Talks surrounding a potential coronavirus Phase 4 bill have grounded to a halt as Speaker Pelosi, Leader Schumer, White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, and Secretary Mnuchin have backed off. While progress is always possible, prospects for a large package look grim. APGA continues to monitor talks surrounding specifics like local aid and some utility-specific programs, but it does not look like anything will be completed until September.
Meanwhile, Congress is on a quasi-recess in which they are out of town for the usual August break, but have been on alert to return in the event that a Phase 4 deal is reached. With that not expected to happen, it is presumed that Congress will be out of town until after Labor Day.
Last week, the Senate finally passed the PIPES Act, the multi-year reauthorization of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). This bill was in the works for well over a year. The bill provides several pipeline safety mandates dealing with distribution integrity management plans, inspection and maintenance, pipeline safety practices, and other areas. APGA worked hard with congressional staff and stakeholders to ensure the bill appropriately considers the needs of public gas utilities. APGA believes that PIPES adequately addresses APGA member concerns and strongly supports its passage in the House.
Outside of movement on PIPES, it does not appear that much will happen in Congress over the next several weeks. APGA continues to advocate for priorities such as the AIB Act and Section 5 reform, but movement will likely be limited over the near term.
For questions on this article, please contact Doug MacGillivray of APGA’s staff by phone at (202) 464-2742 or by email at dmacgillivray@apga.org.