Federal Advocacy Efforts

We are officially half way through the 2024 Legislative Session, and if you cannot tell from the Capitol Calculus updates, it has been a busy one to say the least. To not inundate you with nothing but state legislative information and updates and to give me a much needed change of pace, I thought I would mix things up and provide you all with an update on ACEC's federal advocacy efforts. 

The recent tax fling deadline may have, unfortunately, reminded you about the federal R&D amortization. I can tell you that the repealing the R&D amortization is still a major priority for ACEC and they are working tirelessly to force action on the tax deal which could opportunistically coincide with the May Annual Convention.

Senators John Hawley (R-MO), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) and Todd Young (R-IN) are working together to build support for passage of the House-passed tax bill (HR 7024). Senator Hawley is promoting the idea of coupling the tax bill with Senate-passed legislation he authored to reauthorize a compensation fund for radiation victims.  We’re not sure this is a workable path forward since it would add substantially to the cost, but it’s bringing attention to our issue and a potential path forward, and that’s a good thing.  There are also lawmaker discussions underway on the possibility of attaching the tax bill to the pending FAA reauthorization bill (because it includes a tax title).  Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer could also send it directly to the floor if there is enough support.  The point is there are a number of possible paths forward.

However, Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID), the lead Republican on the Senate Finance Committee, continues to oppose moving forward on the House bill. What may compel Senator Crapo to act is hearing from more of his Senate colleagues, with particular emphasis on Senate Republicans (which Louisiana has two). If you would like to reach out directly to Senator Kennedy or Senator Cassidy asking for them to urge Senator Crapo to hear HR 7024 please send me an email so that I can provide you with some talking points and key staff contacts.  

ACEC's federal advocacy efforts always reminds me of the importance of supporting the ACEC (National) PAC. Even though the key congressional players listed above are not from our state, their influence on federal policy matters are impacting Louisiana engineering firms all the same. That is why it is so important for ACECL members to support the national PAC so that Steve Hall and Dave Bender have the resources they need to support the Congressional members that matter when it matters regardless of the states they reside from.