1. CONGRESS RESUMES WORK ON CONFIRMATIONS AND BUDGET RECONCILIATION

The House and Senate were both in Washington, D.C., this week. The Senate continued its work on executive confirmations, including final confirmation on the United States Ambassador to the United Nations and Secretary of Agriculture. The House continued its work on the Budget Reconciliation bill, which will be the vehicle for COVID-19 relief. At this time, we believe that the following provisions will remain in the bill: 

• Expanded sick leave and paid leave credits through Sept. 30, 2021. 

• Extension of the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance through Aug. 29, 2021, at $400 a week. 

• Employee Retention Tax Credit 

• COBRA Subsidies 

• Emergency Pension Plan Relief 

• Direct Stimulus Payments at $1,400 

NECA’s Look Ahead: The House is expected to finalize its version of the bill as early as this evening. NECA will continue to provide updates as the bill goes through parliamentary challenges in the Senate. Congressional leadership has indicated they plan to complete the bill before March 14.

2. DOL BEGINS REVIEW OF COVID SAFETY ON JOB SITES

Earlier this week, the Department of Labor Inspector General notified the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that they will be conducting a formal review of OSHA’s efforts to protect workers from the coronavirus. This investigation can likely be credited to worker safety groups following consistent recommendation for OSHA to issue an Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS). With such an ETS issued, safety standards would be more unified across the country. 

NECA’s Look Ahead: NECA continues to monitor any guidance issued by OSHA and will keep a close eye on the how this investigation plays into the expected issuance of an ETS related to the ongoing pandemic.