Speaker Mike Johnson’s Funding Gamble Hits a Hurdle

Following the House’s failure to pass a stopgap funding bill on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, lawmakers are considering a new plan to keep the government running through mid-December. Government funding is set to expire on Monday September 30th. The failed proposal, which aimed to fund the government until March 28 and included a citizenship proof requirement for voting, was defeated in a 202-220 vote, with 14 Republicans opposing it. Now, Congress is floating alternative dates — December 13 or 20 — as potential deadlines for a new short-term funding bill. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is standing by his decision to bring the now failed CR to a vote on the House Floor but is keeping the next steps under wraps. Johnson’s original plan was criticized for attaching election reforms, including the controversial SAVE Act, which demands proof of citizenship to vote a measure former President Donald Trump insists should be a non-negotiable part of any deal. Johnson’s struggle stems from internal party divisions, and his ability to maintain leverage over Democrats has weakened after this initial failure. Although Democrats prefer a three-month CR, Johnson could still push for a clean six-month version and dare them to reject it. However, defense concerns and Trump’s demands may cost him crucial GOP support, leaving him reliant on Democratic votes. NTRA fully expects Congress to pass a CR which will fund the government before they depart again for the month of October ahead of the elections.

Speaker Johnson Potentially Facing Leadership Challenge Down the Stretch

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is facing growing challenges in his leadership, especially following a recent government funding defeat. This failure has caused frustration among various factions of the Republican Party.  Johnson is being criticized for crafting his failed strategy without consulting senior members, leaving them uninformed about any backup plans. This has led some Republicans to question his ability to manage the party effectively, with speculation that he could face a leadership challenge after the election.

This leadership crisis is a continuation of frustration that saw former Speaker Kevin McCarthy ousted, which was a historic and dramatic removal that left the GOP fractured. McCarthy’s departure set off a chaotic, weeks-long scramble to find a replacement, exposing deep divisions within the party. Johnson’s emergence as speaker was hard-fought, and his tenure, just weeks before a critical election, is already being tested by internal dissent.

However, Johnson’s allies defended him, arguing that he delivered exactly what conservatives wanted, but they failed to unify around the plan. Despite internal criticism, Johnson’s future may still depend on the election outcome, as Republicans may be more forgiving if they maintain their majority, especially with the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House.

 

North Carolina Moves Closer to Retail Sports Betting and Horse Racing Wagering

On Wednesday, September 18, 2024, North Carolina took steps toward moving forward with expanding betting options, as its State Lottery Commission approved a notice of proposed pari-mutuel rulemaking. This could soon allow retail sports betting to be added to the state’s online wagering catalog.

Key details from the announcement include:

  • The public has until October 18 to provide feedback on the proposed rules before adoption.
  • No timeline for horse racing wagering has been set yet, but regulators aim to establish standards efficiently.
  • The commission is working on rules for an Advanced Deposit Wagering (ADW) system, essential for horse racing bets.

In terms of retail sports betting, while the state launched online sports betting in March, no retail sports books or parimutuel options have operations yet. The commission has approved the compliance process for retail operations, which must undergo strict regulatory checks before launching. The ongoing regulatory efforts signal North Carolina’s aim to create a more robust and diverse wagering landscape.

To learn more about what the sport of Thoroughbred racing is doing to keep its equine athletes safe, visit www.safetyrunsfirst.com.

USCIS Reaches H-2B Cap for First Half of Fiscal Year 2025

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has reached the congressionally mandated cap for H-2B visas for temporary nonagricultural workers for the first half of fiscal year 2025. September 18, 2024, marked the final date for accepting new H-2B worker petitions with employment start dates before April 1, 2025. Any petitions received after that date, requesting employment before April 1, will be rejected.

The H-2B visa program is a critical source of labor for many industries, including the Thoroughbred racing industry. H-2B workers fill essential roles, such as backstretch workers, who are indispensable for the smooth operation of racetracks and the proper care of the horses.  Although the cap has been reached, USCIS is still accepting petitions exempt from the cap, which include current H-2B workers in the U.S. extending their stay, changing employers, or modifying their employment terms.

The H-2B visa program, capped at 66,000 visas annually, is split into two halves, with 33,000 visas available for each half of the fiscal year. This program is vital to industries like thoroughbred racing, where temporary labor is essential to maintaining daily operations and ensuring the sport’s success.

For more information click HERE.