Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill Advances in Senate

After weeks of negotiation, the Senate began consideration of the INVEST in America Act– the bipartisan infrastructure bill.  If passed, the $1T bill  is expected to be followed by additional legislation spending nearly $3.5T on spending priorities favored by progressive Democrat lawmakers, but which is facing opposition from moderate Democrats and Republicans.

White House and CDC Revise Indoor Mask Guidance

Last week, the White House and CDC shifted guidance on mask wearing last week and are now recommending masks be worn indoors when in areas with “substantial” and “high” transmission of COVID-19—even by those fully vaccinated against the virus.  County-level data on virus spread is available from the CDC here.

Leader Benninghoff Sends Letter to State Agencies on Regulatory

During the pandemic, nearly 500 regulations were suspended or waived until Sept. 30, first by an emergency declaration issued by Gov. Wolf, and later through legislation that became Act 21 of 2021. .  Last week, House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff sent letters to the affected agencies uring them to prepare for possible reinstatement of the regulatory waivers.  A copy of the letters are available here.