Washington Weekly - July 12

This Week:

The House and Senate are in session.  

Federal:

We’re Back:  Congress has now returned from its 4^th of July recess and ready to get to work on a wide range of legislation, before both chambers break again for the annual August recess.  Some of the action that will be taken over the next eleven legislative days include:

Appropriations/Budget: House and Senate appropriators will continue their work on the annual appropriations bills that include discretionary spending in the federal budget.  The end of the fiscal year is September 30^th. 

NDAA: The must pass, annual renewal of the National Defense Authorization Act will likely come to the House floor this week, but not without significant debate.  Several House Republicans, especially members of the House Freedom Caucus, will seek changes on defense policy issues including abortion, climate change, Ukraine, and many others.  A record 1,500 amendments were filed, and while the final number will be paired down, there will be several floor votes, likely preventing other legislation from hitting the floor. 

Farm Bill:  The five-year renewal of the farm bill will be up this year (Sep 30 deadline), where ASA is monitoring developments and seeking a funding change on rural water development.

FAA Reauthorization: FAA authority will also need to be renewed with an eye on a short-term extension if policy and funding agreements are not made in time.

Regulations: At this writing, the Department of Energy is expected to release its proposed efficiency rules for water heaters imminently.  ASA has been working with members and coalition partners in anticipation of this proposed rule.  As more information becomes available, ASA will share the latest developments. 

Politics:

Retiring: Longtime Rep. Grace Napolitano (D-CA), currently the oldest member of the House of Representatives, announced that she would not seek re-election to her San Gabriel Valley district. The seat is overwhelmingly Democratic and will likely touch off an expensive and highly competitive primary.

Jumping In: Michigan: “The Good Doctor” actor Harper Hill (D) announced his candidacy for the Senate seat being vacated by Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow.  He will face centrist Democratic Rep. Elise Slotkin in the primary and is expected to offer a platform that is more progressive.  Nevada: Retired Army Captain Sam Brown, who lost the 2022 GOP Senate nomination to former Nevada AG Adam Laxalt, declared he will run for the nomination and a chance to take on incumbent Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen.  This should be one of the most competitive 2024 Senate races. Texas: Former Rep. Mayra Flores (R) announced that she will take on incumbent Democratic Rep. Vincente Gonzalez (TX-34) in a rematch of their 2022 contest, where Flores lost 53-44, after the district was redrawn to be more Democratic leaning.

President Biden Job Approval (RCP Average): 42% Approve – 53% Disapprove

Generic Congressional Ballot (RCP Average): D +0.4%. 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.