Washington Weekly - July 5

This Week:

The House and Senate are in recess.

Federal:

Recess:  As the 4^th of July recess continues for both chambers, there will be extensive activity over the two-week period when legislators return, before leaving again for the annual August recess.  Appropriations will continue to be on the front burner in both the House and Senate.  In addition, the annual National Defense Authorization Act will be taken into consideration and vigorous debate could occur as House Republicans try to roll back some Biden Administration social policies for the military.

Regulations: The Department of Energy is expected to release its proposed efficiency rules for water heaters, as early as this week.  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. 

ASA State Action:

North Carolina: ASA joined its coalition partners in opposing North Carolina HB 488, which would freeze 2015 building codes until 2031.  This position is consistent with ASA’s past advocacy for hazard resistant codes at the federal and state levels.

Politics:

Fundraising: With the end of the second quarter concluded, many candidates are starting to post some interesting fundraising numbers across the country:

California: During the same quarter that House Republicans censured Rep. Adam Schiff (D), he raised a record $8.1 million as he seeks the Senate seat currently held by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D).

Missouri: Former Marine and 2022 Democratic Primary candidate Lucas Kunce raised over $1.2 million in the second quarter to seek the nomination against Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO).

Nevada: Republican Sam Brown, who lost the 2022 GOP Senate nomination to Adam Laxalt, is expected to announce his candidacy for the seat held by Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) next week.

Pennsylvania: Sen. Bob Casey (D) raised $4 million in the second quarter to bring his cash on hand to $6 million.  Republican David McCormick, who lost the 2022 GOP nomination to Dr. Mehmet Oz, raised $1 million through his PAC, as he has not yet declared as a candidate.

Texas: Rep. Colin Allred (D), who is seeking the seat currently held by Sen. Ted Cruz (R), raised $6.2 million in the last two months since announcing his campaign.

Wisconsin: Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D) raised $3.2 million last quarter, a new off-year record in Wisconsin.

President Biden Job Approval (RCP Average): 43% Approve – 54% Disapprove. 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.