The Political Summer Agenda | Legislative Log

The November elections are rapidly approaching, summer is waning in D.C., and political pundits are busy analyzing what can be done in the few legislative days left on the calendar before the people head to the voting booth.

In the handful of weeks between now and the election, one or both Houses of Congress will be in session for only about half of them. Both Chambers scheduled recess for August as is tradition. Less traditional and more political are plans to also be on recess for October, the run-up to the November election.

The top priority for legislators in the days they spend in D.C. will be moving the appropriations bills that fund government operations before they expire in October. Bills of this nature start in the House and move to the Senate for consideration before going on for Presidential signature. The annual defense policy bill, the National Defense Authorization Act, will likely be acted on before the end of the year. Reauthorization of the Farm Bill, which has already been extended for one year past its deadline, is less likely, but still possible. While a bipartisan House bill has moved forward, the Senate is still working to develop final language. Democrats in the Senate released their framework and some initial language a few months ago. The Republicans recently released their priorities framework, indicating that negotiations between the two sides may begin soon.

Moving a tax bill reinstating many of the provisions of the Trump-era Tax Cuts and Jobs Act while boosting child tax credits seems unlikely, but key players, including Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Congressman Jason Smith (R-MO), continue to push forward.

For those operating outside the Beltway, it is unfathomable why these issues cannot be resolved promptly and orderly. If a business permit or license expires, you renew it. If there are bills to be paid, you cut the check. Unfortunately, while Congress is good at imposing rules for others to follow, it is also very good at delaying action that is, by most standards, essential. Why?

First, it is important to remember that our system of government was not created to be quick. The three branches of government were designed to slow things down, allow for dissenting options, and force policy debate. It works. The ever-growing tensions between the two main political parties act as a further drag on agreement and action.

Most, if not all, of the action on the bills noted above will be delayed until the “lame duck” session, between the election and the swearing-in of the new Congress and President. At that point, the table will be set for the next Congressional session, and current leaders will understand exactly what leverage they have at the end of 2024 compared to early 2025. Both parties will strategize how to maximize their priorities… whether that means taking action before Christmas or delaying so that legislation can be dealt with in the new year.

The bottom line for the Hardwood Federation team is that we must keep working on both sides of the aisle to ensure everyone understands OUR priorities, and try to get the best result from whatever the eventual election outcome. This is also what makes our unified voice so crucial. Hearing the same message from our association members and their company members under the Hardwood Federation banner strengthens our action case. And louder.

Candidates will be out in full force this fall. Look for talking points and helpful hints about how you can spread the Hardwood Federation message for federal action that helps support our outstanding industry.

By DANA COLE, Executive Director of the Hardwood Federation