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FY26 National Defense Authorization Bill – Procurement Issues Before the August recess, the Senate set up votes on its $925.8 billion defense authorization bill for fiscal year 2026, which will be addressed when Congress returns in the first week of September. The measure (S. 2296) would authorize $32 billion more than the Trump administration requested,…

OSHA Releases Rulemaking Docket on Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Rule The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released, in the rulemaking docket, its Compilation of Public Hearing Questions, following its informal rulemaking hearing for the proposed heat injury and illness prevention rule. The document lists all of the questions that OSHA asked participants…

President Trump’s Plan to Expand Apprenticeship Programs The Trump Administration has unveiled a comprehensive plan to expand the Department of Labor (DOL)’s apprenticeship program and simplify licensing rules, aiming to place one million workers into new apprenticeships. This plan is expected to take years to implement, with each of its pillars likely requiring at least…

Update on OSHA’s Walkaround and Silica Rules   The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has broadened its walkaround rule, allowing a wider range of individuals to accompany an OSHA compliance officer during workplace inspections. Meanwhile, the US Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has introduced a silica rule that requires mines to reduce workers’…

President Trump’s Tariffs Proceed with Intensity As of August 1, 2025, President Trump’s tariffs proceed with intensity estimating that the average rate is now 15.2%, well above last year’s 2.3% and the highest level since World War II. A special tariff rate of 50% will apply in three weeks to India as punishment for purchasing…

Vacancies in DOL Leadership?   The Senate faces a substantial labor agenda upon its return from the August recess, with 10 nominees pending for key enforcement roles at the U.S. Labor Department. Currently, every significant leadership position requiring Senate approval, apart from the Secretary and Deputy Secretary roles, is under temporary leadership. Notably, nominees such…

This Week in Congress! On Saturday, the Senate joined the House for the August recess, which is meant to be the laziest time of year in Washington. For hundreds of years, the oppressive heat and humidity has encouraged members of Congress to shut down their offices and return home to recharge, but this year, I…

This Week in Congress! The House adjourned on July 23, 2025, for the August Recess and will return on September 2nd! Before the Senate can head out for the summer recess, senators have to confirm several nominees, along with passing a minibus funding package, which includes Legislative Branch, the Military Construction-VA and Agriculture-FDA funding bills.…

Rep. Stauber (R-MN) Reintroduces the Small Business Payment Performance Act On July 23, 2025, Rep. Stauber (MN-08) reintroduced the Small Business Payment for Performance Act, which will require fair treatment of small construction contractors by federal agencies during the procurement process. Of this legislation, Congressman Stauber stated, “Small businesses on Main Street America are the…

Tariffs, Trade Negotiations, and No More Extensions!   President Trump reached new trade deals with the European Union and Japan. As of August 1st, the tariff rates will be imposed on the following countries: Japan Deal – 15 % EU Deal – 15% UK Deal – 10% Philippines Deal – 19% Indonesia Deal – 19% Vietnam Deal – 20% – 40%…