The BGA Capitol Brief
July 27, 2026
Three Federal Policy Developments Impacting Business, Industry & Government
In today's policy environment, federal decisions rarely affect just one industry. Legislation and regulatory actions in Washington often shape investment decisions, project timelines, workforce development, and economic growth across multiple sectors.
At Boulevard Government Affairs, we monitor the intersection of policy and business so our clients can anticipate change: not simply react to it. Here are three federal developments we're watching this week and what they could mean for businesses, local governments, and industry leaders.
Congress Advances Electric Grid Modernization
Congress continues advancing legislation aimed at expanding transmission capacity, improving electric reliability, and preparing the nation's grid for growing demand from manufacturing, AI data centers, and population growth.
Legislation to Watch
H.R. 6633 – High-Capacity Grid Act
H.R. 9335 – Advanced Transmission Technology to Reduce Rates Act
H.R. 9339 – Affordable Innovation for the Grid Act
H.R. 9332 – Load Forecasting Enhancement Act
POWER Act (Discussion Draft)
Industries Impacted
Energy
Manufacturing
Technology
Economic Development
Construction
Why You Should Care
Reliable electric capacity is quickly becoming one of the nation's largest economic development challenges. Companies evaluating expansion opportunities increasingly consider whether communities can support future power demands. Federal investments and permitting reforms could significantly influence where new projects are located.
BGA Action Item
Assess your organization's future energy needs. Businesses planning facility expansions, manufacturing growth, or data-intensive operations should begin conversations with local utilities, economic development partners, and policymakers about grid capacity, transmission projects, and available federal funding opportunities. Early engagement can help position your organization for future infrastructure investments and incentive programs.
Congress Continues Focus on AI Workforce Development
Congress continues evaluating legislation designed to prepare America's workforce for artificial intelligence through education, workforce development, research partnerships, and employer collaboration.
Legislation to Watch
H.R. 9334 – Workforce for AI Trust Act
H.R. 9352 – AI-Related Job Impacts Clarity Act
Industries Impacted
Education
Technology
Government
Nonprofits
Workforce Development
Why You Should Care
Artificial intelligence is reshaping workforce expectations across nearly every industry. Organizations that begin preparing employees today will be better positioned to remain competitive as federal investments and workforce initiatives continue expanding.
BGA Action Item
Develop an AI workforce strategy now. Employers, educational institutions, CareerTech systems, and workforce organizations should evaluate existing training programs, identify future workforce needs, and begin exploring partnerships that position them to compete for future federal grants and workforce development initiatives.
Congress Begins Work on the Next Surface Transportation Authorization
Congress is beginning work on the next long-term surface transportation bill, which will establish federal priorities for highways, bridges, freight corridors, public transit, and emerging transportation technologies.
Legislation to Watch
H.R. 8870 – BUILD America 250 Act
H.R. 7390 – SELF DRIVE Act of 2026
Industries Impacted
Transportation
Construction
Logistics
Manufacturing
Economic Development
Government
Why You Should Care
Transportation policy determines how billions of federal dollars are invested nationwide. States and local governments that have well-developed infrastructure priorities will be better positioned to compete for discretionary funding and accelerate critical projects.
BGA Action Item
Review your infrastructure priorities. Public agencies, businesses, ports, airports, municipalities, and economic development organizations should identify transportation projects that align with anticipated federal funding priorities and engage policymakers early to ensure local needs are reflected during the reauthorization process.
BGA Bottom Line
Bottom Line in Energy: Grid modernization legislation creates new opportunities for infrastructure investment and industrial growth—but organizations should begin planning before funding becomes available.
Bottom Line in Education: AI workforce development is no longer a future issue. Organizations that invest in talent today will be best positioned for tomorrow's economy.
Bottom Line in Transportation: The next federal transportation bill will shape infrastructure investment for years to come. Communities that prepare early will be more competitive for funding.
