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The dust continues to settle on the 2020 election, with some races still outstanding. With the Presidency settled, all eyes have turned to the Senate and the two runoff elections in Georgia. Republican incumbents Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue face off against Rev. Ralph Warnock and John Ossoff for their respective party's control of the Senate. Combined, these are anticipated to be the most expensive Senate races ever. There are a few outstanding races in the House, but Republicans significantly cut into the Democrat majority, netting seven seats and far outperforming expectations. APGA members can view a full election breakdown presentation at www.apga.org/webinars.

The Senate was back in session this week, while the House returns for votes next Monday. Senate appropriators released their full fiscal year 2021 omnibus spending package, to be passed by December 11. While met with some consternation from Democrats, there seems to be enough room to come to an agreement by the time the continuing resolution expires next month. Outside of government funding, Congress must pass a National Defense Authorization Act reauthorization and a water resources reauthorization bill by the end of the year. House Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) also highlighted a potential cannabis bill, and Majority Leader McConnell (R-Ky.) has intimated at confirming additional judges and a potential COVID-19 aid package. Amid the flurry of lame duck legislation, APGA is tracking a potential window to complete Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) reauthorization in the coming weeks. APGA will update members as information continues to be made available.

For questions on this article, please contact Doug MacGillivray of APGA staff by phone at 202-464-2742 or by email at dmacgillivray@apga.org.