Washington Snapshot

Washington Snapshot: 119th Congress Sworn In

Council on Foundations Compass Rose Logo
Government Affairs Team
Council Connection: Updates for Council Members

Public policy news and updates for the philanthropic sector

Happening at the Council

HUD Award Applications Now Open

Foundations are invited to apply for the 2025 Secretary's Award for Public-Philanthropic Partnerships! The award recognizes outstanding partnerships between philanthropic organizations and the public sector that have led to measurable benefits in housing and community development. Applications are due by February 7, 2025. If you have questions about the application, email HUDaward@cof.org. 

Looking to 2025: New Congress and Philanthropy

In our final session on the election on February 11, we'll break down the dynamics of the new Congress and how we expect the shifting policy environment to impact philanthropy. Plus, we’ll discuss the upcoming 2025 tax bill and let you know how you can act to ensure philanthropy’s priorities are included.

Join us at Foundations on the Hill

This annual event, hosted by United Philanthropy Forum and the Council, in partnership with Independent Sector, is a public policy and advocacy conference that helps us strengthen our collective voice on Capitol Hill. Whether you’re a seasoned advocate or new to advocacy, you’ll benefit from the opportunity to engage directly with legislators and policymakers to shape policies that impact your community, as well as network with hundreds of peers and build your policy engagement skills. Register for Foundations on the Hill, February 23-26 in Washington, DC.

What We're Tracking in DC

119th Congress Sworn In

Earlier this month, the 119th Congress kicked off. The House re-elected Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) Speaker, while the Senate elected Sen. John Thune (R-SD) Majority Leader. Leadership also announced members of all Committees. The Senate Finance Committee has six new members:

  • Roger Marshall (R-KS)
  • Bernie Sanders (I-VT)
  • Ben Ray Luján (D-NM)
  • Tina Smith (D-MN)
  • Raphael Warnock (D-GA)
  • Peter Welch (D-VT)

The Ways and Means Committee has seven new members:

  • Rep. Aaron Bean (R-FL)
  • Rep. Max Miller (R-OH)
  • Rep. Nathaniel Moran (R-TX)
  • Rep. Rudy Yakym (R-IN)
  • Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-PA)
  • Rep. Stacey Plasket (D-VI)
  • Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-NY)

Going into an important year for tax policy, it is critical that your Members of Congress and their staff understand the vital work philanthropy does for communities across the country. We strongly encourage you to meet with your Members and their staff—both in-district and here in Washington, DC. For support, reach out to our team at govt@cof.org (or just reply to this email).

Budget Reconciliation Coming…

With narrow majorities in both the House and Senate, Republicans are very likely to use budget reconciliation to move major priorities, from tax to immigration. Budget reconciliation, a process that allows Congress to pass legislation using only a simple majority (rather than requiring 60 votes in the Senate), has previously been used to pass the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 and the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, among others—but it comes with certain limitations. Provisions passed through budget reconciliation must have some impact on direct spending, revenue, or the debt limit. Read the Bipartisan Policy Center’s detailed primer on budget reconciliation.

Since winning a trifecta in November, Republicans have debated moving one budget reconciliation package that includes all their priorities, or breaking it up into two budget reconciliation bills: one focused on immigration and other priorities, and one focused on taxes. As of Friday morning, it is still unclear which path Republicans will choose, with President-elect Trump saying he’d prefer “one big beautiful bill” but could live with two.

Confirmation Hearing Scheduled for Treasury Secretary Nominee

The Senate Finance Committee announced that it will hold a confirmation hearing on January 16, 2025 to consider President-elect Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Treasury, Scott Bessent. If his nomination is reported out of Committee, it will then go to the full Senate for a vote. Bessent has been meeting with both Republicans and Democrats since his nomination was announced. We’ll share updates on his confirmation hearing in the next edition of Snapshot.  

Federal Government Engagement Opportunities 

Happening in the States

State of the States and Nonprofits

By the end of January, most governors will have delivered their State of the State addresses, inauguration speeches, or released their budget framework, to set their agendas for the year. Their priorities and proposals could impact charitable nonprofits and communities. Some early highlights from budget proposals include recovery from natural disasters (Alaska), increasing the number of early childhood and child care professionals (New Mexico), and improving the recruitment and retention of health care professionals (Hawai‘i). Recent State of the State addresses prioritized workforce development (Connecticut) and property tax reform (North Dakota).

Hot Tax Issues in 2025 and Nonprofit Priorities

Webinar: Thursday, January 16, 2025 | 4:00 – 5:00 pm Eastern

Charitable nonprofits will be defending key protections and rights, like nonprofit nonpartisanship and charitable giving incentives, while advocating for improved incentives, streamlined employment tax credits, and more. Panelists will address the common and unique priorities of several subsectors and answer audience questions. 

Upcoming Events

Keep in Touch!

Please feel free to reach out to any of us on the Government Relations Team with comments or concerns, or to share an issue, article, event, or op-ed you would like to see covered in a future Washington Snapshot.

View this email as a web page.

Shared purpose. Collective voice. Greater impact.
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare on all
Public Policy
Interested in the topic?

Continue the conversation with your peers

Go to the Philanthropy Exchange