DC Update: Confirmation Hearings Continue; Countdown to Lithium-Battery Fight Begins

The House was in recess this week, but the Senate was busy holding seven confirmation hearings for top administration posts, including several positions that will affect the remote-production industry, at least in some way. 

Today's inauguration of President Donald Trump marks a new day in American politics and the issues facing the TV production community with respect to a number of issues.

Today’s inauguration of President Donald Trump marks a new day in American politics and the issues facing the TV- production community with respect to a number of issues.

On Wednesday, Senate committees held hearings for top spots at the Department of Commerce, Department of the Interior, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). All three nominees — Wilbur Ross for Secretary of Commerce, Rep. Ryan Zinke for Secretary of Interior, and Scott Pruitt for EPA Administrator — will likely be confirmed by the full Senate, even though all three received pushback from Democrats during the hearings.

Thursday also marked the 99-day countdown until Department of Transportation appropriations run out. The Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization expires in 254 days, and the highway and transit policy is up for renewal in 1,351 days. This means that, as early as March, Congress will begin working on how lithium-ion batteries will be handled on flights, a move that has substantial impact on the industry’s ability to move its equipment by air.

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