Jan 6

EIW Today - January 6th, 2025

Prism Group's Daily Summary

REPUBLICAN LAWMAKERS BEGIN TO COALESCE AROUND POLICY STRATEGY… President-elect Donald Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson have come out in favor of moving a single, large legislative package in 2025, a departure from a previously-considered strategy that involved moving two reconciliation bills, possibly focused on immigration and tax. Johnson has said he wants the bill done in early April, an ambitious timeline for any broad bill.

NASA SMALL BUSINESS FUNDING ENABLES AIRCRAFT INSPECTION BY DRONE... Near Earth Autonomy, a small business supported by NASA’s SBIR program and a partnership with Boeing, developed a drone-enabled solution to revolutionize pre-flight inspections of commercial airliners. Traditionally a time-intensive process taking up to four hours, the new technology allows drones to autonomously inspect aircraft in under 30 minutes. By following FAA-compliant programmed task cards, these drones enhance safety, reduce errors, and improve efficiency for airlines.

THE STATE OF THE STATES

SESSIONS BY THE NUMBERS:

Eight states are in regular session.

WHAT WE'RE WATCHING:

New Jersey ended 2024 with a 4.6% unemployment rate, tied for seventh-highest in the U.S. Job growth in the state struggled to outpace layoffs in sectors like healthcare, finance, and pharmaceuticals. Economists suggest re-skilling programs could help workers transition to industries with stronger future prospects.

Outgoing Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum (D) released new guidance on AI, stating that existing consumer protection, privacy, and equality laws apply to AI technologies. Oregon continues to lead in AI regulation, including new legislation requiring disclosure of AI use in political campaigns.

LAWMAKERS... IN OR OUT?

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

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

HAPPENING ON THE HILL

The House...