Forging Industry Association Magazine

trying to preempt them. In addition, the recent ruling by a federal judge in the Northern District of Texas striking down the Affordable Care Act all but ensures both chambers of Congress will look at ways to prioritize, perfect and protect all or parts of the bill. Even Republicans in the Senate have acknowledged that the ACA cannot go away permanently – in the 2018 election, access to healthcare ended up being the number one issue on voters’ minds when they made their decision on who to vote for. Global Trade And it remains to be seen at this point where global trade policy is headed. The United States Mexico Canada Agreement (“NAFTA 2.0”) will likely face a ratification vote in the spring; the 90-day trade “truce” with China ends in March, and thus far there have been no changes to tariff policy on billions of dollars’ worth of products coming into the U.S. from foreign markets, including steel, lumber and aluminum. Though the previous congressional leadership was reticent to act on trade, it is not completely out of the question to see this new congress challenge the president legislatively should enough data show that the trade policies of the Trump Administration are having an adverse effect on our economic output. But make no mistake, should this occur, it will be a battle, for the president is dug in and truly believes that he is winning the trade war and sees no reason to currently change course. All to say, for those who have felt like they were on a roller coaster over the last two years watching Washington operate, prepare for even longer drops, deeper turns and whiplash action. Amidst the craziness, policies with consequence will be enacted and we will do our level best to ensure we are there at the vanguard of influence letting our elected representatives know what is best for our employees, our companies and our customers.

5 FIA MAGAZINE | MAY 2019