Situational Awareness
Both the House and Senate are in session this and next week prior to breaking for the August recess (maybe). The House will consider 20 bills on the suspension calendar early in the week and then pivot to appropriations later in the week. The Senate will continue to process nominations while final language is being drafted on the bipartisan infrastructure framework (BIF).
Infrastructure Deal is Close to Complete
The bipartisan infrastructure framework (BIF) suffered a minor setback last week due to a failed vote in the Senate to move to consideration of the package. The vote was along party lines with Republicans objecting because the final language has not been completed or scored by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). The $1.2 trillion package contains roughly $579 billion in new spending and is largely focused on roads, bridges, airports, and rail systems, though there is money set aside for broadband access and other items. Senate Majority Leader, Chuck Schumer (D – NY) has threatened to keep the Senate in session until a package is passed.
PRO Act Gets a Hearing in Senate
Last week, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee held a hearing on the “Protecting the Right to Organize Act” (PRO Act). NCA signed a letter sent to the committee opposing the legislation. You can view the letter here. The PRO Act contains many provisions backed by organized labor such as eliminating right-to-work laws in states that have passed such measures and limitations on employers that would make it much easier for unions to organize a workplace. NCA has consistently opposed the legislation and there is increasing chatter that much of the bill will be included in the $3.5 trillion reconciliation package currently under consideration by House and Senate Democrats. It is unclear what specific provisions might be included and how they could meet muster with the Senate Parliamentarian to be included under the special rules for budget reconciliation.
H-2B Back In Appropriations Spotlight
The House Rules Committee will be meeting this week to consider which amendments will be allowed on an appropriations package that contains the Labor, Health and Human Services appropriations bill, and the H-2B program will be part of the discussion. It is expected that two amendments will be offered relevant to the H-2B program. First, a proposed amendment would bar the construction industry from using the program. Second, and applicable to more business types, would ban employers from participating if they have a history of any, even minor, labor or workforce infractions. If you have an interest in the H-2B program, I encourage you to reach out to your Representative and ask that they oppose the addition of such language in any appropriations bill.
Sign Up for ClubPAC
One important aspect of NCA’s government relations program is ClubPAC, which is the private club community’s political action committee. ClubPAC provides an avenue for the club community to support candidates and build relationships with representatives and senators on both sides of the aisle. Participation in ClubPAC is voluntary and you can sign up by filling out a prior authorization form to be added to our list of club leaders receiving information about our political engagement.