Legislative News

The Legislative News is updated regularly by the Iowa Association of Business and Industry’s (ABI) public policy team with information about the latest activity in the Iowa Legislature, administratively and at the federal level.

Federal Spotlight

Feb 9, 2024

Immigration/Security Aid Supplemental Fails Procedural Vote in the Senate
Feb 9, 2024

ABI Issues Statement on New EPA Regulation
Feb 2, 2024

U.S. House Approves Bipartisan, Pro-Growth Tax Legislation
Jan 19, 2024

Caucus Results and What Lies Ahead
Jun 30, 2022

Federal Spotlight: ATRA Sends Warning to States on New Legal Liabilities

When it comes to the legal liabilities of ABI members and how to manage litigation, the go-to group is the American Tort Reform Association (ATRA).
Jun 24, 2022

Federal Spotlight: ABI a Key Signatory of Manufacturer’s letter to President Biden

This week ABI President Mike Ralston signed on to a COSMA letter to President Biden urging the President to take steps to do more to secure energy supply, including the transmission initiatives included in the recent industry-supported Infrastructure and Jobs Act.
Jun 23, 2022

Federal Spotlight: EPA Issues Interim PFAS Advisories

Last week, EPA issued interim updated drinking water health advisories for perfluorooctanioc acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) that replaced those issued in 2016.
Jun 3, 2022

Federal Spotlight: ABI Signs onto Letter Addressed to National Labor Relations Board

ABI has added our name to a letter being spearheaded by one of our federal partners, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
May 13, 2022

Federal Spotlight: ABI Signs onto NAM Supply Chain Letter

ABI recently added our name to a letter spearheaded by our federal partner, the National Association of Manufacturers.
May 6, 2022

Federal Spotlight: USDOJ Launches Environmental Justice Office

This week, Attorney General Merrick Garland announced the Justice Department will have a new Office of Environmental Justice.
Apr 29, 2022

Federal Spotlight: ABI Signs On to Letter Supporting House’s Version of the America COMPETES Act

ABI has joined the National Association of Manufacturers and the Consumer Brands Association.
Apr 22, 2022

Federal Spotlight: Finkenauer to Appear on June Primary Ballot after Iowa Supreme Court Ruling

The Iowa Supreme Court ruled last Friday that former Congresswoman and former State House Rep. Abby Finkenauer can remain on the June Democratic primary ballot as a candidate for U.S. Senate.
Apr 22, 2022

Federal Spotlight: Biden Administration Announces Reinstatement of Stricter Environmental Rules for Permitting of Projects

A final rule issued by the White House Council on Environmental Quality targets three areas of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
Apr 14, 2022

Federal Spotlight: President Joe Biden Touts E15 in Iowa Visit

President Joe Biden traveled to Iowa Tuesday and visited POET Bioprocessing to advocate for ethanol.
Apr 14, 2022

District Court Rules Finkenauer Ineligible for U.S. Senate Democratic Primary

Late Sunday, Polk County District Judge Scott Beattie ruled that former Congresswoman and former State House Rep. Abby Finkenauer was ineligible to be on the Democratic primary ballot for U.S. Senate.
Mar 31, 2022

Federal Spotlight: Biden’s Budget Proposal via Axios Article

President Joe Biden recently released a $5.8 trillion budget proposal.
Mar 31, 2022

Federal Spotlight: Deloitte Insights - Manufacturing Institute Survey Highlights

A new report released by the Manufacturing Institute (MI) and Deloitte show the perceptions of manufacturing jobs have improved over the last several years.
Mar 25, 2022

EPA Proposes Good Neighbor Plan

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently proposed a “Good Neighbor” Plan to set NOx emissions standards and limitations on power plants and industrial sources across 23 covered states starting in 2026.
Mar 25, 2022

SCOTUS Nominee Hearings Took Place This Week

The U.S. Senate held confirmation hearings for Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, who President Joe Biden has nominated to fill the seat of Supreme Court Associate Justice Stephen Breyer.
Mar 17, 2022

Federal Spotlight: Afghanistan and Ukraine TPS Eligibility

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced this week that Afghanistan would be designated for Temporary Protected Status for the next year and a half.
Mar 10, 2022

Federal Spotlight: ABI Signs on to Letter Supporting the Reauthorization of the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill

ABI signed a letter spearheaded by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) that urges Congress to add the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill in the final product that joins the United States Innovation and Competition Act with the America COMPETES Act.
Mar 10, 2022

Federal Spotlight: ABI Signs on to Letter Opposing COVID-19 Presumption

ABI recently joined more than 40 business and industry organizations from across the country and signed a letter opposing the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ COVID-19 Compensation Act of 2021.
Mar 3, 2022

Federal Spotlight: White House Task Force Worker Organizing and Empowerment Releases Report

This month, the White House’s Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment published a report that addresses recommendations to promote worker organizing and collective bargaining for federal employees, as well as public and private-sector workers.
Mar 3, 2022

Federal Spotlight: Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds Presents Republican Response to President Biden’s State of the Union Address

Gov. Kim Reynolds delivered the GOP response to President Biden’s State of the Union Address Tuesday, the same day she signed Iowa’s new tax reform law.
Feb 24, 2022

Federal Spotlight: Gov. Kim Reynolds Set to Deliver GOP Response to President Biden’s State of the Union Address

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds will deliver the Republican Address to the Nation in response to President Biden’s State of the Union address scheduled on Tuesday, March 1.
Feb 18, 2022

Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst Leads American Small Business Competition Act

Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst announced her new efforts this week to help agriculture and manufacturing businesses in an effort called the American Small Business Competition Act.
Feb 4, 2022

Federal Spotlight: Attracting Employees to Manufacturing Careers

The labor shortage will continue with very minimal growth each year between 2024 to 2031, according to ABI's partner, the National Association of Manufacturers.
Jan 28, 2022

OSHA Withdraws COVID-19 Vax-or-Test Mandate

This week, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) withdrew its vaccination and testing Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) for private employers with 100 or more workers.
Jan 20, 2022

Federal Spotlight: Funding for Iowa Bridges

Iowa is expected to receive $86.4 million from the recent infrastructure law.
Jan 14, 2022

U.S. Supreme Court Blocks Vaccine Mandate for Private Employers

The U.S. Supreme Court has stayed the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s vaccine mandate for private workplaces with 100 employees or more and weekly testing of the workers who do not comply.
Jan 7, 2022

U.S. Supreme Court Hears Biden Vaccinate or Test Mandate Challenge

Today, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments from both sides on the appropriateness of two of the Biden Administration's vaccine mandates.
Nov 5, 2021

Biden Administration Releases COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard

On Thursday, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) unveiled the COVID-19 emergency temporary standard (ETS) for private-sector employers.
Oct 22, 2021

EPA to Regulate PFAS

ABI encourages new government programs mandating monitoring and/or remediation to not impose retroactive liability on those using (PFAs or other chemicals and compounds) in compliance with existing laws, rules and regulations.
Sep 17, 2021

Reconciliation Effort Ramps Up in Congress

The slim majorities Democrats hold in Congress have complicated their goals to advance their policy priorities. One challenge they face is in the Senate, where major measures need at least 60 votes in that chamber.
Sep 10, 2021

Biden Administration Announces COVID-19 Action Plan

The Biden Administration announced Thursday a COVID-19 Action Plan which states all employers with 100 or more workers will have to require their employees to get vaccinated or take weekly COVID-19 tests.
Sep 3, 2021

State Department Seeking Private Sector Response in Resettling Afghan Refugees

The U.S. State Department Office of Global Partnerships is reaching out and requesting support from the private sector when it comes to helping relocate and resettle refugees who are arriving from Afghanistan.
Jul 9, 2021

Massive Corporate Tax Increases on the Horizon in Congress

ABI’s federal partners at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce submitted a following call to action to push back on an effort to raise corporate taxes to pay for an array of new federal spending programs.
May 28, 2021

CDC/OSHA Guidance

OSHA is directing people to refer to CDC guidance for information to protect fully vaccinated workers.
May 21, 2021

House Passes Pregnant Workers Fairness Act

Last Friday, the U.S. House approved H.R. 1065, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, with a vote of 315-101.
May 13, 2021

CDC Says Fully Vaccinated People Can Stop Wearing Masks in Most Settings

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention issued new guidance on masks on Thursday, May 13, 2021, saying that people who are fully vaccinated do not need to wear a mask - indoors or outdoors - in most settings.
May 7, 2021

Unemployment Proposal Aims to Dramatically Expand Benefits, Increase Taxes on Employers

The Wyden-Bennet Proposal is being released in concert with President Biden’s American Rescue Plan.
Apr 30, 2021

Biden Unveils “American Families Plan”

President Joe Biden delivered his first address to a joint session of Congress on Wednesday evening where he made the case for his next significant legislative proposal in the American Families Plan.
Apr 23, 2021

ABI Signs Onto Letter Opposing UI Provisions in Violence Against Women Act

ABI added our name to a letter that was sent to Congressional leaders earlier this week opposing unemployment insurance (UI) expansion provisions in H.R. 1620.
Apr 9, 2021

Yellen Calls for Global Minimum Tax on Corporations

In addition to the global minimum tax, the Biden Administration is seeking to raise the corporate income tax from the current 21% to 28%.
Apr 9, 2021

NAM Releases Study to Show Effect of Repealing Tax Reform

Proposals for federal tax increases will lead to less economic activity and 1 million jobs lost in the first two years, according to a new study.
Apr 1, 2021

2nd Congressional District Race is Over

Former Iowa State Sen. Rita Hart has withdrawn her election challenge to Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks for the seat in Iowa’s Second Congressional District.
Apr 1, 2021

White House Releases Infrastructure Plan

The $2 trillion proposal is broken up into two parts.
Mar 25, 2021

Federal Spotlight: Walsh Confirmed as Labor Secretary

The U.S. Senate, in a 68-29 vote, confirmed Marty Walsh as the 29th Secretary of Labor this week.
Mar 24, 2021

Federal Spotlight: ABI Supports Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Child Care for Iowans

When Iowa families are supported, everyone succeeds, which is why affordable child care remains a key priority for ABI.
Mar 18, 2021

Federal Spotlight: Latest COVID-19 Aid Package Signed by President Biden

The $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 contains several measures related to employee benefits and employer-related issues.
Mar 11, 2021

Federal Spotlight: House Passes Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act – Bill Will Impact Iowa's Right to Work Status

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act this week by a 225 to 206 vote.
Mar 4, 2021

ABI Joins Letter Opposing PRO Act

This week, ABI joined hundreds of other state and national trade associations opposing the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act.
Mar 4, 2021

Federal Spotlight: Immigration Legislation Proposed

Congress recently introduced theU.S. Citizenship Act of 2021, which includes an eight-year path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants and aims to reduce visa backlogs.
Mar 4, 2021

Federal Spotlight: White House Revokes COVID-19 Executive Order Banning Entry of Certain Immigrants

The White House has revoked Proclamation 10014, which was first imposed in April 2020 to suspend the “entry of immigrants who prevent a risk to the United States labor market” following the COVID-19 outbreak.
Feb 25, 2021

Federal Spotlight: Drug Companies Announce Plans to Boost Delivery of COVID-19 Vaccinations

Pfizer and Moderna both expect to have a combined 220 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine available for delivery by the end of March.
Feb 25, 2021

Changes to PPP Rules: Only Businesses with Fewer Than 20 Employees Can Apply for Relief for the Next Two Weeks

For the next two weeks, the only businesses that can apply for relief through the Paycheck Protection Program are ones with fewer than 20 employees.
Feb 18, 2021

Federal Spotlight: Iowa Employers Should Keep Close Eye on the Anti-Business Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act

Significant anti-jobs legislation reintroduced this month by federal lawmakers will hurt Iowa businesses and tip the federal labor laws in favor of unions.
Feb 11, 2021

Federal Spotlight: Minimum Wage Increase Sought in Latest COVID-19 Relief Bill

Democratic leaders in both the U.S. House and Senate are seeking to include a $15 federal minimum wage increase in the next COVID-19 aid package.
Feb 4, 2021

Federal Spotlight: GOP Senators Propose Alternative COVID-19 Relief Package to Biden

A number of Republican U.S. Senators met with President Joe Biden on Monday to discuss a COVID-19 relief package they are offering as a counter to the $1.9 trillion bill that Biden has put forward.
Jan 28, 2021

Federal Spotlight: Biden Signs Executive Order Aimed at Establishment of Emergency Temporary Standard

Last week, President Joe Biden put his signature on an executive order that will affect workplaces across the country.
Jan 21, 2021

Federal Spotlight: New Opportunity to Apply for Paycheck Protection Program

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has reopened and is now available for applicants to apply for forgivable loans.
Jan 14, 2021

Federal Spotlight: Biden Chooses Labor, Commerce and SBA Nominees

President-elect Joe Biden continues to roll out his nominees for cabinet-level and senior-level government posts.
Jan 7, 2021

Federal Spotlight: One Party Control in Washington, Democrats Win Both Georgia Senate Races

On Tuesday, Democrats Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock defeated incumbent Republican Sens. David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler in what became the most expensive Congressional races in history.
Dec 17, 2020

Federal Spotlight: Agreement on COVID-19 Relief Package Imminent

Leaders in the U.S. House, Senate and the White House have been furiously negotiating this week as both Democrats and Republicans have indicated they must pass another COVID-19 stimulus package before the lame-duck Congress officially adjourns for the year.
Dec 3, 2020

Federal Spotlight: Members of Iowa’s Congressional Delegation Selected to Leadership Positions in Congress

The new Congress will be sworn in sometime in early January, and with that comes the announcements of leadership posts for both parties.
Dec 3, 2020

Federal Spotlight: Biden’s Cabinet Beginning to Take Shape

As the transition between the outgoing and incoming administrations unfolds, President-elect Joe Biden has begun announcing his choices for his cabinet and other senior posts within the federal government.
Nov 19, 2020

Federal Spotlight: OSHA Emergency Temporary Standard Likely to Be Issued Under Biden Administration

Though President-elect Joe Biden will not officially become president until Jan. 20, 2021, there is already significant talk about some of the actions his administration will first take when he enters office.
Nov 19, 2020

Federal Spotlight: Sen. Grassley’s Historic Vote Streak Comes to an End

Sen. Charles Grassley hadn’t missed a Senate roll call vote in over 27 years.
Nov 12, 2020

Federal Spotlight: Snapshot of the Current State of Federal Elections

Though November 3 has come and passed, there are still a number of outstanding races that remain to be decided that will have a tremendous impact on the business community for 2021.
Oct 29, 2020

Federal Spotlight: Barrett Confirmed to the Supreme Court

On Monday, the U.S. Senate voted to confirm 7th Circuit Court Judge Amy Coney Barrett to a lifetime appointment on the U.S. Supreme Court.
Oct 22, 2020

Federal Spotlight: Final Presidential Debate is Tonight

With a week and a half to go until Tuesday, Nov. 3, President Trump and former Vice President Biden will square off this evening one more time as they make their case to voters nationwide in the homestretch of the campaign.
Oct 15, 2020

Federal Spotlight: Supreme Court Nomination Hearings Took Place This Week

The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee held hearings for President Trump’s Supreme Court nominee Judge Amy Coney Barrett from Monday through today.
Oct 8, 2020

Federal Spotlight: Trump Calls Off Broader COVID-19 Talks Until After the Election

On Tuesday, President Trump tweeted that he decided to end talks between the White House and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi concerning a robust COVID-19 package and will wait until after the election to continue negotiating.
Oct 1, 2020

Federal Spotlight: House Democrats Could Vote on Scaled-Down Version of COVID-19 Relief Package Today

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) announced last night that a vote on a smaller, but still very large COVID-19 bill would be pushed back until today to give more time for negotiations between the White House and the Speaker.
Sep 24, 2020

Federal Spotlight: Trump to Announce SCOTUS Nominee on Saturday

Following the recent passing of Associate Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, President Trump has said he will name a person to replace her on the High Court this Saturday.
Sep 24, 2020

Federal Spotlight: Trump and Biden Set to Debate Next Week

The first of three presidential debates between President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 29 from 8-9:30 p.m.
Sep 17, 2020

Federal Spotlight: Judge Rules Against Trump Administration’s Rewrite of Joint Employer Rule

A federal district court judge in New York struck down the Trump administration’s narrower definition of ‘joint employer’, stating that the rule conflicted with the broader protections under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Sep 10, 2020

Federal Spotlight: Latest COVID-19 Relief Package Dies in the Senate

U.S. Senate Republican Leadership announced on Tuesday that the upper chamber would be voting on a more tailored and narrowly focused COVID-19 relief bill today.
Aug 13, 2020

Federal Spotlight: Biden Selects Harris for Democratic VP Nod

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden announced this week that he has chosen California Senator Kamala Harris to be his Vice Presidential nominee for the 2020 Democratic ticket.
Aug 6, 2020

Seneca Foundry Provides Facility Tour, Hosts U.S. Chamber Endorsement of Sen. Ernst’s 2020 Re-Election Bid

On Friday, July 31, Lori Mason and Kirk McCollough of the Seneca Foundry in Webster City gave a tour of their manufacturing facility to U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst.
Jul 30, 2020

Federal Spotlight: U.S. Senate Unveils the HEALS Act

The HEALS Act is the Senate’s version of legislation necessary to continue to address the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jul 23, 2020

Federal Spotlight: Liability Protections for Businesses a Key Point of Negotiations for Next COVID-19 Relief Bill

Congressional leaders are working diligently to craft and pass another COVID-19 relief package before the August recess.
Jul 16, 2020

Federal Spotlight: Sen. Ernst Unveils ‘Back to Work Child Care Grants’ Legislation

On Tuesday, Sen. Joni Ernst released a proposal aimed at providing financial assistance to child care providers through grants.
Jul 9, 2020

Federal Spotlight: Members of Iowa’s Congressional Delegation Receive U.S. Chamber Award

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a federal partner of ABI, recently announced its list of recipients of the 2019 Spirit of Enterprise Award.
Jul 2, 2020

Federal Spotlight: USMCA is In Effect

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the trade deal replacing NAFTA, went into full effect yesterday.
Jul 2, 2020

Federal Spotlight: Congress Approves Extension of the Paycheck Protection Program

This week, the Senate and House both passed legislation aimed at extending the timeframe in which businesses may apply for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
Jun 25, 2020

Iowa is a 2020 Battleground State in Federal Races

Iowa can expect to be a top battleground state for federal elections for president, U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives.
Jun 18, 2020

Federal Spotlight: U.S. Chamber Issues Updated PPP Forgiveness Guidance

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce recently unveiled an updated guidance document for the Paycheck Protection Program.
Jun 18, 2020

Federal Spotlight: BIPAC Action Fund Releases More U.S. House Endorsements

The BIPAC Action Fund has unveiled its latest round of endorsements for the 2020 election.
Jun 11, 2020

Federal Spotlight: Trump Signs PPP Flexibility Law

Last Friday, President Trump signed legislation that eases the current rules of the Paycheck Protection Program under the CARES Act.
May 21, 2020

Federal Spotlight: Sen. Ernst Leads Bipartisan Letter for Childcare Support in Next COVID-19 Relief Legislation

U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst recently spearheaded a bipartisan letter addressed to the U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) encouraging them to include more financial support and stimulus for childcare providers and workers in the next round of coronavirus relief.
May 21, 2020

Federal Spotlight: Those Who Reject Offer to Return to Work Ineligible for Federal Unemployment Benefits Per Mnuchin

U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Tuesday stated employees who reject an offer to return to work after being furloughed or laid off due to COVID-19 will no longer be eligible for federal unemployment benefits.
May 14, 2020

Federal Spotlight: House Democrats Unveil Their Latest Coronavirus Relief Package

On Tuesday, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) released what would be the fifth bill in a series of legislative proposals aimed at providing coronavirus relief.
May 7, 2020

Federal Spotlight: U.S. Chamber, BIPAC Action Fund Endorse Feenstra in 4th Congressional Primary

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the BIPAC Action Fund, the political action committee of the Business Industry Political Action Committee (BIPAC), recently unveiled their endorsements of State Sen. Randy Feenstra in the crowded 4th Congressional Republican Primary.
May 7, 2020

Federal Spotlight: Deputy Labor Secretary Pens Op-Ed on Keeping Workers Safe During COVID-19

The Des Moines Register published an op-ed by U.S. Deputy Secretary of Labor Patrick Pizzella on actions the Trump administration is taking to keep workers and those headed back to work safe from COVID-19.
Apr 30, 2020

Federal Spotlight: Sen. Ernst Offers Proposal to Help Those on Frontline of COVID-19 Fight

As individuals and businesses continue to battle and persevere through the economic effects of the coronavirus, elected officials including Sen. Joni Ernst are putting forward measures aimed at alleviating that burden.
Apr 30, 2020

Federal Spotlight: SCOTUS Rules Against Defendants in Groundwater Pollution Case

The U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling that will have implications for those who directly discharge pollutants into federally regulated waters or its “functional equivalent."
Apr 23, 2020

Federal Spotlight: Congress and White House Reach Agreement on More COVID-19 Funding

President Trump and leaders from both parties in Congress came to an agreement on Tuesday morning to provide more funding for coronavirus relief measures.
Apr 16, 2020

Federal Spotlight: Obama, Sanders and Warren Endorse Biden for President

Former Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden received three very influential and consequential endorsements this week as he is for all intents and purposes now the Democratic presidential nominee for the general election this fall.
Apr 9, 2020

Federal Spotlight: Sanders Suspends Bid for Democratic Nomination

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) announced on Wednesday that he was ending his presidential campaign for the Democractic nomination.
Apr 9, 2020

Federal Spotlight: Measure to Expand Paycheck Protection Program Appropriations Blocked in the Senate

On Tuesday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced he would seek to pass $250 billion in additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) via unanimous consent in the Senate on Thursday.
Apr 2, 2020

Federal Spotlight: IRS Unveils FAQ Guides for FFCRA Tax Credits

The Internal Revenue Service has released an extensive FAQ guide on how employers can take advantage of the tax credits related to the paid sick leave and family leave benefits in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).
Apr 2, 2020

Federal Spotlight: Treasury Issues Guidance for Paycheck Protection Program; Take Advantage of This Relief

Earlier this week, the U.S. Treasury Department unveiled guidance for a large component of the Phase III coronavirus relief legislation that President Trump recently signed into law.
Mar 26, 2020

Federal Spotlight: Senate Passes Historic Phase III Coronavirus Relief Package

Early Thursday morning, the U.S. Senate unanimously approved the largest emergency stimulus package in the history of the country as the U.S. economy grapples with the effects of the coronavirus.
Mar 19, 2020

Federal Spotlight: Trump Signs Phase II of Coronavirus Relief Package; Third Phase Coming

President Trump signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act last night as Congress approved the bipartisan measure aimed to provide relief to the American public.
Feb 27, 2020

Federal Spotlight: DOL Issues Final Rule on Joint Employer Standard

The Department of Labor (DOL) unveiled its final rule for the definition of the joint employer standard on Wednesday.
Feb 20, 2020

Federal Spotlight: House Passes Anti-business PRO Act

The U.S. House recently approved the Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO).
Feb 6, 2020

Federal Spotlight: Trump Acquitted by the Senate

President Donald Trump, the third U.S. President to be impeached by the U.S. House, was acquitted of two impeachment charges by the U.S. Senate yesterday.
Feb 6, 2020

Federal Spotlight: U.S. House to Vote Today on State Right to Work Laws Elimination

The U.S. House of Representatives is set to vote later today on the PRO Act.
Jan 30, 2020

Federal Spotlight: Trump Announces Rule to Replace WOTUS

President Trump’s administration unveiled a new rule last week that will take the place of the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule.
Jan 30, 2020

Federal Spotlight: Trump Signs USMCA Into Law

On Wednesday, President Trump signed the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) into law, which is a tremendous victory for the business and agriculture communities.
Jan 23, 2020

Federal Spotlight: Trump Administration Proposes Streamlining Environmental Rules

President Trump’s Council on Environmental Quality is looking to put forward rules that would update the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for the first time in 40 years.
Jan 16, 2020

Federal Spotlight: USMCA Passes Senate; Trump Signs Phase One Trade Agreement with China

There was an incredible amount of positive news on the trade front this week.
Jan 9, 2020

Federal Spotlight: USMCA Passes Senate Committee

On Tuesday, the Senate Committee on Finance overwhelmingly approved the United States, Mexico, Canada Agreement (USMCA) by a resounding vote of 25-3.
Jan 2, 2020

Federal Spotlight: New DOL Overtime Rule Goes Into Effect

Several new laws and regulations have gone into effect now that we have entered the new year.
Dec 19, 2019

Federal Spotlight: Budget Deals Contain Vital Wins for the Business Community

Congress will approve a $1.4 trillion spending package this week as the House and Senate seek to avoid a government shutdown.
Dec 19, 2019

U.S. House Expected to Approve Historic Trade Agreement with Mexico and Canada

The United States House of Representatives will pass the United States, Mexico, Canada Agreement (USMCA) today.
Dec 12, 2019

USMCA Deal Reached by House Democrats and Trump Administration

Speaker of the U.S. House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) announced her caucus has come to an agreement with the Trump administration on moving forward with a vote of the United States, Mexico, Canada Agreement (USMCA).
Dec 12, 2019

Federal Spotlight: ATRA Releases Latest “Judicial Hellholes” Report

The American Tort Reform Association unveiled its 2019-2020 “Judicial Hellholes” report on Tuesday.
Dec 5, 2019

Federal Spotlight: Harris Drops Out; Loeffler Appointed Senate-Designate

It’s been quite a week in the world of U.S. politics as several changes have occurred at the national level.
Nov 27, 2019

Federal Spotlight: House Democrats “Within Range” of USMCA Deal

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi announced Monday that Democrats were “within range” of reaching a deal on USMCA.
Nov 21, 2019

Federal Spotlight: Sen. Ernst Co-sponsors HIT Delay Legislation

U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst recently co-sponsored S.172, which is legislation that would pause the implementation of the Health Insurance Tax (HIT) through 2021.
Nov 14, 2019

Federal Spotlight: More Candidates Wade Into the Presidential Race

We’re just over two months out from the Iowa caucuses, but that hasn't stopped multiple candidates on the Democratic side from jumping into the fray.
Nov 7, 2019

Federal Spotlight: Notable Election Results from Across The Country

2019 is an off-year for most states regarding elections, but some states held contests this past Tuesday where the balance of power changed in a very consequential way.
Oct 16, 2019

Federal Spotlight: Trump Announces Phase 1 Trade Agreement With China

President Trump proclaimed the United States and China have made a big step forward in trade talks as a “phase 1” deal was announced in the Oval Office last Friday.
Oct 3, 2019

Federal Spotlight: Anti-jobs PRO Act Passes House Committee

The U.S. House Education and Labor Committee passed the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act of 2019 on a party-line vote of 26-21 last week.
Oct 3, 2019

Federal Spotlight: Scalia Confirmed as New Labor Secretary

Eugene Scalia, the son of late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, was confirmed to be the new Secretary of Labor on Monday.
Sep 26, 2019

Federal Spotlight: Overtime Rule Final

This week, the U.S. Department of Labor issued the final overtime rule.
Sep 19, 2019

Federal Spotlight: USMCA Response from Congresswoman Axne

Last Friday, ABI received a response from Congresswoman Axne on the letter 79 organizations sent to the Iowa Congressional delegation encouraging ratification of the agreement this year.
Sep 19, 2019

Federal Spotlight: Ex-Im Bank Letter

ABI, along with more than 200 other organizations, signed on to a letter addressed to the U.S. House and Senate urging swift and robust re-authorization of the Export-Import Bank.
Sep 12, 2019

USMCA Iowa Letter

Earlier this week, ABI, as well as key allies the Greater Des Moines Partnership and Iowa Farm Bureau, delivered a letter to Iowa’s Congressional delegation urging passage of the USMCA.
Sep 12, 2019

Federal Spotlight: EPA Set to Repeal WOTUS Rule

It is expected that Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Andrew Wheeler will announce today the EPA is going to fully repeal the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule.
Sep 5, 2019

Federal Spotlight: Updated Overtime Rule Nearly Complete

The Department of Labor is set to issue a final rule in the coming weeks increasing the threshold for which workers in a variety of industries will be eligible for overtime pay.
Aug 29, 2019

Deadline Approaching: Sign the USMCA Iowa Letter

If you haven’t yet added your company’s name to the Iowa USMCA coalition letter, there is still time.
Aug 29, 2019

Federal Spotlight: Sen. Grassley Receives Spirit of Enterprise Award

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce presented Sen. Grassley with the Spirit of Enterprise Award for his support of pro-growth legislation during the second session of the 115th Congress on Monday in Sioux City.
Aug 22, 2019

USMCA Action Item – Sign Iowa Coalition Letter

We hope you take the opportunity to add your company’s name to a Congressional letter in support of the new USMCA.
Aug 15, 2019

Federal Spotlight: Take Action to Reauthorize Ex-Im Bank

Businesses, trade associations, state/local chambers and others have the opportunity to add their names to a letter urging Congress to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank.
Aug 15, 2019

Sen. Ernst in Polk County, Sen. Grassley to Visit Sioux City

On Saturday morning, Sen. Ernst will host a town hall meeting in Johnston at 7:30 a.m. at Wallace Elementary School.
Aug 8, 2019

Federal Spotlight: Trump Administration to Enact New Tariffs on China

President Trump announced last week his administration would implement new tariffs on China starting September 1.
Aug 1, 2019

Federal Spotlight: Democrat Presidential Candidates Discuss Wide Range of Issues

Twenty of the 25 candidates vying for the Democratic nomination for U.S. President debated over the course of two nights in Detroit this week.
Aug 1, 2019

Tele-town Hall with Gov. Reynolds on USMCA Tonight

ABI invites you to take part in a tele-town hall with Gov. Reynolds on trade.
Aug 1, 2019

Federal Spotlight: Grassley Town Meetings Next Week

Sen. Chuck Grassley will hold two town hall meetings next week.
Jul 25, 2019

Federal Spotlight: Trump To Nominate Scalia For Labor Department

President Trump announced last Thursday his intention to nominate Eugene Scalia, son of the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, as the new secretary of labor.
Jul 18, 2019

Federal Spotlight: House Votes to Repeal Cadillac Tax

On Wednesday, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved passage of HR 748, which eliminates the “Cadillac Tax.”
Jul 11, 2019

ABI Joins GDMP and Iowa Farm Bureau on Trade Op-ed

Earlier this week, the Des Moines Register published a joint editorial by ABI, the Greater Des Moines Partnership and Iowa Farm Bureau that encouraged Congress to adopt a new trade agreement with Canada and Mexico.
Jul 11, 2019

Federal Spotlight: CDW Issues Joint Employer Standard Comments

The Coalition for a Democratic Workplace, along with 44 other employer entities including ABI, recently submitted comments to the Department of Labor for Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding Joint Employer status under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Jul 2, 2019

Federal Spotlight: Axne Co-sponsors Legislation to Delay HIT

Congresswoman Cindy Axne (D-West Des Moines) recently added her name to a bill that would delay the implementation of the Health Insurance Tax (HIT).
Jul 2, 2019

Federal Spotlight: New ACE Rule Finalized; Eliminates Clean Power Plan

The Environmental Protection Agency recently issued the final Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) rule, which repeals and replaces the Obama administration’s Clean Power Plan (CPP).
Jun 27, 2019

Federal Spotlight: Grassley Town Meetings Coming Up

Sen. Grassley will continue his annual 99-county tour by holding three town meetings next week.
Jun 20, 2019

Mexico Ratifies USMCA Agreement

On Wednesday, Mexico became the first country to ratify the USMCA agreement when the Senate passed the language with overwhelming support and a vote of 114-4.
Jun 13, 2019

Federal Spotlight: ABI Signs Onto Letter Calling for Repeal of the Cadillac Tax

ABI is one of 665 stakeholders that encouraged members of Congress to cosponsor bipartisan legislation that would repeal the “Cadillac tax” on high-cost employer-provided health care plans.
May 30, 2019

Federal Spotlight: Congressional Recess means town hall meetings

The Memorial Day holiday meant Congressional recess for members of Iowa’s Congressional delegation. During the recess, Iowa’s delegation typically hosts town hall meetings or other constituent events around the state.
May 23, 2019

Federal Spotlight: Trump Lifts Tariffs on Canada and Mexico

President Trump announced last Friday that the United States would be removing steel and aluminum tariffs on Canada and Mexico in an effort to help facilitate passage of the new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) trade accord.
May 16, 2019

Congress Introduces PRO Act

The U.S. House last week introduced HR 2474, legislation that would be harmful to employers in Iowa and around the country.
May 2, 2019

Federal Spotlight: EEOC Reporting Rule to Take Effect

After the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) put a hold on the changes to the EEO-1 reporting form that mid- and large-size employers must fill out in 2017, a Judge ruled last month the added requirement to report pay can move forward and is due September 30, 2019.
Apr 25, 2019

ABI President Advocates for Free Trade

ABI President Mike Ralston on Wednesday participated in a roundtable discussion with U.S. Senator Ernst, farmers, and business and manufacturing leaders about the importance of free trade to Iowa’s economy.
Apr 18, 2019

Federal Spotlight: EPA Receives Comments on WOTUS from Gov. Reynolds, Secretary Naig

Gov. Reynolds and Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, along with state agency directors, provided comments to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the proposed Waters of the United States (WOTUS) Rule.
Apr 11, 2019

Federal Spotlight: Sen. Grassley Town Halls Announced

Sen. Chuck Grassley will hold multiple town meetings as part of his annual 99 County Tour the next few weeks.
Apr 4, 2019

Businesses Affected by Flooding: SBA Office Now Open in Glenwood

We know several ABI members have been affected by the flooding in Iowa.
Mar 28, 2019

Federal Spotlight: ABI Signs on to Data Privacy Letter

ABI, along with 35 other business groups across the country, added our name to a coalition letter opposing the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), which was signed into law last June.
Mar 14, 2019

U.S. DOL Proposes New Overtime Rule

Late last week, the Department of Labor announced its proposed overtime rule.
Mar 14, 2019

ABI Joins Letter to Treasury on Business Interest Deductions

The National Association of Manufacturers alerted us to an issue at the federal level that could make it more expensive for manufacturers to purchase machinery and equipment.
Feb 28, 2019

Federal Spotlight: ABI Joins USMCA Coalition and Immigration Compact

Early this week, two coalitions announced their initiatives, and ABI is part of both groups that are key to Iowa’s economy.
Feb 14, 2019

Federal Spotlight: USMCA Trade Deal Key to Iowa Economy

As Congress potentially considers the new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) this spring or summer, now is the time to encourage members of Iowa’s Congressional delegation to approve the trade pact.
Feb 14, 2019

Federal Spotlight: Date for Public Hearing on WOTUS Unveiled

The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency have announced a public hearing on the newly revised Water of the United States (WOTUS) rule will take place on Feb. 27 and 28 in Kansas City, Kansas.
Feb 7, 2019

Federal Spotlight: ABI Signs Onto Letter Opposing Calif. Data Privacy Law

ABI recently joined other business associations in supporting an effort being led by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce to encourage other states to not adopt a version of an invasive data privacy law that was recently passed in California.
Jan 31, 2019

Federal Spotlight: USMCA Trade Deal Needs Congressional Approval

According to the U.S. Chamber’s International Relations update, Trump administration officials are working to build support for congressional approval of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
Jan 24, 2019

Federal Spotlight: U.S. Chamber Urges Government Be Reopened

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce recently submitted a letter to members of Congress requesting the government be opened as soon as possible citing effects the shutdown is having on the economy and the business community.
Jan 17, 2019

Federal Spotlight: ABI Joins Comments on NLRB Joint Employer Rule

Last week ABI signed onto comments regarding the proposed Joint Employer Rule.
Jan 10, 2019

Federal Spotlight: WOTUS Hearing Postponed Due to Government Shutdown

The EPA and the Department of the Army announced on Monday that due to a lack of appropriations, a public hearing on the revised Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule has been postponed indefinitely.
Jan 10, 2019

Federal Spotlight: Feenstra Announces Primary Challenge to King

State Senator Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) declared on Wednesday that he would take on Congressman Steve King (R-Kiron) in next June’s Republican primary.
Jan 3, 2019

Federal Spotlight: Court Rules Against Obama-Era Joint Employer Rule

The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled last Friday the joint employer standard, which was vastly expanded under the Obama administration, was too broad and must be rewritten.
Dec 13, 2018

Federal Spotlight: EPA Unveils Replacement for WOTUS Rule

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a new version of the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule on Tuesday morning.
Dec 6, 2018

Federal Spotlight: USMCA Trade Deal Signed; Heads to Congress for Approval

Leaders from the United States, Mexico and Canada signed the United States, Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA) last week in Buenos Aires at the G20 Summit.
Nov 29, 2018

Federal Spotlight: Mississippi Senate Race Decided; Senate Numbers Set, House Still Unknown

Incumbent Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi defeated Democrat challenger Mike Espy in a runoff election for the U.S. Senate on Tuesday night.
Nov 15, 2018

Federal Spotlight: DOL Issues Unemployment Drug Testing Regulations for Comment

The Department of Labor is seeking comments on its recently published regulations regarding drug testing for unemployment compensation (UC) applicants.
Nov 15, 2018

Federal Spotlight: EPA Seeking Comments on Exclusions from Ambient Air

The Environmental Protection Agency is requesting public comments on its draft revised policy document on “Exclusions from ‘Ambient Air’.”
Nov 8, 2018

Federal Spotlight: Recap of House and Senate Results

In one of the most contentious and highly contested midterm elections in modern history, both Democrats and Republicans have cause for celebration and anguish based on Tuesday’s results.
Oct 25, 2018

Federal Spotlight: OSHA Memo on Drug Testing and Incentive Programs

According to the National Association of Manufacturers, OSHA issued a new memorandum under which manufacturers may once again use post-incident drug testing under specific parameters and properly designed safety incentive programs to accomplish the important mission of promoting workplace safety.
Oct 18, 2018

Federal Spotlight: ATRA Report Shows Excessive Tort Costs

The American Tort Reform Association (ATRA) released on Monday an economic study of six states that determines how excessive tort costs impact employment and job loss, gross product output and annual direct costs.
Oct 11, 2018

Federal Spotlight: E-15 Announcement

In Council Bluffs on Tuesday, President Trump announced he will direct the EPA to do rulemaking to allow the sale of E-15 fuel with a higher ethanol blend to be sold year round.
Oct 4, 2018

Federal Spotlight: Canada Joins Agreement with U.S. and Mexico on Trade

The United States and Canada struck an accord late Sunday night concerning a new trade deal that would replace NAFTA.
Sep 27, 2018

Federal Spotlight: UWC Information

Late last week, UWC, an organization with expertise in unemployment and workers’ compensation issues, sent a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee expressing concern with Section 702 of HR 6545.
Sep 20, 2018

Federal Spotlight: NLRB Offers Updated Ruling on Joint-employment Standard

The National Labor Relations Board announced last week it has issued a proposed rule to make changes to the current definition of the joint-employer standard.
Sep 13, 2018

Federal Spotlight: Department of Labor Listening Sessions on Overtime Rule

The Department of Labor is holding listening sessions on a proposed revision to the regulations.
Sep 6, 2018

Federal Spotlight: SCOTUS Confirmation Hearing Underway

D.C. Circuit Court Judge Brett Kavanaugh, the Supreme Court nominee of President Trump to replace retired Justice Anthony Kennedy, went before the Senate Judiciary Committee this week to provide testimony and receive scrutiny from members of the committee.
Aug 30, 2018

Federal Spotlight: U.S. Reaches Tentative Trade Deal with Mexico

President Trump declared on Monday the United States and Mexico have come to a preliminary agreement on a trade pact.
Aug 23, 2018

Federal Spotlight: ABI Signs Onto NAM Letter Regarding Federal Tariff Legislation

ABI has joined a letter urging elected officials to keep up the momentum and ensure final passage of the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB).
Aug 16, 2018

Federal Spotlight: U.S. and Mexico Coming Closer to Agreement on NAFTA

Several news outlets have reported that U.S. and Mexico trade talks are moving in the right direction and that a preliminary agreement on NAFTA could be reached in the next few weeks.
Aug 9, 2018

Federal Spotlight: Treasury & IRS Release Proposed Regulations on Tax

Last week, the Trump administration proposed three regulations regarding bonus depreciation, repatriation and Section 199A.
Aug 2, 2018

Federal Spotlight: ABI Joins President Trump, Cabinet Officials in Peosta

Several ABI board members, along with Jessica Hyland and Brad Hartkopf of the public policy team, attended a workforce development roundtable at Northeast Iowa Community College in Peosta.
Aug 2, 2018

Federal Spotlight: House Passes Repeal of Medical Device Tax

The U.S. House of Representatives voted 283-132 to rescind the medical device tax last week.
Jul 26, 2018

Federal Spotlight: Trump Issues Executive Order Focused on Job Training

President Trump signed an executive order last week that creates two new entities aimed at expanding job training and apprenticeship opportunities for American workers.
Jul 26, 2018

Federal Spotlight: Senate and House Approved CTE Legislation; Heads to President’s Desk

The U.S. Senate passed the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act via voice vote on Monday evening.
Jul 19, 2018

Federal Spotlight: Tariffs/Trade Continue to Dominate the Headlines

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has lead the effort in opposition to the Trump administration’s implementation of tariffs on some of our closest allies and trading partners.
Jul 12, 2018

Federal Spotlight: Trump Selects Kavanaugh as SCOTUS Nominee

President Donald Trump chose Brett Kavanaugh to replace retiring Justice Anthony Kennedy for the Supreme Court on Monday night.
Jul 5, 2018

Federal Spotlight: U.S. Chamber Ramps Up Opposition to Tariffs

As President Trump continues to put tariffs on many of our allies and top trading partners, and the threat of retaliation is coming to fruition, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is beefing up its objection to those levies.
Jun 28, 2018

Federal Spotlight: Supreme Court Janus Ruling and Justice Kennedy to Retire

The last two weeks have been monumental for the U.S. Supreme Court.
Jun 28, 2018

Federal Spotlight: ABI Supports Letter Regarding EPA Statutory Interpretations

ABI is one of more than 100 organizations that have signed a letter encouraging Administrator Neomi Rao of the Office of Management & Budget to implement good government practices when it comes to the issuance of new regulations and the rescission of old ones.
Jun 21, 2018

Federal Spotlight: ABI Signs on to Career and Technical Education Letter

ABI, along with more than 400 organizations, has signed onto a letter in support of the reauthorization of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act.
Jun 21, 2018

Federal Spotlight: ABI/U.S. Chamber to Host Congressman Young and Sen. Grassley

ABI is excited to partner with the U.S. Chamber on two upcoming events.
Jun 21, 2018

Federal Spotlight: Federal Rules Released on Association Health Plans

The U.S. Department of Labor published its long-anticipated final rule on association health plans Tuesday.
Jun 21, 2018

Federal Spotlight: Small Business Administration Iowa Roundtables in July

The U.S. Small Business Administration will host several roundtables across Iowa next month with the purpose of receiving feedback from individuals whose small businesses are affected by federal regulatory issues.
Jun 21, 2018

Federal Spotlight: ABI Signs onto Tariff Letter to Congress

ABI has signed onto a letter in support of Sen. Bob Corker’s (R-TN) amendment that would require the president to submit to Congress any proposal to raise tariffs in the interest of national security.
Jun 14, 2018

Federal Spotlight: ABI to Partner with U.S. Chamber for Spirit of Enterprise Awards

ABI is proud to once again partner with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as it distributes its annual Spirit of Enterprise Awards to pro-business members of Congress.
Jun 14, 2018

Federal Spotlight: August Recess Canceled, Congress to Remain in Washington

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has canceled all but the first week of the traditional August recess in light of “historic obstruction” from Democrats on President Trump’s nominees.
May 31, 2018

Federal Spotlight: Commerce Department Launches Investigation into Imports of Vehicles

President Trump recently ordered Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross to launch an investigation into the import of automobiles and auto parts based on national security concerns.
May 24, 2018

Federal Spotlight: House Passes Dodd-Frank Rollback; President Signs Bill

On Tuesday, the House of Representatives passed a sweeping overhaul of the Dodd-Frank Act by a vote of 258-159. President Trump signed the bill into law on Thursday.
May 17, 2018

Federal Spotlight: NAM Board Chair Testifies Before House Committee

He presented the results of a survey manufacturers from around the country, including Iowa, participated in following the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 being signed into law.
May 3, 2018

Federal Spotlight: Tariff Exemptions Extended for Allies, EPA Official Confirmed

The Trump administration announced Monday that they would delay implementation of steel and aluminum tariffs on many of our allies, including Mexico, Canada and the European Union.
Apr 26, 2018

Federal Spotlight: Judge Rules DACA Program Must Accept New Applicants

A U.S. District Court Judge ruled on Wednesday the Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program must continue and allow new applicants into the program.
Apr 19, 2018

Federal Spotlight: Senate Confirms New Appointees to NLRB and DOL

The Senate confirmed John Ring to the National Labor Relations Board and approved Patrick Pizzella to be Deputy Secretary of Labor .
Apr 12, 2018

Federal Spotlight: Gov. Reynolds Advocates for Trade

Gov. Reynolds held a press conference on Tuesday highlighting the importance of trade and the concern with tariffs on key products such as steel and soybeans.
Apr 5, 2018

Federal Spotlight: China Vows to Issue More Tariffs Against the U.S.

The Chinese government announced Wednesday the country would impose $50 billion worth of tariffs on 106 products they import from the U.S. in response to the tariffs President Trump announced last week.
Mar 29, 2018

Federal Spotlight: Trump Administration Imposes Tariffs on China

President Trump signed a memorandum last week that would impose tariffs on many products that the United States imports from China.
Mar 22, 2018

Federal Spotlight – $1.3 Trillion Dollar Omnibus Bill Announced

Congressional leaders unveiled the details of a $1.3 trillion dollar omnibus spending package late on Wednesday.
Mar 15, 2018

Federal Spotlight – Senate Rolls Back Dodd-Frank

The United States Senate passed a bipartisan piece of legislation to exempt several dozen banks from the Dodd-Frank Wall Street reform law.
Mar 8, 2018

Federal Spotlight: NAFTA and Tariffs

The seventh round of talks to renegotiate NAFTA was held during the last two weeks.
Mar 8, 2018

Northey Confirmed for Federal Post

On Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue administered the oath of office to Bill Northey at the Annual Iowa Ag Leaders Dinner.
Mar 1, 2018

Federal Spotlight: Supreme Court Declines to Hear Appeal of DACA Ruling

On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court said it wouldn’t hear an appeal of a ruling made by a federal judge in California pertaining to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
Mar 1, 2018

Federal Spotlight: NLRB Returns to Browning-Ferris

Earlier this week the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) vacated the Hy-Brand decision, and now employers must once again follow the Browning-Ferris joint-employer standard.
Feb 15, 2018

Federal Spotlight: Speaker Upmeyer at White House for Infrastructure Meeting

President Trump unveiled his infrastructure plan earlier this week, and Iowa’s Speaker of the House Linda Upmeyer (R-Clear Lake) was in attendance, as was the new mayor of Cedar Rapids.
Feb 8, 2018

Federal Spotlight – Optional Family and Medical Leave Credit Provision in Tax Bill

The tax reform bill that passed in December has received much coverage in the news for the savings businesses and individuals will see in 2019. However, there were other provisions that may not be as well known.
Jan 25, 2018

Federal Spotlight: Government Shutdown Ends After Three Days

The federal government, which partially shutdown early Saturday morning, has been reopened after a compromise was reached between Senate Democrats and Republicans.
Jan 25, 2018

Federal Spotlight: High Court Remands WOTUS to District Court

The United States Supreme Court ruled earlier this week that district courts have jurisdiction versus appellate courts when it comes to legal challenges in regards to the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule.
Jan 18, 2018

Federal Spotlight: Supreme Court to Review Internet Sales Tax Case

The U.S. Supreme Court has decided to take up a case that will revisit whether states can collect sales tax from online purchases.
Jan 18, 2018

Federal Spotlight: ABI to Co-host NAFTA Event with Sen. Joni Ernst

ABI, along with the Greater Des Moines Partnership, Iowa Farm Bureau and U.S. Chamber, will host a NAFTA event with U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst on Friday, Feb. 9.
Jan 11, 2018

Federal Spotlight: Sens. Grassley and Ernst Announce 99-County Tours

Sens. Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst recently announced the first stops on their annual 99-county tours of Iowa.
Jan 4, 2018

Federal Spotlight: Congress Returns from Recess with Much on Its Plate

Congress is beginning to return from recess.
Dec 28, 2017

Congressional Recess

Congress has officially gone on its end-of-the-year recess.
Dec 21, 2017

Federal Spotlight: Senate Committee Rejects Nominee to Lead Ex-Im Bank

The Senate Banking Committee declined to advance the nomination of Scott Garrett to lead the Export-Import Bank by a vote of 10-13 on Tuesday.
Dec 21, 2017

Federal Spotlight: Federal Tax Reform Passed

This week the U.S. House and Senate approved the most sweeping reforms to the tax code in over 30 years.
Dec 14, 2017

Federal Spotlight: House Introduces ACA Tax Relief Bills

Members of the House Ways and Means Committee introduced multiple bills aimed at delaying the implementation of several of the taxes associated with the Affordable Care Act this week.
Dec 14, 2017

Federal Spotlight: House and Senate Come to Tax Reform Deal

The House and the Senate have come to a preliminary deal on a tax reform package.
Dec 7, 2017

Federal Spotlight: ABI Signs Letter in Support of Miscellaneous Tariff Act of 2017

ABI recently added our name to a letter in support of the Miscellaneous Tariff Act of 2017.
Nov 30, 2017

Federal Spotlight – Tax Reform Marches Forward

Reports say the bill could be voted on as early as this evening or Fri., Dec. 1.
Nov 16, 2017

Federal Spotlight – Save Local Business Act Passes the House

The Save Local Business Act passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 242-181 earlier this month.
Nov 16, 2017

Federal Spotlight – Tax Reform Continues to Advance

The goal is to get bills passed in both chambers, work out the differences in conference committee and then send that final product to President Trump’s desk by the end of the year.
Nov 9, 2017

Federal Spotlight – Tax Reform Moves Forward

The House Ways & Means Committee began marking up the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act this week.
Nov 2, 2017

Federal Spotlight – Senate Votes to Rescind Anti-arbitration Rule

The U.S. Senate repealed a rule issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) that would have allowed individuals to file class action lawsuits against financial institutions.
Oct 26, 2017

Federal Spotlight: Tax Reform Advances

The U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate both passed 2018 budget resolutions this month, which is the first step in the process of passing comprehensive tax reform.
Oct 12, 2017

Federal Spotlight – EPA Withdrawing the Clean Power Plan

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt announced on Monday the agency would be rescinding the Clean Power Plan.
Sep 28, 2017

Federal Spotlight: The White House Announces New STEM Initiatives

President Donald Trump has signed a memorandum that orders the Department of Education to allocate at least $200 million dollars into grant funding each year for new Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) and computer science education initiatives.
Sep 21, 2017

Federal Spotlight: Health Care Reform Not Dead Yet

Efforts are underway to make one last push to replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Sep 7, 2017

Federal Spotlight: Overtime Rule Struck Down in Court

A federal judge in Texas recently invalidated a Department of Labor overtime rule that would have been a tremendous burden to small businesses.
Sep 7, 2017

Federal Spotlight: Employer Pay Data Reporting Requirement Halted

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has put a halt to revisions made under the Obama administration to the EEO-1 form.
Aug 31, 2017

Federal Spotlight - Deputy Administrator Named for EPA Region 7

The Trump Administration has announced that Cathy Stepp will be named principal deputy administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency Region 7 office in Kansas City.
Aug 24, 2017

Federal Spotlight: Action Alert - Submit WOTUS Comments

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently accepting comments as the agency is in the process of rewriting the 2015 Water of the United States rule.
Aug 17, 2017

Federal Spotlight: ABI joins national tax reform letter

ABI has signed on to a letter sent to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin that encourages pro-growth tax reform to be enacted at the federal level.
Aug 17, 2017

Federal Spotlight: Iowa officials hold town hall meetings

ABI members are fortunate to have local, state and federal elected officials who want to hear from employers. This month, members of Iowa’s Congressional delegation are back in the state for August recess.
Aug 10, 2017

Federal Spotlight: EPA Administrator and Secretary of Agriculture visit Iowa

In the last week, several Trump Administration officials have visited Iowa. Last weekend, Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue was in Iowa for the Iowa Agriculture Summit and toured ABI member company Sukup Manufacturing.
Aug 2, 2017

Federal spotlight: ABI joins NAFTA support letters

Representatives of Canada, Mexico and the United States are set to meet in Washington, D.C. on August 16th to begin the first of seven rounds of talks to discuss renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The ability to export products from Iowa to other countries is a key part of Iowa’s manufacturing and agricultural economies.
Jul 27, 2017

Federal Spotlight: House votes to repeal arbitration rule

The House of Representatives voted on Tuesday to strike down a ruling issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) that eliminated the option of arbitration for businesses and consumers.
Jul 27, 2017

Federal Spotlight: Department of Labor issues Request for Information

The Department of Labor has issued a Request for Information (RFI) on the Obama Administration’s Overtime rule, which was finalized last year but was stayed by a federal judge in Texas shortly before it was to go into effect.
Jul 20, 2017

Federal Spotlight: Made in America week celebrated at the White House

President Donald Trump is celebrating products manufactured in the country with a Made in America week at the White House.
Jul 20, 2017

Federal Spotlight: Oppose Export-Import Bank nominee

President Trump’s selection of former U.S. Rep. Scott Garrett of New Jersey to lead the Export-Import Bank is drawing criticism from manufacturers and influential business organizations.
Jul 13, 2017

Federal Spotlight: Senate August recess shortened due to health care debate

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced this week that the Senate would remain in session going into the month of August to continue work on health care reform.
Jul 13, 2017

Federal Spotlight: Congressional officials visit Iowa manufacturers

Congress was in recess last week, and during that time Iowa’s Congressional delegation visited business leaders and manufacturers to hear about challenges companies face and answer questions about pending legislation.
Jun 29, 2017

Federal Spotlight: EPA begins rescinding Waters of the United States rule

In a victory for businesses, farmers and other landowners, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt announced Tuesday that the EPA and the Army Corp of Engineers would begin the process of repealing the 2015 Clean Water rule, also known as Waters of the United States.
Jun 29, 2017

Federal Spotlight: Senate GOP unveils health care overhaul legislation

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released a draft of the Senate GOP's replacement plan for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) last week.
Jun 15, 2017

Federal spotlight: BAAD Tax Coalition

A broad coalition of businesses and trade associations around the country is working to defeat any proposal from Congress that would increase taxes on advertising.
Jun 15, 2017

Federal Spotlight - Department of Labor rescinds two rules

Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta has rescinded two burdensome rules in a victory for manufacturers.
Jun 15, 2017

Join ABI and the U.S. Chamber at Rep. Young Spirit of Enterprise event

ABI, along with the U.S. Chamber, will host U.S. Rep. David Young of Van Meter on Monday, June 19, for a special awards ceremony.
Jun 1, 2017

Federal Spotlight: President’s budget includes employer provided paid family leave

President Donald Trump recently released his budget for fiscal year 2018. It proposes many policy objectives to boost the economy, provide long term stability concerning U.S. debt and deficits, and strengthening the military.
May 25, 2017

Federal Spotlight: ABI member testifies in support of tax reform

David Farr, chairman of ABI member company Emerson, testified before the House Ways & Means Committee last week in support of tax reform.
May 25, 2017

Federal Spotlight: Branstad confirmed as Ambassador to China

The U.S. Senate on Monday confirmed former Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad’s appointment to become U.S. ambassador to China.
May 18, 2017

Federal Spotlight: Congress readies action on career and technical education bill

Congressmen Glenn Thompson (R-PA) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) have introduced the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act.
May 11, 2017

Federal Spotlight: Foreign Relations Committee approves Branstad

In last week’s newsletter, you read about Gov. Terry Branstad’s hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
May 4, 2017

Federal Spotlight: Governor Branstad one step closer to China

Gov. Terry Branstad traveled to Washington this week for a committee hearing concerning his nomination as U.S Ambassador to China.
May 4, 2017

Federal Spotlight: House to vote on American Health Care Act today

The U.S. House of Representatives is set to vote on a repeal and replacement of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) today. The American Health Care Act, crafted by Republicans, will bring many changes to the health care system.
Apr 27, 2017

Federal Spotlight: President reveals tax reform plan

President Donald Trump unveiled his comprehensive tax reform plan this week.
Apr 13, 2017

Federal Spotlight: Iowa’s federal elected officials hold district meetings

Congress is on recess until April 24, and during this time, Iowa’s delegation is back in the state meeting with constituents.
Apr 6, 2017

Federal Spotlight: President signs bill disallowing OSHA regulations

President Trump on Tuesday signed a bill disallowing OSHA regulations that were contrary to statute and expanded the period during which employers would be at risk of penalties for OSHA reporting errors.
Mar 16, 2017

Federal Spotlight: Administration seeks input from manufacturers

The U.S. Department of Commerce is seeking feedback from manufacturers on unnecessary burdens caused by federal permitting and regulatory requirements.
Mar 9, 2017

Federal Spotlight: Federal Blacklisting rule headed for defeat

On Tuesday, the U.S. Senate voted 49-48 in favor of H.J. Res 37, a disapproval of the “Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces” regulation, known as the Blacklisting rule.
Feb 23, 2017

Federal Spotlight: Ex-Im action stalled while board awaits new directors

The Export-Import Bank successfully secured a long-term reauthorization in 2015, but the agency has not been able to take action on major transaction because it lacks a quorum for its Board of Directors.
Feb 16, 2017

Federal Spotlight: NAM recognizes Ernst with excellence award

The National Association of Manufacturers is recognizing Sen. Joni Ernst with a Legislative Excellence Award on Feb. 23 in Burlington.
Feb 2, 2017

Federal spotlight: Take action on regulatory reform

The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) has sent an action alert to members encouraging individuals to contact their representatives in Congress on key regulatory issues.
Jan 26, 2017

Federal spotlight: Trump takes many executive actions and orders in first week

President Donald Trump began the first full week of his term with numerous executive actions and orders.
Jan 19, 2017

Federal spotlight: ABI joins letter urging regulatory accountability

ABI has signed onto a letter urging the U.S. Senate to consider and pass the Regulatory Accountability Act.
Dec 15, 2016

ABI participates in NAM’s State Relations Group call

ABI participated in a conference call of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) recently formed State Relations Group.
Dec 15, 2016

Federal Spotlight: Treasury rules update

Since the election, there have been positive developments in terms of regulations that have not moved forward. In late November, the IRS held a six-hour public hearing on proposed treasury regulations released in August titled: Estate, Gift, and Generation-skipping Transfer Taxes; Restrictions on Liquidation of an Interest.proposed regulations.
Dec 1, 2016

Federal Spotlight: DOL overtime rule halted

On Nov. 22, a federal judge in Texas issued a nationwide preliminary injunction stopping a new overtime rule from the Department of Labor (DOL) from taking effect Dec. 1.
Nov 17, 2016

Federal Spotlight: Texas judge considers overtime rule

A Texas judge held a hearing Wednesday morning on whether to enjoin the U.S. Department of Labor’s overtime rule.
Nov 17, 2016

Federal Spotlight: Judge permanently blocks persuader rule

A federal judge in Texas has permanently blocked the U.S. Department of Labor from enforcing a new rule expanding employers’ disclosure requirements related to union-organizing campaigns after the judge concluded that the rule is unlawful.
Nov 3, 2016

Young recognized with Manufacturing Legislative Excellence Award

U.S. Rep. David Young, of Van Meter, was recongized Thursday with a Manufacturing Legislative Excellence Award by the National Association of Manufacturers for his support of pro-manufacturing policies.
Oct 20, 2016

Federal Spotlight: Federal court rules EPA must consider job losses

A judge for the Northern District of West Virginia U.S. District Court recently ruled that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) unlawfully ignored its duty under Section 321 of the Clean Air Act to evaluate potential and actual job loss from its regulations.
Oct 13, 2016

Federal spotlight: OSHA proposes rule to streamline standards

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) on Oct. 4 proposed new rules to streamline current regulations.
Sep 29, 2016

National Association of Manufacturers gives award to Iowa senators, congressmen

The National Association of Manufacturers’ (NAM) member-led Key Vote Advisory Committee (KVAC) has officially completed its key vote selection process and established the votes used to determine the NAM Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence, and both Sen. Chuck Grassley and Sen. Joni Ernst received this recognition. Iowa’s congressmen Rep. Rod Blum, Rep. Steve King and Rep. David Young were also recognized.
Sep 29, 2016

Federal Spotlight: ABI signs onto letter opposing proposed IRS regulations

ABI signed onto a letter by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and the Family Business Estate Tax Coalition (FBETC), to Treasury Secretary Jack Lew voicing the concerns about the potential impact of proposed regulations under Internal Revenue Section 2704 (the “proposed minority discount rules”).
Sep 29, 2016

Federal Spotlight: Lawmakers push to address federal “midnight rulemaking”

Republicans on the House Education and the Workforce Committee have sent a letter to Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez requesting a list of regulations and other guidance the Department of Labor intends to release by the end of President Barack Obama’s second and final term.
Sep 22, 2016

Federal spotlight: Iowa among states to challenge federal labor overtime rule

This week, Gov. Branstad announced that Iowa joined a coalition of 21 states in filing a federal court complaint challenging the U.S. Department of Labor’s new overtime rule.
Sep 22, 2016

Federal Spotlight: New regulations cost $81B, NAM study shows

Regulations on issues such as contractor blacklisting, employee overtime, silica, union elections and injury and illness reporting will cost more than $80 billion in compliance costs over the next decade, according to a new report from the National Association of Manufacturers.
Sep 15, 2016

Federal spotlight: DOJ proposes new discrimination rule

The Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a notice of proposed rulemaking expanding its authority and investigative power over employment discrimination and the employment eligibility verification process.
Sep 8, 2016

Crain attends State Relations Group meeting in D.C.

Nicole Crain, ABI’s Senior Vice President, Public Policy, attended the first meeting of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) State Relations Group in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Aug 25, 2016

Federal Spotlight: Joint WIOA Final Rule offers reporting clarifications

On Aug. 19, the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Education released the Joint WOIA Final Rule, which clarifies that states are only required to report on wages "paid," not wages "earned."
Jul 28, 2016

Federal Spotlight: Take Action on DOL Overtime Rule

ABI’s federal partner, the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) is encouraging members to Take Action if you would like to see Congress act on the Department of Labor's (DOL) overtime rule. The legislation will require the DOL to rework and further review the impact the rule will have on employees, businesses and the economy.
Jul 21, 2016

Federal Spotlight: Food labeling bill passes House

The U.S. House passed S.764 last Thursday, which will preempt state and local food labeling laws related to bioengineered foods.
Jul 14, 2016

Federal Spotlight: NAM files suit to block OSHA’s workplace injury and illness rule
Jun 9, 2016

Federal Spotlight: Toxic substances control act passes

On Tuesday, the U.S. Senate passed ‎the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act by voice vote.
May 26, 2016

Federal Spotlight: Federal business PAC endorses Iowa congressmen

The political arm of the non-partisan Business Industry Political Action Committee (BIPAC) has endorsed U.S. Rep. David Young (IA-03) and U.S. Rep. Rod Blum (IA-01).
May 12, 2016

Federal Spotlight: New federal overtime rules expected in days

As anticipated, the new US Department of Labor (DOL) overtime rule changes are likely to be released within the next two weeks.
May 12, 2016

Federal Spotlight: OSHA rule final

The Labor Department on Wednesday released a final rule requiring certain employers to send their records of injuries and illnesses to OSHA for posting on its website.
May 5, 2016

Federal spotlight: Iowa’s competitive primary races

Iowa has several candidates vying to represent their party in the General Election on Nov. 8.
Apr 28, 2016

Federal Spotlight: Sign on to Trans-Pacific Partnership coalition letter

ABI has joined the National Association of Manufacturers and a large coalition of organizations urging Congress to support the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement.
Apr 7, 2016

Federal Spotlight: ABI signs letter opposing DOL overtime change

Legislation currently under consideration by Congress would stop a Department of Labor proposal to change the salary threshold under which employees would have to be paid overtime for hours worked beyond 40 per week.
Mar 24, 2016

Federal Spotlight: Persuader Rule is here

On Wednesday, the Department of Labor released the much anticipated Persuader Rule, which makes significant changes in requirements on how employers can seek advice regarding labor organizing activities.
Mar 3, 2016

Federal Spotlight: GMO labeling passes Ag Committee

The U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee on Tuesday passed a law pre-empting the states from enacting their own labeling laws as it relates to Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO).
Feb 25, 2016

Federal Spotlight: ABI joins amicus brief on EPA's Clean Power Plan
Feb 18, 2016

Federal Spotlight: Mobile workforce taxation

States currently have inconsistent standards and requirements for employees to file personal income tax returns when traveling to a nonresident state for temporary work periods, and for employers to withhold income tax on employees who travel outside their state of residence for temporary work periods.
Jan 21, 2016

Federal Spotlight: Obama proposes unemployment expansion

Last week, President Obama proposed expanding unemployment benefits that states currently receive.
Jan 21, 2016

Federal Spotlight: Obama vetoes resolution to repeal WOTUS

President Obama has vetoed a resolution passed by Congress to repeal the Waters of the U.S. rule, known as WOTUS. U.S.
Jan 14, 2016

Federal Spotlight: U.S. House passes “WOTUS” repeal

The U.S. House on Wednesday passed a resolution to repeal the Waters of the United States Rule known as WOTUS.
Jan 7, 2016

Federal Spotlight: Federal regulations take center stage

For many U.S. presidents, the final year of the presidency typically includes attempts to pass regulatory change. President Barack Obama is no different.
Dec 17, 2015

Federal Spotlight: Congress reaches budget spending deal

Democrats and Republicans reached a $1.1 trillion omnibus spending deal this week.
Dec 17, 2015

Federal Spotlight: Fed raises interest rates

Wednesday’s move by the Federal Reserve to lift its key rate, the federal funds rate, by a quarter-point to a range of 0.25 percent to 0.5 percent ends an extraordinary seven-year period of near-zero rates that began at the depths of the 2008 financial crisis.
Dec 10, 2015

Federal Spotlight: Support “COOL” Repeal

The World Trade Organization (WTO) issued its findings on Dec. 7 related to the Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) mandate.
Nov 19, 2015

Federal Spotlight: Governor Branstad intervenes in WOTUS lawsuit

Gov. Terry Branstad intervened in a case pending in the U.S. District Court of North Dakota Southwestern Division against the EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and their overreaching Waters of the U.S. rule.
Nov 12, 2015

Federal Spotlight: ABI issues statement of disapproval on Keystone XL decision

President Barack Obama on Friday rejected the application to build the Keystone XL pipeline.
Oct 22, 2015

Federal Spotlight: Take action on the Ex-Im bank

Two ABI partners in Washington, D.C., the National Association of Manufacturers and the U.S Chamber, have been leading the fight for reauthorization of the Export-Import (Ex-Im) Bank.
Oct 15, 2015

Federal Spotlight: U.S. appeals court blocks EPA water rule

The Sixth Circuit Court on Oct. 9, stayed the Waters of the U.S. Rule proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers.
Oct 8, 2015

Federal Spotlight: EPA Issues New Ozone Rule

Late last week the Environmental Protection Agency issued the final rule to move the current ozone threshold from 75 parts per billion to 70 ppb.
Oct 1, 2015

Federal Spotlight: Government Shutdown Averted

With very little time to spare, Congress averted a government shutdown by passing a temporary spending bill to keep government operating through December 11th.
Sep 10, 2015

Federal Spotlight: ABI submits comments on overtime rule

Last week, ABI submitted comments on a Department of Labor proposal that would substantially change overtime rules for employers.
Aug 27, 2015

Federal Spotlight: NAM and US Chamber file comments on ‘blacklisting’ rule

The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and the U.S.
Aug 20, 2015

Federal Spotlight: Comments on Department of Labor overtime rule due Sept. 4

The Department of Labor is proposing to increase the wage threshold for those eligible for overtime.
Aug 13, 2015

Federal Spotlight: Congressional August recess

Iowa’s congressional delegation has officially recessed for the month of August.
Aug 13, 2015

Federal Spotlight: U.S. Sen. Grassley’s tax counsel to visit ABI

Several congressional staff members are also visiting Iowa during the August recess.
Aug 6, 2015

Federal Spotlight: Federal court upholds ambush elections rule

Last week, a federal court upheld a Department of Labor regulation related to union organizing elections.
Jul 30, 2015

Federal Spotlight: Export-Import Bank reauthorization takes step forward

The U.S. Senate passed an amendment to the transportation bill on Monday that would reauthorize the Export-Import Bank.
Jul 16, 2015

Federal Spotlight: Department of Labor Rules threaten small business retirement plans

ABI joined the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and several other national and state organizations in sending a letter to all members of Congress expressing concern about the Department of Labor’s expansion of the “fiduciary investment advice” definition to include small business plans such as SEP and SIMPLE IRAS.
Jul 9, 2015

Federal Spotlight: Comment period open on Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces Executive Order

The Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy held a regional roundtable on July 2 to discuss the Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces Executive Order signed by President Obama in July 2014.
Jul 9, 2015

Federal Spotlight: Take action on U.S. COOL law

In May, the World Trade Organization (WTO) ruled that portions of the U.S. Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) law violate international trade obligations.
Jul 2, 2015

Federal Spotlight: DOL proposes new OT rules

The Department of Labor has proposed rules that would increase the number of employees eligible to receive overtime.
Jun 25, 2015

Federal Spotlight: Trade legislation clears Senate

The U.S. Senate on Wednesday passed Trade Promotion Authority and sent the bill to the White House for President Obama's signature.
Jun 18, 2015

Federal Spotlight: U.S. House passes fast-track trade legislation

The U.S. House today narrowly passed Trade Promotion Authority legislation, commonly known as TPA or fast track, this morning by a vote of 218-208.
May 28, 2015

Federal Spotlight: Waters of the U.S. rule finalized

On Wednesday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released the finalized “Clean Water Rule”.
May 28, 2015

Federal Spotlight: Administration regulatory agenda

The Obama Administration has been aggressively using the regulatory process to implement new policies.
May 21, 2015

Federal Spotlight: ABI joins Branstad administration in supporting TPA

ABI and several member companies joined Gov. Branstad, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds and Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey in writing a letter to Iowa’s delegation on free trade.
May 21, 2015

Federal Spotlight: U.S. Senate passes new federal employer wage reporting requirements

On May 14, the U. S. Senate voted on a group of four bills related to trade.
May 14, 2015

Federal Spotlight: Sign congressional delegation letter supporting trade

ABI President Mike Ralston and several ABI member companies and organizations participated in an international roundtable hosted by Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds last Friday.
Apr 23, 2015

Federal Spotlight: ABI joins call for expanded trade opportunities

ABI issued a press release Tuesday supporting federal efforts to expand trade and encourage exports.
Apr 16, 2015

Federal Spotlight: ABI members to visit D.C.

ABI is once again planning Washington, D.C. Fly-in trip for September 2015.
Apr 9, 2015

Federal Spotlight: Webinar will focus on new NLRB election rule

The National Association of Manufacturers is hosting a webinar to provide advice on how to address a new rule from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) that shortens the timeframe for labor elections.
Mar 26, 2015

Federal Spotlight: EPA Ozone Rule Update

The comment period for the EPA’s proposed ozone rule closed last week.
Mar 5, 2015

Federal Spotlight: Senate votes to block 'election ambush rule'

The U.S. Senate on Wednesday invoked a rarely-used statute to show its disapproval of a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) rule that shortens the timeframe for union elections.
Feb 19, 2015

Federal Spotlight: Grassley receives legislative excellence award

Past ABI Chairman Charles Sukup hosted U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley at Sukup Manufacturing in Sheffield on Tuesday for a roundtable discussion and to honor the senator for his support.
Feb 12, 2015

Federal Spotlight: Congress takes steps against ambush election rule

The U.S. Senate and House have introduced identical Congressional Review Act resolutions (S.J. Res 8 and H.J. Res 29), which, if passed, would formally signal Congressional disapproval of the National Labor Relations Board’s “ambush” election rule.
Jan 8, 2015

Federal Spotlight: New Congress sworn in, Obama threatens veto

New members of Congress were sworn in Tuesday, including three in Iowa's delegation: Sen. Joni Ernst, Rep. David Young and Rep. Rod Blum.
Dec 18, 2014

Federal Spotlight: NLRB finalizes "Ambush Election rule"

On Dec. 12th, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) finalized a rule that will impact workplace procedures before a labor election takes place.

Legislative News

Federal Spotlight

Immigration/Security Aid Supplemental Fails Procedural Vote in the Senate

ABI Issues Statement on New EPA Regulation

U.S. House Approves Bipartisan, Pro-Growth Tax Legislation

Caucus Results and What Lies Ahead

Federal Spotlight: ATRA Sends Warning to States on New Legal Liabilities

Federal Spotlight: ABI a Key Signatory of Manufacturer’s letter to President Biden

Federal Spotlight: EPA Issues Interim PFAS Advisories

Federal Spotlight: ABI Signs onto Letter Addressed to National Labor Relations Board

Federal Spotlight: ABI Signs onto NAM Supply Chain Letter

Federal Spotlight: USDOJ Launches Environmental Justice Office

Federal Spotlight: ABI Signs On to Letter Supporting House’s Version of the America COMPETES Act

Federal Spotlight: Finkenauer to Appear on June Primary Ballot after Iowa Supreme Court Ruling

Federal Spotlight: Biden Administration Announces Reinstatement of Stricter Environmental Rules for Permitting of Projects

Federal Spotlight: President Joe Biden Touts E15 in Iowa Visit

District Court Rules Finkenauer Ineligible for U.S. Senate Democratic Primary

Federal Spotlight: Biden’s Budget Proposal via Axios Article

Federal Spotlight: Deloitte Insights - Manufacturing Institute Survey Highlights

EPA Proposes Good Neighbor Plan

SCOTUS Nominee Hearings Took Place This Week

Federal Spotlight: Afghanistan and Ukraine TPS Eligibility

Federal Spotlight: ABI Signs on to Letter Supporting the Reauthorization of the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill

Federal Spotlight: ABI Signs on to Letter Opposing COVID-19 Presumption

Federal Spotlight: White House Task Force Worker Organizing and Empowerment Releases Report

Federal Spotlight: Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds Presents Republican Response to President Biden’s State of the Union Address

Federal Spotlight: Gov. Kim Reynolds Set to Deliver GOP Response to President Biden’s State of the Union Address

Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst Leads American Small Business Competition Act

Federal Spotlight: Attracting Employees to Manufacturing Careers

OSHA Withdraws COVID-19 Vax-or-Test Mandate

Federal Spotlight: Funding for Iowa Bridges

U.S. Supreme Court Blocks Vaccine Mandate for Private Employers

U.S. Supreme Court Hears Biden Vaccinate or Test Mandate Challenge

Biden Administration Releases COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard

EPA to Regulate PFAS

Reconciliation Effort Ramps Up in Congress

Biden Administration Announces COVID-19 Action Plan

State Department Seeking Private Sector Response in Resettling Afghan Refugees

Massive Corporate Tax Increases on the Horizon in Congress

CDC/OSHA Guidance

House Passes Pregnant Workers Fairness Act

CDC Says Fully Vaccinated People Can Stop Wearing Masks in Most Settings

Unemployment Proposal Aims to Dramatically Expand Benefits, Increase Taxes on Employers

Biden Unveils “American Families Plan”

ABI Signs Onto Letter Opposing UI Provisions in Violence Against Women Act

Yellen Calls for Global Minimum Tax on Corporations

NAM Releases Study to Show Effect of Repealing Tax Reform

2nd Congressional District Race is Over

White House Releases Infrastructure Plan

Federal Spotlight: Walsh Confirmed as Labor Secretary

Federal Spotlight: ABI Supports Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Child Care for Iowans

Federal Spotlight: Latest COVID-19 Aid Package Signed by President Biden

Federal Spotlight: House Passes Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act – Bill Will Impact Iowa's Right to Work Status

ABI Joins Letter Opposing PRO Act

Federal Spotlight: Immigration Legislation Proposed

Federal Spotlight: White House Revokes COVID-19 Executive Order Banning Entry of Certain Immigrants

Federal Spotlight: Drug Companies Announce Plans to Boost Delivery of COVID-19 Vaccinations

Changes to PPP Rules: Only Businesses with Fewer Than 20 Employees Can Apply for Relief for the Next Two Weeks

Federal Spotlight: Iowa Employers Should Keep Close Eye on the Anti-Business Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act

Federal Spotlight: Minimum Wage Increase Sought in Latest COVID-19 Relief Bill

Federal Spotlight: GOP Senators Propose Alternative COVID-19 Relief Package to Biden

Federal Spotlight: Biden Signs Executive Order Aimed at Establishment of Emergency Temporary Standard

Federal Spotlight: New Opportunity to Apply for Paycheck Protection Program

Federal Spotlight: Biden Chooses Labor, Commerce and SBA Nominees

Federal Spotlight: One Party Control in Washington, Democrats Win Both Georgia Senate Races

Federal Spotlight: Agreement on COVID-19 Relief Package Imminent

Federal Spotlight: Members of Iowa’s Congressional Delegation Selected to Leadership Positions in Congress

Federal Spotlight: Biden’s Cabinet Beginning to Take Shape

Federal Spotlight: OSHA Emergency Temporary Standard Likely to Be Issued Under Biden Administration

Federal Spotlight: Sen. Grassley’s Historic Vote Streak Comes to an End

Federal Spotlight: Snapshot of the Current State of Federal Elections

Federal Spotlight: Barrett Confirmed to the Supreme Court

Federal Spotlight: Final Presidential Debate is Tonight

Federal Spotlight: Supreme Court Nomination Hearings Took Place This Week

Federal Spotlight: Trump Calls Off Broader COVID-19 Talks Until After the Election

Federal Spotlight: House Democrats Could Vote on Scaled-Down Version of COVID-19 Relief Package Today

Federal Spotlight: Trump to Announce SCOTUS Nominee on Saturday

Federal Spotlight: Trump and Biden Set to Debate Next Week

Federal Spotlight: Judge Rules Against Trump Administration’s Rewrite of Joint Employer Rule

Federal Spotlight: Latest COVID-19 Relief Package Dies in the Senate