Becker & Poliakoff

Becker’s Washington Weekly: Week of February 3

Becker’s Washington Weekly: Week of February 3

Tracking the Tariffs

Over the weekend, President Trump issued new tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China. Under the order, Canada and Mexico would face 25% tariffs on most goods imported into the U.S., compared to 10% for China. However, the U.S. agreed to pause the Mexico and Canada tariffs for one month pending further negotiations.

In Congress, both Chambers return to Washington this week with Senators expected to vote to either advance or outright confirm the nominations of Rossel Vought to lead the Office of Management and Budget, Chris Wright to lead the Energy Department, and Pam Bondi to lead the Justice Department.

In the House, lawmakers are set to take up several bills under expedited procedures dealing with Alaska Native and tribal land issues, in addition to oceans and wildfire management. Other legislation moving under regular order deals with combatting fentanyl and protecting fracking.

House and Senate lawmakers will also participate in a number of committee hearings this week, including the following:

  • The Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee will hold a markup of several bills and Kelly Loeffler’s nomination to be SBA Administrator
  • The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee will also hold a markup of several transportation-related bills and Howard Lutnick’s nomination to be Commerce Secretary
  • The House Committee on Education and Workforce will hold an oversight hearing of America’s education system
  • The House Homeland Security Committee will examine the state of America’s cyber workforce