Situational Awareness
The House of Representatives stands in recess subject to the call of the Speaker. The Senate conducted a rare weekend session and continues work on the bipartisan infrastructure package.
Infrastructure on Track
After months of negotiations among a group of 10 bipartisan senators, the final text of the infrastructure package was released yesterday. While the broad outlines of the agreement were reached last week, procedurally the Senate had already moved to consideration of the legislation before the actual text was ready to be released. The package contains roughly $110 billion in spending for roads and bridges, $73 billion in power grid upgrades, $66 billion for rails and $65 billion for broadband expansion. In addition to these new funds, the package makes investments in drinking water and $39 billion for public transit. The legislation creates a new department within the Department of Energy called the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations to research new energy and climate technologies.
Debt Ceiling Authority Expires
The two-year suspension of the federal debt ceiling expired over the weekend and while the Treasury Department has begun taking measures to avoid defaulting on debt obligations, there appears to be no plan from the House or Senate to raise or suspend it again. The current federal debt stands at $28.5 trillion and with additional spending planned in the infrastructure package as well as an expansive budget reconciliation package on the way, Congress will have to take action on the debt limit soon. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has measures available that would stave off a default until sometime in October, but is urging Congress to act sooner. Although raising the debt ceiling had been a fairly routine action in years past, over the last 20 years it has become increasingly partisan with both sides arguing both sides of the issue depending on who holds the majority. Congress has legislative vehicles available in the infrastructure and budget reconciliation measures, but no indications have been given that they will be utilized for the debt ceiling.
New Coronavirus Town Hall to Address Delta Variant Surge
This Thursday, Aug. 5 at 2 p.m. ET, join me with health care, legal and club experts on how you can address the recent Delta Variant surge at your club. As mask mandates and other strategies to slow the virus’ spread emerge, NCA is hearing about new concerns and tactics from clubs as they respond. I will provide a government relations update and moderate the panel. Other presenters include:
Dr. Terri Rebmann, Director, Institute for Biosecurity, Professor, Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, College for Public Health & Social Justice, Saint Louis University
Tom Lenz, JD, Partner, Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo
Michael McCarthy, CEO/General Manager, Addison Reserve Country Club, Delray Beach, Fla.
Matthew Allnatt, General Manager/COO, Jonathan Club, Los Angeles, Calif.
This webinar is FREE for the entire club community. Register here.