Policy News - March 4, 2021 - Association for Enterprise Opportunity

Debate continues on the American Rescue Plan, with Senate Democrats largely ready to pass the measure. A “vote-a-rama” is expected to occur Thursday evening, with Senate Republicans set to flood the chamber with unlimited amendments, which could reshape some of the provisions and see a change in Democrat support. Among debate is the soon-to-expire unemployment aid, which could be raised to $400 and extended to August in the new bill. Yesterday, The White House withdrew Neera Tanden’s nomination to lead the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). There was strong opposition to the nomination on both sides of the aisle. Shalanda Young, currently a nominee for OMB deputy director, has significant support from lawmakers to lead the agency. Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo was confirmed as commerce secretary. Cecilia Rouse was also confirmed to lead the White House Council of Economic Advisers.

Happening on the Hill

The House Committee on Financial Services will hold a virtual hearing on Policy Options to Help America’s Consumer During the Pandemic on Thursday, March 11 at 10:00 AM.

The House Committee on Financial Services will hold a virtual hearing on How Diversity Data Can Measure Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion on Thursday, March 18 at 12:00 PM.

The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions will hold a virtual hearing on Examining Our COVID-19 Response: An Update from the Frontlines on Tuesday, March 9 at 10:00 AM.

The Senate Committee on the Judiciary will hold a hearingon Nominations Tuesday, March 9 at 9:00 AM.

Bills of Interest

Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21) introduced a bill to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to harmonize the definition of employee with the common law.
Rep. Andy Kim (D-NJ-13) introduced a bill to amend the Small Business Act to optimize the operations of the microloan program, lower costs for small business concerns and intermediary participants in the program.
Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN-2) introduced a bill to amend the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to improve the loan guaranty program, enhance the ability of small manufacturers to access affordable capital.
Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN-2)introduced a bill to amend the Small Business Act to increase transparency.
Rep. Dan Bishop (R-NC-9) introduced a bill to amend the Small Business Act to enhance the Office of Credit Risk Management, to require the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to issue rules relating to environmental obligations of certified development companies.
Rep. Robert Wittman (R-VA-1)introduced a bill expressing support for the designation of the week of March 28, 2021, through April 3, 2021, as National Small Business Workplace Solutions Week.
Sen. Margaret Wood Hassan (D-NH)introduced a bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to expand the Employee Retention Tax Credit to include certain startup businesses.
Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) introduced a bill to provide a tax credit for certain expenses associated with protecting employees from COVID-19.
Rep. Josh Hawley (R-MO) introduced a bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a credit for wages received by individuals that are less than the median wage.
Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) introduced a billto amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to harmonize the definition of employee with the common law.