This legislative update provides our NASCOE family with information about hot topics as we enter the holiday season.
Federal Appropriations
Currently, the government is funded through December 11, 2020. It is likely that Congress will extend the continuing resolution again before enactment of any new law. We do not expect any government shutdown as Congress approaches the December deadline.
The House of Representatives has approved their Fiscal Year 2021 Agriculture Appropriations bill. Following election day, the Senate released draft bills and reports allowing the two bodies to begin negotiating any final product.
The House provides significant increases for FSA Salaries and Expenses and continues previous law provisions related to both employees and county office closures. The below information highlights important funding levels for both the House and Senate proposals.
Fiscal Year 2021 Proposed Funding Levels
FSA Business Center:
| FY 2020 Enacted | Proposals | Proposed FY 2021 vs FY 2020 Enacted |
|---|---|---|
| $280,186,000 | House – $292,852,000 | House – + $12,666,000 |
| Senate – $293,057,000 | Senate – + $12,871,000 |
FSA Salaries and Expenses:
| FY 2020 Enacted | Proposals | Proposed FY 2021 vs FY 2020 Enacted |
|---|---|---|
| $1,414,214,000 | House – $1,446,437,000 | House – + $32,223,000 |
| Senate – $1,434,279,000 | Senate – + $20,065,000 |
2020 Election
While not yet official, we believe President-elect Biden will be sworn in next January as the 46th President of the United States.
The election results have set off a scramble for cabinet level posts and numerous political appointments. According to our contacts, the Secretary of Agriculture position is a race between former Senator Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) and Congresswoman Marcia Fudge (D-OH). These individuals know the importance of our organization and the role we play in delivering farm programs. We were pleased this summer when Congresswoman Fudge invited NASCOE’s President to lead a roundtable discussion regarding the need for additional County Office workers. We will keep you all updated as the transition team announces USDA political appointments.
In the House of Representatives, Democrats continue to watch their majority shrink. At this point, the Democratic Party will control the body by about 13 seats. This is a decrease from the 33-seat majority during the 116th Congress. An important decision will come soon when Democrats choose who will lead the House Committee on Agriculture. The race for chairmanship is between Congressman David Scott (D-GA) and Congressman Jim Costa (D-CA). Today, Congressman Scott is considered the favorite and will likely be chosen the first week of December.
In the Senate, Republicans are defending two Georgia seats that most believe will remain in the Republican column. If the two senators are re-elected on January 5th, Republicans will control the 52 – 48 Senate. With Senate Pat Roberts (R-KS) retiring, we expect Senator John Boozman (R-AR) will be chosen as Chairman for the Senate Agriculture Committee.
Protecting Employees from Surprise Taxes Act of 2020, S. 4810
NASCOE sent a letter to Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) supporting legislation allowing federal employees to opt out of the payroll tax deferral. The legislation would simply allow employees to determine how the collection of taxes impacts their individual financial status. We have heard from employees preferring to not delay the tax bill until next year. This legislation provides the flexibility that would allow employees the opportunity to make the best decision based on their need for additional take home pay.
Conclusion
Please do not hesitate to reach out to our legislative team should you need additional information.
Our entire NASCOE Legislative Team would like to wish you all a HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
