Heard on the Hill – 09/03/24
What we’re hearing from people we trust on and around the Hill – please send us more tips!
De Minimis pushback: An obscure trade provision, “Section 321 de minimis entry procedures,” is starting to get substantial focus on the Hill and downtown. The provision essentially allows low-value goods, like those shipped from Chinese companies including Temu, to enter the U.S. tariff-free, and there is legislation to tighten the provision to crack down on Temu’s advantage over U.S. manufacturers.
Rep. Jeb Hensarling on fiduciary requirements: Jeb Hensarling, the former chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, published an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal making the case for a fiduciary requirement to combat woke investment; his piece is making the rounds among Hill staff who work on ESG issues. Hensarling is one of the rare members respected by both the populist and traditional free market wings of the party, so don’t be surprised to see his advocacy make an impact.
All hands on deck: There will be a House GOP member call tomorrow morning to discuss the path forward on Speaker Mike Johnson’s continuing resolution. Speaker Johnson’s plan is a CR until March and to attach the SAVE Act, a bipartisan measure that strengthens enforcement of America’s elections by eliminating the ability for non-citizens to vote. Republicans want Democrats to answer for why they have a problem with this provision.
COVID accountability hearing: The COVID Select Committee, helmed by Rep Brad Wenstrup (R., Ohio) announced its long-awaited hearing featuring former Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D., N.Y.) on September 10; it will hone in on Cuomo’s controversial March 25 “must admit” order that sent COVID-positive patients to nursing homes, we’re told. Similar policies were implemented by Democratic governors like Gov. Tim Walz (D., Minn.); Cuomo was not alone in undercounting COVID death tolls. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D. Mich.) also faced similar allegations.
China on deck: Next week is China week, we’re told. There will be about two dozen bills countering the Chinese Communist Party’s aggression.
Red flags on campus: Congress is focused on anti-Israel groups planning rallies for the October 7 anniversary. Rep. Tim Walberg (R., Mich.), a top Republican on the Committee on Education and the Workforce told the Washington Reporter that “we’re already seeing some groups on campuses planning celebrations to commemorate the slaughter. This all underscores the importance of continuing to expose antisemitism embedded within academia and holding failed leadership accountable.”
Empire State of mind: Top Republicans will descend on New York in the coming weeks. Sen. JD Vance (R., Ohio) will headline an event on September 12; Eric Trump and John Ratcliffe, the former Director of National Intelligence, are special guests at a September 17 event, and Reps. Steve Scalise (R., La.) and Elise Stefanik (R., N.Y.) will star at an October 1 event featuring other Republicans from New York’s delegation.
Radar item: A House GOP leadership aide tells us to expect both pro-Israel and anti-Chinese Communist Party resolutions in the coming weeks that will put Democrats on defense.
