Washington Weekly - August 17

This Week:

The House and Senate are in recess and will return on September 5^th.    

Federal:

What to Expect When You’re Expecting…Congress: The legislative challenges facing both chambers upon their return next month seem to increase with each passing day.  The FAA reauthorization, the Farm Bill, and the budget are all key priorities, as heard before.  Now, the Biden Administration has asked for a $40 billion supplemental spending bill that would earmark $24 billion for Ukraine, $12 billion for ongoing disaster relief, and almost $4 billion for ongoing border issues. 

Reactions: With a chance of a government shutdown facing Congress shortly after its return, Speaker Kevin McCarthy has floated the idea of a short-term Continuing Resolution (CR) that would go until early December, providing both chambers time to work out budget details.  However, he will have to take the temperature of his caucus, as more conservative members have previously been lukewarm to such a plan.  On the other side of the Capitol, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said that the proposal “makes a good deal of sense.”  Stay tuned.

Department of Energy:                                                                                     

Inflation Reduction Act Rebates:  The Department of Energy has begun accepting state applications for funding of rebate programs included in last year’s Inflation Reduction Act, almost a year after it was signed into law.  The funding will be split into two parts – the home efficiency rebate program and the residential electrification program – and states will have to apply for each, submitting a plan for DOE review on how they will implement the programs in their respective states.  Keep in mind that not all states will participate (Gov. Ron DeSantis has already announced that Florida will not be involved).  The DOE announcement can be found here.

Water Heater NOPR: Department of Energy issued a Notice of Proposed Rule (NOPR) on Consumer Water Heaters – news release can be found here. ASA is working with its industry partners to decipher the almost 1,700 pages of the proposed rule that would take effect on January 1, 2029.  If you have any questions or comments, please contact ASA VP of Advocacy at srossi@asa.net.    

Politics:

House:

Pennsylvania:  Moderate GOP Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick has drawn a primary opponent.  Conservative activist Mark Houck announced his campaign to challenge the incumbent in a very moderate district located in the Philadelphia suburbs.  This is a district that President Biden won in 2020 and is a toss-up heading into 2024 and one that Republicans will want to win to keep their majority.  

North Carolina:  Rep. Dan Bishop (R) announced that he will not seek re-election to his Congressional seat and instead mount a campaign for state Attorney General.  Originally having won the seat in a 2019 special election, he rose to become a key member of the House Freedom Caucus.  With North Carolina going through a new re-districting process, the current district could end up looking much different in 2024. 

Senate:

Indiana:  Earlier this year, Republican Sen. Mike Braun announced he would retire at the end of his term to run for Governor.  This led to a multitude of Republicans looking at a potential Senate run, including former Bush OMB Director/former Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels.  Rep. Jim Banks has appeared to clear the field on the Republican side, with some Democrats mulling a campaign for their party’s nomination.  In a deeply Republican state like Indiana, the GOP nominee will likely be the ultimate victor. 

Michigan: With Democratic Senator Debbie Stabenow retiring at the end of her current term, this leaves Republicans with their best chance to mount a challenge in some time.  Among the GOP names being mentioned are former Rep. Peter Meijer, former House Intelligence Committee Chair Mike Rogers, and NYSE Vice Chair John Tuttle.  Democratic Rep. Elise Slotkin has already announced on the Democratic side, as well as The Good Doctor actor Hill Harper.  Keep in mind that Republicans have not had a good run in Michigan since 2016, now-Rep. John James lost to Stabenow by 8 points in 2018, and Michigan has not had a Republican Senator since Spence Abraham in 2000 (whom Debbie Stabenow defeated to earn her first term) so this seat leans towards Democrats for now. 

President Biden Job Approval (RCP Average): 41% Approve – 54% Disapprove.

Generic Congressional Ballot (RCP Average): Democrats +0.2%. The House currently has a composition of 222 Republicans to 212 Democrats. The Senate is comprised of 51 Democrats and 49 Republicans. Special Elections: Democratic: (RI-1 Primary: 9/5/2023; General: 11/7/2023).  Republican: (UT-2 Primary: 9/5/2023; General: 11/21/2023). Rep. Chris Stewart (UT-2) will resign on September 15, 2023.