Funding the Government Beyond December 9
In October, Congress passed a short-term Continuing Resolution to keep the federal government funded through December 9. With this deadline rapidly approaching, Congressional leaders and the incoming Administration have been in discussions to assess the prospects of passing legislation in the “lame duck” Congressional session between now and January. At this time, I expect Congress will take up another short-term Continuing Resolution, this one extending federal government funding through March of next year. Extending federal program funding at current levels would give the incoming Trump Administration time to put together a budget proposal and give the new Congress a chance to determine federal funding levels for the remainder of the 2017 fiscal year. I am hopeful that the new Congress and Administration can find a way to work together to begin to address our out-of-control spending and get us back on track with a normal budget and spending process next year. These short-term funding extensions are not the most efficient way to manage government spending, but I am hopeful negotiations with the incoming President will produce a more responsible spending plan in March than negotiations with our outgoing President would produce now.
Overtime Rule Blocked in Court
Last week, a federal judge in Texas issued an injunction halting the implementation of the Department of Labor’s (DOL) overtime rule. This rule would have doubled the salary threshold for employees to receive overtime when they work more than 40 hours in a week. Although many employees would appreciate the ability to receive overtime, the sweeping DOL rule would have harmed the ability of many employers to continue offering the same jobs. This rule would have hit small businesses, restaurants, and universities especially hard. Already, many of those businesses were being forced to make plans for layoffs, moving employees to part time or hourly wages, and otherwise reducing their ability to offer competitive jobs to those impacted by this rule. I applaud the judge’s decision to block this rule while it is challenged in the courts and enable Congress and the new administration to reconsider this regulation.
Passing of Fidel Castro
Former Cuban President, Fidel Castro, passed away on Friday at the age 90. Mr. Castro’s 47 years as both Cuba’s Prime Minister and President were marked by a harsh dictatorship that imposed strict rules on Cubans and led many to flee the country for the United States. Unfortunately, his death does not signify the end of Cuba’s communist regime, and many Cubans are still hoping for basic liberties. As relations between the U.S. and Cuba move forward, we must proceed with caution, remembering the oppression of the Cuban people under Mr. Castro’s rule so that we remain committed to helping them secure full freedoms at home.
