Short Takes – 6-1-23

Five things to watch in the Senate on the debt ceiling bill. TheHill.com article. Pull quote: “While leaders are likely to agree to the other amendment votes in exchange for their sponsors not delaying the measure any further, they are not expected to hold votes on Graham’s for a simple reason: They could pass, which would return the bill to the House for another vote the nation doesn’t have time for.”

ATF: Marijuana users in Minnesota can’t own firearms despite new law. TheHill.com article. Pull quote: “The agency said that those looking to purchase firearms must attest whether they are a user of marijuana on their applications. The agency also noted that there is no exception for those who marijuana for medical purposes.”

Bipartisan lawmakers introduce bill to expand cyber partnership with nations in Abraham Accords. TheHill.com article. Pull quote: ““The expansion of the Abraham Accords into cybersecurity is advancing our defensive operational collaboration with Israel and our partners across the Middle East to protect our critical infrastructure,” said Robert Silvers, DHS undersecretary for policy, in a statement.” S 1777, see my post from earlier today.

Safety Zone; Hurricanes, Tropical Storms and Other Disasters in Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana. Federal Register CG NPRM. Summary: “The Coast Guard is proposing to establish a permanent safety zone to be enforced in the event of hurricanes, tropical storms, and other disasters in southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana. This action is necessary to ensure the safety of the waters of the Port Arthur Captain of the Port (COTP) zone Port Arthur, TX. This proposed rulemaking would establish actions to be completed by industry and vessels in the COTP zone prior to landfall of hurricanes, tropical storms, and other disasters threatening Port Arthur, TX. We invite your comments on this proposed rulemaking.”

Investigative Hearing. Federal Register NTSB hearing notice. E. Palestine derailment investigative hearing. Summary: “The investigative hearing will discuss the following issue areas:

• Hazard Communications and Emergency Responder Preparedness for the Initial Emergency Response

• Circumstances that Led to the Decision to Vent and Burn Five Vinyl Chloride Tank Cars

• Freight Car Bearing Failure Modes and Wayside Detection Systems

• Tank Car Derailment Damage, Crashworthiness, and Hazardous Materials Package Information

Hearing date: June 22/23, 2023.