THIS WEEK IN
Federal Policy News
November 23, 2022
Happy Thanksgiving from the Federal Policy Team
We wanted to extend a very happy Thanksgiving to our membership and those that follow our Federal Policy Newsletter. While we know we can never fully cover everything that happens in Washington DC and around the country as it relates to our industry, we hope that you have found our (mostly) weekly newsletter to be informative and helpful. If you have any suggestions on ways to improve our newsletter as we head into the new year, please feel free to message Matthew Viohl at [email protected] for your thoughts.
Potential Rail Strike Would Have
Major Economic Impacts
Rail unions and freight carriers still remain far apart on several key issues as a key deadline approaches in several weeks. On December 9th, the current tentative agreement approved by both sides back in October will come to an end—meaning both sides must come to a new compromise if they hope to avert a strike right before the holidays. The economic fallout could be significant as much of the freight in this country relies heavily upon rail transportation. Four unions still remain in opposition to the current proposal, with paid time off being a major point of contention for their membership.

Transportation Sec. Pete Buttigieg has said that our existing trucking and air industries are ill-equipped to cover any gaps should the strikes go into effect. The current setup for the rail unions means that if even one refuses to accept the final agreement, all others will strike as well in solidarity. With the busiest time of year for shipping upon us, the added pains of any delays via strike would be nearly immediately felt by both businesses and consumers. It is very possible that Congress could step in as well to try and force an agreement between both sides. 
Title 42 Set to End in December
Last week, a federal judge vacated the Title 42 policy that has been in effect since the Trump administration. Originally used under the premise of limiting the spread of COVID-19, the policy has greatly limited the ability of persons arriving at the southern border to claim asylum. Republicans have urged President Biden to continue the policy; however, he has largely been trying to bring the program to a close over much of this year.

The judge’s order gives the administration until December 21st to bring the program to a close. Republican governors in over a dozen states have petitioned to keep Title 42 in effect; however, it remains to be seen whether they can continue to delay its closure. With immigration and border security top of mind for many politicians in DC, there has been a fear that the end of the program would bring about a large influx of new immigrants at the US-Mexico border. With several key offices discussing potential immigration reforms in the lame duck period, it’s possible this court’s decision could play a key role in shifting some of those conversations.
Eight House Members Honored with
“Friend of Farm Bureau” Awards
During a DC fly-in last week hosted by the California Farm Bureau, officers presented eight “Friend of Farm Bureau” awards to Californian House members. The awards are done in partnership with the American Farm Bureau Federation and honor those Members of Congress who have shown support for the agricultural industry during their service during this session. Those recipients were: Representatives Jay Obernolte (R-8th), Kim Young (R-39th), Michelle Steel (R-48th), Ken Calvert (R-42nd) Mike Thompson (D-5th), John Garamendi (D-3rd), Jim Costa (D-16th), and Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-24th).

Over the past two years, these Members have helped promote legislation such as the Farm Workforce Modernization Act and the Ocean Shipping Reform Act, while also supporting our industry on issues such as drought and disaster assistance, water security issues, supply chain delays and inefficiencies, and several others. With the Farm Bill coming up next year, the Representatives noted their interest and support in helping California farmers and ranchers secure an influential seat at the table. We thank these Members for their public service and support for agriculture. 
Federal Policy Team
Matthew Viohl
Federal Policy, Associate Director
Erin Hutson
Federal Policy, Consultant