China talks, Senate returns, more funds for disasters

Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo had three days of talks with Chinese officials and while there were no major breakthroughs, and none were expected, it did continue the Biden Administration strategy of engagement.

Both sides reportedly repeated their core trade positions of China wanting the loosening of technology restrictions, and the US wanting to see a greater commitment by China to buy US goods.  While the final communique didn’t list any big accomplishments both countries agreed to create a working group on commercial issues.  Again, part of the dialogue strategy being pursued by the Biden Administration.

McConnell

Next week the Senate returns with a focus on nominations for both the judiciary and the military.  Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville has had a one Senator filibuster against all military promotions that require Senate confirmation.  Both sides have been working behind the scenes to break the deadlock but no progress has been reported.

With the second “freeze up” of Republican Senate Leader Mitch McConnell this past week there is likely to be behind the scenes talk about his ability to lead the Republican Conference.  To date Leader McConnell appears to have the support of his Republican colleagues.

Budget

The clock continues to tick on the October 1 deadline for a new federal spending plan.  This past week the White House formally requested that the Congress pass a Continuing Resolution (CR) to keep the government running past the budget deadline.

As part of the CR request the White House also asked for an $16B for FEMA as the emergency action  agency is running low on funds.  In the last few weeks FEMA has seen new demands on their resources with the horrific fires in Hawaii and hurricane Idalia in Florida.  Republicans have called for a separate emergency funding bill, while the White House wants it added to the CR. 

With the House not returning to DC until September 12 the budget will create a lot of noise but little action.

Disclosures (show)

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