Published in Last Word
During the short September Congressional session and the "Lame Duck" period following the November 4 election, the Council is focused on the following priorities:
- Passage of a continuing resolution to fund federal programs after September 30.
- Reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank charter, set to expire at the end of September. ACEC Members are encouraged to contact their Congressional delegation in support of the Bank. Click here for more information and a sample letter.
- Passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (which sets government-wide procurement rules) with limits on the use of single-step design-build, prohibitions on the use of reverse auctions, and reforms to the short-listing process.
- Extension of several expiring tax provisions, including the R&D tax credit, parity for employer-provided transit benefits, increased Section 179 expensing limits, and the wind energy tax credit. The tax benefits would be in effect for 2014, retroactive to January 1, and end on December 31, 2015. A few provisions—such as R&D or Section 179—could be made permanent.
- Early action on long-term transportation funding in advance of MAP-21 expiration in May, 2015.
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