Advocacy Update: Three Resignations Shift GOP Majority as Tariff Refunds Move Forward

Photo by Steve Rossi
 

Federal Update
 

Three House Resignations in One Week:  Over the past few days, Congress has seen three members – Reps. Eric Swalwell (D-CA), Tony Gonzalez (R-TX), and Sheila Cherfilius-McCormick (D-FL) – all resign after measures to expel them from the House gathered steam.  Former Congressman Eric Swalwell’s resignation not only sent waves throughout Washington, but turned the California gubernatorial election on its head, as he was the leading Democrat in polling, before several women came forward with allegations of sexual assault.  Former Rep. Gonzalez, also facing an expulsion vote after he admitted to a relationship with a staffer who later committed suicide, resigned within minutes of Swalwell.  On Tuesday, as the House Ethics Committee was going to release its recommendations after it was alleged that Cherfilius-McCormick had diverted $5 million in disaster funds to her campaign, she sent her letter of resignation.  It was speculated that she and Rep. Cory Mills (R-FL) would both be facing an expulsion vote as soon as this week.  As of this writing, Rep. Mills has not indicated any plans to resign. 
 

This has resulted in a Republican House Majority of 218-212, with five vacancies.  The GOP majority could increase to 219 during the first week of June, should the special election to replace the late Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) not result in a runoff.  Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), with several pieces of must pass legislation on the horizon, is keeping his eye on the partisan calculus circulating on the House floor.
 

One Cabinet Resignation: On Monday, former Oregon Congresswoman and Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer announced her resignation.  Sec. Chavez-DeRemer was being investigated by Department of Labor Inspector General and former New York Congressman Anthony D’Esposito over allegations of personal misconduct.  Deputy Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling will serve as Acting Secretary until a decision is made on a successor. 
 

Tariff Refunds: After the landmark Supreme Court decision that invalidated IEPPA tariffs as implemented in April 2025, the United States Court of International Trade directed Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to open a portal through which refunds can be processed, which can be found here.
 

ASA/PHCC 2026 Legislative Conference: ASA and PHCC will join forces, May 5-6 in Washington, DC to represent our industry on Capitol Hill.  More information can be found here.  This is a rare opportunity to represent our industry in Washington, DC, through face-to-face meetings with Capitol Hill decision makers. The event also offers valuable networking with industry leaders to address legislative and regulatory challenges. Attendees will take part in scheduled meetings with their Senators’ and Representatives’ offices, receive briefings on current political and policy developments, and enjoy distinguished networking and dining events.
 

California Update
 

Sacramento: Last week, ASA Advocacy was in Sacramento for meetings with California state agencies, as well as joining industry partners at AHRI’s State Summit.  In addition to ASA discussions with executive branch decision makers regarding a water heating equipment data collection standard and emissions standards, meetings were also held with lawmakers and their staff to find common ground on legislation on water pumps, PFAS levels, and online permitting.
 

The California Energy Commission’s RFI to implement a system that would require the recording and reporting of water heating equipment serial numbers to the State of California from manufacture to installation would put an undue burden on businesses throughout our supply chain.  ASA has submitted two rounds of comments and provided public testimony in pursuit of a stronger, more workable solution with our government partners. This issue remains active, and we will share updates as they become available.
 

Politics
 

GA-14: Congressman Clay Fuller (R) was elected to succeed former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene who resigned from the seat in January.  Rep. Fuller defeated his Democratic opponent, retired general and rancher, Shawn Harris, and will serve the remainder of the current term.  The two candidates will likely face each other in a rematch in November.
 

NJ-11: Democratic Socialist Analilia Mejia won the special election to succeed former Rep. and current Gov. Mikie Sherill.  She defeated her Republican opponent, Joe Hathaway, by more than 30 points. 
 

President Trump Job Approval (RCP Average): 41% Approve – 58% Disapprove.
 

Generic Congressional Ballot (RCP Average): Democrats +5.9%. The House currently has a composition of 218 Republicans to 212 Democrats, 5 Vacant.  CA-1 (LaMalfa), Special: 06/02/2026; CA-14 (Swalwell), Special: 06/16/2026; TX-23 (Gonzalez), Special: TBD; FL-20 (Cherfilius-McCormick), Special: TBD; GA-13 (Scott), Special: TBD.  The Senate is comprised of 53 Republicans and 47 Democrats.  
 

By Steve Rossi, VP of Advocacy