The Hardwood Federation produces a “D.C. Cheat Sheet” newsletter to keep the industry up-to-date on the latest news from Washington D.C. Check out the July 9th edition below and sign up to receive your copy.
Congressional Schedule Leaves Little Time for Key Issues: Both Houses of Congress are out this week for the 4th of July recess. When they return, they face a lengthy list of must-do legislation. Successfully addressing the tasks in front of them is an election year schedule that presents relatively few work days in D.C. The first priority will be the annual defense authorization bill; complicating passage is insistence from hard line conservatives that the president’s election reform bill be attached. With only eight working days with both Houses in session before the August recess, this is a tall order.
Upon return in September, reauthorizing the Transportation Bill and the Farm Bill as well as finalizing appropriations must be done by the end of December. Legislation requiring attention concerning water resources, and the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) are also on deck. And of course, a supplemental funding bill for additional defense and agriculture relief spending is pending. This is the spending bill that includes economic relief for the hardwood industry, something the Hardwood Federation will continue to prioritize. Again, an abbreviated schedule will complicate progress; Congress will be in recess the entire month of October as members turn their attention to the November elections.
However, it is important to note that despite the schedule challenges, work DOES continue in D.C., which is why it is important that the Hardwood Federation team continue to engage and work with staff that remain in the Capitol to prepare for the return of Congress. We will remain diligent in our efforts.
Hardwood Federation Submits Comments on Chinese Lumber Purchase Commitments: This week, the Hardwood Federation submitted comments to the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) communicating the importance of including U.S. hardwood lumber in upcoming discussions with China. Decreasing exports of lumber have severely impacted U.S. mill production and capacity demonstrating the vital need for the U.S. government to pressure China for purchase commitments.
Interesting Read – Real Wood Use Reduces Toxin Risks During Fires: We all know it, but it’s great that the word is getting out! Read the article here.
Source: Hardwood Federation