Begin forwarded message:  CAUTION: EXTERNAL SENDER Latest Updates from Capitol Hill & the Administration [https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/on.jsp?ca=2ab9c27d-4828-46c0-a2e0-2491268afbf0&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=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5JPygGrQjE503F-vQcrug6hwh-ylar3D5x7IyVPkM811wvC0PRzEF_ogB5mIVL6q0sSmuoJzDnpJf09YvLkGywAw==&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==> [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 18, 2025   Welcome to the February 18, 2025, edition of The New England Council's Weekly Washington Report. Upcoming in Congress The Senate will be in session for the week ahead while the House will be in recess. When the Senate returns on Tuesday afternoon, Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) will be recognized to deliver the traditional reading of George Washington’s Farewell Address. On Tuesday at 5:30, the Senate will vote on the motion to proceed to Executive Session for the consideration of the nomination of Kashyap Patel to be Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) followed by a vote on the nomination of Howard Lutnick to be the Secretary of Commerce. The Senate may also vote on or in relation to a motion to proceed to the Budget Resolution (S.Con.Res.7) or related to the confirmation of Kelly Loeffler to be Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA). The Senate could hold further votes during the week on the Patel nomination. Also, the Senate could take up any other nominations for Cabinet or Sub-Cabinet level positions – or pieces of legislation – that have been cleared for action. Budget/Appropriations Upcoming Hearings & Markups * Thursday, February 20, 2025 (10:00) – Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee – Hearing: Nomination of Dan Bishop to be Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5Jv61XiCX_8QPIAyEThoT7ScIp9bMiA7VzHSs6XJCRm9UXI7o2ViooOilhE-DFklfIWdf1OxSPCtp_Y8a8UcLWy6mjPcWZMWS1rWGRt2KLOzNANtmuOpx9jp__xM9DZgaQ&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==> Senate Budget Committee Approves Budget Resolution – On Wednesday, the Senate Budget Committee held a markup<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-Oprg_wkzwDTuwwKGKH8I0PL_crGt7WD3BdQzmMw3oDfubg6SsWc0eg8Hz25npiDl9dYZEO8khnnuHKZo_imbIcw385Sv8MQ6O8cbdJPpuoNN4URpJ5FZgpqRCgPJYYUJ3zNiCLgmukpTLKKNCFmG0Wc1Hn8Kn-JbOiS3A5-y1CHTp0QLruTLWcW_aK47fVpP9g==&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==> on the fiscal year 2025 budget resolution. After full consideration of the measure (S.Con.Res. 7<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5JDKivbZqSomFcuincz9dlKLYCWnX_DJL6jJ0YVXHnayNTPHduLxrOnHPEr913goON9mD_h7G0P13U3xGIxTPZjpNfbnU91Yhz7wubSnLCM7YoeOTbTYcCg5NW_71kEMT45OCmW-86Q-Yin_37SKJodQ==&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==>), the Committee approved the concurrent resolution by a party-line vote of 11 to 10. The Committee, which unveiled <https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-Oprg_wkzwDTuRRe4jr_U2xCUW5yW4eItBsHTLLuU0DpJpcwFGH_-RxOUcTGEsoIhUdXe226Q-kSck7CosqLRqAGLdTH65tY1UlvvEZyfCsZE3jDbOvRxaHUTT6vQUk4FMBlFnw8tuCHkMhnbAau4F4QuYLJAM01c0FSFxGsr5zJu-LhqrcriSbXY6tfaLrSkHLAB0fU3eoZ9o_oibbW89aYqsEDb8YsJz37OctEWd26C5Fe7qXy8A2OgI4H8EXWaRURLYkPAfYhxiRD5MLbhoFDDvKqcwAOCtFInw2XEooe418ohzlzvvpD5NjF6UbG1CN0dvK5bAq2e44Btex4XnfFx6sFYN_Qth2L0w0i275RetyKs-m6wIgTMjWa4Ppq1iw==&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==> the measure just days earlier, called the bill “the blueprint for a fully paid for reconciliation bill to secure the border, bolster our military and increase American energy independence.” Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-SC) said<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5J7LhhOpIPiXKfI1m64cExyJGTz6LwJc2aTRyua9AaUEKJv4EF8fwcKyECpGRheV3rv18QNzAEmO3Cod7bCNMqTFf-KfExl19yu7eIKOCqg5SdZ3pVEi-gAMMoct3xHY72IObLas-XiFC15S8DXQTbOZ4J6HjCZKKXGl6X2LvoxslgWRSmMUAumMDXl5Fu3bTquUD7ccXEcdaxefkYrfBuXEaY_OnJVGKnHgg_wcbRvZk=&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==> “today we took a significant step to passing the most transformative border security bill in American history [and that] the reconciliation bill will also increase defense capability and boost energy independence.” He further stated that passage of the resolution “has started the process of delivering the resources that President Trump’s team needs to implement his agenda,” adding that the committee vote “is an important step toward making America safer and more prosperous.” Senate Budget Committee Ranking Member Jeff Merkley (D-OR) blasted<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5JWdJb75EY511bjX5CxV1-Ss2n7cpuk97Db9k0C7Wq4BLFjTxnp_ebAMRNtS-VOo2Kv86zllp1HZ4U9t5yWOOdym9B5GXoeaWD7yTwXMYf6mkppZ-ZrqtJmQ88QhiaHN69mYuAUaZFBVI6HK2JZMX8ZpSg5xym5VxCff9aKjnqQGV9eWRqN3NsxqhNR1D7691blqeDHS1bwBQ10T6Q-UzAtGl5XE5qXf2zTbSeTsASuR3HnWZuPAeDkkZOY2Se4caL7baaT-Y2VYaVF5sowdFfDA==&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==> the Republican’s budget resolution, calling it “one big, awful pile of junk.” He added that it “tees up a reconciliation bill that would eviscerate Medicaid, cut critical nutrition assistance for low-income families, and pull the rug out from under American students, all to pay for the Republicans’ massive tax giveaway for the wealthy.” The concurrent resolution now goes to the floor of the full Senate for further consideration, likely during the week ahead. House Budget Committee Approves Budget Resolution – On Thursday, the House Budget Committee held a markup<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5JwIS3f-lzDeDTdlcEsNE6lLgLMmb1ov81ReZxhbwe8Yl_B2zOVWzk5fR2oCoz9T3fQsMZv9KNVvICmKsrpanwdDDMvsv5YZkZ71DDd_bfgELdgi_xN0fnAwf92AjKmiZpMWT_kEs_Ih1OL-wqp1LVeIERFFh3f7Em&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==> on the fiscal year 2025 budget resolution. After full consideration of the measure, the Committee approved the concurrent resolution<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5JCsVgmwZl9PeCbVv09kmojyr0vhwUOpEmkNPtYTdqxEkMlpExelU64cZxXBopBXFwUVL5kx834uv90Flyg77P_Z3Hhdw3bRD114zsDtM5LL3UUKaFaesxCTUzWAJ0YhK8czGyi1NufGmQauAW8t6A45S2AMvCAa1-Tn_WykOlc5I=&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==> by a party-line vote of 21 to 16<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5JyvRKj_9JvpJFUKIOsVj5Qm45xll9ShJ1xasXHScvwHsiGaUveU3C8T5ZA95oM1Fs2h7saMEu4jWFXi70qZN-9ixePoHe__tJZvFRtkPzlhr2NQvD3JuZc81KGmzNudDfADLPTZw3dAMj0BAx3vp0pNUu7T4ZpiqRBB2_ZwhjflXNsVVgctkyAJ2K14ybQzf6&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==>. In his opening statement<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5J4Y4OWdpfWVMRLqDa_PJTW-sTOGT0OaeQHsilhETJ055941HU5aK0CXrbwBC7WUVSwj9_b8pOyhcfCS7e04-bGMb0hJGTxh_-z1JRTEiMceKBo06DJv792SopWBij1HIrSnBSIthq21V4j-gEoIYKMEZDM_a3jmlm-Zh4Lx8VD5SPryqDf6xxxBQRhP6xIZcRUTUHYf0xJqoTT1ACa7dXRJLuNuhoqcXpbROGk20MvzyzWh7SBYwEPyRA19ceetnOM2tOaoBJHw4=&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==> at the markup, Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington (R-TX) said it would “restore the fiscal health of our nation by reining in reckless spending and reigniting economic growth,” as well as “provide critical resources to our Commander in Chief to secure our border, strengthen our military and provide for the common defense.” According to Chairman Arrington, the budget resolution<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5J4Y4OWdpfWVMRLqDa_PJTW-sTOGT0OaeQHsilhETJ055941HU5aK0CXrbwBC7WUVSwj9_b8pOyhcfCS7e04-bGMb0hJGTxh_-z1JRTEiMceKBo06DJv792SopWBij1HIrSnBSIthq21V4j-gEoIYKMEZDM_a3jmlm-Zh4Lx8VD5SPryqDf6xxxBQRhP6xIZcRUTUHYf0xJqoTT1ACa7dXRJLuNuhoqcXpbROGk20MvzyzWh7SBYwEPyRA19ceetnOM2tOaoBJHw4=&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==> will “provide tax relief for working families and small businesses,” restore domestic energy, end burdensome regulations, rein-in reckless spending, and root out fraud and abuse in the government. The Chairman also stated that the Committee’s efforts would “provide critical resources to our border patrol agents and our troops,” and that the budget resolution was “more than numbers on a ledger, it’s a blueprint for restoring America’s security, prosperity, and leadership in the world.” During consideration<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5JhGQjjPPNzsZRyca4WLm0Qc9_uj9IdRtCmgxjMCUGxdYM0mjQkV9B1f8AQEIUkecZX0Y22iyowmf8Czgv-lV5FpPF485K_csH3w5Z-Xb0d2bq5n79AaH-Ncp-KNJ47U_ro_ozUc9frlIkq1dTrBv_OSZ0PGDSSIlsz4GpA1eGWVd-CoZYHMd6XwSw4tmKpsMJBta0M8dsZbpL30eNV6u4FTif-e37_u6JiHNq0TgDxnyhrQ-qVHhYJA==&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==> of the budget resolution, Democrats on the Budget Committee offered thirty-two<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5Jj86hisi_P4weFh19KX2niTBzAwhfC7RBf9J8CV-DJ8lORPEBPx2e6wv3luRDj2tZqHbGZ3Hej30L26DHtC2thm7LGA6foXrqynwX_2H7V5ZyHBQsI653LhBkwRFcAuWduzVMi3CfSNJeq6M8bjyFntZTNyNi7sB2KoZNqWEnvkB2TkN81hacCpySt37jik7wJHV-EVKkiQqSMcXxAjCBvt8gDG88LRFXkup_DUw1F_q_gHfyjw-HzZPDHYr48UvkDZxHPN1drnZz84RI4Nig5g==&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==> separate amendments, each of which was voted down. In a statement<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5JtoNZGz2PmPas5oeCQ6gC0FIdYS6YvDB63iZ-XV9lpUlG7agjTkZpSY1hx_C52O_FL1MwkRw3N2CR4_5IXU7gECa6fBrtdQybJIbCTvB4kh7lgWl-4WO31oAvwOdqWWHgDr1fPtRkKtB1coNNOdQL-TcvbqLbkd3aPsJX5bjOYXIlDuw-FrOG4dzwf387aui79zSQ40sOd01iQRHlKdhZyzpkjA7TA4X2SVRoKxiAdDU=&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==>, the Committee’s Ranking Member, Brendan Boyle (D-PA) said “let’s be clear: this plan is a Republican betrayal of the middle class.” He went on to say that “it does not support hardworking Americans, it undermines them,” adding that “instead of investing in working families, House Republicans have crafted a plan that takes from working Americans to give to their billionaire donors.” With the bill now reported out of Committee, it may now be considered by the full House of Representatives. CBO Issues Monthly Budget Review – On Monday, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) issued its monthly accounting of the federal budget<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5J4Wc34QvI7w7o2vjcV48Az7v9jY7waml5Cc8WJHEvxIkWAGgeVB22IWZuytx4SIROXGJZKasEC8w8LnAewnimSo6QK6vHuIpHMLt-dzqkJE7b_hhNRtaNDTq5-sW3hKahcbn4iIjEr5w=&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==> in which their experts estimate that the federal budget deficit for the first four months of the current fiscal year (October through January) was $838 billion. The CBO analysts stated that it is “$306 billion more than the deficit recorded during the same period last fiscal year,” noting that “revenues were $11 billion (1 percent) higher” while “outlays were $317 billion (or 15 percent) higher” during the same timeframe when compared to 2024. The CBO further indicated that the outlay level for the first four months were boosted due to some payments that were meant to occur on February 1st (which was a Saturday), were made in January. If that shift had not occurred, “the deficit so far this fiscal year would have been $750 billion, or $146 billion more than the shortfall at this point last year.” The CBO also projected that the fiscal year 2025 deficit would total $1.9 trillion, which would be “the same as the actual deficit for fiscal year 2024.” The CBO pointed out that on January 21st, the Treasury Department issued a “’debt issuance suspension period’ and began taking ‘extraordinary measures’ to continue financing government operations without breaching the debt limit.” They further pointed out that “the statutory debt limit was reinstated on January 2, 2025, and set at $36.1 trillion, matching the amount of total debt that was outstanding on the prior day.” Energy & Environment Upcoming Hearings & Markups * Wednesday, Feb 19th, 2025 – Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works –Hearings to examine improving the Federal environmental review and permitting processes<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5J3-E4dHC0JNdJE_oofDLAuSjVHhpI7Kr9PoU2bavkqeh6SLBDQGtnLuF8mphfXgGbfCjR_ntC_YDl3hO395OSXcyadZo7xiKaMM5T2b8KA05KBlzPD0rLlf4iyJkyKhPlCCsqKM5ajgKweXb7Km00li8e6r51v2LLTrFOYyhgGoc=&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==>. Senate Confirms Brooke Rollins as Agriculture Secretary - On Thursday, the Senate confirmed President Trump’s pick, Brooke Rollins, to serve as secretary for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Her confirmation earned formidable bipartisan support with the vote being 72-28 in her favor. Rollins headed the White House Domestic Policy Council during President Trump’s first administration, and she is currently president and CEO of the conservative think tank America First Policy Institute. During her hearing, Rollins promised to “modernize” USDA in line with Trump's vision for the department, including faster disaster aid for farmers and tackling animal diseases. The Senate’s Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry Committee<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5JWoGuYA-D2KGiMvlmUgvGbcaOe-ut0a8jH-hknMqpdbrYE9dA6uhJUzmg4VghAz59t3qI3IC5S7gPyy8b59ySoGJjCbZ1IzxFB61rt2SHgFw=&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==> also pressed Rollins on how her support for farming communities may clash with Trump's immigration and mass deportation agenda, as well as what the department’s response to any retaliatory tariffs on U.S. crops would be. Read more about her confirmation here<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5Jf8wJdahWRvgM03IXXn67LLIyok05XfOZt0Hss_UAarLAyCqdFx1zRZNHRTd7xnkr7ryQFQeWuAtPmg4gVmF70cfQX_BrKaiSKkbCs2mro4-D6Lur3hXtWk-erUr4XYOn6--GjMbbC5cDpouhPN-z0IMcyOvMX-gZVAe5ZIUOGHaXgiIAhLw-3whNcs7t53CmAWhtP3y2Y6M=&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==>. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Announces Subcommittee Assignments – On Wednesday, U.S. Senators Mike Lee (R-Utah), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, and Martin Heinrich (D- N.M.), announced the subcommittee assignments for the 119th Congress. Committee Ranking Member Heinrich stated during the deliberation that, “The work we do here impacts the lives of every American and we must deliver for them. . . We will tackle key issues to bring energy costs down, create high-quality jobs, safeguard America’s public lands, and slow the effects of climate change...” The New England states will have a regional advocate on these issues with Senator Angus S. King, Jr. (ME), who will be Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on National Parks, as well as hold membership on the Subcommittee on Energy and Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. See the full list of assignments here<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5Jhow-Jvdd-3Gd53RYN8tsiDGJ5RofP6rvbcbl2wVf_7i5FM-BEuY1PAuZb7DPYsm2MFf-13VjmD02_5SO5yvxjkfKM65uRpp2T-f78rvm5m3AnTKwhcIk70GUFKEqTf2UTrE8r41nL3pyeMBMvN--FxwBHjX5D3W5FL4y6-ulONs8Ko323XZHog==&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==>. NOAA Shares Growing Concerns Over Executive Orders – Last week, the U.S. Commerce Department’s instructed NOAA to search existing grants related to environmental quality, global warming, clean energy, pollution, and other sensitive climate topics, and identify which of those will be impacted by the recent Presidential Executive Orders. These actions raise concerns for NOAA Staff, environmentalists, and lawmakers over the possible cancellation of the targeted programs and many argue that this recent activity is part of a larger effort to dismantle NOAA under Project 2025 blueprints. Additionally, some NOAA staff members were directed to halt contact with foreign nationals, including working on international climate studies, seafood quotas, and storm watches. Staff have reportedly been threatened with mass layoffs as Elon Musk’s DOGE taskforce visits offices and internal websites. These changes have undoubtedly led to fears about the agency’s future. Read more here<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5J17UUjrPm3Iwb6EYjy7pkcwLF59cHthgI_XIUPInwvPQZoHHmNSPGWu4-4XX98eEM6KdzNyGUjVjjfXfZqc9IGF5kHEoQUukJ4EiFD98euZZxCmtI2ZfXIqdwX7HUFFsTI_r6TgwZF_k-Izwbk_wvyDyfmrjMesKej-cZl1DhuuA=&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==>. In response to these orders, Rhode Island Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse along with Congressmen Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo sent a letter<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5J2dQzC5DLmU_GRSrLoczIXXX2yuz6_w4Ip5CVs-eUSrkFJ7-5xl8phcKeLuhI24IxMjhd9LZf0IDerfR25ElI3hj5lJ9icHNRW5wwvPynWGG3jJwI2RPjB9bkGzcbaDXV25RNZ5F9epOoqq_pWdA5aR6f9BAHOn-zaL6OS5wtaBzYv-jgOIoGAL25IOwDYy3Ne_E7anENDujw9BJFnFtkxvT2fPtLIp7AOSw9JljGCT1yY1NNAXO1b3KhUoPAW3kWHwZF6JyGORTU25aqM2l2leAcGKlIQnAan1JCD1j21EpH2Lh-FSGsHzPuk4VMxrZshDz7iiItQGB_f8d_Dq3l-dX_zLez0KzUYGkw-Trte_uZkebYp-WVW0Ae3wud8n4OX1Ua20HnCrCi9a4ZGguPL6sXrFL-qWEtOfdwYS82wFD-QCPKRAzzDQ==&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==> on Tuesday to President Trump’s pick for commerce secretary, Howard Lutnick, demanding answers about the Trump Administration’s ongoing efforts to drastically reduce NOAA’s workforce, budget, and programs. The delegation’s letter noted that NOAA services play a critical role in the U.S., but they also emphasized its presence in Rhode Island, with services like coastal and marine research, fisheries management, and weather forecasting being major drivers of their economy. Lee Zeldin’s First Steps as EPA Administrator Focus on Recovering Green Bank Funds - Priorities have shifted at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), now under Zeldin’s directive, towards rescinding $20 billion in climate-related grants distributed under the Biden administration’s green bank program, formerly known as the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5JKE7IpSd7oelrcceHfdKl28onCnKW59_1_nc5-fTzHT0BuwFmicfp1ozbQ1yXIo2ugFrNW2PrJLY_z0ky2nJQI9Aa3dz8b-CkCYHb2ft8punLkvc138t5yQ==&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==> Approved under the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, the program was created to provide financial assistance in disadvantaged communities for development, climate, and clean-energy projects; however, in an interview<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5JzatepDFxUP77c2_xsVzjLpwhBGKIhzgjHsOIH5-4kivk-nN7x8wt19baCqDfoGIlRUFiT_XIPPLHe9rCMJi69vxGhy2llSzww3CgdLaUb6OrC0AITGJnHFQrsy3l6mtTLoZA7_yYK0f0cslmQ-IPQ8P2yu1Pa8a3ppkvlCzc4TcOME7M83NDrHkJ7DmNGltARxtcoUYVjN0Cj9GBywcJG2YhgYBvFxMLbCeQCkVqHKDAtQ1aMdCqSOM80SslaDi8tCMVUSRq_yh6MTwjBc9Gqvy5a0yvNJA-&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==> Thursday, Zeldin stated the funds were being distributed without proper oversight and that the EPA will be cracking down on accountability of funding. Eight nonprofits have already been awarded money from the green grants, so Zeldin’s actions raise many legal questions from clean energy advocates about how the distributed funds, approved by Congress last year, can be retrieved. Read more here<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5J1Ik_3Kf-nY0yUsLuDkUQD3OyhgTDuh1-wLkPZAzMax5TEntD8h9BqaWZmlwQES67NTbtBAbEi4TP0-NrOPHV_t4gmiqoecoztio9buIPHn-M-F1BBPLzQiNzMMX9c9F1dwEizOLSwLUv4yC46tWGkWWbZFF9LXiY1KaPII1uAJ3tkIbHR4FzJP-osrJELZmj&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==>. For more information on the Council's Energy & Environment Committee<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-Ohtzmh7OY_zvEdYde2H5mwtOpxeXpmXoYhI99EYRJEcV2uxcmPZaS_9Z_CFtkkZ4IkghFdmaaXW2Q-4E0-Zl28mVyGhmTt8zFoPK-HqQiZ9Qkod4WpIcu-YbZO2c-N00TNif7aUv7Hd47myUQMapRZ4=&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==>, please contact Sean Malone<mailto:smalone@newenglandcouncil.com>. Financial Services Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Faces Ongoing Disruptions – On Tuesday, nearly 200 Democratic Senators and House members wrote a letter<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5JJP68ASMcukvTbPwAiwwV0o9gajeKdPcU0txvLvcEh0YG25Yiq7ZixmXxDafU1SIoiBqr9nMDpLai5FvvGBtLt4gMMdm-p5cbXgdvBBZC8kGzD6TiG_Nz9e9oJEheIooIl1yf9ERtv2FZ7lXly2Ctts-d7ThsGhyNYrZWW0V8a6Y=&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==> to CFPB Acting Director Russ Vought and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, demanding that Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) be removed from the CFPB and that agency operations be restored. This came shortly after employees were ordered to cease work, agency funding was frozen, and its headquarters were temporarily shut down. Criticizing Musk’s attempts to dismantle the CFPB and President Trump’s defense of the agency shutdown, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Rep. Becca Balint ((D-VT) and other Democratic lawmakers argued in defense of the CFPB’s operations, claiming their efforts help regulate conglomerate financial institutions, work to stop debanking, and protect consumers from mortgage fraud. Furthermore, on Wednesday, House Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-MA) took to the House Floor to condemn the CFPB shutdown and urge the Republican majority to stand up for the American people. Read more here<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5Jtd-gq8q1i8oMZ6Hq5ZTsUqvsYrxeDpyihKt5s_RWaefGZ8r-y4dX5Jkevg2ewzT7Pd7p9CuqlpBFhHiurQresrnhU912f3uM64HafQIjCDrsR05mag1li8mklo1FDYuskv9bUbUausPAo5iznIq7Be-V2iWG7ml4&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==>. Trump Announces Nominees for Several Key Financial Agencies - On Tuesday, President Trump sent a document<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5J_bgs8SlMi9EOYeH9MPraRsVGFN7DaErE9g0QyuUIKPO4zsmfzSnh-M6wUO-QscEKpGS0Y-7AopyT4VO9pT4MCtrprHDXroQ0&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==> to the Senate listing his nominations for positions in the executive branch and independent agencies that require Senate confirmation. Among them were nominees for several key financial posts: * Jonathan McKernan, a former director at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, nominated to be director of the CFPB. McKernan would take over for Russell Vought, the director of the Office of Management and Budget who became the CFPB’s acting director on February 7; * Jonatthan Gould was nominated to serve as Comptroller of the Currency. He served as senior deputy comptroller and chief counsel at the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency during the first Trump Administration; * Brian Quintenz was nominated to chair the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). He served as a commissioner at the CFTC during Trump’s first term and his nomination comes at a time that The CFTC and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission are planning to reopen discussions<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5JUwfBxJYPeLk4qQ7G-5JIjpCUT433pTeancD2uD0awDX1e_kPoqcyhEXSTv1RIAhapN-iqyWO-mQ09xd30JP9JVgbUyN7npf2kslVF399u9n_M50kSF-9DlEDyrdTzu0n6CqWuxhnZyyBDArH3bGrtPkQnS4v-SQxH-j_rVF9uc8EoaDGVJ0sn2c8AaSQJjySp6FCclNfupFeUwfid13kKQWxDgyxyhO27C3eKph5secMKyLSynl_FLTn5uLQUlLqOfkH8Di4E7MMuV0ZL-oQ_hgZWUVqOynChmP5uNY2XROKC0rkckKG2pgyudDh57Zj2xi-TpDJZe8ZZcYC7Pv3DFGx3GNpVBzwS4DTPhtTBMM=&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==> on how to effectively impose crypto regulation. House Passes Credit Union Modernization Bill - The Credit Union Board Modernization Act<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5JRj-C2dkCR4JnToUOyoK26X7hkdnnjO4A1uucdZyKOd7OK7iKEjIg0S7d8hkUQNN5TXfd-kMjibOJoDIaObtmJYLvs-E_2RCKbYJqLH8gpmQlh_gCN3YMAehDzV6PizhycGKq0VBDI4ExYjOTFHJXRKLpdcOjUCg7l1GbkJwXGkfYxvpG6u1b1dcaBCskydYMcjn4HvkUnAfrD7NX7T56mQSYQciw1vfaGeaNJHYZ14KZK2LfL0DRHgAwe8TOKX4Frmto9WYIrR9Ia5anZmoe5SiHmKVY4F-ZHyjilpck1F_Q1o4Y6tJ2iA==&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==> (H.R. 975), introduced by Representatives Bill Huizenga (R-MI) and Juan Vargas (D-CA) was passed by the House on Monday by a voice vote This bill would allow well-functioning credit unions to reduce the frequency of board meetings, freeing up resources and time for member services. Specifically, the bill bring federal regulations in line with state regulations for credit unions in good standing by allowing the credit union boards to meet every other month instead of monthly. “This legislation will help credit unions dedicate more time and resources to their true mission – providing quality financial services to our communities,” Rep. Vargas said in a joint press release<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5Jv1_Z05RgboAT8_uMwSpzjHzJM-11cLmpkvcinL1F1XaAmpI8dNHXzXyv3IqNpDYVfa3tyJIMyfAeYS56lIe8vCNRpWtdv1tAC3881Clgr6qSmkBHTbao5j6fRUR7KN-iet06-2B4kYQVqQweUJu1bveffomybzYH&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==> with Rep. Huizenga. Senate and House Leaders Begin to Tackle Stablecoin Regulation - Financial Services leaders in both the Senate and House have introduced proposals aimed at creating a legal framework for the regulation of stablecoin, a cryptocurrency that's designed to maintain a stable value relative to another asset, like the US dollar. Earlier this month, Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott (R-SC) joined Committee members Senators Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) introduced<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5JbuJA1L3yQJpQKJDglPbg6XuE0rm8kOt4YasIdFHkPH4O-oS7AFPAhtuJjLUXnq5ahvYnCB9e3aZwOeo4P1tZuFwwMye_S6hkZCLag3lEhdpaLuPTJHCQ-hTs5S6qL_dDmj_5I23DyOmxQfhab280C5IGQJhRXcEM9-boi7DGff96fV1CJJmZi2MLktVtKgp191Ic5Brku8ucuEnoF4TjOVj-ESPynQkxs-DdpqDiJ36WZyBxOduijTFfNDe6f0af&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==> The Guiding and Establishing National Innovation in U.S. Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5JQmnDXp49lEhI3T-d_uZpEjqfSx2Eas_LCPSYwTkfT0SoN1BTry-DjEpWUboZk_2nHeze3ec_nczZFSksr3lPjBUbaObu95YXBs2SiTAInfqOxl5cUW3TYDlDfG5QqUJXsrVcUJ4HNNfSZc4xaz_Nct_TgFfAGPC2&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==>, that aims to establish a clear regulatory framework for payment stablecoins. Meanwhile, in the House, Financial Services Committee Chair French Hill (R-AK) and Digital Assets, Financial Technology, and Artificial Intelligence Subcommittee Chairman Bryan Steil (R-WI) have circulated <https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5JvkzmP2t_dqzR6pXUa31VMyG3YKY5Q7mlYfvvSegzO3caN6-ipWnOdg7wVINdkabcztSsF4QZdXVPLKTlr0b9iJDVj5YQp5SqOf9jVHF_A2UfB1DWDUz69VTZy_GJvZtznEm2PmDyHyA0ncGXm-rLP91S46xe6zobiROsxlSnAQI=&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==> a discussion draft of the STABLE Act of 2025 <https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5Jsbf0Uq2nyYDKa70hudxzP27NtRb8jWYqsoj6cmj3kGOfqzBZnxIjD4xi_DGCgXMJZBDOaYyO17MgtFzoHJeIjf1L7472KirhKcGO4ta_OBFopH3I_iOam2G5b92CV15dFWTfVWuQSPlOJnS5hur2A1zEDm-hWM6njg_RTeXMh9Q=&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==> which would establish rules for the issuance and regulation of dollar-denominated payment stablecoins in the U.S. House and Senate committee leaders have formed a bicameral working group<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5Jj_6Ar_rPf80TPVlh6jU6qn69sqkkVk6pwxkqUiWMUOMrNknFzl_0hejubblGDvqN3t8GBPctEGWMuem-rKDY5wHXsMjAC4K70rpPyECE5nZNW7TO3f_Aeg==&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==> to advance digital asset policy, aiming to provide regulatory clarity for those in the cryptocurrency industry and set committee expectations regarding the timeline. Read more regarding the proposals here<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5JvjrqX-sVtGX7jr7Q866EL3yAKj5-3DyF-eR_U3FD_ejHHWIWJWq3RvNocmEtzkGi106TK5a9B8yJTXDpL0sTiROHiA1YEuDsEmpAJ9P1ZZFjQ0D37LMqfGB7C1cM_bxVk2LoiHG6APG73-9F9t4bv3HkLhFTJ-n3bNDjcX95F9acD-Zffdsu4mNpN0o6moqxjKqFrqXAx-N8cvzev2bvwbNa32bemP_1&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==>. For more information on the Council's Financial Services Committee<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-Og9h3QN42vQ26gDLtxe17EXtJI3esEXgJ6gkAOXoBHxTpXpuym6H3jMunkEBITnC6olV2F-j8QspjkAd3k7dOrockhGbRAstYKDBoxSfB2Nao_VoFTLd8YapCjPLk-CqimSUOw8CYS33zczGvHS3M6U=&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==>, please contact Emily Heisig<mailto:eheisig@newenglandcouncil.com>. Healthcare House Unveils Budget Calling for $1.5T in Cuts – On Wednesday, House Republicans unveiled their budget wish list, which directs the Energy and Commerce Committee to find $880 billion in savings. The committee, which oversees Medicare, Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act, is likely to target reductions in federal government’s expansion contributions as well as imposing work requirements on Medicaid beneficiaries. If Medicaid cuts go through, they would likely have an immediate impact. Insurers that contract with states in managed Medicaid programs and on hospital operators that get significant revenue through Medicaid, would all be impacted. Additionally, changes like work requirements could lower enrollment in Medicaid and increase the nation’s uninsured rate, resulting in more uncompensated care for providers. House Budget Committee Advances Budget Resolution – The House Budget Committee advanced a budget resolution after a marathon markup session<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5JcwoZFexRzNvdqsLZ8XNHYI5Uyoym3KAZ13q-ZM9hKpq2fXDfeZhMOBr-5f15VqASIuofCPXdEVHxMCj1HmxvuLMV4scY3iVG06dy8sBGY3-yXfXXozKH_NMgPBiFUS4ZdoQDitxsmI1JC2OAEgc4_Q==&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==> on Thursday, clearing the first hurdle in the GOP conference’s effort to pass President Trump’s legislative agenda. The panel approved the budget resolution in a party-line 21-16 vote, sending it to the full chamber for consideration. Passage of the budget resolution marks a significant step forward in the House GOP’s quest to enact Trump’s domestic policy priorities in one sprawling bill, a measure that would extend his 2017 tax cuts, appropriate more money for the border and pass energy policy. Republicans are looking to utilize the budget reconciliation process, which would allow the party to circumvent Democratic opposition in the Senate. Senate Confirms RFK Jr. For HHS Secretary – On Thursday, the Senate voted to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to serve as Health and Human Services secretary. The final vote was 52-48, with Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY), being the only Republican to vote no. Despite years of divisiveness, McConnell has recently become the rare GOP "no" vote on President Donald Trump's nominations, also voting against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as well as voting against Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence. However, the change of heart was not nearly enough to derail any of Trump’s nominees. Despite Kennedy's assurances during confirmation hearings that he is not "anti-vaccine," his questioning of settled science on the overall safety of vaccines and his unwillingness to declare vaccines safe and effective in those hearings worries many doctors and people in public health. The sprawling health agency includes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health, among other agencies. Trump Administration Slashes Federal Health Agency Workforce – On Friday, reports surfaced<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5JNHUmkTs3oGhbQsyL2F7hZYdY6ZUTZM92sEkSMEYlJb0s48xgUIAJcn_4pHKzu1TiXCCPrfLvYrIA484iMB-LsBsVNa00NckZNqczVzECc3HS8RlcOPwIzMqRC_An25YE0-_JG0DlOxjxln8qfTLwWjr2B3Z3lVLy_9OP1K8GqBXj0V5uh5utc0M1eTSPLSSQOuHgkwijtGTWvW_F7ac39eMSjiWRV-_tourWsDYpaULNVKQ1Ypr5XZZeiPnAcS0qIBisEBCZdpM=&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==> that the Trump administration was slashing about 1,300 employees, or 10% of the workforce, at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Additional reports suggest that as many as 1,500 employees at the National Institutes of Health were also laid off Friday. The cuts came at the direction of the Department of Health and Human Services — now under the leadership of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The CDC's budget was $9.7 billion<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5JvDiEimPRvgiRuGjmx2wLaans7bz-lpSYfvk38DHYxnY-_QgteEkSnrNgdHIKTXRSVxzzk7zFQSzgYHCl3DJjzpf-bNaXz-y6dMkbVKDD2-aoQoxwvcS3LciGL_98X3fV7zcxlXE0IJx5J3eadPemJU8djdvdscq5q1vwtYuU0Lw=&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==> in fiscal year 2025. It's tasked with responding to infectious diseases, and public health emergencies such as the COVID pandemic, and safeguarding against other leading causes of death and illness. NIH, the world's large public funder of biomedical research, employs more than 18,000 workers and funds nearly $48 billion in scientific research outside the agency. Separately, the head of ARPA-H, an initiative started in 2022 within HHS that supports innovation in health, was laid off on Friday. For more information on the Council's Healthcare Committee<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OsvoIHMYKW-5cEY3_Tk5Fd6WMVZg_6U_jwELtK0AE18BMziK68xMsS0iWwUSLV4UoDZI1q32D9Kt0nSBeSBQrMfGzRJxWp1LCEm0-4snx6-yz8sakECjOIVuPMyozo3Pc30bhb2cd6CJ&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==>, please contact Sean Malone<mailto:smalone@newenglandcouncil.com>. Higher Education Institute of Education Sciences Contracts pulled- Last week the Trump administration cancelled almost $900M in Institute of Education Sciences (IES) contracts, an independent research arm within the Department of Education which houses the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). The NCES is responsible for gathering and processing data on a wide range of topics, such as financial aid, student enrollment, and other information as well as provides publicly accessible data on U.S. postsecondary institutions. While some resources will be unaffected, such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the College Scorecard, department employees have stressed that the cuts essentially decimate the IES’s to gather data and release congressionally mandated reports. In addition to the immediate cuts to the department, review panels for IES grants have also been halted. The NCES will lose online access to restricted education data sets in June, which will force the researchers to review data on physical discs mailed to them by the Education Department. The pulling of federal funds has been called “an assault on the U.S.’s education data infrastructure… at some point in their career, every education researcher in the United States has leveraged a product produced by the U.S. Department of Education or IES” said Taylor Odle, an assistant professor of education policy at the University of Wisconsin at Madison who studies college access and success. Reportedly, the total number of contracts pulled from the Department of Education was 89, though a detailed list of them has not been released, causing confusion over the full reach of impact for future data collection. Additional information can be found here <https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5J97qJDwhgNAJBWyFhZ2zQOKBXNIWce9_U1XA8PsEzWP1fbtzdZIUCS6tHOGnvlu6sHRLcLqcQQnctnSMTv_htPx8f5Kby46pvjahDfQSLT9j9uU8aJO6cEbTpMH6TmfapXt2uXJtoaVAi94hq86b3JtRrHSzCwDQyUh7lKQ2YWCsuyXDtqAHKKGnmV8BFsCFWUO_33EVS50_AqxeOnBaoQJ0t-nSRqMch1l7miCM4_rw=&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==> and here<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5JB4j1qdVSb92Vgyb9XqIQC-TWTO-scNi-hu6Rj69FGC76k6gTB6Rw2qkqOhop_5v6gWLLWm-DBMvYZ3pdU2JjCvZw-IBa7WzmYEXwWvkGHdDeUfMHqVEid7v5xmP4lsxwB104ZPBzPnMhUicbZvlEQlQVqPeNFnYOnkKcRGYNDsjVgosDI08n7uq8MS-ktdSOws1OIXgtoRwLmNBCGyI1Nw==&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==>. DOGE temporarily blocked from accessing financial aid data- On Tuesday evening, a federal court order was released which blocks representatives from DOGE from accessing federal student aid databases until at least February 17th, when a U.S. District Judge is expected to decide whether or not to issue a temporary restraining order. These databases include personal information collected to administer federal financial aid to students, including dates of birth, contact information, Social Security numbers and, in some instances, bank account information. The Education Department agreed to the order after a hearing held on February 11th. This comes after some DOGE employees received access to databases containing private student information last week, which prompted a lawsuit against the Department of Education filed by the National Student Legal Defense Network and Public Citizen on behalf of the University of California Student Association, accusing the department of allowing potential violations of 1974 Privacy Act and illegally sharing confidential student data with DOGE. Spokespeople for the department deny any “inappropriate or nefarious” goings-on. While the temporary blockages have put any alleged “further damage” on hold, “Millions of students still are questioning whether their personal information is in unsafe hands, and we need answers from the Department of Education to fully account for any data that’s already been breached” said Dan Zibel, vice president of Student Defense, one of the legal advocacy organization groups representing the students in the lawsuit. Additional information can be found here <https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5JLzzGWU-dIK08HSRdSr73kC2vb8HsWnpvrnWMA1FTuTPf0GGEfjAwthB9XS6mI8TIkg1pk1pBIylsYO0fELNuM9GHtnjDsiKtWERi56X-RO1Me7rQAAqY4TNKeu4pjwxDTw4QxE33QjiJBZGVkAfjiG5gdXalMTfJ4TwrT_YVwU13D5hPZn72VGWOYpyCyqMArtF7yqNXXmZd1vXidcYYGQ==&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==> and here<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5JBcZ6z0YZP2t0LtRx7dIdmz0T1VBswpn-qMWXXuSfNAaXQHacj5tQplrX_mDHSx4619sTrl8AUJ5R1VmOwPylFLL4uGTxG1d9aVFvrOaouDPl9x1TCuK7xdD_enRikziaZynRb3XJavGyWD1hgOdHGNQKobWouL9Eya0_EEOJBDntsfHRoKaI8lScLQAGZvwpbe_bTIQR68EGoz5tN-9hsQgME688VeT4&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==>. NIH federal funding cuts placed on hold after States sue- A federal judge has blocked the administration of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) from carrying out a policy change planning to cap payments for costs indirectly related to research. The cap for indirect expenses would be changed from 28% to 15% of the direct research cost. These indirect costs include payment for laboratory space, hazardous waste removal, and more. The policy change was announced on February 7 and briefly put into effect on the 10th before the judge blocked it. American medical colleges alongside a coalition of 22 Democratic attorneys general challenged the policy change in lawsuits filed on the 10th. The cap intends to make more money available for “legitimate scientific research” according to the White House. However, the impact on higher ed. institutions would be substantial. This change would likely cost colleges and universities billions if it were to go into effect and disrupt a large amount of current research. The lawsuit argues that “cutting-edge work to cure and treat human disease will grind to a halt” without support from the NIH. Further the suit states, “These universities and research institutions are vital economic and social institutions in each state, employing thousands of their citizens, educating and training thousands more, and creating investment and partnering opportunities with the private sector.” The blocking order only applies to the 22 states included in the lawsuit, but an additional lawsuit from The Association of American Medical Colleges barred the NIH from enforcing the cap in the remainder of the states. The official hearings for both cases are scheduled for February 21. Additional information can be found here, <https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5JLbi37vGsyvWG7civY3ojLxJakIMCKY0bZ2mhAFa0XWQkaQ-G1T-wRGjThZBdjyhbG7v26SkQK9GhL_470srf-xCydGymvw3k8K8Uy4suRbdanT_qbksQfKi-aWUjZCFZjVd8G5eZb7ptZbMBfGllV621Htfc7OEi4K-1k28fKGPQkblaBgD45p_w9Eh3t7VEvzSJe-D5rEKMDGux65QhddOPSC4u-Xjf6TPFiMxAc4YO9O9N0h_Qyw==&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==> here<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5J0cQJjgsOR51FA_Ft_fszXJKL7xVVTHfrSjFO4xYmrmNJxJYp_NnHZbnVACx3gTFa3YvzQFeBrQRP3OjaBCMO-s7y_lUOMnA1htDbqy6wSIzeLEghhUwW0lLUV4ZVyI3r-VgteQPWt9AlQLrNZIoje1TldrW2a--wwIXw2n-7luuINwEy3ehIztnxIpa_3SD7ck8QkFcvArI=&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==>, and here<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5JCEx3q6HwOgikmWcJP7h8S9nS7csgOkUv0Lqvwqxy5Mfubu-hMZVCdkH9iro2fYb60Hz6wePNvQcRiOyN8cx4mljdeRpdans-Gj64NmApZevx08gw-5LYAvVWbgKlTkpTni36w5DlEyDIbeWCzoTRAZ4ahOp5lBxOcQFeNgaeaYoXtIROoAsETKC3X0MzIcyEAod0cxzdcwo=&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==>. For more information on the Council's Higher Education Committee<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OsvoIHMYKW-5NKfrIl-yg3ZVCggKZXzYVJUqckN-xTrXRXPRVZ9jf2GP-j-nrUcZSCEJKlNm-nRfB79q6AV8D3SFry_IOxp5RGDQLPpJHMHbf_IH9_kSFPnqDLF3XlVXCftZtMCgpU-9zNbTWcEWsEY=&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==>, please contact Mariah Healy<mailto:mhealy@newenglandcouncil.com>. Housing New Report Details Impact of Trump Cuts on Housing Market – A new report<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5JugPCJEGUy7GG6IuyLsk2GVNhm1b_wJpVgQFU7kRWyaYnXZyTo9Nr_P61qpXGwXuebLG6NuB9fdy6VFoaID_Gfn2Yc87yaqb3DgBo4C3RsN0i2R3UcjLcCVhp-4ypfyj4nMePS4a0pQMfKdFRaJvzQGDfYZRPUbWEf0xbFU2IsS9Xt7Ha-G3Nm3O99jLpSHAfmrXpL-EUoQAVxnqybbgAvA==&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==> from New England Council member JP Morgan Chase on Monday, February 10, warned that President Donald Trump’s policies could negatively impact the housing market. In particular, the report warned that the President’s immigration policies may exacerbate housing shortages. John Sim, Head of Securitized Products Research at JP Morgan explained: “By reducing immigration and lessening demand, Trump argues that housing costs can be reduced. It’s not that simple, though… cutting immigration would mean cutting labor supply in the construction industry, which could end up exacerbating the lack of affordable housing.” The report also noted that while the President has not unveiled specific housing proposals, he has outlined two key solutions: streamlining local zoning approval processes, and making federal land available for new housing construction projects. The report further warned that several other Trump Administration proposals could result in rising inflation, which would result in increased mortgage rates. Finally, the report noted that the privatization of government sponsored enterprises – namely Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae – “if executed hastily” could also result in higher rates for borrowers. Read more from Newsweek<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5Jufy2TRAJkvYKaCWioqdtN5eLBbdICN0l2u4QsdCN_PA5VeNdKp159wl9miMD_PpkBdXY-YJQ9uUuBeR6Ra8fVp8RBArtJ205WGb70aZPe50Czkhz49DPd7733aWZS3B71U-cFvEAX4bxafk_kap8_Q==&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==> and Realtor.com<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5JJBFc71ouKevR315ig9DGskzyM_fuez93UWr1uMcHPrDO-HqMb2wb6lLzSGGAfsEZ-F4H-AVnmXArYpBL3_hXX0dYeyRoxN8F8zJW-HEjvTFxSxBEC1vpruoDtKAHlYtYqBKNs0NnPX6OQYNg7ADERV8Aqi5xbnhIUmrXzNvDXmOd3v2dDyx-Jw==&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==>. House Passes Two Veterans Housing Bills - On Monday, the House passed two bipartisan bills aimed at improving access to housing for disabled veterans by unanimous voice vote. Representatives Monica De La Crus (R-TX) and Brad Sherman (D-CA) were the lead sponsors of both bills: * Disabled Veterans Housing Support Act<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5Jnxk6LbH1ticP4RRnS7SHZ6vP-U-FfbYL6W8oxY2CA1-Ka16cOWScyF7UWeZve-qxhNXCFsQwafTfwdLVaqjaa4DY9GnOBAFwgGhUt7ub18am45w4kKyNCsKWnvlN0Gq7OjlmFExL3qEt1xfbtmdIdaHS7_liIbre5OHuq8HHoOiRcHRhM7Uuwiz8erNX3DHhlyWtvV3Y4WEVa16KjDmxsX9cpwLVL45MT8NROYZCjrM=&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==> (H.R. 224) - Introduced <https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5JQB8c-7ZYTLoKkskgQQkGN9RCGujHmp8iAJoFXagOQI0qilBf0dNsWl-0LOqjto8n3nun7pRQmOJnkcj8FP99hKPY4oWtj1cO0TSlFz38BPOXxlZZ6mEzjgCcyeSIByg4B-V3yhEfDyaZZQAxMnfIlQ==&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==> in January, the bill would ensure VA service-connected disability income is always excluded from income calculations when determining eligibility for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program assistance. * Housing Unhoused Disabled Veterans Act<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5JSWPkPKj5zqfGQKHT_sE8i6AyO1slZTa4NdOmrapHEMc2m_d3QqsILwCgUDtgAAcvtp68LaEUgvhsIo0fxbD3C0ae2sehDH4abkM7gAoew3aIM5t46jWEj4A8zZ3QswsShfWAspN3ixDMhHasY6zeXz7KD0Ag-zE6ehnmk4CRfsTj-Jc18mUvQtqx_VaINQfAS50HXcpUf5o9ni-I1qRHkA_8eGoyalM4kM-bc_IQubI=&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==> (H.R. 965) - Introduced <https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5JeBFKhK-WR_QsUCuGC1PDHxLnaXfPA2gYGFrYaSupFSdQjVoOn6eNngABcw3L7TE87tCsR6gqYQM2nyTMc4MjcYXmqdNRApeO3pkaKfiE0VFS7DeP7EpJ5EhwVnt4UBEM4PpjP1yojRY_Xh0Y-7dhnlP9iboYNq4lxhYqnnzBFEADQnYqRwpKBC0nsPYEpCPlA_6MY82JQ2-uCO1Hl5f2VivLxjpeOmFH&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==> earlier this month, this bill would amend the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) definition of annual income to exclude disability payments received by a veteran for eligibility purposes for housing built under the Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Program. Both bills now advance to the Senate for consideration. For more information on the Council's Housing Working Group<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OrVMmXwdWSOXbyoO7TALQTBWDC-COxk2hqFu9dt0WGUhUDIXuQQV1IMNbAWeAIP6d-D9QU4_38G7XyIP7fmCNS2HAvLJqmUNIgfJIuUMzhXEvv_xBZZMCc8cxEPPUOBG97oQFlltqNjz&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==>, please contact Emily Heisig<mailto:eheisig@newenglandcouncil.com>. Technology & Innovation Upcoming Hearings & Markups * Wednesday February 19th, 2025 – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation full Committee – America Offline? How Spectrum Auction Delays Give China the Edge and Cost Us Jobs <https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5J9bpiA7pnxmt_r5ofmOJGQvD4RZy-TmB9Gl1azQgTTLgbyeHfkNqKfN6Nk4KzH1MwFkGtft765OXe7rcel75T0inesgFyWmCe9pbJ6zUNuE4xeIBv_x9kOdSmNKx0N9_AjoklUW_lW7pYumjjVQcUR__XeHWJEUiAKruJ9sh0IIpHT0uOKJQR8rLVN0GOO63jq-MekNecA-Mcy9T3mDdwSj2G3K22qqyM&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==> Republican Senator makes case for funding innovation in America.— Senator Todd Young (R-IN) recently wrote an op-ed highlighting that “in order to keep America’s place as the global tech leader, the second Trump administration might have to embrace spending and diplomacy at a level it has so far shunned.” His argument is that if as a nation investments are made now, there will less of a need for emergency funding in the future, which he argues the CHIPS and Science Act was. Senator Young was one of the original Senator’s to work on the CHIPS and Science Act. He highlights the semiconductor industry, stating that the CHIPS and Science Act has addressed a “frequent source of frustration within our national security community—and among advocates of distributing economic opportunity more broadly across the nation, [which] is how great American companies have grown accustomed to designing sophisticated products but then outsourcing all manufacturing to heavily subsidized Asian markets.” Young argues that “President Trump and his team have an opportunity to take the lead in funding fundamental and transformational science and driving more innovations to market” by supporting Congress as they appropriate funds under the Science portion of the CHIPS and Science Act, as the funding as only been authorized at this point. Senator Young laid out how he sees opportunities to outcompete China: 1. Congress should act swiftly to fully fund the authorities of the “and Science” portion of the bill. In order to out-compete and out-innovate our competitors, we must present a more compelling option to the world through better, more affordable technology products and services that are produced at scale. 2. The Trump administration should extend the recent successes in semiconductor diplomacy to other emerging technologies in order to promote openness, democracy, and the rule of law 3. The Trump administration should use ITSI as the entry point to increase awareness of embassies and consulates of global science and technology challenges and opportunities. 4. The Trump administration should build on the success of the digital trade chapter of the 2018 United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement (USMCA) and its landmark 2019 U.S.-Japan Digital Trade Agreement to make digital trade a core pillar of future trade negotiations. 5. Mr. Lutnick might complement USTR’s work by targeting non-tariff barriers to U.S. digital trade. He could take a page out of former Commerce Secretary Herbert Hoover’s playbook by requiring NIST to prioritize international standards setting. 6. The Trump administration might examine how Americans can take better advantage of our world-class capital markets in tandem with regional development banks, like the Inter-American Development Bank, to provide financing and technical assistance for governments and businesses seeking to contribute to supply chains for semiconductors and other emerging technology sectors. 7. As funding for the ITSI program ends in 2027, Congress should consider reauthorizing and expanding the bipartisan program to tackle a broader set of challenges. 8. The Trump administration should encourage carefully scoped efforts to pair American AI with foreign capital to bring trusted AI solutions to the developing world. 9. America must keep working with like-minded allies and partners while utilizing commercial and trade advantages wherever possible to develop a liberal, democratic market for technology that reinforces our values—privacy, transparency, safety, property rights, freedom of speech, and religion. Additional information can be found here <https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5JHpgh9b9FrOQdEGHMZLqbZ_tpXZM_TgNaMBN02WoVavYPYkyY_BTMJJA7S7C7cpEJasmhnRybpL9DHbKA5pW_ERR7mRdlhJfeyIVxxfAeVzSrio5AX6BheWtvrs0Z-LkZwMS1qrv1tJv9R0SO0ewCXrs65-xoLhZtMQmVE7aIqTY=&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==> and here<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5J3n3jMlqiVjxVTVyJHEFc2dTkk3NTWVgG51NKm4dIueh-EmAu_EB2KrQ6WSRT6qQMu3287ROjBG27ebYL_8Kv37xEXRC1si08yottT-KhPz0P55iyadlfwyKj5Ro7YpkUkTBSv-twNTzbShFb99zqYg8Z4V0LhkWPXnfYO2lt7e0bRNj1D5RGnyKWYaeMTe2tq7JAnLvJaFAGEg4BXR9Ohcvl21A1UlJ8020SWEl-0P4SDmfTRJr5kKB6_0XSgxBJ&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==>. For more information on the Council's Technology & Innovation Working Group<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OvpmLPoA3wBszZa_lFkvwQI4RmeclH2I-DIjkO8brilKUFcFvvwG2V1wV8oUq5VrHJ93i5WmnFVAHcdo9vdwoT72vkSMaPqO2SXlYFGHqz9n_4gl2paSKeZfLLmVYF05ufe-UcZT4C2uBQT57NGUfwcV73hWc_IZ7g==&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==>, please contact Mariah Healy<mailto:mhealy@newenglandcouncil.com>. Trade Senate Committee Approves Greer for USTR – At a markup on Wednesday, the Senate Finance Committee voted 15 to 12<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5J6SUNSkjaJXki4fFj0ThUnXGlVBqjtVdyxCIsAz1pjIn04kHlUyxBl0lNgXjbMzv5V2L8p3al602HCAV9M1QOivtdN9TBhq6LTBJvHWqA5lrdnfA71p3GYmSKw-TnFDKKQLTM3p6hURTuhdb9c8tBZoIYKBcoLuAZxQ9XF6NSezmGdAOHf2SR0apmZ30RIZb04_VW5ksVc2emG9t8jIjH1x8K4vRg2UJ9eTe9md8-ztNm3lP7SJ8xN6lsq68HqRER5OJgYrYKRGUG8QyI3qiXqoZamJ3havyE&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==> to advance the nomination of Jamieson Greer to be the next United States Trade Representative (USTR). While the vote generally broke along party lines, Committee member Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) joined all Committee Republicans in voting for the nomination. Regarding Mr. Greer, Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-ID) said<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5JNvcL3MobXc-woQynnyfJNI7SSAEw35FdHr3SmfqovpREeyju_o4LRYZUdLjS19F6icLkX89SSErLmybnkhbG1Ve6kRP_gsrK7xkGOf8br2rbwcacPE4ndR96m1bxwqcqagiqX_qmN81azP_A4LDzCozyNe0g_r6kpUBG3y4np-Flx3feOVpMS-tn1Rq2nC7D4pjAdIb1N53j9ve83pHNuA==&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==> “he demonstrated at the hearing that that he is more than qualified to be our nation’s chief trade negotiator,” and that he “thoughtfully responded to all of the questions posed to him then and in subsequent questions for the record.” He added, that “based on his answers, conduct at the hearing, and in meeting with him, I am confident that Mr. Greer has the experience and determination to advocate successfully for American farmers, ranchers, workers and manufacturers.” In opposition, the Committee’s Ranking Member, Ron Wyden (D-OR) said<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5JQVgP0aH4og6QQ0tvhjtxWUNkOGCuc8dhkKDssSBLWnRnVkUe0ixDTw0FZ5iADAjD44PJMxaOn3NZcREkaiKeYkLFG5Co-yyZrbNshCBa_ES_q7lkDfkLEPbN8-rJ81Gs5sM6Hbx-nxEEyDnnjms68_jQVo2oJsErSZYZH2pElI_jxZDahQvo9PbdAWq2z612SIol6G-UGnuJUTFWn_sf6E8Uz-ERAmub&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==> “it is my judgement that Mr. Greer will not influence this Administration to make the global economy work better for regular Americans, and that he is both unable and unwilling to be the administration’s leading voice on trade as the law requires.” “If confirmed,” Senator Wyden added, “he will be a rubber stamp for more Trump trade chaos.” With the action by the Finance Committee, the nomination now goes to the full Senate for further consideration. President Announces Implementation of Reciprocal Tariffs – On Thursday, it was announced<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5JYpIpZ23cGtuzghXMC1qgNVr6gR3H4_BPiGbAkA98BCvPv9qnwm9N2LRu-zwjsMS6-SUpiiNt3ZdaPo-uAYh4SyvnUAR0cU64rXzyIS4vOdsa24pYem0NuW1ipIfzUKgSCcEX_asVsFHPRM-p3V1FewFH_FRlQl6N&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==> by President Trump that his Administration will put in place a series of worldwide reciprocal tariffs in an effort to “reduce our large and persistent annual trade deficit in goods and to address other unfair and unbalanced aspects of our trade with foreign trading partners.” In an Oval Office signing event, President Trump said “I’ve decided for purposes of fairness that I will charge a reciprocal tariff,” adding, “it’s fair to all. No other country can complain.” According to the White House, the action will include reciprocity for “any tariffs imposed on United States products;” “unfair, discriminatory, or extraterritorial taxes” including value-added taxes; nontariff barriers or other measures “including subsidies and burdensome regulatory requirements;” policies that “cause exchange rates to deviate from their market value;” and any policy that the Administration deems is an “unfair limitation on market access or any structural impediment to fair competition.” To emphasize his point, the President released a fact sheet<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5JQpvrFPBlgzryzfI7l3SytSYNATLPF04tMtceyO64GL1eWn4VRjYdDQ5Z-oHdY3AgpkIrFGAw0kQz0VMp-az5WUBAEzT9YlMW15L3WHO3HZB29h0lFsiXwHsRgKXjEtWZkk_-rQqKFwOcr-u-4TSiBMzFjnTT9tF5BekjOrfBe-9Lc4NMszJsct3bjb83Pj-rM8qxIFqh-VSgsHz9xeR4JDxzUb57PkIFbNjGBk_rZKY=&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==> that showed instances where tariffs were apparently unbalanced, from motorcycles in India to shellfish from the European Union. The U.S. Trade Representative and the Secretary of Commerce will, by April 1st, determine where there are currently such imbalances in our trade relationships and report it. Then, within six months, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will detail the financial impact on the United States. There is no exact date when reciprocal tariffs could commence, however it is probable that it would not be before the April reporting date. President Issues New Order on Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum Imports – On Monday, President Donald Trump announced that the United States would be imposing across-the-board tariffs totaling 25 percent on all imported steel<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5JTlYbxM1ZTxbGqKqnJPnbXk4o20wcZ9WJW4UBrUIH8VlMbXqCkAUz1KCEZuIxrnsnI0aclAUhmiFzItZ_CHg91hzm3J0JM8tqdNiPQPlRYPzS4MnU-PfRna3RPWvREDBI3nShBr7p5LaPZFO4zV6eli1wnzJ5MH3E1HTG36L1gY_gm-5FYgmaivQJXbnLtNwV1At0T_sr66Vg4dcpUmet9Q==&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==> and imported aluminum<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5Jpsf0cm2XvFj1nyaFuIjyqBUwVOGj4V7I9dulJNJVh-itoRHkB2cO0sSKeoWETEDMvvY-xcDLj5rWCAIUWVfHHlerV7fbiE1F97mAYSw82EQuvMqytAC3mKo5-zi0x2Gd6Wzll3aNRYrUdz3K-IorBBDxzHXkZWsERAvsTEdsu8DSavd5o9qPcaVg107uTpkSFAOngHmCSWJpGwsZIT6pEA==&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==> as of March 12, 2025. The action taken by the White House would obviate any previously granted exemptions from tariffs on steel or aluminum, and would increase the tariff on aluminum from the original level of 10 percent set in 2018. According to a White House fact sheet<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5JlPPDApC39TiDVHQNcaLmaeMhacwP-GswyA7bmdqDSYifMKHIjU-L-WRDlRd5pSEwZpt2haEJ8ADFB-JZm7x8llsqI6E_-gvawd-69mTU5Gr5flXw4l2PRVhqdLZLM4Adt_FWfZc-CptchCIQNSe7Bwx-M2gSad64RSCE6keF073LPfkZuQl_E9YmkApFrCwc14vF8_H_k_M732yoyv1v9Q==&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==>, the President’s actions are being taken “to protect America’s critical steel and aluminum industries, which have been harmed by unfair trade practices and global excess capacity.” The White House noted that in granting previous exemptions, “the United States inadvertently created loopholes that were exploited by China and others with excess steel and aluminum capacity, undermining the purpose of these exemptions.” The White House stated that “the countries of Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, the European Union, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom had received exemptions, which prevented the tariffs from being effective.” House Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richie Neal (D-MA) was less than optimistic that the tariff action would “stop the unfair trade practices in these industries or bring back American jobs.” Rather, Congressman Neal stated<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5Jyavv4YmxH2cyMEeJ3iGb9r_hySOjQ1qW07SLaZ2uzMtzNx_ZLt6x5o58jmbMFx0tJuOBsZboEeI82tsiuNVTQheU7AkHnFhEixBG4L833gML1kI_4zfDt2g411JLYwf0Lewq1cpx5cOO4cpOtHbMQ3gCLl_Yz2IZhmluHNwvIYmMvRmoRrd9LeKYpCzUK2Svm1R30-ip0zFXKe9zMQdIJhV0zXeiZvsm8M-1yGAF-TA=&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==>, “our workers and producers in steel and aluminum deserve relief that will deliver results, and we could do that by working with our allies who are also being hurt by the flood of steel and aluminum in our markets from bad actors.” For more information on the Council's Trade Working Group<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OsvoIHMYKW-5cwcLZEPsiOG8p2VJQnyQuzXjB5DnV9yB6uYOjXeO3b9OAphXnGdLPfhuPB-KTxLp1m-DOEdSTuwL2Oxjonzf96_6Koxy70XNZ4RTJYsD95mQ8YwOYZdrdQ==&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==>, please contact Peter Phipps<mailto:pphipps@newenglandcouncil.com>. Transportation & Infrastructure Upcoming Hearings & Markups * Thursday, February 20, 2025 (9:30) – Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee – Hearing: Nomination of Steven Bradbury to be U.S. Deputy Secretary of Transportation<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5JlJ0AZLmnOXinFMIhaUtxMODebNRsCqwxblyuII7LPQq4dj4J86-icllZyEmBnwAZ1JzhIC-diH6apdXeR9tuuirgG2jyQJwJFyxnmO891-6GwOvjI-FD6gokg33yXB1GE6xzYnUOZnVzc52y9UQPKGx8-50XvkdBKeuvd95K93RQ5uf0EEUIiQ==&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==> House Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Highway Safety – On Wednesday, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Subcommittee on Highways and Transit held a hearing<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5JwEysd-M_iPq3SQGOlEZxqU5eo9p5zc_Mr6ZjpHGFdXaVCKqHhDoHYleUxYyBUZaYtNiYd9KoqwS5AGVO_QXQmJiSn-IwN_WadfolDnTCXvH6RKPcu9K7IwNieps8gBloaObv3Wl7tXpWt0VVLVcS9qcV8ivKvAWX&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==> as part of the Committee’s over “America Builds” series to discuss our safety issues impacting our nation’s highways and roadways. In this hearing, Subcommittee Chairman, Representative David Rouzer (R-NC) noted that while traffic fatalities were down 3.6 percent in 2023 compared to the previous year, they are still higher when compared to the last decade. Chairman Rouzer pointed out that “driver behavior has changed considerably since 2020,” primarily since enforcement during Covid shifted away from stricter traffic enforcement. He further added that “today, car travel has returned to normal, but traffic enforcement hasn’t,” noting that “underfunded and understaffed police forces mean there are no real consequences for drivers’ illegal actions and have only paved the way for drivers to speed, drive while impaired, and make reckless decisions endangering others on the road.” The Chairman also expressed concern that an increase in traffic fatalities has been “disproportionately affecting our rural communities,” because “our rural roads often have more narrow lanes, limited shoulders, exposed hazards, and limited clear zones,” and that “drivers tend to be riskier when there is less traffic and fewer traffic patterns that require slower speeds.” He pointed out that among the items to improve motor safety, “states and local governments need flexibility to implement programs which address the shortfalls in our rural communities,” and that “current and future road design standards can help drive down fatalities across our communities.” He also stated that more must be done “to address work zone safety [where] reckless driving puts our roadside workers at greater risk of injury or death.” The Subcommittee heard from a handful of stakeholders who shared their insight and recommendations on how to “make our roadways safer,” adding “we don’t have unlimited funds, and it’s crucial we make strategic investments that are proven to save lives.” House Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Clean Water Infrastructure – On Tuesday, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment held a hearing<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmEMQ8rs2s5J1fURPtwLOdr1hfhMgXzMLJlvFMiiuAhAOa0y3AAx3t9QXs4retHjvLhM1nW79ws2R1U0lgTDFTF7yjdyFD8KqIEVEXZTSVSmPpKLNts8W6VDv6gK517QHuovzV0msAbw-NAPND6poZPFxQmzVhaL9txVRvgBekUM&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==> as part of the Committee’s over “America Builds” series to discuss the future of the Clean Water Act and how the Committee and Congress “can improve our regulatory environment, without decreasing protections for water quality.” In his first hearing of the 119th Congress as Subcommittee Chairman, Representative Mike Collins (R-GA) noted that “while the Clean Water Act has had many successes in maintaining and improving water quality for the benefits of citizens and industries nationwide, it unfortunately has also been used to slow or stop progress on important projects.” Chairman Collins pointed out that numerous stakeholders “rely on a Clean Water Act permitting process that is easy to understand, easy to follow, and easy to implement,” however that the process has been hampered by a plethora of regulations, lawsuits, bureaucrats, and activists. The Subcommittee heard from a handful of stakeholders who shared their insight and recommendations on how to help make the Clean Water Act more effective. For more information on the Council's Transportation & Infrastructure Committee<https://lyi4jwdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001npoTiWjU9WbqqQMQ2AhDWGedigEq-v2EzdqV9Bdv5Xj_PinV7Nl-OmbaN20ARKjLT3mV0nDPqzJonCh7-fMil1K0eE8t3RF-kc4F1LMpPgbnUu1KRvwqTq2BhNrNj8WEqh9eQUErwUAS3xEK7RAkdgUb8dRFe0H97zrQWUtOYJCzAxusRSHqRw1x75NGZdBI&c=RurXo5YuLhYNwRu5n1sPR3MMYkQZGMMKBFyC7NUQLXwb7UIQRmqAig==&ch=WJdshWv4WtnBWoyz6ih-UULvTTghUkPqUvLmKIgGpNFoMLAw95T5bA==>, 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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