What’s happening in Washington, D.C.- Week of September 25, 2023

Headlines to Know

 

Biden joining the UAW strike picket line

President Biden’s unprecedented support for United Auto Workers (UAW) during their ongoing strike highlights his pro-union stance and aims to secure union backing, especially in key swing states. This departure from presidential norms also draws attention to the challenges posed by the auto industry’s shift to electric vehicles, a concern for some autoworkers fearing job losses. Biden’s visit signals a significant shift in his relationship with UAW President Shawn Fain, who initially criticized White House loans to automakers with lower-wage EV battery plants but has since tempered his public criticism following discussions with Biden. While the UAW has not officially endorsed Biden for reelection, Fain has been openly critical of former President Donald Trump, who is set to address union members in Michigan on Wednesday.

 

Trump Encourages Government Shutdown: 

He posted on his social media platform: “The Republicans lost big on Debt Ceiling, got NOTHING, and now are worried that they will be BLAMED for the Budget Shutdown. Wrong!!! Whoever is President will be blamed,” Trump wrote, adding: “UNLESS YOU GET EVERYTHING, SHUT IT DOWN! Close the Border, stop the Weaponization of ‘Justice,’ and End Election Interference.” McCarthy and Trump have not openly criticized each other but Trump called McConnell “the weakest, dumbest, and most conflicted ‘Leader’ in U.S. Senate history?”

 

First Biden Impeachment Hearing this Thursday:  

According to the office of House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., the hearing “will examine the value of an impeachment inquiry,” and will present all evidence to date uncovered by the committee in its investigation into the Biden family finances.

 

Other News to Know:

Asian Stock Market Shares US dip amongst shutdown concerns:  

Asian shares mostly sank Tuesday over worries about a possible U.S. government shutdown and the troubled Chinese economy. Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 index slipped 0.6% in morning trading to 32,469.85. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 dipped 0.5% to 7,042.50. South Korea’s Kospi dropped nearly 1.0% to 2,471.30. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng shed 0.9% to 17,578.90, while the Shanghai Composite fell 0.2% to 3,110.86.

 

This Week on Capitol Hill

Hearings of Interest: (All times EST)

  • 3:00 PM Tuesday | 360 Canon HOB | Committee on Veterans Affairs Oversight Hearing
  • 10:00 AM Wednesday | 310 Canon HOB | Hearing: “The Future of Homeland Security: Addressing the Rise of Terrorism in Africa”
  • 2:00 PM Wednesday | HVC-210 CAPITOL | Hearing: The Current U.S.-South Africa Bilateral Relationship
  • 3:30 PM Wednesday | SR-301 | Hearings to examine AI and the future of our elections.
  • 10:00am, Thursday—SD-366 | Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing on countering PRC supply chain hold through increased domestic mining. 
  • 10AM Thursday 2154 Rayburn | House Impeachment Hearing
  • 10:00 AM Thursday | 360 Canon HOB | Hearing: VAs Fiduciary Program: Ensuring Veterans Benefits are Properly Managed
  • 2:15 PM Thursday | 1324 Longworth HOB | Hearing: Legislative Hearing on 2 bills: H.R. 1121 Rep. Duncan Protecting American Energy Production Act; and H.R. 5616 Rep. Graves of Louisiana BRIDGE Production Act of 2023.


Schedule of Floor Activity

  • Both the House and the Senate are in session.