Patrick Rita

A Washington lobbyist said changes in Congress and the White House look largely positive for the interests of the woodworking industry. Speaking to members of the Wood Industry Association, Patrick Rita of Orion Advocates reported on changes in the make-up of Congressional committee leadership, cabinet appointments announced so far, and the fate of legislation still in Congress or expected to be acted on in 2025. He reminded WIA members that this is a “lame duck” Congress… and doesn’t think there will be definitive action on a farm bill before Congress ends its session. …He reviewed what the election would do to change the leadership of key committees in Congress. In virtually all the cases he cited, including committees concerned with agriculture, the environment, energy, natural resources, finance, commerce, and appropriations, he predicted the new committee leadership would be largely friendly to the concerns of the woodworking industry.