NASBP Focal Point – January 8, 2026

Federal Report

Federal: Congress returns this week after the holiday recess. Front and center will be for Congress to pass the remaining nine spending bills for fiscal year 2026 before a new shutdown deadline on January 30. The House Rules Committee met on Tuesday to tee up a “minibus” of three appropriations bills that would keep the government partially funded past January 30, ahead of an expected House floor vote later this week. However, Senate Democrats have not voiced support for the minibus. The House is also expected to vote on a three-year extension for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies. While there may be enough votes in the House to pass the ACA extensions, the Senate is unlikely to concur. With the recent passing of Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA-1st) and the resignation of Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA-14th), Republicans have a 218-213 (4 vacancies) majority meaning they can only lose two votes in order to pass partisan legislation if all Democrats are present to vote. Meanwhile, various House committees are conducting oversight hearings addressing Artificial Intelligence (AI), which continues to be a major issue in Congress.

Registration for the 2026 Fly-in is now open. The Fly-in will kick off on Tuesday, February 24, with an afternoon “Washington Program” and a welcome reception at the host hotel, the Hilton Washington DC Capitol Hill. Wednesday, Feb. 25, will be dedicated to Capitol Hill appointments, which will be secured on attendees behalf. While the room block has sold out, there are several alternate hotels located within a block of the Hilton. Please see “Additional Program Info & Reserve Your Hotel Room” which includes links to alternate hotels. During their meetings, Fly-in attendees will address the importance of securing bonds for the construction of broadband contracts and requiring bonds for projects funded by the Water infrastructure Finance Innovation Act (WIFIA), as described in H. R. 1285/S.570. Those two policy items are included in the recently released 2026 Government Relations Agenda. As a reminder, registration is open and free to NASBP producer, affiliate and associate members.

State Report

As we go to press, pre-file legislation has begun in 17 states for the 2026 legislative session. NASBP will begin to report on those legislative matters impacting the surety industry in the upcoming weeks. As a reminder, please contact NASBP if you are aware of legislation and/or proposed regulations in your state that may impact the industry.

If you are aware of any bills impacting the industry, please reach out to Larry LeClair, NASBP’s Director of Government Relations, and let us know.