Category: Legislative Updates

Oil Reserve Bills Top House Agenda

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by LICA-National

Rep. Steve Scalise (La.), a key Republican House leader, put forward details on which bills Republicans are expected to take up first. Among the 11 initial bills are two related to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR):

• One would prohibit the release of oil from the reserve without a plan to increase oil and gas production on federal lands

• The other would prohibit the sale of SPR oil to entities owned, controlled or influenced by the Chinese Communist party

• These bills are unlikely to make it past a Democratic-led Senate and White House, but are important opening messages for the GOP.

Congress Looks to Close the Books on 2022

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by LICA-National

The annual end of the year battle is taking place as Congress must pass legislation to fund the government before leaving town for the year. This is done in the spirit of Christmas and attempts by leadership in making – or not making because not everyone has been nice - the final bill a Christmas tree full of gifts, and additional spending. Certain Republicans, preparing for their recently won, albeit narrow majority, are making waves about what not to spend money on with threats of holding the final bill hostage and potentially shutting down the government. Trust me, no Member of Congress wants to be in Washington for the holidays!


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Future House Leaders Commitment to America

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by LICA-National

Current House Minority Leader and Speaker Wannabe Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) is being asked to play Santa Claus in exchange for conservatives to support him in January as the next Speaker. Most of the gifts are in changes to how the House operates in terms of rules and committee assignments. Sounds simple until you have to govern under the rules you have committed to your new majority.

Republicans galvanized around a plan this year as fundamental to their future leadership. The “Commitment to America” organizes various pledges under four broad categories: the economy, safety, freedom and accountability. The outline is an attempt to harness the historical success of former House Speaker Newt Gingrich’s 1994 “Contract with America,” which propelled GOP gains during President Bill Clinton’s first term.

Congress Prepares to Wrap Year Up All in One Package

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by LICA-National

The annual rush for Congress to finish their must do business and head home for the holidays is underway. This year is somewhat different as majority changes in the House has resulted in leadership changes of the parties and committees. Whether the new House Republican leader – TBD – will be able to centralize power or succumb to demands to decentralize leadership control will determine how cohesive an agenda is put forward next year. Divided government often brings out the best - and the worst - on both sides of the aisle.

The typical end of year must pass bill is agreement on next year’s government funding. A cap is generally agreed to with other high priority issues –Defense, Covid and Ukraine funding topping this year’s list – negotiated to avoid the shutdown of government programs.

Business, Ag Groups Weigh in on Rail Strike

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by LICA-National

The Administration and the House have taken action to avoid a national rail strike as the Senate considers similar legislation to delay a strike. President Biden’s call to action came the same day more than 400 business groups sent a letter to House and Senate leaders calling for them to step in if necessary to prevent the rail workers from striking.


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