which already passed the House, failed when a procedural vote to move forward was
defeated by 48-50. Supporters of the bill, including Senate Majority Leader McConnell,
believe the unspent funds that were being rescinded from various agencies should be
returned to taxpayers. Opponents believe that the bill takes away important funding from
critical programs such as children's health insurance, affordable housing, and
infrastructure. It is unclear at this time if and when the Senate will reconsider this
measure.
LEGISLATIVE WATCHLIST
President Trump and the Administration continue to issue executive actions that
adversely impact federal employees. Likewise, members of Congress have and will
continue to introduce anti-federal employee bills, including those that would attack the
use of official time and negatively impact federal employee pay and benefits. In addition
to keeping a close watch on legislation that is introduced, Government Affairs staff is
tracking any congressional hearings that relate to our membership.
POLITICAL UPDATE
Members of the House and Senate in re-election fights are ramping up for the 2018 mid-
term elections. Both Republicans and Democrats remain publicly optimistic about the
political forecast for their respective parties, especially when it comes to which party will
resume control of the House and Senate after the election. In the coming months, we will
continue to see the current House and Senate Republican leadership try to help
vulnerable Republicans by moving legislation that helps them in their home states and
district. We will continue to fight for a NATCA majority – working with members on both
sides of the aisle to support and implement priorities that fully represent the best
interests of our NATCA members.
