Federal Issues
The Congressional and Political Affairs team monitors and advocates on legislative matters that affect the accounting profession. The AICPA develops Congressional testimony, has contact with federally-elected officials and their staffs, and works with regulatory agencies to help promote sound policymaking. A complete list of regulatory and legislative issues can be accessed below.
Spotlight
AICPA and four other organizations wrote a letter in support for the Accounting STEM Pursuit Act of 2021. The bill would establish the accounting profession as a STEM career pathway and support long-standing efforts to create more diversity in the future accounting workforce.
In a letter to the Treasury Department's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), AICPA commented on proposed rulemaking related to Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting Requirements.
AICPA has sent a letter thanking the seven representatives and senators who introduced the bipartisan PPP Extension Act of 2021, extending the application deadline by 60 days, from March 31 to May 31.
AICPA's testimony at the US House Small Business Committee hearing, "The Next Steps for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)," on March 10, 2021. AICPA restated the need for a minimum 60-day delay.
AICPA submits letter to Congress urging 60 day extension of PPP application deadline The AICPA submitted a letter to House & Senate leaders urging an extension of at least 60 days of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) application deadline, which currently ends on March 31, 2021.
AICPA sends letter to Treasury and SBA regarding PPP application challenges AICPA has sent a letter to Treasury and SBA bringing attention to the challenges small businesses are facing when using the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan application system.
54 State CPA Societies Join AICPA in Requesting PPP Expense Deductibility All 54 state CPA societies have joined the AICPA in requesting that congressional leadership add a PPP expense deductibility provision to any must-pass, year-end legislative package.
PPP Deductibility Coalition Sends Letter to Congressional Leadership The PPP Deductibility Coalition -- 683 business associations, including the AICPA -- has sent a letter to congressional leadership requesting action on the tax treatment of PPP loan forgiveness.
Coalition Letter to Congressional Leadership regarding PPP "Loan Necessity Questionnaires"
Coalition Letter to SBA and Treasury regarding PPP "Loan Necessity Questionnaires"
AICPA Outlines Recommendations for Phase IV of the Coronavirus Relief Legislation
AICPA recommends receivable facility to help businesses impacted by COVID-19
AICPA-led coalition sends letter to Treasury and Federal Reserve recommending a short term facility
AICPA Requesting Flexibility in Timing of PPP's 8-Week Clock
How You Can Get Involved
Make Your Voice Heard – Go to the AICPA Legislative Action Center
As a CPA, the Congressional and Political Affairs Team encourages all members of the AICPA to be involved in the political process and make your voice heard.
Become an AICPA Federal Key Person Program
As part of the Institute’s advocacy efforts, the AICPA Federal Key Person Program seeks interested AICPA members to develop relationships with their Senators and Congressperson. Key Persons are periodically asked to call or write Congressional Members regarding specific legislative issues.
Support the AICPA Political Action Committee (AICPA PAC)
The AICPA PAC is a vehicle by which AICPA members can help to have the voice of the profession heard on Capitol Hill. Member contributions to the PAC are welcome at any time and can be made online.
Resources
Library of Congress
A reference for legislative information, Congressional activity, Congressional committees, Members of Congress, Federal Agencies and other information on the legislative process.
U.S. Senate
Includes links to Senate action, committees, hearings, markups of bills, all official Senators’ websites, etc.
U.S. House of Representatives
Includes links to House action, committees, hearings, markups of bills, all official House Members’ websites, etc.
More resources
Contact Us
How to Reach the Congressional and Political Affairs Team
- email: CongAffairs@aicpa.org
- call: 202-737-6600
- write: 1455 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20004
