It’s a new year and a new Congress – a time for reflection and a time to set our sights on the future. The ESP Advisors team is here to help you achieve your 2025 policy goals.
New Ocean and Coastal Laws from the 118th Congress
Before we look too far into the future, let’s reflect on what happened in the last few weeks of the 118th Congress.
If you’ve been watching the news, you probably think the federal government struggles to get anything done. But DC is like the ocean; below the chaos on the surface are steady currents of activity that run deep.
Engaging in DC does not mean stepping into gridlock. Controversial bills that make headlines don’t represent the whole picture. Most ocean-related bills pass with overwhelming bipartisan support.
Here are just some of the bills our clients engaged with that passed Congress in the last few months:
- Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA) (S.4367)
- National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2025 (H.R.5009)
- Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act (H.R.6492)
- America’s Conservation Enhancement Reauthorization Act of 2024 (S.3791)
- Fishery Improvement to Streamline untimely regulatory Hurdles post Emergency Situation (FISHES) Act (H.R.5103)
- Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary of National Significance Act (S.50)
- Coastal Habitat Conservation Act of 2023 (H.R.2950)
- Bolstering Ecosystems Against Coastal Harm (BEACH) Act (H.R.5490)
- Lake Tahoe Restoration Reauthorization Act (S. 612)
And others that didn’t quite make it across the finish line are ready for progress. Decisionmakers need your input and ideas as they shape our country’s future in the 119th Congress.
Looking Ahead: the 119th Congress
Today, January 3, 2025, marks the beginning of the 119th Congress. As you get yourself organized for the new year, don’t forget to reference the ESP Advisors printable 2025 Congressional Schedule and our public 2025 Congressional Google calendar.
Leadership
This Senate will be led by Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) in a 53-47 Republican majority. The House will be led by Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA-04) and Democrats will be led by Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY-08). House Republicans will start the year with a very narrow 219-215 majority. Remember, 218 votes are needed to pass a bill.
Republicans will control both chambers of Congress and the White House once President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance are sworn into office on January 20, but Democrats will still have some cards to play in the power games of Washington.
Power Games
Republicans hold a very narrow majority in the House, meaning they will have to lean on Democrats to pass things like annual spending bills and historically bipartisan legislation like the annual defense authorization. In the Senate, the filibuster rules require at least a few Democrats to vote with the majority to pass most legislation (except for budget reconciliation, which you’ll hear a lot about and we’ll be writing a blog about soon!)
A new Congress is a lot of work for federal policy advocates, and Republicans have an ambitious agenda. We will spend much of the next few months introducing our clients to the 77 new Members of Congress and their staff, meeting with new and returning committee members, and keeping our clients up to speed on the flurry of activity, orders, and appointments in the new administration.
How to Get Involved
Federal policymaking is definitely a black box. And even if you know how it works, it’s difficult to keep up with who’s who in the ever-changing landscape of Washington, D.C.
Navigating this world takes finesse, strategy, and strong relationships. We’re here to help.
ESP Advisors help ocean and coastal organizations navigate the federal government, educate decisionmakers, and influence U.S. policy.
Our bipartisan team includes alumni from the offices of Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Roger Wicker (R-MS), House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-CA) and the late Rep. Don Young (R-AK), former Dean of the House and longtime ocean champion. We move seamlessly between the ocean science and policy worlds and have trusted, genuine, and lasting relationships with policymakers in DC.
This work requires sustained, sophisticated effort and the ability to successfully navigate the ebb and flow of the political tide. Let us take that off your plate. Email Emily for an introductory call: emily@espadvisor.com.
