EIW Today - February 28th, 2024

Prism Group's Daily Summary

SPENDING DEAL OR BUST... Congress has just three days before a partial government shutdown takes effect, and as House Speaker Mike Johnson made clear yesterday, he’s willing to let current funding lapse if lawmakers can’t produce a broad deal by then. Despite the tight timeline, top lawmakers expressed cautious optimism following yesterday’s White House meeting and are working overtime to put together a legislative package with bipartisan support.  

HOUSE SMALL BUSINESS COMMITTEE RESPONDS TO E-COMMERCE DISCUSSIONS AT WTO MINISTERIAL... Congressional Republicans, accompanied by several Democrats, fear that the USTR’s decision to withdraw its support on multilateral proposals on data flow, data localization, and non-discriminatory practices in digital trade will ultimately be felt by America’s small businesses. On the first day of the World Trade Organization’s 13th Ministerial Conference, taking place in Abu Dhabi, House Small Business Committee Chairman penned a letter to The Office of the United States Trade Representative outlining concerns for the future of innovation and intellectual property if the USTR does not re-engage in e-commerce discussions.  

THE STATE OF THE STATES 

SESSIONS BY THE NUMBERS: 

Forty-three state legislatures are in regular session. Louisiana is in special session.

WHAT WE'RE WATCHING: 

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker (D) inaugurated the Heartland Community College Advanced Manufacturing Training Center in Normal, Illinois, a $7.5 million investment towards a $15 million statewide initiative to modernize Illinois’ workforce for advanced manufacturing, including electric vehicle production. 

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) announced nearly $25 million in grants to enhance workforce development across the state, including sectors like information technology, construction, and nursing. This move is part of a broader $100 million initiative, and seeks to position Florida as a leader in talent development with minimal student loan debt burdens. 

LAWMAKERS... IN OR OUT? 

The House... convenes today at 12:00 PM ET. The full schedule may be found here. 

The Senate... convenes today at 10:00 AM ET. The full schedule may be found here. 

HAPPENING ON THE HILL 

The House...  

Committee on Small Business will hold a hearing next Thursday, 3/07 at 10:00 AM on “The Rare Earth Mineral Marketplace: Examining the Small Business Role in this Critical Supply Chain.” 

Committee on Small Business will hold a hearing next Wednesday, 3/06 at 10:00 AM on “Reducing Mismanagement: GAO Recommendations for Improving the SBA.” 

Committee on Small Business will hold a hearing Tuesday, 3/12 at 10:00 AM on “Navigating Regulations: Alternative Pathways to Investing in Small Businesses.” 

The Senate...  

Special Committee on Aging will hold a hearing Thursday, 2/29 at 10:00 AM on “All Means All: Empowering People with Disabilities to Thrive in Careers and the Workplace” 

Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions will hold a hearing Today, 2/27 at 11:30 AM on nominations. 

Committee on the Judiciary will hold a hearing Today, 2/28 at 10:00 AM on “Examining and Preventing Deaths of Incarcerated Individuals in Federal Prisons.” 

Committee on the Judiciary will hold a hearing Today, 2/28 at 2:30 PM on “The Nation’s Correctional Staffing Crisis: Assessing the Toll on Correctional Officers and Incarcerated Persons.” 

Committee on Energy and Natural Resources will hold a hearing Today, 2/28 at 10:00 AM to "Examine the Opportunities and Challenges Associated with Developing Geologic Hydrogen in the United States."

Committee on the Judiciary will hold a hearing Friday, 3/01 at 5:00 PM on “Modern-Day Voting Discrimination in Alabama.” 

BILLS OF INTEREST 

• Check back tomorrow for possible updates. 

AT THE AGENCIES 

The US Department of Labor 

The Office of the US Department of Labor released a News release that cites “Selma brick manufacturer for exposing workers to respiratory hazards that can lead to incurable lung disease.” 

The US Department of the Treasury 

Check back tomorrow/Thursday for possible updates. 

The US Department of Commerce 

The US Department of Commerce released a press release, “ICYMI: Secretary Raimondo Delivers Update on CHIPS and Science Act Implementation, Lays Road Ahead for Supercharging Innovation and Revitalizing American Semiconductor Manufacturing” 

The US Trade Representative  

Check back tomorrow/Thursday for possible updates. 

The US Small Business Administration 

Check back tomorrow/Thursday for possible updates. 

Curious for more information? 

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