DC Update: Executive Branch Streamlines Review of Infrastructure Projects

This week was a short week for Congress, with Republicans traveling to a retreat in Philadelphia on Wednesday. At the multiday gathering, Republican lawmakers discussed the upcoming legislative agenda, including how to move forward on repealing and replacing Obamacare, regulatory-rollback strategy, and energy policy.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer plans to discuss the infrastructure package directly with President Trump.

Before leaving for the retreat, House Speaker Paul Ryan outlined the packed legislative agenda for this year but made no mention of the infrastructure package. The infrastructure package is a good way for Congress to address issues that affect the mobile-production industry, including speed-limiter devices, lithium-ion batteries, and hours of service. Because of Republicans' lack of action at the moment, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer stated that he is back-channeling infrastructure discussions and going straight to President Trump. Stay tuned for any updates on this process.

Despite Congress's short work week, the executive branch was busy rolling out four presidential memoranda and one executive order. The executive order is particularly relevant to the mobile-production industry: it requires an expedited environmental review and approval process for high-priority infrastructure projects.

Thursday marked the 92-day countdown until the Department of Transportation appropriations run out. The Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization expires in 247 days, and the highway and transit policy is up for renewal in 1,344 days.

Next week, the full Senate will consider - and most likely confirm - Elaine Chao's nomination to be Transportation Secretary. Reportedly, there will be very few, if any, votes against her. Look for more information in next week's DC Update.

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