Issue 124

TIA Policy Forum Wraps Up:

On behalf of TIA, it is with an immense sense of gratitude and appreciation that we extend our heartfelt thanks to each of the attendees who attended the TIA Policy Forum in Washington, D.C. this year. Your presence and active participation were instrumental in making this event a resounding success. Together, we accomplished something truly remarkable. Thanks to your commitment, dedication, and tireless efforts, we were able to effectively represent the 3PL industry and advance our mission to educate and advocate for sound public policy on Capitol Hill.

Throughout our time together, we engaged in invaluable discussions, shared our insights, and forged meaningful connections with staff and Members of Congress. We hope that the TIA Policy Forum will serve as a platform for thoughtful discourse and collaborative efforts, showcasing the strength and unity of our industry.

As representatives of the 3PL community, we understand the importance of shaping policies that support our businesses, empowers our workforce, and fosters innovation and growth. Your active involvement in this forum underscored our collective commitment to achieving these goals and ensuring a brighter future for our industry.

The impact of our collective voice and actions will be felt far beyond the confines of this event. Together, we have not only raised awareness but have also initiated positive change. We have planted seeds that will bear fruit in the form of informed decisions and policies that benefit us all.

In conclusion, we want to reiterate our deepest gratitude to our attendees, speakers, and sponsors. Your enthusiasm and dedication have left an indelible mark on this year's TIA Policy Forum. We are confident that our shared commitment to our industry will continue to drive positive outcomes.

Let's carry the momentum forward, leveraging the knowledge and connections we've cultivated here to further the cause of the 3PL industry. Together, we can continue to advocate for policies that promote growth, innovation, and prosperity.

Senate Taking Shutdown Prevention Among Themselves:

The bipartisan Senate spending bill, unveiled recently, presents a direct challenge to House GOP members, increasing the likelihood of a government shutdown. While the Senate bill falls short of President Joe Biden's requests for Ukraine and disaster aid, it provides more substantial funding for both than initially anticipated. Importantly, it lacks the spending cuts sought by conservative Members and maintains government funding through November 17th, mostly at current levels—a stance not supported by House Republicans.

Notably, the Senate bill doesn't address Speaker Kevin McCarthy's demands related to border policy, a key issue for him in any government funding deal to prevent a shutdown on October 1st. Senators from both parties acknowledge the need for swift action due to House dysfunction.

Despite the possibility of Senate approval before funding expires, House passage seems unlikely. This bill creates a significant challenge, as McCarthy has struggled to pass even one full-year spending bill within his party. It aligns with the concerns he warned conservative House members about: being outmaneuvered by the Senate with a bill they cannot endorse.

While Senators initially considered a simple funding extension to avoid shutdowns, they adopted a strategy to ensure disaster and Ukraine assistance programs receive funding. The bill's inclusion of these priorities and lack of spending cuts could provoke a far-right rebellion within the House.

House Republicans plan to pivot to their own stopgap funding bill, emphasizing border security and significant funding cuts. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) support the Senate bill as a preventive measure against a government shutdown.

However, the bill is not the "clean" solution expected, which may lead to procedural challenges. Senators like Rand Paul (R-KY) and Rick Scott (R-FL) are dissatisfied with aspects of the bill, specifically Ukraine aid and disaster relief funding, raising uncertainty regarding its passage.

As McCarthy faces challenges within his party, he seeks border policy concessions from Democrats and even floated the idea of a sit-down with President Biden to keep the government open. The situation remains fluid, and the path forward is uncertain.

Buttigieg Says Shutdown Could Furlough 1K Air Traffic Controllers:

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has warned that a potential government shutdown would have significant repercussions for the training and hiring of air traffic controllers. He stated that a shutdown would force the furlough of approximately 1,000 air traffic controllers who are currently in the training pipeline, disrupting the Department of Transportation's (DOT) efforts to address workforce shortages in the controller field.

While most air traffic controllers (around 13,000 nationwide) and 50,000 TSA baggage screeners would continue working during a shutdown, they would not receive pay. Buttigieg also highlighted that a shutdown lasting "a few days" would hinder the DOT's ability to meet its staffing and hiring goals for air traffic controllers in the coming year. The agency plans to hire 1,800 controllers next year, up from 1,500 this year.

Buttigieg pointed out that a shutdown would halt DOT rulemakings, including efforts to compensate airline passengers for lengthy flight delays, mandate airlines to seat families together without extra fees, and strengthen freight rail regulations following the East Palestine, Ohio derailment.

The fate of FAA authorization and government funding remains uncertain, with Congress considering various scenarios to avert a lapse in the FAA's authorization, which coincides with government funding expiration. The Senate introduced a continuing resolution that would fund the government until November 17th and extend FAA authorization through the end of the year. Passage of that bill through the House is doubtful right now.

If you have any questions about this newsletter or TIA 2023
Policy Forum, please email [email protected]

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