Dear Colleagues, Please note the Higher Education news, in particular, below. Best, Sarah Morrell Co-Chair, Advocacy Committee Begin forwarded message:  CAUTION: EXTERNAL SENDER Latest Updates from Capitol Hill & the Administration [https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/on.jsp?ca=90db2782-b05f-404f-b07c-a3e28965b794&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=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgAa7_0ke6PEBC_rjKJsD2m-BeATtZtuH0i9Efi_jDclboHafKhyn-IHTRNEH-1gF3841ZRK1tJ0yaAWywx3lKjKw==&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==> [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]   February 10, 2025   Welcome to the February 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. The Senate will begin its week on Monday with a 5:30 vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of the Honorable Tulsi Gabbard, to be Director of National Intelligence. Assuming that cloture is invoked, the Senate will likely finish consideration of the Gabbard nomination in the days ahead. Additionally, cloture has been filed on several nominations that could see votes during the week. These are: the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to be Secretary of Health and Human Services; the nomination of Howard Lutnick to be Secretary of Commerce; the nomination of Brooke Rollins to be Secretary of Agriculture; and the nomination of Kelly Loeffler to be Administrator of the Small Business Administration. Also, the Senate could take up any nominations for Cabinet or Sub-Cabinet level positions – or pieces of legislation – that have been cleared for action. For the week ahead, the House is scheduled<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIol4Y7FDfwJ08oyX9sbAjVcCGn7tFKr3HIeNxdmQ6SohI1H15ZcyMGDS7Y_6pqcLy227Vn6W28p1B4V5DhhyQwqGlnLOlfOVmHCIEhaMIQVKkgm48u4HtznsHBIrvnko19Jm96Oc4B04bWnwx4dkSj1w=&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==> to convene on Monday and hold votes on six bills from the Suspension Calendar, all of which were referred by the House Financial Services Committee. Beginning on Tuesday and throughout the rest of the week, the House will consider two bills, the Midnight Rules Relief Act (H.R. 77) and the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act (H.R. 35). The House could take up other legislation during the week that is cleared for floor consideration. The House is not scheduled to be in session on Friday. Budget/Appropriations Upcoming Hearings & Markups * Wednesday, February 12, 2025 (10:00) – Senate Budget Committee – Markup: Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Resolution – Day 1<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgAR5A8uqgA1577XZrSqI6xFr7j1HYmjrBGQJzwScnE99s6k8n-sjkgFkJV_Oizj50PzCGOyVsmgh6udRn4l8cck2fqqZMsi4xsz1EFiMQUAFQZls_a1nYy7ht6x0ZREBGWMbYJi62duOXbLn0HaIUh5iSHMXE6LImO1E03x9iVChev8Zx5z-nA2Q==&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==> * Thursday, February 13, 2025 (10:00) – Senate Budget Committee – Markup: Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Resolution – Day 2<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgAe8yvZc3OuPFUjXDlVWGXjNyZ6Hs7Y76WNnENxOLC1D-I4TC-e7Yy48uG1xE4MsHImOCQM89Ji2_try8xtzAxwtKFTg0WUiQrqTsJjxmi83ZdVtNlYpCZO4Mn3EgtHynn08bSSfrZLGYscIfh7t8jFiM53Q1AogH_oAxNq9dkgjsMmtcOgLRGvQ==&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==> Senate Confirms Vought for OMB Director – On Thursday, the full Senate approved the nomination of Russell Vought to be the next Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The vote broke along party lines – 53 to 47<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgAcbOkWfolNRIX-xNEduoRUEJ7yi0HBGxg2qERY5478YT8yVJudqw5OBHzwaToIkzhKUCMlGlJFmRjqTdnnXxZbF8FRbNpJ6mLJ_PjdM7dh48Kh0-1FHWjmp1PvDRG4rgbbhfHzcC7J6_SbDBtFL38K4x13ytTfeiH6LoIBRcWxFZGfqMlE1hgYg==&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==>. Senate Democrats took the unusual step of “holding the floor” for the full 30-hours of post-cloture debate to protest what they view as Mr. Vought’s “extreme” views. One of those Senators was the Budget Committee’s Ranking Member, Jeff Merkley (D-OR), who called<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgAnZ4CPtsqWa2e1HUG6SVYFzLtWC67ysVAdh4I1XO4xRXPpBrKdA6riFM1ZZh0VzFuZ4dkF-fAsvZaJA81BjBc-5ya9Y552LPwwSAH_l04uMlxmeDpHxEzFSM4xkDTnJ8wm_v_0cHCT1GuUMYcgsgo3GAEZv0-TqW7Fw28hg8pkdkV4KxHEj_YKn4Vxnc0f4FVyu5qpv4HwVY23SIe89HIeDd_UoNmfmG_pilXli4Q6tLDuSiFEE_Slg==&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==> Mr. Vought “dangerously unfit to serve in government.” Senator Merkley said, “as OMB Director, he would be the chief engineer of the Trump Train that will run over working families and the programs they depend on,” adding that he felt “to Vought, the President is a king, and the laws Congress passes are merely suggestions.” Senate Republicans had a different viewpoint, with Budget Committee Chairman Lindsay Graham (R-SC) saying<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgAZvoTt56xNDABgdO5LwREPKMkRs6bd0BOX3aRjGh6ZCHNTGVSc2N-a3vi3kqY38S9JamHPdEt8143Qs3y2Vq-v7bg25wL2z63D-dFhtIDcIA4pDHgU6OsLzbJgYXi0Yio-hesdGF-s_mzucnTbOnSzGcArHomKD9G0dwaCr8qJTJWG60HZP9cYzeso7OJ2pJgFGNgMXR-wgE=&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==> “Russ is highly qualified, and served in the same capacity in the first Trump Administration [and] I believe he is the right man at the right time to get our fiscal house in order.” Senator Graham added that he looked forward “to working with OMB Director Russ Vought and congratulate him on being confirmed by the Senate.” As noted, Mr. Vought previously served as OMB Director in the first Trump Administration and developed a reputation as a cost-cutter and has indicated a desire to rein-in spending in Mr. Trump’s second term. Senate Budget Committee Releases FY25 Budget Resolution – On Friday, the Senate Budget Committee unveiled<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgAEHos_WjPob_OWpb0aBCdYmFXNYxlqrAFuzPe99jyJv9ps4t6JpUfU8WmAkG7p63L1P797Z-yraJ7vQAkS6Fzj_Q9EjFLydoSVcqmdHkd8JXk1J8gCOoQhy_6BSL7Twc7RnBhv3iTQGgAbg064eth55WLCCUDOjBaafSusBfx4V4d8S-iMn4jie7GZF7tH4k1objihSMLErJP0HXlX7rosfjrMi1Df9aml6ueNHqIkeT8uQizDBQ734MmK6npK_hmhX8Pks6vqX4BCGwZPqUQZ1h8AvB_89j3VvPxwlHNUNaVQ0mJN4sqYKQ6WO8glOvey7NEzU2OpgQEgE3ITPl4KYGE-Kz5gmT2GhaB1yu9ybV995cNIStT2Q==&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==> its fiscal year 2025 budget resolution<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgAohK-7ivYhtpv-7AgycxrDIWAlatGcLtoukdXRmctwl6CpR-V9CvLNXWMJflfKTcF49waLf1qvMynbM6sNzZMd1OxyMQJ41B0rQGNk-EITi7-xCkISj4q28JEUrm9ZaSXTSIz3UBi9H2nKLXBOSJ4WSX_jqP2uQGqjEa3chunuM2KQsLsZD45BQ==&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==> that sets forth budgetary levels for fiscal years 2026 through 2034. The resolution being put forward by Committee Republicans was touted as “the blueprint that unlocks the pathway for a fully paid for reconciliation bill to secure the border, bolster our military, increase American energy independence and begin the process of fiscal sanity.” The resolution contains components that will build a southern border wall, increase apprehension and detention efforts of criminal aliens, increase staffing levels at Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), add new immigration judges, and step-up cooperation with state and local entities on immigration enforcement. The resolution will also look to maintain U.S. military readiness and our overall defense posture, including our nuclear capabilities; grow the Navy; strengthen maritime dominance; and build a robust air/missile defense system. Further, domestic energy production will be boosted “through on and offshore lease sales, and stopping the Biden Administration’s natural gas tax, also known as the methane emissions fee.” Finally, the resolution purports to pay for these items – totaling some $85.5 billion – in four years using the savings generated by implementing the aforementioned policies. The various Senate authorizing committees were given instructions to ensure that the resolution was “filibuster-proof.” Senate Budget Committee Ranking Member Jeff Merkley (D-OR) was less than enthusiastic about the proposal, saying<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgAipoZ25cTJ---jtqIHRwh_YGBbNNyS3Zgrg4wWKzt6ADq3Beu8R8NmbhaI3R3GHN_wEaMCBMU1JcFCZXo2i5C6lwFl_joEtHnFJhecWj2U2AnpJAvR57GP1StDfD_kEsGsBNms8AxsLjRvL6QqD0xZ7H8U33hqeJO8sPlUmvsUhQV6z2voal-cTw4l8LJvpZZRf_soPLJQMP0wI_uAdR3nG_u2wFO2qybRCPU6LZcB94E2E5Yg0xG-C4SA76RF1CnN9ITiVUXvnTpwgz9g0pcbfVXDO_LO64U&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==> “while Republicans claim it focuses on border security, in reality, it envisions massive cuts to programs that help families thrive like SNAP and Medicaid, all while delivering massive tax giveaways to the wealthiest Americans.” Energy & Environment Upcoming Hearings & Markups  * Tuesday, February 11, 2025 - House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Federal Lands - Hearing: "Restoring Multiple Use to Revitalize America's Public Lands and Rural Communities.<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgAvx2FL6vY1S5blrtPmzpnScYivkFYv2JcS3RReUG_vQQe5nlWTh4Sbd9JQ3cYeRiWQhdL1cB29yupziLF7zdy4wa99dTdaaWF_706aM_8a3eAAHTb16l3HFJjFpNsM4_IA2y8wBOk8QN6Q0ggFxpCOqjYesRdg1Qt&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==>" * Tuesday, February 11, 2025 - House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Federal Lands - Hearing: “<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgAZRLxeSu4RO42rVeQYD4ZsmhMuQEqwSgqmWTqZxz1DIjze35GVup-DEKnPOqmluM7U6GlX1jGG_Pn9rCh6WBkSJEB7D9HJvbTp9BuJAk9i9sYiv7qkLHXa7GagkaIzxYhRSNI8p7dWzNMqc5PM9OxBmfit6ZxN8yK&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==>Restoring Energy Dominance: The Path to Unleashing American Offshore Energy<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgAZRLxeSu4RO42rVeQYD4ZsmhMuQEqwSgqmWTqZxz1DIjze35GVup-DEKnPOqmluM7U6GlX1jGG_Pn9rCh6WBkSJEB7D9HJvbTp9BuJAk9i9sYiv7qkLHXa7GagkaIzxYhRSNI8p7dWzNMqc5PM9OxBmfit6ZxN8yK&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==>" * Wednesday, Feb 12th, 2025 - Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works – Hearing: “Advancing Carbon Capture, Utilization and Sequestration Technologies and Ensuring Effective Implementation of the USE IT Act<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgAap0Bf7kmOC2oroVELD5Cynlx7PN2S5o_FaT8DhxAIWBGTp9dZH920iNJ_7zoOHtCDwFc1-f6ACzJqJ_Mw5gV2UM4Hj1_d2IJ8jWFxl8CYuFL7xqoQSopbzAXDap6R2jO2cj53CxXRC9iQ4PL3APoqptepYDNt8GKqXTMWAXFqBJfB7wZLmJ-wKJWuLbf8zMU&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==>”<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgAap0Bf7kmOC2oroVELD5Cynlx7PN2S5o_FaT8DhxAIWBGTp9dZH920iNJ_7zoOHtCDwFc1-f6ACzJqJ_Mw5gV2UM4Hj1_d2IJ8jWFxl8CYuFL7xqoQSopbzAXDap6R2jO2cj53CxXRC9iQ4PL3APoqptepYDNt8GKqXTMWAXFqBJfB7wZLmJ-wKJWuLbf8zMU&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==> Senate confirms Chris Wright to be Energy Secretary - On Monday, the Senate confirmed President’ Trump’s pick, Chris Wright, to serve as energy secretary. His confirmation earned bipartisan support with the vote being 59-38 in his favor. During his hearing, Wright stated he will be working to support Trump’s “bold” energy agenda. and his top priorities are to unleash domestic energy production and compete globally by expanding energy production in commercial nuclear and liquefied natural gas. As energy secretary, Wright will also join Interior Secretary Doug Burgum in serving on the new National Energy Council. Read more about his confirmation here<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgAI6oEWVzDB7PHPpZC3mFIFfSVvz5459ogX3OUJ4Edcw1l_wIJJDspNY19gtzBLFiBuvRedEvL3OY7ugubez0MSRxShMOUJ2eFFqVNXVrBQSUhXOha6ZZRPHFs23qSb64Jyw-1IwlzADROk9x6BscG4NGdsWkDjymQVlDezSQOLeY=&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==>. Since winning his Senate confirmation, Secretary Wright has signed his first Secretarial Order and issued a memo outlining his agenda for the Department of Energy. Wright aims to unleash a golden era of American energy dominance<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgAfyslE2jG0vE0nShyvWW04QVVcnNgYzaUS5DRoTOTKO8M3JlJvdX1nenKF5H-z0QAYFwkc32TBhXhf6XmhxuXx_JM6SaoPKNWhr4FTV8RcnH5CCieiGgJrR5O7Eer4rlFqit1kFCxqNGKvJhgvbJU5TOEcIdE_L5i7D-QeUti1ZWxuzx3dfV_-Y4H4qDHD4zcAxUB2eY6-_0E13pz_z5fIx2w395WekAHdHaqANrKL0C0f1NEDrdbIDldxgemP4yPsmIqOAIzolHFvGY0CzMm1_-eogqBW_vb8gchuXqIb-WhZbd3TFOz781vCxx0rKWjFs2F_okdu_3dKwDsJRJxTJwAkhPH-0_PiFpHxE81qPA=&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==> by prioritizing energy infrastructure permitting, bolstering domestic manufacturing, refilling the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), strengthening the electric grid, and advancing energy technologies such as fossil fuels, nuclear, geothermal, and hydropower. Read the Secretarial Order here<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgAfyslE2jG0vE0nShyvWW04QVVcnNgYzaUS5DRoTOTKO8M3JlJvdX1nenKF5H-z0QAYFwkc32TBhXhf6XmhxuXx_JM6SaoPKNWhr4FTV8RcnH5CCieiGgJrR5O7Eer4rlFqit1kFCxqNGKvJhgvbJU5TOEcIdE_L5i7D-QeUti1ZWxuzx3dfV_-Y4H4qDHD4zcAxUB2eY6-_0E13pz_z5fIx2w395WekAHdHaqANrKL0C0f1NEDrdbIDldxgemP4yPsmIqOAIzolHFvGY0CzMm1_-eogqBW_vb8gchuXqIb-WhZbd3TFOz781vCxx0rKWjFs2F_okdu_3dKwDsJRJxTJwAkhPH-0_PiFpHxE81qPA=&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==>. President Donald Trump Nominates Neil Jacobs to lead the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) – Neil Jacobs has been nominated to once again lead NOAA<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIouDajM2o0DjYqREXRZWCHisYnWFGek2330btDwhmXAtPlS580H1665DLoadgog25py7LrlMDOOV1L2HktnBQXZAIfh-azxZ3gQ==&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==>, a U.S. agency with key leadership responsibilities for climate, weather, ocean, and space policies. Jacobs served as acting head of NOAA during the first Trump administration when the 2019 sharpiegate<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgAKQZofWwG5bstrqeVXWRpuB2ozhVHhNc2IQY9Egg-QNeeyuro8RkojImUaO4Ra0_pQfVvl15v8pXK3MttXzYHP9nNh65pwRba4ABMRz69CJD9M0Zwji0ubhxGGGXIR3Zn5skxOkza6gP4WNRG2FCqcZWSld0hIQ_V&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==> controversy occurred. Along with many other federal agencies, NOAA was identified for potential dismantling in Project 2025. As a result, the scientific community has raised concerns —not regarding Jacobs’ appointment, but about the possibility of interference in the center’s climate change focused mission. Senate EPW Committee Unanimously Passes the Brownfields Reauthorization Act of 2025 and the STEWARD Act – Advancing with bipartisan support on Wednesday, the EPW passed legislation to reauthorize two programs that will improve the nation’s recycling and composting systems. The Brownfields Reauthorization Act<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgAn6TldRY2SZJHsT9U_famEmklv5euQldIpf9tLApF4Arht-9bXXEHCWX7tDErXR9GmafuubfLzFRWYs4nevRergqsyHn9INtwCv2_IKF1e4DTs29dx9CR9J7EQLLcIy9CgqDTZINCmTngwuY7rihqh1FU0pTwcKpBbaD0C_Ga8wOSp2UnNRbJldHL__ko9G4kv67hVHt6LuLebRsJ0MsyqQwB_7_oiSnl379zvYQzzocr97JbcCJIqjhyV8ZT8MQThDHvN8WsWmgqjOqQDXw6yv5lICiOEJWqH_yO6cuv3jNOwIvAgWZ-G4AJgClw--lbxgVRYE9Y0h5y3FTDeTHOlk2s6qUb3SUr0ntMh3KQ14M=&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==> was introduced by U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the EPW Committee, and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) with the intention of modernizing the EPA’s Brownfields Program so that smaller, underserved communities can compete with larger entities and efficiently apply for accessible cleanup resources. The STEWARD Act<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgAMewjVEC2GdZU-hPdQ3MGlCObQLo6ZYViMcpUhJ_PolmgRlo2RZRIQwk6_X1vmfgZN-c0jTn7wqnnGfRHgfcHC4NtLRJAMQEr-u0JA-TtyE18776pR65HOBtDzDFHeMgbXUh-yK9eW0tXzvPMm1MU3uwnEB5Ynzrz_dZi3Bjj_lWkd-XdrKkODelOi-WbqR08z1mFiQqRv6AQ1BsU22waqJ3Occ3-oPadfC4jN8gUW1556UGK_6MTLitQ2K3VSoqoeJD503-NbyhEZvl7zuOjcXkKWd2CZ4mhAHZ_1gdZG_21-rLeXfqncsk9W9364MTq&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==> <https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgAMewjVEC2GdZU-hPdQ3MGlCObQLo6ZYViMcpUhJ_PolmgRlo2RZRIQwk6_X1vmfgZN-c0jTn7wqnnGfRHgfcHC4NtLRJAMQEr-u0JA-TtyE18776pR65HOBtDzDFHeMgbXUh-yK9eW0tXzvPMm1MU3uwnEB5Ynzrz_dZi3Bjj_lWkd-XdrKkODelOi-WbqR08z1mFiQqRv6AQ1BsU22waqJ3Occ3-oPadfC4jN8gUW1556UGK_6MTLitQ2K3VSoqoeJD503-NbyhEZvl7zuOjcXkKWd2CZ4mhAHZ_1gdZG_21-rLeXfqncsk9W9364MTq&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==> was introduced by Chairman Capito and U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and John Boozman (R-Ark.) to support projects that expand recycling and composting infrastructure. The Bill would establish standardized data collection and improve management systems nationwide. Ranking committee member Sen. Whitehouse said that the STEWARD Act is an essential step in tackling the plastic pollution crisis and will foreseeably reduce the number of plastics seeping into the environment, food, water, and bodies. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Grantees Voice Gowing Concerns over Funding Freezes - The Trump administration's freeze on the EPA grants has caused significant disruption and confusion for recipients, with some organizations unable to access funds despite court orders to lift the freeze and EPA memos stating programs should be receiving disbursements. In Washington on Monday, U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan issued a temporary restraining order<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgAky_CInW4Cj3UNn71Ry38ryMIlrm9lKMKutAXxS77MJn4ko2mBAHhm7moxchoS5Pshi79dXzDsBNpPi5eIp9T2sio529yOh5SRyU6AWKGSNEPz4qJPzNMfBgNHBJvO3i5QW1eN-ny1sV7J7fpr8xwrTZW1jBjF6NzLWlMJNrtF_M=&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==> against the administration’s federal funds freeze after many nonprofits reported that they continued to be hampered by the freeze and still couldn’t access promised funding. The EPA and Department of Justice have yet to provide further guidance. Read more here<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgAIDM_WM9L3dqhIyuAxQNQFllPlQg5khNSNT2ZuCyGPGEZjpSEneJVYCE1yvfXhRszNq1WeyWJzq7GaVPUFBjEqCC5TQjjg4xme4dH8F4giafpuNnsBLQRzz4mDIOIwNt3a0wXxbdrKvX8elxYa0WqAjgPcubOD3ZYvjUSvv6xyme3r1PJ7Y1r8Pg2bC9_APnhuxe-ctN3HnvsnBrzRdzwaA==&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==>. For more information on the Council's Energy & Environment Committee<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgAFwicOI4TdHpw8xs3M32BR2FiC3WWMTCfJ9-Zd37Rv520Rs7Nf4Jzm2dpw_tdZcOdWaJ0pg31z8Y4znonM7xfu9p2SpcKPCm3c-CiXzMzhx5l2d7yowy2CKDQljj6s_C0J8oH_4PvIdSydTZ_n-eRz05FV5Gl-2oPHCYD39zkffpnZz2_DFo1i_rLgNshVqEerFR2mfFqxjlgbaJ67GMIF4SIauI_twaI5kiCzdABDnO2XRy8KyaDoYgcNG9uFIO8miQkQmvd6PhaG_qnQNC9nuRHGeV4LhShm9-GSQtRUuC0JWy6wb5LpaPLrdJywMOHbCsB24A9SXe4E6SEaALVTKNysT3Dayulzgh2YSq5sb5-H6V9qpQLgcvvqsHdy1OrvMtu8dNFH-hQVLaT8F97xGkbPh1ZblWTQdmrfIbKYUqDTEyXu5vz64K6qN_Yg5f8v3vpKF_uZIocxd9IJydTcfOnbj5XDn3yPBdQMsBUuGyUd-Douwd8SFN6Fgqx1neZ-Dy8XANVtvtrsHQV61z3PG7fYGhb46PFs6KRy-oG5KzR_VKmNcjhlwtGpEirlzrKFtqY1t4l0Wj3urSoYizHaTQlVW1L-75n1AYVAEizooVwc8XH1AgbtMuqq1_QewJOvPF9qzUsOq-8Gpns-5PsFfcEQHStN0BTP1NMb2ueS5Bj8r_SHLW8PP8_d8FjoDulXxDLbODVN7djlUWOQQj9j03I6eyeXxGQ13XT9um73j2fW5w0_0dmBVetYvNv54p21giJ9ukmohEUDE6a_IYT_5zyXWWzWW2CimIvZKilzBF64YThHSeh6fqTkFbYefGW9m9VDkL0UGDdLqjcR0i80Sykg7Rve0KERt-G6C7ruzVYYSD8LNxUCq-kcLe1QKtBfDIXbbI3FKExKvS_eTdD7aC1uqNHM1gxC8QCGwxHmUFOF7pkRYc-1ZIimdbS8ap0TGMQyukasFrSVbUlaPIlmyNcXwQkmGmFluwOiqiGVgS9DS3QEu1Wx5RloWWwHi8vIpFsMqcfWyIpqP70KJyHnHkQH3EJ3VMPYX3wFE9EeFs_16InfAsjgkqD7rNMXUQDJbsemp9PruIgqUEpjX9ra7wWpZ2CTN87y_12I7BG2rIksMQHWxGOtMg6gfNiSbgDRj0S0Etv1jBzyn39Z9dd179xZr46tz0mpO0qkoQCjVIBEoEtCWWTwxzg_-beCtUzSLd8q0qS-xw=&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==>, please contact Sean Malone<mailto:smalone@newenglandcouncil.com>. For more information on the Council's Energy & Environment Committee<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIooSHBk7DLLxNXaoufyBoybS3pLTOauQG57Fkoc4PFRaDEYTVaHTPAEd4L6jmceLPLacBQVEtR2NiM0zsWhzlnRtQhI8XsPLL7Buoen3R86YB0rQJuZyN9UBEn1QuD85qkdO8tj3dFyxDbPE5F2ZU7Xc=&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==>, please contact Sean Malone<mailto:smalone@newenglandcouncil.com>. Financial Services/Fiscal Policy Upcoming Hearings & Markups * Wednesday, February 11, 2025 - House Committee on Financial Services, Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology, and AI - A Golden Age of Digital Assets: Charting a Path Forward <https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgAU-ch-l42C0kSmxUNzFUdTuqdP_KvFeG07xNaEFq834GiFe7pWDV2wbsbPqV_h8s9xBneDnJD94fsrkkX99Ioa2gJYNrOWsTpqNlMaIDszV4mFP7q1ANfVW0RDtYyHpTE3SYPQNEceAMgPAi3bt78Dggtu9oAAtk4R8e24348qpo=&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==> * Wednesday, February 12, 2025 - House Committee on Financial Services - The Federal Reserve’s Semi-Annual Monetary Policy Report <https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgAlwnwvX2N0NKjjroobaPpDBOMBGFZd2eSj4YkIDff4B-eUj3AcrydvLlwjplhnqDtLUHb42hBasaON0RLL-oBaJ3bYtAXQQVkYb6RUfY5KLoegdjAv2ZF9bYdVvZLPMiZwz3fGTwfpViwFnXMybKWbzyrxOLUXrx6xR7DFlw2WZw=&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==> * Wednesday, February 12, 2025 - Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship - Meeting to consider pending business of the committee; rules for the 119th Congress<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgAgdB2zq0dMK7BlHmehKEh9ZX246IJzPtL3VqXWsxpBkTMFTe6l4n0ymPfPG-oysMtlh2gbPgSdftB_FpESBoMggsJHMnEqW_0G1ttAnE7Ntc8gD4FSVrX4770yWKCuzVn_xqHO2kEAfYLPDlbcK40JJhGb3VStWHJiywgALO4_HWaqtzbEvAIRCDkU57IZGv5&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==> New Bills Introduced in the Senate Regarding Financial Security – In an effort to help consumers struggling with financial debt, Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) introduced a bill <https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgAmQhiJukdAwHQeKYWNrFG8GKZe0pQc0LYiyJ5jiG8H1X9RpVGRvMinq5rWk7-HLaWuqsjjfw0NiU3vq1uUhSHYW3MUaysjUuhMxMyhZG11eb08p6SID56a_MxKpCGDl7e2eALx6K8NqIEqpPklLLrpA==&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==> on Tuesday to cap credit card interest rates at 10%<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgAmQhiJukdAwHQeKYWNrFG8GKZe0pQc0LYiyJ5jiG8H1X9RpVGRvMinq5rWk7-HLaWuqsjjfw0NiU3vq1uUhSHYW3MUaysjUuhMxMyhZG11eb08p6SID56a_MxKpCGDl7e2eALx6K8NqIEqpPklLLrpA==&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==>. The legislation will provide financial relief to working-class families burdened by high interest rates, which the Senators noted could extend to 25%. Sanders and Hawley criticized banks and credit card issuers for profiting from excessive rates, calling it exploitative. If passed, the bill would immediately cap credit card interest rates at 10% and be in effect for five years. On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Angus King introduced the bipartisan bill, Fairness for Servicemembers and Their Families Act<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgAsdvqU2hLzQQsq6ANL71_2b1qgzoHyyeMbYitkRhKJ7qYDOJiMsd1ntV5fOpeMhYlO3pWk91Kez0zAtjtZb62AW0QZ0exaZEx1I-wnc7RKVOVLvDNohRwaKQy8Hmzl3kS54siZNa_sTRyQKfxMmeJkQ==&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==>,<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgAsdvqU2hLzQQsq6ANL71_2b1qgzoHyyeMbYitkRhKJ7qYDOJiMsd1ntV5fOpeMhYlO3pWk91Kez0zAtjtZb62AW0QZ0exaZEx1I-wnc7RKVOVLvDNohRwaKQy8Hmzl3kS54siZNa_sTRyQKfxMmeJkQ==&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==> seeking to ensure life insurance packages adjust to the cost of living for servicemembers, veterans, and their families. The legislation aims to address the fixed life insurance maximums, which have remained unchanged for 17 years and fail to keep pace with inflation rates. The Bill is co-sponsored by Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Representatives Marilyn Strickland (D-WA) and Keith Self (R-TX). For more information on the Council's Financial Services Committee<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIopGet3BRmKB0nUnpn6j4pEEKJsXLnvhYCqDpXi1jjV0Mv3SmzFwq6Bc2iRqcT6Cjus_qQoQAf9iIfCOqWqdA2PLNgL1MnYHHXi9UKxbzE5195pJ7fIFnMwSzC1zOwqrNPUFsN3PB5oR0l0-CHu7x2Ao=&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==>, please contact Emily Heisig<mailto:eheisig@newenglandcouncil.com>. Healthcare Upcoming Hearings & Markups * Tuesday, February 11th, 2025 – House Committee on Ways and Means, Subcommittee on Health - Hearing: Modernizing American Health Care: Creating Healthy Options and Better Incentives<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgAUUNJUL3mQkmyps_9n61x-WK4ShqFdtYMZt7UmCyRpnmzBPPFz31N_GW9hAAqMG9fno12xMF_lwZsVSv_3BI226SOoTYJAnYKE1k9j9-3uFe6xaUJu76qBkvFQ8fvvVhhvfRvhcUdQDb8MTVaF2CJK9WaVtbYCcHg7ODng6XXudmdcdxFzqLRajAoOqqRIU4LPkVOipwNSru98EnDuo35nrEZVYmQsIP8ZwvSJXhvYbkW2JpYpH_FV2rOJDThz7wi&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==> RFK Jr. Nomination Advances in Senate – On Tuesday, despite struggling mightily in two separate confirmation hearings, the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to serves as Secretary of HHS was advanced by the Senate Finance Committee in a 14-13 vote along party lines. The Confirmation of Kennedy as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services would spell a dramatic shift in the country’s health policy. Kennedy, who has repeatedly perpetuated disproven theories that vaccines cause autism, would be responsible for overseeing agencies that set the nation’s health agenda, including the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. While senators on both sides pressed Kennedy about his past statements during two confirmation hearings last week, Republicans mainly sought assurances he’d follow Trump’s policies on abortion. To view the hearing in its entirety, click here<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIoo3uJcI8Gg_n3iCGxLnS0_jFf6GDR9WW3V5AOdtWuDHqGu54pUWB5WnliFBtetp2TsldHxaL_18bzSZQFmkI0oqiFHPHQlu93YUAtdIoleXZ0L8B3OItoMQPs4aeGj6CO_pQr1GDkoE3TxXltE2WzgBkuFzliBaLcPUXVfiJb2UdgZIK3abtBf7kk3044WnU8rSNaUEwXRXoDQqE_TCJHbt0ze9cZed2RaG7eSIt5rgKwdYv8eKVz4iPqHbrPF6KLEzhGDMD2TqR0GY4tt7DB-sfu9aOmk-EO7Y6bTXyAniEujqz-8AzpCMCojJ3oGcQyg==&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==>. DOGE Gains Access to CMS – On Wednesday, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a statement<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgA57YQVhm22juZcei_tDidO45G0mEmQKLGKLrwhPZR-bFw3QXfu7T_G-nlPd2t-s-rPg_5UNcwDSYPB3lLndpsDWaa2w0ylTTJYgwZ56obp8ts74UjCX6I1WaEW1USDKjoRqMehWmRLnZpRW6Nk79gAGCKKbqy1ANO&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==> confirming that the agency is working with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a new federal office headed by billionaire Elon Musk that aims to slash government spending, the agency said Wednesday. According to the statement, two senior agency staffers, one focused on policy and the other on operations, are leading the collaboration with DOGE. CMS has potential to be a large target for DOGE as the agency provides health coverage to more 160 million Americans<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgAhlveC2pTpuiM2v0oHGMSi48iaT6Kqz3QfHmiYSj_Qw3Pv0dWeleDAegWQPc4glbTU15cen2_o_w3l8LBFlswnfwbCHrJivLD&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==> through Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program and the Affordable Care Act exchanges. Overall funding levels reached approximately $1.5 trillion in fiscal year 2024<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgAEliLMDKBqt9UNaCQu2rHw3Sfhs58Zvhgiz8Faq8GgN04aTZy7F1skR8I6lUn8wdWGvfmxTlpsgKg_FL6LsxoOJXHKR6sVTOIOqYjlQ6mtT7REKKqSX7jSiNRb-e5RV75S1bB2mg3DiA2ABpu3EoLoEzH7Gdq0qmt&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==>, or 22% of the federal total. For more information on the Council's Healthcare Committee<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIokU0rwMNESY7BwiHpoU09IaINgXEHqYGAWi0vfKeIiZ3KLYxWnr1D3pxgYKP_J84hl0o13ZptX_K5ZjwlNOXIxhJkRbp5lH2ZQX0Pw77VB2_yk-RegXveT7Lp2dT1lIOPKakYCSrrNGf&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==>, please contact Sean Malone<mailto:smalone@newenglandcouncil.com>. Higher Education Upcoming Hearings & Markups * Thursday, February 13th, 2025 – Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions – Nomination of Linda McMahon to serve as Secretary of Education <https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgA6-27gsYXZOhj5Vzsnr6RkkX1hV-nGi50aTRPWATefAqGb6-rhykKhRiOe4rpunGjpn7Y-fr2ZXE-P0OfYhm5UzayWn16uTasXWV3UZJt2TBwA_SvPrsXbcCZJxF2VLGz_Cd0_wOxLGk9S-OloYPNnHdXKPoNVQifPWDJLBI8TG4bpxHng8nWf3fxJVvctcZN&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==> Education Department to face potential dismantling - Reports reveal that the White House is finalizing an order to follow through with Trump’s campaign promise to get rid of the Education Department. Officials have discussed an executive order which would shut down all functions of the department that aren’t written explicitly into statute or move certain functions to other departments. However, there remains widespread bipartisan agreement that shutting down the department would not be within the President’s executive power and would require congressional action. The order is predicted to develop a legislative plan to dissolve the agency to present to Congress. Such congressional action is unlikely to occur and would require a supermajority of 60 votes in the Senate, meaning at least seven Democrats would need to vote in support of the plan. The timing of the order is still unknown, as is how detailed the language will be. Trump has said “the teachers’ unions are the only ones that are opposed to it… [and that] no one else would want to hold [us] back.” However, education lobbying groups, higher education experts and Democratic lawmakers have expressed concern that the order would cause chaotic disruptions and make it more difficult to access college for low-income students and students with disabilities. Within the department, employees have begun to be put on administrative leave and staff have been pressured to voluntarily quit. Insiders revealed to the Washington Post that The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have also begun working within the agency and are looking for ways to cut spending and staff. Additional information can be found here<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgAQqHWZe00amtQrzeZPAH8vbMzuAd5UNqJR3Qv7EiFg0UDXjYF41uI0JO_u9bG8wF9sryUX4up6DTOLcb79GyiET2fXM00GI9gwvW-VbbrXOBgfpoOHRnNX6nTyWEEKLMDCcaB7xtsiY3tjEUx5X_8219QxhhHYLSchMphx5-tUuTJ_PFV1OIMCQe8VsBYLiOgYRb0NeLxTDI_3jTPY_0FhA==&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==>, here <https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgAfEqe14-YGwLqz4QAmMfBaWuP5N3lUwj3IGY6CTV59wNZIN11bHo08aDt9e41jcAzB1T9C9yAxP2fE5AgvvNXp0zzURf92yHJmogWR9MXIjSexCpS8Zy44ki15r9OlBw-QDSbVC0yTvJsosTLznXp8f2McowmN4KiFSwCJQMX1JFRVdsl5zXVfIZfB2fdIALs0_8pukFWb6W7cv8IPTOqKg==&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==> and here<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgASW0q6NiPYgctZ6tp7kY--oP5UlomyF5xOiSIAZilnON7UqEX0zIuSxVBAusEDzlNtkUCnNc_PCOuWWOgZOOl3ZWngZUda4O1hzai8mXuG6bO0Kw65-I0_sWmi85V3tiBDaA9mAzcXTtRb5xh9RwIg34dZxv72pHrqtGozul-K0HjWmArXlX-jdVf4YBBDgPyqzMjJpwtX3Xg_SufYPYycdD6NjOb955H&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==>. Higher Ed organizations sue against Trump’s DEI orders- College professors, university diversity officers, nonprofit organizations, and local governments are teaming up to challenge President Trump’s executive orders that target diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the U.S. government, higher education, and the private sector. The orders seek to end “illegal discrimination” and “wasteful” programs, as outlined by the President. As part of these orders, many science and research agencies have been begun to review programs that may be in violation of the executive orders for certain flagged words and terms. This list includes words such a “female,” “gender,” “racial,” and more. The National Science Foundation (NSF) as well as the National Institute of Health (NIH) have both begun reviewing research projects for violations, which could have large impacts on ongoing and future research at universities across the country. Organizations that don’t comply with the orders could be subject to face financial penalty or federal investigation. College campuses have expressed worry and uncertainty over the orders, which they accuse threaten academic freedom and equal access to higher education. These actions come in conjunction with the Trump administration’s attempt to freeze trillions of dollars of federal grants and loans, which would also have widespread impacts on Higher Ed. organizations. A federal lawsuit was filed Monday in the U.S. District Court in Maryland by The American Association of University Professors (AAUP), the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, and other groups. The suit argues the President’s orders violate the First and Fifth Amendments and exceed executive legal authority. The 40-page complaint filed states, “In his crusade to erase diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility from our country, President Trump cannot usurp Congress’s exclusive power of the purse, nor can he silence those who disagree with him by threatening them with the loss of federal funds and other enforcement actions.” Numerous states and nonprofits have followed with lawsuits of their own. AAUP continues to discourage universities from engaging in “anticipatory obedience” before direct orders are given. Additional information can be found here<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgAxSMm2FojTnMokzeuoriUeQs3r-rxESFNFGYYJRRXUxVkhhQVRUnPGVg5dC-mU-PFihmZDI-RVwmU7MBuIl1n0ydyd36fsOVu8-8N8_rjGOCVm1IHNZQo8HYlVMOXbpfxxIVbgbRqH_WVWJwcxVCGGULULKCI7Xp82DmPHjI1-i5yNy3CoF3BUPenHTvWjQsTeBM5-vZd7yKoLIt9wTcqhA==&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==>, here<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgAxkM8HHUFLDarcx7ZkEX3903LPyHEqy4ne13nry8Rca-WR2VYiDndgUZ2DrXKA3t1strlPwyKbYXgdrSacnmyZ9oI0vkc-oRb5oLAupR2yb9VaVW-4mnk9QRUktVk-MFTKJmNrpLSXttKqec0lFrpZqLkfzM1Ltz6_NswU7dYmCrg2kjEJGY_Sw==&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==>, here<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgA8g8s-KD2WgQFPm-5PpWDmCTLDqJzmNwOCvjnp7d5qs8K_4T9u7Z4QrPwaP-fTGkbUckxWJLWz4p2kNTcXp2C6aAUHD-FBvid0mHI5QyuNlXb0sB0u0VTb58Tn0Qz5qxLJF23XRmgp309BEYWG5bKxL3RUi0mhy6IWlna9yvB2yvgYyl9VB8k13fWNRj_G38VpdD-biBH31I=&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==>, and here<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgApvcajwTML5mMFPknc_mWI37EUAdPF42tEX1DleSYxMwIMKuTFupR3oPDchsasvTm8vivXHIoZuiXOBjfYGLhUH0ub6bgQQxiSpJ1sraJY7hM6Di4CIcs9zr82REonAit9o09K0BbP_puPttTLjXGrbS-a0AxKrq76Y1Dm91BWps9KvmnekpsErnqQpxSsOjT&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==>. For more information on the Council's Higher Education Committee<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIokU0rwMNESY7B-A_ZyybxtSl0aQ6Efs99z9z6yWnIslGq7lajUrlBqOnGj4Mlmm1Som1ttB5s5jbORJDGN5bdXQX8w7QZZqz2iTlZbc2zlpeB_WcDP6lkreyrAp_h3JnGqhlV2ZeDhB0Jee79d8jeN0=&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==>, please contact Mariah Healy<mailto:mhealy@newenglandcouncil.com>. Technology & Innovation Cyber Workforce to feel impact of the hiring freeze.—Member of Congress and other leaders in the cybersecurity space are very concerned that the Administration’s “efforts to cut the federal workforce are kneecapping recent initiatives to recruit more cyber and technology personnel into government.” House Democrats wrote a letter to the Acting Office of Personnel Management Director Charlez Ezell last week stating that “reckless attacks on federal workers risk reversing recent progress in addressing the federal government’s cyber workforce shortage.” While the 90 day federal government hiring freeze does exclude positions related to national security, it has not been made immediately clear if cybersecurity falls under that category. One example the article cited of this uncertainty was that specific agencies including the “Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, haven’t posted any new cyber jobs since the freeze was announced.” In their letter the Democratic Members of Congress wrote that “a hiring freeze that precludes federal agencies from filling cybersecurity positions risks the security of federal networks and may prevent sector risk management agencies from fulfilling their obligations to help defend critical infrastructure.” Hiring freezes at the start of new administrations not necessarily uncommon, however according to some when coupled with “the push to get federal employees to resign,” “it’s enormously disruptive to the government’s efforts to improve cyber hiring.” This interviewee stated that “when you do a hiring freeze, you layer on top of what is already not working well a whole other set of problems, not only with those people who are already in the pipeline, but frankly, in your ability to attract people from the outside who are looking at the hiring freeze and saying, ‘How can I go there?” Additional information can be found here<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgA8a2urwNqqfcwvVqd9GlYn8oORJe1hn8NuD6mxZdnQNg047wMeBC0L6arVD88ufi87SDVv6Wmk0MW5DAr6xjrR2C-PelkjvPPlw0rmhaekIJa37lENsgJt1Gj-MJc3cZhUo3ue_I1UGFkAGBegIqRJD4wt-3S0DFLYlFhK0ZR3tGyqNs9nabWl1az2-xCE7Es6pF-OxlZ-rGE_frm5xVun-wCm-IbmjXZhseEpGmufrQ=&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==>. For more information on the Council's Technology & Innovation Working Group<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIon4ihaW8e21jyTMmWuloTvPUmuqXxjhy-rR1AfieYekT-x-ktBYypfqN-vruwxh_em3oO3OnnwaxKHt--55GOSGYENUMe1un8nHHW8Fh4eUDYKziZ1Z39rmdYfpudNGfg67a5Jfxz8TJDdkGfHQ6-iGV59r_mVqRkw==&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==>, please contact Mariah Healy<mailto:mhealy@newenglandcouncil.com>. Trade President Trump Pauses Tariffs on Canada and Mexico; Calls for Additional Tariffs – On Monday, President Donald Trump announced<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgAHzBuEv5io8Vep4-7Go5a2Q3Wq8R4aL8DjkB9Sd0QE3JH0sELTiaGub9JMC5gH2RsDUbjNjA92dmJZeZupPcuN4VSRdwzo-wTKJG7PLENR9_SJVeQO62wPHvu9AmRfwMoxRBINyj3bR9cYGOv4iginGdk7ABk6TOMEVcWsLrxFnFzfqNof5vzE8IjTd0mdmrFfhpfk5iOQ44=&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==> that the United States would initiate a 30-day pause the application of tariffs on all goods imported into the United States from Mexico after reaching an agreement with President Claudia Sheinbaum. Shortly thereafter, the President announced<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgAJtGk1omW2tKIhR8BwCe_yX3lGBJc690I2HsJumYfKwMSMQp9ElYbozNaV_tcYeCZ700Ow3OFOsbr8v-4xkzTMjMJd2AQ_Q1xlQm4VGFSk9zq_X4n1Fr476L3JWJkig5Neo0Mqvo4uxnZa1RzfimGNG3XDinGhgbHN1jXC6P9dK6U9MpoLAGVtRbdfjJp0Uu8sIVVG52BB14=&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==> that he would similarly pause tariffs on all products imported from Canada after reaching a similar agreement with Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Previously, President Trump indicated that tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico would be set at 25 percent, though energy products from Canada would have only faced a 10 percent tariff. However, agreements reached to add more soldiers on the respective borders of Canada and Mexico to fight fentanyl and limit immigration signaled the move by President Trump. A progress assessment will be made by March 4, 2025, when the President will determine if these tariffs will be applied, paused further, or rescinded. Meanwhile, during a meeting with Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Friday, President Trump alluded to additional, reciprocal tariffs that he would seek to impose on a whole raft of nations that have tariffs on U.S. products. An announcement on those tariffs is expected during the week. Senate Committee Approves Commerce Secretary Nominee – On Wednesday, the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee approved<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIoo3uJcI8Gg_nQSSzdnMP2PZA7iyxv7ss62CPdvyBetRy9prg4fF7aFQEJOL12svSzpmrQwu1jHKlFgLlFCfclpSGTjq4al4shUVdKwzU3bBbx1uyWNa2_hXBi-czeBHgWliUaAxCgiJq&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==> the nomination of Mr. Howard Lutnick to serve as the Secretary of Commerce by a vote of 16 to 12. Senator Jon Fetterman (D-PA) was the only Democrat to vote in favor of the nomination. With the Committee’s action, the nomination went to the full Senate for further consideration where on Thursday, Senators voted 52 to 46<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgAai0ifkJGeXmkJ4LUHLBSDYrjXBgrgSZRoZKsJhqG987CAgPOT-Df62yvHXm_Aq-AkETtrx58uVvlO1PD6zz4jD5tw1YJiQiCmehvtWPgHBf4ZfhKvmR-seTmoaXbt02oIlglSM_PcxA9yWioE0AVvBCSt5vdf6L8Yc9GmX9_NOMdCvh3_Hhkkg==&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==> on a motion to proceed to the nomination. The Senate is anticipated to have at least one more procedural vote in the week ahead followed by a vote on the nomination. Mr. Lutnick has most recently served as CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald and is likely to be a key advisor to the President on trade policy. He is seen as a tariff and trade “hawk” who will look favorably at tariffs to remedy what the Administration considers unfair treatment. USTR Nominee Faces Senate Finance Committee – On Thursday, the Senate Finance Committee held a hearing<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIoo3uJcI8Gg_nrQ7Y-Zm53gIXSj6sXJFS6fHeNfkVcUHTq-X0_ojVGwmZrj6rZcaR0bNrSf81Ge8MDbOj2rkhCu5yhPb0mcsJhm6fidjcVuWCGHGXsvD8EoYXsoPXVSv5VQo8FqxNjEg2biPw7XB6RbhANs6TvjIJEOeHbiR7LH1A5z_FEEp8pz4YEp1PnbI-h-Y2aZjV8OAmHEtPbCwm3HQyAHRQmFVazeTce7H44w1NTRui1I7Gmnj908SLANzFU5Cmr47ts5dUFw3s9vbDy9pmhgo5wmvuC21Um0JTb-Hlhn2WOjmisLg8QpKog1x_DLu_SafXxzFzMsNi3v4myNY=&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==> to discuss the qualifications of Mr. Jamieson Greer to be United States Trade Representative (USTR). Mr. Greer is a veteran of the USTR, having served as Chief of Staff to former U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer in the first Trump Administration. In his opening statement<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgAcG4m4I0NPR4QO6vx4aZWdsaNPirkQjtsidB-SWBe0dlKXTmz1gNw1AhwA7x0S0dj1KBy4H8Mg9G1ZMXy6Dz2lADUoYacJnAOgtz-P3rljw0k9Ac6d79PjlkBoJDHXT5c0Et5RVmw-j_Z63tJ4HXM9GGx_wgiuFI8&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==>, Mr. Greer indicated that his passion for this new position was routed in the notion that as a nation of producers, he was “convinced that American workers, farmers, ranchers, and service providers can compete with anyone else in the world, in this market and beyond – so long as they have a level playing field to do so.” He went on to say that for economic and national security purposes, it was critical that we have “resilience in strategic goods and services, agricultural and food supply chains, and technology.” He added further that there was a short timeframe to “restructure the international trading system to better serve U.S. interests,” and that he would “work closely with this Committee and the rest of Congress to execute President Trump’s trade agenda.” In his opening statement<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgAE84ibKUINMPj4BgILwlKq7CS93HBuxxHsIKFFVhaKVCWCCNM_buMPQKclNJTbWU-okjrmFiKdCD9kqKthPYcITtAIykzu2uehbrhAY5OEHsFO_XU6jPbATA_67aM9jxOK9HVvwp9qXPlzTtMYzI2MrI8EonAvRKH&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==>, Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-ID) praised Mr. Greer by saying “as an accomplished international trade attorney, he is an expert on our trade agreements and trade laws, including the requirements to report to Congress promptly and thoroughly,” pointing specifically to his involvement in the passage of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The Committee’s Ranking Member, Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), was courteous in his opening remarks<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgA618WTSMrZR8hlPOJLMduS7KFCXjAFQeuFiXNxjPra0Zty7KRZIcJLwHeIsQsjU3fLTh0eY01qYsuAG6u3WUfhbXTI3ctxQfC0FR7Hleh6y5vwjjFulEa69s8X6_uNoHoLKx7Q_XZBXgHtwcupxU-4NvoXFMUDFpJ&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==> about Mr. Greer’s experience, however he expressed concern that Mr. Greer’s role in trade policy would be overshadowed by the White House policy team and leadership at the Department of Commerce. “International trade policy is far too important to American families, workers, small businesses, manufacturers and farmers to be sacrificed to make headlines on some unrelated issue,” said Senator Wyden. “Based on last week, it’s unclear what say you’ll have in the Administration, or whether you’ll have any at all,” he said, adding “but now is your opportunity to make your case for how you’ll keep trade on the rails.” Senate Finance Committee’s Trade Subcommittee Members Named – On Monday, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-ID) announced<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgAOfIZB8yIUVBF_RhdW5lQ-HceywS56RITbi5Eybh5OFP0YhVkeyqk-U3iWTP9EgqDsIK54jl4qmPdwJETgddTdEKbIajbrJIjvwIeYNvut4uOvgvWmc87LHxhfZ2sHZPSAGKXKdu8YB1IArs_zSr30aFjNqOkErAAbQx8NuZxEMuTFzmpcG2BYJdEBsyn55Lx3YEFAgCK6x9675b3FogmvQ==&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==> the rosters for the various Subcommittees. The Members of the Subcommittee on International Trade, Customs and Global Competitiveness are as follows: Republicans - John Cornyn, TX, (Chairman); Chuck Grassley, IA; John Thune, SD; Tim Scott, SC; Steve Daines, MT; Todd Young, IN; Thom Tillis, NC; and Roger Marshall, KS. Democrats - Raphael Warnock, GA; Michael Bennet, CO; Mark Warner, VA; Sheldon Whitehouse, RI; Catherine Cortez Masto, NV; Elizabeth Warren, MA; and Tina Smith, MN. Commerce Department Releases December & Annual (2024) Trade Data – On Wednesday, 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=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgAuwy_hATyYsot25LZaDdVu6-SoUBF0i_kWsdEuHxRuuGiVZUdQVxhx9TDAO0kCWFlhPAomgMWDF-oVazBrO1FuUbj0X7dpgKECuAGfE5usC_dxs_WAYrAnWPsTDDiIJ83qNS7zx0T_QqOrBXG-HbGZ39vhyq04PqkPFznAkOM2hEREjpb5yxEA_ZNunpfrK6c&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==> for the month of December related to America’s trade surpluses and deficits as well as 2024 year-end data. For the month of December, the trade data showed that America’s goods and services trade deficit came in at $98.4 billion representing an increase of $19.5 billion from November’s revised figure of $78.9 billion. For December, the level of exports of goods and services totaled $266.5 billion while imports totaled $364.9 billion. The level of exports was down $7.1 billion compared to November’s figures, and the level of imports was $12.4 billion higher in the month-to-month comparison. The three-month average trade deficit (October through December) for goods and services increased $4.7 billion to $83.8 billion. For the year-over-year comparison, “the average goods and services deficit increased $19.2 billion from the three months ending in December 2023.” For December, the U.S. showed a $25.3 billion goods deficit with China, a $20.4 billion goods deficit with the European Union, a $15.2 billion goods deficit with Mexico, a $13 billion goods deficit with Switzerland, an $11.3 billion goods deficit with Vietnam, and a $7.9 billion goods deficit with Canada. With Germany, the goods deficit was $7.6 billion; with Taiwan, the goods deficit was $6.9 billion; with Ireland, the goods deficit was $6.2 billion; with South Korea, the goods deficit was $5.6 billion; with Japan, the goods deficit was $5.5 billion; with India, the goods deficit was $4.9 billion; with Italy, the goods deficit was $4.1 billion; with Malaysia, the goods deficit was $2.5 billion; with France, the goods deficit was $1.1 billion; with Israel, the goods deficit was $800 million; and with Singapore, the goods deficit was $400 million. With Switzerland, the goods deficit increased $9.1 billion to $13 billion for the month as exports decreased by $0.7 billion to $1.2 billion and imports increased by $8.4 billion to $14.2 billion. With Canada, the goods deficit increased $2.9 billion to $7.9 billion for the month as exports decreased by $0.4 billion to $29.1 billion and imports increased by $2.5 billion to $37 billion. With Ireland, the goods deficit decreased $3.1 billion to $6.2 billion for the month as exports decreased by $0.1 billion to $1.2 billion and imports decreased by $3.2 billion to $7.5 billion. In the plus column, the U.S. showed a goods surplus with the Netherlands of $5 billion for the month. With South and Central America, our surplus was $3.5 billion; with the United Kingdom, our surplus was $2.3 billion; with Hong Kong, our surplus was $0.7 billion; with Saudi Arabia, our surplus was $0.4 billion; with Brazil, our surplus was $0.4 billion; with Belgium, our surplus was $0.3 billion; and with Australia, our surplus was $0.2 billion. For the year<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgAuwy_hATyYsot25LZaDdVu6-SoUBF0i_kWsdEuHxRuuGiVZUdQVxhx9TDAO0kCWFlhPAomgMWDF-oVazBrO1FuUbj0X7dpgKECuAGfE5usC_dxs_WAYrAnWPsTDDiIJ83qNS7zx0T_QqOrBXG-HbGZ39vhyq04PqkPFznAkOM2hEREjpb5yxEA_ZNunpfrK6c&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==>, America’s goods and services trade deficit came in at $918.4 billion in 2024, representing an increase of $133.5 billion from 2023’s figure of $784.9 billion. For 2024, the level of exports of goods and services totaled $3.1916 trillion, which was an increase of $119.8 billion over 2023. Imports on the year totaled $4.11 trillion, which was an increase of $253.3 billion over 2023. In 2024, the U.S. showed a $295.4 billion goods trade deficit with China while the deficit with the European Union was $235.6 billion. With Mexico, the 2024 goods deficit was $171.8 billion; with Vietnam, the goods deficit was $123.5 billion; with Ireland, the deficit was $86.7 billion; with Germany, the deficit was $84.8 billion; with Taiwan, the deficit was $73.9 billion; with Japan, the deficit was $68.5 billion; with South Korea, the deficit was $66 billion; with Canada, the deficit was $63.3 billion; with India, the deficit was $45.7 billion; with Thailand, the deficit was $45.6 billion; with Italy, the deficit was $44 billion; with Switzerland, the deficit was $38.5 billion; with Malaysia, the deficit was $24.8 billion; with Indonesia, the deficit was $17.9 billion; with France, the deficit was $16.4 billion; with Austria, the deficit was $13.1 billion; and with Sweden, the deficit was $9.8 billion. With the European Union, the goods deficit increased $26.9 billion to $235.6 billion for the year. Exports to the EU rose $2.6 billion to $370.2 billion in 2024, while imports also increased, $29.4 billion to $605.8 billion in the past year. The goods deficit with Taiwan came in $26.1 billion higher at $73.9 billion for the year, as exports were up $2.4 billion to $42.3 billion, and imports rose $28.5 billion to $116.3 billion. In the plus column for 2024, the U.S. showed a goods surplus with the Netherlands of $55.5 billion. With South and Central America, the surplus was $47.3 billion, $21.9 billion with Hong Kong, $17.9 billion with Australia, and $11.9 billion with the United Kingdom. The goods surplus with the Netherlands rose $12.7 billion to $55.5 billion for the year, as exports were up $8.3 billion to $89.6 billion, while imports dropped $4.4 billion to $34.1 billion. For more information on the Council's Trade Working Group<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIokU0rwMNESY7kFYZgcMAzA2JJ9_xJrmc-frYadAr1FrliKYgU0ZyIu_szy33w6rdZHUSwlqNkemUfcr6XcmhSZBVohGK-EtLVK5HukNJKNW6EoF8V8-DPMZ08KZj_DB-ag==&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==>, please contact Peter Phipps<mailto:pphipps@newenglandcouncil.com>. Transportation & Infrastructure Upcoming Hearings & Markups  * Tuesday, February 11, 2025 (10:00) – House Homeland Security Committee’s Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security – Hearing: Examining the PRC’s Strategic Port Investments in the Western Hemisphere and the Implications for Homeland Security, Part I.<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgAWkMmZ9oaJ5Eal9IyhbvCSRyo96xc9xLMzKso1jvbaxb_-_NicwYGJMit8RJtnFuDmGuGemxdhazUo9TJmZCFYexL47FhpiQP_U2BNEoG79VvX2A57FGkB7Wnc_tNZHZOmmBYtnBAwVuObwP3eRC4hXTVWDcpIIBfZ1jI3ntL2KM1oBYoNE2dEWEBt_fi-PJUhV78Y-r89xW57rjijbAWFHD7zSZNY6TEaVllQWXNbEF627epAUNWcVFff6ezttWu2SB2vzTtUk0=&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==> Senate Committee Adopts Bill to Preserve AM Car Radios – At a Wednesday markup<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIoo3uJcI8Gg_nQSSzdnMP2PZA7iyxv7ss62CPdvyBetRy9prg4fF7aFQEJOL12svSzpmrQwu1jHKlFgLlFCfclpSGTjq4al4shUVdKwzU3bBbx1uyWNa2_hXBi-czeBHgWliUaAxCgiJq&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==>, the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation passed legislation designed to ensure the survival of AM radio in motor vehicles. The Senate bill – the AM for Every Vehicle Act (S. 315<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgAaNxmrSWReDpwzEYkLifRfavOmrvKcH6idLb0t18ravaaTFeQi90pMXtbbrbmiidrRytJXRUAl_0N5XtdnbQp6amcwQaiG0I3OX3WqXl3VNc2ofHLQ1UpqU4Yj9EhV-JlhRRKHqtpwq4=&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==>) – was introduced<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgA87TzszNbFakF4Oci_kLdoQKzQeQMCSlkrV7n86yKjVWfqfwp3TDP0gX_693CPG8b3FZFCYs3FVMb35tMY7qAb9qN32kBKVQgcp4f_dMFXpBqWp00pJpVDhOJJbzxw4qJHRuOQBs0iBSJawLarPB9j0GqJps05gwcgb8hoUr9-NWwDcZGEb5AFxUME0pfIyyxJU5_0g-Nmhy0FHLbCjYvqAS1Ci7X8uoDMkykutiF4KAtjIsEyEa35_ycyyTB_Bl8&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==> by Senators Ed Markey (D-MA) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) in order to require automakers to include AM broadcast radio in their new vehicles at no additional cost. The lawmakers argue that AM radio has been a vital tool for emergencies, news, weather, sports, and entertainment for millions of listeners and across multiple generations and should continue to do so, even with the advent of electric vehicles. The bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue a rule mandating automakers to maintain AM broadcast radio in their vehicles without any extra payment or surcharge. It also requires automakers that sell vehicles without AM radio access to be transparent with consumers that their vehicle does not have AM radio. Additionally, the bill calls for a study by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to assess whether alternative communication systems can copy the role of AM broadcast radio for emergency alerts. The bipartisan bill has forty-five other cosponsors – 29 Republicans, 14 Democrats, and 2 Independents – and with Committee passage, now goes to the full Senate for further consideration. House Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Maritime Infrastructure – On Wednesday, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation held a hearing<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgAzwzan9_xqL_9fovZ6m7TR2P05KAtkya97tmv-r-N-ks6fVDsdHOBrDEIYpEvzrCUrYWD8QIzkshJ-n5bVth1YXG2YFwPMUfX9AiuXqVSSLLid_O5rtAL19MwMOxRAR2kqbnwO6rq_MvwStiGCQvZ-U2gZupTchck&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==> as part of the Committee’s over “America Builds” series to discuss our nation’s maritime infrastructure. In his first hearing as Subcommittee Chairman, Representative Mike Ezell (R-MS) noted that “nearly all of the country’s inbound or outbound cargo is transported by ships requiring a robust system of maritime infrastructure to ensure the movement of goods.” While pointing out the importance of U.S. ports and the impact of the Jones Act (requirement of American crews and American built and owned ships on domestic routes), Chairman Ezell pointed out that “the rise of the shipbuilding industries of global competitors has led to a decline in our own shipbuilding capacity,” while adding that the Maritime Administration remains key in helping “fund projects to construct and expand maritime infrastructure and U.S. shipbuilding.” The Subcommittee heard from a handful of maritime stakeholders who shared their insight and recommendations on how to help the Maritime Administration conduct their mission. House Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Drones – On Thursday, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Subcommittee on Aviation held a hearing<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgA0M6-3RrtyaHjcyo83g0UpIltn6ywtiT2mFhhu6QlvQ8xPADotj4RwgM2r51Ea7Qtkl_2o1l4E9_iRYFPEq7-OYJI0KLb0RcNy0nx-CLgTsE1jyLrurfZxx3qaiThyXwAOHzvMM6D1cZxg-hS4hTgzGEVFJ__a1J-&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==> to discuss “the current landscape of counter-UAS technologies in this country.” In his first hearing as Subcommittee Chairman, Representative Troy Nehls (R-TX) took the opportunity to express the condolences of the entire Subcommittee for two crashes in Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia that took the lives of a total of 74 individuals signaling that further discussions about these incidents will likely occur once the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) completes its investigation. As for the hearing, Chairman Nehls pointed out<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIovWkeX_lQEgAtpbNdatcvUPS-LEnpsVkG2psoKLeigQm21kCeiyW9P0Fk8GTs948n0djGeYmuffzBYGADcUjZqG7ZLMJtIYoFdho8b4zBLh81-_AEemgDix0eshAKQNhU0Mb1MSIaaS_t_qcyBSIDSGXZjdP9lV866_eSDSerL_f&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==> that there are more than one million registered unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), also known as “drones,” operating in the United States. Despite their popularity, there are times when their use causes concern, as occurred over the skies of New Jersey. Though those incidences were explained, Chairman Nehls stated “the recent events in New Jersey have highlighted the ease with which bad actors could utilize drones with nefarious and malicious intent or conduct illicit drone operations.” He added that America “must continue to support and foster new aviation technologies,” but we need to ensure “the appropriate and safe use of counter-UAS technologies in the nation’s airspace by authorized users [guarantees] that civil aviation safety is not jeopardized.” He further expressed his thanks that steps have been taken to develop “a counter-UAS mitigation pilot program for state and local law enforcement.” For more information on the Council's Transportation & Infrastructure Committee<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qXqkh601xTHIzdtDbJzNSuXABtiy4ep-ewdYes4NbRDOZo8oB8WIokILsrsW_04MB3Tr405qR1Zkn-rSQt4Y2UzDdU0klTvShXWNUVXGI21cG-3i-VU3n2ca0praVvx61NKYY3bb7miTxFpFE5sLaQB4A0q8xbbxS_8wvhzAKagTg0eVNxVX-knWYg1Uysg2&c=HR3BpdcWvoQ9LAotqKzdRWLqVrWePZU4oeRfRyY7AEIj3SZCrLiCXQ==&ch=HLrO7LPaQqWsk-TqbMPhuclrWYAsJg1Owo756WKfzX3sgeyqp-cimA==>, 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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