Washington Weekly - August 3

This Week:

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

Federal:

With Congress in recess until the first week of September, much is quiet on the legislative front as members have returned to their states and districts.  However, multiple bills will need to be passed before the end of the fiscal year on September 30^th (60 days as of this writing), including all 12 appropriations bills that make up the discretionary federal budget, the Farm Bill covering agriculture policy for the next five years, and the FAA reauthorization.

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 announcement can be found here.

Water Heater NOPR: The Department of Energy issued a Notice of Proposed Rule (NOPR) on Consumer Water Heaters – news release can be found here. ASA continues to work with members and coalition partners on reviewing potential actions on 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:  Delaware:  After Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D) announced she would be running for the seat being vacated by Sen. Tom Carper (D), two Democrats have announced their campaigns to succeed her.  State housing authority director Eugene Young and State Treasurer Colleen Davis will be facing off against the campaign of state Sen. Sarah McBride in the Democratic Primary.  New York: Another Republican challenger has jumped into the race to take on indicted GOP Rep. George Santos in the 3^rd Congressional District.  Retired NYPD Detective Mike Sapraicone announced his campaign, joining air force veteran and former JPMorgan banker Kellen Curry.  Given Rep. Santos’ legal challenges and lack of fundraising, there is a possibility that there could be a special election before 2024.  Stay tuned. Senate: Connecticut:  Sen. Chris Murphy (D) currently is sitting well with no announced challengers to his campaign and close to $7 million in his campaign account.  Florida: Former NRSC Chair, Sen. Rick Scott is up for re-election in 2024.  A former governor, he was elected with a narrow margin of victory in 2018.  So far, the strongest Democrat to consider a challenge is former Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell.  Former Rep. Alan Grayson has filed, as well as a former Democratic challenger to Rep. Matt Gaetz, Phil Ehr.  Given the strong electoral performances of GOPers Sen. Marco Rubio and Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2022, this should be a very challenging race for Democrats in 2024. 

President Biden Job Approval (RCP Average): 42% Approve – 54% Disapprove.

Generic Congressional Ballot (RCP Average): D +0.8%. 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.