As the COVID-19 outbreak and related restrictions continue, the congressional calendar, which was already compounded to accommodate for 2020 elections, will get tighter. Responding to the public health crisis and addressing the immediate economic impacts of the pandemic remain congressional priorities. However, policymakers are also looking at longer-term recovery options, as well as improving U.S. preparedness to respond to future public health threats. Furthermore, prior to the spread of the virus in the U.S., Congress was already confronting a number of looming policy expirations this year.
Read MoreCommon knowledge may lead us to believe any hope of advancing policy in an election year is futile. Combine that trend with a divided Congress, a partisan atmosphere, and the imminent impeachment trial, and it’s easy to suggest 2020 will be a year for politics rather than policy. However, with a list of looming deadlines and the need to demonstrate the ability to not only investigate but also legislate, Congress is likely to have an active 12 months ahead.
Read MorePresident Donald Trump signed the FY20 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) into law on December 20, 2019. The conference report included numerous provisions related to cybersecurity, 5G, and supply chain. Spectrum sharing was also a controversial issue in this year’s NDAA cycle.
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