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Congress Returns for Lame Duck Session as President-Elect Trump Prepares New Administration

A New Administration and a New Congress: What to Expect

On Tuesday, November 8, the American public elected Donald J. Trump as the 45th President of the United States and elected one-third of the 100 Senators and all of the House Members who will make up the 115th Congress. As a result of the elections, President-Elect Trump will have the opportunity to work with a Republican Senate and a Republican House to address the challenges facing the country.

In his victory speech, President-Elect Trump said:

Now it’s time for America to bind the wounds of division; [we] have to get together. To all Republicans and Democrats and Independents across this nation, I say it is time for us to come together as one united people. It’s time. I pledge to every citizen of our land that I will be president for all Americans, and this is so important to me.

In the aftermath of the most bruising and bizarre presidential election in modern history, will anything get done in Washington DC? Given the stark divisions between the Republican and Democratic parties and the message voters sent to policymakers inside the Capital Beltway, can policymakers overcome their differences to address the pent up demand to resolve major issues that have been multiplying for the better part of a decade?

Senate Legislative Activity

The Senate will convene on Monday, November 14, in pro forma session. On Tuesday, November 15, the Senate will convene at 4:00pm. Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business, with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each until 5:00pm. At 5:00pm, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of H.R.4511, Gold Star Families Voices Act. There be 30 minutes of debate followed by a vote on passage of the bill.

House Legislative Activity

On Monday, November 14, the House will meet at 2:00pm for legislative business, with votes postponed until 6:30pm. The following legislation will be considered under suspense on of the rules:

H.R. 1192 – National Clinical Care Commission Act;
H.R. 1209 – Improving Access to Maternity Care Act;
H.R. 2713 – Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2016;
H.R. 4365 – Protecting Patient Access to Emergency Medications Act of 2016, as amended;
H.R. 985 – Concrete Masonry Products Research, Education, and Promotion Act of 2015, as amended;
H.R. 4665 – Outdoor Recreation Jobs and Economic Impact Act of 2016, as amended;
H.R. 2566 – Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act of 2016; and
H.R. 2669 – Anti-Spoofing Act of 2016

On Tuesday, November 15, the House will meet at 12:00pm for legislative business. The following legislation will be considered under suspension of the rules:

H.R. 5732 – Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2016, as amended;
H.R. ___ – Iran Sanctions Extension Act;
H.R. 5332 – Women, Peace, and Security Act of 2016, as amended; and
H.Res. 780 – Urging respect for the constitution of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the democratic transition of power in 2016, as amended

On Wednesday, November 16, the House will meet at 10:00am for morning hour and at 12:00pm for legislative business. On Thursday, November 17, the House will meet at 9:00am for legislative business, with last votes expected by 3:00pm. The House will consider:

H.R. 5711 – To prohibit the Secretary of the Treasury from authorizing certain transactions by a U.S. financial institution in connection with the export or re-export of a commercial passenger aircraft to the Islamic Republic of Iran, Rules Committee Print (Subject to a Rule); and
H.R. 5982 – Midnight Rules Relief Act of 2016 (Subject to a Rule)

On Friday, November 18, no votes are expected in the House.

ARTICLE BY Brandon C. Roman of Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP

Congress Passes GE Labeling Standard

On July 14, 2016, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a genetically engineered (GE) labeling standard with bipartisan support. The bill is identical to S. 764, which passed the Senate last week, and represents a compromise brokered by Sens. Debbie Stabenow and Pat Roberts. The White House has indicated that President Obama will sign the legislation into law.

Significantly, the legislation sets a national standard that preempts current and future attempts by states to require labeling of foods containing genetically modified ingredients, including Vermont’s mandatory labeling standard that went into effect July 1.

The legislation establishes a mandatory disclosure standard that applies to all food products intended for human consumption containing bioengineered ingredients. Food companies may satisfy the disclosure requirement through text, a symbol, or by use of certain embedded electronic or digital links, such as a QR Code.

Animal-based products such as beef, pork, poultry, eggs and milk are prohibited from being considered bioengineered foods solely because the animal consumed feeds containing GE ingredients. The legislation does not require animal feed to comply with the disclosure requirement.

Under the legislation, the Secretary of Agriculture is required to promulgate rules that implement the national standard within two years. The legislation requires the Secretary to provide additional flexibility for small food manufacturers in the regulations, including additional disclosure options and more time to comply with the standard. Some very small food manufacturers will be exempt under the regulations.

White House press officials indicated that the administration was pleased with the Roberts–Stabenow compromise effort. “While there is broad consensus that foods from genetically engineered crops are safe, we appreciate the bipartisan effort to address consumers’ interest in knowing more about their food, including whether it includes ingredients from genetically engineered crops,” spokeswoman Katie Hill told reporters in an e-mail.

The federal standard comes just days after Vermont’s standard, passed in 2014, went into effect and follows failed attempts to mandate labeling in states such as Colorado, Oregon, and California. Food manufacturers expressed concern that a patchwork of state laws would make compliance difficult and potentially reduce consumer choice if manufacturers elected to pull products off store shelves rather than implement costly labeling requirements. After being signed into law, the focus will quickly turn to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s implementation of the legislation and how the agency will define key terms that directly impact applicability (for example, the definition of “small” and “very small” food manufacturers).

ARTICLE BY Seth A. Mailhot & Leah Hurtgen Ziemba of Michael Best & Friedrich LLP

Congress to Vote on Short-Term FAA Reauthorization This Week

This week, Congress will vote on a short-term Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) authorization that will reauthorize FAA programs through September 30, 2017. The short-term authorization includes some policy changes, but avoids many significant changes the House and Senate had been pursuing. While the Senate passed a long-term FAA reauthorization bill this year, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2016 (S. 2658), the House did not take up the bill reported out of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, the Aviation Innovation, Reform, and Reauthorization (AIRR) Act of 2016 (H.R. 4441). Both the House and Senate are expected to pass the highly-negotiated short-term extension, before FAA authorization expires on July 15.

The short-term extension does include provisions related to safety and security, as well as some unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) provisions. Among the policy changes, the bill will increase funding for bomb-sniffing dog teams, direct FAA to detect and mitigate UAS operation near airports, and require airlines to refund baggage fees if luggage is delayed or lost, among other provisions.

It appears that House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-PA) successfully kept many policy changes out of the short-term extension, in order to keep pressure up on Congress to pass a long-term extension next year that includes Chairman Shuster’s controversial air traffic control reform proposal.

This Week’s Hearings:

On Tuesday, July 12, the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security will hold a hearing titled “Intermodal and Interdependent: The FAST Act, the Economy, and Our Nation’s Transportation System.” The witnesses will be:
- Patrick J. Ottensmeyer, Chief Executive Officer, Kansas City Southern Railway Company;
- Major Jay Thompson, Arkansas Highway Police; President, Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance;
- David Eggermann, Supply Chain Manager, BASF; and
- Stephen J. Gardner, Executive Vice President and Chief of NEC Business Development, Amtrak.
On Wednesday, July 13, the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee on Space, Science, and Competitiveness will hold a hearing titled “NASA at a Crossroads: Reasserting American Leadership in Space Exploration.” The witnesses will be:
- William H. Gerstenmaier, Associate Administrator of Human Exploration and Operations, NASA;
- Mary Lynne Dittmar, Executive Director, Coalition for Deep Space Exploration;
- Mike Gold, Vice President of Washington Operations, SSL;
- Mark Sirangelo, Vice President of Space Systems Group, Sierra Nevada Corporation; and
- Professor Dan Dumbacher, Professor of Engineering Practice, Purdue University.
On Tuesday, July 12, the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Department and USAID Management, International Operations, and Bilateral International Development will hold a hearing titled “Public-Private Partnerships in Foreign Aid: Leveraging U.S. Assistance for Greater Impact and Sustainability.” The witnesses will be:
- Eric G. Postel, Associate Administrator, U.S. Agency for International Development; and
- Daniel F. Runde, William A. Schreyer Chair and Director, Project on Prosperity and Development, Center for Strategic and International Studies.

ARTICLE BY Timothy W. Drake & Patricia Doersch of Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP

Senate, House Continue on with Appropriations Work

Senate Legislative Activity

The Senate will convene on Monday, June 20, at 3:00pm. Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.2578, Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The pending cloture motions on amendments will ripen at 5:30pm, at which time the Senate will have up to four roll call votes:

Grassley amendment #4751;
Murphy amendment #4750;
Cornyn amendment #4749; and
Feinstein amendment #4720

If cloture is invoked on any of these amendments, there will be up to 30 hours of debate on each amendment on which cloture is invoke prior to a vote on that amendment, after which the Senate will move on to a cloture vote on the next amendment.

House Legislative Activity

On Monday, June 20, the House will meet at 2:00pm in pro formasession, with no votes expected.

On Tuesday, June 21, the House will meet at 12:00pm for morning hour and at 2:00pm for legislative business, with votes postponed until 6:30pm. The following legislation will be considered under suspension of the rules:

H.R. 5525 – End Taxpayer Funded Cell Phones Act of 2016;
H.R. 4369 – To authorize the use of passenger facility charges at an airport previously associated with the airport at which the charges are collected;
H.R. 5388 – Support for Rapid Innovation Act of 2016;
H.R. 5389 – Leveraging Emerging Technologies Act of 2016;
S. 2133 – Fraud Reduction and Data Analytics Act of 2015;
H.R. 4902 – To amend title 5, United States Code, to expand law enforcement availability pay to employees of U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations;
H.R. 2395 – Inspector General Empowerment Act of 2016, as amended;
H.R. 4639 – Thoroughly Investigating Retaliation Against Whistleblowers Act, as amended;
H.R. 4372 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 15 Rochester Street, Bergen, New York, as the Barry G. Miller Post Office;
H.R. 2607 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 7802 37th Avenue in Jackson Heights, New York, as the “Jeanne and Jules Manford Post Office Building”;
H.R. 4010 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 522 North Central Avenue in Phoenix, Arizona, as the “Ed Pastor Post Office”;
H.R. 4777 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1301 Alabama Avenue in Selma, Alabama as the “Amelia Boynton Robinson Post Office Building”;
H.R. 4925 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 229 West Main Cross Street, in Findlay, Ohio, as the “Michael Garver Oxley Memorial Post Office Building”;
H.R. 4960 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 525 N Broadway in Aurora, Illinois, as the “Kenneth M. Christy Post Office Building”;
H.R. 5028 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 10721 E Jefferson Ave in Detroit, Michigan, as the “Mary Eleanora McCoy Post Office Building”;
H.R. 4590 – Fiscal Year 2016 Department of Veterans Affairs Seismic Safety and Construction Authorization Act, as amended;
H.R. 5317 – To designate the Department of Veterans Affairs health care center in Center Township, Butler County, Pennsylvania, as the “Abie Abraham VA Clinic”;
H.R. 3936 – VET Act, as amended;
H.R. 5170 – Social Impact Partnerships to Pay for Results Act, as amended;
H.R. 5447 – Small Business Health Care Relief Act of 2016;
H.R. 5452 – Native American Health Savings Improvement Act; and
H.R. 5456 – Family First Prevention Services Act of 2016

ARTICLE BY Brandon C. Roman of Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP

U.S. President Announces Upcoming Trips to Cuba, Argentina, Vietnam and Laos

Congress Returns to Washington, Faces a Busy Week of Oversight Hearings, Including Testimony from the Secretaries of State and Defense

Early last week, President Barack Obama hosted the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Leaders in California and announced he will travel in May to Vietnam and Laos. Back in Washington on Wednesday, the President announced another trip in March to Cuba and Argentina. Congress was in recess last week, in observance of the Presidents’ Day holiday. Both chambers will reconvene in Washington this week, and a number of congressional hearings are scheduled to examine various Department and Agencies budgets, with Obama Administration officials testifying.

Secretary of State Heads to Capitol Hill

Secretary of State John Kerry is scheduled to testify before select Senate and House committees next week, where he will likely field questions from Members of Congress on Iran’s violations of U.N. Security Resolutions restricting intercontinental ballistic missile tests and the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. He is also expected to field questions related to other U.S. sanction programs, such as those related to Ukraine and North Korea.

On Tuesday, 23 February, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing titled, “Review of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 State Department Budget Request.”
On Wednesday, 24 February, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State-Foreign Operations is scheduled to hold a hearing titled, “Budget Hearing – Department of State and Foreign Assistance.”
On Wednesday, 24 February, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State-Foreign Operations is scheduled to hold a hearing titled, “Hearing to review the Fiscal Year 2017 budget request and funding justification for the U.S. Department of State.”
On Thursday, 25 February, the House Foreign Affairs Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing titled, “Strengthening U.S. Leadership in a Turbulent World: The FY 2017 Foreign Affairs Budget.”

U.S.-ASEAN Summit

The ASEAN Leaders released a joint statement at the conclusion of the two-day Summit. Before returning to Washington on Tuesday, President Obama held a press briefing, recapping some of the topics discussed at the Summit. He announced his intention to travel to Vietnam and Laos in May and two new initiatives for the region: (1) U.S.-ASEAN Connect, a network of hubs across the region to better coordinate economic engagement and to connect entrepreneurs, investors and businesses with each other; and (2) a new competition – an innovation challenge to encourage students across ASEAN to develop new solutions to boost agriculture.

Presidential Trip to Cuba and Argentina on the Horizon

In March, President Obama is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Cuban President Raul Castro to build on the progress toward normalization of relations. Preisident Obama also plans to engage with members of civil society, entrepreneurs and Cubans. This historic visit will be the first by a sitting U.S. President in nearly 90 years. After his trip to Cuba, the President will travel to Argentina to meet with the new President, Mauricio Macri, to discuss President Macri’s reform agenda.

Zika Virus – House Appropriators Favor Repurposing of Ebola Funds

In a letter to the Office of Management and Budget Director Shaun Donovan, top House Republican appropriators urged the Obama Administration last Thursday to release unobligated Ebola funds to meet immediate needs related to the Zika Virus. Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson announced on Thursday that enhanced screening of travelers for Ebola has come to an end.

On Wednesday, 27 February, the Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing titled, “Zika Virus: Addressing the Growing Public Health Threat.”

Syria

Secretary Kerry announced last week that the United States and Russia reached a “provisional agreement” for a ceasefire in Syria. However, the Syrian regime and Russia continued their bombing campaign in northern Syria. ISIL also carried out a series of bomb attacks in Syria that killed nearly 130 people on Sunday.

Russia/Ukraine – Reforms in Ukraine Praised

Vice President Joe Biden welcomed the passage by the Rada last week of anti-corruption legislation sought by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and EU, and he commended Ukraine President Poroshenko and the Government of Ukraine for the hard work that went into ensuring passage. He further commended President Poroshenko’s decision to replace Prosecutor General Shokin, saying this paves the way for needed reform of the prosecutorial service.

Vice President Biden condemned the increasing violence in eastern Ukraine and “the continued failure by combined Russian-separatist forces to allow the OSCE full access to the areas under their de facto control.” He reiterated full implementation of the Minsk agreements, by all sides, remains the best way forward for resolving the conflict.

On Wednesday, 24 February, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense is scheduled to hold a closed hearing titled, “United States European Command.”

North Korea Sanctions Bill – Signed into Law

President Obama signed into law the new North Korea sanctions bill (H.R. 757) last week. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tennessee), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, welcomed the President’s action, noting the legislation “provides a robust set of tools for the U.S. to deter North Korea’s illicit behavior in a more effective manner and promote human rights for the North Korean people.”

TPP – Congressman Levin Says “No”

Michigan Representative Sander Levin, who is the top ranking Democratic on the House Ways and Means Committee, formally announced his opposition last Thursday to the TPP deal, saying: “[T]he TPP as negotiated is short of an acceptable outcome, and I do not support it.” He cited shortcomings on: (1) worker rights, (2) automotive rules of origin, (3) currency manipulation, and (4) investor-state dispute settlement. Congressman Levin’s opposition to the deal is expected to make it more difficult for the White House to secure congressional approval of TPP before President Obama leaves office.

TTIP Developments

The 12^th round of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) will be held this week in Brussels. U.S. TTIP Chief Negotiator Dan Mullaney will participate in a joint U.S.-EU press conference at the conclusion of the discussions on Friday.

Cybersecurity Updates

Last Thursday, the Department of Homeland Security published a Federal Registernotice, announcing the availability of interim guidance documents in accordance with the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act (CISA) of 2015. CISA authorizes the voluntary sharing and receiving of cyber threat indicators and defensive measures for cybersecurity purposes, consistent with certain protections, including privacy and civil liberty protections. The CISA guidance documents may be found online here.

Last Wednesday, President Obama appointed former National Security Advisor Tom Donilon and former IBM CEO Sam Palmisano as the Chair and Vice Chair, respectively, of the new Commission on Enhancing National Cybersecurity, established under an Executive Order executed on 9 February.

Mexico High-Level Summit Ahead

Vice President Biden, accompanied by Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker, will travel to Mexico City for the third annual U.S.-Mexico High-Level Economic Dialogue on Wednesday and Thursday to discuss issues related to borders, regulatory cooperation, energy, workforce development, partnership for regional and global leadership, and stakeholder engagement.

Congressional Hearings This Week

On Tuesday, 23 February:
- The Senate Armed Services Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing titled, “Senate Armed Services Committee.”
- The Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel is scheduled to hold a hearing titled, “Defense Health Care Reform.”
- The Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces is scheduled to hold a hearing titled, “Department of Energy Atomic Energy Defense Activities and Programs.”
On Wednesday, 24 February:
- Three House Foreign Affairs Subcommittees are scheduled to hold a joint hearing titled, “Establishing Accountability at the World Intellectual Property Organization: Illicit Technology Transfers, Whistleblowing, and Reform.”
- The House Ways and Means Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing titled, “The Global Tax Environment in 2016 and Implications for International Tax Reform.”
- The House Armed Services Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing titled, “The Challenge of Conventional and Hybrid Warfare in the Asia-Pacific Region: The Changing the Nature of the Security Environment and its Effect on Military Planning.”
- The House Foreign Affairs Committee is scheduled to hold a markup on three legislative measures.
- The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense is scheduled to hold a hearing titled, “Hearing to review the Fiscal Year 2017 budget request and funding justification for the U.S. Army.”
- The House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Terrorism is scheduled to hold a hearing titled, “Boko Haram: The Islamist Insurgency in West Africa.”
- The House Armed Services Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities is scheduled to hold a hearing titled, “Department of Defense Fiscal Year 2017 Science and Technology Programs: Defense Innovation to Create the Future Military Force.”
- The Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Emerging Threats is scheduled to hold a closed hearing titled, “Iran’s Intelligence and Unconventional Military Capabilities.”
- The House Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces is scheduled to hold a hearing titled, “U.S. Strategic Forces Posture.”
- The House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel is scheduled to hold a hearing titled, “Defense Health Agency: Budgeting and Structure.”
- The Senate Armed Services Committee is scheduled to hold a confirmation hearing for: (1) Brad Carson, to be Under Secretary Of Defense for Personnel and Readiness; (2) Jennifer O’Connor, to be General Counsel of the Department Of Defense; and (3) Todd Weiler, to be Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower and Reserve Affairs.
On Thursday, 25 February:
- The House Armed Services Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing titled, “Full Spectrum Security Challenges in Europe and their Effects on Deterrence and Defense.”
- The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense is scheduled to hold a hearing titled, “Budget Hearing – Department of Defense.” Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter is scheduled to testify.
- The House Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces is scheduled to hold a hearing titled, “Department of the Navy 2017 Budget Request and Seapower and Projection Forces.”
On Friday, 26 February:
- The House Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness is scheduled to hold a hearing titled, “Department of the Army 2017 Budget Request and Readiness Posture.”
- The House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel is scheduled to hold a hearing titled, “Ensuring Medical Readiness in the Future.”

Looking Ahead

Washington is expected to focus on the following upcoming events:

22-26 February: 12^th Round of TTIP Negotiations in Brussels
10 March: President Obama hosts Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
21-22 March: President Obama travels to Cuba
23-24 March: President Obama travels to Argentina
31 March – 1 April: Nuclear Security Summit in Washington
Late April: President Obama attends the Hannover Messe in Germany
[TBA] May: President Obama travels to Vietnam and Laos
8-9 July: NATO Summit in Warsaw, Poland

Congress Awaits Health Provisions in President’s Budget

Health Bills Slated for House Floor Consideration; SAMHSA Releases Proposed Rule Focused on Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder Patient Records

Legislative Activity

Congress Awaits Health Provisions in President’s Budget

On Tuesday, February 9, President Barack Obama will submit his FY 2017 Budget Request to Congress, which is expected to include several large-scale investments for the nation’s health. Last week, the White House released a “sneak preview” of the Budget, which includes: $755 million for cancer research as part of the “moonshot” to cure cancer; a legislative proposal to provide any state that takes up the Medicaid expansion option the same three years of full federal support that states that expanded in 2014 received; a commitment to changes in the excise tax on high-cost employer-sponsored health coverage, otherwise known as the “Cadillac Tax”; and $1 billion in mandatory funding over two years to address prescription drug abuse and heroin use.

On Wednesday, February 10, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell will provide testimony on the Budget to the House Committee on Ways and Means. The next day, she will also address the Budget in her testimony to the Senate Committee on Finance.

Health Bills Slated for House Floor Consideration

House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) has announced that several health care bills will be considered on the floor this week.

On Tuesday, the following pieces of health legislation are expected to be considered under suspension of the rules: H.R. 3016, the Veterans Employment, Education, and Healthcare Improvement Act, as amended, which clarifies the role of podiatrists in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); H.R. 3106, the Construction Reform Act of 2016, which makes certain changes in the administration of Department medical facility construction projects; H.R. 3262, To provide for the conveyance of land of the Illiana Health Care System of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Danville, Illinois; H.R. 4056, To authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs all right, title, and interest of the United States to the property known as “The Community Living Center” at Lake Baldwin Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic, Orlando, Florida, as amended; H.R. 4437, To extend the deadline for the submittal of the final report required by the Commission on Care; H.R. 3234, the VA Medical Center Recovery Act, which establishes within the VA an Office of Failing Medical Center Recovery; and H.R. 2915, the Female Veteran Suicide Prevention Act, which directs the Secretary of the VA to identify mental health care and suicide prevention programs that are effective in treating women veterans.

Later in the week, the House is expected to consider H.R. 2017, the Common Sense Nutrition Disclosure Act of 2015, which seeks to improve and clarify disclosure requirements for restaurants and other retail food establishments.

Senate HELP Committee to Mark Up Health Legislation

On Tuesday, February 9, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) will hold a markup to consider several health care bills. In January, Committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-TN) announced the Committee’s schedule for the “step by step” consideration of biomedical innovation bills. This process, aimed at legislation that is somewhat similar to language in the House-passed 21st Century Cures Act (H.R. 6), begins with this markup.

Legislation to be considered on Tuesday includes: S. 2030, the Advancing Targeted Therapies for Rare Diseases Act of 2015, which allows the sponsor of an application for the approval of a targeted drug to utilize data and information from the sponsor’s previously approved targeted drugs; S. 1622, the FDA Device Accountability Act of 2015, which requires the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure training on least burdensome requirements for employees who review premarket submissions of medical devices; S. 2014, the Next Generation Researchers Act, which seeks to demonstrate a commitment to our nation’s scientists by increasing opportunities for the development of future researchers; S. 800, the Enhancing the Stature and Visibility of Medical Rehabilitation Research at NIH Act, which seeks to improve, coordinate, and enhance National Institutes of Health (NIH) rehabilitation research; S. 849, the Advancing Research for Neurological Diseases Act of 2015, which provides for systematic data collection and analysis and epidemiological research regarding neurological diseases; S. ___, the Preventing Superbugs and Protecting Patients Act; and S. ___, the Improving Health Information Technology Act.

This Week’s Hearings:

Tuesday, February 9: The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) will hold a markup of health care bills, as described above.
Wednesday, February 10: The House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health will hold a hearing titled “Examining Medicaid and CHIP’s Federal Medical Assistance Percentage.”
Wednesday, February 10: The House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs will hold a hearing titled “U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Budget Request for Fiscal Year 2017.”
Wednesday, February 10: The House Committee on Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations and Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere will hold a joint hearing titled “The Global Zika Epidemic: Emerging in the Americas.”
Wednesday, February 10: The House Committee on Ways and Means will hold a hearing titled “Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Fiscal Year 2017 Budget Request.”
Wednesday, February 10: The House Committee on Rules will meet on H.R. 2017, the Common Sense Nutrition Disclosure Act of 2015.
Wednesday, February 10: The Senate Committee on the Judiciary will hold a hearing titled “Breaking the Cycle: Mental Health and the Justice System.”
Wednesday, February 10: The Senate Special Committee on Aging will hold a hearing which “will unveil and examine a new, troubling scam by global drug traffickers perpetrated against our nation’s seniors.”
Thursday, February 11: The House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health will hold a hearing titled “Choice Consolidation: Improving VA Community Care Billing and Reimbursement.”
Thursday, February 11: The House Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications will hold a hearing titled “Improving the Department of Homeland Security’s Biological Detection and Surveillance Programs.”
Thursday, February 11: The Senate Committee on Finance will hold a hearing titled “The President’s Fiscal Year 2017 Budget.”
Thursday, February 11: The Senate Committee on the Judiciary will hold a markup, which will include consideration of: S. 483, the Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act of 2015, which seeks to improve enforcement efforts for prescription drug diversion and abuse; and S. 524, the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2015, which authorizes the Attorney General to award grants to address prescription opioid abuse and heroin use.
Friday, February 12: The House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations will hold a hearing titled “Outbreaks, Attacks, and Accidents: Combatting Biological Threats.”

Regulatory Activity

SAMHSA Releases Proposed Rule Focused on Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder Patient Records

On Friday, February 5, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released a proposed rule titled “Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder Patient Records.” The proposed rule seeks to amend the Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Patient Records regulations, which were last substantively updated in 1987. According to HHS, the proposed rule will “facilitate health information exchange to support delivery system reform efforts” and ensure privacy for patients seeking substance use disorder treatment.

The proposed rule will be published in the Federal Register on February 9, and comments are due April 11.

Article By Beth L. Goldstein of Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP

Behind the Curtain: Shkreli was NOT the Big Story on the Hill Today

Congress’s complex relationship with prescription drugs was on display today in the House of Representatives. In the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform (OGR), Martin Shkreli pleaded the 5th at a hearing investigating drug pricing. Meanwhile, the Energy and Commerce Committee (E&C) held a hearing regarding implementation of biosimilars. While all the attention will be on the former, the latter was more important, especially for participants in the biosimilar space.

First, the OGR Committee was a media show built around the flamboyant Shkreli. Shkreli took the 5th when given the opportunity to testify and later tweeted – after being excused from the hearing for refusing to answer any of the Members questions – that the Committee Members were ‘imbeciles’. The tone of the hearing was very aggressive towards drug pricing and what were described as unsavory business practices. Members were also critical of the FDA generic drug programs. However, Member interest in strengthening the program to bring competition to the marketplace was clear. Dr. Janet Woodcock, Director of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research at the FDA, stated that funds collected as a result of the Generic Drug User Free Amendments (GDUFA) helped expedite the review process and that by October there will be a 10-month review process on all new applications. The Senate HELP Committee held a hearing last week on reauthorization of GDUFA, which will expire next year, and this bipartisan interest, coupled with the prescription drug cost crisis, could lead to increased resources for the FDA review process. Beyond some public shaming of specific drug companies, there was little suggestion of substantive action on drug pricing.

Second, the E&C Committee was less about drug pricing, but more so about the ability of manufacturers to get new biosimilar products to the market. Notably, Committee Members on BOTH sides of the aisle were critical of CMS for trying to price biosimilars more like generic drugs and categorize different products under a single billing code. They said the CMS ruling undermines the intent of the Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act of 2010 (BPCIA) by removing incentives for a robust marketplace. Biologics make up a $200 billion market, so the consequences of policy decisions are significant. Members were also critical of delays in approving more biosimilars and issuing guidance on product labeling. Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) asked if additional appropriations would address these problems, to which Dr. Woodcock replied that she’s more concerned the FDA will be unprepared for a rapid expansion of the biosimilar market.

While 2016 may be devoted to campaigning against drug prices, the Committees responsible for the regulatory regimes for drugs are still very focused on preserving the ability of manufacturers to successfully bring drugs to the market. That is a much bigger deal than the plethora of Martin Shkreli smirks you will be subjected to in the media.

Article By Rodney L. Whitlock of Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C.

Winter Weather Causes Congressional Cancellations

Legislative Calendar in Flux from Winter Storm Jonas

Following severe weather in Washington this weekend, this week’s legislative calendar is in flux. As noted below, the Senate has delayed its scheduled by a day (for now) and the House has cancelled session for the week. As such, it is unclear to what extent Committee work will be impacted.

Senate Legislative Activity

Due to this weekend’s winter storm, the Senate has pushed its schedule back a day. As such, the Senate will now meet on Wednesday, January 27. At 5:30pm, the Senate is expected to take up the confirmation of Executive Calendar #306, the nomination of John Michael Vazquez, of New Jersey, to be United States District Judge for the District of New Jersey. The delay has also called into question the exact timing of the Senate’s consideration of S.2012, Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2015.

House Legislative Activity

As a result of this weekend’s inclement weather, the House will not be in session this week. Next votes are scheduled for Monday, February 1 at 6:30pm, during which time Members will consider:

H.R. 3662, Iran Terror Finance Transparency Act; and
the Veto Message on H.R. 3762, Restoring Americans’ Healthcare Freedom Act

Article By Brandon C. Roman of Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP

Before it Adjourns for 2015, Some in Congress Signal Discontentment with Iran and JCPOA

Washington Also Remains Focused on Combatting ISIL; President Obama Heralds the Conclusion of an International Climate Agreement

Congress reconvened last Monday to work on advancing several priority measures – such as an Omnibus spending measure to fund the federal government, a tax extenders package, and the customs bill, among others – in anticipation of adjourning later this week for the year.

San Bernardino Shooting

The Federal Bureau of Investigation continues to investigate the terrorist attack in San Bernardino, California. Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump issued a call last week to ban Muslims from entering the country, a moved condemned by many in both parties as un-American. In his third address to the nation last Sunday, President Barack Obama sought to reassure Americans that proper security measures have been implemented to safeguard the homeland after the attack in California. In an attempt to broaden the discussion, the President outlined steps the Administration has taken to combat the threat of terrorism, including ISIL.

Combating ISIL

Testifying last week before the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) about the U.S. strategy to combat ISIL, Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter said that the United States is “building momentum against ISIL.” He also agreed with SASC Chairman John McCain’s (R-Arizona) assessment that the terrorist group had not been contained.

Pentagon officials have also reportedly said the Administration is likely to provide Apache helicopters to Iraqi forces looking to retake Ramadi from ISIL and that regional allies are considering deploying special forces to Iraq. Secretary Carter further suggested that U.S. military advisers could accompany Iraqi forces on the ground in the effort to regain control of Ramadi. On Friday, the White House released a supplemental consolidated report in accordance with the War Powers Resolution (Pub. L. 93-148), which provides some insight into the Administration’s global military objectives with respect to troop deployments, including countering terrorist groups such as ISIL.

Syrian opposition forces met in Saudi Arabia last week to discuss forming a unified front before proposed peace talks with Assad’s government in Vienna. Gulf leaders, who were meeting for the annual Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in Riyadh, also urged the Syrian opposition to find common ground. The GCC leaders said they “support a political settlement … that guarantees the territorial integrity and independence of Syria.” Last Thursday, the Syrian opposition groups reportedly agreed to set up a body to lead preparations for the talks with the Syrian government.

On the sidelines of the Paris Climate Conference (COP21) last Wednesday, Secretary of State John Kerry announced that he will travel to Moscow this week. Secretary Kerry is expected to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin on 15 December to discuss a political settlement in Syria and the situation in Ukraine.

Russia/Ukraine Crisis

In a speech last Tuesday before the Rada in Kyiv, Vice President Joe Biden focused on the continuing economic reforms in the country and the need to address corruption. He also reiterated the United States will maintain sanctions on Russia until the Minsk agreements are fully implemented. The Vice President added, “If Russian aggression persists, the cost imposed on Moscow will continue to rise.” Meanwhile, the EU postponed a vote on extending EU sanctions to this week.

Iran and the JCPOA Scrutinized

Last Tuesday, Senator Robert Corker (R-Tennessee), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, criticized the lack of a U.S. response to repeated Iranian ballistic missile tests that violate existing U.N. Security Council Resolutions. Representative Ed Royce (R-California), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, also responded to news reports last week that the P5+1 has delivered a draft resolution to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors to close the investigation into possible military dimensions of Iran’s nuclear program ahead of a vote early next week. He said the Obama Administration is attempting to “whitewash” Iran’s history of nuclear bomb research by pressuring the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to formally end its probe into the “possible military dimensions” of Iran’s nuclear activities.

On Thursday, 17 December, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee will hold a hearing titled, “The Status of JCPOA Implementation and Related Issues.”

Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

Lawmakers have also increased scrutiny on the VWP, a program that permits citizens from approved countries to enter the United States visa-free for 90 days. Last Tuesday, the House passed the Visa Waiver Program Improvement Act (H.R. 158), a measure aimed at tightening the program, by a vote of 407 to 19. The Senate has yet to act on H.R. 158, though it could be folded into the broader omnibus funding bill currently under negotiation. Meanwhile, at a roundtable discussion convened by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Senators examined data gaps and sought to determine how much information is being shared by 38 countries that currently participate in the VWP.

COP21 – Agreement Reached

In an attempt to bridge gaps for an international climate change deal, U.S. negotiators reportedly met last week with their Chinese and Indian counterparts in an attempt to find a compromise over remaining disagreements. A deal was reached on Saturday, with President Obama issuing a statement heralding the international achievement.

Customs Bill Update

Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-Wisconsin) issued a press release last Thursday in support of passing the customs bill conference report that was released earlier in the week. The National Retail Federation objected to the conference report over the inclusion of a provision to permanently extend prohibitions on taxing certain Internet-based activities. House Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Sander Levin (D-Michigan) is also encouraging his fellow Democratic colleagues to vote no, in part due to the conferees’ decision to not include a Senate-approved provision on currency. The House passed the customs bill conference report on Friday afternoon by a vote of 256 to 158.

Senate Democrats, however, have reportedly expressed reservations over the inclusion of the Internet tax ban provision in the conference report. This may complicate any Senate action this week on passing the conference report.

TPP Developments

In an exclusive interview with The Washington Post, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) suggested the Obama Administration should not expect Congress to approve the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) before the November 2016 elections. While Republicans strongly supported the Trade Promotion Act’s passage in June, Republican Leadership has offered little support since the Obama Administration announced the TPP deal had been reached in October. Majority Leader McConnell reminded in the interview that the trade authority provided by Congress provides the next president fast-track authority throughout the first term of that Administration.

Meanwhile many interest groups in the United States are remaining silent on their position toward the TPP agreement. The U.S. Council for International Business (USCIB) and the Emergency Committee for American Trade (ECAT) became the first U.S. business associations to formally express support for the TPP agreement last week, while also acknowledging the need for improvements before Congress can vote on the deal. The U.S. dairy industry is formally taking a neutral position on the deal; however, it has expressed discontentment with the market access outcome with Japan and Canada.

TTIP Developments

In London last week, U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman called for accelerated progress in the Transatlantic Trade & Investment Partnership (TTIP) discussions, adding that the current focus is to work with the European Commission and key member states to advance the negotiations. In a statement issued last Friday, Ambassador Froman and European Union Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström said the two sides have made “considerable progress” over the last six months and pledged to work expeditiously to reach an “ambitious, comprehensive agreement.”

After news that the EU Parliament had been granted access by the European Commission to confidential TTIP documents, U.S. Representatives Rosa DeLauro (D-Connecticut), Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas), Dan Kildee (D-Michigan) and Louise Slaughter (D-New York) issued a statement condemning the lack of access by the Obama Administration to the same documents. The Members also criticized the “secret negotiations” that resulted in the TPP deal, calling for the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to be more transparent with Congress on the TTIP negotiations and to provide access to the confidential documents.

Looking Ahead

Washington will also likely focus on the following upcoming matters:

Next week: Congress adjourns
15 December: Secretary Kerry’s Trip to Moscow
15-18 December: 10^th WTO Ministerial Conference to be held in Nairobi, Kenya
12 January 2016: State of the Union Address
8-9 July 2016: NATO Summit in Warsaw, Poland

Article By Stacy A. Swanson of Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP

Congress to Examine Russia’s Role in the Crises in Syria and Ukraine; The First Lady Travels to Qatar and Jordan

Syrian and Iraqi Crises

Secretary of State John Kerry delivered remarks on U.S. Middle East policy last Wednesday at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. The Secretary called on the Russian Government to contribute to the end of the Syrian conflict, including through a political settlement. He also highlighted areas where the United States, Russia, and others agree, which include the fact that Daesh cannot be victorious and that a secular and united Syria must be preserved. That same day, Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned that Russia cannot win in Syria, adding it can perhaps prevent Assad from losing. Earlier in the week, the press reported that Russia has sent a few dozen special operations troops to Syria, redeploying the elite units from Ukraine as the Kremlin shifts its focus to supporting the Syrian regime.

Secretary Kerry then headed to Vienna, Austria, for another round of multilateral talks regarding the Syrian conflict, talks that will for the first time include Iran. At his Senate Foreign Relations Committee confirmation hearing to be Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, State Department Counselor Tom Shannon testified that Secretary Kerry was convening the meeting in Austria to ascertain Russia’s commitment to fighting ISIL and to finding a political solution to the crisis that does not include Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. This comes after Secretary of Defense Ash Carter signaled last Tuesday that the Administration is considering deploying a small number of special operations forces to Syria and attack helicopters to Iraq to build momentum in the fight against ISIL.

On Wednesday, 4 November, the House Foreign Affairs Committee is expected to hold a hearing titled, “U.S. Policy after Russia’s Escalation in Syria.”
On Wednesday, 4 November, the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe is expected to hold a hearing titled, “Challenge to Europe: The Growing Refugee Crisis.”

Ukraine Crisis

Last Monday, the White House and State Department issued statements commending Sunday’s elections in Ukraine and calling for votes on 15 November in Mariupol and in other parts of eastern Ukraine where the elections could not take place.

Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker travelled to Ukraine early last week to meet with Government officials and to discuss ongoing economic reforms. She reiterated U.S. support for Ukraine and announced that President Obama, working with Congress, intends to move forward with a third $1 billion loan guarantee for Ukraine in the coming months. This, she said, fulfills a U.S. commitment to consider providing a third $1 billion loan guarantee in late 2015, if the conditions warrant.

The press reported last week that NATO is considering proposals to deploy 4,000 troops to Eastern European countries bordering Russia. The proposals are apparently part of an ongoing debate within the Alliance about the long-term response to Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea and its support for the separatist uprising in eastern Ukraine.

On Tuesday, 3 November, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee is expected to hold a hearing titled, “Putin’s Invasion of Ukraine and the Propaganda that Threatens Europe.”

NDAA – Avenues Sought

After the presidential veto, Congressional leaders are looking for options to advance the Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA; H.R. 1735). Some sources report that Senate Armed Services Chairman John McCain (R-Arizona) may be considering drafting a revised NDAA that could be attached to an Omnibus appropriations measure that will likely move later next month or early December. However, some Members are reportedly advocating for a revised NDAA – one that reflects the $5 billion in cuts mandated by the Budget deal – to be passed quickly and not delayed until Congress takes up the expected Omnibus bill.

TPP Update

Last Thursday, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack sought to explain the delay around publicly releasing the final text of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), attributing it to the Canadian election. Reports around Washington indicate the release of the text is weeks away. At a Thursday press conference, Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-Connecticut) called on the White House to “stop selling something [TPP deal] that nobody but them knows about.” Meanwhile, Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) praised the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) last Thursday for issuing new guidelines that allow the Committee Members’ personal staff to access the text of the deal.

Ex-Im Bank Re-Authorization Advances

Early last week, the House of Representatives passed a measure to reauthorize the U.S. Export-Import (Ex-Im) Bank by a vote of 313-118 over the objections of the chamber’s most conservative Republican members. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) blocked the measure from being brought to the floor as a standalone bill last week and instead reiterated the bill will have to be attached to another legislative vehicle expected to advance in the Senate.

Washington Prioritizes TTIP

U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman confirmed last Tuesday at an Atlantic Council event that last month’s conclusion of the TPP deal allows USTR to shift its focus to advancing and accelerating the Transatlantic Trade and Investment (TTIP) negotiations with the European Union. That same day, SPB released a client alert on Washington’s shift to TTIP.

U.S.-India Trade Policy Forum

Last week, the U.S.-India Trade Policy Forum convened in Washington to discuss agriculture, trade in services and goods, promoting investments in manufacturing, and intellectual property.

Other Congressional Hearings This Week

On Tuesday, 3 November, the Senate Armed Services Committee is expected to hold a hearing titled, “Future of Warfare.”
On Tuesday, 3 November, the House Energy and Commerce Committee is expected to hold a hearing titled, “Examining the EU Safe Harbor Decision and Impacts for Transatlantic Data Flows.”
On Tuesday, 3 November, the House Judiciary Committee is expected to hold a hearing titled, “International Data Flows: Promoting Digital Trade in the 21st Century.”
On Tuesday, 3 November, the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces is expected to hold a hearing titled, “Aircraft Carrier – Presence and Surge Limitations. Expanding Power Projection Options.”
On Wednesday, 4 November, the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Global Human Rights is expected to hold a hearing titled, “Demanding Accountability: Evaluating the 2015 Trafficking in Persons Report.”
On Wednesday, 4 November, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee is expected to hold a hearing titled, “U.S. Policy in North Africa.”
On Wednesday, 4 November, the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Oversight is expected to hold a hearing titled, “Iran Terror Financing and the Tax Code.”
On Friday, 6 November, the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere is expected to hold a hearing titled, “Deplorable Human Rights Violations in Cuba and Venezuela.”

Looking Ahead

Washington will likely focus on the following upcoming matters:

1-7 November: First Lady Michelle Obama travels to Doha, Qatar, and Amman, Jordan
9 November: President Obama hosts Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
14-22 November: President Obama travels to Turkey, the Philippines, and Malaysia
30 November-11 December: U.N. Global Climate Conference in Paris
15-18 December: 10^th WTO Ministerial Conference to be held in Nairobi, Kenya

Article By Stacy A. Swanson of Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP

Senate Legislative Activity

House Legislative Activity

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Congress Returns to Washington, Faces a Busy Week of Oversight Hearings, Including Testimony from the Secretaries of State and Defense

Secretary of State Heads to Capitol Hill

U.S.-ASEAN Summit

Presidential Trip to Cuba and Argentina on the Horizon

Zika Virus – House Appropriators Favor Repurposing of Ebola Funds

Syria

Russia/Ukraine – Reforms in Ukraine Praised

North Korea Sanctions Bill – Signed into Law

TPP – Congressman Levin Says “No”

TTIP Developments

Cybersecurity Updates

Mexico High-Level Summit Ahead

Congressional Hearings This Week

Looking Ahead

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Health Bills Slated for House Floor Consideration; SAMHSA Releases Proposed Rule Focused on Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder Patient Records

Legislative Activity

This Week’s Hearings:

Regulatory Activity

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San Bernardino Shooting

Combating ISIL

Russia/Ukraine Crisis

Iran and the JCPOA Scrutinized

Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

COP21 – Agreement Reached

Customs Bill Update

TPP Developments

TTIP Developments

Looking Ahead

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Syrian and Iraqi Crises

Ukraine Crisis

NDAA – Avenues Sought

TPP Update

Ex-Im Bank Re-Authorization Advances

Washington Prioritizes TTIP

U.S.-India Trade Policy Forum

Other Congressional Hearings This Week

Looking Ahead

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