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PalletCentral • January-February 2023 11 Hallie Fuchs is manager, public affairs. She also helps manage the NWPCA Political Action Committee for the Association. She may be reached at hfuchs@palletcentral. com or by calling 703.519.6104. friendly legislation are Chairman Glenn "GT' ompson (R-PA) and Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR). Mr. ompson is not a stranger to most of you, as he has supported the industry and NWPCA for years. Mr. Westerman is a trained forester and engineer who has designed pallet facilities. Chairman Westerman has stated his priorities are focused on "good stewardship of our natural resources." Chairman Westerman understands the vital role of the forest product sector in the economy and in protecting and improving the environment. A strong advocate for the forests, he has spearheaded the introduction and passage of multiple forest-focused legislation, including the Save Our Sequoias Act and the Trillion Trees Act. Over the last year, our team has engaged his staff as they prepared for the moment he took the gavel. As a result, they are ready for the moment and have many bills prepared to roll out early this year. For their part, Republicans in the House and Senate will seek to amplify their findings from oversight investigations and pass messaging bills that reflect what they see as reflecting the values and priorities of the American people. Check back here two years from now to find out who was right. The Administration While C-SPAN was enjoying the most viewers in recent history, the Biden Administration provided a fascinating split-screen. President Biden went on a mini tour to Kentucky, touting his bipartisan infrastructure bill. e bill will invest $550 billion in roads, bridges, water infrastructure, internet, and more. Biden's visit to the Brent Spence Bridge with bipartisan Members from federal, state, and local government, including Senators Mitch McConnell (R-KY ) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH), highlighted what might be the largest single infrastructure federal grant in history, totaling $1.6 billion. For Democrats, the two years will be a slog. ey will be on defense, and the Administration will try to focus on successfully implanting the bills they passed in the last two years, hoping to provide a contrast to what Democrats view as a circus in the House. Jason Ortega is vice president, public affairs, at NWPCA. He also manages the NWPCA Political Action Committee for the Association. He may be reached at jortega@palletcentral.com or by calling 703.519.6104.

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