I get it. You’re probably tired of me constantly pointing out how Congress can't seem to get things moving. But hey, anyone with a pulse can recognize the dysfunction happening on Capitol Hill.
Here we are, watching another oncoming train wreck (we will get to rail reform shortly) with Congress’ inability to simply keep the lights on by way of passing of its annual budget.
Congress has spent countless hours debating on defense department authorization legislation (which it has done every year since I had hair), yet no joy with passage still waning in the balance.
Bills that are incredibly important to NACD membership are up for consideration, but their fate is unclear. Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) reauthorization continues to be kicked around the Hill despite being widely regarded as a necessity. After the program’s expiration in July, we’re all still reeling from Senator Rand Paul (R-KY)) pulling a fast one and keeping the Senate from approving a two-year extension, which had already passed the House of Representatives with an overwhelming 409-1 final count. A real Lucy pulling the football away before Charlie Brown could kick situation.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization legislation is another crucial item on our agenda, particularly as we work to safeguard chemical facilities from drone flyovers. This is also due for a long-term extension.
Oh yeah, and how about a tax and trade package that includes the re-establishment of both the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) and Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB) programs? Better yet, how about retroactivity to January 1, 2021, so our members can get their millions of dollars back in tariffs that they should never have had to pay over the last three years?
Finally, there is rail reform. We have been talking about desperately needed rail reform for decades. We finally have a bill in the Senate (S. 576) that, while it’s not perfect, takes measured steps to reform rail operations and improve safety. Senator Schumer has indicated that a floor vote is imminent.
To put it simply, let’s Git-R-Done!
The complete opposite can be said about the overzealous Biden Administration and its runaway regulatory agenda. If ever there was a time for Congress to engage as a check to balance the regulatory agencies, now is it. Yet, we see little action by Congress to curb the promulgation of rules and regulations coming from the Biden White House. And while the pace of new regulations being issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Labor, Department of Transportation, and others is brisk, just wait until 2024. We anticipate an even greater wave of new rules and regulations that are unlikely to significantly enhance safety, security, or the environment, but will certainly put a strain on the wallets of many of our members.
With so much to do, Congress needs to step it up and get engaged now. American businesses are taking the hit, and it's about time we put a stop to it. Doing little or nothing is not an option for Congress to entertain.
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