The House and Senate are in session this week.
Rep. John Yarmuth (D-Ky.), Chair of the House Budget Committee introduced a fiscal year 2021 budget resolution and the Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is considering a similar tactic across the Capitol. The introduction of these two bills is the first step towards a budget reconciliation bill that could contain the Biden COVID-19 stimulus response. If considered as part of budget reconciliation, the Senate only needs a 51 vote majority for passage.
On Tuesday, the Senate voted in favor of the nomination of Pete Buttigieg to serve as Secretary of Transportation.
Today, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will hear testimony from Michael Regan, who has been nominated to serve as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
On Thursday, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee will hold a nominations hearing on Marty Walsh to serve as Secretary of the Department of Labor (DOL).
We could see additional activity in the Senate this week to approve nominations to President Biden’s cabinet.
The House could vote on the National Apprenticeship Act later this week. This bill is similar to legislation that passed the House last year primarily on a partisan vote. Amongst other policies, the bill codifies progressive wage increases, mentorship, and safety standards. These types of policies have typically been set by DOL regs and have not been included in the underlying statute.
