j6X076ypd7f5l3krbAbw==&ch=O69rT2ngQFLh4bpuUsSG8qvxn8s9Lq9s8ODHhKzPxs8nGz8jPiPf9Q==> $332 million in fiscal year 2025 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG) grants for 171 projects<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00129kU_fz90Iq30f8j4CHYMM-hgcBQaj0GqEW-vUurxG97sdeqmcpy7eD1m-wFsfjyMrEoQdw7uZV5bdzbtg8UetNHhovUiLX_LNlSBJms3f4GhcdDUCvmRgVf6pa7oL0JO-SpRK0o8tlz5BAdzCEIjDamg7y1pEo-lmhCHVjXXCCwAgoT2G5gQw==&c=GpFmb7svvNVOPPxjXSGrZMnOVIVhpzRqd4j6X076ypd7f5l3krbAbw==&ch=O69rT2ngQFLh4bpuUsSG8qvxn8s9Lq9s8ODHhKzPxs8nGz8jPiPf9Q==> in 32 states. Over $4.2 million will go to five projects in Connecticut and Massachusetts. On Friday, the DoT’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00129kU_fz90Iq30f8j4CHYMM-hgcBQaj0GqEW-vUurxG97sdeqmcpy7eD1m-wFsfjyxrlHadIw8XvcT0kHCsFhre-EcbxN9InymCN7Q4dZ0f6Ote2z_5Fx6FU2QyE1hzIVgL-Y8Hfs2TyF2S39zi0UjBUmo-2y-v4tRxfsJ0I2qBrG7fsqIWjIA4SRW1PTLM-a_CvA-uekcZVXzvn4Q7XzWHkk3U2mjBhivak7JntxDTDY9XRNR1RcDEygJEsBtaTuWmEfQkKG87TtYpAiEEuvm3MeAPtHOp8vEa5uZl3Pr60=&c=GpFmb7svvNVOPPxjXSGrZMnOVIVhpzRqd4j6X076ypd7f5l3krbAbw==&ch=O69rT2ngQFLh4bpuUsSG8qvxn8s9Lq9s8ODHhKzPxs8nGz8jPiPf9Q==> $635 million in grants for electric vehicle (EV) charging and hydrogen refueling stations. In total, there are 49 projects that will provide grants to “more than 11,500 EV charging ports and hydrogen and natural gas fueling infrastructure along corridors and in communities across 27 States, four Federally Recognized Tribes, and the District of Columbia.” In their release<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00129kU_fz90Iq30f8j4CHYMM-hgcBQaj0GqEW-vUurxG97sdeqmcpy7eD1m-wFsfjyLkKLtFk234qzrOZEQYWLdOUSidZnykLVJVwWaktlikt2aASsUMgP47dL6sUPCKXY7fWSZCuSmCIdhwvoVnc97MzrM2JCUf68Ev9bB4pgRZb3Jq91h1fJsex5MfpC_JRBWSq2IO5Xb4kOSKlJOW5_UO30sLhLwNdRggipHCcMhWxKs5_4oiltcw==&c=GpFmb7svvNVOPPxjXSGrZMnOVIVhpzRqd4j6X076ypd7f5l3krbAbw==&ch=O69rT2ngQFLh4bpuUsSG8qvxn8s9Lq9s8ODHhKzPxs8nGz8jPiPf9Q==>, FHWA said that Massachusetts is set to receive $14.4 million while New Hampshire will see $15 million under this grant allocation. In addition, the DoT announced<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00129kU_fz90Iq30f8j4CHYMM-hgcBQaj0GqEW-vUurxG97sdeqmcpy7eD1m-wFsfjyo9CR_PQ2eB0Al8PKLEFbDMymZUVKvn84NsLwzOfK5nMq6vrf9p9evLQyplGGvuoBBUhsBATJqVwDUeOtlucvNLXCFRAUisCdDAU2VeItB2QRxmYFa7yaPwxnwxVkbtONTI324LoIK9plli4MC4b8waX0dCDth6D1g6xheHC90W3H7IRv5yK0UNnkH5FANv-bb7t-9ks-aOMFKcEKyZo6PSqE1hmckewe&c=GpFmb7svvNVOPPxjXSGrZMnOVIVhpzRqd4j6X076ypd7f5l3krbAbw==&ch=O69rT2ngQFLh4bpuUsSG8qvxn8s9Lq9s8ODHhKzPxs8nGz8jPiPf9Q==> $785 million for projects in the Rural Surface Transportation Grant program designed to “increase mobility, improve safety, and generate regional economic growth in rural communities.” Among the two-dozen projects funded<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00129kU_fz90Iq30f8j4CHYMM-hgcBQaj0GqEW-vUurxG97sdeqmcpy7eD1m-wFsfjyz8slo3qHq0dXzx8VYOskGM6A-xzmFUNMVoLyNkFgnqjvh0-isgdt5ymdRwSuCZ_bR45bC10Hr8pfKE9tcgA5ts_wyUxKLDcvcoetm9axhe0fqrxoyW2wgWVHQE0M1tIket8YzK7Ep5bQYYW_T5hDEI6T_K1Bt1z3S3BF2uVxc_qrjd67n24muP17MQFmoVgo3nICmLMpJy0KYmgYfI2JC3gCGxLBCtj0&c=GpFmb7svvNVOPPxjXSGrZMnOVIVhpzRqd4j6X076ypd7f5l3krbAbw==&ch=O69rT2ngQFLh4bpuUsSG8qvxn8s9Lq9s8ODHhKzPxs8nGz8jPiPf9Q==> was an allocation of $25.8 million for the Deerfield River Bridge Replacement in the State of Vermont. Further, the DoT announced<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00129kU_fz90Iq30f8j4CHYMM-hgcBQaj0GqEW-vUurxG97sdeqmcpy7eD1m-wFsfjy2tP6k_Y1F_KFtvUNhlzvHs0hVDDfFdTgzEb8JJNW5cQwbfABPSBK0jEbMYYK2SRXis11xan6AZMm2bpDBePkGqs3rqBgswKHbP50YFSvhriGSBkTBrOdH0sDZWnUfWxRmTjTMmpL15cB7nxbIbFjYbpJelP_Q_6JrMgTkHmDF5dnr3npYuGIekt6kq52hxkIoE3DFP0fbIsYf9V2Lepr8Ip09l2Woy6r&c=GpFmb7svvNVOPPxjXSGrZMnOVIVhpzRqd4j6X076ypd7f5l3krbAbw==&ch=O69rT2ngQFLh4bpuUsSG8qvxn8s9Lq9s8ODHhKzPxs8nGz8jPiPf9Q==> that it was distributing $1.32 billion in discretionary grants for Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) projects. Among the 109 projects<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00129kU_fz90Iq30f8j4CHYMM-hgcBQaj0GqEW-vUurxG97sdeqmcpy7eD1m-wFsfjyJ1kyE8FDcm-riCBW6FglHOP6Tth_widBuPTevjXID9gl4LhzQNg51gdKjSmZgsYq_ERJ1rOWp4xCLHLAiqY2-PDRy2C2ux2i7EPT74UVixS57eSQtd3GA__pRUA0iY1czzumX55jVnM4bNQlxxayG1wOshFeklT4cSnm8i1vDneGOhGptaR3fVctp_10-Srcp-Vxbg2a1jl6ErQ6EuEOAG2Q4h5AdZqPDDCSrZypy7Y=&c=GpFmb7svvNVOPPxjXSGrZMnOVIVhpzRqd4j6X076ypd7f5l3krbAbw==&ch=O69rT2ngQFLh4bpuUsSG8qvxn8s9Lq9s8ODHhKzPxs8nGz8jPiPf9Q==> funded, five are in New England: $24.6 million for a project in Bridgeport, Connecticut; $7.9 million for a project in Southridge, Massachusetts; $17.34 million for a project in Berkshire County, Massachusetts; $10.4 million for the City of Quincy, Massachusetts; and $4.8 million for a project in Middlebury, Vermont. Also, the DoT announced<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00129kU_fz90Iq30f8j4CHYMM-hgcBQaj0GqEW-vUurxG97sdeqmcpy7eD1m-wFsfjyXX_Lz1rZml7rOLPn72P-knGxyypgIrHuv4v34e819Flrqa9frD_2G8XcVcN7WN745gbXn8ufCSvoTCMdky_R4tb_6KSuIqvPPgm2XbzrxMc0l2d2YHaigxp6VZk1eSmOuDRbW2flcxu8CzZydaz8L8eTneabfk-49OkOr-n2ikREcUrZn8VL2A6No-LUOuqlqVKyZszqQGOUiAL9BtEErAsDphgx4vl3&c=GpFmb7svvNVOPPxjXSGrZMnOVIVhpzRqd4j6X076ypd7f5l3krbAbw==&ch=O69rT2ngQFLh4bpuUsSG8qvxn8s9Lq9s8ODHhKzPxs8nGz8jPiPf9Q==> the release of $544 million for 81 projects through the Reconnecting Communities Pilot discretionary grant program. This program’s purpose is to “re-establish routes between communities in urban, rural, and tribal areas that were cut off by transportation infrastructure decades ago, leaving entire neighborhoods without easy access to opportunities, employment and key resources like schools, medical offices, and places of worship.” Of the projects<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00129kU_fz90Iq30f8j4CHYMM-hgcBQaj0GqEW-vUurxG97sdeqmcpy7eD1m-wFsfjy-QewPD_T_p_9EHf23T5F5mCH8i14wLdV29yDgYbv8TRxb9mF95gO8JpswhspEVala8RjjUsFw0v6gkdXhNVdHIRRc9HTxJ1kDznk64-iyGxeXhIe_BHA3S1zxrS8ZhADM7wIgGSpm64HAyVsMEf06w==&c=GpFmb7svvNVOPPxjXSGrZMnOVIVhpzRqd4j6X076ypd7f5l3krbAbw==&ch=O69rT2ngQFLh4bpuUsSG8qvxn8s9Lq9s8ODHhKzPxs8nGz8jPiPf9Q==> funded, nine are located in New England, with two in Connecticut ($4 million); five in Massachusetts ($49.1 million); one in Maine ($2 million); and one in Rhode Island ($2 million). Finally, the DoT’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) announced<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00129kU_fz90Iq30f8j4CHYMM-hgcBQaj0GqEW-vUurxG97sdeqmcpy7eD1m-wFsfjyscMvti1ZXtD31sVrwp_8JbQUE4QSy-UMqNHXMzo81A6t56z2_5tiucoAHYT_vNKfYAYvQN1Mg2IJjC0uUFB6YVQPvEsZA_e3Bv9h_f2ELNYLc3D9lMLbATOdZQtkeHMbzMKTPhA28b4s5njsjY_Ryz8MEsUpeW5Nqx0GcwpHbmRCczkloSYunSyf832TUbd9AfGnXZ_JPyA-s8IDS6qOFaxHXePjPDOZ&c=GpFmb7svvNVOPPxjXSGrZMnOVIVhpzRqd4j6X076ypd7f5l3krbAbw==&ch=O69rT2ngQFLh4bpuUsSG8qvxn8s9Lq9s8ODHhKzPxs8nGz8jPiPf9Q==> that it was approving more than $1.1 billion in Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program funding for “123 rail projects, improving or studying more than 1,000 highway-rail crossings nationwide,” which is “the largest single investment in grade crossing safety in FRA’s history.” According to the FRA, there will be $11.6 million for improvements along Connecticut’s CTrail Hartford Line service from New Haven, Connecticut to Springfield, Massachusetts. For more information on the Council's Transportation & Infrastructure Committee<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00129kU_fz90Iq30f8j4CHYMM-hgcBQaj0GqEW-vUurxG97sdeqmcpy7QFkT581uLarG3sDJ5H0da88-b4mfmHtyDcp9E-xs6llmTGAW42zFMl5jrNiT6bTgnCMO1bw_fwO5IHOtMplzWk56z_RjKkPu_X7o5VOHVgNk8wmNCicBmPM6IxJufVbT7wCUmcxZQTl&c=GpFmb7svvNVOPPxjXSGrZMnOVIVhpzRqd4j6X076ypd7f5l3krbAbw==&ch=O69rT2ngQFLh4bpuUsSG8qvxn8s9Lq9s8ODHhKzPxs8nGz8jPiPf9Q==>, 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. 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