August is usually a quiet month on the Hill with Legislators back in their districts, regrouping and relaxing before the government funding battle ahead. This August, however, was busier than most with administration and regulatory action, natural disasters, and the first of this cycle’s Republican presidential primary debate. NECA members were meeting with their legislators across the country, ensuring the electrical construction industry is at the forefront of their minds when they come back to resume the rest of the legislative session.

 

The NECA Convention and Trade Show is right around the corner, and we are looking forward to seeing you in Philadelphia! As we do every year, we will host the Annual NECAPAC Reception, preceding the Opening Reception at the Lincoln Financial Field. All NECAPAC donors of any amount from the past year will be receiving a virtual invitation to the reception. You must also be registered for the Opening Reception to attend. If you haven’t supported NECAPAC yet this year, secure your invitation today using the authorization code NECAPAC!

Government funding expires on September 30th, making the passage of twelve appropriations bills the primary focus for Congress when it returns from the summer recess. Throughout August, congressional leadership has been working on a path forward to prevent a government shutdown. The slim margins in both the House and Senate are making final passage a major challenge for party leaders. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) has been including many conservative policy riders to ensure the appeasement of the right flank of the GOP, which in turn will likely alienate any support he might have received from across the aisle.

 

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has had difficulty bringing legislation to the floor without support from at least a few Senate Republicans because of the myriad of absences impacting his majority. Appropriators from both Chambers will need to reconcile their differences and agree to a compromise measure to avoid a government shutdown. A temporary funding extension, or a Continuing Resolution (CR), will likely need to be considered before a final funding agreement is made. Until FY24 government funding has been secured, Congress is not likely to take up any other significant pieces of legislation. NECA hopes legislators are able to reach consensus and pass the final funding bills to prevent a government shutdown.

On August 8, 2023, the Department of Labor released the final updated Davis-Bacon Regulation. The final rule is effective on October 23, 2023. NECA has evaluated the 812-page regulation to assess the impacts it will have on NECA contractors.

 

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Take action today, tell your Representatives about the issues impacting the industry!

PLC Renewals

Gloria Ashford of Ashford Electric

Scott Bringmann of Alcan Electric

LeeAnn Cochran of Cochran Inc.

Lael Fullford of Fullford Electric

Brian Gini of Collins Electric

Mike Holmes of Holmes Electric

Marvin Nelson of Nelson Electric

Travis Sharp of Madsen Electric

Mark Walter of Christenson Electric