Interesting updates under the Higher Education section, below:  CAUTION: EXTERNAL SENDER Latest Updates from Capitol Hill & the Administration [https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/on.jsp?ca=c5e936f4-0d59-4a77-a91e-704885766496&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=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJBNNfwOClV9ada5tmWzP_-FI5afWC5yevX2kblW8L3qgn7MPD98ZSKYuh4ec8Y4bepmus7pRZlnBs-OCHCuSIFw==&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==> [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]   March 10, 2025   Welcome to the March 10, 2025, edition of The New England Council's Weekly Washington Report. Upcoming in Congress The House and Senate will be in session for the week ahead. Both are scheduled to be out of session the following week. For the week ahead, the House is scheduled<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEJIfbvqCZkb8TbesuVf3qiy01JswMLD-alomkZSoXFwZMesr0gzcDGGUeYPj7NmcDs_ne8hNAqXn8_OaDXIvc3QX2jnNOu4iADWEwsT8e4zuvLPllYIECGoSITzVnnjYGcjbb3-XgvSC8llm9boUgSI=&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==> to convene on Monday and hold votes on nine bills from the Suspension Calendar, all from the Homeland Security Committee. Beginning on Tuesday and throughout the rest of the week, the House will consider the Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act (H.R. 1156<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJ8HetH1p-FTIBUZDqbyf4BA0QPvmnNuTvq6CC7w58_zCZRIZRcKnPe6yQtllZkE23Ew8qKMUMj_VKYEv9EVyCrDczonRJ99h65cpk8k9glabvN89DCp_wHwBsMrcAJ60mCFBLqoRGrdVlEmEmHqGBlhY3HLxARmq91oZlKKEk76JND_h36DO59xzN7WbkUlW61TKc8J9F5Bb7fHb05kWSvQ0Dh3A46XoLs3dC1ktt1Wt3zaNk4cfjEe15r0PM6xcKJaikepuLgvUedaOHLeoK27Il-GO1UD66I2ezyfng_9KF6MmTzseFw1adr3tWyAofhrreE8BbYap2dVInsghREwO2wuhuRO2hPKVZl8EeUpku0Wcjnou3a_GKHuE9xP62z261T6neamg=&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==>) as well as legislation to disapprove of a rule submitted by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) relating to "Gross Proceeds Reporting by Brokers That Regularly Provide Services Effectuating Digital Asset Sales.” In addition, the House will likely turn to the consideration of legislation that would extend government funding past the March 14, 2025, deadline currently in place. This legislation may be either a short-term extension or a year-long Continuing Resolution (CR). The government has been running on a CR since October 1, 2024, and failure to extend funding past this Friday could result in a government shutdown. The House is not expected to be in session on Thursday or Friday. On Monday at 5:30, the Senate will vote on final passage regarding the nomination of Lori Chavez-DeRemer to be Secretary of Labor. After that vote, the Senate is expected to vote on the motion to proceed to S.331<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJrWbLYhRSQh4RmgjGr8Hy580uYZjQ0xrvtbKtm4mLDJ82pgRxgjEaB7Pd5XF3bcq2S0VQkMaiHdn4jPbd73XM55LGE7OhYXBBFHYCIvqsDQNeAaL_moUn5qgkmP_qmumcsc8qz89c5fk=&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==>, the HALT Fentanyl Act, which may only require a voice vote for passage. Should cloture be invoked, the Senate will likely stay on the bill, meaning that another cloture vote can be expected to occur on the bill itself later in the week. Beginning on Tuesday, the Senate could consider the nominations of Steven Bradbury to be Deputy Secretary of Transportation and Abigail Slater to be an Assistant Attorney General. The Senate will also await the outcome of a vote in the House on a CR and would look to pass that bill by the end of the week. Additionally, the Senate could take up any other nominations for Cabinet or Sub-Cabinet level positions – or other pieces of legislation – that have been cleared for action. Budget/Appropriations Upcoming Hearings & Markups * Wednesday, March 12, 2025 – Senate Budget Committee – Markup: Nomination of Dan Bishop to be Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJMXWs4y3ymh04ub-CwSe-Ro6mR_9ag2DLeZzQ8RH-QST-M0eYwjr6YSWOrkla_36iS2CC8sUjPaTsvcS62Xed4QcsS84md6ST6S_hP3MGNc2mjpdKYsboQql_i3vdETxBwx-vkIFGMapyoqu2Yk0Uk85mBcz1jWat11rMHd9drI36obeuGfv4tl4bGyqGAKmOdzmikmAefo8cl464y7hf8g==&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==> House Appropriators Release FY 2025 Continuing Resolution – On Saturday, the leaders of the House Appropriations Committee released<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJsMQ4UwlkViZIvZow-9BDMSammP3ti4X1l4JVKFw7gGOSaveqRzpG41Pp9nkds8fD3ZNK97_zj0brj-pQFcyN8p5qTUTc_JU7nlEkrFIE-ESetYB2ch8bFcqfgDvoLjJm8GYdsDwPLABgy92TE5Ou94g5Cli6nIKvTfrEYcuEQb4S6_ehWN0QqlmsiUttL0PWHRnzfsRsj4Qloc_reoFmWd8yDgB2jp1h&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==> their fiscal year 2025 Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act with the aim of bringing the bill to the floor of the House during the week ahead. Under the draft legislation<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJp3HdeuoKYBnGtsEV5ffTqaEi70RtFaskFKyTHQnslaJlsOjE8AXXswjaYDq35W2_Mrh1sIEPJ06sL9LLdPcT_WUh1JK_JZRF7Rn4ONuykfIrNcVOwyQ2c0mgktdAGRsIbQ04wmKMcrFk7uM04dm3RxDnk4vJVOS0mczuH4hHhyfFjYzbO497AiKojD0gBt7e&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==>, the authors of the measure assured that it would prevent a government shutdown as it “fully funds core government services…[and] maintains government operations without increasing the spending of taxpayer dollars.” The authors of the language also stated that it would fully fund veterans’ health care and services; support wildfire firefighting operations; protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid recipients; increase funding for air traffic control operations; and increase funding for WIC. The bill does not contain funds for member requested projects ("earmarks") nor does it provide a cost-of-living pay raise for Members of Congress. While the bill does increase funding for some programs, it provides overall cuts compared to the previous year's spending bill. Anticipating opposition/criticism from Committee Democrats and others, Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) released a charges and rebuttals document<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJCMe-MWLlwmrHWLsWX_j7blCIPXrfOnoJrbjIZfCNH-SCHSkxjSXShBIdBgXM0_rJWi6UcYJEBo6nJba2LUSD4A4e0ggxIf5oXgGT52RafGfAhckqjl9e3Kgt38NGPGtaLp25o8IFekUIqoBE8ZoeWCKEFgwDq8OOP5-BT4ivu8Pv_T6xopEMd3_C-17JNXhAM1GAbC2zL5HCDba9Xz9saOqS7ikLfLHrNHfuYtm3sC_aoeQvxnMKuqRgbAqp1Uoi40xz9vdfvgs=&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==> meant to defend the Committee’s year-long CR approach. In releasing this funding document, Chairman Cole said, "this straightforward continuing resolution ensures the government remains open and working for Americans,” adding “with no poison pills or unrelated riders - the bill is simple: extend funding and certainty for the nation.” He encouraged House Democrats to join in passing the bill, admonishing that “should they choose to vote to shut the government for negotiation leverage and their contempt of President Trump, they are readying to hurt hundreds of millions more.” In a statement<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJxBGp2HRYax3dLNAuPPK6bo3hiKyMjD7dW1NTL52dM3S34-T4MF1ZZqC5ajvzbPd8Nnneeq5M6TCx8rl3jh2bKv_XHx4zst_9LX5AbiUcnP1Lz9U_bFEvrkPFv_0lKskFMnxgN2pLDNoP3AWKPlBq3eKv3IfbLrf0eu9bsRZUhlW66CqeKSMUxBqG_4cU2s4IXhJ6RhTcgn1cQiIsyJY-ai7s0is2cEBQl6zIjqdDuyrVUbQr9mhzeg==&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==>, House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) panned the Republicans’ approach, calling the CR “a blank check<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJCzbZKbD2IyTVFNjwGmWGX4-WCyg7WwZgJLLiBvKspfgraUXH35FADMZw-U1ty7x4kMDuGSaATzv5mMuM7zJjLbnPKju5288Qk14781QCIATl8arXK-yrG2D-WXvMX_eV4fOqdv3y3h2tBV-HLobMj4qcf4qdjNjPHiR5GTeTE5HFlYAVCbGTAGw4Bw7CGy87M0d75FFB8mrp7EwMp208e66gzxosDPT-YTk5yQpcieB61Zk8GTSBNP8s-L_VFpYgmzd7lz1hzAghzp4QACUb8HSBNEarrzjLcdrwclCxCcZf6QYOUUs3Ww==&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==> for unchecked billionaire Elon Musk and President Trump to steal funds from American families and businesses.” Energy & Environment Upcoming Hearings & Markups * Tuesday, March 11, 2025 - House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment – Hearing: Water Infrastructure Financing: WIFIA and the Clean Water State Revolving Fund<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJMCkamSKMf0c6soQmDGiEsnfudOSAl31Ick8kad79DbbijwZe5Za92qntJiaGnkYpTZPOUbbWtOTZBge74F9IObvOvVj4XZXIWOV9xFqriiafffOPIGLsOesKDEaJwIPI41Gepk1WoL84q-OI2jdGEm8ft5FxjCWcnwy-HK60bBg=&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==> * Tuesday, March 11, 2025 – House Energy and Commerce Committee, Subcommittee on Environment – Hearing: Maximizing Opportunities for Redeveloping Brownfields Sites: Assessing the Potential for New American Innovation<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJ3E5vy0VJAyuEH5Ojd46dNXJ5Abv7ARatsukaEWuTsHY-JcwgBJG86TrepVPG_9U3VPB-Lu15H2xD7KLtbEGttX56wO9VGZJ96Utj9B90IpRVsd41SOcgZZs7-mt9WnWwMnDMn9U0okqvAxO0DRa2ub0XdHTvjmf9-aIHrba41Og=&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==> * Tuesday, March 11th, 2025 – Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry Committee - Full Committee Hearing on Perspectives From the Field: Risk Management, Credit, and Rural Business Views on the Agricultural Economy<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJcfe_avdV0bgs_rU63yXpg_lgnBhbXtbd656OqnrczTlk-Y0uJ-wlAhkPZ49JhiAVApPAyCzLTanar51w6Adcw3SaWHKWej1FFOqMvc8OEuXdn8HHJANnhK4mPNbT-fsh7UCICvlB5cq0AfPMkaIE0w0uJoRPG44sj89nLebFjPwE1vDKQY0G11IJou-cNqn2N47tOquLOutZQGjp23PgDh_mzRkkiQKOh-xHbL3-UvF2d0BMgrczEnEGtGI0Q7e0pS8xPQwskyw=&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==> * Wednesday, March 12, 2025 – Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee - Full Committee Hearing to Receive Testimony on Pending Bills<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJ_d4cjuXuCtLGZri_doV2LvU8fvKjgRVba2GqI84zi33cHcjPfZJlDkPJlgvPgQTI8o1PL-7HJtc4-3JLjHxSyS2bgZE63qOV2QhmAt48o892FuXpJ32tXJ3dtkJVKj_FHmRtXHTWyco3Eff3gw2pU3yQQeODj1dmCl_ggDfTIlJMZ5AB-KAR3D3YuFXT5zsF4YCzpuBdZmQ=&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==> House Subcommittee on Energy Holds Hearing on Energy Demand and Grid Reliability – On Wednesday, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy held a hearing<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJa5AZvPd_Jf_PN-ZgVVWSXfOrRCmrqDoVhi3RW_NLJuKG-m5zMePUdDOSpic1I6zEZ_-nzaWbYNJsDScPpRPJMFlCj2h0Ue8CIRG03gq0M9lcppJ1jZQpqEXJteWYzZWftxLrRaqGzWj0i66aUq41zHjKNd_Ja20UdiR2AFDmDfM=&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==> titled Scaling for Growth: Meeting Demand for Reliable, Affordable Electricity. The subcommittee looked at the challenges utilities and grid operators face delivering reliable, affordable electricity, as well as the growing demand for power across the U.S.. Grid Strategies’ predictions<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJJGi-DHUSd8OjK923VUv6Y7M3j8Yeei7lN6wMju4ksBLyjTAD2u-8uHSOPW7-SBIL-fIfbBwOu5t4NsU963dlaODlbaDYUEnuJYTLmbOF2UEkYEur7Wh1HLpoPZEIpFiJKbS9WXtSlLqq27BRXI-P5A1UfJ7zDKXf_1ng1uFY1kU=&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==> for growing electricity demand were referenced<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJcJ1sqXwJxGIaFHZ0FSGCPncrSW94AVau_caxakSq9jHL7QnYsN9neiMQ9yQDeNKUkf-ECy3YSTeCWgpUyUeiquvu_zNmo9HKfv4mrRphqV114CnfbITKvvJ8RshZsgjeaNwU--kEyXXmY4hY51-UDhXBE9sx6vNIleW-MTSE0lqPxILw7H6rHJxxQFVLAzJ0&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==>, in that much of the new power demand growth is expected to come from expanded manufacturing, general economy-wide electrification, and data centers powering the increasing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning. Representative Rick Allen (R-GA) argued that the question is not if the United States has enough energy resources, but if the country can produce energy at the levels needed to meet the future demand. Georgia has the largest nuclear energy clean power station int eh country, and many lawmakers think nuclear energy will play a critical role in meeting demands. Additionally, testimonies from expert witnesses reflected on developing a balanced approach to energy security, in which there is a mixed system leveraging nuclear power, natural gas, coal, solar, and wind. Regionalism was noted by Witness Noel Black, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at Southern Company. He argued that the weather, resources, state and local political environments, geography, and load profiles greatly impact energy policy, and therefore regionalism must be considered when developing federal policies. Watch the full hearing here<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJmp41oRp9mAZu4fTDfoGNx6LjidmkjvH16o_txV3H8C8kr0NEpYZtfIVOrMmTYRQapqtidQ_TbLkZZf9OgjMBQ7MxoBhCsR169yxbSZ-YIn5GunAmf9RTisF4r8DP_Z8u&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==>. Department of Commerce Agrees to Renegotiate Maine Sea Grant - On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Susan Collins(R-ME) announced that the Department of Commerce has agreed to renegotiate funding for Maine Sea Grant<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJnTRzW6gMzVzI2FVZmLNttu_6y1vo9eVj0zjyIL0Jc0Vs2yf_cai16BJL7BpFo3H3hnIbXCcnzEfTnf1wHft-gjDFahX7ABdu&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==>, a program that invests in Maine’s coastal economies, education and workforce development, fisheries, and the seafood industry. The announcement comes following a conversation Tuesday between Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and Senator Collins, in which they discussed the White House's recent efforts to slash the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) budget. As the first major cut to NOAA, they initially announced that it was rescinding a $4.5 million award that supports marine science research, workforce development and education across the state for four years, which included funding Maine Sea Grant. However, at the urging of Senator Collins, the Director of Maine Sea Grant, and Maine’s coastal industry advocates, Secretary Lutnick has directed NOAA to renegotiate the grant. It’s unclear when the money will be restored and when projects can resume, and accordingly, Maine Sea Grant will need to reapply for Sea Grant Funding “I appreciate the Secretary’s willingness to work together to ensure that Maine Sea Grant can continue to conduct research, support a robust pipeline of skilled labor, and ensure that our coastal economies remain profitable hubs for fishermen, lobstermen, and hospitality workers. It is important that Maine Sea Grant can continue to provide valuable services for communities across the state for years to come,” said Senator Collins in a press release<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJqpGMRXLOmMdb3BLNXJOdXAtUm38S5oehLh0hWlWPQD6aTzheGcS0rlMBSw8UwsMBMXd3mBLtcVMoEvuTXqBQ_ZfdZm9O3bHHe6Vh_Zv0PoY5CSC7lyeDjSr3vZJzfJrxGkuHw7RYcSmCgSTfj-fW1lnHIBkTq7-zMBewpy-4-3ee2evAknQgq67ggd5X0qbQn6zyhbxqrFUM6LDK96rwrL3BbeYmJ7FzabjrcskAVXs=&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==>. Read more here<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJ4BRMQpNKxwjwKKdT4HnamGlRuUQqeGQDtY3et1hs2fWDyE4IbjUsoQeVb_djgnuMEjhJRqKWP-0Nz7Ekq2HAG5BzE6-J-Y3X9Yz8-LtsR-alTLyiIdMBopYXwe5GezJ4rDCfo0w2LVPvUe_AYjfX6CZQwTkvm893p4h2f_cmGqSpkTA6FKldrLfb93Dq3qhxG4UBr-vwH41bO42cYLFQrg==&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==>. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Nominees Face Criticism from Democrats - During a Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing on March 5, Democrats raised multiple concerns about EPA nominees David Fotouhi and Aaron Szabo commitment to clean air policies and pressed questions about the agency’s plans for the greenhouse gas emissions rules. David Fotouhi is nominated for EPA's deputy administrator and Aaron Szabo for assistant administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation, and both previously served during President Trump’s first term, working against EPA emissions regulations. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) questioned Szabo in particular for his involvement in the Heritage Foundation's Project 2025, which includes proposals affecting the Clean Air Act, and the nominee’s ability to address climate change fairly. Both nominees emphasized the importance of “cooperative federalism” stating the need for state involvement in regulating their emissions. Read more here<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJ_72KXZbjzt3hdP1n1BVikemZTtgV6n5k-6qHRlEjy_Wj3kdNo9wfF72nfnnmQL3NXfx2frG9KwyruP9MI4tfB0FCqjRPGoMqdure9J1pm0D_2KQNJDIutWn-IXiiuebr9Wdo2mOP2kiIsRYMhmkwG1VYumLqD-u7Yy8E4s9kXhqKH9AnEa0rTQY7inaDEQAb&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==>. For more information on the Council's Energy & Environment Committee<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEBi2JUFczg6WGP3GeF6JeTXKVlCv3gDVfgKPJMdSU_kiF-0ovppza81deFygJhOw-uxCH5LlX4vlV0rpFlf0CZ5QDf2uPlVT3vWf-INMsT2kKdFDak0w36LqRPgpZITt_Ng24Gw9QYitpuQdM9awzNE=&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==>, please contact Sean Malone<mailto:smalone@newenglandcouncil.com>. Financial Services/Fiscal Policy Upcoming Hearings & Markups * Tuesday, March 11, 2025 - House Committee on Financial Services - Hearing: Navigating the Digital Payments Ecosystem: Examining a Federal Framework for Payment Stablecoins and Consequences of a U.S. Central Bank Digital Currency <https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJagP7C2OqELaV54hy2PPO8_sYEZE5DW-UWTiztoKVFUdpGHYJCOheqPu5l8WKLZLbLO7vwL46bQvQtD3TsLRpQLO3cnxTf_S0Qk2rT9qsqF0PBXzjdCAS-nQMKb0OQwOMVgZSm5HQkYK9_hv3leqjiktrrNAQaWtiu1jz8utH0oY=&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==> * Wednesday, Mar 12, 2025 – Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee - Hearings to examine the nominations of William Briggs (TX) to be Deputy Administrator, and Casey Mulligan (IL) to be Chief Counsel for Advocacy at the Small Business Administration <https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJS8QKoUpvezap_Y_YIFV00Y7rHMdJBbw3092D_aDUR1HACZoR67ufC9qwXajCviPBVqYRFdDT1EqkiTdvSvr4Wa8Rqtybuch7BNchRbgjA_ZwV_BLUVzi0xue1XsszSNIWn6NqdEWOQuFF5T8rycsbxbTYz6I8_-e_gDJQVbiqdFYptYQd4pdncHcOWip4UO0&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==> Senate Banking Committee Approves Jonathan McKernan's Nomination for CFPB Director – On Thursday, the Senate Banking Committee voted 13-11 on President Trump’s nomination of Jonathan McKernan for director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The vote was along party lines, with all Republicans in favor and all Democrats against the nomination, clearing McKernan’s nomination for a full Senate vote at a later date. McKernan’s confirmation was one of several nominations advanced by the committee on Thursday, including William Pulte for the Federal Housing Finance Agency and Stephen Miran as chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers. The Committee vote followed McKernan's confirmation hearing in late February, where Senate Democrats pressed McKernan on his ability to independently lead the CFPB with President Trump and Elon Musk calling for its elimination. McKernan criticized the agency for excessive enforcement and regulatory overreach in the hearing, but also pledged that he would fully and faithfully enforce the CFPB’s consumer financial laws and ensure it fulfills its assigned functions. Additional information can be found here<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJ70QTXi1LLXu58O4_mLSpAsGMqa_Nj9H849Ljz7EOiVcdDXCx25JvK37dEZJQl8Pb1NDI3IpJdfptsgDEsZaHAUBK8iAql-tnlCyqnOEjF67Fez7CUCiThlPdagNWfxQmt5u57u9MGj3rLgyg2qqISO2dUkPhgGC7&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==>, here<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJxhU25T8QrhaUL7VereVuyy8mR3ftJJ-dfL2Cf3c666MhWeBHiWpkI6DbD8N4vBzkJrQhyTuLH98UEwuSAcMEwX4247Jp7ia8&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==> and here<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJoivW8-3N4Hr8EVbkP9LMZsMFhktNAfEuPXIdNKqOOL6yR8Ux0gHga0SWUyfRUp2hOJkncVd9A7ZPzzro9xq7N381MV6TM9o12LLlveKEQtxGCdYHT4Tl35-KJK5NIjJMgQZmbbxKsvl4wm7mgF4Xqfv65N0v1zgap3udZ-5g1vgytTRsenfTGXCnmRHWAN0Q&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==>. Senators Warn Trump Administration on Plans to Cut IRS Staff by 50 Percent - In February, as part of the Administration’s cost-cutting initiatives, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) began layoffs of their staff, with about 7,000 probationary employees being fired and thousands more taking Elon Musk’s offer of resignation. The IRS is now preparing to shed as much as 50 percent of its staff, a significant cut to the roughly 100,000 employees it started with at the beginning of the Trump Administration. However, it is unclear when and how the terminations will take place, and what departments will be affected. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, joined other Democratic Senators and committee members in writing a letter to Federal Agency heads, including Director of OMB Russell Vought and Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, warning the Trump Administration that further staff reductions at the IRS will likely delay tax refunds, harm taxpayer services, and undermine law enforcement efforts. The letter urges the administration to end the IRS hiring freeze and stop the staffing cuts so that its online systems are retained and functioning correctly for the filing season. In his press release, Sen. Whitehouse said, “The IRS needs adequate staff to process the refund checks middle-class families wait all year for and to police billionaires who have armadas of lawyers and accountants who help them exploit loopholes on their taxes.” The letter was also signed by New England Senators Mark Warner (D-VA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Peter Welch (D-VT). Additional information can be found here<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJvLxzhS4PIZFJC96obnDQNGJTtBvka3IJvsxAkZIkaNSR68n98qBg7TGcPUw7ZKtk2OtjWxo-WRm4uvVV2gBW48gQRdvK3bkDDsu9MkuWL6HBsz_bQgk1F_0fh7qlmHdbCkstsoAG-761Kd5OruFz4A==&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==>, here<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJ2KFUiupVEPsXT1morCcTQQAb6DA67oKQ_P-vrxVtcwWis9TUD2Ta6NEYPOv8qBFcdhLIA-QS7alxkd0PQ8A9nN2DdfchBnfR3s7rmSF1pwU4eO-MDsdn-6cz-FFnDDQ8OVOCFSU7CsnECG3kRuER842H64537kpl4hRC5KM6Nj5rRLE51BGTDw==&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==> and here<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJLYUN7j32f3PjxQfTw7qdC_MvPhMu4wsuMUkv5KO-OUD5H11t4tfjee5fHlAlFwAMebW6FaoILZjA-Aj3W_yaDCK24XcichhKwBTqer0D-o8xcni3c-d7Ukd6LydLjJlRD1a0RjE1eSPvQdbMl8V_ipFfenFIDKcsGpl2BrLN67KxVaRCCnCjtom3kiSi6mwqHSr6Jgt4UIWBWmprZ2xL6Odfrwfr1MHlPQ4y4dHiTNy7UjrQjOkAoG7tfLqsPJPr&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==>. Developments for Stablecoin in the Senate and New Executive Order - The Senate Banking Committee is fast-tracking legislation to regulate dollar-denominated stablecoins, with plans to markup Senator Bill Hagerty’s (R-TN) bill (S 394) before the March recess. The bill has bipartisan support from Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), and Tim Scott (R SC), though many Democrats are pushing for stronger enforcement provisions, emphasizing the need for regulation that balances crypto innovation with financial integrity and consumer protection. On Sunday, President Donald Trump revealed plans for the formation of a new U.S. crypto strategic reserve, integrating major cryptocurrencies that include Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), XRP, SOL, and ADA. This decision to establish national reserve of cryptocurrencies builds on promises from President Trump’s campaign trail that he would direct his administration to establish the US as the Crypto Capital of the World. On Thursday, he officially signed an Executive Order to Establish a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and a U.S. Digital Asset Stockpile, marking the first formal recognition of Bitcoin as a reserve asset by the U.S. government. The order stated that taxpayer funds would not be used to acquire Bitcoin, and the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve will treat bitcoin as a store of value, not selling what is deposited into the reserve. Additionally, the order enables the Secretary of the Treasury to determine strategies for responsible stewardship of the U.S. Digital Asset Stockpile, including potential sales, and tracking bitcoin owned that was forfeited in criminal or civil forfeiture proceedings. Despite praise from many crypto executives, doubts are still high as to how the new reserve will fair with the recent tariffs, major crypto hacks, and potential lack of new buyers. Additional information can be found here<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJvvDh9eROdgkJW0zvZvbIxAs9GJeJYTJdrDT1R-JSVgLYOHYJCu9mCbLpS9euRTkKy7Et_SqE2A8Mac6-2VyYBc8ASrwyBBBoIpTz2vuKgqJCJMfI_RpogK9UIVTdvGa7LLWa2oMOBNC8EOnqOFXU1t943JvggHZ-KYqntbuKXyKzSbYk4j-KDidWtWCw8Xk_irO1SjP4HoNuWj5CXmtADTWgh9V_OWvsKo7phmAEdHAzHaCLrZ9y7UfSQHfCz9GV&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==>, here<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJAwPLLFbeCwxb8RE-RtjuQ2VvleLHlt4z1Gmr1DWCZbsGavxK3-w4GIxhw9LbfG3dSn0aydCN50K1apv8sXbxX_FmX955KNM07W2WQbukJtJ1Ac8x0NtviFbU_Nb5V_emFTjKDVUUd74KRCnkK3qZiilBKjEX4uTWteiN6xo-XnjrdQkZ3oTSPtPwaIKnvxvKehwVL875u1lF2affpB3FKRAwJyeoO4uJL01J9zR0eGo=&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==>, here<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJ-ID0uBikSsMF2Ul4l8msdL7upWLcB1y5iYX2FhvY_30D34z63ZoDPW5ani4nm-EDtO83mz5s6_0JybB8M_BmRe-iMNaOMfwn2gU7TZg6r0RWiHysO86HMPZgVjeYWwVU2VsycMjrRnfnGNe9kEBFF5zDy-nqyixOpSj8xb9fliJGo1_fP1QVCHoGjkQPSD47_NZrb3RR5Iu4qv9mbJetDgCApEabX5UmSSF46XseazHD9vLBmLeFC7aWN6HUfzK2yMUJeTsSy2uhT0A3V7ReWQ==&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==> and here<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJfpyYSz5xdwvCWmIrCRd1RVXXdsNJL7a-kIg1dYpwd-Nab2vUuKLCzlL5XIdgaITTV0rbglrswshFCmIDAd8w317dHQvDGlaNg_EnVd6AbbLepmYzpVum32XudV8vmjguxudAy2IIAvucRZsM-eWIsUVy_yWkexIdo1qxGUSYIj9r8iCQTwjCApBj5Ji87QjUm14KDCnesfTAYvmmxCDczg==&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==>. Social Security Plans in President Trump’s Address to Congress – President Trump delivered a joint address to Congress on Tuesday, covering a wide range of topics in domestic policy. He notably claimed widespread fraud in Social Security, announcing that his administration is investigating fraud within the program, citing issues like unrealistic beneficiary ages for members and hundreds of billions of dollars in excessive spending. President Trump proposed eliminating taxes on Social Security benefits for seniors emphasizing that reducing fraud and waste would help balance the budget, lower inflation and strengthen the economy. In the address, President Trump stated “We're seeking permanent income tax cuts all across the board and to get urgently needed relief to Americans hit especially hard by inflation. I'm calling for no tax on tips, no tax overtime and no tax on Social Security benefits for our great seniors.” Amid the Trump Administration’s plans to close and consolidate Social Security field and hearing offices and significantly reduce staff at the Social Security Administration (SSA), Congressman John B. Larson (D-CT), Ranking Member of the House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee co-introduced three bills on Wednesday to ensure Social Security’s survival: * Keeping Our Field Offices Open Act <https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJGwGl0bPscLazDE70RS81JR35b1A8j7h9WDF-lS6hBatASNfeJEGcZyEaZ6m-Z0NatYVJrsRyy9u8vVlDsBXZW9NRiQccDwJdl8ZaUumVxJwQ63dtCvEJ3Qp27b0bWafKtZvNlIe-zHq935Q9GooxKFYD_ALYHQil-bLs6MqWwSLmm7rRYPjoK9cwjZIYMY8Uv40kPuQtYLOMSLuc66Oj9c1fNq85TwLqDL02m0HlXo-hypiMshpJDA==&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==>to put a moratorium on the closure of Social Security Field Offices for the rest of the Trump Administration * Protecting Americans’ Social Security Data Act<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJOHx7Ov0vhzs6KOP2Vzb5trNfLEqgXs3EO2CPvIny7pyN66gV5DfkVJ1u8qUI-dRRWFi0rTgHdZO46UUk4vaCcd7OWOBaLtzDh-23schc-U32QI8OxzuoDLwT-Tb-eE_AUcUJt6tLncWu_mAcHu8fqBCPF4sTN_Bbx6s1gwlau42VZVnnnz8ysv142iWS1ZeK-O6_2t7lqLRp9Bj9vbHmt3CsXMzBKqvizZtSaeKfcn59nhiXKy1HH9wsVDCz3F93ndnElE0RoZo=&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==> to block Elon Musk’s access to sensitive beneficiary data and strengthen oversight and civil penalties for any privacy and disclosure violations of Social Security beneficiaries’ personal information * Resolution of Inquiry<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJsR-ZBozVLqglPmlbQovx378J1-CMDHTGdSD996yN3cGJtVel7EAO0EK1FJxrZ3aSYOa3AD2ZETj4sckU6S8GO9fVLQ-h6gbYcN-nVATgszZ71ldY4Qh9QcvDvgQOQWIvgPyw5dLNe4cbS5fLyFVHKFwGevRm3750rlOZLi7vN9pedBKrbq2CpSqTuZVN5x052OIMMzdTruRJM9kulF89p004rkvNP5Ws&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==> to compel President Trump to disclose to Congress information about ‘DOGE’ activity at SSA and any plans to close field offices or cut staff In his press release, Rep. Larson stated “Laying off workers at the Social Security Administration and shuttering field offices will mean the delay, disruption, and denial of benefits, a backdoor cut. Our plan will keep field offices open, block Musk and his ‘DOGE’ from accessing sensitive beneficiary data and force the Administration to come clean to Congress about their cuts.” Additional information can be found here <https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJcXJMopf0AP2cCOdWFNrjrLPg5HEMuzPhxzPLKuM1dqXcBWbRPHPSbBVHRYzEQ3w3E0f_d7o-fVzePdfpx8LvNlycB-TOtAGQKQAg6LmAozl4Dkfm3ATexPSd1nkP-Ih59gKqczb2OG8=&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==> and here<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJmjATNFvRQDugTb876iCff13hDaa6ISngzYybcxCGAKd-PCSyGv8bIeK5K86A_bJrzf455qMYnfwONpxJ61e5GJOXC1mtYhnkyz0fRbhABzvY9NTJ_CqNY8N-jqCRnNIPOEghxQ1nHe9yosJmbhqalF0Xet_SLsap37aIt0Vpv6Bc6WNYBxYFuzj0tkmRXLl8f6mHT5f_wapXHYsNfJw7sHOiTr5oZirJ&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==>. For more information on the Council's Financial Services Committee<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEJBP9ga2LuzspwdK5mwiDooChSvRl-cK5N4rAaeRnlX1oS56PzhqDRixNBLfWp9BOm-7BwDPHVoq3w1Hxy66ckusChMPpkAUChFJcAsAi_1n4jt_67gwIr521pglqfXFgElk34cc4tbDR2XPfRWq0ts=&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==>, please contact Griffin Doherty<mailto:gdoherty@newenglandcouncil.com>. Healthcare Upcoming Hearings & Markups * Tuesday, March11th, 2025 – House Committee on Ways & Means – Subcommittee on Health - Hearing: After the Hospital: Ensuring Access to Quality Post-Acute Care<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJNyuAVdQ_gEwTVTaxhjCYkXd7oM_2n9LwtDDCHxgSzN0rD6HVlUF7fgjad0XItV1lN0rbBtJobmIieU26ExCpZ47Be3EX5Ypu-4pnU9N7V-V2MLx6vvA3uBPA9Mek7ttqLBVZVZH8gKw7u9B3Sr7LoS4yWr2kDiLjAOjqMZvwr9eS7xkyaU0SA01oAnKu_oy3hl3UUX9MoITD5uMlNQCnL78BJo43VDWO0VOht9-h8zk=&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==> * Thursday, March 13th, 2025 – Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Committee – Executive Session to Consider the Nominations of Jayanta Bhattacharya to serve as Director of the National Institutes of Health, and Martin Makary to serve as Commissioner of Food and Drugs<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEN8ygh4sGozMyd7uWqr8Rv7eHSuKWqH4F2GhGEKdavR2AsCa6qJCjo7mtmeGVBW5Nj8jucb9_gcvJNGMIWbehT420PGw1vu6u7C9yXHBoT0lvWwBQArTbX1PgQKrQCGDpYEsD1MsXnoquVPTL06sEpLwoVtQV_PFnJMimJ3K33M9zbVBxhHNTQ4_zBMf09OM4LelwjyW1eNjtklQRlWYbjB8iYkJ7zgiAQ==&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==> <https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEN8ygh4sGozMyd7uWqr8Rv7eHSuKWqH4F2GhGEKdavR2AsCa6qJCjo7mtmeGVBW5Nj8jucb9_gcvJNGMIWbehT420PGw1vu6u7C9yXHBoT0lvWwBQArTbX1PgQKrQCGDpYEsD1MsXnoquVPTL06sEpLwoVtQV_PFnJMimJ3K33M9zbVBxhHNTQ4_zBMf09OM4LelwjyW1eNjofKc2nQ14rjBXKmZhtFMVg==&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==> Senate HELP Committee Considers Jay Bhattacharya to Serve as Director of NIH – On Wednesday, the Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Committee convened to consider<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEN8ygh4sGozMsiC74hZJGvyiwRX5X4OOHVkI6NzVwd1gTL_F-7tKwCx7NgbJ1keJT5NheCZQaH3FC9a-dpO6GFJi9JpSz0HJv-x9T3J2zbcY7z0KsoCBObWcv11oUZrPkYgyNMAv5rzT1qfmZqrnKhnYMvVR4hiR2ZKozPbBZA36IYZby86Zg0_HIOO1CPhcr8D0PFcPNGLQaUkWeR_1X4U5Z-WlikogHHvUmHaWSWfrF9JsFvQtM8s=&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==> the nomination of Jay Bhattacharya to serve as Director for the National Institutes of Health. At the hearing, Bhattacharya sought to reassure Senators that he aims to restore trust in public health and science, bring more transparency to research, entertain diverse ideas in science and focus on chronic diseases. He also dismissed ongoing turmoil at the agency, noting that he did not make the decisions to lay off thousands of staff at NIH or freeze reviews of grant applications that have essentially put the agency in pause. If confirmed, Bhattacharya would be responsible for leading a $48 billion health agency — the largest funder of health research in the world. Read more here<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJWLUtcCQ56Lpun9LOebsyKlU9Keu9e2Z_Q0Gl4-b6aK-viD2GZ0BcHlHiZ3SGnjAVge0ecF5h5snB9gLVIFscXYbgr19k50hXkJbWhj10czGYlFMVwbMS_fBqmXnNHBi0edITmObPTCHSUfR15SiOHlfAzPNkFH4Z1QUchWB8SSFJ79xXFROPaHvT_142asYFIHr8SEJ8DH7J30dHBnQD_48KmSR5sztm&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==>. Senate HELP Committee Considers Martin Makary to Lead FDA – On Thursday, the Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Committee convened to consider<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEN8ygh4sGozMyd7uWqr8Rv7eHSuKWqH4F2GhGEKdavR2AsCa6qJCjo7mtmeGVBW5Nj8jucb9_gcvJNGMIWbehT420PGw1vu6u7C9yXHBoT0lvWwBQArTbX1PgQKrQCGDpYEsD1MsXnoquVPTL06sEpLwoVtQV_PFnJMimJ3K33M9zbVBxhHNTQ4_zBMf09OM4LelwjyW1eNjgHIyGgA7UHfxIiU25o7cow==&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==> the nomination of Martin Makary to serve as Commissioner for Food and Drugs. During the hearing Makary aligned himself with the Make America Healthy Again agenda, however, notability stopping short of outright endorsing controversial decisions. Read more here<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJqodlp6hO8xioY1EXZjgZypYaw3XXuJ14BmEOtGlbfOhjznZbDtjSNn-cyTl65cqbZAdvDJHJzZbHst3hydXrrFMJvLws0VMQ28Tcg-9pJVNua7WkbPpdamEGGM6bR5ACH9a9orm_CKrJW4iyTsT58QmArcGCdIEGb2356mlnSNArwuwJCh3Brkl4Q6ZstRoJSw3HXxKMjF8=&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==>. For more information on the Council's Healthcare Committee<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEJ6Okcc_VfpxQelMabNTy4heduVJ5sjY0gPAb16f4PWnHMHypErGpkbl5DltX16M2sPhL9LFvQwSVsvweSlMx7Wm_hCL-SrmjuVsEI-qfWMf7lpqbfOHXttcGhs9OH5Zbd1LlM6aoVWj&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==>, please contact Sean Malone<mailto:smalone@newenglandcouncil.com>. Higher Education Linda McMahon confirmed as Education Secretary- On Monday, March 3rd, the Republican-led Senate confirmed and swore-in Linda McMahon to the role of secretary of the U.S. Department of Education. She was narrowly confirmed along party lines in a 51-to-45 vote. McMahon is a former professional wrestling magnate. During President Trump’s first term in office, she led the U.S. Small Business Administration. She has some experience in education, serving on Connecticut’s State Board of Education for only a year between 2009 and 2010. McMahon’s confirmation hearing was a heated one, with protestors interrupting several times who shouted about protections for students. She labelled public education as a “system in decline” and vowed to reorient the department to “invest in teacher not Washington bureaucrats.” The White House has been clear about its intention to dismantle the Department of Education and McMahon’s job will be to oversee that effort. Cuts to department staff, programs, and research have already begun, however, Congress is the only entity with the power to officially close the department. However, McMahon made it clear during her hearing that she considers the Education Department and education funding to be two separate things, stating that the department can be dismantled without impacting funding. “It is not the president's goal to defund the programs. It was only to have it operate more efficiently,” she said. As she heads into the role, McMahon’s top agenda items are expected to be examining accreditation policies as well as rethinking and potential amending to the financial value transparency and gainful-employment rule. McMahon is also expected to expand upon details of Trump’s enforcement of Title IX, his DEI orders, and of the freeze of applications to income-driven repayment plans for student loans. Additional information can be found here <https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJxvnu7WD1Ic6GzwUVPfFw5L4JifCAYviCPIbZxVYRlZ87Y_0IPbdPZX9tlO_Nm86vqoeWuau0y_jesY67ey6hfogNOp887l9E0rkfGcNDq75NC6NASXJaXcy9freP3qZJL2M_Fns74S-KWFqWrz1ORrYWScC85wZjpaGB0zi4gbfW_QUT8mihr31OWHk5mBtW&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==> and here<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJHTuDaQSTnNQsinIg8HHzya3mSs-s80sVkOtGQhtGDXmVrR07ob7gikttysoLy_rG3yLABuqxd2IPy3J9bbUprFAjsjCOiffeXysuGmwEvLVmSuGLcK_yYSTMyJ-BQUAiUF7lBmexHLlbAWu-zD2JCzDsNIdq9oZbrykp6eNQOIwprlx7NHzmOdzgrBcQZv0a21IJdB8E6kM58KJNo9OELRbyDWbr9K0znD2qa42ibiGeA_pIUwmUPvgdRTYlUNJmD99Ax_3BkbzmewBdzlbt55OjXHTB3fdhNVsMq2aSzw1eS4XchEESfgZzSR0d_pmMiiN8qkfzIm-EochpxDz5do2uQMIRCCtl6z1YizwsoLvf-j7ULg8n2AZ9M_pszQYSfRFlOw7WBybN1L-a1b39zVurKGihVn-Vwjilc9ouLbD34Z4jt0668gJ918NkfzvrlpLadttQ2mTqLlFELc0VYOuF7qXBtlRA27xQYp68ZIk=&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==>. Draft executive order calls for closing Education Department- President Trump is set to sign an executive order which would direct his new education secretary to close the department. The order criticizes the department for spending “more than $1 trillion without producing virtually any improvement in student reading and mathematics scores.” The draft was labeled “predecisional,” which means that details could change before it is signed. A draft of the order circulated on Wednesday, in which the language recognizes that the president does not have the power to officially shut down the Education Department, which would need an act of Congress and 60 “yes” votes in the Senate. This remains an unlikely possibility, given that Republicans hold only 53 seats. Instead, the draft instructs Linda McMahon to “take all necessary steps” to facilitate the closure “to the maximum extent appropriate and permitted by law.” Officials have suggested that this could include shifting some of the functions of the agency to other parts of the government. However, this would also face legal challenges given that the agency’s major programs are assigned by law. These actions will also likely include more cuts to staff, programs, and grants, which have already begun. This order comes as an effort from the Trump administration to return power over education to the states and local communities, something the President has repeatedly talked about. However, K-12 education and public universities and colleges are almost entirely controlled by states and local communities already. Additional information can be found here<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJEPutmZSImIxJ3vpZc75dBGNZbGkj3OGlVoKH-1YZ3UhH3Bz_On6QBvoHbEfB-kfCLpZpKdp-VEvLrgjAcK08jc8abIkriP7arwQ5cLMFtggnqDqCwKr8yB79QRXI7Eyn4B3XWhIGjBETqRbrttv-bjcslra1JlqX0XW2tLHlazp8MUAd_kBBiZMewjugDRwRYclc4JweBAQ=&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==> and here<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJmoDCwOdL5HpVYrlTv4UD46q6p38cBf2XeNjIlGQBiNsTN8tesYquXmWWxo6Fl4L0Gsz7NqC9GJ3pyTtsBJDc6pxrAp3F8r3wvlwZEhxbggxUoHolu7eaRYh7XNVhNWDU4ejTz37myi61PbvjOzE8MNIWIeGghQTNH5lNExmSkb-t4V3adKdaKzIEW4TieHnH_hekPy-wvpgACA5nb-LRgtmpcTf9bNfBuSzxwVystfBHW4_iGe_mbA==&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==>. For more information on the Council's Higher Education Committee<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEJ6Okcc_Vfpx5f-2KR8M7xDDNYT2Y7MilSgvo5AjEXNuG6ydC2TCE4RiYd2G0VaDmv2rBgMhp-ODzNMWtIBv-U3GIDLYW0jhgqKetgc5SSuG821s_vESdJa23EGPzeeC_bb_TJItfKvvqSXvlw9vFDE=&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==>, please contact Mariah Healy<mailto:mhealy@newenglandcouncil.com>. Housing Upcoming Hearings & Markups * Wednesday, March 12, 2025 (10:00) – Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee – Hearing: Housing Roadblocks - Paving a New Way to Address Affordability<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJ81B8YWHvC_LuBCFG_vxFU4cyVqQK-RbrEttvdIoN4mJaXGs2lcOKlamzg5LgtyudcWIAkXe0Mek_RG1kUp57_mbuT2S5Wk7MMQBtCNaSrKGcANncXlQiEFgsS0WTLxjY8FjX3ugO12B3518yGZwh26k2wlkYTEO9bZwJB5JhWfU6UaUAtEhiA9hhLzaS3Wmv&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==> The Housing Affordability Challenge Affects Everyone—Last week the House Financial Services Committee held a Housing and Insurance Subcommittee hearing, led by Subcommittee Chair Mike Flood (R-NE), to "examine the factors and policies that have led to the lack of housing supply in America.” Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) represents New England on this particular Subcommittee. In his opening remarks, Chair Flood stated that “according to the National Association of Realtors, the median annual existing home price in 2024 was up 69 percent relative to 1995, and that’s adjusted for inflation.” He went on to say that “the reason for high housing costs is simple: we are not building enough homes in this country to meet the demand. Some estimates put the gap between housing supply and demand at around 3.85 million units nationwide. Some put it even higher at more than 5 million units.” He also stated that “another driver is the actual cost of materials and cost of labor used to build a home.” Chair Flood pushed back on the assertion that “people aren’t making enough money [as] wages are up over the last several years.” He further stated that the problem is also not “that the government doesn’t spend enough money on federal programs” and that “we are coming off a period with historic levels of government spending.” Legislation to watch related to this hearing includes: * the Identifying Regulatory Barriers to Housing Supply Act<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJXKQnsARJnL5lAqBYjNFzYpIzmkgN6-erXbcINKL6D6ROmfW_GwK3-kO2NH1USiJzRXh6Zvk6BsCy248-id7FymREsWPM9Bvl_OFHAMdFy1TRep-7gNZhewy3kJBjSjzGn4-eE9rx5huEdzIG13lO6ydDaQBJPEwZzk2Uwk1bLOc=&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==>; * the Housing for America’s Middle Class Act<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJ_q5py1tmWR7hO-DM8csf0yoczqvekPwd5Q3hCQSxTM0xPOcOeUzDc20oFopa90zzpsZVD-VB7_8LGfKzr6Y-0-CkIUxkgHOiifNMxSofxoIu_jfx-FCN1AfiVTnudBac922eTK8ZvWUiveYUmcR5EQ==&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==>; and * the Housing Supply and Innovation Frameworks Act. <https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJs6gD5UrsFM_1jCo1lXERAj_mgHgo0haQsLKpKgVg9ONZ8Tz6Ld3bDYlc3WGKlqrEyfqK6spk4YGE6Bs5tlraYb1HR98S-GIxrfBOJNmYQdkObuZ_N3ez3CY2Cu6alGK8pWmxAptLAtcUA4wRNf0RTA==&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==> Additional information can be found here <https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJ2qWkBjzfxgmFIIwhGlIsKpuUYqg6lW_JZlhWjXCDa4S_ICtc0Gi_DTRspmxSWK9tJw4eWa8bzmHPJ-YK7XlrPvdFzx_Hae4ENew7QxbiLL0ScLjn_sAGjyeFbq21eMa0Ky3QSLn4x3CBryb-ZJILpWn5JxdOmOr1ZmDnX4ht0bw=&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==> and here<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEN8ygh4sGozMfwdhGrU5HK3m1DBLZxBRef2UAVuS49RD9fgAHOEwbwy_CucWd80mi_zqG3AHYS3GBiieO-z5NRd-82VK7c7os6GdjQD4yOBMVb8-JI1tOAgoBOhustlOfEkXiyL5O3-nJWnH_GYYUTuDo12bt9bXVU1TgK3Cz3OjCzmsP9K77os=&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==>. For more information on the Council's Housing Working Group<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEMLH-iQGAeoVZze6bwxmrYs4KpJ97cMgdvpIbQCEm94y5Tr-xpZIciVFy5c8lK-FgpNA7B8oTK_v9Mk3s6tFBNuvesCh5EBKV3aOTAPSqCRv3RX2yMIG5nerfn8Duoj5y_nq1xv5txHn&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==>, please contact Griffin Doherty<mailto:gdoherty@newenglandcouncil.com>. Technology & Innovation Upcoming Hearings & Markups * Wednesday, March 12, 2025 (10:00) –Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation – Executive Session<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJEE3JkPgzOnPYwkDuFqOEY1g_n_FqbSAzbHofNFTmdHJyvwPVg1Q9-rdegGTqOLVZkXh2e_bfktNEhYC08wyP2YGekGiutKty-OAKhRVF9QWheOBkDsK1S7cgXiWh-cDbG6LlyznH-s0=&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==> What does the future hold for the CHIPS and Science Act?— During his address last week to a joint session of Congress, President Donald Trump said “U.S. lawmakers should get rid of a landmark 2022 bipartisan law to give $52.7 billion in subsidies for semiconductor chips manufacturing and production and use the proceeds to pay debt.” He went on to criticize the program and say that the “CHIPS Act is a horrible, horrible thing...[and that] we give hundreds of billions of dollars and it doesn't mean a thing. They take our money and they don't spend it.” The bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act was signed into law in August 2022 by President Biden. The Act “included $39 billion in subsidies for U.S. semiconductor manufacturing and related components along with $75 billion in government lending authority,” with the goal of “reduc[ing] reliance on Asia for electronic components that power everything from smartphones to massive data centers.” Instead, the current President suggested that the tariffs will incentivize US companies to invest in America rather than overseas. As of August 2024, “the Commerce Department had announced over $30 billion in proposed CHIPS private sector investments spanning 23 projects in 15 states. These projects include 16 new semiconductor manufacturing facilities and are expected to create over 115,000 manufacturing and construction jobs across the country.” It is also important to remember that “officials on both sides of the aisle have touted the Chips Act as crucial to US national and economic security, and Trump could have a hard time getting congressional support to repeal it. Dozens of GOP lawmakers voted for the measure, and many red districts have won factories or other projects supported by the law.” In fact, current Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick has formerly praised the CHIPS and Science Act. Additional information can be found here<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJIZu4An2JcsaNxbj2Az41FZKeSBINqfK9bc2Mcn4Qc90MLI-jBNzCiSSkOJRWH8P72EEBht_eJceHMBDvqYNxoMlZzJ1nH_bxfaYVtA2U2sDDYtxooJ74m_azh2sRSx9qAX7w8QP-ck_E5yT4JUbSsz8UlQ0Tl8CtRzJ30nLOgu0fwFxTKFnq67_C4lRYFfjmpq2O_74glAc=&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==>, here<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJcinQ6P-MyQPKoLR2rEZBcmQfgRvAm7lXlzDRzY-e3caEbe5KWlvA-VHOElDKITlAX1VDB5ZXp_U4boUWH6YmK5L2jqiT1-VEZ2rsm_nieE8TaYWDsg9odRAqRtttDvaYoUF24opBqikBff0pONLoSB36yqCsZbmDV5yMyF0VgilaWAerGpcxenO1uqH7oK3hJFEerKiF0G0sbhQRSwzVg23yyyQhOlhUUxgJ7ao7qSc=&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==>, and here<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJ4F9LtrrOaDOC8e5m5hs-DnR6wEzYjvQZ1xQO5mj49jon5O6edTLTT8kOtRwd16bAifhzaBM0_gR26qluRQYEZrDQ8F9eo5qj-R4sbSt-1KywVuLZTevR0sduriYROrzJiJxsRiBiVUh4fD68ksW5RjoBjQ_gGV-eVeou5lSTFUPXal5BxlwXZ-PXOne7N-06uOXeCkiPrklJGABvw4lApykIKw4nJYE7VZQV4Y-vtrr1n5iW3IgnoEBX6uIVW6aLzMjFM1-SKO9_FxoWZamE-dz5U5K2WMzUbkQD5FClO8J9pKVXdi0bn-B5zbc3lrcDq6TR8Vm42oK1UsUxJucFkMiuMXAvXKTNCQWu_M69XDCthHlmWRsVqply45mQdcU6aGFZzh8VZEc8dj8LXuHsZokhtJjAM9BQ36eddIIrLAsm3LG8pOq0_fe1VCNMf6rDHQZO5f6QHBEVBLRKE8EYacQeGkHtrid0xqTLNtGjx5Ui8lVpQzHH5i1dJlDt9iV0&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==>. For more information on the Council's Technology & Innovation Working Group<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEJzBy2qCFdaCM4R_aP_IbuCaGC8-TZfoz7vFeL5AOZXhEjCubmAsqTmvflCLmPMd8uHGMma07rhVD-X9IN5AGz5Sr2b1Fhh_IfvFWORHxvyIHZaNTBjmALA6cxUXN9UgNl62Jr8KXLoVaaSqNv4seqKB7S6FT-i_aQ==&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==>, please contact Mariah Healy<mailto:mhealy@newenglandcouncil.com>. Trade President Trump Re-Imposes/Increases Some Tariffs; Modifies Other Tariffs – On Monday, President Donald Trump announced<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJaR54LpSfUNTo0Qa_mvK4Y7GWuZfcR3ACZpSW0Q9gFe_G9QUCFQEuQ84beWRsqUHT5OtEi2HiUlbkk7e1Gg9gKP1efEaDEOm4S6PLNYliLO4bWE9Kb02SMqFdOJJdQ23W7FtRMMLowzFnbdiJ-9q9nxOMljhGrQrkw8Q-ma09ChKKE27MPH7damLQSsLgGbEOmrSlMIKEs10qwV4Gb1ApGwF1D2gzqloUzkrcxywtObmKuZ_d5ZYEaC12RQci51A1&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==> that the United States would lift its 30-day pause and reimpose tariffs on all goods imported into the United States from Canada and Mexico beginning the next day. Tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico would be set at 25 percent, while tariffs on imports from China<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJM_T7lkNqEACEkh5X_Zz1Y7goY11TWt_iatw61bBe_6jNBz7UPER86dWYS9k06f7bc4f0V9EofnnJeKBkWJjzYuoasBsSBrf3Fxh2f2SyaWmAp3Rw8K-LgUW17Bxcf9Vtwzun7KVLdz_9h6xWOS59uZFiqakyuqCh-33mzQHaASKJslNGO_au0vunp8CVpWy_VZR21PnA2jU9oGXrdg4abXS9jybCovN6cLAKJGpw8wFgdpSLccvSXFGONTt6j05IPBkPvlZz-Qrhz5pmkxqTMwn2xTRB15M4&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==> – originally set at 10 percent – would increase an additional 10 percent. Energy products from Canada would only face a 10 percent tariff under the President’s action. On Thursday, and in a nod to the automotive industry, the President modified<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJ49_IwjtIj17twuV5jYEkJ82jJqLkFVC6yu6SsxJb_JRwjb7l5XKDvGvqGW7PB4S5va9tspeZX3f3dTUPfz0OBFUQ_2M22C0GsmdXL8B-_SjGIg4MdkLhP0yi2m-VCRAgxGceqyOrFI9Ma1k76hSr0RsfHQGJJpQlb0KFUOzXqNBNOJwHsSzHR-7dJPEeQCfoIjy4JSuU26rzhEGrLvJ4arXGcMWI9pEZsTE5MIz_QP7Ij-L19Io3c5xbpbl6AeVJHaJLoQI4avEHRgOHp7sUuU179bQtjtYpLHKOw72qfpk=&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==> his tariff stance, saying he would place a 25 percent tariff “on goods that do not satisfy U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) rules of origin” while placing “no tariffs on those goods from Canada and Mexico that claim and qualify for USMCA preference.” The Thursday order would also place “a lower 10 percent tariff on those energy products imported from Canada that fall outside the USMCA preference” as well as a “lower 10 percent tariff on any potash imported from Canada and Mexico that falls outside the USMCA preference.” According to reports, about half of Mexican imports are USMCA compliant, while less than 40 percent of Canadian products are so. These modifications are set to stay in place until April 2nd, which is the day that reciprocal tariffs impacting the global economy are set to kick in. USTR Issues 2025 Trade Policy & 2024 Year in Review – On Monday, newly minted U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer sent up to Capitol Hill a 342-page description of the year that just occurred in trade policy and what is to be expected in the year ahead. Under the Trump Administration’s 2025 Policy Agenda<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJ8aZuKjuUiX3_nOhiiNgk9n3NN7aan78rRGEC3qOvCoPp9LNdBXBseb4L1-Ny5s2YB9EfbZJH0ySVGqDQ8vINzXnY-hxyCyrppNVxWxeT-NowB9QzQJZ_nr5Vj6VRSv2CX7qnOKcjafpnmm1WRwJ1VeF46TF1hp_zmvUfJbs_suBI0EvyKVnunwhngXVsvUujk1ykE443tH20LrNtJjas436NBOOZF54n_NvTTL3RQYkAG9hvlrn4OFkgnJpVY3mSc2gUXpSn3gJxzI6SwqXpxEj8VAt2FUaBnzwXjGdNykBUft3o5c5AQ8ILjiBuC81N&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==>, the White House put forth its “vision for trade, describing the economic and national security challenges facing the United States and articulates a plan for rebalancing trade to address those challenges.” The document also includes “the work required by the President’s America First Trade Policy Presidential Memorandum<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEC10RsTtZt1giQ9iyZbm6UE0lNnQU3Yg-FWf3TfCzeb287ciCEDzMndn1kKnc5DDQ5DzOry4lbn71J9rLCWLRQ6cp-SWsFge6F1nC01G27w60uQiLOndJgpLQ2EqLyNJtattnr1VLgO6vKqHvYA7QQOwKnwCTknu3oYCew-31_U4dV2Jd3bwT7DD2vA6cG1MfA==&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==>.” In addition, the White House provided its 2024 Annual Report, which summarizes “the activities undertaken by the Office of the USTR during the previous year.” Finally, the USTR issued its World Trade Organization at Thirty report, which “assesses U.S. interests at the WTO, in particular describing the challenges facing the institution and the need for reform.” The USTR is required by law to provide Congress with a Presidential Trade Policy Agenda and Annual Report by March 1st of every year. The WTO report is required by law to be provided to Congress every five years. Commerce Department Releases January Trade Data – On Thursday, the U.S. Commerce Department's Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) and the U.S. Census Bureau released trade data<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJVCCWpT5S20CQ6ifZWFhneRqro6QAMpXCzp3NRO3DN7u47rSAZZbMssoxi7mEhmtm9NX9ZUgRI6DYY_1CKdLArjnYfg6CP8Nmy4JbEAZK5NtFNwqreol-Gm5liz1j3zUi3-8DOZpUG5mbY3A_1fKdnLxNy91mIGXOiz09prxEVJk=&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==> for the month of January related to America’s trade surpluses and deficits. For the month of January, the trade data showed that America’s goods and services trade deficit came in at $131.4 billion representing an increase of $33.3 billion from December’s revised figure of $98.1 billion (up 34 percent). For January, the level of exports of goods and services totaled $269.8 billion (up 1.2 percent) while imports totaled $401.2 billion (up 10 percent). The level of exports was up $3.3 billion compared to December’s figures, and the level of imports was $36.6 billion higher in the month-to-month comparison. The three-month average trade deficit (November through January) for goods and services increased $12.9 billion to $102.6 billion. For the year-over-year comparison, “the average goods and services deficit increased $37.1 billion from the three months ending in January 2024.” For January, the U.S. showed a $25.3 billion goods deficit with China, a $25.5 billion goods deficit with the European Union, a $22.8 billion goods deficit with Switzerland, a $15.5 billion goods deficit with Mexico, a goods deficit of $12.4 billion with Ireland, an $11.9 billion goods deficit with Vietnam, and a $11.3 billion goods deficit with Canada. With Germany, the goods deficit was $7.6 billion; with Taiwan, the goods deficit was $7.5 billion; with Japan, the goods deficit was $7.4 billion; with South Korea, the goods deficit was $5.4 billion; with India, the goods deficit was $4.2 billion; with Italy, the goods deficit was $3.5 billion; with Malaysia, the goods deficit was $2.5 billion; with Australia, the goods deficit was $2 billion; with Hong Kong, the goods deficit was $1.4 billion; with France, the goods deficit was $1 billion; with Singapore, the goods deficit was $1 billion; with Israel, the goods deficit was $600 million; with the United Kingdom, the goods deficit was $500 million; and with Saudi Arabia, the goods deficit was $100 million. With Switzerland, the goods deficit increased $9.8 billion to $22.8 billion for the month as exports increased by $0.6 billion to $1.8 billion and imports increased by $10.3 billion to $24.6 billion. With Ireland, the goods deficit increased $6.2 billion to $12.4 billion for the month as exports increased by less than $100 million to $1.2 billion and imports increased by $6.2 billion to $13.6 billion. In the plus column, the U.S. showed a goods surplus with the Netherlands of $4.3 billion for the month. With South and Central America, our surplus was $4.3 billion; with Brazil, our surplus was $0.6 billion; and with Belgium, our surplus was $0.6 billion. With South and Central America, the goods surplus increased $0.7 billion to $4.3 billion for the month as exports increased by $0.3 billion to $18 billion and imports decreased by $0.5 billion to $13.7 billion. For more information on the Council's Trade Working Group<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEJ6Okcc_VfpxKXNSPeR49OgLU05ibPryU8Kr2-6W1eSa1QEeNw8pSVHorUAjJaYOp2QWuaEXu_rBjkpfdu04zCIJTvwm4enbRMHvihOKIVK7oLyscFClgfoQjDBxP0ayeQ==&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==>, please contact Peter Phipps<mailto:pphipps@newenglandcouncil.com>. Transportation & Infrastructure Upcoming Hearings & Markups  * Tuesday, March 11, 2025 (10:00) – House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment – Hearing: Water Infrastructure Financing - WIFIA and the Clean Water State Revolving Fund<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJMCkamSKMf0c6soQmDGiEsnfudOSAl31Ick8kad79DbbijwZe5Za92qntJiaGnkYpTZPOUbbWtOTZBge74F9IObvOvVj4XZXIWOV9xFqriiafffOPIGLsOesKDEaJwIPI41Gepk1WoL84q-OI2jdGEsaiki8_zVwDxdf31pGvDGg=&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==> Senate Passes Coast Guard Bill – On Thursday, the U.S. Senate unanimously approved the Coast Guard Authorization Act (S. 524). Lawmakers in the House and Senate had originally planned to pass a bipartisan U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) authorization bill at the end of the last Congress, however time ran out before they could do so. As noted by Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-TX), he worked with his Democratic counterpart on the Committee, Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) to put S. 524 together based on the progress made in 2024. According to a statement<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJ_gtZ6Q0V6B76ezhDbZW8P5S8P_QebpF1LVwY7a3TSNBS-oZj8gMnTt4q_qDB7SrszA02CcJVcU3oBSlqanEF4ZIXCDfcc3kU-YzKzh-xrRXMyz_f8QUpB5AVrpZ1-J-Meq0x-oxoOp6i-ygTXfs98hJBowYb7A9671VDVmjxfC1y-DxKZb-HxLiWTba1E5VF&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==> on the bill’s passage, it “authorizes funding to strengthen the Coast Guard’s ability to protect our borders, facilitate maritime commerce, unleash American energy, bolster deterrence efforts, and improve support for Coast Guard personnel and their families.” Among the priorities in the bill, S. 524 will expand “efforts to interdict and prosecute illicit drug trafficking” as well as prevent exposure of USCG personnel to opioids in the process. The bill will also upgrade the Coast Guard’s icebreaker fleet and allow for mapping of Arctic maritime routes. Further, the bill increases the Coast Guard’s deterrence capabilities and improves quality of life issues for USCG families while the bill<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEGgii3ZpFVnJtu6TvyYC4qb8JM9_AygCTJiqKRVfpt3MLqan2uL2Cb2LSKftWE2QSu9gMAmfqBHkr0-t9O6wIbrOEfs2CvCal91Fxr5XpFULcpnQramf6v2Zzw-4ihmoAVArZ6DsLT1n09qcQ1auWxAXV6iF4c7gVLoR42QslNKmgKRXcJiyyoHPEUcKuNIJ2yxJO5JTr4W0IKmXyNQhg6hj0LDkfoU3fg==&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==> will also “establish or update numerous Coast Guard and Academy authorities and programs to improve reporting, oversight, prevention, and accountability related to sexual misconduct.” With Senate passage, the bill now goes to the House of Representatives for further consideration. For more information on the Council's Transportation & Infrastructure Committee<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p87bNtPI7b8ALb-ZcIHfLflVbf_qLpUm2pFt3k3L8c4BLZwKJtdzEIL3rNB_f_F-fzLBijuZCBc_1FSVP7LVkHUREf_ytjoQ2OiIJpE_0SRdjqbKW-tF5VdwlZRyEOtWAolO74mYGvG-s1w011ObeNaCyeeV6CkrR54gLthBsd3HmlFjzHr8oCuaBwsjfnu5&c=NS_gXLYoquH6GPNG6y5iOdaDwk1Kq9bJX0O7OQ_NwAUvxiV40nVwrg==&ch=HHPR7D2ElpX3KQ4VymJnuuiW_9vAxzSUJO5qy9BXiCrK67PuFaO_xg==>, 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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