June 7, 2017
Congressional recess periods like we had last week are a time to back away, get a little rest and get even more perspective. Most Congressional staffers as well as folks in the advocacy and political communities who remain in Washington after Congress adjourns take a collective deep breath – then begin to organize their thoughts and plan for the next Congressional work period.
We focus this week on trade and defense. Larry Smith brings us up to date on trade and NAFTA news, and Jake Ostenso reports on a briefing by the Bipartisan Policy Group which featured Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross; Jack Gerard, CEO of the American Petroleum Institute; and Charles Bowling Jr., Chairman of the Corn Board of the National Corn Growers Association. Al Jackson provides a thorough review of the President’s budget proposal for defense. Dana Marston shares an early look at data behind NAFTA renegotiations, growth in the trade deficit, and a calendar of upcoming hearings and markups. Steve Gordon summarizes where we are on key legislative proposals and talks about prospects and distractions in Heard on the Hill.