Washington News from Bond Buyer

The Trump administration officially rolled out an Executive Order laying out federal policy on Artificial Intelligence which cements fears from states worried about the loss of broadband funding tied to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Puerto Rico Gov. Jenniffer González Colón filed suit to end the island's contract with LUMA Energy for electrical transmission and distribution.

The final judgment in the case was filed Dec. 10 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.

As more states weigh legislative action to decouple from the provisions of One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent launches an outreach mission to counter what he calls, a "blatant act of political obstructionism," that will lead to higher state taxes.

Both parties agree the federal permitting process drives up infrastructure costs.

The changing climate is increasing insurance rates for residents and cities and lowering property values in areas that face more frequent and intense disasters.

Hosting a single World Cup match can cost cities roughly $100 to $200 million, said House lawmakers that introduced the bill.

State legislators are prepping for a coming storm of budget turmoil caused by shifting Medicaid policy as the era of historic tax cuts appears to be ending.

California faces an estimated $18 billion deficit as a new poll finds state residents expressing more concern about the rising cost of living.

A 2025 state law prohibits cities from increasing their property tax revenue if they fail to produce a timely annual financial audit.

Market Intelligence analyst Jeff Lipton finds that low debt burdens, stronger rainy-day funds, improved pension metrics and robust legal safeguards help states remain a core source of stability and diversification for muni portfolios despite slowing growth and fiscal headwinds.

The state comptroller's office purchased about $5 million of shares in a bitcoin exchange traded fund last month for a newly created strategic reserve.

Legislation to increase the affordable housing supply which often includes bond sales is getting attention in Congress as the bipartisan ROAD to Housing Act hits a speed bump.

"Ultimately, this report is essential because member firm compliance protects investors and safeguards the integrity of our markets," FINRA's Greg Ruppert said.

Four of Dallas Area Rapid Transit's 13 member cities took action to ask voters in May whether they want to withdraw from the agency.

States face broadening credit challenges, and while local governments have shown resilience, school districts are more at risk, S&P Global Ratings said.

Much has changed since October and most economists are sure the FOMC will lower rates by 25 basis points this week, with dissenting votes expected.

The Trump administration is requesting information on revitalizing Dulles International Airport, including the possibility of tapping a public-private partnership.

Cintra submitted a proposal calling for four new tolled managed lanes on I-76 that would be structured as a $5 billion, 50-year design-build-finance-operate-maintain P3.

SRI International had its outstanding bonds downgraded to Baa1 because of its exposure to declining federal grants.