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Federal Update
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After a busy and tense week of political updates leading up to the September 30 funding deadline, we have ended up where we started: There is no end in sight to the stalemate between Democrats and Republicans over COVID-19 relief. This impasse, combined with an ever-changing political environment, has captured Washington's attention. With less than ten legislative days remaining in September, time is of the essence.
Here's what you may have missed this week:
Senate Republicans Garner 52 Votes for COVID-19 Relief, But Democrats Block the Measure
On Thursday, September 10, Senate Republican leaders failed to get the 60 votes required for the "skinny" COVID-19 measure to advance. Despite this setback, the vote is considered a win for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. This episode marks yet another setback in the relief debate. Senate Republicans, the White House and House Democrats remain far apart on the funding level, support for state and local governments, and increased funding for unemployment insurance.
Government Funding: Continuing Resolution Expected
The end of the fiscal year is quickly approaching. Without action by Congress, funding will expire at midnight on September 30, and the government would begin to shut down. However, the White House is seeking a stopgap funding plan, also known as "continuing resolution."
While there had been some rumblings that COVID-19 relief measures could be wrapped into the funding bill, that ship has sailed. Now Senate Appropriations Chairman Richard Shelby (R-AL) and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) are advocating for a "clean" continuing resolution free of extraneous measures, but there is continued debate over how long the continuing resolution will run. In the meantime, the White House is requesting that "health care extenders" that expire November 30th are included in the continuing resolution.
The Presidential Race Heats Up
President Trump and Democratic nominee Vice President Joe Biden are now neck-and-neck in many key swing states, including Florida, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ohio. While Biden currently sits atop a high single-digit lead in nationwide polling, observers agree that the race is tightening. Some speculate that the Electoral College could end in a tie, throwing the race to the House of Representatives.
We are seeing a trend continuing from the 2018 elections: Democrats are showing strength in the suburban and exurban districts while Republicans are consolidating their hold on seats in rural communities. The result of the 2020 elections will hinge upon whether suburban swing voters are impacted by the urban social unrest seen in the last several months. Additionally, the economic fallout and lingering uncertainty of the pandemic will play a role in who shows up to vote and why.
These candidates are the first to navigate a modern election amid a global pandemic. Large public gatherings or even intimate meet and greets are impossible. Social media messaging will drive turnout and perceptions as never before. Many voters will be encouraged (or discouraged) from using vote-by-mail options. A major unknown is how elderly voters will react to the need for social distancing and the lingering fear of contagion.
Additionally, there is a large number of open seats in the U.S. House this cycle. Many members have lost their primary, are running for other offices, or are simply retiring, including extremely senior members of both parties. PHTA will continue to keep you up-to-date in the 53 days before Election Day.
Please contact Grason Wiggins at grason.wiggins@phta.org with any questions.
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