Border security and immigration package fails
After months of negotiations, Sens. James Lankford (R-Okla.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) released a compromise package of border security and immigration reforms designed to stabilize the U.S. southern border. This package was slated to be part of a broader supplemental appropriations bill to provide $118 billion for border security along with military aid for Israel, Taiwan and Ukraine. The bill contained more stringent standards and expedited processing for migrants seeking asylum status; expedited removal authority for unauthorized migrants; expanded detention capacity; narrowed eligibility for humanitarian parole; and funding to repair and expand physical barriers along the southern border. The limited immigration provisions included relief for refugees from Afghanistan and an increase in legal immigration during the next five years. However, the package died in the Senate when a motion to proceed to debate on the bill failed, with most Republicans voting against it on the basis the package was insufficient to strengthen border security. The Senate subsequently voted to approve an alternative bill containing only the aid to Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan. Although discussions regarding border security continue among some lawmakers, it appears further legislative action addressing this issue is unlikely until after the 2024 elections.
Register and invite a friend for Roofing Day in D.C. 2024 and you could win $500!
Join us April 16-17 in Washington, D.C., for the largest advocacy event dedicated solely to the roofing industry. After you register, be sure to check your confirmation email and invite a friend for a chance to win a $500 Amazon gift card. We need your help as we advocate for solutions to workforce shortages and pro-growth tax reform. To view our draft itinerary, book your hotel and register, visit www.nrca.net/roofingday.
NRCA sends letter on behalf of small business regarding the Regulatory Flexibility Act
On Feb. 1, NRCA joined with numerous allied business organizations to urge legislative action to strengthen input of small businesses in federal regulatory processes and ensure the intent of the Regulatory Flexibility Act is realized.
The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 was signed into law after a bipartisan coalition of small businesses, community leaders and elected representatives confronted the danger of imposing burdensome red tape on U.S. small businesses. The Regulatory Flexibility Act sought to correct this disproportionate burden on small businesses by encouraging federal regulatory agencies to transparently consider the effects of new mandates on small businesses and to minimize negative effects without compromising the underlying regulatory objectives.
