Last Tuesday, the Texas Association of Business (TAB) hosted our July DC Debrief featuring Congressman Nathaniel Moran (R-TX 01). Congressman Moran provided a comprehensive update on the latest developments in Washington, D.C., with a particular focus on issues impacting the business community. His roles on the House Judiciary Committee, the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and the House Education and Workforce Committee position him strategically to influence significant legislative matters.
Perhaps one of the most pressing federal issues for the business community, the Congressman stressed the importance of extending the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Without an extension, many critical provisions will expire in 2025, including the pass-through deduction that is used by thousands of small Texas businesses.
Congressman Moran also addressed a recent rule permitting third-party organizations to be present during Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) inspections. This rule raises concerns among businesses about increased external influence and potential disruptions during compliance evaluations. Moran emphasized the need for a balanced approach that ensures efficient and unbiased OSHA inspections without third-party influence.
Another key topic of discussion was the Congressional Review Act (CRA), which Congressman Moran co-sponsored. According to the Congressman, the CRA is designed to provide critical protections for businesses, especially franchises, by allowing Congress to review and potentially overturn federal regulations issued by government agencies. This legislation aims to prevent undue regulatory burdens on businesses, thereby fostering a more favorable economic environment.
Protecting intellectual property and patents was another pressing issue highlighted by Congressman Moran. He advocated for the RESTORE Act of 2024, a piece of legislation that seeks to strengthen intellectual property rights and enhance protections for innovators, ensuring that American businesses remain competitive in the global market.
Furthermore, Congressman Moran discussed the critical nature of the United States' relationship with Israel. He explained that this relationship is not only economically significant but also essential for maintaining regional stability and security:
"We are intertwined with Israel in more ways than many realize. As number one and number two enemies of Iran, we must collaborate to safeguard our peace from terrorist threats."
In addition to these topics, Congressman Moran briefly addressed the ongoing border security and immigration issues. He stressed the imperative need to secure the border as a preliminary step to reforming the nation's immigration system, arguing that without effective border control, efforts to address immigration policy would be fundamentally undermined.
The debrief provided valuable insights into Congressman Moran's legislative priorities and the implications for Texas businesses. As always, TAB remains committed to promoting business-friendly policies that support economic growth and prosperity for all Texans.
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