Prism Group's Daily Summary
THIS WEEK’S CR PUSH... Today, lawmakers are expected to unveil draft text of the CR bill. It’s the last “legislative train leaving the station” this year, and members have been pushing for inclusion of their favored provisions for weeks now. House Speaker Mike Johnson will likely rely on Democratic votes to advance the bill, so expect to see some bipartisan concessions included in the package.
HOLIDAY SHOPPING TRENDS: SMALL BUSINESSES FOCUS ON COZY, FESTIVE, AND UNIQUE EXPERIENCES... Small businesses across the country are adapting to cautious consumer spending this holiday season by emphasizing cozy, cheerful, and festive items. Retailers report strong early demand for gifts like scarves, sweaters, and holiday décor. Owners also note that shoppers are drawn to comfort, vibrant colors, and humorous holiday gifts. Small businesses in many parts of the country are hoping this season of holiday shopping helps them recover from the extreme weather that disrupted business during the year.
THE STATE OF THE STATES
SESSIONS BY THE NUMBERS:
Seven states are in regular session. Oregon is in special session.
WHAT WE'RE WATCHING:
Mississippi legislators and advocates proposed transforming the Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant into “MTAG Works,” a plan to double award amounts and expand eligibility for non-traditional students. The updates would address workforce gaps by increasing access to higher education funding.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D) announced a $3 billion Inflation Refund plan to provide direct payments of up to $500 to 8.6 million New Yorkers in 2025. The proposal is part of her agenda to combat rising living costs and return excess sales tax revenue to taxpayers.
LAWMAKERS... IN OR OUT?
The House... convenes today at 12:00 PM. The full schedule may be found here.
The Senate... convenes today at 3:00 PM. The full schedule may be found here.
HAPPENING ON THE HILL
The House...
Check back tomorrow for possible updates.
The Senate...
Committee on Finance will hold a hearing, Wednesday, 12/18 at 10:00 AM entitled “Hearing to Consider the Nominations of James Bernard Coughlan, of Illinois, to be a Member of the United States International Trade Commission for a term expiring December 16, 2030, vice Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, term expired; Halie L. Craig, of Pennsylvania, to be a Member of the United States International Trade Commission for the remainder of the term expiring June 16, 2026, vice Randolph J. Stayin, resigned; and William Patrick J. Kimmitt, of Virginia, to be a Member of the United States International Trade Commission for a term expiring June 16, 2029, vice F. Scott Kieff, term expired.”
Committee on Judiciary will hold a hearing, Tuesday, 12/17 at 10:00 AM entitled “America’s High-Stakes Bet on Legalized Sports Gambling”.
Committee on Judiciary, Subcommittee on Competition Policy, Antitrust and Consumer Rights will hold a hearing, Tuesday, 12/17 at 2:30 PM entitled “Continuing a Bipartisan Path Forward for Antitrust Enforcement and Reform”.
Committee on Judiciary, Subcommittee on Intellectual Property, will hold a hearing, Wednesday, 12/18 at 2:00 PM entitled “The RESTORE Patent Rights Act: Restoring America’s Status as the Global IP Leader”.
BILLS OF INTEREST
Check back tomorrow for possible updates.
AT THE AGENCIES
The U.S. Department of Labor
The U.S. Department of Labor today announced its award of $99.3 million in grants to 71 organizations in 31 states to provide training and employment services in its continuing effort to expand access to Registered Apprenticeships, prepare young workers for quality jobs and equip them with industry skills.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury
The U.S. Department of the Treasury is set to announce the next round of awards from the Social Impact Partnerships to Pay for Results Act (SIPPRA) program. Six awardees from across the nation are eligible to receive $46.9 million in payments if they successfully achieve their expected results.
The U.S. Department of Commerce
Check back tomorrow for possible updates.
The U.S. Trade Representative
Check back tomorrow for possible updates.
The U.S. Small Business Administration
Check back tomorrow for possible updates.
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