Tariff Battles, Energy Policy and Election Shifts Dominate Washington Advocacy Update

Last week, more than 125 members of ASA and PHCC came together for a full day of advocacy on Capitol Hill, representing the interests of our industry. Across 127 meetings with offices in both the House and Senate, participants championed policies supporting energy choice and workforce investment: issues with direct, nationwide impact on our work. Attendees also received briefings from Washington policy experts and heard an in‑depth analysis of the 2026 political landscape from Brent Buchanan, Founder and CEO of Cygnal, one of the nation’s most accurate polling firms over the past decade. Read more about the ASA/PHCC Legislative Conference here, and find the full latest ASA advocacy update below.

Federal Update

Tariff Update: After the landmark Supreme Court decision that invalidated IEPPA tariffs as implemented in April 2025, the United States Court of International Trade (USCIT) directed Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to open a portal through which refunds can be processed, which can be found here.   After the Supreme Court’s ruling on IEEPA, President Trump imposed a global 10% tariff under Section 122, set to remain in effect for 150 days, ending July 24, 2026. Last week, the USCIT determined that the President lacked the authority to enact these tariffs. For now, the decision applies only to two companies and to Washington State. The ruling is expected to be appealed, and additional lawsuits may follow as other parties seek individual relief. Stay tuned.

Affordability: If there is one word heard more than any other on Capitol Hill, its affordability.  Recent discussions in the House and Senate over the suspension of the federal gas tax to alleviate current gas prices, has not gained much support, even the endorsement of President Trump.  There are questions as to how much the 18.4 cent reduction would go in reducing the cost of gasoline, as well as the impact on the road fund and transportation project the tax supports.  In the meantime, work on permitting reform continues to help reduce costs from stalled energy and infrastructure projects.  On Monday, President Trump signed a bill that directs FERC to provide an additional six years for hydropower projects, while legislation covering housing, energy, and infrastructure continue to make their way through the legislative process.

Appropriations: The appropriations process continues to make its way through the House with one of the twelve annual bills to fund government making its way to a floor vote this week.  The Military Construction-Veterans Affairs bill should hit the floor at the end of the week.  As we have seen in years past, including the debate over the Department of Homeland Security bill that was signed two weeks ago, appropriations have become more contentious in both chambers.  At this point, given that it is an election year, consensus is that a Continuing Resolution is likely to be passed, should the budget not be in place by October 1^st. 

Politics

SCOTUS Ruling: The Supreme Court has issued a major ruling that effectively nullifies key provisions of the Voting Rights Act, holding that Louisiana’s congressional map was unconstitutional because it used race as a factor in creating a second Black‑majority district. With just over 170 days until the November election, the decision is poised to reshape how congressional maps are drawn nationwide.

The ruling has triggered a wave of redistricting activity, particularly across the South. Louisiana, Alabama, Tennessee, and Florida have all begun revising or approving new maps. In South Carolina, an effort to redraw the state’s map stalled in the Senate, prompting lawmakers to extend their session to consider a proposal that could eliminate the district represented by longtime Democratic congressman and civil rights leader James Clyburn. Missouri is also moving forward with a new map after its state Supreme Court cleared the way for the process, a shift that could change its delegation from six Republicans and two Democrats to seven Republicans and one Democrat.

These changes are likely to force several states to move their primary dates to accommodate newly drawn districts, creating uncertainty for candidates about where they will run and potentially eliminating safe seats for multiple Democratic incumbents.

Nebraska: Nebraska held its primary elections on Tuesday, setting up what is expected to be a general election matchup between Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts and Independent candidate Dan Osborn. Osborn appears to have a clear path forward after Democrats nominated Cindy Burbank over Bill Forbes. Burbank has publicly supported Osborn, aligning with Nebraska Democrats, who will back him in November. Her candidacy emerged in part because Democrats opposed Forbes, a socially conservative pastor whom they accused of being encouraged by Republicans to run in the Democratic primary.  Osborn previously challenged GOP Sen. Deb Fischer in 2024, losing 53–47.

In the race to succeed retiring Republican Rep. Don Bacon, Brinker Harding won the GOP nomination. The Democratic primary remains too close to call, with Denise Powell leading at 39 percent, followed by State Sen. John Cavanaugh at 37 percent, and County Court Clerk Crystal Rhoades at 14 percent. The district, often referred to as the “blue dot,” covers parts of Omaha and surrounding rural areas. Despite its Democratic lean in statewide and national races, Rep. Bacon has repeatedly held the seat over the past decade.

President Trump Job Approval (RCP Average): 40% Approve – 57% Disapprove.

Generic Congressional Ballot (RCP Average): Democrats +6.6%. The House currently has a composition of 218 Republicans to 212 Democrats, 5 Vacant.  CA-1 (LaMalfa), Special: 06/02/2026; CA-14 (Swalwell), Special: 06/16/2026; TX-23 (Gonzalez), Special: TBD; FL-20 (Cherfilius-McCormick), Special: TBD; GA-13 (Scott), Special: 07/28/2026.  The Senate is comprised of 53 Republicans and 47 Democrats.  

By Steve Rossi