Washington Report – February 10, 2025

Due to the President’s Day holiday, February 17, the APWA Washington Report will publish next on February 24. Follow APWA Government Affairs on X and LinkedIn for timely updates.

Latest News

Trump Cabinet Update

The following is an update on Senate confirmations for nominees put forward by President Trump
- Confirmed:
  - Dept. Of Transportation—Sean Duffy
  - Dept. Of Homeland Security—Kristi Noem
  - Dept. Of Interior—Doug Burgum
  - Dept. Of Energy – Chris Wright
  - Dept. Of Housing and Urban Development — Scott Turner
  - Dept. Of State—Marco Rubio
  - EPA—Lee Zeldin
  - Dept. Of Treasury—Scott Bessent
  - Dept. Of Defense—Pete Hegseth
  - Office of Management and Budget—Russ Vought
  - Attorney General – Pam Bondi
- Still to be confirmed:
  - Dept. Of Agriculture – Brooke Rollins
  - Dept. Of Commerce – Howard Lutnick
  - Dept. Of Education – Linda McMahon
  - Dept. Of Health and Human Services – Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
  - Dept. Of Labor – Lori Chavez-DeRemer
  - Small Business Admin. — Kelly Loeffler
  - U.S. Trade Representative – Jamieson Greer

President Nominates Neal Jacobs to Lead National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration

President Trump has announced Neil Jacobs as his nominee to serve as the next Administrator for the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA);
Jacobs currently serves as the chief science adviser to the Unified Forecast System at the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, he also previously served as an acting NOAA administrator during President Trump’s previous term in office.

Welcome Your U.S. Representative and Senators to the 119th Congress

Asking again for you to send a welcome message to each of your Congressional representatives via this link;
Though the message has been written by APWA Government Affairs, feel free to edit it to make it more personalized;
As a public works professional and voice of APWA, it’s important your elected representatives in Washington D.C. hear from you on legislation affecting public works;
Stay tuned for more action alerts and, if you are not yet receiving them, text PWX to 52886 to receive the alerts on your mobile phone.

APWA Needs You! Share Your IIJA Public Works Story Today!

As your voice in Washington, D.C., the APWA Government Affairs Team would love to hear your story – success or failure – with the historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA);
Your experiences help to personalize the impact of public works and infrastructure legislation, which helps us advocate to Congress and federal agencies;
With a new administration and Congress, and with Congress considering the future of the historic infrastructure law, the time is now for your voice to be heard;
If you are interested in participating, reach out to APWA Director of Government and Public Affairs Andrea Eales at aeales@apwa.org or 202-218-6730.

Consult APWA’s U.S. Infrastructure Law: Resources for Public Works Page

APWA Government Affairs created a one-stop resource page to share the latest information related to the historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA);
Visit regularly for information regarding grants, replays of APWA-hosted IIJA webinars, and more.

On the Horizon

(All times ET)

Feb. 11 at 10 a.m., the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment will hold a hearing, America Builds: Clean Water Act Permitting and Project Delivery;
Feb. 12 at 10 a.m., the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Subcommittee on Highways and Transit will hold a hearing, America Builds: A Review of Programs to Address Roadway Safety;
Feb. 12 at 10 a.m., the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) will hold a confirmation hearing on the nomination of former U.S. Congresswoman from Oregon Lori Chavez-DeRemer to be U.S. Secretary of Labor;
Feb. 12 and 13 at 10 a.m., the Senate Budget Committee will hold a mark-up of the FY 2025 budget resolution.