by Danielle Finley, Associate Director of Political Engagement
Welcome to FIVE FOR FRIDAY: A weekly roundup of Public Policy Issues and Headlines. In this Issue: In this Issue: 1. Virginia voter guide: Early voting begins Friday for November election for governor, delegates, more 2. Trump’s Team Explores Government-Backed Manufacturing Boost 3. Real Estate Caucus Co-Chairs Introduce Saving the American Dream Act 4. NAR Reiterates Call for Long-Term NFIP Reauthorization 5. Current Independent Contractor Rule Rescission.
By THOMAS ROBERTSON, WTOP news
Early voting begins Friday in a critical election in Virginia to determine the next governor, House of Delegates seats and a long list of local races.
By BRIAN SCHWARTZ, The Wall Street Journal
President Trump’s team is weighing a plan to spur the construction of factories and other infrastructure in a bid to jump-start the American manufacturing sector, according to documents and people familiar with the discussions. Under the plan, the administration would use money from a $550 billion investment fund established as part of trade negotiations with Japan to invest in the development of semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, critical minerals, energy, ships and quantum computing.
By ELAYNE WEISS, Washington Report
On September 16, 2025, co-chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Real Estate Caucus—Reps. Mark Alford (R-Mo.), Lou Correa (D-Calif.), Tracey Mann (R-Kan.), and Brittany Pettersen (D-Colo.)—introduced the Saving the American Dream Act (H.R. 5387pdf), legislation designed to enhance federal coordination on housing data and policy to better address our nation’s growing housing affordability crisis.
By AUSTIN PEREZ, Washington Report
NAR is urging Congress to support long-term reauthorization and reform of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Last month, senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) requested public input on 46 questions covering NFIP reauthorization, mapping, mitigation, and other reforms. NAR submitted comments to the senators and the Senate Banking Committee, outlining several key recommendations.
By NIA DUGGINS, Washington Report
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has recently announced through the Unified Regulatory Agenda that it will rescind the 2024 independent contractor final rule issued by the department. The current independent contractor rule is used to assess how a worker should be classified under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The 2024 rule adopted a multi-factor totality of the circumstances test for assessing how workers should be classified under the FLSA. In May 2025, the DOL updated its independent contractor guidance, and advised that Wage and Hour staff should use previous agency guidance in reviewing enforcement actions.