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Congressional Report
Senate Shift: Effect On Industry Legislative Priorities
Nick Yaksich, CIMA Vice President
Political Washington is still reeling from the lightning bolt delivered by Senator Jim Jeffords' announced switch to become an independent and give the Senate majority to the Democrats.
A good example of how control of the agenda will shift is to look at the repeal of the ergonomics rule, with a Republican congressional majority, through a never-before-used congressional review process. It is unlikely that Senate Democrats would have allowed a vote to repeal the ergonomics rule in the required timeframe without extracting huge trade-offs from the Administration.
As the Senate reorganizes under a new Democratic majority, here's a quick look at how this may affect CIMA's 2001 legislative priorities.
Impact on Trade Issues
Loss of control in setting the Senate's agenda will have a significant effect on the Administration's previously announced trade agenda. The Administration has sent to Capitol Hill its outline of Trade Promotion Authority, formerly known as fast track. Democratic leaders will insist on the inclusion of labor and environmental provisions in future trade agreements.
While there is bipartisan support for trade initiatives, the new make-up in the Senate will make reaching consensus on trade matters more difficult.
Environmental Concerns
Senator Jeffords will assume the chairmanship of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, whose jurisdiction includes highway and clean air programs. The major highway program, TEA-21, expires in 2003 and it is unlikely that the Committee will seriously consider changes prior to 2003.
When it does, the new bill will be influenced by a majority side heavily represented by the Northeast. Issues such as funding distribution to states, the balance between highway and transit funding and the relationship between environmental programs and highway funding will be hotly debated.
National Energy Policy
The Senate EPW Committee will also have a major role in considering a national energy policy. Many are pointing to California's energy crisis as an example of how capacity failed to meet the growing demand. This may send a wake-up call to opponents of highway and airport capacity expansion if our nation continues to fail to address growing demands on our infrastructure.
Addressing these growing infrastructure demands will be a priority of the new Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Max Baucus (D-MT). Baucus told CIMA and other transportation interest groups that he will protect the highway user fees and seek creative financing to increase investment in transportation programs.
Call to Action
The fragile balance of power in Washington again reinforces the need for CIMA members to educate Members of Congress on issues that are critical to their business. The best way to educate an elected official is to bring them to your facility and let them see firsthand your operation and to hear from you and your employees.
>> Go to: CIMA's 2001 Legislative Priorities
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