The postMemorial Day summer session has begun in Washington with
the House and Senate facing a similar todo list but with different
approaches and philosophies. The main items on the summer agenda
include the Phase 4 COVID19 response package, the National Defense
Authorization Act (NDAA), appropriations, the federal highway bill
(the FAST Act), water infrastructure legislation (WRDA) and flood
insurance.
The negotiations over Phase 4 are expected to gear up in June as
the Senate prepares its response to the $3 trillion Housepassed
HEROES Act. While the two parties have different views on the scope
of Phase 4, there is bipartisan agreement that adjustments need to
be made to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to ensure
businesses can optimally use the program. Last week, the House
passed legislation by a 4171 vote to extend the loan forgiveness
period to 24 weeks. The measure, sponsored by Rep. Dean Phillips
(DMN) and Rep. Chip Roy (RTX), would also modify the
