EIW Today - April 1st, 2025
- Prism Group
- Apr 1
- 5 min read
Prism Group's Daily Summary
VOTE TESTS SUPPORT FOR PRESIDENT TRUMP’S TARIFF STRATEGY... The Senate will vote today on a resolution to terminate President Donald Trump’s national emergency declaration justifying tariffs on Canadian imports, testing GOP support for his trade policies. While largely symbolic, the vote could see some Republicans join Democrats in rebuking the President, highlighting broader discomfort with his tariff strategy and its economic impact. Pro-tariff Republicans, however, argue that short-term disruptions will pay off by bringing manufacturing back to the U.S.
WHO WOULD GET RELIEF UNDER “NO TAX ON TIPS” PROPOSAL?... The Wall Street Journal reports that Uber and DoorDash are lobbying Republicans to expand a no-tax-on-tips proposal to include independent contractors, arguing it’s a fairness issue for gig workers. Legislation being drafted by Senator Ted Cruz and Congressman Vern Buchanan reportedly limits the tax break to employees in traditionally tipped industries, but no final decisions have been made on its scope. Critics warn the policy could create inequities among low-wage workers, while supporters see it as a way to boost take-home pay for tipped workers.
FEDERAL CUTS CONTINUE... Staff cuts have begun at various U.S. health agencies, described as a "reduction in force” unrelated to individual performance, per agency officials. This move comes amid ongoing concerns about the impact on public health services and critical research, as many essential grants remain on hold. These cuts serve as part of a broader overhaul aimed at restructuring health agencies.
EMPHASIZING IMPORTANCE OF PREVENTATIVE HEALTH CARE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES… As workforce health directly impacts productivity and economic outcomes, preventive care plays a critical role in supporting the strength and resilience of small businesses. New CDC guidance recommending pneumococcal vaccines for all adults aged 50 and over offers important benefits not just for public health, but for the small businesses that power our economy. Join Prism Group’s Managing Partner John Stanford for a webinar at 11am ET on Thursday, April 3, exploring how access to vaccines, management of chronic disease, and preventive measures contribute to both individual well-being and economic vitality. To attend, please reach out to us at insights@prismgroup.global.
THE STATE OF THE STATES
SESSIONS BY THE NUMBERS:
Forty-four states are in regular session. Maine is in special session.
WHAT WE'RE WATCHING:
Legislators in California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Vermont and Washington have introduced bills governing the use of AI in the workforce amid the rise of “robo bosses.” Labor groups are pushing Democrats to back bills requiring disclosure and appeal rights for employees when AI makes decisions about their status.
Gov. Greg Abbott (R) praised Texas for leading the nation in job growth over the past 12 months, according to February 2025 employment data. The state also set new records for total jobs, the number of Texans employed, and the size of its labor force.
LAWMAKERS... IN OR OUT?
The House... convenes today at 10:00 AM. The full schedule may be found here.
The Senate... has not posted at what time it will convene due to a floor speech by Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ). The full schedule may be found here.
HAPPENING ON THE HILL
The House...
Committee on Small Business will hold a hearing TODAY, 4/1 at 10:00 AM entitled, “The Golden Age: Unleashing Main Street Through Deregulation.”
Committee on Financial Services will hold a hearing TODAY, 4/1 at 10:00 AM entitled, “Following the Money: Tools and Techniques to Combat Fraud.”
Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health will hold a hearing TODAY, 4/1 at 10:15 AM entitled, “Examining the FDA’s Regulation of Over-the-Counter Monograph Drugs."
Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations will hold a hearing TODAY, 4/1 at 10:30 AM entitled, “Aging Technology, Emerging Threats: Examining Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities in Legacy Medical Devices."
Committee on Appropriations will hold a hearing TODAY, 4/1 at 8:30 AM entitled, “NATIONAL SECURITY AND DEPARTMENT OF STATE - MEMBER DAY.”
Committee on Small Business will hold a hearing Wednesday, 4/2 at 10:00 AM entitled, “Fueling America's Future: How Investment Empowers Small Business Growth.”
Committee on Appropriations will hold a hearing Wednesday, 4/2 at 10:00 AM entitled, “NATIONAL SECURITY AND DEPARTMENT OF STATE - OUTSIDE WITNESS DAY.”
Committee on Appropriations will hold a hearing Wednesday, 4/2 at 10:00 AM entitled, “BUDGET HEARING – U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.”
The Senate...
Committee on Finance will hold an executive session TODAY, 4/1 at 10:00 AM entitled “Open Executive Session to Consider Favorably Reporting the Nomination of Frank Bisignano, of New Jersey, to be Commissioner of Social Security Administration for the term expiring January 19, 2031.”
Committee on Judiciary will hold a hearing TODAY, 4/1 at 2:30 PM entitled, “Big Fixes for Big Tech.”
Committee on Judiciary will hold a hearing Wednesday, 4/2 at 10:15 AM entitled, “Rule by District Judges II: Exploring Legislative Solutions to the Bipartisan Problem of Universal Injunctions.”
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship will hold a Business Meeting Wednesday, 4/2 at 2:30 PM entitled “The Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship will hold a Business Meeting to consider pending business of the committee.”
Committee on Judiciary will hold a hearing Thursday, 4/3 at 10:15 AM entitled, “Executive Business Meeting.”
BILLS OF INTEREST
The bill repeals the small business loan data collection requirements under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. Supporters of the bill argue it will reduce barriers to lending, while critics argue it removes transparency and oversight mechanisms in small business lending. Both bills remove reporting requirements for small business loan applications such as demographic information.
AT THE AGENCIES
The U.S. Department of Labor
U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer announced $1.4 billion in unused COVID-era funding has been returned to taxpayers through the U.S. Department of Treasury’s General Fund, with action being taken to recover the remaining $2.9 billion.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury
Check back tomorrow for possible updates.
The U.S. Department of Commerce
Check back tomorrow for possible updates.
The U.S. Trade Representative
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) submitted the 2025 National Trade Estimate (NTE) to President Trump and Congress. The NTE is an annual report detailing foreign trade barriers faced by U.S. exporters and USTR’s efforts to reduce those barriers.
The U.S. Small Business Administration
Check back tomorrow for possible updates.
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