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News and updates

News and updates

Senate Schedule Scrambled

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With a flood of COVID-19-related developments unfolding over the weekend in our nation’s capital, the Senate schedule has been scrambled for at least the next several weeks.

As at least three GOP Senators have tested positive for the illness– Thom Tillis of North Carolina, Mike Lee of Utah, and Ron Johnson of Wisconsin– and a number of others are in quarantine as a result of exposure to them, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced that Senate floor activities would be postponed at least until the week of October 19.  However, he added that the confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett would take place as scheduled the week of October 12.  Both Tillis and Lee are members of the Judiciary, which will consider the nomination.

Even if the hearings can take place next week– most likely virtually for several Senators– it remains to be seen when votes on the nomination might actually take place in the committee and on the floor, as a quorum must be present for votes to take place.  Democrats have argued that it makes no sense to proceed while the floor proceedings are halted.

What We’re Reading this Week (September 28th-October 2nd, 2020)

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Keep up with what’s happening in DC. Below is a selection of articles the Federal Relations team read this week.

Presidential Debate: President Trump and former Vice President Biden met in Cleveland for the first 2020 Presidential Debate, moderated by Chris Wallace from Fox News. Analysis from Time Magazine here. VP Pence and Senator Harris are set to debate next week.

Food Box Controversy: There was serious uproar after it was discovered the Department of Agriculture was requiring Farmers to Families Food Boxes, given to those in need, to include a signed letter from President Trump. Some food bank managers spoke out against perceived political messaging. Other critics noted it would appear as if the boxes came from President Trump personally, as opposed to an appropriated program. More at Washington Post.

Olympic Oversight: The House passed a bipartisan, bicameral bill which would provide greater oversight and accountability regarding US participation in the Olympics and Paralympics, with the goal of protecting athletes. The legislation, which passed earlier in the Senate, was the result of a long Congressional investigation after widespread findings of abuse. Full story here.

President Tests Positive: In a tweet, the President announced he and the First Lady have tested positive for COVID-19. It is unclear how this will impact his official duties, as well as his campaign activities. The next debate is scheduled for October 15th.

VA to be Investigated: Senators Warren (D-MA) and Schatz (D-HI) announced the Government Accountability Office, a legislative branch agency, will investigate systemic racism issues in the Department of Veterans Affairs. An employee union reported 80% of members found racism to be a moderate to serious issue. Full story.

DHS Secretary Nomination: Chad Wolf’s nomination to be Secretary of Homeland Security advanced to the Senate floor after approval by partisan vote in the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Read more.

 

House Passes Another COVID Relief Bill

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The House has passed their updated, smaller “HEROES 2.0” COVID-19 relief bill that was introduced earlier this week. The largely symbolic bill passed 214-207 on party lines. The Senate is not expected to take action on the legislation.

Negotiations continue between Speaker Pelosi and Secretary Mnuchin, however there is about a $1 trillion difference in their proposals.

Full story here.

CR Signed, Government Still Open

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After returning from a campaign rally late last night, President Trump signed a continuing resolution (CR)  that will keep the government funded through December 11.  FY2021 officially started at midnight this morning and none of the 12 individual spending bills have been signed into law.  In theory, the extension until December 11 gives Congress and the White House extra time to reach agreement on the appropriations bills.  The Senate cleared the CR earlier in the day yesterday by a vote of 84 to 10.

There was a bit of drama last night as the President technically missed the midnight deadline to sign the resolution, which was not officially signed until about 1 AM.  However, given that he was going to sign the measure, federal agencies were not making preparations to shutdown.

House Updates HEROES Act

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House Democrats have released an updated, smaller, “HEROES Act 2.0”, totaling approximately $2.2 trillion. This COVID relief bill would provide support for small businesses, airline workers, childcare, food security, the Census, education, local governments, and healthcare. Specifically, $39 billion would go to colleges and universities, $3 billion would go to research relief for NIH, and $2.9 billion would go to research relief for NSF. Research relief for other agencies is not included.

A one-pager is available here.

A vote is expected in the coming days. The Senate is not expected to take action, however negotiations between House Democrats, Senate Republicans, and the Administration continue.