News

Coronavirus Government Response Update—U.S. to Keep China Trade Deal

Welcome to the Coronavirus Government Response Update. This information is intended to keep ISSA members up to date on fast-moving government affairs related to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as other public policy issues important to the cleaning industry. Today’s update touches on the upcoming trade deal with China, ISSA calling on Congress to support the Clean Start: Back to Work Tax Credit, appropriations markups starting in late June, and more

U.S. to Keep China Trade Deal
The U.S. will maintain its phase-one trade deal with China, but will remove the special treatment it gives Hong Kong, President Donald Trump recently said in a speech. Trump’s silence on the trade deal and on possible tariffs indicates that tensions between the two countries have not manifested themselves in trade relations. U.S. stock markets gave up their losses following Trump’s speech.

ISSA Calls on Congress to Support Clean Start: Back to Work Tax Credit Today, ISSA, along with associations that together represent millions of employees and many millions more customers, urged Congress to support the Clean Start: Back to Work Tax Credit. Recently introduced by Representatives Darin LaHood (IL-R) and Stephanie Murphy (FL-D) in the U.S. House of Representatives, the bipartisan Clean Start: Back to Work Tax Credit Act would provide a tax credit to businesses to help ensure they are properly cleaned and disinfected as stay-at-home restrictions are lifted and help prevent further infections. The credit would be temporary, capped, and used to help offset the costs of cleaning services, cleaning products and sanitary-related equipment, as well as obtaining certification in cleaning.

Appropriations Markups to Start in Late June
The House of Representatives plans to pass its fiscal 2021 appropriations bills before leaving town for the August recess, according to Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer—even if it means that recess is delayed. In order to meet that timeline, the Maryland Democrat wrote in a “Dear Colleague” letter he expects the House Appropriations Committee will start marking up the 12 bills in subcommittee and full committee “at the end of June and beginning of July.” Hoyer wrote that floor debate is expected to begin early and last late into the night so lawmakers can ensure they keep their distance while debating spending bills and other items such as additional COVID-19 response bills. 

Other links of interest:

• Take Action Now–Urge Your Elected Officials to Support Clean Start Tax Credit
• ISSA Webinar Recording – Legislative Update: COVID-19 and the Cleaning Industry (May 26, 2020; available to ISSA members only)
• ISSA Coronavirus Government Response FAQ
• SBA Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance and Loan Resources
• The Fed: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)