Staff Reports
During the time when Donald Trump was president, he tried to make "Infrastructure Week" happen, but it never worked out. Now, House Republicans are experiencing a similar struggle with their "Appliance Week." The House planned to vote on appliance-themed bills, including the Stop Unaffordable Dishwasher Standards Act, Refrigerator Freedom Act, Liberty in Laundry Act, and the Hands Off Our Home Appliances Act. These bills were meant to counteract the Biden administration's push for more stringent energy regulations on household appliances.
However, the House's focus shifted to foreign policy, delaying Appliance Week. The House ended up passing legislation that gives money to Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan and tries to force the Chinese firm that owns TikTok to divest. This shift in priorities has caused uncertainty about the fate of the appliance bills. The bills don't carry a large price tag, making it easier for the House to revisit Appliance Week in the future.
From @WSJopinion: America needs to be stronger and do better. That is the message Congress is sending the White House with the passage of four foreign-policy bills. One can only hope Team Biden is listening, writes @wrmead. https://t.co/TJezgbehSh https://t.co/TJezgbehSh
— The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) April 24, 2024
Even though these appliance bills may face challenges in the Democratic-controlled Senate, they align with the message that Republicans want to convey to their voters in an election year. The bills aim to counter the Biden administration's push for more stringent energy standards on household appliances, which could lead to higher prices for consumers. The Republican stance on this issue aligns with the preferences of their voters, as evidenced by a poll showing opposition to regulations that would essentially prohibit all fossil fuel-burning equipment in new homes.
Despite the slim chances of the Appliance Week proposals becoming law, House Republicans are likely to continue pushing this message through Election Day. They believe it resonates with their base and highlights their opposition to the Biden administration's energy regulations.
