May 22, 2023

TIANET.ORG

Issue 107

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is set to mark up several bills next week related to the supply-chain, one being H.R. 915, the Motor Carrier Safety Selection Standard Act. This bill has been a priority of TIA’s for years, and its passage would greatly reduce confusion during the carrier selection process. This is the first step in a process of hopefully getting this to President Biden’s desk this Congress.

The bill, sponsored by Congressmen Mike Gallagher (R-8/WI) and Seth Moulton (D-6/MA), would establish an interim standard that ensures carriers are properly registered with the DOT, have obtained the minimum required insurance coverage, and are deemed safe to operate via the FMCSA. Additionally, it amends the FMCSA’s safety rating process to shift to a data driven model versus the current physical audit system that has led to 92% of motor carriers being unrated.

TIA looks forward to this markup and we will be sure to update you with any further developments. 

Senate Commerce Chairwoman Maria Cantwell (D-WA) indicated that an FAA reauthorization markup is likely to take place next month, ending hopes for a markup before Memorial Day. Cantwell explained that the Senate's tight schedule makes it impossible to hold a markup until June. Nevertheless, she remains optimistic that both the Senate and House will pass their respective FAA bills and send them to conference later in the summer. The goal is to enact a final bill before the September 30th deadline. Senate Aviation Subcommittee Chairwoman Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) acknowledged that ongoing discussions about the debt limit are affecting short-term work on the bill but expressed confidence in meeting the reauthorization expiration date by the end of summer.

TIA hopes that the FAA markup includes H.R. 915, the Motor Carrier Safety Selection Standard Act. The annual FAA bill has been considered one of the potential vehicles that can be utilized in Congress to pass the bill. House T&I Chairman Sam Graves (R-6th/MO) has also indicated that the Committee is looking at marking up their version of the FAA bill next month as well.

TIA will keep you updated with this matter.

Congress and the White House are under pressure to reach a solution to avoid defaulting on the nation's debt. President Joe Biden has shortened his international trip, and now the question arises whether the late-May recesses will also be affected.

After Tuesday's talks, there is some optimism about the new structure of discussions between President Biden and Speaker Kevin McCarthy. However, time is running out, and each chamber of Congress has limited days in Washington before the potential June 1st deadline.

A few House Democrats are attempting an alternative approach by using a "discharge petition" to bypass the debt ceiling and spending negotiations. However, gathering the necessary signatures and completing the required timeline makes it unlikely to be successful before the projected deadline.

Here's where things currently stand on Capitol Hill:

House GOP: House Republicans believe they have fulfilled their role by passing a bill, and they are waiting for President Biden to make a move in agreeing to their proposed spending restrictions. Speaker McCarthy sees the appointment of negotiators by President Biden as a positive step but acknowledges that reaching an agreement is still uncertain. Republicans dismiss the idea of supporting the discharge petition and emphasize the need for negotiations.

House Democrats: While Democrats are pursuing the discharge petition, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has not made a decision on whether to proceed with it. Democratic leaders are expected to initiate the move soon. Some Democrats express concerns about effectively communicating the impact of proposed cuts and emphasize the need to counter the perception created by Republicans. The White House sought to address progressive concerns by stating that Biden will fight to keep GOP proposals on expanding work requirements for food security programs out of the final deal.

Senate GOP: Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) maintains a passive role, avoiding taking a leading position in negotiations. Leader McConnell is confident that default will be avoided and considers the current situation unnecessary.

Senate Dems: Senate Democrats are mindful of the limited time available and express skepticism about reaching an agreement in time. They expect Speaker McCarthy to decide whether he is willing to proceed to default. Some senators believe that Speaker McCarthy faces constraints and has limited negotiation capacity, which hinders progress on a deal.

Ultimately, political pressure on both sides of the aisle will force a compromise to take place. While the timing and present circumstances definitely call for some anxiety, neither side will tolerate a default on our debt.

If you have any questions about this newsletter or TIA 2023 Policy Forum, please email [email protected]