Policy News - September 16, 2020 - Association for Enterprise Opportunity

This month, the chamber is scheduled to vote on several key bills that include decriminalizing marijuana at the federal level and boosting clean energy development, among others. Last week, the Senate GOP’s $650 billion “skinny” recovery bill was shot down in a party-line vote, leaving phase four negotiations on COVID-19 relief back at square one. While House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Democratic leaders remain adamant on a much larger relief package, House members in competitive districts are anxious to pass a smaller relief bill before returning to their districts next month.

With less than two weeks of federal funding remaining, Congress is slated to begin negotiations on a continuing resolution “stop-gap” bill to avoid a looming government shutdown on October 1st. The White House and GOP lawmakers have tentatively agreed on a clean bill that keeps funding at current levels through December. However, Democrats are looking further ahead into early next year, as they anticipate winning back the Senate and Executive branch.

Happening on the Hill

The House Financial Services Committee will hold a (hybrid) hearing on the Treasury and Fed Reserve pandemic responses. The hearing is scheduled for Sept. 22nd at 10:30 AM ET.

The House Financial Services Task Force on Financial Technology will hold (virtual) a hearing on who has the authority to lend and process payments in the FinTech age. The hearing is scheduled for Sept. 29th at noon ET.

Bills of Interest

Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX-8) introduced a bill to provide a temporary employee payroll tax holiday.

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, and for other purposes.

At the Agencies

U.S. Department of Labor

Department of Labor announced several regulatory revisions to clarify paid leave requirements under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).