Director’s Desk
Kristin Nicholson | April 14, 2025
Dear Friends,
As the House and Senate begin a two-week recess, members are returning home to anxious constituents looking for answers from their representatives or opportunities to vent their concerns. President Trump’s whirlwind of unpredictable tariff announcements has left even his Republican allies in Congress frustrated, and unnerved consumers, businesses, farmers, investors and others. While Hill efforts to reclaim some of Congress’s constitutional tariff authority appear stalled, it’s clear this issue will continue to dominate the conversation whether members are home or on Capitol Hill.
The end of the recess will find Republicans returning to the tricky task of crafting a massive budget reconciliation package that can satisfy every faction of the House and Senate majority, not to mention President Trump. With members staking out priorities ranging from insistence on maximal cuts to protecting Medicaid funding and maintaining energy tax credits, finding the right balance at all – let alone by leadership’s stated goal of Memorial Day – will be a herculean feat.
The FY26 appropriations process is proceeding as well, if more quietly. This month, Senior Fellow Josh Huder shares a timely piece reflecting on how this annual process has morphed from a largely bipartisan effort to a highly partisan one. As Josh lays out, this transition has major implications not only for the fundamental role of Congress in directing federal spending but for the very representation of constituents in our democratic system.
Finally, be sure to check out our roster of upcoming courses, including some great virtual options for anyone unable to travel to DC. As always, if you can’t find what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We are always delighted to tailor training that meets your specific needs, whether you’re in a federal agency, state or local government, non-governmental organization, or on the Hill.
All the best,
Kristin
Categories: Director's Desk, Media Center, Updates