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Government Affairs News

Week in Review

Jul 21, 2023

Defense Funding Passes the House
On July 14, 2023, the National Defense Authorization Act passed the House in a 219-210 vote, largely on party lines. The bill would authorize $874.2 billion in spending for FY24, ensuring the economic stability of our national defense. NECA submitted vote recommendations on several amendments that would impact NECA contractors, 10 of which were included in the final passage of the legislation. NECA applauds the House on passage of this important legislation.

NECA's Take: The Senate has begun work on its version of the National Defense Authorization Act. NECA will be closely monitoring the Senate version as it takes final shape. We have been working with Senators to ensure inclusion of:

  • Full funding to military construction programs;
  • DoD increase production of critical minerals;
  • Increase funding for the SkillBridge Program;
  • Reform the Transition Assistance Program to help service members transition to skilled trader careers; and;
  • Help small businesses in the bidding process for DoD construction contracts.

 

199A Legislation Introduced
On July 18, 2023, Congressman Lloyd Smucker (R-PA) introduced H.R. 4721, the Main Street Tax Certainty Act. Over 80 bipartisan cosponsors in the House have pledged support for this bill. The Senate companion bill was introduced in May by Senator Steve Daines (R-MT). The legislation aims to make the 20 percent deduction for certain qualified business income received from pass-through entities, such as partnerships or businesses operating under a Subchapter S election (Section 199A), permanent. Under current law, the 20 percent tax deduction will sunset at the end of 2025.

NECA's Take: NECA continues to advocate for permanency of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) to ensure consistency and predictability for NECA contractors. We urge members to send a letter to their House and Senate representatives, asking them to support this important piece of legislation.

 

Federal Aviation Administration Funding Passes the House
On July 20, 2023, the House passed H.R. 3935, the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act. This legislation would authorize over $103 billion to the Federal Aviation Administration over the next five years with the goal of addressing many different aspects of the administration. Over 300 amendments were submitted for consideration. NECA sent a letter to legislators, recommending votes on various amendments that would impact NECA contractors.

NECA's Take: The Senate companion bill that would authorize $107 billion in funding has recently stalled in committee. A bicameral conference will likely be triggered after Senate passage that will need to be completed before the September 30th funding deadline. NECA will be advocating for robust funding of the Airport Improvement Grant (AIP) Program and reauthorization of the Essential Air Service Program.

 

Take Advantage of the Upcoming August Recess
Congress will be home for the summer district work period from July 31st – September 8th. This is a great time to meet with your Member of Congress and discuss the issues impacting the electrical construction industry. Take this opportunity to set up a meeting at one of the following locations:

  • NECA Chapter Office
  • NECA-IBEW Training Center
  • NECA Member Company Office
  • Job site

This is a great time to connect your business to the work NECA’s Government Affairs team is doing in DC. We have a variety of tools you can use to have a successful meeting with your legislator.

 

NECAPAC Update
NECAPAC Total 7/21/23 - $333,389
Operational Fund Total 7/21/23 - $142,245

 

NECA On the Move
Over the past two weeks, NECA Government Affairs team met with Congressman Pat Ryan (D-NY), Congressman David Rouzer (R-NC), Senator James Lankford (R-OK), Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Senator Krysten Sinema (D-AZ), Congresswoman Linda Sanchez (D-CA), Congressman Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, House Financial Services Committee, House Appropriations Committee, and House Armed Services Committee.