rollcall--2020-02-06--House Judiciary Democrats eye campaign finance measures

Rep. Ted Deutch , D-Fla. , continues to champion his Democracy for All Amendment to the Constitution that would essentially undo the 2010 Citizens United v FEC decision .
“ The deeply rooted problem of money in politics requires a constitutional amendment , ” Deutch said Thursday .
( Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call file photo ) Federal Election Commissioner Ellen Weintraub , in testimony to a House Judiciary subcommittee , tried to draw attention to her agency ’ s current predicament : It ’ s lacked enough commissioners for a quorum for more than five months .
“ While I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s purview , the FEC could really use some new commissioners to restore our quorum and let us do our job , ” she said during a hearing of the Subcommittee on the Constitution , Civil Rights , and Civil Liberties .
“ So tell your friends.
” The agency still is processing and making public candidate and committee disclosures .
But to hold meetings or take enforcement actions , the FEC needs to have at least four commissioners ; it ’ s supposed to have six total .
Right now , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The White House nominates members of the commission , typically in consultation with the other party , and the Senate confirms them .
Even as the FEC remains partially dysfunctional , Democratic lawmakers made their case for a much more difficult measure : a constitutional amendment that would essentially undo the 2010 Citizens United v. FEC decision .
That landmark case paved the way for super PACs , which can raise and spend unlimited sums of money but are supposed to operate independently from candidates .
Rep. Ted Deutch , D-Fla. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All amendment .
“ Over the past 10 years , we have seen wealthy individuals and corporations evade disclosure and slip around anti-coordination rules , ” Deutch said .
“ The deeply rooted problem of money in politics requires a constitutional amendment.
” Democrats also called for new disclosures , including those contained in a sweeping bill that the House passed last year , of political spending by groups , including trade associations , that don ’ t have to release donor names .
Although Democrats argue that super PACs and other outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ citizens in elections , Republicans argued that liberals overstate the influence of the Citizens United decision .
Bradley Smith , a former FEC commissioner , said corporate spending in elections amounts to typically less than 5 percent , with most political money still coming from individual donors .
“ That ’ s hardly drowning anybody out , ” he said .
Smith acknowledged that many groups do not disclose who their donors are , but he said many are known to the public , such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some new groups that crop up keep their donors ’ identities shielded , at least temporarily .
Ciara Torres-Spelliscy , a law professor at Stetson University in Florida who focuses on election and constitutional law , said new disclosure requirements are needed .
“ You can see the puppet dance , but you can ’ t see the puppeteer , ” she said .

House members and political money experts debated comprehensive new campaign finance overhaul measures on Thursday, but they heard testimony from a Federal Election Commission member who suggested they might first want to address the existing campaign regulatory infrastructure.
Federal Election Commissioner Ellen Weintraub, in testimony to a House Judiciary subcommittee, tried to draw attention to her agency’s current predicament: It’s lacked enough commissioners for a quorum for more than five months.
“While I know this is not within the House’s purview, the FEC could really use some new commissioners to restore our quorum and let us do our job,” she said during a hearing of the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties. “So tell your friends.”


rollcall--2020-02-06--Texas Rep. Kay Granger grabs spotlight with tough primary ahead

Speaker Nancy Pelosi 's decision to rip up President Donald Trump ’ s State of the Union address on live television enraged House Republicans .
But it was Rep. Kay Granger , who once said Trump doesn ’ t deserve to be in the same room as war veterans , who led the effort to defend the president .
The Texas Republican introduced the resolution condemning Pelosi on Wednesday after talking with Minority Whip Steve Scalise about how “ appalled they were by the Speaker ’ s actions , ” according to a person familiar with their thinking who was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic-controlled House rejected the measure on Thursday .
But the move put Granger , a powerful lawmaker who prefers to operate behind the scenes , in the political spotlight .
“ I thought that it was disparaging — particularly to those heroes that the president talked about .
And to rip up the speech is also ripping up their careers , ” Granger told reporters Thursday .
Granger sharply criticized Trump during the 2016 campaign , but she has since supported the president .
Perhaps most importantly , she has earned Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 13th term , which she and her allies are highlighting as she faces a competitive primary in Texas ’ 12th District .
Granger ’ s leading role on Thursday ’ s resolution could help her among Republican primary voters who will be deciding her fate on March 3 , when she faces former Colleyville City Councilmember Chris Putnam , who is backed by the conservative Club for Growth .
“ To the extent that you are leading a charge against Nancy Pelosi , you are hitting a very important point that Republicans want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GOP operative who is not involved in the primary .
Granger ’ s resolution underscores how loyalty to the president is a critical factor in GOP primaries in the Trump era .
Putnam has criticized Granger for not sufficiently supporting the president ’ s priorities , including fully funding a wall along the southern border .
Trump , who carried the 12th District near Fort Worth by 30 points in 2016 , endorsed Granger back in December , tweeting that Granger “ has worked hard for Texas and been a strong supporter of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hasn ’ t stopped Putnam and his allies from pointing out that Granger called on Trump to step aside as the nominee in 2016 .
Granger was one of several Republicans who did so after an Access Hollywood tape surfaced on which Trump described sexual assaults on women .
Putnam ’ s campaign manager , Karin Dyer , cast Granger ’ s support for Trump as politically motivated .
“ Now that she is facing defeat at the ballot box , she is trying to save herself , but it is too little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an email .
Putnam ’ s initially strong fundraising , and his willingness to loan his campaign $ 250,000 , raised questions about whether Granger could be in trouble .
Dyer wrote that Putnam “ will spend whatever it takes to win.
” Granger , though , stepped up her efforts in the fourth fundraising quarter of 2019 , raising $ 419,000 to Putnam ’ s $ 80,000 .
And she had a cash-on-hand advantage , with $ 773,000 in the bank to Putnam 's $ 407,000 .
Last month , the Club @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pledged to spend against Granger , the first time since 2016 the Club has taken on a House Republican incumbent .
Politico reported that the Club planned to launch a “ seven-figure ” campaign against Granger .
Republican operatives noted it would likely take multiple millions of dollars to move a primary electorate in the expensive Dallas media market .
Club for Growth Action has spent $ 120,000 so far on the race , according to Federal Election Commission disclosures .
The club is also closely coordinating with Protect Freedom PAC , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The onslaught of ads attacking Granger prompted other GOP groups to defend her , mainly by highlighting Trump ’ s endorsement .
The Congressional Leadership Fund has launched radio and TV ads , so far spending $ 98,000 of what is expected to be a $ 300,000 effort .
And Winning for Women , a group that supports Republican women , launched a mail campaign this week .
The group is not announcing how much it is spending on the effort , but said the mailer would reach more than 25,000 households @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sign the primary race could be competitive .
GOP strategists watching the race still expect Granger to prevail , but said she is taking the race seriously .
“ She ’ s an institution in Fort Worth , ” said Texas GOP consultant Matt Mackowiak .
Before she became the first Texas Republican woman elected to Congress in 1996 , Granger was the mayor of Forth Worth and served on its city council .
And , Mackowiak noted , Trump ’ s endorsement is critical in the primary race .
“ That takes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a sails of a challenge from the right , ” Mackowiak said .
But the Club for Growth is still attacking Granger on her 2016 comments , launching a radio ad this week that mimicked an answering machine in Granger ’ s office .
“ If you ’ re a reporter and would like Granger to trash talk President Trump , like she did when Trump was running against Hillary Clinton , press four , ” the ad ’ s narrator says .
The Club ’ s main message though , is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Appropriations Committee — is not sufficiently conservative because of her record of approving government spending .
The group ’ s president , David McIntosh , suggested in a statement Thursday that with her resolution condemning Pelosi , Granger “ is trying to have it both ways.
” “ If Granger had torn up Pelosi ’ s budgets instead of blindly supporting them , Texas conservatives would not be outraged with her record on spending , ” McIntosh said .
Of course , the reality appropriators face is a bit more complicated .
Granger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after taking over as the top Republican on the committee last year .
The minority party in the House has little influence on the first draft of the annual spending bills and Granger ended up speaking out against much of the legislation , citing concerns over spending levels and Democrats ’ policy language .
Her role changed later in the year , when the House and Senate began negotiating final versions of the dozen annual spending bills .
As one of the “ four corners ” of the powerful appropriations committees , Granger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ final agreements on military spending and border wall construction funds were made .
Those decisions must get the support of both political parties and Trump — meaning that Granger and her Republican counterpart in the Senate cut deals with Democrats to make sure the government did not shut down .
Her opponents ’ attacks on Granger elicited skepticism from her fellow appropriators .
“ If your state has the ranking member of the Appropriations Committee , why are you trying to take her out ?
That , to me , is just stupid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Simpson , who is the top Republican on the Energy-Water Appropriations Subcommittee .
Oklahoma GOP Rep. Tom Cole noted criticism of Granger ’ s work on the committee is unfounded because the Trump administration signed off on those spending deals .
“ The toughest votes she cast have been on appropriations bills on things the president wanted , after he cut a budget deal , ” said Cole , ranking member on the Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Subcommittee .
“ So to be attacked for voting for what you were asked to vote for by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supporting the president , is just ridiculous.
” Cole , a former chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee , told CQ Roll Call that House Republican leadership is focused on Granger 's campaign and making sure that she has all the funding she needs .
“ Kay , frankly , has been extraordinarily generous to the NRCC , so her campaign account was probably lower than it normally would be .
So quite a few of us have gone to bat and put additional resources there , ” Cole said .
Cole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump , Vice President Mike Pence , or members of leadership to campaign in the district ahead of the primary .
But he said if she made that request they 'd be likely to agree .
`` Sometimes if you 're being attacked by an outsider , the last thing you want to do is bring a bunch of insiders there to help .
But again , I think she 's going to get all of the help she needs out of the Texas delegation , which is very mobilized to support her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oust Granger on March 3 , that would cut the number of GOP women on the Appropriations Committee in half , leaving only Washington Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler , who is facing a challenging general reelection campaign .
Granger ’ s defeat would also be a blow to the Texas delegation , which is already losing some of its senior members who have decided to retire .
She has built a reputation as someone Texans can count on to help secure funding for critical projects back home .
“ She is absolutely a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” said one Texas GOP operative .
“ It would be a big loss .
”

Speaker Nancy Pelosi‘s decision to rip up President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address on live television enraged House Republicans. But it was Rep. Kay Granger, who once said Trump doesn’t deserve to be in the same room as war veterans, who led the effort to defend the president.
The Texas Republican introduced the resolution condemning Pelosi on Wednesday after talking with Minority Whip Steve Scalise about how “appalled they were by the Speaker’s actions,” according to a person familiar with their thinking who was not authorized to speak publicly.
The Democratic-controlled House rejected the measure on Thursday. But the move put Granger, a powerful lawmaker who prefers to operate behind the scenes, in the political spotlight.
“I thought that it was disparaging — particularly to those heroes that the president talked about. And to rip up the speech is also ripping up their careers,” Granger told reporters Thursday.
Granger sharply criticized Trump during the 2016 campaign, but she has since supported the president. Perhaps most importantly, she has earned Trump’s endorsement in her bid for a 13th term, which she and her allies are highlighting as she faces a competitive primary in Texas’ 12th District.


rollcall--2020-02-06--Interior moves to speed energy development on formerly protected Utah land

President Donald Trump drew the ire of tribes and environmentalists when he issued proclamations in December 2017 significantly reducing the size of Grand Staircase-Escalante and Bears Ears national monuments , two sites designated by previous Democratic Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama .
The Trump administration has asserted that the decision to shrink these monuments was not based on energy development .
However , the final federal records of decision and land management plans released by the Interior Department on Thursday pave the way for the land Trump excluded from the monuments to be made available for future oil and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as timber harvesting , grazing and off-road vehicle travel .
Trump removed roughly 900,000 acres from Grand Staircase-Escalante , reducing the site from 1.9 million acres to 1 million .
Under Interior ’ s decision , more than 680,000 of those 900,000 acres will be open to future oil and gas leasing .
All 900,000 acres will be available for mining claims .
[ Trump administration to allow energy development in Utah former national monument ] Bears Ears was reduced from 1.35 million acres to a little more than 200,000 acres .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the land removed from the monument under federal land management plans enacted in 2008 that open almost all of it to mining claims and hundreds of thousands of acres to fossil fuel leasing .
No president before Trump had made such large reductions to national monuments since Congress passed the Antiquities Act in 1906 , which authorized presidents to protect sites from commercial development .
Trump ’ s proclamations were immediately challenged in multiple lawsuits , which were consolidated into two cases sitting before the U.S. District Court for the District of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is considering dismissal motions by the Justice Department .
Interior ’ s announcement is likely to fan the flames of those cases by opening the door to a government auction of the previously excluded land before the court can issue a ruling .
On a call with reporters Thursday , Assistant Interior Secretary for Land and Minerals Management Casey Hammond said the agency didn ’ t want to let legal challenges halt changes in managing the land at the two sites .
In the two years since Trump cut land from the monuments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ real interest in mineral development on these lands , ” Hammond said .
“ It ’ s important to note that if we stopped and waited for every piece of litigation to be resolved , we would never be able to do much of anything around here , so it ’ s our responsibility to continue the planning process while the legal process works itself out , ” Hammond said .
Environmental groups and congressional Democrats predicted Thursday that the district court would find Trump ’ s proclamations illegal .
A representative for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ groups that sued to overturn the proclamations , said in a statement that “ members of Congress , legal scholars , and more than a dozen groups who have filed lawsuits have made it clear that President Trump ’ s Executive Order and the use of taxpayer funds that led to these plans was illegal , yet the BLM continues to ignore the law.
” “ This president is willing to inflict lasting damage on our country to benefit his industry boosters , and anyone who invests a dollar in drilling or digging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prepared to lose their bet against public opinion and the strength of our legal system , ” said House Natural Resources Chairman Raúl M. Grijalva , D-Ariz. , who co-signed an amicus brief in support of the tribes and environmental groups in the litigation .

Mining, logging and drilling in areas of southern Utah once part of two national monuments would be allowed under plans finalized Thursday by the Interior Department, igniting the anger of conservation groups and congressional Democrats.
President Donald Trump drew the ire of tribes and environmentalists when he issued proclamations in December 2017 significantly reducing the size of Grand Staircase-Escalante and Bears Ears national monuments, two sites designated by previous Democratic Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.
[Obama declares Bears Ears national monument while Utah lawmakers pledge fight]
The Trump administration has asserted that the decision to shrink these monuments was not based on energy development. However, the final federal records of decision and land management plans released by the Interior Department on Thursday pave the way for the land Trump excluded from the monuments to be made available for future oil and gas leasing and mining claims, as well as timber harvesting, grazing and off-road vehicle travel.
Trump removed roughly 900,000 acres from Grand Staircase-Escalante, reducing the site from 1.9 million acres to 1 million. Under Interior’s decision, more than 680,000 of those 900,000 acres will be open to future oil and gas leasing. All 900,000 acres will be available for mining claims.
[Trump administration to allow energy development in Utah former national monument]
Bears Ears was reduced from 1.35 million acres to a little more than 200,000 acres. Interior’s action will place most of the land removed from the monument under federal land management plans enacted in 2008 that open almost all of it to mining claims and hundreds of thousands of acres to fossil fuel leasing.
No president before Trump had made such large reductions to national monuments since Congress passed the Antiquities Act in 1906, which authorized presidents to protect sites from commercial development. Trump’s proclamations were immediately challenged in multiple lawsuits, which were consolidated into two cases sitting before the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The judge presiding over them is considering dismissal motions by the Justice Department.
Interior’s announcement is likely to fan the flames of those cases by opening the door to a government auction of the previously excluded land before the court can issue a ruling.
On a call with reporters Thursday, Assistant Interior Secretary for Land and Minerals Management Casey Hammond said the agency didn’t want to let legal challenges halt changes in managing the land at the two sites. In the two years since Trump cut land from the monuments, there has been “very little real interest in mineral development on these lands,” Hammond said.
“It’s important to note that if we stopped and waited for every piece of litigation to be resolved, we would never be able to do much of anything around here, so it’s our responsibility to continue the planning process while the legal process works itself out,” Hammond said.
Environmental groups and congressional Democrats predicted Thursday that the district court would find Trump’s proclamations illegal.
A representative for The Wilderness Society, one of the groups that sued to overturn the proclamations, said in a statement that “members of Congress, legal scholars, and more than a dozen groups who have filed lawsuits have made it clear that President Trump’s Executive Order and the use of taxpayer funds that led to these plans was illegal, yet the BLM continues to ignore the law.”
“This president is willing to inflict lasting damage on our country to benefit his industry boosters, and anyone who invests a dollar in drilling or digging in the newly opened areas should be prepared to lose their bet against public opinion and the strength of our legal system,” said House Natural Resources Chairman Raúl M. Grijalva, D-Ariz., who co-signed an amicus brief in support of the tribes and environmental groups in the litigation.


rollcall--2020-02-06--At the Races: Is Iowa over yet?

At the Races: Is Iowa over yet?

Welcome to At the Races !
Each week we ’ ll bring you news and analysis from the CQ Roll Call team that will keep you informed about the 2020 election .
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Last week , our headline was that Iowa matters after Monday .
Little did we know !
As we email this out Thursday , the Iowa Democratic Party ’ s tally was still at 97 percent of precincts reporting , and DNC Chairman Tom Perez was calling for an “ immediate ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to New Hampshire and beyond .
And it was clear that any bump that Pete Buttigieg — who was leading Bernie Sanders by a hair in the delegate tally — would get from the botched caucus would be muted .
Iowa ’ s congressional delegation banded together to defend the state ’ s first-in-the-nation status on the primary calendar .
One way to gauge how seriously other lawmakers in Congress take the results will be to watch whether they pick up their as-yet snailish pace on endorsing the presidential candidates .
So far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have given their stamp to candidates still in the race , according to our count .
That ’ s about half as many as we had counted by Iowa caucus day in the 2016 Democratic primary .
Campaign veterans told CQ Roll Call that lawmakers could be waiting this time around for the field to narrow , and campaigns might not be courting congressional endorsements as feverishly as they did in 2016 , when everyone was watching whether Sanders would get any establishment support in his matchup with insider favorite Hillary Clinton .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ murky results in Iowa this year could give Hill lawmakers ’ choices more weight as candidates seek another way to break away from the pack .
So far , Buttigieg has just six congressional endorsements .
That put him in a tie near the bottom of the pack with Amy Klobuchar , who was coming in fifth in Iowa at press time .
Joe Biden , who spent much of the week trying to downplay what looks to be a fourth-place showing in Iowa , was the breakaway leader in the congressional endorsement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be watching whether any other members of Congress announce their picks .
That ’ s assuming any of them are still thinking about Iowa after a week spent sharing Nancy Pelosi memes about paper-ripping , wringing their hands over President Donald Trump ’ s all-time-high job approval rating , and wondering whether Mitt Romney ’ s impeachment vote will appear in his obituary before a mention of the time he drove 12 hours with his dog on the roof of his car .
Still in trouble : This week ’ s impeachment vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ changed the dynamics facing some of the most vulnerable senators .
Alabama Democrat Doug Jones was in a “ lose-lose ” situation and ultimately voted to convict and remove Trump , which keeps his Democratic base of support intact .
One of the most vulnerable Republicans , Maine Sen. Susan Collins , broke with her party on witnesses , but ultimately voted to acquit the president .
She still faces the tough task of proving her independence while not alienating the GOP base .
Party like it ’ s 1996 : That ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mfume , who won the Democratic nomination Tuesday in Maryland ’ s 7th District , was in the House .
He ’ ll be heavily favored in the April 28 special general election to fill the seat left by the late Rep. Elijah E. Cummings .
On the same day , he ’ ll also have to win the nomination for the November election to win a full term .
How about that fourth quarter ?
No , we are not talking about Patrick Mahomes ’ 44-yard pass to Tyreek Hill .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fundraising reports !
We combed through reports from competitive House and Senate races so you don ’ t have to .
Here are our six takeaways .
Raucous caucus : Yikes , Iowa .
To say the caucuses were a mess is probably an understatement .
Monday ’ s debacle could jeopardize Iowa ’ s “ first-in-the-nation ” status .
Iowa members of Congress definitely don ’ t want that to happen , and they banded together to defend their state .
Although the chaos around the presidential results dominated the news , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in on the caucus action , using the gatherings to do some early organizing .
Also for the first time ever , a satellite caucus took place in D.C. , but it was just as chaotic as the caucuses back home .
Coming to a Senate race near you : EMILY ’ S List , which backs female Democratic candidates who support abortion rights , is “ hyper-focused ” on Senate races in 2020 because of the implications on the Supreme Court .
Bridget joined C-SPAN ’ s “ Newsmakers ” to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Schriock , who weighed in on the group ’ s 2020 targets , why the top Democrats in key Senate races are men and whether the group could still endorse in the presidential race .
Golden ticket : Michael Bennet got his first presidential endorsement from a Frontline House Democrat .
Maine Rep. Jared Golden endorsed the Colorado senator ’ s bid just days before the primary in New Hampshire , where Bennet ’ s been concentrating his efforts .
Golden flipped a district that Trump carried by 11 points in 2016 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does things his own way .
He ’ s bucked his party on several major votes , and was the only House Democrat to split his vote on the two articles of impeachment .
Primary shenanigans : An outside group with ties to Republicans is spending in the North Carolina Senate race — in the Democratic primary .
The group has reserved more than $ 1 million in TV ads backing state Sen. Erica Smith , who ’ s up against national Democrats ’ preferred choice in the race , Cal Cunningham .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who ’ s more liberal and has raised less money than Cunningham , in the March 3 primary because they think she ’ d be a weaker challenger to GOP Sen. Thom Tillis in November .
Secret society : The Society of Young Women Scientist and Engineers LLC was incorporated in late November in Hawaii .
About a month later , it donated $ 150,000 to 1820 PAC , a pro-Susan Collins super PAC with ties to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce .
But there ’ s no public information about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ever raising money .
That mystery led the Campaign Legal Center to file a complaint with the Federal Election Commission on Monday alleging an illegal straw donor scheme .
That pro-Collins group , The Daily Beast reports , has reported receiving only $ 500 in donations from Maine .
That ’ ole trick : Georgia Sen. David Perdue skipped part of a subcommittee meeting to attend a meeting with big donors , the Atlanta NBC affiliate reported this week .
Democrat Jon Ossoff held a press conference to condemn Perdue , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those donors , while touting his own no-corporate-PAC pledge .
Campaigns have been attacking lawmakers ’ committee attendance for a long time .
It doesn ’ t always work , and it ’ s sometimes bogus , but it may have more sticking power when the lawmaker in question skips official duties to raise money .
It stuck in North Carolina in 2014 , when Democratic Sen. Kay Hagan admitted she skipped a hearing to attend a fundraiser because the hearing had been rescheduled .
Tillis supporters saw it as the “ turning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Great teamwork : Ask a GOP House member or candidate where they ’ ve ever disagreed with Trump , and it ’ s not unusual to hear about funding for restoration of the Great Lakes — which Trump originally wanted to cut .
So it ’ s notable that on the same day Republicans voted to acquit him in the Senate , the House passed the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act by a bipartisan vote of 373-45 .
Forty-four mostly conservative Republicans , along with independent Rep. Justin Amash , voted against it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ convict the president on the first article of impeachment Wednesday , Utah Sen. Mitt Romney is likely to play an even bigger role in the Georgia Senate race , which The Atlanta Journal Constitution ’ s inimitable Greg Bluestein is tracking .
GOP Rep. Doug Collins took to Twitter with a “ daily reminder ” after the vote that Sen. Kelly Loeffler donated to Romney in his 2012 presidential bid .
He got some backup from Perdue , who called Romney “ Jeff Flake on steroids.
” Both Collins , who was one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the House impeachment inquiry , and Loeffler were at the White House Thursday for the president ’ s acquittal victory lap .
Trump gave a shout-out to both of them , predicting Loeffler would end up “ liking ” Collins .
“ Something ’ s going to happen , ” Trump said .
“ I haven ’ t figured it out yet.
” 330 miles away : Washington County , Ohio , is sitting on natural gas reserves that have long given its residents hope about what their future could hold .
CQ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time there talking to voters , many of whom believe Trump ’ s deregulatory policies are their best hope .
“ I ’ m not tired of winning , ” one car wash owner told her .
Expense reports : North Dakota ’ s Heidi Heitkamp is no longer in the Senate , but she still has a campaign account with more than $ 4 million .
Forum News columnist Rob Port took a closer look at the money coming in and out of that account , including payments received for renting her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearly $ 7,000 bill at a Capitol Hill liquor store .
Heitkmap ’ s account has also sent $ 600,000 to a nonprofit she now works for .
Never mind : The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee is no longer pursuing a deal with Shadow Inc. , the vendor behind the app that has caused so many problems with reporting the Iowa caucus results , The Daily Beast reported .
The DSCC , which did not comment for the story , had wanted to use Shadow for its peer-to-peer texting programs .
About 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s presidential campaign in the second half of 2019 — even though the Democrat has a policy of rejecting those donations .
The campaign has already refunded some of those contributions , but as CQ Roll Call ’ s Kate Ackley reported this week , Biden isn ’ t the only Democratic presidential candidate who has disavowed lobbyist money but attracted those checks anyway .
Republicans battling to keep control of the Senate and take back the House can find a lot to like in the points Trump emphasized in his State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic growth , tax cuts and “ fair and reciprocal trade agreements.
” But those are also the messages they hoped Trump would focus on before the 2018 midterms .
And as Nathan noted in his post-speech analysis , Trump too often has veered into name-calling and score-settling when he gets away from the teleprompter and starts firing off tweets or firing up crowds at rallies .
Former state Sen. Jason Atkinson , who ran unsuccessfully for governor in 2006 , is running for retiring Rep. Greg Walden ’ s seat in Oregon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left the state Senate in 2013 , Atkinson pursued filmmaking , producing the film , “ A River Between Us , ” about the battle over the Klamath River .
Atkinson ’ s yellow labrador , Lola , became an unexpected star of the film .
But if Atkinson comes to Washington , his dogs Lola and Rita will stay back home in Oregon , along with his other animals , which include chickens named after “ Napoleon Dynamite ” characters .
Colorado Sen. Cory Gardner is one of two Republicans running for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2016 , making him one of the most vulnerable senators this year .
Gardner voted with his party on this week ’ s impeachment vote , acquitting Trump on charges of abuse of power and obstructing Congress .
The freshman senator has the difficult task of keeping his base Republican support intact while also appealing to more moderate voters in the state .
Nearly 40 percent of voters in Colorado aren ’ t registered with a party .
Republicans are confident that Gardner ’ s affable demeanor and focus on state-specific issues give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he won ’ t be able to overcome the state ’ s shifting partisan dynamics .
In 2016 , Clinton carried Colorado by 5 points .
And in 2018 , Democrats won all five statewide executive offices and control of the state Legislature for the first time since 1936 .
Democrats often point to the 2018 governor ’ s race as proof Gardner is in trouble .
The GOeP nominee , Walker Stapleton , a two-term state treasurer , won about 100,000 more votes than Gardner did in 2014 , but Stapleton still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ points .
Inside Elections rates Gardner ’ s reelection a Toss-up .
There is still a crowded Democratic primary to take on Gardner , but former Gov .
John Hickenlooper has been dominating primary fundraising .
Hickenlooper jumped into the race after ending his presidential campaign ( and after saying repeatedly that he did not want to run for Senate ) .
He outraised Gardner in the final fundraising quarter of 2019 , raising nearly $ 2.8 million to Gardner ’ s $ 2 million .
But Gardner still has a cash-on-hand advantage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Hickenlooper ’ s $ 3.2 million .
And Hickenlooper , who has been endorsed by the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee , has to spend some of his bankroll winning his party nomination .
Hickenlooper ’ s most well-funded primary opponent is former state House Speaker Andrew Romanoff , who ran unsuccessfully for the House in 2014 and the Senate in 2010 .
Romanoff ended 2019 with $ 686,000 in the bank .
It ’ s not clear how many Democrats will secure a spot on the primary ballot .
There are two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collecting signatures from each congressional district ( which can be expensive ) or winning at least 30 percent of delegate votes at the state party ’ s assembly in April .
Petitions are due March 17 .
Hickenlooper is pursuing both paths , according to Colorado Politics , while Romanoff is focused on the state assembly .
When Romanoff ran unsuccessfully for Senate in 2010 , he won 60 percent of the vote at the assembly , besting Michael Bennet , who was endorsed by the DSCC .
Romanoff , who was endorsed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2010 race , eventually lost that primary to Bennet .
For next week , let us know if you ’ d like to learn more about the Maine ’ s 2nd District or the Minnesota ’ s 8th District .
Email us at : attheraces @ cqrollcall.com .
Democratic presidential candidates debate Friday ahead of the New Hampshire primary on Tuesday .
According to The Washington Post , seven candidates have qualified so far : Biden , Buttigieg , Klobuchar , Sanders , Elizabeth Warren , Tom Steyer and Andrew Yang .
Subscribe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so you don ’ t miss out on the best news and analysis from our team , plus key stories and data that will keep you informed about 2020 races .

Campaign veterans told CQ Roll Call that lawmakers could be waiting this time around for the field to narrow, and campaigns might not be courting congressional endorsements as feverishly as they did in 2016, when everyone was watching whether Sanders would get any establishment support in his matchup with insider favorite Hillary Clinton.
But there is a chance that the murky results in Iowa this year could give Hill lawmakers’ choices more weight as candidates seek another way to break away from the pack. So far, Buttigieg has just six congressional endorsements. That put him in a tie near the bottom of the pack with Amy Klobuchar, who was coming in fifth in Iowa at press time. Joe Biden, who spent much of the week trying to downplay what looks to be a fourth-place showing in Iowa, was the breakaway leader in the congressional endorsement race, with 45.
We will be watching whether any other members of Congress announce their picks. That’s assuming any of them are still thinking about Iowa after a week spent sharing Nancy Pelosi memes about paper-ripping, wringing their hands over President Donald Trump’s all-time-high job approval rating, and wondering whether Mitt Romney’s impeachment vote will appear in his obituary before a mention of the time he drove 12 hours with his dog on the roof of his car.
Starting gate
Still in trouble: This week’s impeachment vote in the Senate probably hasn’t changed the dynamics facing some of the most vulnerable senators. Alabama Democrat Doug Jones was in a “lose-lose” situation and ultimately voted to convict and remove Trump, which keeps his Democratic base of support intact. One of the most vulnerable Republicans, Maine Sen. Susan Collins, broke with her party on witnesses, but ultimately voted to acquit the president. She still faces the tough task of proving her independence while not alienating the GOP base.
Party like it’s 1996: That’s the last time former Rep. Kweisi Mfume, who won the Democratic nomination Tuesday in Maryland’s 7th District, was in the House. He’ll be heavily favored in the April 28 special general election to fill the seat left by the late Rep. Elijah E. Cummings. On the same day, he’ll also have to win the nomination for the November election to win a full term.


rollcall--2020-02-06--House Democrats shut down GOP attempt to admonish Pelosi over ripping SOTU

Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , conducts her weekly news conference in the Capitol Visitor Center on Thursday .
( Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call ) House Democrats on Thursday backed Speaker Nancy Pelosi in voting to kill a Republican resolution to disapprove of her ripping up President Donald Trump ’ s State of the Union speech .
Texas GOP Rep. Kay Granger , who ’ s facing a competitive primary this cycle , offered the resolution as a question of privilege , which forces the House to consider the measure .
Rather than allow an up or down vote , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which effectively kills it .
The motion to table was adopted , 224-193 , along party lines .
Independent Rep. Justin Amash of Michigan voted with the Democrats to kill the resolution .
[ Pelosi defends ripping Trump ’ s speech as message to American people about SOTU falsehoods ] Granger ’ s resolution notes that Pelosi ripped up an official copy of Trump ’ s SOTU speech , which included the names and stories of “ American heroes and their families ” that have made sacrifices on behalf of the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pelosi was a breach of decorum and degraded the proceedings of the joint session , to the discredit of the House : Now , therefore , be it resolved , that the House of Representatives disapproves of the behavior of Speaker Pelosi , ” the resolution reads .
“ I don ’ t need any lessons from anybody , especially the president of the United States , about dignity , ” she said .
Pelosi criticized Republicans for their conduct during SOTU , saying it was “ a serious breach to start shouting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the House — totally inappropriate.
” The chant Republican lawmakers started Tuesday as the president entered the House chamber for SOTU is most common at Trump ’ s reelection rallies .
As to her own behavior in ripping up the speech , Pelosi said it was the “ courteous ” way in which she could signal to the American people that Trump ’ s speech was a “ manifesto of mistruths.
” “ I thought that was very dignified , ” she said .
House Democrats on Wednesday gave Pelosi a standing ovation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their weekly caucus meeting , saying she felt “ liberated , ” a word she repeated again to reporters on Thursday .
Republicans , meanwhile , panned her actions as a “ tantrum ” that was “ unbecoming ” of the speaker of the House .
A few Democrats , however , publicly disapproved of Pelosi tearing up Trump ’ s speech .
Utah freshman Rep. Ben McAdams called it “ disrespectful.
” “ We deserve better than partisan games and partisan symbolism .
That ’ s not how my parents brought me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deserve better than that , ” he said on KSL Newsradio .
“ I think that was very disappointing.
” Still , no Democrats voted with Republicans against tabling the resolution to formally disapprove of Pelosi tearing up the speech .

House Democrats on Thursday backed Speaker Nancy Pelosi in voting to kill a Republican resolution to disapprove of her ripping up President Donald Trump’s State of the Union speech.
Texas GOP Rep. Kay Granger, who’s facing a competitive primary this cycle, offered the resolution as a question of privilege, which forces the House to consider the measure. Rather than allow an up or down vote, Democratic leaders moved to table the resolution, which effectively kills it.
The motion to table was adopted, 224-193, along party lines. Independent Rep. Justin Amash of Michigan voted with the Democrats to kill the resolution.
[Pelosi defends ripping Trump’s speech as message to American people about SOTU falsehoods]
Granger’s resolution notes that Pelosi ripped up an official copy of Trump’s SOTU speech, which included the names and stories of “American heroes and their families” that have made sacrifices on behalf of the country.


rollcall--2020-02-06--Watch: Suspicious substance investigated outside Schiff’s office

A Capitol Police officer walks by the Rayburn office of Rep. Adam Schiff , D-Calif. , after a suspicious substance @ @ @ @ @ ( Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call ) Capitol Police closed off the hallway outside Rep. Adam @ @ @ @ @ Thursday due to reports of a suspicious substance .
The media was kept from approaching @ @ @ @ @ lawmakers and staff were allowed through .
Get breaking news alerts and more from Roll @ @ @ @ @

Capitol Police closed off the hallway outside Rep. Adam B. Schiff’s office Thursday due to reports of a suspicious substance. The media was kept from approaching the corridor, but some lawmakers and staff were allowed through.


rollcall--2020-02-06--Trump reined in his style for this year’s State of the Union

President Donald Trump prides himself on being extemporaneous .
A CQ Roll Call analysis of Trump ’ s previous two State of the Union speeches and his 2017 speech — known as an address to a joint session of Congress — shows he mostly reined himself in from the other two SOTUs .
But , he still managed to add in some signature twists .
Take this quote from Tuesday : “ In just three short years , we have shattered the mentality of American decline , and we have rejected the downsizing of America ’ s destiny .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sentence “ We have totally rejected the downsizing , ” isn ’ t in the prepared remarks , and it adds his characteristic style .
In total , Trump had about half as many departures from his prepared remarks than he did in 2018 .
The prepared remarks released by the White House don ’ t necessarily reflect what is shown on the teleprompter .
Last minute changes , style tweaks and — in one case Tuesday night — a planned , surprise medal , can be left off the prepared version released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the speech begins .
With many previous administrations , reporters would get the prepared version one or two hours in advance .
On Tuesday , and with many joint addresses in the Trump administration , the prepared version came out just as the president began speaking .
The phase Trump inserted the most was “ thank you , ” which he added 25 times as he called out to members or various guests invited to the gallery .
Here are some of those instances , with off-script additions noted in bold .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mitch McConnell — thank you , Mitch — and his colleagues ... ” • “ Jody , would you please stand ?
Jody , thank you .
Jody our hearts weep for your loss , and we will not rest until you have justice.
” • “ Janiyah and Stephanie are in the gallery .
Stephanie , thank you so much for being here with your beautiful daughter .
Thank you very much.
” Trump tends to add phrases that heighten drama .
“ Billions ” often becomes “ billions and billions.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alamo drew reactions from those who remembered it differently than Trump described .
“ … Texas patriots made their last stand at the Alamo — the beautiful , beautiful Alamo .
”

President Donald Trump prides himself on being extemporaneous.
A CQ Roll Call analysis of Trump’s previous two State of the Union speeches and his 2017 speech — known as an address to a joint session of Congress — shows he mostly reined himself in from the other two SOTUs. But, he still managed to add in some signature twists.
Take this quote from Tuesday:
“In just three short years, we have shattered the mentality of American decline, and we have rejected the downsizing of America’s destiny. We have totally rejected the downsizing.”


rollcall--2020-02-06--Suspicious substance investigated outside of Schiff’s office

Capitol Police officers block off a hallway as they investigate a reported suspicious substance in the Rayburn office of Rep. Adam B. Schiff , D-Calif. , on Thursday .
( Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call ) A suspicious substance was found outside lead House impeachment manager Adam B. Schiff ’ s congressional office Thursday morning but was ultimately deemed not hazardous and cleared by the Capitol Police , casting a cloud of grim reality over Schiff ’ s earlier comments expressing grave concern for his staffers .
The incident comes just a day after President Donald Trump was acquitted by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charges : abuse of power and obstruction of Congress .
Schiff , a California Democrat , spent days presenting the case for Trump ’ s removal from office .
At around 10:30 am , the Capitol Police responded to a call of a suspicious substance near 2269 Rayburn House Office Building , where Schiff ’ s office is located .
After investigating the situation , the Capitol Police found no hazards and cleared the area at 11:55 a.m. Patrick Boland , deputy chief of staff for Schiff , declined to comment .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Capitol Police erected a yellow tent , which obstructed the view of Schiff ’ s office and the investigation .
Last week , during the Senate impeachment trial , Schiff expressed his concerns for the safety of his staff , telling senators and the president ’ s defense team that characterizations of his staff ’ s handling of the whistleblower claim resulted in threats .
“ Some of them mentioned here today have concerns about their safety , and there are online threats to members of my staff as a result of some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against them , ” Schiff said .
He went on to say that some of his staffers “ now have concerns over their own safety .
”

A suspicious substance was found outside lead House impeachment manager Adam B. Schiff’s congressional office Thursday morning but was ultimately deemed not hazardous and cleared by the Capitol Police, casting a cloud of grim reality over Schiff’s earlier comments expressing grave concern for his staffers.
The incident comes just a day after President Donald Trump was acquitted by the Senate in his impeachment trial on both charges: abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. Schiff, a California Democrat, spent days presenting the case for Trump’s removal from office.


rollcall--2020-02-06--Democrats pan, Republicans applaud Kraninger's tenure at CFPB

Kraninger was unwilling to say her agency needs to exist .
( Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call file photo ) At a hearing Thursday , Democrats castigated Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director Kathleen Kraninger , who was n't willing to say that her agency needs to exist .
“ I will say it is very clear Congress determined that and it ’ s my job to carry out the law , ” Kraninger said in response to House Financial Services Chairwoman Maxine Waters , D-Calif. , who asked if she believed that CFPB was necessary .
Facing further questioning from New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clarified her response .
“ I absolutely believe in the mission of the CFPB .
I ’ ve been tasked with carrying it out .
That is what I ’ m doing , ” she said .
But Kraninger has repeatedly noted in public statements that the CFPB ’ s mission , explicitly set out in statute , extends beyond enforcing consumer protection laws .
As Democrats rebuked Kraninger for sparing misbehaving banks from harsher penalties , she defended smaller fines and more settlements as restoring balance to the agency ’ s goal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financial markets .
Kraninger appeared before the panel to present the CFPB 's semi-annual report to Congress .
Republicans , who complained that CFPB ’ s first director , Richard Cordray , overzealously punished mostly law-abiding firms , applauded Kraninger ’ s lighter regulatory and enforcement touches .
Democratic complaints over the direction she has taken the agency , GOP members argued , were their own fault .
Democrats controlled Congress when it passed the Dodd-Frank Act , establishing the CFPB as an independent agency with a single , Senate-confirmed director removable only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ re hearing is a little bit of buyer ’ s remorse over the structure , ” said ranking member Patrick T. McHenry , R-N.C .
The constitutionality of that structure is being challenged in a lawsuit pending before the Supreme Court , Seila Law LLC v. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau .
After the CFPB successfully defended its structure at federal district and appellate courts , Kraninger reversed the agency ’ s position , refusing to defend the constitutionality of her own office in court .
The lawsuit argues that the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director at his pleasure violates the constitution ’ s separation of powers .
Most other independent agencies , like the Securities and Exchange Commission , are run by boards with similar for-cause removal provisions , although the Federal Housing Finance Agency , also created in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis , has a similar structure .
The FHFA , however , has continued to defend its structure in court .
Kraninger touted the CFPB ’ s recent memorandum of understanding with the Education Department on supervision of student loan servicers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brag about .
Rep. Sean Casten , D-Ill. , suggested Kraninger was deferring to Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and loan servicers over student borrowers .
Democrats also excoriated Kraninger for CFPB ’ s about face on the payday , vehicle title and certain high cost installment loans rule .
Payday lenders have been accused of trapping their customers in debt cycles by offering short-term loans with huge interest rates and balloon payments that frequently force them to roll over the loans when they hit maturity .
A 2017 CFPB rule would have addressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that a borrower had the ability to repay a loan before extending it , and blocking lenders from making more than three loans in rapid succession to the same customer .
A year ago , the CFPB delayed the rule ’ s implementation and began the process of rescinding its mandatory underwriting provisions .
The payday lending industry applauded the move — it said the rule would have put them out of business , hurting the customers who rely on them for credit in the process — but consumer advocates and Democrats have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hinted at one of the likely changes in the new rule the CFPB intends to release in April .
“ Credit unions got a carveout in prior rulemaking , even as banks did not , ” she said .
“ There are real dynamics with regard to how we can promote the kind of competition that ’ s going to be good for consumers.
” She also said the new rule would provide more clarity , and responds to banks ’ concerns that the prior rule was too broad and would have restricted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
While consumer advocates have largely panned Kraninger ’ s tenure at the CFPB , she recently received rare praise for proposed changes to the Qualified Mortgage ( QM ) rule , which sets standards for home loan lenders selling mortgages to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac .
The Center for Responsible Lending applauded the proposed rule , which will not rely solely on borrowers ’ debt-to-income ( DTI ) ratios in qualifying mortgages .
“ This approach will allow lenders to make a holistic assessment of a borrower ’ s ability to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ borrowers and communities of color from QM , as imposing a strict DTI limit would , ” said Eric Stein , senior vice president at Self-Help Credit Union , the community development lender that founded CRL .

The lawsuit argues that the president’s inability to remove the CFPB director at his pleasure violates the constitution’s separation of powers. Most other independent agencies, like the Securities and Exchange Commission, are run by boards with similar for-cause removal provisions, although the Federal Housing Finance Agency, also created in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, has a similar structure. The FHFA, however, has continued to defend its structure in court.
Kraninger touted the CFPB’s recent memorandum of understanding with the Education Department on supervision of student loan servicers, but Democrats said that was nothing to brag about. Rep. Sean Casten, D-Ill., suggested Kraninger was deferring to Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and loan servicers over student borrowers.
Democrats also excoriated Kraninger for CFPB’s about face on the payday, vehicle title and certain high cost installment loans rule. Payday lenders have been accused of trapping their customers in debt cycles by offering short-term loans with huge interest rates and balloon payments that frequently force them to roll over the loans when they hit maturity. A 2017 CFPB rule would have addressed that by requiring payday lenders to determine that a borrower had the ability to repay a loan before extending it, and blocking lenders from making more than three loans in rapid succession to the same customer.
A year ago, the CFPB delayed the rule’s implementation and began the process of rescinding its mandatory underwriting provisions. The payday lending industry applauded the move — it said the rule would have put them out of business, hurting the customers who rely on them for credit in the process — but consumer advocates and Democrats have sharply criticized Kraninger for it.
Kraninger hinted at one of the likely changes in the new rule the CFPB intends to release in April. “Credit unions got a carveout in prior rulemaking, even as banks did not,” she said. “There are real dynamics with regard to how we can promote the kind of competition that’s going to be good for consumers.”


rollcall--2020-02-06--Pelosi has 'no plans right now' for fight over Bolton testimony

Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Thursday that she thought former national security adviser John Bolton would be hostile to any attempts by the House to get his testimony .
( Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call ) Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Thursday that the House has “ no plans right now ” to engage in a court fight for former national security adviser John Bolton ’ s testimony .
Since Bolton had said he would testify in the Senate trial if subpoenaed , it was thought he would respond to a subpoena from the House Intelligence Committee .
Intelligence Chairman Adam Schiff said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s been absolutely no decision made ” on whether to subpoena Bolton but indicated Bolton would still be hostile toward such an effort .
“ I can tell you that after the Senate voted not to hear witnesses … we did approach John Bolton ’ s counsel , asked if Mr. Bolton would be willing to submit an affidavit under oath describing what he observed in terms of the president ’ s Ukraine misconduct — and he refused , ” Schiff said .
“ For whatever reason he apparently was willing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that seems intent on saving it for his book , ” he added .
Schiff ’ s comments on Bolton reveal why Pelosi , when asked during her weekly news conference Thursday whether the House would subpoena Bolton , framed the matter as a potential court case .
“ We have some cases in court now , [ former White House counsel Don ] McGahn and taxes and that .
That will take some time , ” she said .
“ We didn ’ t need that to come to a fruition because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impeach and remove .
But those cases still exist .
If there are others that we see as an opportunity , we ’ ll make a judgement at that time .
But we have no plans right now .
”

Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Thursday that the House has “no plans right now” to engage in a court fight for former national security adviser John Bolton’s testimony.
Since Bolton had said he would testify in the Senate trial if subpoenaed, it was thought he would respond to a subpoena from the House Intelligence Committee.
Intelligence Chairman Adam Schiff said on MSNBC Wednesday night that “there’s been absolutely no decision made” on whether to subpoena Bolton but indicated Bolton would still be hostile toward such an effort.
“I can tell you that after the Senate voted not to hear witnesses … we did approach John Bolton’s counsel, asked if Mr. Bolton would be willing to submit an affidavit under oath describing what he observed in terms of the president’s Ukraine misconduct — and he refused,” Schiff said.
“For whatever reason he apparently was willing to testify before the Senate but apart from that seems intent on saving it for his book,” he added.


rollcall--2020-02-06--Pelosi defends ripping Trump’s speech as message to American people about SOTU falsehoods

Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , conducts her weekly news conference in the Capitol Visitor Center on Thursday , February 6 , 2020 .
( Photo By Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call ) Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday defended her decision to rip up President Donald Trump ’ s State of the Union speech , saying she decided about a quarter or third of the way through the address that something had to be done to indicate to the American people that his words were not the truth .
“ I tore up a manifesto of mistruths , ” the California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , noting the falsehoods in Trump ’ s speech on Tuesday evening were “ dangerous to the American people if they believe what he said.
” [ ‘ Taking off the gloves ’ : Pelosi ripping SOTU draws parties into their corners ] Republicans have criticized Pelosi for ripping up the speech , calling it a “ tantrum ” and a “ disgraceful ” display that is unbecoming of the speaker .
Later Thursday , House Republicans will force a vote on a resolution to disapprove of Pelosi ’ s actions , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or kill .
The speaker did not reference the resolution , but she noted : “ I don ’ t need any lessons from anybody , especially the president of the United States , about dignity.
” Pelosi said tearing up the speech was the “ courteous ” thing to do considering the “ exuberances ” in Trump ’ s SOTU .
She criticized the president for using the Capitol and the House chamber as a forum for a political rally .
“ That was not a State of the Union , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his state of mind.
” The speaker also defended her behavior as respectful considering the circumstances .
“ I ’ m always dignified , ” she said .
“ I thought that was very dignified.
” Like she told her caucus the day before , Pelosi told reporters she feels “ liberated ” in standing up to Trump and his falsehoods ( the speaker said she does n't like to use the word `` lies . ''
) “ I feel like I ’ ve extended every possible courtesy , ” she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to invite Trump back for another address to Congress should he win reelection , Pelosi did not want to envision that scenario .
“ Next year we will have a new president of the United States , ” she said .
“ That is an absolute imperative for our country.
” Pelosi also addressed Trump not shaking her hand as she extended it to him before the speech Tuesday , saying that “ had nothing to do with ” her decision to tear up the speech .
“ I extend the hand of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the president of the United States , ” she said .
“ He didn ’ t want to shake hands .
That was that .
That was nothing to me.
” Pelosi acknowledged that she 's always had a strained relationship with the Trump , but she said they 've been able to work together in some instances , like on December measures to fund the government and finalize the trade agreement between the United States , Mexico and Canada .
Asked if anything has changed after the SOTU snubs , Pelosi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to him .
Certainly hasn ’ t changed when it comes to us.
” While Pelosi riffed about her decision to tear up Trump 's SOTU speech , she only did so in response to reporters ’ questions about and after complaining that it 's hard to get the media to talk about the issues Democrats are working on .
To that end , the speaker said she 's still willing to work with Trump to get laws passed on policies important to both parties , like infrastructure and lowering prescription drugs .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ whatever comes next , ” she said .
Pelosi 's comments to reporters Thursday come just hours after she and Trump attended the National Prayer Breakfast .
The president held up a copy of USA Today with an “ ACQUITTED ” banner headline when he arrived at the prayer breakfast .
As Trump took the podium , he took a clear and obvious swipe at Speaker Nancy Pelosi , who was sitting to his left at the head table , as well as Utah GOP Sen. Mitt Romney .
“ I do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ justification for doing what they know is wrong , ” Trump said , alluding to Romney invoking his faith Thursday as he announced he would vote to convict Trump on the abuse of power article of impeachment .
“ Nor do I like people who say , ' I pray for you , ' when they know that that 's not so , ” the president added , referring to Pelosi , an observant Catholic who often says that she prays for the president .
“ So many people have been hurt , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on.
” Trump was more specific in naming Pelosi during a White House speech Thursday afternoon , saying , “ I doubt she prays at all.
” Pelosi addressed Trump 's prayer comments during her press conference , calling them “ so inappropriate ” and noting that what he said about Romney “ was particularly without class.
” “ I don ’ t know if the president understands about prayer or people who do pray .
But we do pray for the United States of America .
I pray for him , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for other presidents as well “ because it ’ s a heavy responsibility.
” But Pelosi noted her prayers for Trump are unique .
“ I pray hard for him because he ’ s so off the track of our Constitution , our values , our country … He really needs our prayers , ” she said .
“ He can say whatever he wants , but I do pray for him and I do so sincerely and without anguish .
”

Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday defended her decision to rip up President Donald Trump’s State of the Union speech, saying she decided about a quarter or third of the way through the address that something had to be done to indicate to the American people that his words were not the truth.
“I tore up a manifesto of mistruths,” the California Democrat said at her weekly news conference, noting the falsehoods in Trump’s speech on Tuesday evening were “dangerous to the American people if they believe what he said.”
[‘Taking off the gloves’: Pelosi ripping SOTU draws parties into their corners]
Republicans have criticized Pelosi for ripping up the speech, calling it a “tantrum” and a “disgraceful” display that is unbecoming of the speaker. Later Thursday, House Republicans will force a vote on a resolution to disapprove of Pelosi’s actions, which Democrats are expected to move to table, or kill.
The speaker did not reference the resolution, but she noted: “I don’t need any lessons from anybody, especially the president of the United States, about dignity.”


rollcall--2020-02-07--States wary of possible changes to highway funding

State transportation leaders applauded House Democrats for releasing principles of a broad infrastructure package last week , but were concerned about potential changes to the formula programs that determine funding levels for each state .
Although there is some concern that the broad scope of the Democrats ’ $ 760 million legislative “ framework ” could hurt chances of passage , state leaders also applauded the ambition .
In addition to reauthorizing federal highways and transit programs , the plan would also change how harbors and airports are funded , boost spending on broadband access and charging stations for electric @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forms of transportation carbon-neutral .
The larger concern is over tweaks to formulas states say work fairly well .
The Democrats ’ plan — released last week by Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Peter A. DeFazio of Oregon , Energy and Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone Jr. of New Jersey and Ways and Means Chairman Richard E. Neal of Massachusetts — includes a section saying they would amend “ core highway formula programs to prioritize investments and improve program implementation.
” The changes would incentivize maintenance over new construction and reward states that build in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offer other “ performance-based incentives.
” Most state officials would rather see fewer changes to how the programs work and more money poured in .
The Democratic proposal , which calls for $ 329 billion over five years for highways , provides “ a scale where we can make some progress , ” said Patrick McKenna , the director of the Missouri Department of Transportation and president of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials .

State transportation leaders applauded House Democrats for releasing principles of a broad infrastructure package last week, but were concerned about potential changes to the formula programs that determine funding levels for each state.
Although there is some concern that the broad scope of the Democrats’ $760 billion legislative “framework” could hurt chances of passage, state leaders also applauded the ambition. In addition to reauthorizing federal highways and transit programs, the plan would also change how harbors and airports are funded, boost spending on broadband access and charging stations for electric vehicles, and seek to make all forms of transportation carbon-neutral.
The larger concern is over tweaks to formulas states say work fairly well. The Democrats’ plan — released last week by Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Peter A. DeFazio of Oregon, Energy and Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone Jr. of New Jersey and Ways and Means Chairman Richard E. Neal of Massachusetts — includes a section saying they would amend “core highway formula programs to prioritize investments and improve program implementation.”
The changes would incentivize maintenance over new construction and reward states that build in climate change resiliency, reduce pollution and offer other “performance-based incentives.”
Most state officials would rather see fewer changes to how the programs work and more money poured in. The Democratic proposal, which calls for $329 billion over five years for highways, provides “a scale where we can make some progress,” said Patrick McKenna, the director of the Missouri Department of Transportation and president of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.


rollcall--2020-02-07--Scholar urges ‘great’ debates to improve Hill discourse

With Congress mired in the partisanship of impeachment and the 2020 elections , the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress continued its countereffort Wednesday , seeking ways to boost productive deliberations on Capitol Hill .
If the panel takes the advice of one congressional scholar , then regular Oxford-style debates may make their way to the House floor one day .
Norm Ornstein , a co-author of “ It ’ s Even Worse Than It Looks : How the American Constitutional System Collided with the New Politics of Extremism , ” urged the panel to include among its recommendations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Great American Debates , perhaps even weekly , to showcase the serious policy of the nation .
He wasn ’ t talking about the typical speeches that members deliver in an oftentimes empty chamber where the audience is a camera .
Ornstein ’ s idea is to have two teams of two lawmakers , sometimes bipartisan duos , engage in actual debates where they listen to one another and respond .
A series of speeches with no back and forth responses , as happens in Congress now , he noted , “ that @ @ @ @ @ @

With Congress mired in the partisanship of impeachment and the 2020 elections, the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress continued its countereffort Wednesday, seeking ways to boost productive deliberations on Capitol Hill.
If the panel takes the advice of one congressional scholar, then regular Oxford-style debates may make their way to the House floor one day.
Norm Ornstein, a co-author of “It’s Even Worse Than It Looks: How the American Constitutional System Collided with the New Politics of Extremism,” urged the panel to include among its recommendations to the full chamber a series of Great American Debates, perhaps even weekly, to showcase the serious policy of the nation.
He wasn’t talking about the typical speeches that members deliver in an oftentimes empty chamber where the audience is a camera. Ornstein’s idea is to have two teams of two lawmakers, sometimes bipartisan duos, engage in actual debates where they listen to one another and respond.
A series of speeches with no back and forth responses, as happens in Congress now, he noted, “that’s not debate.”


rollcall--2020-02-07--In reversal, Trump drops Yucca Mountain as nuclear waste site

The president ’ s fiscal 2021 budget will not include funding for the licensing of Nevada ’ s Yucca Mountain @ @ @ @ @ , a senior administration official confirmed to CQ Roll Call on Thursday .
President Donald @ @ @ @ @ to be a rejection of the long-debated plans for the federal site about 100 miles @ @ @ @ @ an abrupt reversal of his administration ’ s policy .
“ Nevada , I hear @ @ @ @ @ my Administration will RESPECT you !
Congress and previous Administrations have long failed to find @ @ @ @ @ is committed to exploring innovative approaches — I ’ m confident we can get it @ @ @ @ @ tweeted Thursday evening .

The president’s fiscal 2021 budget will not include funding for the licensing of Nevada’s Yucca Mountain as a nuclear waste repository, a senior administration official confirmed to CQ Roll Call on Thursday.
President Donald Trump tweeted earlier what appeared to be a rejection of the long-debated plans for the federal site about 100 miles northwest of Las Vegas, an abrupt reversal of his administration’s policy.
“Nevada, I hear you on Yucca Mountain and my Administration will RESPECT you! Congress and previous Administrations have long failed to find lasting solutions — my Administration is committed to exploring innovative approaches — I’m confident we can get it done!” the president tweeted Thursday evening.


rollcall--2020-02-07--Caucus hang-ups, ripped speeches and saying a little prayer: Congressional Hits and Misses

Speaker Nancy Pelosi started a paper-tearing trend after she ripped a copy of the president ’ s State of the @ @ @ @ @ .
But papers weren ’ t the only things getting ripped to shreds this week @ @ @ @ @ at the Iowa caucuses and Rep. Jim Jordan ’ s famous affinity for ditching his @ @ @ @ @ watch : Start the presses !
GPO prints the president ’ s budget ]

Speaker Nancy Pelosi started a paper-tearing trend after she ripped a copy of the president’s State of the Union address on live TV. But papers weren’t the only things getting ripped to shreds this week — cue the spectacular meltdown at the Iowa caucuses and Rep. Jim Jordan’s famous affinity for ditching his suit jacket.
[ Also watch: Start the presses! GPO prints the president’s budget ]


rollcall--2020-02-07--Photos of the Week: Trump acquitted and SOTU

This week the historic impeachment of President Donald Trump came to an end a day after the rip-roaring State of @ @ @ @ @ the entire week in photos :

Bill Clark, Tom Williams, and Caroline Brehman

This week the historic impeachment of President Donald Trump came to an end a day after the rip-roaring State of the Union. Here's the entire week in photos:
Photojournalists take photos of Ken Starr, a member of President Donald Trump's defense team, as he leaves the Capitol after the conclusion of the Senate impeachment trial proceedings on Monday. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
Voters talk before the start of the Iowa Democrats' satellite caucus at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Hall in Washington on Monday. (Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call)
Vice President Mike Pence and Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., wait for President Donald Trump to arrive in the House chamber before the start of the State of the Union address on Tuesday. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
Rep. Ann Kuster, D-N.H., reacts during President Donald Trump's State of the Union address in the House. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
From left, Reps. Greg Walden, R-Ore., Fred Upton, R-Mich., Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, high five during President Donald Trump's State of the Union address. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
First lady Melania Trump awards Rush Limbaugh the Presidential Medal of Freedom during President Trump's State of the Union address. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., does an on-camera interview in the Capitol on Wednesday. (Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call)
Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, departs from the Capitol after the Senate voted to acquit President Donald Trump on Wednesday. (Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call)
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., leaves the floor after the Senate acquitted President Donald Trump on two articles of impeachment on Wednesday. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)


rollcall--2020-02-07--House Democrats won’t resurrect earmarks this year

Lawmakers wo n't get to insert special projects for their districts into spending bills this year after all , following weeks of internal discussions and some momentum among House Democrats .
`` While a tight timeframe means the Appropriations Committee will not include community projects in fiscal year 2021 appropriations bills , there is near-unanimous support in the Democratic Caucus for launching community project funding in the 117th Congress .
In the coming months , appropriators will work closely with bipartisan Members to develop consensus around an accountable , effective , and transparent process for community project funding in fiscal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aide said Friday .
The decision marks the second year in a row House Democrats appeared close to bringing back congressionally directed spending — now rebranded `` community project funding '' — before ultimately deciding against it .
The practice has been absent from appropriations bills for nearly a decade , since it fell into political disfavor after several lobbying scandals .
Conversations during the past month focused on how a return to earmarking , even in limited fashion , would impact Democratic lawmakers facing tough reelection campaigns .
Following a meeting with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Appropriations subcommittee chairmen in January , several moderate Democrats from swing districts appeared on the fence .
For instance , freshman Max Rose , who flipped a New York district that Trump won in 2016 , said he had `` a lot of questions . ''

Lawmakers won't get to insert special projects for their districts into spending bills this year after all, following weeks of internal discussions and some momentum among House Democrats.
"While a tight timeframe means the Appropriations Committee will not include community projects in fiscal year 2021 appropriations bills, there is near-unanimous support in the Democratic Caucus for launching community project funding in the 117th Congress. In the coming months, appropriators will work closely with bipartisan Members to develop consensus around an accountable, effective, and transparent process for community project funding in fiscal year 2022," a House Democratic aide said Friday.
The decision marks the second year in a row House Democrats appeared close to bringing back congressionally directed spending — now rebranded "community project funding" — before ultimately deciding against it. The practice has been absent from appropriations bills for nearly a decade, since it fell into political disfavor after several lobbying scandals.
Conversations during the past month focused on how a return to earmarking, even in limited fashion, would impact Democratic lawmakers facing tough reelection campaigns.
Following a meeting with House Appropriations Chairwoman Nita M. Lowey and Appropriations subcommittee chairmen in January, several moderate Democrats from swing districts appeared on the fence. For instance, freshman Max Rose, who flipped a New York district that Trump won in 2016, said he had "a lot of questions."


rollcall--2020-02-07--Puerto Rico aid package passes House over GOP objections

Democrats muscled an emergency aid package for Puerto Rico heavy with tax breaks through the House on Friday , brushing aside Republican critiques that there 's enough money already in the pipeline and that several provisions have little to do with disaster relief .
The White House has threatened to veto the $ 21 billion package , and with little Republican support its future in the GOP-controlled Senate appears dim .
“ Until we answer some questions , the administration ’ s not going to sign it , ” said House Rules Committee ranking member Tom Cole , R-Okla. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take it up .
The House vote was 237-161 , with 17 Republicans voting for it .
Puerto Rico 's resident commissioner , Republican Jenniffer González-Colón , backed federal support for the embattled island territory , which has suffered through numerous recent earthquakes compounding the damage from major hurricanes in 2017 .
She offered an amendment , which was adopted by voice vote , to add $ 170 million for nutrition assistance to Puerto Rico residents .
But ultimately as a nonvoting delegate , González-Colón could n't add to the bill 's @ @ @ @ @

Democrats muscled an emergency aid package for Puerto Rico heavy with tax breaks through the House on Friday, brushing aside Republican critiques that there's enough money already in the pipeline and that several provisions have little to do with disaster relief.
The White House has threatened to veto the $21 billion package, and with little Republican support its future in the GOP-controlled Senate appears dim. “Until we answer some questions, the administration’s not going to sign it,” said House Rules Committee ranking member Tom Cole, R-Okla., adding he doubts the Senate is going to take it up.
The House vote was 237-161, with 17 Republicans voting for it.
Puerto Rico's resident commissioner, Republican Jenniffer González-Colón, backed federal support for the embattled island territory, which has suffered through numerous recent earthquakes compounding the damage from major hurricanes in 2017. She offered an amendment, which was adopted by voice vote, to add $170 million for nutrition assistance to Puerto Rico residents.
But ultimately as a nonvoting delegate, González-Colón couldn't add to the bill's margin on the floor.


rollcall--2020-02-07--Start the presses! GPO prints the president’s budget

The Government Publishing Office is hard at work ahead of the public release of President Donald Trump 's budget , @ @ @ @ @ for distribution .
Every year since 1921 , thousands of copies of the president 's @ @ @ @ @ at the GPO , with this year marking the 99th time the organization has printed @ @ @ @ @ the occasion , Russ Vought , the acting director of the Office of Management and @ @ @ @ @ to the GPO Thursday to get a tour of the facilities and see the binding @ @ @ @

The Government Publishing Office is hard at work ahead of the public release of President Donald Trump's budget, printing and binding the document for distribution.
Every year since 1921, thousands of copies of the president's budget are printed and bound at the GPO, with this year marking the 99th time the organization has printed physical copies. To mark the occasion, Russ Vought, the acting director of the Office of Management and Budget, paid a visit to the GPO Thursday to get a tour of the facilities and see the binding process in action.


rollcall--2020-02-07--Court tosses lawmaker lawsuit against Trump over emoluments

A federal appeals court in Washington on Friday dismissed a lawsuit brought by more than 200 members of Congress that @ @ @ @ @ the emoluments clause of the Constitution by accepting payments from foreign governments .
A three-judge @ @ @ @ @ of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit concluded that the lawmakers — led by @ @ @ @ @ , and House Judiciary Chairman Jerrold Nadler , D-N.Y. — do not have the legal @ @ @ @ @ .
[ Judges ponder lawmaker right to sue over Trump businesses ] The lawmakers contend @ @ @ @ @ to obtain congressional consent before accepting benefits from foreign governments , such as those who @ @ @ @ @ his hotels or pay rents or fees at Trump ’ s commercial and residential towers @ @ @ @ @ “ is completely denying members of Congress one of their institutional prerogatives : their right @ @ @ @ @ if any , benefits he may accept from foreign states .
”

A federal appeals court in Washington on Friday dismissed a lawsuit brought by more than 200 members of Congress that alleges President Donald Trump violated the emoluments clause of the Constitution by accepting payments from foreign governments.
A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit concluded that the lawmakers — led by Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and House Judiciary Chairman Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y. — do not have the legal right to sue the president.
[Judges ponder lawmaker right to sue over Trump businesses]
The lawmakers contend that the Constitution requires Trump to obtain congressional consent before accepting benefits from foreign governments, such as those who spend money on events at his hotels or pay rents or fees at Trump’s commercial and residential towers.
And they say Trump “is completely denying members of Congress one of their institutional prerogatives: their right to vote on which, if any, benefits he may accept from foreign states.”


rollcall--2020-02-07--House panels to take up surprise billing proposals

Two House committees on Friday released proposals to curb surprise medical bills , setting up action soon on a potent @ @ @ @ @ .
The Ways and Means Committee and the Education and Labor Committee plan to vote @ @ @ @ @ , following the Energy and Commerce Committee , which approved its own plan last year @ @ @ @ @ out-of-network medical bills is a goal for Democrats , Republicans and President Donald Trump , @ @ @ @ @ more difficult than many initially expected .
Lawmakers hope to include surprise billing legislation in @ @ @ @ @ funding for public health programs that expire on May 22 .
House lawmakers appear eager @ @ @ @ @ but members are torn over the best way to handle payment disputes .
The tensions @ @ @ @ @ week .

Two House committees on Friday released proposals to curb surprise medical bills, setting up action soon on a potent political issue that frustrates consumers.
The Ways and Means Committee and the Education and Labor Committee plan to vote on their bills next week, following the Energy and Commerce Committee, which approved its own plan last year.
Protecting patients from surprise out-of-network medical bills is a goal for Democrats, Republicans and President Donald Trump, but reaching agreement has proven more difficult than many initially expected.
Lawmakers hope to include surprise billing legislation in a package that would extend funding for public health programs that expire on May 22. House lawmakers appear eager to move forward quickly, but members are torn over the best way to handle payment disputes. The tensions could become more evident next week.
[Surprise billing fight highlights hurdles for bolder health care changes]


rollcall--2020-02-10--Campus Notebook: More legal bills for Rep. Tony Cárdenas

The legal bills keep coming for Rep. Tony Cárdenas .
The California Democrat has spent $ 220,547 on a lawsuit @ @ @ @ @ a minor , according to a legal expense filing received by the Legislative Resource Center @ @ @ @ @ July , the alleged victim agreed to have the case dismissed with prejudice , meaning @ @ @ @ @ file it again .
Cardenas denied all allegations from the outset .
The disbursements from @ @ @ @ @ have been paid out to Perkins Coie , a law firm that offers a special @ @ @ @ @ , and Glaser Weil , a Los Angeles-based law firm , among other disbursements .

More expenses for Cárdenas
The legal bills keep coming for Rep. Tony Cárdenas. The California Democrat has spent $220,547 on a lawsuit that alleged he sexually assaulted a minor, according to a legal expense filing received by the Legislative Resource Center on Jan. 30.
In July, the alleged victim agreed to have the case dismissed with prejudice, meaning that she can’t file it again. Cardenas denied all allegations from the outset.
The disbursements from Cárdenas’ legal expense fund have been paid out to Perkins Coie, a law firm that offers a special political law practice for Democrats, and Glaser Weil, a Los Angeles-based law firm, among other disbursements.
CrowdStrike purchase
Rep. Jim Langevin, a Rhode Island Democrat, bought between $50,000 and $100,000 in CrowdStrike Holdings Inc. on Jan. 24. CrowdStrike is a California-based cybersecurity company that worked for the Democratic National Committee in 2016 after the DNC was hacked by Russia.
How much did the Architect of the Capitol make in his previous job?
J. Brett Blanton was sworn in as the 12th Architect of the Capitol in January. At his previous job as the Deputy Vice President of Engineering for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, Blanton made $240,801 in 2019.


rollcall--2020-02-10--Is a tax-by-mile system ready to replace fuel taxes?

Congress enters the debate over how to shore up a highway trust fund headed for insolvency with a conundrum : The GOP is reluctant to raise the federal fuel tax , the tax isn ’ t a long-term solution anyway , and the most popular alternative to the gas tax isn ’ t ready for prime time .
That alternative is a levy based on the number of miles a vehicle travels rather than the amount of fuel that goes into the vehicle .
The so-called Vehicle Miles Traveled , or VMT fee , is being tested in states such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , meanwhile , issued a report in January highlighting the need to move away from the fuel tax toward such a system .
In the House , Transportation and Infrastructure Committee ranking member Sam Graves , R-Mo.
, backs the idea .
And other Republicans , such as Senate Finance Chairman Charles E. Grassley , R-Iowa , have made it clear that raising the 18.3 cent a gallon federal fuel tax is politically unpalatable .
A Graves spokesman said the senator hasn ’ t ruled out any of the options being discussed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ gas tax increase would be very difficult.
” [ Related : Infrastructure plan could point to sea change for schools ]

Congress enters the debate over how to shore up a highway trust fund headed for insolvency with a conundrum: The GOP is reluctant to raise the federal fuel tax, the tax isn’t a long-term solution anyway, and the most popular alternative to the gas tax isn’t ready for prime time.
That alternative is a levy based on the number of miles a vehicle travels rather than the amount of fuel that goes into the vehicle. The so-called Vehicle Miles Traveled, or VMT fee, is being tested in states such as Oregon and Utah. Washington state, meanwhile, issued a report in January highlighting the need to move away from the fuel tax toward such a system.
In the House, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee ranking member Sam Graves, R-Mo., backs the idea. And other Republicans, such as Senate Finance Chairman Charles E. Grassley, R-Iowa, have made it clear that raising the 18.3 cent a gallon federal fuel tax is politically unpalatable.
A Graves spokesman said the senator hasn’t ruled out any of the options being discussed. “But he does feel that a gas tax increase would be very difficult.”
[Related: Infrastructure plan could point to sea change for schools]


rollcall--2020-02-10--Health politics: 2020 hopefuls  differ on more than insurance coverage

The health care debate in the 2020 Democratic primary has focused primarily on the candidates ’ plans for health insurance coverage .
The issue , a top priority for voters , has been one of the most obvious differences between the candidates .
But the 2020 presidential contenders have introduced a wave of other health care plans , outlining proposals to lower prescription drug prices , help with long-term care and curb infectious disease outbreaks .
President Donald Trump has argued that his health care agenda is more wide-reaching than his approach to the 2010 health care law .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lower drug prices , although most of those proposals were stalled by the courts or abandoned by the administration .
The president also has put forward plans to slow the spread of HIV , and the administration has touted a decline in drug overdose deaths beginning in 2018 .
While the “ Medicare for All ” debate over whether to shift the nation toward government-run health care has been the mainstay of the presidential debate so far — and an issue Trump is expected to stoke throughout his own campaign — other issues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dominant themes on the campaign trail this year .
On some health care issues , such as drug pricing , the Democratic candidates ’ proposals are so similar that it ’ s difficult to distinguish real differences among them , so that ’ s not an issue they stress as they compete for voters in party primaries , Democratic pollster Celinda Lake said .

The health care debate in the 2020 Democratic primary has focused primarily on the candidates’ plans for health insurance coverage. The issue, a top priority for voters, has been one of the most obvious differences between the candidates.
But the 2020 presidential contenders have introduced a wave of other health care plans, outlining proposals to lower prescription drug prices, help with long-term care and curb infectious disease outbreaks.
President Donald Trump has argued that his health care agenda is more wide-reaching than his approach to the 2010 health care law. The administration has proposed several plans meant to lower drug prices, although most of those proposals were stalled by the courts or later abandoned. The president also has put forward plans to slow the spread of HIV, and the administration has touted a decline in drug overdose deaths beginning in 2018.
While the “Medicare for All” debate over whether to shift the nation toward government-run health care has been the mainstay of the presidential debate so far — and an issue Trump is expected to stoke throughout his own campaign — other issues, especially drug prices, are also dominant themes on the campaign trail this year.
On issues such as drug pricing, it’s hard to find real differences between the Democratic candidates’ proposals, so that’s not an issue they stress as they compete for voters in party primaries, Democratic pollster Celinda Lake said.


rollcall--2020-02-10--Capitol Insiders Survey: Biden still the man to beat

Former South Bend , Indiana , Mayor Pete Buttigieg may have squeaked out a narrow win in the Iowa caucus @ @ @ @ @ Sanders .
But on Capitol Hill , former Vice President Joe Biden is still the @ @ @ @ @ by CQ Roll Call a week before Iowans voted , a strong plurality of Democratic @ @ @ @ @ of the respondents , said they thought Biden was the best candidate to beat President @ @ @ @ @ Sanders , with 21 percent , and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren , with 17 percent @ @ @ @ @ and third .
Buttigieg didn ’ t get a vote .
The Democratic aides were @ @ @ @ @ win the nomination , with 61 percent of respondents saying as much .
Only 19 @ @ @ @ @ Sanders , with Warren again at 17 percent .
CQ emailed the Capitol Insiders Survey @ @ @ @ @ and they had through Jan. 22 to respond .
Of the 148 respondents , 86 @ @ @ @ @ Republicans and two were independents .

Pete Buttigieg may have squeaked out more Democratic delegates in the Iowa caucus over Vermont independent Sen. Bernie Sanders. But on Capitol Hill, former Vice President Joe Biden is still the candidate to beat.
Polled by CQ Roll Call a week before Iowans voted, a strong plurality of Democratic congressional staffers, 47 percent of the respondents, said they thought Biden was the best candidate to beat President Donald Trump in November. Sanders, with 21 percent, and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, with 17 percent, finished a distant second and third. Buttigieg didn’t get a vote.
The Democratic aides were more convinced that Biden would win the nomination, with 61 percent of respondents saying as much. Only 19 percent thought it would be Sanders, with Warren again at 17 percent.
CQ Roll Call emailed the Capitol Insiders Survey to aides on Jan. 20 and they had through Jan. 22 to respond. Of the 148 respondents, 86 were Democrats, 60 were Republicans and two were independents.
Biden’s preferability was a rare issue on which Democratic and Republican aides agreed. Half of the Republican respondents said Biden was the most likely candidate to beat Trump, and 3 in 5 said he’d get the nomination. The Republican aides fear no one else. Buttigieg was a very distant second, with 10 percent of the GOP staffers saying he would be most likely to beat Trump. Only one Republican respondent said Sanders was the most formidable candidate, and none thought Warren would be.


rollcall--2020-02-10--White House budget would slash domestic programs, foreign aid

President Donald Trump ’ s $ 4.8 trillion election year budget seeks to balance painful reductions in domestic and foreign aid programs that are certain to draw scorn from lawmakers , with openings for bipartisan deals on prescription drug pricing and infrastructure .
The plan envisions steadily falling deficits — which are set to hit nearly $ 1.1 trillion this year — until ultimately they are eliminated after 15 years .
No new tax cuts are proposed , but the budget asks to make individual tax cuts that are set to expire after 2025 permanent , at a cost of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And Trump 's advisers have said more tax cuts could be floated later this year , as the legislative calendar winds closer to November , when the president faces voters once more .
Congress is unlikely to adopt many of the proposals in the budget .
But a senior administration official , speaking on condition of anonymity to describe details in advance of Monday 's release , said the White House is optimistic about reaching an agreement with Congress on prescription drugs .
The budget blueprint leaves out specifics in order to preserve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drug proposal , but it assumes $ 135 billion in net deficit reduction from lower drug costs over a decade .
That 's a figure more in line with what Senate Finance Committee leaders have pitched than a more expansive House-passed bill , which Democrats chanted their support of during Trump 's primetime State of the Union address last week .

President Donald Trump’s $4.8 trillion election year budget seeks to balance painful reductions in domestic and foreign aid programs that are certain to draw scorn from lawmakers, with openings for bipartisan deals on prescription drug pricing and infrastructure.
The plan envisions steadily falling deficits — which are set to hit nearly $1.1 trillion this year — until ultimately they are eliminated after 15 years. No new tax cuts are proposed, but the budget asks to make individual tax cuts that are set to expire after 2025 permanent, at a cost of $1.4 trillion over 10 years. And Trump's advisers have said more tax cuts could be floated later this year, as the legislative calendar winds closer to November, when the president faces voters once more.
Congress is unlikely to adopt many of the proposals in the budget. But a senior administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity to describe details in advance of Monday's release, said the White House is optimistic about reaching an agreement with Congress on prescription drugs.
[Start the presses: GPO prints Trump's budget]
The budget blueprint leaves out specifics in order to preserve breathing space for congressional committees negotiating a drug proposal, but it assumes $135 billion in net deficit reduction from lower drug costs over a decade. That's a figure more in line with what Senate Finance Committee leaders have pitched than a more expansive House-passed bill, which Democrats chanted their support of during Trump's primetime State of the Union address last week.