Washington Weekly - February 15

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This Week:

The Senate is in session, the House is in recess.   

Federal:

Budget: Negotiations continue between both parties on the budget, as well as how it is connected to discussions on the debt ceiling.  Republicans have pushed back on Democratic attacks that the GOP is looking to cut Social Security and Medicare – meaning cuts to entitlements may be off the table.

Energy: House Republicans are anticipating the release of their energy package sometime in March.  The highlights are focused on rolling back many of the climate provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and prohibiting a ban on fracking, while speeding up permitting for mining.  On Tuesday, the EPA announced that it will spend the $27 billion it received from last year’s IRA by providing $20 billion to nonprofit organizations that work with banks on financing green initiatives, with $7 billion going directly to state, municipal, and tribal governments.

Politics:

And Then There Were Two: This week, former South Carolina Governor and UN Ambassador Nikki Haley announced her candidacy for the 2024 Republican Presidential Nomination. Amb. Haley is the first former or current female governor ever to announce for President.  She joins former President Donald Trump (FL) as the only Republicans to officially announce.  Sen. Tim Scott (SC) and Gov. Ron DeSantis (FL) are expected to join their Palmetto and Sunshine State entrants soon.  California: On Tuesday, Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D) announced she would not seek re-election to the seat she has held since 1993.  Colorado: After losing to Rep. Lauren Boebert (R) by only 546 votes in 2022, Democrat Alan Frisch announced that he will challenge Rep. Boebert again for 2024 - in this Republican heavy, western Colorado district. Florida: Sen. Rick Scott (R) will be up for re-election in 2024.  He chaired the NRSC (the Senate Republicans campaign arm) in 2022.  He could face former Democratic Rep. Stephanie Murphy.  Texas: Sen. Ted Cruz announced will be running for re-election and not make another attempt at President in 2024.

President Biden Job Approval (RCP Average): 44% Approve – 51% Disapprove

Special Elections:  Democratic-held: Virginia’s 4^th District (02/21/2023).

The House currently has a composition of 222 Republicans to 212 Democrats (with 1 vacancy).  The Senate is comprised of 51 Democrats and 49 Republicans.