February 2025 Volume 7

WASHINGTON UPDATE

the sweeping reconciliation envisioned by the current GOP and Trump administration tackling immigration, energy, and defense. And we have already seen how temporary provisions create uncer tainty that results in less investment in technology and equipment. As of the cost of the reconciliation bill swells to what some believe could be up to $10 trillion over ten years, tax incentives that grow the economy may take a second seat to immigration and other priorities of the President. Extending the Trump tax cuts of 2017 is not in question, which cuts are extended and for how long is the real question. FIA members cannot sit and wait for politicians to act, as most began planning their 2025 investments in 2024. However, the cost of those investments could significantly increase if Congress does not restore many of the thirty-four expired and expiring provisions by the end of the year. Those manufacturers hoping for some certainty on the timelines suggested by GOP leaders in Washington should exercise patience. Having worked on tax policy for over twenty years, it is one of the most complicated issues to educate a politician. As a lobbyist, we often counsel clients to speak to members of Congress as they would a middle schooler on a plant tour. As the father of a middle schooler and a lobbyist, I can attest to this strategy – keep it simple and relatable. Only four members of the U.S. House tax writing committee

served on that panel in 2017 when Congress passed the TCJA. The hill to educate elected officials on taxes is steep to say the least. As FIA members look to research and develop new technolo gies, invest in new equipment, and plan for this new administra tion and Congress, they should recognize that even a Washington controlled by a single party will take time to deliver results. After all, tax cuts are like sausages, best enjoyed when not seen being made.

Omar S. Nashashibi is the Founder of Inside Beltway, a nonpartisan lobbying and strategic consulting firm in Washington, D.C. Having worked in the nation’s capital for over twentyfive years, Mr. Nashashibi provides strategic consulting services to companies while also lobbying the White House and Congress on behalf of manufacturing, associations, defense firms, nonprofits, and other sectors. He works with policymakers on trade, taxes, environmental and workplace regulations, supply chains, job training and identifying grants and funding to

support projects. Having started his career in Washington D.C. in 1996, Mr. Nashashibi worked for the Office of Management and Budget, a branch of the White House, a large multistate law firm, and founded a previous lobbying firm in 2005. He graduated from the George Washington University in Washington, D.C., where he studied Political Science and International Affairs.Washington, D.C. representing the Forging Industry Association. He can be reached at omar@insidebeltway.com. NEED A FORGING PRODUCER?

Visit www.forging.org for information on FIA’s FREE Request for Quotation (RFQ) program.

www.forging.org info@forging.org (216) 781-6260

FIA MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2025 5