US Politics Newsletter - June 24-30, 2025
Key Developments
Urgent Passage of the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act
President Donald Trump has intensified pressure on Congress to pass the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act, a sweeping legislation that encompasses his second-term agenda. On June 24, Trump urged Senate Republicans to work tirelessly to resolve their differences and pass the bill, emphasizing that no one should go on vacation until it is done. The House and Senate are racing against a July 4 deadline to reconcile their versions of the bill and get it to Trump's desk[1].
Legislative Timeline and Pressure
Speaker Mike Johnson warned House Republicans that their Independence Day celebrations might be delayed, as the House will not recess until the Senate's changes are approved. Johnson stressed the importance of this legislation, indicating that members should keep their schedules flexible to ensure the bill's passage by July 4[1].
State Tax Changes Effective July 1
As the federal government works on the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act, numerous state tax changes are set to take effect on July 1, marking the start of the fiscal year for most states. These changes include:
- Statutory gas tax increases and inflation adjustments
- New or increased fees on electric vehicles
- Increased taxes on tobacco, vapor products, and cannabis
- Increased taxes on sports gaming
- Various sales tax changes
- Washington State's new estate tax rate schedule with a top rate of 35 percent[2].
Executive Actions
President Trump signed four executive orders aimed at rapidly expanding U.S. nuclear energy capacity. These orders highlight the crucial role counties will play in the future siting and development of nuclear energy facilities[5].
Regulatory Changes
The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) has proposed regulation changes that will be published on July 1, 2025. These changes include the formal rescission of the EO 11246 implementing regulations, while retaining and revising certain aspects. This move is part of winding down federal contractor affirmative action mandates[4].
Insights and Takeaways
- Legislative Urgency: The push for the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act underscores the high stakes and urgency in current U.S. politics, with significant implications for Trump's second-term agenda.
- State-Level Impact: The myriad state tax changes effective July 1 will have a direct impact on individuals and businesses, reflecting broader shifts in tax policies across the country.
- Energy Policy: The executive orders on nuclear energy expansion indicate a strong federal commitment to this sector, with potential long-term implications for energy policy and county-level development.
- Regulatory Shifts: The proposed OFCCP regulation changes signal a shift in federal contractor affirmative action mandates, which could have far-reaching effects on employment practices and compliance.
Sources
[1] https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-vacations-congress-passes-megabill/story?id=123161731
[2] https://www.dontmesswithtaxes.com/2025/06/state-tax-changes-effective-july-1-2025.html
[3] http://www.house.gov/legislative-activity/2025-06-24
[4] https://ogletree.com/insights-resources/blog-posts/ofccp-unveils-regulation-changes-winding-down-federal-contractor-affirmative-action-mandates/
[5] https://www.naco.org/news/county-countdown-june-30-2025
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