Situational Awareness
The Senate is session this week and will continue processing nominations, including Marty Walsh as Secretary of Labor. The House does not have any votes scheduled this week and is in pro-forma session.
Thursday Webcast: Club Corner with Congressman Brady
Thursday at 3:30 p.m. ET, I get to sit down with Congressman Kevin Brady (R-Texas) for a conversation about what we can expect to see from Congress this year. Brady is a ranking Member of the House Ways and Means Committee and served as chairman when Republicans held the majority and passed the most significant tax reform package in more than 30 years. A leader on health care, taxes, business and pension issues, Brady will give his perspective on what we can expect to see during this Congress. This webinar is free for NCA members and $99 for nonmembers. Register here.
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Deadline Extension
The $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan (ARP) was signed into law on March 9 and extended and enhanced many of the programs clubs have been interested in since the beginning of the pandemic. However, the Paycheck Protection Program’s (PPP’s) March 31 deadline for applications was left untouched, which raised many concerns within businesses. NCA, along with many within the business community, sent a letter to Congress prior to the ARP passing to urge an extension of the deadline. Last week, the House of Representatives passed a separate bill by a vote of 415-3 that would extend the deadline to June 30. The bill (H.R. 1799), was sent to the Senate for passage and the expectation is the Senate will consider the bill this week, though the exact timing and process is unclear.
Department of Labor Nominee Up in Senate
President Biden’s nominee for Secretary of Labor, Marty Walsh, is scheduled for a vote in the Senate today. Walsh is a two-term Mayor of Boston and has attracted bipartisan support. Walsh has expressed support for a $15 an hour minimum wage and increased enforcement of COVID-19 protections in the workplace.
Louisiana Special Election Results
Just weeks after winning his election to the House of Representatives, Luke Letlow passed due to complications from COVID-19 before he could assume office. On Saturday his widow, Julia Letlow, won a special election to fill the seat. Mrs. Letlow has a Ph.D. in communication and is a university executive.