The midsummer focus in Washington is on whether lawmakers can find a path forward on the president's economic agenda. A precarious bipartisan deal was forged in late June on an infrastructure package that includes funding for roads, bridges, public transit, rail, water projects, broadband expansion, and more.

As the calendar turns to spring, Washington seems to be finally catching its breath after a frantic first quarter of 2021, which began with riots at the US Capitol and continued through the inauguration of a new president, the impeachment of the previous president, and the remarkably quick passage of a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill—the second-largest stimulus package ever signed into law.

While the new year may only be days old, it feels like we've already seen enough drama for a full year—or five.

As the country enters the final countdown to the election, interest in the outcome seems to have hit an all-time high. The intense election atmosphere, combined with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, a controversial Supreme Court confirmation process, high unemployment, and a worrisome economic outlook, is feeding investor anxiety and elevating the prospect for market volatility.

With an election in less than five months, lawmakers are scrambling to get work done before a possible change in the political balance in 2021. There are several key developments for investment advisors and investors to follow.

Congress moved at breakneck speed to provide relief for businesses and individuals. Here are the top regulatory actions investment advisors should monitor.