The Nationwide Thoroughbred Racing Affiliation issued the next “What’s Racing By way of Washington” replace Nov. 21:
Election Replace
Donald Trump has secured victory within the presidential election and is ready to start his second time period in 2025. Republicans have additionally gained the bulk within the Senate by flipping 4 seats beforehand held by Democrats in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Montana, and Ohio, leading to a 53-47 break up. Within the Home of Representatives, Republicans retained management, however by a really slim margin. With President-Elect Trump’s inauguration, he’ll lead a authorities aligned along with his celebration’s legislative priorities. A key focus for this new Congress will probably be advancing a complete tax bundle utilizing the reconciliation course of, which allows passage with a easy majority in each chambers. With Republicans in charge of the presidency and each chambers of Congress, we will anticipate progress on provisions from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 which have expired or are set to lapse. A major space of curiosity for our business is the way forward for Bonus Depreciation, which is anticipated to be a main focus of legislative efforts and is predicted to be included in any bundle shifting ahead. As well as, a notable management change, Senator Mitch McConnell will not function the chief of the Senate Republicans subsequent Congress, marking the tip of an period for the primary time since 2007. McConnell has been a powerful ally to our business, however the NTRA is properly positioned to work successfully along with his successor, Senator John Thune of South Dakota, as we navigate the legislative panorama forward.
DHS to Complement H-2B Cap with Almost 65,000 Extra Visas for Fiscal Yr 2025
On Friday, November 15, 2024, the Division of Homeland Safety (DHS), in coordination with the Division of Labor (DOL), introduced an allocation of 64,716 supplemental H-2B visas for Fiscal Yr 2025. This enhance, along with the 66,000 congressionally mandated visas, helps deal with the demand for seasonal nonagricultural employees in industries resembling thoroughbred racing, hospitality, landscaping, and seafood processing. For industries like Thoroughbred racing, which rely closely on seasonal employees for horse care and coaching, the enlargement of the H-2B visa cap is especially impactful. By making certain entry to certified labor, the Thoroughbred business can preserve operations throughout peak seasons, safeguarding the well being and welfare of racehorses, and making certain continued financial contributions to native communities.
New Authorities Funding Battle Looms
Authorities funding at present is ready to run out on December 20, 2024. Speaker of the Home Mike Johnson (R-LA) is pushing for a short-term authorities funding measure that will expire in March 2025, however not everybody in Congress is on the identical web page. Senate Republicans, together with incoming Majority Chief John Thune (R-SD), expressed considerations a few stopgap measure, often known as a unbroken decision (CR), however acknowledge they may should adapt if that is what the Home strikes ahead with.
Some lawmakers argue it is higher to finalize FY2025 funding now to offer the Trump administration a clear slate for its first 100 days and never have to fret a few potential authorities shutdown. Nevertheless, Johnson prefers a delay to keep away from negotiating a significant spending bundle with President Biden and Democrats forward of a essential speakership vote. All eyes will probably be on President-elect Trump who will definitely weigh in along with his choice as conversations warmth up.
54th Annual Eclipse Awards Tickets on Sale Now
Tickets to the Resolute Racing 54th Annual Eclipse Awards introduced by John Deere, Keeneland and The Jockey Membership are formally on sale. The occasion will probably be held on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at The Breakers Palm Seashore. Since 1971, the Eclipse Awards have bestowed horses and people the distinction of champion of their respective classes.
Ticket gross sales for the black-tie Eclipse Awards are on sale now
After an thrilling 12 months of racing, the Eclipse Awards will return for the third consecutive 12 months to The Breakers Palm Seashore, with co-hosts Britney Eurton and Lindsay Czarniak presiding over the present and Caton Bredar once more serving because the Ceremony Announcer. New to this 12 months’s occasion, will probably be an Eclipse Awards Charity Golf Event benefitting the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA), which will probably be held on Thursday morning previous to the awards ceremony on The Ocean Course at The Breakers.
Details about the Eclipse Awards, together with host accommodations, will be discovered at https://www.ntra.com/eclipse-awards/. Ought to you’ve gotten any questions please attain out to Michele Ravencraft at mravencraft@ntra.com.
This press launch has not been edited by BloodHorse. If there are any questions please contact the group that produced the discharge.
