While Congress is out for August recess, it is a good time to share some encouraging updates on federal policy developments that could benefit our region’s business community.

Advancing Bipartisan Permitting Reform

The Charleston Metro Chamber recently joined a U.S. Chamber-led coalition in support of bipartisan permitting reform. Majority Leader Steve Scalise announced GOP leadership plans to work with Democrats on a bipartisan bill this fall. This effort seeks to modernize outdated review processes that often delay critical infrastructure projects.

Inefficient permitting drives up costs and slows the delivery of essential projects, from safer roads and improved public transit to affordable energy and high-speed internet access.

The coalition’s recommendations focused on four core principles:

• Predictability – Establish clear timelines and scope for project reviews.
  
• Efficiency – Improve interagency coordination to make the best use of resources.
  
• Transparency – Provide public visibility into project milestones and schedules.
  
• Stakeholder Input – Ensure consistent opportunities for input from all relevant parties.

During our recent DC Fly-In, we heard that federal leaders see permitting reform as essential to supporting growth and economic competitiveness. The Administration also emphasized that if policies are unintentionally creating challenges for business, they want to hear from employers so those barriers can be addressed.

Business-Friendly Tax Changes in the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”

A recently introduced tax package includes major provisions designed to support business growth and working families, particularly through expanded access to child care.

Highlights include:

• Tripled Employer-Provided Child Care Credit which strengthens incentives for companies to offer or help employees secure child care.
  
• Permanent Expansion of the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC) which increases the typical benefit for a two-income household with two children from $1,200 to $2,100 annually.
  
• Higher Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP) Limits which raise the pre-tax contribution cap from $5,000 to $7,500 annually.
  
• Child Tax Credit Increase of $200 per child, bringing the total to $1,800.
  
• Small Business Child Care Pooling which allows smaller employers to join together to offer child care benefits and access increased tax credits collectively.

The U.S. Chamber has resources to help businesses navigate the new tax law and is also preparing guidance on how to maximize the childcare provisions. We will share that information with members as soon as it is available.

Bipartisan Housing Legislation Moves Forward

The Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, led by Chairman Tim Scott (R-SC) and Ranking Member Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), recently advanced the ROAD to Housing Act of 2025, marking the first bipartisan housing markup in over a decade.

Key provisions:

• Expand and preserve affordable housing supply.
• Reduce homelessness.
• Improve access to homeownership, especially for veterans.
• Strengthen oversight and program coordination.

The bill passed unanimously out of committee and has been described by the Bipartisan Policy Center as the most impactful housing legislation since the Great Recession. The House is expected to consider it this fall.

We thank Senator Scott for his leadership in addressing our region’s housing supply and demand challenges, which are critical to sustaining economic growth in the Charleston metro area.

If you have feedback on how federal policies are impacting your business, please reach out to me at bvincett@charlestonchamber.org.

Your experiences help us advocate for practical solutions that support our economy and community.