Congress Passes Continuing Resolution Ahead of Start of New Fiscal Year
Last week, Congress passed a continuing resolution keeping the government open for the start of the new fiscal year (FY) that began on October 1. The continuing resolution, that funds the government at enacted FY2022 levels, will run through December 16, giving appropriators more time to reach a final agreement over FY2023 spending levels. However, lawmakers will be away from Washington D.C. for the month of October to campaign in their respective districts and states ahead of the November midterm elections. This means that Congress will have approximately one month to agree to and pass FY2023 spending bills when they return before the continuing resolution expires. Congress was able to pass the continuing resolution following an agreement to drop Senator Joe Manchin’s (D-WV) controversial permit term language from the package. However, it is expected that Manchin’s permit language will be revisited during the Lame Duck.

 

CASA Sends Letter to Senate Committee Urging Action on WIPPES Act
The effort to advance federal “Do Not Flush” labeling standards for non-flushable wipes packaging continues in Congress, with CASA continuing to work with the coalition of clean water and wipes industry sectors and environmental advocates to push for congressional consideration of the WIPPES Act. Last week, CASA sent a coalition letter to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation leadership urging the committee to report out the bill (S. 3956) to allow for final passage this year. The letter can be accessed here.

The WIPPES Act would establish “Do Not Flush” labeling standards for non-flushable wipes packaging that mirror California’s labeling laws. Additionally, S. 3956 would establish an education and outreach grants program at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to support states, local governments, and non-profits’ activities to educate ratepayers on the new label, why these wipes products should not be flushed, and how to properly dispose of the wipes.