Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (NY) and Republican Leader McConnell (KY) reached a power-sharing agreement this week, laying out the framework for governing the 50-50 body. The agreement, which was approved by the Senate on Wednesday, will allow Democrats to assume committee chairmanships. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) will now chair the Senate Finance Committee, and Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) will be Ranking Member. Notably, Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and John Barrasso (R-WY) will both join the Senate Finance Committee, and the committee will have an even partisan split with 14 members each.
House Ways & Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal (D-MA) announced two new Democratic members of the Trade Subcommittee: Reps. Linda Sánchez (D-CA) and Brendan Boyle (D-PA). Rep Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) will continue to chair the subcommittee. Ranking Member Kevin Brady (R-TX) also announced five new Republican members of the Trade Subcommittee: Reps. Darin LaHood (R-IL), Drew Ferguson (R-GA), Jodey Arrington (R-TX), Ron Estes (R-KS) and Carol Miller (R-WV). Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL) will again serve as ranking member of the subcommittee. The subcommittee is responsible for overseeing trade negotiations, tariffs, implementation of trade deals and international trade organizations.
COVID Relief
Also this week, the Senate passed a budget resolution that would clear the way for passage of President Biden’s proposed $1.9 trillion COVID relief package without any Republican support. Biden has suggested, however, that he would prefer a bipartisan solution, but the two sides appear far apart with the GOP plan only a fraction of what Biden wants. Congress could begin work on the COVID package by the end of the month following the impeachment proceedings.
ICYMI: AIADA Chairman Jason Courter urges dealers to “Get with the Program.”
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Quote of the Week
“Under the leadership of my friend Steve Gates, a tremendous dealer of multiple international nameplate brands out of Kentucky and Indiana, AIADA will thrive in 2021. I look forward to handing him the reins next month. Not because 2020 wore me down, but because it revved me up! I can’t wait to see where we go next as an organization. Thank you for your trust and support over the past year. It has meant the world to me.”
-Jason Courter, AIADA Chairman (www.aiada.org)
Must Read
Check out the latest Chairman’s Blog, “Leaving on a High Note,” from AIADA Chairman Jason Courter.
Friday Feel Good
Here are just a few recent examples of how the international nameplate auto industry is doing good in communities across the US during the pandemic:
Northridge Toyota in California supported several community efforts over the holiday season. Donations included $20,000 for the North Valley YMCA Booster Club Dinner, $10,000 for the West Valley Food Bank, $10,000 for the Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission, $2,500 for the San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission’s Thanksgiving Event, and $2,500 for Shepherd Church’s Thanksgiving Event.
Carter Myers Automotive in Virginia supported several community causes over the course of 2020, including: establishing a hotline anyone in the community could call for help, including grocery and prescription deliveries; partnering with United Way of Greater Charlottesville to launch a new transportation initiative, #DrivingLivesForward, to connect economically disadvantaged individuals and families with reliable vehicles and affordable auto loan financing; donating over $28,000 to “Fuel the Fight” against childhood cancer; and holding a holiday bike drive, ultimately collecting over 700 bikes and hundreds of toys.
We want to hear more about how you are supporting your local community during this difficult time – tweet us at @AIADA_News and use the hashtag #DealersDoGood.
