Prism Group's Daily Summary
12 DAYS TO PREVENT A SHUTDOWN... Both houses of Congress will be in session today after the holiday recess, with 12 days to prevent a partial shutdown. Prior to the recess, Congress passed the yearly National Defense Authorization Act but failed to reach a meaningful consensus on the Appropriations bill. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and Senator Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) struck a deal this weekend establishing the budget’s cost and the amount to be allocated toward military and non-military spending, potentially paving a path for passing the Appropriations package prior to the January 19th deadline.
SBA TO HOLD REGULATORY ENFORCEMENT ROUNDTABLE... The US Small Business Administration recently announced that it will hold a roundtable on regulatory enforcement on January 25th in New Orleans, Louisiana. The roundtable will feature the SBA's ombudsman and focus on "leveling the regulatory playing field." Business owners will have the opportunity to voice their concerns about regulatory policy.
DOL ISSUES CONTRACTOR RULE...The Department of Labor today issued a rule that will require certain categories of “gig” contract workers to be considered employees. According to the rule, contractors must be considered employees if they rely on a company for their economic livelihood. This will significantly impact contractors involved in ridesharing services like Uber, food delivery services, among others. The original notice of proposed rulemaking was issued in 2022, and the final rule will take effect in March.
ADMINISTRATION ACTION ON CRITICAL MINERALS...The Biden administration will launch a new website providing information on critical mineral supply chains this month called criticalminerals.gov intended to “highlight cross-governmental supply chain efforts”. This program is a component of the administration’s recently-announced Council on Supply Chain Resilience, and seeks to bring greater public awareness to the importance of critical minerals to the US economy.
THE STATE OF THE STATES
SESSIONS BY THE NUMBERS:
Twenty-seven state legislatures are in regular session.
WHAT WE'RE WATCHING:
Texas is forming an advisory committee to recommend how artificial intelligence technology is deployed, with fears of heightened bias and reduced privacy being primary motivators. In California, state Senator Bill Dodd (D-Napa) introduced the California AI Accountability Act, which is aimed at creating a regulatory framework for the use of artificial intelligence by state agencies.
A national trend toward pay transparency continues in Hawaii. A new law that took effect Jan. 1 requires employers with more than 50 workers to include in job postings a salary range “reasonably reflecting the actual expected compensation.” However, internal job postings are not included.
LAWMAKERS... IN OR OUT?
The House... convenes today at 6:30 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 Thursday, 1/11 at 10:00 AM entitled “Crime on the Rise: How Lawlessness is Impacting Main Street America.”
The Senate...
Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs will hold a hearing Thursday, 1/11 at 10:00 AM on “Stopping the Flow of Fentanyl: Public Awareness and Legislative Solutions”
Committee on the Judiciary will hold a hearing Wednesday, 1/10 at 2:00 PM on “Oversight of A.I.: The Future of Journalism.”
Committee on the Judiciary will hold a hearing Thursday, 1/11 at 10:00 AM on “Executive Business Meeting”
BILLS OF INTEREST
Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) introduced a bill to repeal programs relating to funding for electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and for other purposes.
Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-MI-13) introduced a bill for Equitable Contracting and Small Business Advancement Act.
Rep. Henry C. "Hank" Johnson, Jr. (D-GA-4) introduced a bill on Small Business Contracting Fairness Act
AT THE AGENCIES
The US Department of Labor
The US Department of Labor issued a joint statement by Acting Secretary of Labor Su, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Chair Burrows on the anniversary of the PWFA and PUMP Acts.
The US Department of the Treasury
The US Department of the Treasury issued remarks by Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen at the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network.
The US Department of Commerce
Check back tomorrow for possible updates.
The US Trade Representative
The Office of the US Trade Representative announced Juan A. Millán as Acting General Counsel.
The US Small Business Administration
The US Small Business Administration announced that the SBA Growth Accelerator Fund Competition opened Jan. 8 to expand and strengthen its national innovation ecosystem.
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