CITY OF SAN ANTONIO
GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
MEMORANDUM
TO: Intergovernmental Relations Committee
FROM: Jeff Coyle, Director of Government & Public Affairs
SUBJECT: Federal Legislative Update
DATE: February 5, 2021
At the Intergovernmental Relations Committee meeting on February 10, 2021, the City’s Government & Public Affairs Department will provide a report on: the Biden Administration’s actions since the inauguration on January 20th; Congress’ consideration and approvals of cabinet members; the current status of additional legislation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and; the Administration’s proposed infrastructure plan.
Administration Actions & Cabinet Confirmations
In the first two weeks of his term, President Biden has signed over 40 executive actions on a range of topics, including but not limited to - the COVID-19 pandemic, immigration, healthcare, and climate change. Additionally, the Administration has nominated the individuals to make up the Biden cabinet that will lead federal agencies. The heads of federal agencies are presented to and confirmed by the Senate. As of February 3, six Cabinet Members have been confirmed and Congress continues to hold hearings and will schedule Committee and Senate votes.
GPA will provide information on executive actions relevant to the City of San Antonio’s legislative priorities and the nominated and approved cabinet members.
COVID-19 Relief Legislation
Coronavirus response and relief was identified as the first priority of the Biden Administration. In addition to COVID related executive orders, the Administration and Congress have been in negotiations for another legislative package. The City continues to advocate for the inclusion of direct and flexible funding for local governments. A Congressional budgetary process called reconciliation is being considered and increases the likelihood that direct funding will be included in the next round of stimulus.
GPA will provide a summary of what has been proposed for the next COVID package and an update on negotiations and the likely path forward for the legislation.
Infrastructure Plan
The Administration’s second highest priority after the pandemic is recovery through rebuilding the country’s infrastructure. Prior to the election the Biden campaign released the Build Back Better plan, a $2 trillion infrastructure modernization proposal to invest in nationally in transportation, transit, the power sector, buildings and housing.
Recent discussions with National League of Cities indicate that infrastructure is a hot topic in Congress and reports indicate that President Biden will unveil details on his proposal during the State of the Union address scheduled for February 23rd. At the forefront of infrastructure discussions is Representative Peter DeFazio (OR-D), Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, who led House passage last July of the Moving Forward Act, a $1.5 trillion comprehensive infrastructure bill that largely aligns with the Administration’s proposal.
GPA will provide a briefing on the priorities included in the Build Back Better plan and avenues for the San Antonio region to engage and prepare for any legislation.