Federal government shutdown continues
Republicans and Democrats remain at an impasse regarding resolving the legislative stalemate that has resulted in a federal government shutdown, which is now entering its third week. Each side remains firm on their positions; Republicans insist on passage of a stop-gap spending bill to keep the government operating at existing funding levels while negotiations continue regarding a permanent budget, and Democrats are demanding the inclusion of an extension of health care tax credits scheduled to expire later this year. There are ongoing discussions among lawmakers to find a compromise that could resolve the impasse, but no breakthrough appears to be imminent.
Until Congress votes to reopen the government, most federal agencies continue operating indefinitely with only employees and functions deemed “essential” by the Trump administration, which has wide discretion regarding which functions of the government remain in operation. Most federal national security and law enforcement operations remain in place. As real-world effects caused by the shutdown, such as delays at airports, become more pronounced and widespread, pressure will grow for Congress to resolve the matter.
DHS resumes operation of E-Verify
The Department of Homeland Security has resumed operation of the E-Verify program under which participating employers must electronically verify the work authorization status of all new hires. E-Verify had been inoperable beginning Oct. 1 because of the lapse in appropriations that resulted in a government shutdown. DHS subsequently announced E-Verify is back online and participating employers must create an E-Verify case for any individuals who were hired while it was inoperable. View more information.
Senate approves legislation regarding employer benefits
On Oct. 10, the Senate approved, with unanimous bipartisan support, several bills designed to strengthen Americans’ access to qualify for benefits obtained from their employers.
These bills are:
- The Employee Ownership Representation Act (S. 1728) by Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), which is designed to expand the use of employee stock ownership plans by adding two new ESOP company board members to the Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans within the Department of Labor.
- The Retire Through Ownership Act (S. 2403) by Sens. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.), which aims to make it easier for companies to avoid legal challenges to the valuation of shares in ESOPs by creating a safe harbor for plan trustees
- The Uniformed Services Leave Parity Act (S. 1440) by Sens. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), which would extend military leave benefits required to be provided by employers under existing law, such as parental leave and leave for emergencies, to officers in the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service
With Senate passage now complete, the bills go to the House for further consideration. Given the strong bipartisan support for these initiatives, the outlook for eventual approval by the House appears to be good.
Senate hearing views labor laws
On Oct. 8, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions held a hearing regarding labor law reform, with testimony from witnesses representing businesses, labor unions and nonprofit organizations. Committee Chairman Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) noted “Congress has not updated labor laws in nearly a hundred years, but clearly the workforce has changed. We need new labor laws … that work for workers, unions, and businesses, making the United States competitive in a 21st century economy.” A key focus of the hearing was legislation by Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), the “Faster Labor Contracts Act,” which would expedite and modify the rules for negotiating collective bargaining agreements within businesses.
NRCA has joined with allied business groups in opposing this legislation in its current form. View a recording of the committee hearing.
U.S. trade war with China heats up
President Trump has indicated his intent to impose a 100% additional tariff on imports from China, effective Nov. 1, in response to China’s recent effort to restrict the export of certain rare earth metals and other trade actions that could adversely affect the U.S. These moves come after months of trade talks between the two countries, which appeared to be making progress toward a negotiated long-term agreement. China has vowed to retaliate further if the U.S. moves forward with the additional tariffs. During recent days, Trump has indicated he was optimistic trade talks with China will continue and hinted the new tariffs may not be implemented after all but also has ratcheted up his rhetoric criticizing China’s recent trade actions.
Support ROOFPAC over drinks during NRCA’s fall meetings in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Join your roofing friends and colleagues for a sunset cocktail reception benefiting ROOFPAC on Tuesday, Oct. 28, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Outrider Rooftop Lounge in Scottsdale. Unwind with fellow industry leaders overlooking the stunning Camelback Mountain—all while strengthening the roofing industry’s voice on Capitol Hill ($175 per person/$275 per couple). Members of NRCA’s Political Insiders Council and Capitol Hill Club, along with their guests, receive complimentary admission. We thank Amrize—whose portfolio includes Elevate Commercial Roofing Systems, Gen-Flex, Duro-Last, Enverge, Gaco and Malarkey—for making this event possible. For more information or to register, please visit www.nrca.net/roofpac-fall-event. For any questions or to secure the couples’ rate, contact Teri Dorn at (202) 510-0920 or tdorn@nrca.net.
