Updates
The latest news and advocacy information for industrial bankers.
FAA reauthorization bill still in flux with deadline looming
This week, one of the top legislative priorities for the U.S. Congress has been passing a new five-year authorization bill for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The U.S. Senate voted to open debate on the bill on Thursday, with the current authorization set to expire next Friday.
Foreign Aid Package could finally be on the way
The U.S. House plans to take up a series of foreign aid bills in a rare Saturday session that collectively are similar to the $95 billion package passed in the Senate in February.
Ukraine aid remains top priority in Washington
Congress returns from its two-week Easter recess on Monday and securing aid for Ukraine is a key legislative item for most lawmakers.
Congress closes in on final 2024 budget
The odyssey that was the 2024 budget negotiations finally appeared to reach its conclusion on Friday. The six-bill, $1.2 trillion minibus package was released in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Momentum grows for TikTok ban as legislation passes House
This week, the House passed legislation that would force ByteDance to sell TikTok to a U.S. company within 180 days or be banned from U.S. app stores. The legislation was introduced by Select Committee on China Chair Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) last week and quickly picked up steam as it overwhelmingly passed the House by a vote of 352-65-1.
President Biden gives State of the Union address
President Joe Biden delivered a 66-minute State of the Union address on Thursday, tackling some of the nation’s most contentious issues while also taking aim at Republicans and former President Donald Trump.
Lawmakers push deadline, avoid government shutdown
Both chambers returned from recess this week and were immediately under pressure to resolve the budget crisis.
Congress took its President’s Day recess despite the looming budget deadline.
The Senate will be back in session on Tuesday, and the House will return Wednesday night, so both chambers are looking at a tight turnaround to pass a full-year budget or another CR ahead of Friday’s deadline.
Border Security Legislation Fails, but Foreign Aid Package Still Working Through Senate
The bipartisan border security package was finally unveiled this week, but its lifespan proved to be short. The legislation failed after just four Republicans voted in support of the bill on Wednesday, as many of the GOP followed presumptive presidential nominee Donald Trump’s calls to reject the deal.
Tax bill passes the House, now faces hurdles in the Senate
After over a week of back and forth, Speaker Mike Johnson finally brought the Tax Act to a vote on the House floor under suspension of the rules on January 31.
Short but wild
That was the week in Washington. You’ve probably seen some things about it on TV. The good news is that the government won’t shut down tonight. And who wants to hear bad news?
The clock ticks . . .
Hey, remember H.R. 5860? Or actually, Public Law 118-15, because Congress passed it on September 30 to keep the federal government running until November 17. That’s seven days from now.
All about AI
The promises and risks of artificial intelligence (AI) were the focus of work at both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue this week.