Becker’s Washington Weekly: Week of May 12

Congress Back in DC
The House and Senate return to Washington this week amid breaking news that the Trump Administration and China will temporarily pause most of their reciprocal tariffs as the two countries further negotiate a final trade deal.
Meanwhile, House lawmakers will have a packed legislative agenda this week in honor of National Police Week. Bills moving through regular order deal with law enforcement wellness and firearms handling. Legislation moving through expedited procedures also deals with law enforcement benefits in addition to federal land management and conservation measures.
House Republicans will also advance the tax component of their reconciliation package this week when the Ways & Means Committee marks up proposals to extend provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. If passed, the measure would proceed to the Budget Committee which will combine other committees’ components of reconciliation before heading to the floor for final passage.
Senators and House Members will gavel in several committee hearings this week, including the following:
- The Senate Judiciary Committee will discuss the role of pharmacy benefit managers
- The House Financial Services Committee will examine strategies to increase the affordable housing supply
- The Senate Finance Committee will discuss trade supply chains
- The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee will consider the reauthorization of pipeline safety programs