rollcall--2020-02-12--Rep. John Moolenaar’s leadership PAC spent over $22K on Vail hotel and snow sports

Over a three-year span , Rep. John Moolenaar spent $ 22,839 on ski and snowmobile activities , lodging at the Four Seasons , and catering in and around Vail , Colorado , from his leadership political action committee .
Members of Congress are prohibited from converting campaign funds for personal use and must be able to verify that those resources have not been misused .
Further , House rules broadly define “ campaign funds ” to include “ leadership PAC ” funds , meaning Moolenaar , a Michigan Republican , would be in violation of House rules if those expenditures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to the Federal Election Commission , a leadership PAC is : “ a political committee that is directly or indirectly established , financed , maintained or controlled by a candidate or an individual holding a federal office .
The committee is not an authorized committee of the candidate or office holder , and is not affiliated with an authorized committee of a candidate or office holder .
Members of Congress and other political leaders often establish these nonconnected committees to support candidates for federal and nonfederal offices.
” David Russell , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office , did not comment .
Moolenaar ’ s campaign did not return a request for comment .
In 2018 and 2019 , Moolenaar spent a total of $ 21,587 — from his leadership PAC , Together United for Liberty , Integrity and Prosperity PAC — at the Four Seasons Hotel in Vail .
In FEC filings , that spending is described as event food , beverages , accommodations and catering .

Updated 11:58 a.m. Feb. 13 | Over a three-year span, Rep. John Moolenaar spent $22,839 on ski and snowmobile activities, lodging at the Four Seasons, and catering in and around Vail, Colorado, from his leadership political action committee.
Members of Congress are prohibited from converting campaign funds for personal use and must be able to verify that those resources have not been misused. Further, House rules broadly define “campaign funds” to include “leadership PAC” funds, meaning Moolenaar, a Michigan Republican, would be in violation of House rules if those expenditures did not have a legitimate campaign purpose.
According to the Federal Election Commission, a leadership PAC is: “a political committee that is directly or indirectly established, financed, maintained or controlled by a candidate or an individual holding a federal office. The committee is not an authorized committee of the candidate or office holder, and is not affiliated with an authorized committee of a candidate or office holder. Members of Congress and other political leaders often establish these nonconnected committees to support candidates for federal and nonfederal offices.”
David Russell, a spokesman for Moolenaar’s congressional office, did not comment for this story initially. After publication, he sent along the following statement: “All expenditures have been public record for years and they are in compliance with House rules and federal election laws on a trip that members on both sides of the aisle have gone on in years past. The funds raised by Congressman Moolenaar helped support dozens of Republican candidates. The information in this article has been transparently reported in compliance with the law and Congressman Moolenaar will continue to focus on the key priorities for Michigan including protecting the Great Lakes, building a new Soo Lock, and supporting Michigan farmers.”
Moolenaar’s campaign did not return a request for comment.


rollcall--2020-02-12--Senate votes to begin debate on resolution limiting Trump’s war powers on Iran

The Senate on Wednesday narrowly voted to begin debate on a resolution that would block President Donald Trump from carrying out attacks on Iran .
All Democrats present plus eight Republicans voted , 51-45 , in favor of beginning debate on the resolution from Virginia Democrat Tim Kaine , which would require the immediate cessation of “ hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran or any part of its government or military , unless explicitly authorized ” by Congress .
Kaine ’ s resolution is privileged under the 1973 War Powers Act , which means he is able to force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only a majority of votes , rather than the more common 60-vote threshold for legislative measures .
“ This resolution is about Congress reclaiming its rightful role in decisions about war , ” Kaine said Wednesday in floor remarks .
“ While the president does and must always have the ability to defend the United States from imminent attack , the executive power to initiate war stops there .
An offensive war requires a congressional debate and vote .
This should not be a controversial proposition .
It ’ s clearly stated in @ @ @ @

The Senate on Wednesday narrowly voted to begin debate on a resolution that would block President Donald Trump from carrying out attacks on Iran.
All Democrats present plus eight Republicans voted, 51-45, in favor of beginning debate on the resolution from Virginia Democrat Tim Kaine, which would require the immediate cessation of “hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran or any part of its government or military, unless explicitly authorized” by Congress.
Kaine’s resolution is privileged under the 1973 War Powers Act, which means he is able to force a debate and vote on it with only a majority of votes, rather than the more common 60-vote threshold for legislative measures.
“This resolution is about Congress reclaiming its rightful role in decisions about war,” Kaine said Wednesday in floor remarks. “While the president does and must always have the ability to defend the United States from imminent attack, the executive power to initiate war stops there. An offensive war requires a congressional debate and vote. This should not be a controversial proposition. It’s clearly stated in the Constitution.”


rollcall--2020-02-12--New Hampshire scramble: Democrats’ slog heads south

The New Hampshire Democratic presidential primary is in the books , and its winner , Sen. Bernie Sanders , is @ @ @ @ @ from securing the nomination .
To get there , though , he has to go @ @ @ @ @ Indiana , Mayor Pete Buttigieg , who only has to secure 1,969 delegates .
( @ @ @ @ @ The Associated Press . )
Yes , the two earliest of the early voting states @ @ @ @ @ , and their combined 65 delegates , are now over .
The sprawling Democratic field @ @ @ @ @ , continues to shrink , with Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet , former Massachusetts Gov .
@ @ @ @ @ dropping out after Tuesday ’ s Granite State vote .
But there is a long @ @ @ @ @ , with two more of those early states , Nevada and South Carolina , voting @ @ @ @ @ there ’ s March 3 , Super Tuesday , when former New York Mayor Michael @ @ @ @ @ , having sat out the February contests .

The New Hampshire Democratic presidential primary is in the books, and its winner, Sen. Bernie Sanders, is now only 1,970 delegates away from securing the nomination.
To get there, though, he has to go through former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, who only has to secure 1,969 delegates. (All delegate counts are from The Associated Press.)
Yes, the two earliest of the early voting states, Iowa and New Hampshire, and their combined 65 delegates, are now over. The sprawling Democratic field, such as it is, continues to shrink, with Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet, former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick and Andrew Yang dropping out after Tuesday’s Granite State vote.
But there is a long, long way to go, with two more of those early states, Nevada and South Carolina, voting this month. And then there’s March 3, Super Tuesday, when former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg will make his splash, having sat out the February contests.


rollcall--2020-02-12--New Hampshire candidates’ speeches in just 2 minutes

New Hampshire 's first-in-the-nation primary wrapped up Tuesday night with clearer results than the Iowa caucuses provided .
As numbers @ @ @ @ @ evening , candidates addressed supporters gathered at watch parties throughout the state .
Leaders of @ @ @ @ @ and South Bend , Indiana , Mayor Pete Buttigieg celebrated the moment as pivotal for @ @ @ @ @ , Senators Elizabeth Warren and Amy Klobuchar called for unity in their party to beat @ @ @ @ @ general election .
Over 700 miles away , former Vice President Joe Biden , spent @ @ @ @ @ , as he looks ahead to the state 's primary on Feb. 29 .

New Hampshire's first-in-the-nation primary wrapped up Tuesday night with clearer results than the Iowa caucuses provided.
As numbers began coming out in the evening, candidates addressed supporters gathered at watch parties throughout the state.
Leaders of the pack Sen. Bernie Sanders and South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg celebrated the moment as pivotal for their respective campaigns.
Meanwhile, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Amy Klobuchar called for unity in their party to beat President Donald Trump in the general election.
Over 700 miles away, former Vice President Joe Biden, spent the evening in South Carolina, as he looks ahead to the state's primary on Feb. 29.


rollcall--2020-02-12--Grijalva gets broadened subpoena power over GOP objections

The House Natural Resources Committee voted 21-15 Wednesday morning to give its chairman , Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva , sweeping @ @ @ @ @ of five federal departments and agencies that fall within its jurisdiction and officials who work @ @ @ @ @ advancing the resolution , the committee sets up an all-but-certain escalation with the departments of @ @ @ @ @ over environmental and energy policies and projects .
The authority also applies to the Council @ @ @ @ @ Office of Management and Budget .
Democrats on the committee said they have grown particularly @ @ @ @ @ they say has consistently failed to provide relevant or clear responses to record requests .
@ @ @ @ @ of contentious debate , the committee approved the resolution .
No Republicans voted for it @ @ @ @ @ , R-Ariz. , did manage to amend the resolution to prevent it from applying to @ @ @ @ @ current federal workers .
The chairman and ranking member , Rep .
Rob Bishop , @ @ @ @ @ the vote an agreement to notify committee Republicans when subpoenas are issued .

Corrected: 1:45 p.m. | The House Natural Resources Committee voted 21-15 Wednesday morning to give its chairman, Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva, sweeping authority to unilaterally subpoena any of five federal departments and agencies that fall within its jurisdiction and officials who work at those entities.
By advancing the resolution, the committee sets up an all-but-certain escalation with the departments of Interior, Commerce and Agriculture over environmental and energy policies and projects. The authority also applies to the Council on Environmental Quality and the Office of Management and Budget.
Democrats on the committee said they have grown particularly irked with Interior, which they say has consistently failed to provide relevant or clear responses to record requests.
After more than an hour of contentious debate, the committee approved the resolution. No Republicans voted for it, though Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Ariz., did manage to amend the resolution to prevent it from applying to private citizens who are not current federal workers.
The House Natural Resources Committee voted 21-15 Wednesday morning to give its chairman, Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva, sweeping authority to unilaterally subpoena any of five federal departments and agencies that fall within its jurisdiction and officials who work at those entities.


rollcall--2020-02-13--Gillibrand proposes data protection agency that could enforce its own rules

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand on Thursday said she would propose a bill that would create a new federal agency to safeguard @ @ @ @ @ it with powers to write and enforce regulations .
Private companies with known and unknown @ @ @ @ @ s data and selling it to the highest bidders around the world , Gillibrand wrote @ @ @ @ @ outlining why she was introducing the bill .
The New York Democrat did not reveal @ @ @ @ @ “ As a result , your very existence is being parsed , split , and @ @ @ @ @ , and there is very little you — or anyone , including the federal government @ @ @ @ @ , ” Gillibrand wrote .
Gillibrand ’ s bill , titled the Data Protection Act @ @ @ @ @ whose director would be picked by the president and confirmed by the Senate for a @ @ @ @ @ would enforce its own rules as well as any federal data privacy laws enacted by @ @

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand on Thursday said she would propose a bill that would create a new federal agency to safeguard Americans’ data and equip it with powers to write and enforce regulations.
Private companies with known and unknown motives are collecting people’s data and selling it to the highest bidders around the world, Gillibrand wrote in a post on Medium outlining why she was introducing the bill. The New York Democrat did not reveal bill text, however.
[California sees push on data privacy]
“As a result, your very existence is being parsed, split, and sold to the highest bidder, and there is very little you — or anyone, including the federal government — can do about it,” Gillibrand wrote.
Gillibrand’s bill, titled the Data Protection Act, would create an agency whose director would be picked by the president and confirmed by the Senate for a five-year term. The entity would enforce its own rules as well as any federal data privacy laws enacted by Congress.


rollcall--2020-02-13--Sometimes a red rose is just a red rose, even on Capitol Hill

Red is the go-to choice on Valentine ’ s Day , but nothing is that simple in political Washington , @ @ @ @ @ “ Does this tie make me look like a Republican ?
” With flower deliveries @ @ @ @ @ Hill for the holiday , I asked an expert how to stay thoroughly neutral .
@ @ @ @ @ colors — beautiful lavender , peach , ” says florist Lee Herman , who at @ @ @ @ @ the question but then gamely played along .
Purple has emerged as a safe or @ @ @ @ @ realm , depending on the context .
Members of the House Problem Solvers Caucus , @ @ @ @ @ at this year ’ s State of the Union by wearing the color .
Either @ @ @ @ @ easy look to achieve in the floral world .
Herman recommends purple tulips , lavender @ @ @ @ @ purple hydrangeas .

Red is the go-to choice on Valentine’s Day, but nothing is that simple in political Washington, home of questions like, “Does this tie make me look like a Republican?”
With flower deliveries set to descend on Capitol Hill for the holiday, I asked an expert how to stay thoroughly neutral.
“Roses come in all colors — beautiful lavender, peach,” says florist Lee Herman, who at first rejected the premise of the question but then gamely played along.
Purple has emerged as a safe or bold choice in the political realm, depending on the context. Members of the House Problem Solvers Caucus, for example, stuck together at this year’s State of the Union by wearing the color.
Either way, it's an easy look to achieve in the floral world. Herman recommends purple tulips, lavender and purple roses, or purple hydrangeas.


rollcall--2020-02-13--This ‘Act of Congress’ can serenade you with catchy pop music

When Chris Griffin and Adam Wright decided to form their band over a decade ago , they called it “ @ @ @ @ @ name stuck .
Four albums and two new members later ( bass player Tim Carroll @ @ @ @ @ along the way ) , they still get asked what it means .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ wonky Washington could appreciate .
( I mean , it caught our attention . )
@ @ @ @ @ s not inspired by any particular legislative moment or a passion for “ Schoolhouse Rock.
@ @ @ @ @ mean “ coitus ” too , but that ’ s not the case here — @ @ @ @ @ weddings .
Instead , the story behind the name comes down to something mundane : @ @ @ @ @ that wrangling everyone for practice would be so hard , it would take an “ @ @ @ @ @

When Chris Griffin and Adam Wright decided to form their band over a decade ago, they called it “Act of Congress.”
The name stuck. Four albums and two new members later (bass player Tim Carroll and fiddler Connie Skellie joined along the way), they still get asked what it means.
It’s the kind of moniker wonky Washington could appreciate. (I mean, it caught our attention.) But Griffin says it’s not inspired by any particular legislative moment or a passion for “Schoolhouse Rock.”
“Congress” can mean “coitus” too, but that’s not the case here — though the band does play weddings.
Instead, the story behind the name comes down to something mundane: scheduling. The musicians knew that wrangling everyone for practice would be so hard, it would take an “act of Congress.”


rollcall--2020-02-13--Matson to accept 2019 Berryman Award

Matson to accept 2019 Berryman Award

Still Standing , published Oct. 4 , 2018 : Instead of bogging himself down in the daily minutiae of the political and media frenzy surrounding the Brett Kavanaugh Supreme Court nomination in the fall of 2018 , Matson instead focused his satirical eye on the larger picture /endgame of the whole affair .
Its lasting effects on the legislative process and on the institution of Congress as a whole are and summed up in this cartoon .
Temper Tantrump , published Dec. 11 , 2018 : At the end of 2018 , John Kelly became the latest in a long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to resign .
As White House chief of staff , Kelly had long been characterized as the `` adult '' in the Oval Office .
His resignation , while not surprising , still sent shockwaves throughout the Washington establishment .
This cycle of steady hands abandoning the seemingly out-of-control Trump ship — which continued just a few weeks later with the resignation of Defense Secretary James Mattis — is satirized by Matson in this Dec. 11 cartoon .
Pelosi the Riveter , published Jan. 29 , 2019 : Democrats won a House majority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on policy issues such as health care .
But their victory was also part of a larger backlash against Trump .
The president ’ s refusal to sign a spending bill passed by a GOP-controlled Congress after the election — because funding for his border wall had not been included — led to the longest federal government shutdown in history .
Amid the chaos , Democrats , with Nancy Pelosi as the new speaker , took control of the House in early January .
Matson captured it all in this cartoon , riffing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' poster from World War II .

Temper Tantrump, published Dec. 11, 2018: At the end of 2018, John Kelly became the latest in a long and growing line of Trump administration officials to resign. As White House chief of staff, Kelly had long been characterized as the "adult" in the Oval Office. His resignation, while not surprising, still sent shockwaves throughout the Washington establishment. This cycle of steady hands abandoning the seemingly out-of-control Trump ship — which continued just a few weeks later with the resignation of Defense Secretary James Mattis — is satirized by Matson in this Dec. 11 cartoon.
Pelosi the Riveter, published Jan. 29, 2019: Democrats won a House majority in the 2018 midterms by mainly focusing on policy issues such as health care. But their victory was also part of a larger backlash against Trump. The president’s refusal to sign a spending bill passed by a GOP-controlled Congress after the election — because funding for his border wall had not been included — led to the longest federal government shutdown in history. Amid the chaos, Democrats, with Nancy Pelosi as the new speaker, took control of the House in early January. Matson captured it all in this cartoon, riffing on the iconic "Rosie the Riveter" poster from World War II.
Book TV, published 7/22/19: The Mueller investigation into Russian interference into the 2016 presidential election is one of the most definitive moments in this country’s political history since 9/11. From the moment of its announcement in 2017 to its conclusion in the spring of 2019, the investigation intensified an already-wide political schism in the electorate. And while it did not bring down Donald Trump’s presidency, it did bring public focus on the arcane legal and inner workings of the federal government. It also made a celebrity out of Robert Mueller himself — someone who spent the majority of his career as a public servant outside the media spotlight. This cartoon, published just before Mueller's reluctant appearance before the Democrat-controlled House Judiciary Committee last July, sums up the entire episode.
Family Road Trip, published 08/01/19: The August break in the legislative calendar is both eagerly anticipated and politically reviled by members of Congress. A few months before this year’s recess, the Mueller report broke, detailing a case for obstruction of justice for Congress to potentially follow. Calls for Donald Trump‘s impeachment continued to roil the progressive wing of the House Democratic Caucus throughout the summer only to be tempered by Speaker Pelosi. Many felt that going away for a month would lose them any impeachment momentum spurred by the Mueller report. This cartoon captures all of the unease going into the recess and what loomed ahead for congressional Democrats.
Follow Matson’s work on Roll Call at Capitol Ink.


rollcall--2020-02-13--McConnell thinks Trump should listen to Barr

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Thursday that he thinks President Donald Trump should follow the suggestion of Attorney General @ @ @ @ @ tweeting about pending Justice Department business .
“ The president made a great choice when @ @ @ @ @ be the attorney general , and I think the president should listen to his advice @ @ @ @ @ said in a Fox News interview .
“ I think that if the attorney general @ @ @ @ @ in the way of doing his job , ” McConnell said .
“ Maybe the @ @ @ @ @ attorney general.
” [ Pelosi : Trump abused his power in weighing in on Roger @ @ @ @ @ in an interview with ABC News , said the president ’ s public statements about @ @ @ @ @ was making his job “ impossible .
”

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Thursday that he thinks President Donald Trump should follow the suggestion of Attorney General William Barr and refrain from tweeting about pending Justice Department business.
“The president made a great choice when he picked Bill Barr to be the attorney general, and I think the president should listen to his advice,” the Kentucky Republican said in a Fox News interview.
“I think that if the attorney general says it’s getting in the way of doing his job,” McConnell said. “Maybe the president should listen to the attorney general.”
[Pelosi: Trump abused his power in weighing in on Roger Stone sentencing]
Barr, in an interview with ABC News, said the president’s public statements about the sentencing of Roger Stone was making his job “impossible.”


rollcall--2020-02-13--At the Races: Taking nothing for Granite

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 .
Know someone who ’ d like to get this newsletter ?
They can subscribe here .
Michael Bennet was settling back into his routine in the Senate this week after a disappointing showing in New Hampshire convinced him to call off his presidential bid .
A growing pool of former candidates are cooling their presidential ambitions in that old saucer of the Senate .
Including Bennet , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unsuccessfully run for president .
And on Thursday , Elizabeth Warren , Amy Klobuchar and Bernie Sanders , the three senators still in the race , popped in to cast their votes on a resolution to limit the president ’ s ability to attack Iran .
( Warren will combine the D.C. trip with some campaigning across the river in Arlington , Virginia . )
Klobuchar , whose campaign was boosted by her third-place finish in New Hampshire , got plenty of attention from her colleagues in the Senate chamber , where she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2016 VP candidate Tim Kaine .
Republicans Rand Paul , Pat Toomey , Mitt Romney , Mike Lee and Roger Wicker all crossed the aisle to pay their respects — a nice gesture for a candidate staking her race on her bipartisan appeal .
Meanwhile , the presidential surrogates on the House side tried to convince their colleagues to weigh in with endorsements , which carry a bit more weight in the absence of a clear front-runner in the early primaries .

Simone Pathé, Stephanie Akin, and Bridget Bowman

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. Know someone who’d like to get this newsletter? They can subscribe here.
Michael Bennet was settling back into his routine in the Senate this week after a disappointing showing in New Hampshire convinced him to call off his presidential bid. A growing pool of former candidates are cooling their presidential ambitions in that old saucer of the Senate. Including Bennet, there are now 10 sitting senators who have unsuccessfully run for president.
And on Thursday, Elizabeth Warren, Amy Klobuchar and Bernie Sanders, the three senators still in the race, popped in to cast their votes on a resolution to limit the president’s ability to attack Iran. (Warren will combine the D.C. trip with some campaigning across the river in Arlington, Virginia.)
Klobuchar, whose campaign was boosted by her third-place finish in New Hampshire, got plenty of attention from her colleagues in the Senate chamber, where she chatted with fellow Democrats Patty Murray and 2016 VP candidate Tim Kaine. Republicans Rand Paul, Pat Toomey, Mitt Romney, Mike Lee and Roger Wicker all crossed the aisle to pay their respects — a nice gesture for a candidate staking her race on her bipartisan appeal.
Meanwhile, the presidential surrogates on the House side tried to convince their colleagues to weigh in with endorsements, which carry a bit more weight in the absence of a clear front-runner in the early primaries.


rollcall--2020-02-13--Yellen and an all-star, bipartisan coalition pitch carbon tax

A bipartisan group of economists and former Cabinet officials , including former Federal Reserve Chairwoman Janet Yellen and former Secretary of State James Baker , continued their push for a carbon tax Thursday , which they contend would halve emissions by 2035 and give families more money .
The group , the Climate Leadership Council , suggests a gradually rising carbon tax starting at $ 40 per ton as an alternative to federal regulations to control climate change .
Yellen said such a plan would replace the need for “ cumbersome and less efficient ” federal regulations “ Such mandates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and can be replaced by a market-friendly solution , ” she said .
“ This plan will spur , not impede growth.
” The plan is not new and has proven politically difficult in Congress .
Although Republicans are critical of federal regulations as a way to control carbon emissions , they ’ re also wary of levying a new tax , which critics say would raise energy costs for consumers .
Republicans , led by House Minority Whip Steve Scalise , R-La.
, have introduced a resolution ( H.Con.Res.41 ) condemning a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. economy .

Clarified, Feb. 18 | A bipartisan group of economists and former Cabinet officials, including former Federal Reserve Chairwoman Janet Yellen and former Secretary of State James Baker, continued their push for a carbon tax Thursday, which they contend would halve emissions by 2035 and give families more money.
The group, the Climate Leadership Council, whose founders include Exxon Mobil Corp. and BP, suggests a gradually rising carbon tax starting at $40 per ton as an alternative to federal regulations to control climate change.
Yellen said such a plan would replace the need for “cumbersome and less efficient” federal regulations
“Such mandates can be expensive for businesses to implement and can be replaced by a market-friendly solution,” she said. “This plan will spur, not impede growth.”
The plan is not new and has proven politically difficult in Congress. Although Republicans are critical of federal regulations as a way to control carbon emissions, they’re also wary of levying a new tax, which critics say would raise energy costs for consumers. Republicans, led by House Minority Whip Steve Scalise, R-La., have introduced a resolution (H.Con.Res.41) condemning a carbon tax as “detrimental” to the U.S. economy.


rollcall--2020-02-13--Trump’s budget steps on GOP’s new climate message

Most GOP voters support climate action , recent polls show , and Republican lawmakers want to shed the party ’ s reputation for rejecting the scientific consensus on global warming .
But the White House budget proposal released this week would eliminate or cut funding for climate , clean energy and efficiency research , even as Republican lawmakers on Wednesday offered the first pieces of what they say will be an effective legislative response to global warming .
While Congress will almost certainly disregard the cuts pushed by the White House , the proposal nevertheless reflects President Donald Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Party .
That ’ s likely to mute and confuse the message House Republicans are trying to send , said Bob Inglis , a former Republican congressman who now leads an organization , RepublicEN , advocating for free-market climate solutions .
“ It ’ s very damaging to a Grumpy Old Party trying to remake itself into the Grand Opportunity Party , ” said Inglis , executive director of the group .
“ It ’ s very damaging to that effort because it means they constantly have to be explaining why the head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the competition of ideas about climate solutions and is rather trying to cut everything out that would be relevant to climate action .
”

Most GOP voters support climate action, recent polls show, and Republican lawmakers want to shed the party’s reputation for rejecting the scientific consensus on global warming.
But the White House budget proposal released this week would eliminate or cut funding for climate, clean energy and efficiency research, even as Republican lawmakers on Wednesday offered the first pieces of what they say will be an effective legislative response to global warming.
[Young Republicans push party to act on climate change]
While Congress will almost certainly disregard the cuts pushed by the White House, the proposal nevertheless reflects President Donald Trump’s priorities as leader of the Republican Party. That’s likely to mute and confuse the message House Republicans are trying to send, said Bob Inglis, a former Republican congressman who now leads an organization, RepublicEN, advocating for free-market climate solutions.
“It’s very damaging to a Grumpy Old Party trying to remake itself into the Grand Opportunity Party,” said Inglis, executive director of the group. “It’s very damaging to that effort because it means they constantly have to be explaining why the head of the party isn’t joining the competition of ideas about climate solutions and is rather trying to cut everything out that would be relevant to climate action.”


rollcall--2020-02-13--Draft of bipartisan driverless car bill offered by House panel

Days after reviving the debate over how to regulate the driverless vehicle industry , the House Energy and Commerce Committee is circulating draft legislation for that oversight .
The discussion draft , obtained by CQ Roll Call , is bipartisan and bicameral and aimed at ironing out legislative differences up front in order to avoid the fate of a similar bill that stalled in 2018 .
An email sent out with the bill requests feedback from stakeholders by Feb. 21 on sections regarding cybersecurity , consumer education , inoperative controls , resources , staffing , crash data and truck savings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on federal , state and local roles , exemptions , rulemakings , FAST Act testing expansion , advisory committees and definitions .
While much of the substance of the draft bill seems settled , some holes remain .
For example , the bill sets out extensive requirements aimed at protecting the vehicles from hacking .
But the writers have yet to decide whether to bar manufacturers from selling any vehicle without cybersecurity protections or simply those with automated features .
The bill also asks the Department of Transportation to study how to educate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do .
But it has n't yet determined the parameters of such education .

Days after reviving the debate over how to regulate the driverless vehicle industry, the House Energy and Commerce Committee is circulating draft legislation for that oversight.
The discussion draft, obtained by CQ Roll Call, is bipartisan and bicameral and aimed at ironing out legislative differences up front in order to avoid the fate of a similar bill that stalled in 2018. An email sent out with the bill requests feedback from stakeholders by Feb. 21 on sections regarding cybersecurity, consumer education, inoperative controls, resources, staffing, crash data and truck savings.
The committee previously released draft sections on federal, state and local roles, exemptions, rulemakings, FAST Act testing expansion, advisory committees and definitions.
While much of the substance of the draft bill seems settled, some holes remain. For example, the bill sets out extensive requirements aimed at protecting the vehicles from hacking. But the writers have yet to decide whether to bar manufacturers from selling any vehicle without cybersecurity protections or simply those with automated features.
The bill also asks the Department of Transportation to study how to educate consumers about what their automated cars can do. But it hasn't yet determined the parameters of such education.


rollcall--2020-02-13--Senate passes resolution that would limit Trump’s war powers on Iran

The Senate on Thursday passed a resolution to block President Donald Trump from further attacks on Iran after a bipartisan group of lawmakers worked together to defeat multiple Republican amendments designed to weaken or kill outright the legal force of the measure .
Senators passed , as amended , the legally binding measure from Sen. Tim Kaine , D-Va. , by a vote of 55-45 .
That number was four affirmative votes more than the vote the day before to begin debate on the resolution .
It included votes in favor by eight Republicans : Lamar Alexander of Tennessee , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Maine , Mike Lee of Utah , Jerry Moran of Kansas , Lisa Murkowski of Alaska , Rand Paul of Kentucky and Todd Young of Indiana .
The privileged resolution , offered under the 1973 War Powers Act , would require Trump to immediately end any hostilities against Iran and its officials without a vote of Congress .
And it comes amid continuing fears about the prospects for war after the early January targeted drone killing by the United States of Iran ’ s top military commander , Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani @

The Senate on Thursday passed a resolution to block President Donald Trump from further attacks on Iran after a bipartisan group of lawmakers worked together to defeat multiple Republican amendments designed to weaken or kill outright the legal force of the measure.
Senators passed, as amended, the legally binding measure from Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., by a vote of 55-45. That number was four affirmative votes more than the vote the day before to begin debate on the resolution. It included votes in favor by eight Republicans: Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, Susan Collins of Maine, Mike Lee of Utah, Jerry Moran of Kansas, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Rand Paul of Kentucky and Todd Young of Indiana.
The privileged resolution, offered under the 1973 War Powers Act, would require Trump to immediately end any hostilities against Iran and its officials without a vote of Congress. And it comes amid continuing fears about the prospects for war after the early January targeted drone killing by the United States of Iran’s top military commander, Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani.


rollcall--2020-02-13--Laura Dove, key GOP Senate staffer, to retire

The Senate ’ s secretary for the majority , Laura Dove , is leaving her post later this month and will be replaced by assistant Republican Secretary Robert Duncan .
Dove has worked in the Senate for more than 20 years , including posts in the Republican cloakroom , the Republican conference , GOP leadership and her current role as secretary for the majority .
“ Laura Dove has been an essential part of the United States Senate , ” Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said in a statement .
“ The secretary for the majority is one of the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican senator has counted on Laura to listen to our goals and concerns and help translate them into action on the Senate floor.
” Dove ’ s first job on Capitol Hill was as a Senate page .
That likely prepared her for her most recent high-profile duties during the Senate impeachment trial of President Donald Trump , where pages ferried endless notes between Dove , lawmakers , the cloakroom and staff .
At one point during the trial , as the umpteenth page arrived in the aisle to deliver a note , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eyes .
She seemed to brace herself for whatever new information or inquiry was headed her way , and then smiled broadly at the page .

The Senate’s secretary for the majority, Laura Dove, is leaving her post later this month and will be replaced by assistant Republican Secretary Robert Duncan.
Dove has worked in the Senate for more than 20 years, including posts in the Republican cloakroom, the Republican conference, GOP leadership and her current role as secretary for the majority.
“Laura Dove has been an essential part of the United States Senate,” Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said in a statement. “The secretary for the majority is one of the most crucial people in this institution. Every Republican senator has counted on Laura to listen to our goals and concerns and help translate them into action on the Senate floor.”
Dove’s first job on Capitol Hill was as a Senate page. That likely prepared her for her most recent high-profile duties during the Senate impeachment trial of President Donald Trump, where pages ferried endless notes between Dove, lawmakers, the cloakroom and staff.
At one point during the trial, as the umpteenth page arrived in the aisle to deliver a note, Dove took a moment to close her eyes. She seemed to brace herself for whatever new information or inquiry was headed her way, and then smiled broadly at the page.


rollcall--2020-02-13--Young Republicans push party to act on climate change

Young Republicans , facing a future with more extreme weather events , wildfires , rising sea levels , famine and other repercussions of a warmer planet , have been knocking on their lawmakers ’ doors with a message that many in the party have preferred to ignore : It 's time to get serious about fighting climate change .
The party leadership , aware of polling that shows the GOP out of step with its young voters , is taking heed .
On Wednesday at a news conference led by Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy , R-Calif. , House Republicans released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be a series of modest climate-related bills that they hope will demonstrate the party can acknowledge and act on climate change .
The measures include three bills to bolster research and use of carbon capture technology and to codify President Donald Trump ’ s decision to have the U.S. join the United Nation ’ s Trillion Trees Initiative .
“ I think that young Republicans have made this happen , ” Quillan Robinson , government affairs director at the youth-driven climate group American Conservation Coalition , said of the bills .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the last six months relentlessly on this issue .
”

Young Republicans, facing a future with more extreme weather events, wildfires, rising sea levels, famine and other repercussions of a warmer planet, have been knocking on their lawmakers’ doors with a message that many in the party have preferred to ignore: It's time to get serious about fighting climate change.
The party leadership, aware of polling that shows the GOP out of step with its young voters, is taking heed.
On Wednesday at a news conference led by Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., House Republicans released the first few in what is expected to be a series of modest climate-related bills that they hope will demonstrate the party can acknowledge and act on climate change.
The measures include three bills to bolster research and use of carbon capture technology and to codify President Donald Trump’s decision to have the U.S. join the United Nation’s Trillion Trees Initiative.
“I think that young Republicans have made this happen,” Quillan Robinson, government affairs director at the youth-driven climate group American Conservation Coalition, said of the bills. “We’ve been meeting with offices for the last six months relentlessly on this issue.”


rollcall--2020-02-13--‘Who’s the last person you texted?’ and other burning questions for Congress on Valentine’s Day

Who says love and Congress can ’ t go together ?
For this Valentine ’ s Day , Heard on @ @ @ @ @ love notes to get them in the lovey-dovey spirit .
Rep. Joseph Morelle tells us @ @ @ @ @ and Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers shares why the Willard Hotel is the most romantic date @ @ @ @ @ Sometimes a red rose is just a red rose , even on Capitol Hill ]

Who says love and Congress can’t go together? For this Valentine’s Day, Heard on the Hill gave lawmakers probing love notes to get them in the lovey-dovey spirit.
Rep. Joseph Morelle tells us the last person he texted and Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers shares why the Willard Hotel is the most romantic date spot in Washington.
[ Sometimes a red rose is just a red rose, even on Capitol Hill ]


rollcall--2020-02-13--GOP senators skeptical of Fed nominee Shelton after hearing

Facing opposition to her joining the Federal Reserve Board over questions about her political independence , among other issues , Judy Shelton refused to budge from some of her controversial positions at a confirmation hearing Thursday .
Her stance appeared to disappoint a few Republicans on the Senate Banking Committee , including Patrick J. Toomey of Pennsylvania , Richard C. Shelby of Alabama and John Kennedy of Louisiana .
Each said they remained concerned after the hearing , but declined to say how they would vote .
With unanimous Democratic opposition a safe assumption , Shelton can not afford to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ split 13-12 in favor of the GOP .
If she advances out of committee , just four Republican no votes could block her confirmation on the floor .
The committee heard from two nominees for the Fed board : Shelton , an economic adviser to President Donald Trump ’ s 2016 campaign and the president 's choice to represent the U.S. on the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development , and Christopher Waller , a high-ranking economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis .
[ Fintech Beat sits down with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s open banking unit ]

Facing opposition to her joining the Federal Reserve Board over questions about her political independence, among other issues, Judy Shelton refused to budge from some of her controversial positions at a confirmation hearing Thursday.
Her stance appeared to disappoint a few Republicans on the Senate Banking Committee, including Patrick J. Toomey of Pennsylvania, Richard C. Shelby of Alabama and John Kennedy of Louisiana. Each said they remained concerned after the hearing, but declined to say how they would vote.
With unanimous Democratic opposition a safe assumption, Shelton cannot afford to lose a single Republican on a panel split 13-12 in favor of the GOP. If she advances out of committee, just four Republican no votes could block her confirmation on the floor.
The committee heard from two nominees for the Fed board: Shelton, an economic adviser to President Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign and the president's choice to represent the U.S. on the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and Christopher Waller, a high-ranking economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.
[Fintech Beat sits down with the former chief of the Federal Reserve’s open banking unit]


rollcall--2020-02-14--Warren supporters in Virginia hold out hope for Super Tuesday

ARLINGTON , Va. — After a disappointing finish in the nation ’ s first two nominating contests , Elizabeth Warren took a detour Thursday night from the next two states on the primary calendar .
After voting for a bipartisan resolution to limit President Donald Trump ’ s power to launch a new war in Iran , the Massachusetts Democrat didn ’ t jet off to Nevada or South Carolina , she stuck around to campaign in the Washington suburbs .
Virginia ’ s primaries are less than a month away on March 3 , after the caucuses in Nevada @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s a little rejuvenation stop , ” said Allan Abramson , a strong Warren backer in his late 70s , who said he and his wife were at Thursday ’ s town hall at an Arlington high school because they wanted to show they still support the senator after the last week .
“ I think she could use the kick that we ’ re going to give.
” Once she took the stage , Warren came out swinging against former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg , accusing him of trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remarks about the 2008 financial crisis .
Warren supporters in the crowd mostly weren ’ t worried about her performance in Iowa , where she finished third last week , and New Hampshire , where she finished fourth on Tuesday .

ARLINGTON, Va. — After a disappointing finish in the nation’s first two nominating contests, Elizabeth Warren took a detour Thursday night from the next two states on the primary calendar.
After voting for a bipartisan resolution to limit President Donald Trump’s power to launch a new war in Iran, the Massachusetts Democrat didn’t jet off to Nevada or South Carolina, she stuck around to campaign in the Washington suburbs. Virginia’s primaries are less than a month away on March 3, after the caucuses in Nevada and primary in South Carolina.
“It’s a little rejuvenation stop,” said Allan Abramson, a strong Warren backer in his late 70s, who said he and his wife were at Thursday’s town hall at an Arlington high school because they wanted to show they still support the senator after the last week. “I think she could use the kick that we’re going to give.”
Once she took the stage, Warren came out swinging against former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg, accusing him of trying to buy the nomination and attacking his remarks about the 2008 financial crisis.
Warren supporters in the crowd mostly weren’t worried about her performance in Iowa, where she finished third last week, and New Hampshire, where she finished fourth on Tuesday.


rollcall--2020-02-14--Bloomberg’s counterattacks may just resonate with Democrats

OPINION — I was struck by a Mike Bloomberg tweet responding to President Donald Trump Thursday morning .
Trump tweeted : “ Mini Mike is a 5 ’ 4 ” mass of dead energy who does not want to be on the debate stage with these professional politicians .
No boxes please .
He hates crazy Bernie and will , with enough money , possibly stop him .
Bernie ’ s people will go nuts !
” To which Bloomberg responded : “ We know many of the same people in NY .
Behind your back they laugh at you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They know you inherited a fortune & squandered it with stupid deals and incompetence .
I have the record & the resources to defeat you .
And I will.
” Bloomberg adviser Tim O ’ Brien had his own response to the president ’ s attack on the former New York mayor : “ Translation : I ’ m a gelatinous pile of greed and revenge fueled by low-boil resentments , burning insecurities , an empty wallet , and constant reminders to myself that my dad was self-made while I was born @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Where ’ s my cheeseburger ?
” The Trump tweet is nothing out of the ordinary , but the responses were .

OPINION — I was struck by a Mike Bloomberg tweet responding to President Donald Trump Thursday morning.
Trump tweeted: “Mini Mike is a 5’4” mass of dead energy who does not want to be on the debate stage with these professional politicians. No boxes please. He hates crazy Bernie and will, with enough money, possibly stop him. Bernie’s people will go nuts!”
To which Bloomberg responded: “We know many of the same people in NY. Behind your back they laugh at you & call you a carnival barking clown. They know you inherited a fortune & squandered it with stupid deals and incompetence. I have the record & the resources to defeat you. And I will.”
Bloomberg adviser Tim O’Brien had his own response to the president’s attack on the former New York mayor: “Translation: I’m a gelatinous pile of greed and revenge fueled by low-boil resentments, burning insecurities, an empty wallet, and constant reminders to myself that my dad was self-made while I was born with a silver foot in my mouth. Where’s my cheeseburger?”
The Trump tweet is nothing out of the ordinary, but the responses were.


rollcall--2020-02-14--Reporter’s Notebook: What the cameras weren’t watching

Visuals were limited during President Donald Trump 's Senate impeachment trial , but CQ Roll Call had eyes on everything @ @ @ @ @ .
With a little inspiration from the SCOTUS Blog 's `` A View from the @ @ @ @ @ Ruger , Katherine Tully-McManus and Patrick Kelley became the eyes and ears of the trial @ @ @ @ @ view from the chamber every day trial was in session .
Watch as this eagle-eyed @ @ @ @ @ in CQ Roll Call 's latest Reporter 's Notebook .

Visuals were limited during President Donald Trump's Senate impeachment trial, but CQ Roll Call had eyes on everything the public couldn't see.
With a little inspiration from the SCOTUS Blog's "A View from the Courtroom," reporters Todd Ruger, Katherine Tully-McManus and Patrick Kelley became the eyes and ears of the trial. Roll Call published a view from the chamber every day trial was in session.
Watch as this eagle-eyed team explains their impeachment experience in CQ Roll Call's latest Reporter's Notebook.


rollcall--2020-02-14--Senators reaffirm support for Ukraine, Zelenskiy at first meeting since impeachment

“ The three of us are [ members of ] different parties , ” he said , referring to the co-delegation that visited Kyiv .
“ We voted differently on the matter of impeachment .
But we are here together because there is no difference between us or between Republicans and Democrats in Congress in our support for Ukraine , for our support for continued funding for Ukraine to defend itself , and our continued support for reform , ” he said .
The U.S. and NATO provide essential strategic security support for Ukraine , which borders Russia to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Kremlin ’ s influence in Eastern Europe .
The U.S. alone has provided Ukraine more than $ 1.5 billion in aid since 2014 , when Russia annexed the Crimean peninsula and began backing militant separatists in Ukraine ’ s eastern Donbass Region .
That war is still raging .
The Trump administration unilaterally put a hold on roughly $ 400 million of congressionally appropriated aid to Kyiv last summer , at the same time as his personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani and some senior officials in his administration sought to pressure Zelenskiy into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republicans , with the exception of Utah Sen. Mitt Romney , voted earlier this month to acquit Trump of two articles of impeachment alleging that he abused his executive power and subsequently attempted to obstruct justice .

“The three of us are [members of] different parties,” he said, referring to the co-delegation that visited Kyiv. “We voted differently on the matter of impeachment. But we are here together because there is no difference between us or between Republicans and Democrats in Congress in our support for Ukraine, for our support for continued funding for Ukraine to defend itself, and our continued support for reform,” he said.
The U.S. and NATO provide essential strategic security support for Ukraine, which borders Russia to the east and acts as a buffer against the Kremlin’s influence in Eastern Europe.
The U.S. alone has provided Ukraine more than $1.5 billion in aid since 2014, when Russia annexed the Crimean peninsula and began backing militant separatists in Ukraine’s eastern Donbass Region. That war is still raging.
The Trump administration unilaterally put a hold on roughly $400 million of congressionally appropriated aid to Kyiv last summer, at the same time as his personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani and some senior officials in his administration sought to pressure Zelenskiy into announcing investigations into the Bidens.
Senate Republicans, with the exception of Utah Sen. Mitt Romney, voted earlier this month to acquit Trump of two articles of impeachment alleging that he abused his executive power and subsequently attempted to obstruct justice.


rollcall--2020-02-14--Congress and the coronavirus

Congress and the coronavirus

This week CQ on Congress delves deep into whether the government is ready to manage a pandemic .
Shawn Zeller @ @ @ @ @ G. Eshoo , the California Democrat who wrote a law last year to improve pandemic @ @ @ @ @ Clowers , managing director of the health care team for the Government Accountability Office .
@ @ @ @ @ the shortcomings in U.S. preparedness that need to be shored up .
• Senate says @ @ @ @ @ final vote is set for Wednesday

This week CQ on Congress delves deep into whether the government is ready to manage a pandemic. Shawn Zeller speaks first to Rep. Anna G. Eshoo, the California Democrat who wrote a law last year to improve pandemic preparedness, then to Nikki Clowers, managing director of the health care team for the Government Accountability Office. She points out some of the shortcomings in U.S. preparedness that need to be shored up.
Show notes:


rollcall--2020-02-14--Congress needs a hug: Congressional Hits and Misses

The Problem Solvers Caucus held a marathon hug session at its news briefing this week .
Clearly someone needs solace @ @ @ @ @ rancor .
Meanwhile , Sen. Michael Bennet spilled the beans on how lazy senators can @ @ @ @ @ and Sen. Joni Ernst invented the word “ moondoggle.
” [ Also watch — ‘ @ @ @ @ @ person you texted ?
’ and other burning questions for Congress on Valentine ’ s @ @

The Problem Solvers Caucus held a marathon hug session at its news briefing this week. Clearly someone needs solace from the usual partisan congressional rancor.
Meanwhile, Sen. Michael Bennet spilled the beans on how lazy senators can add to their floor remarks and Sen. Joni Ernst invented the word “moondoggle.”
[ Also watch — ‘Who’s the last person you texted?’ and other burning questions for Congress on Valentine’s Day ]


rollcall--2020-02-14--Space Force war request marks budgetary first

The Pentagon is requesting about as much money for overseas operations in the coming fiscal year as in this one , but there is at least one noteworthy new twist : the first-ever Space Force request for war funds .
Officials say the $ 77 million request is needed by Oct. 1 not for space warfare but to enable military personnel to keep operating and protecting key satellites .
Maj. Gen. John Pletcher , a top budget official in the Air Force , under which the nascent Space Force falls , told reporters earlier this week the money is needed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is counter-space operations , which means systems and tactics for defending satellites from adversary efforts to disable them .
The second is satellite communications in support of military operations abroad .
The third is operating and maintaining missile-warning satellites like the ones that reportedly detected an Iranian missile attack last month on bases where U.S. troops were deployed in Iraq .
The $ 77 million request in “ overseas contingency operations ” money is a small part of the $ 740.5 billion national defense budget request for fiscal 2021 and is tucked away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it slated for Space Force , almost all of which previously went to the Air Force .

The Pentagon is requesting about as much money for overseas operations in the coming fiscal year as in this one, but there is at least one noteworthy new twist: the first-ever Space Force request for war funds.
Officials say the $77 million request is needed by Oct. 1 not for space warfare but to enable military personnel to keep operating and protecting key satellites.
Maj. Gen. John Pletcher, a top budget official in the Air Force, under which the nascent Space Force falls, told reporters earlier this week the money is needed to pay for three missions.
One is counter-space operations, which means systems and tactics for defending satellites from adversary efforts to disable them. The second is satellite communications in support of military operations abroad. The third is operating and maintaining missile-warning satellites like the ones that reportedly detected an Iranian missile attack last month on bases where U.S. troops were deployed in Iraq.
The $77 million request in “overseas contingency operations” money is a small part of the $740.5 billion national defense budget request for fiscal 2021 and is tucked away in the $15.4 billion piece of it slated for Space Force, almost all of which previously went to the Air Force.


rollcall--2020-02-14--Photos of the Week: Budget, hats and hugging

This week the federal budget dropped , men with funny hats roamed about , and a bipartisan man-hugfest broke out @ @ @ @ @ normal post-impeachment .

Bill Clark, Tom Williams, and Caroline Brehman

This week the federal budget dropped, men with funny hats roamed about, and a bipartisan man-hugfest broke out as the Capitol returned to normal post-impeachment.
Members from the Overmountain Victory Trail Association dressed in colonial outfits board an elevator in the Rayburn House Office Building as they visit various members of Congress on Monday. (Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call)
Visitors from Taiwan take pictures in the rain on the East Front of the Capitol on Monday. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., prepares for a Black History Month discussion in the Capitol Visitor Center on Monday on the diversity of thought in the black community. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
A man wears an Uncle Sam hat in the House Oversight and Reform Committee hearing on D.C. statehood on Tuesday. (Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call)
Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., whose San Francisco 49ers lost the Super Bowl to the Kansas City Chiefs, represented by Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, D-Mo., pays off a friendly wager of California chocolates and nuts at the Capitol on Tuesday. (Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call)
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., left, gets a man hug from Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., during the Problem Solvers Caucus news conference in the Capitol on Tuesday. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
Vice President Mike Pence waves to tourists from the second floor of the Capitol after the Senate policy luncheons on Tuesday. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., right, and Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., arrive for a news conference after the Senate Policy luncheons in the Capitol on Tuesday. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., stops to greet Deco, the French bulldog owned by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., in Rayburn Building on Wednesday. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
Chairman Tim Ryan, D-Ohio invites Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler's son, Ethan Beutler, to gavel in the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Legislative Branch Subcommittee hearing on Wednesday. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)


rollcall--2020-02-14--Five Senate votes where Bernie Sanders and Amy Klobuchar canceled each other out

When Sens .
Bernie Sanders and Amy Klobuchar arrived as freshmen senators in January 2007 , they entered a Senate @ @ @ @ @ the one in which they serve as 2020 presidential frontrunners .
Back then , the @ @ @ @ @ floor and roll call votes on amendments were not a rarity .
The amendment voting @ @ @ @ @ Vermont independent , and Klobuchar , a Minnesota Democrat , show some substantial differences that @ @ @ @ @ Senate careers .
The distinctions are perhaps most clear when the Senate has considered amendments @ @ @ @ @ Using the CQ Roll Call database of Senate floor votes , here are five amendments @ @ @ @ @ split .

During the 2007 floor debate on the immigration bill most associated with GOP Sen. John McCain and Democratic Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, the new senators Klobuchar and Sanders split several times, including on Oklahoma Republican James M. Inhofe’s amendment to Kennedy's substitute text. The Inhofe amendment would have declared English as the national language of the United States. Klobuchar voted yes. Sanders voted no.
FISA lawsuits
Another clear area of disagreement over the years has been government surveillance powers and the limits of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. In 2008, the senators voted on an amendment from Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania (who was still a Republican at that point) that sought to substitute the federal government as the defendant in lawsuits against telecommunications companies alleged to have participated in the National Security Agency's warrantless surveillance program. Sanders backed the amendment, while Klobuchar opposed it.
Fairness doctrine
Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., offered an unrelated amendment to Washington, D.C., voting rights legislation in 2009 that would bar the Federal Communications Commission from reinstating a rule known as the “fairness doctrine,” which required broadcasters to air discussions of controversial views and present opposing viewpoints. The amendment also would have barred requirements for programming quotas or guidelines on issues of public importance. Klobuchar voted in favor of the amendment. Sanders opposed it.
Gun ownership by veterans
During a contentious 2013 gun policy debate, Sanders voted for a Republican amendment from Sen. Richard M. Burr of North Carolina that would prevent veterans who are mentally incapacitated, deemed mentally incompetent or experiencing an extended loss of consciousness from being deemed “a mental defective,” a classification that would bar them from gun ownership. Under the Burr proposal, no veteran would be blocked from owning guns unless a court finds that the individual posed a danger to himself or others. Klobuchar opposed the amendment.
The third Democratic senator still running for president, Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, came to the chamber in 2013. She also voted against the Burr amendment.


rollcall--2020-02-14--Campus Notebook: More legal expenses for Duncan Hunter, Capitol Police lawyer heads to DOJ

Rafique Anderson left his post as senior counsel for the Capitol Police to work for the Department of Justice in @ @ @ @ @ 168,411 as a Capitol Police lawyer .
In November , Kelly Scindian , a senior @ @ @ @ @ and Anderson led the team that prevailed in a federal sexual discrimination case brought by @ @ @ @ @ Sourgoutsis , who was fired .
Sourgoutsis ’ gender was a motivating factor in her @ @ @ @ @ still would have terminated her , the federal jury found in rejecting her sexual discrimination @ @ @ @ @ prove she would have remained on the force but for her sex , according to @ @ @ @ @ the jury denied her bid for compensatory damages and found she did not prove she @ @ @ @ @ a sexual harassment investigation into her supervisor , Tyrone Vias .

Senior Capitol Police lawyer leaves for DOJ
Rafique Anderson left his post as senior counsel for the Capitol Police to work for the Department of Justice in January. Anderson earned $168,411 as a Capitol Police lawyer.
In November, Kelly Scindian, a senior attorney for the department, and Anderson led the team that prevailed in a federal sexual discrimination case brought by former Capitol Police officer Chrisavgi Sourgoutsis, who was fired.
Sourgoutsis’ gender was a motivating factor in her dismissal, but the force still would have terminated her, the federal jury found in rejecting her sexual discrimination lawsuit. Sourgoutsis failed to prove she would have remained on the force but for her sex, according to the verdict. Also, the jury denied her bid for compensatory damages and found she did not prove she was fired for testifying in a sexual harassment investigation into her supervisor, Tyrone Vias.


rollcall--2020-02-17--Infrastructure week hits the presidential campaign trail

LAS VEGAS , Nev. — For at least a few hours , it was infrastructure week on the presidential campaign @ @ @ @ @ former Vice President Joe Biden was entirely in his element as the kickoff speaker .
@ @ @ @ @ to talk about his interest in upgrading key rail infrastructure corridors .
`` If you @ @ @ @ @ , you could get there in an hour-and-a-half , '' Biden said of the potential @ @ @ @ @ on Amtrak between New York and Washington , D.C .
Trains were among the recurring @ @ @ @ @ America Forward '' forum moderated by the Wall Street Journal , as were , of @ @ @ @ @ .
Biden said if elected president he would sign legislation that would increase the federal @ @ @ @ @ as has been proposed by House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Peter A. DeFazio , D-Ore @

LAS VEGAS, Nev. — For at least a few hours, it was infrastructure week on the presidential campaign trail Sunday.
Predictably, former Vice President Joe Biden was entirely in his element as the kickoff speaker. "Amtrak Joe" got to talk about his interest in upgrading key rail infrastructure corridors.
"If you straighten out those three curves, you could get there in an hour-and-a-half," Biden said of the potential for reducing travel on time on Amtrak between New York and Washington, D.C.
Trains were among the recurring themes of the "Moving America Forward" forum moderated by the Wall Street Journal, as were, of course, airplanes and airports.
Biden said if elected president he would sign legislation that would increase the federal airport passenger facility charge, as has been proposed by House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Peter A. DeFazio, D-Ore.


rollcall--2020-02-18--In Nevada, presidential campaigns seek second-choice voters

LAS VEGAS — Outside campaign rallies and early voting sites , you get the sense many Nevada Democrats have made up their minds about their first choice for president .
Second choice ?
Some voters have strategies for that .
Third choice ?
Fewer voters know which candidate to write on that line , and by the time it comes for picking fourth and fifth choices ?
Who knows .
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti spent part of the President 's Day weekend canvassing in Nevada on behalf of former Vice President Joe Biden .
Garcetti , a national co-chair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a message ready for voters who had a favorite candidate not named Biden , but did n't yet have a second choice .
“ It ’ s a hybrid between a caucus and a primary , maybe it ’ s like a plug-in hybrid .
It ’ s so complicated .
You can do early voting , you can do caucus , you can do whatever , ” Garcetti said .
“ The nice thing about Nevada ?
You don ’ t have to pick one person and hate the rest.
” In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voters who choose their candidates during the early process , they are asked to provide backup options in case their first choice of a 2020 Democratic nominee has not met viability at their home caucus site on Saturday .

LAS VEGAS — Outside campaign rallies and early voting sites, you get the sense many Nevada Democrats have made up their minds about their first choice for president.
Second choice? Some voters have strategies for that. Third choice? Fewer voters know which candidate to write on that line, and by the time it comes for picking fourth and fifth choices? Who knows.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti spent part of the President's Day weekend canvassing in Nevada on behalf of former Vice President Joe Biden. Garcetti, a national co-chair of Biden’s campaign, had a message ready for voters who had a favorite candidate not named Biden, but didn't yet have a second choice.
“It’s a hybrid between a caucus and a primary, maybe it’s like a plug-in hybrid. It’s so complicated. You can do early voting, you can do caucus, you can do whatever,” Garcetti said. “The nice thing about Nevada? You don’t have to pick one person and hate the rest.”
In an effort to protect the rights of voters who choose their candidates during the early process, they are asked to provide backup options in case their first choice of a 2020 Democratic nominee has not met viability at their home caucus site on Saturday.


rollcall--2020-02-18--Fintech Beat: Mapping financial inclusion

Financial inclusion is the holy grail of fintech — though what it is and how it ’ s delivered differs @ @ @ @ @ the world one lives .
Fintech Beat sits down with Citi ’ s Head of @ @ @ @ @ about his new report , Banking the Next Billion : Digital Financial Inclusion in Action @ @ @ @ @ measures up when compared to the likes of India , China , Kenya and Nigeria @

Financial inclusion is the holy grail of fintech — though what it is and how it’s delivered differs dramatically depending on where in the world one lives. Fintech Beat sits down with Citi’s Head of Global Banks Research to talk about his new report, Banking the Next Billion: Digital Financial Inclusion in Action — and how the U.S. measures up when compared to the likes of India, China, Kenya and Nigeria.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-02-18--Silver State lining in Iowa debacle? Nevada Democrats want to be first next time

PAHRUMP , Nev. — Iowa Democrats ’ disastrous delay in announcing results from the Feb. 3 caucuses could turn out to be an opportunity for Nevada — but only if the more diverse Silver State can smoothly count its own votes this weekend .
Ask Democrats from Las Vegas and its suburbs all the way out to unincorporated Nye County if it ’ s time to replace caucuses with a primary , and you ’ ll quickly be reminded that the reason presidential candidates are flying into the state this week is because conducting a caucus allowed Nevada to jump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and New Hampshire .
Thanks in large part to the advocacy of former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid , the Democratic National Committee authorized the state to conduct a First in the West caucus , ahead of South Carolina ’ s important primary a week later .
“ There ’ s some talk about getting rid of caucuses and going to primaries .
I think a better consideration is our hybrid form , the early vote and the caucus , ” Rep. Dina Titus said .
“ I think we should be first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Reid , now 80 years old and battling pancreatic cancer , remains an outsize force in state politics .

PAHRUMP, Nev. — Iowa Democrats’ disastrous delay in announcing results from the Feb. 3 caucuses could turn out to be an opportunity for Nevada — but only if the more diverse Silver State can smoothly count its own votes this weekend.
Ask Democrats from Las Vegas and its suburbs all the way out to unincorporated Nye County if it’s time to replace caucuses with a primary, and you’ll quickly be reminded that the reason presidential candidates are flying into the state this week is because conducting a caucus allowed Nevada to jump to third in line, behind Iowa and New Hampshire.
Thanks in large part to the advocacy of former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, the Democratic National Committee authorized the state to conduct a First in the West caucus, ahead of South Carolina’s important primary a week later.
“There’s some talk about getting rid of caucuses and going to primaries. I think a better consideration is our hybrid form, the early vote and the caucus,” Rep. Dina Titus said. “I think we should be first, not third, instead of Iowa.”
Reid, now 80 years old and battling pancreatic cancer, remains an outsize force in state politics.


rollcall--2020-02-18--Bloomberg’s new marijuana policy is short on details

Former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg formalized his stance on marijuana Tuesday , calling for decriminalization as part of a broader criminal justice platform .
But the paragraph-long marijuana policy leaves a lot of questions about what federal marijuana policy would look like under a Bloomberg administration .
The candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination wants to decriminalize the possession of “ small amounts ” of marijuana and commute the sentences of certain convictions .
The policy brief also says legalization decisions should be left up to states `` for the moment ” and that a Bloomberg White House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into account . ''
The Bloomberg campaign did not respond to questions seeking clarification on how much marijuana it considers to be a “ small amount , ” when a Bloomberg administration might reconsider its hands-off approach to marijuana sales sanctioned by the states , and how public health and safety considerations would factor into policymaking .
[ Max Rose backs Mike Bloomberg , who donated to his 2018 opponent ] Bloomberg 's new position did not call for removing marijuana from the schedule of controlled substances under the Controlled Substances Act , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ class .
His approach is more conservative than any of the other Democratic presidential contenders .
All of the candidates except former Vice President Joe Biden have called for that action .
Biden has , however , called for legalizing medical marijuana .

Former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg formalized his stance on marijuana Tuesday, calling for decriminalization as part of a broader criminal justice platform. But the paragraph-long marijuana policy leaves a lot of questions about what federal marijuana policy would look like under a Bloomberg administration.
The candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination wants to decriminalize the possession of “small amounts” of marijuana and commute the sentences of certain convictions. The policy brief also says legalization decisions should be left up to states "for the moment” and that a Bloomberg White House would “take public health and safety into account."
The Bloomberg campaign did not respond to questions seeking clarification on how much marijuana it considers to be a “small amount,” when a Bloomberg administration might reconsider its hands-off approach to marijuana sales sanctioned by the states, and how public health and safety considerations would factor into policymaking.
[Max Rose backs Mike Bloomberg, who donated to his 2018 opponent]
Bloomberg's new position did not call for removing marijuana from the schedule of controlled substances under the Controlled Substances Act, which classifies marijuana in the most severe class. His approach is more conservative than any of the other Democratic presidential contenders. All of the candidates except former Vice President Joe Biden have called for that action. Biden has, however, called for legalizing medical marijuana.


rollcall--2020-02-18--Candidates for Appropriations gavel laying groundwork

Kaptur is the longest-serving panel member , but seniority isn ’ t the sole factor Democrats will use to choose Lowey ’ s successor .
Lowey herself leapfrogged Kaptur to become the panel ’ s top Democrat in 2012 even though Kaptur had more seniority at the time .
DeLauro is second in seniority among panel Democrats returning next year , though many insiders see her as the safest bet because of her support among progressives and her close relationships with Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the retiring Lowey .
The three were referred to as the “ DeLoSis ” when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1990s .
Wasserman Schultz , a long shot who ’ s 10th in panel seniority among returning Democrats , could be hamstrung by her controversy-laden stint as Democratic National Committee chairwoman .
She was forced to step down during the 2016 campaign amid protests from Vermont independent Sen. Bernie Sanders ' supporters during the Democratic presidential primary , after Wikileaks released emails suggesting the national party favored Hillary Clinton .
But Wasserman Schultz is able to tap a vast donor network she built up during her time as party chief and before that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Congressional Campaign Committee , the lead fundraising post for House Democrats .
She ’ s currently ahead of her rivals in the money chase , although DeLauro has distributed more to colleagues this cycle and Kaptur is sitting on her own pile of cash ready to be deployed , based on the most recent Federal Election Commission filings .
Rep. Tom Cole of Oklahoma , who ran for the top Republican slot on the House Appropriations Committee in 2018 , said the three lawmakers ’ history will matter just as much as , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign during the next few months .

The race to succeed House Appropriations Chairwoman Nita M. Lowey is well underway, even though the House Democratic Caucus won’t make a final decision until after the November elections.
At this early stage, it’s a three-way contest with Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, Marcy Kaptur of Ohio and Florida’s Debbie Wasserman Schultz actively campaigning, although others haven’t yet ruled out a bid. Minnesota Democrat Betty McCollum says she wants to “wait until after the election and see what the situation in the House is” before deciding if she’ll run to replace Lowey, a New York Democrat.
The declared candidates are making their pitch using a combination of in-person conversations and “Dear Colleague” letters to emphasize their appeal to a broad cross section of the party. And no race would be complete without substantial cash being committed to colleagues’ reelection campaigns — critical if the title is to be chairwoman rather than ranking member.
Their efforts are likely to underpin the annual appropriations process that’s about to take center stage on Capitol Hill. DeLauro, Kaptur and Wasserman Schultz will conduct oversight hearings on key domestic and defense programs and lead the Labor-HHS-Education, Energy-Water and Military Construction-VA subcommittees, respectively.
‘DeLoSis’
Kaptur is the longest-serving panel member, but seniority isn’t the sole factor Democrats will use to choose Lowey’s successor. Lowey herself leapfrogged Kaptur to become the panel’s top Democrat in 2012 even though Kaptur had more seniority at the time.


rollcall--2020-02-18--Military weapons funding takes hit for border wall

Military projects championed by key Republican lawmakers would lose $ 3.8 billion in funding under a Trump administration proposal to @ @ @ @ @ construction .
CQ Roll Call senior defense reporter John M. Donnelly joins Jennifer Shutt and @ @ @ @ @ the future of the programs and the effect on the lawmakers representing the districts that @ @ @ @ @ Analysis : The Pentagon ’ s new budget is about to come undone • Top @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s budget proposal

David Lerman, Jennifer Shutt, and Micaela Rodríguez

Military projects championed by key Republican lawmakers would lose $3.8 billion in funding under a Trump administration proposal to divert it to border wall construction. CQ Roll Call senior defense reporter John M. Donnelly joins Jennifer Shutt and David Lerman to talk about the future of the programs and the effect on the lawmakers representing the districts that would be impacted.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-02-19--As Congress stalls on data privacy, Big Tech tangles with states

Top U.S. technology companies are shifting their focus to state capitals to shape emerging data privacy laws as progress on a federal bill has slowed .
Trade groups representing consumer-oriented technology companies such as Amazon , Google and Facebook , as well as those working on behalf of business-oriented companies such as IBM , Intel , Microsoft and Oracle , have in recent weeks turned their attention to states .
The California Consumer Privacy Act , which requires disclosures so consumers are aware of data being collected about them and permits them to opt out , went into force in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states around the country that are considering similar measures .
It reflects a strong desire by voters for protections from unchecked data collection practices by companies and governments .
In a Pew Research Center survey last year , more than 8 in 10 Americans said the potential risks from their data being collected and used by companies outweighed benefits ; about 66 percent said they felt the same about data used by the government .
John Olsen , director of state government affairs for the Northeast region at the Internet Association — a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Google , among other consumer companies — said state legislators are showing “ increased interest and curiosity about how companies share data and how data is derived , with an interest in protecting consumers ’ data privacy.
” And many lawmakers see that successfully championing data privacy legislation could boost their political ambitions as well , he said .

Top U.S. technology companies are shifting their focus to state capitals to shape emerging data privacy laws as progress on a federal bill has slowed.
Trade groups representing consumer-oriented technology companies such as Amazon, Google and Facebook, as well as those working on behalf of business-oriented companies such as IBM, Intel, Microsoft and Oracle, have in recent weeks turned their attention to states.
The California Consumer Privacy Act, which requires disclosures so consumers are aware of data being collected about them and permits them to opt out, went into force in January and has become a catalyst for states around the country that are considering similar measures. It reflects a strong desire by voters for protections from unchecked data collection practices by companies and governments.
In a Pew Research Center survey last year, more than 8 in 10 Americans said the potential risks from their data being collected and used by companies outweighed benefits; about 66 percent said they felt the same about data used by the government.
John Olsen, director of state government affairs for the Northeast region at the Internet Association — a trade group that represents Amazon, Facebook and Google, among other consumer companies — said state legislators are showing “increased interest and curiosity about how companies share data and how data is derived, with an interest in protecting consumers’ data privacy.” And many lawmakers see that successfully championing data privacy legislation could boost their political ambitions as well, he said.


rollcall--2020-02-19--Coronavirus outbreak helps lawmakers make case on drug shortage bills

The coronavirus outbreak is prompting fears of drug shortages in the United States because of how deeply the pharmaceutical supply chain relies on China .
For lawmakers who were already working on bills to address shortages and bring more drug manufacturing back to the U.S. , the epidemic is helping them prove their point .
[ Who leads coronavirus response at NSC , Democratic senators ask ] No drug manufacturers had notified the Food and Drug Administration about any risks to their supply chains as of earlier this month .
But with no end in sight for the outbreak , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later .
“ We have to figure out a way to bring manufacturing of pharmaceutical drugs and generics back to the United States , ” Rep. Anna G. Eshoo , D-Calif. , told CQ Roll Call ’ s CQ on Congress podcast last week .
“ Now , it ’ s one thing if China makes T-shirts and sportswear and shoes and whatever , but we can not be dependent on a foreign source , especially a country that is not exactly a 100 percent ally.
” Eshoo , who chairs the Energy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looking at this issue since last fall when her panel held a hearing on the drug supply chain .
Now she says she ’ s launched a working group with committee members and that the issue is a priority for her this year .

The coronavirus outbreak is prompting fears of drug shortages in the United States because of how deeply the pharmaceutical supply chain relies on China. For lawmakers who were already working on bills to address shortages and bring more drug manufacturing back to the U.S., the epidemic is helping them prove their point.
[Who leads coronavirus response at NSC, Democratic senators ask]
No drug manufacturers had notified the Food and Drug Administration about any risks to their supply chains as of earlier this month. But with no end in sight for the outbreak, experts predict it will happen sooner or later.
“We have to figure out a way to bring manufacturing of pharmaceutical drugs and generics back to the United States,” Rep. Anna G. Eshoo, D-Calif., told CQ Roll Call’s CQ on Congress podcast last week. “Now, it’s one thing if China makes T-shirts and sportswear and shoes and whatever, but we cannot be dependent on a foreign source, especially a country that is not exactly a 100 percent ally.”
Eshoo, who chairs the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee, has been looking at this issue since last fall when her panel held a hearing on the drug supply chain. Now she says she’s launched a working group with committee members and that the issue is a priority for her this year.


rollcall--2020-02-19--A talk with Jaime Harrison: Lindsey Graham, Strom Thurmond and round heads

Former South Carolina Democratic chairman Jaime Harrison is giving GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham his toughest challenge yet .
Harrison , @ @ @ @ @ primary and is likely to face Graham in the general election in November , sat @ @ @ @ @ to discuss why he decided to run and his view of the seat .

Former South Carolina Democratic chairman Jaime Harrison is giving GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham his toughest challenge yet.
Harrison, who is leading in the primary and is likely to face Graham in the general election in November, sat down with CQ Roll Call to discuss why he decided to run and his view of the seat.


rollcall--2020-02-19--Lindsey Graham challenger to presidential hopefuls: Don’t forget South Carolina after primary

After the South Carolina presidential primary at the end of the month , Democratic investment in the state usually dries up .
But former state party chairman Jaime Harrison , who ’ s giving Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham his toughest challenge yet , is trying to change that this year by getting national organizations to invest in voter registration efforts to help reach some of the 400,000 South Carolinians of color who are eligible to vote but not registered .
With the backing of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee , Harrison is taking on a three-term incumbent in a state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statewide since 2006 .
Graham , who started out as a critic of President Donald Trump , has now become one of his biggest allies .
That would seem to go over well in a state that Trump carried by 300,000 votes , or 14 points , in 2016 .
Harrison is tired of hearing that .
“ You can ’ t win if you can ’ t compete , ” he told CQ Roll Call last week .
“ Republicans understand that .
You look at states like Massachusetts , Maryland , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ common ?
… Blue states , Republican governors !
”

After the South Carolina presidential primary at the end of the month, Democratic investment in the state usually dries up.
But former state party chairman Jaime Harrison, who’s giving Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham his toughest challenge yet, is trying to change that this year by getting national organizations to invest in voter registration efforts to help reach some of the 400,000 South Carolinians of color who are eligible to vote but not registered.
With the backing of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, Harrison is taking on a three-term incumbent in a state that hasn’t elected a Democrat statewide since 2006. Graham, who started out as a critic of President Donald Trump, has now become one of his biggest allies. That would seem to go over well in a state that Trump carried by 300,000 votes, or 14 points, in 2016.
Harrison is tired of hearing that.
“You can’t win if you can’t compete,” he told CQ Roll Call last week. “Republicans understand that. You look at states like Massachusetts, Maryland, Vermont. What do they have in common?… Blue states, Republican governors!”


rollcall--2020-02-19--Tom Tiffany wins GOP primary to replace Sean Duffy

State Sen. Tom Tiffany has won the Republican primary for the special election in Wisconsin ’ s 7th District to replace former Rep. Sean P. Duffy , who resigned in September .
Tiffany was leading Army veteran Jason Church 58 percent to 42 percent when The Associated Press called the race with 49 percent of precincts reporting .
Tiffany will face Democrat Tricia Zunker , who led with 88 percent of the primary vote .
Tiffany is favored in the May 12 general election , although the district has backed Democrats in the past .
Democrat David R. Obey represented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until Duffy flipped it in 2010 , but the expansive northern Wisconsin district has since shifted to the right .
President Donald Trump carried it by 20 points in 2016 , and Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales rates the special election Solid Republican .
Duffy , who resigned late last year after learning his ninth child would be born with a heart condition , had endorsed Tiffany in the primary , which attracted plenty of attention from outside groups .
Tiffany was backed by a unique coalition of groups , including the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Caucus and the Chamber of Commerce .
Church had support from the bipartisan With Honor Fund , which supports veterans running for office , and from a new group called Americans 4 Security PAC .

State Sen. Tom Tiffany has won the Republican primary for the special election in Wisconsin’s 7th District to replace former Rep. Sean P. Duffy, who resigned in September.
Tiffany was leading Army veteran Jason Church 58 percent to 42 percent when The Associated Press called the race with 49 percent of precincts reporting. Tiffany will face Democrat Tricia Zunker, who led with 88 percent of the primary vote.
Tiffany is favored in the May 12 general election, although the district has backed Democrats in the past. Democrat David R. Obey represented the seat for more than four decades until Duffy flipped it in 2010, but the expansive northern Wisconsin district has since shifted to the right. President Donald Trump carried it by 20 points in 2016, and Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales rates the special election Solid Republican.
Duffy, who resigned late last year after learning his ninth child would be born with a heart condition, had endorsed Tiffany in the primary, which attracted plenty of attention from outside groups. Tiffany was backed by a unique coalition of groups, including the Club for Growth, the House Freedom Caucus and the Chamber of Commerce. Church had support from the bipartisan With Honor Fund, which supports veterans running for office, and from a new group called Americans 4 Security PAC.
The Club for Growth was one of the top outside groups in the primary, spending nearly $818,000 on the race, according to Federal Election Commission documents. In the final days of the primary, the club launched a negative ad against Church, who lost both of his legs in an IED explosion in Afghanistan. The ad knocked Church for donating to New York Democratic Rep. Max Rose’s campaign last cycle. Rose, also an Army veteran who served in Afghanistan, flipped a Republican House seat in 2018 and is one of the most vulnerable House lawmakers in 2020.


rollcall--2020-02-19--You can run for office and still wear a ‘jardigan’

“ Fortunately or unfortunately , it matters how women and men present themselves in politics , ” she said Tuesday over the phone .
Boylan has expressed interest in M.M .
LaFleur ’ s lending program , and even before that , the mom of a 5-year-old was a fan of a black “ wrinkle-free ” dress from the label that plays well with kid-related stains .
When Boylan emailed the company to sign up to borrow a wardrobe , she got back a reply with times she could visit M.M .
LaFleur ’ s showroom in New York City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brick-and-mortar stores around the country .
Instead of browsing racks of inventory at those locations , beverage-sipping customers can consult with personal stylists .
Candidates have to be careful about accepting gifts , and it ’ s not clear what measures M.M .
LaFleur will take to stay on the right side of campaign finance laws .
The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment .
Accepting borrowed clothing could be considered an “ in-kind ” contribution , as with other goods or services offered at less than the usual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not necessarily unlawful , ” said Brendan Fischer , a lawyer at the Campaign Legal Center .
To do it right , the contribution would have to come from an individual or a PAC ( rather than a corporate entity ) and be reported by the candidate ’ s campaign committee to the Federal Election Commission .

“Fortunately or unfortunately, it matters how women and men present themselves in politics,” she said Tuesday over the phone.
Boylan has expressed interest in M.M. LaFleur’s lending program, and even before that, the mom of a 5-year-old was a fan of a black “wrinkle-free” dress from the label that plays well with kid-related stains.
When Boylan emailed the company to sign up to borrow a wardrobe, she got back a reply with times she could visit M.M. LaFleur’s showroom in New York City — one of just a handful of brick-and-mortar stores around the country. Instead of browsing racks of inventory at those locations, beverage-sipping customers can consult with personal stylists.
Candidates have to be careful about accepting gifts, and the initial announcement from M.M. LaFleur didn’t indicate how the program would stay on the right side of campaign finance laws.
For federal candidates, accepting borrowed clothing could be considered an “in-kind” contribution, as with other goods or services offered at less than the usual charge, but it’s “not necessarily unlawful,” said Brendan Fischer, a lawyer at the Campaign Legal Center. To do it right, the clothing would have to come from an individual or a PAC (rather than a corporate entity), comply with contribution limits and be reported by the candidate’s campaign committee to the Federal Election Commission.


rollcall--2020-02-20--Trump economic growth forecast assumes productive election year

Those and other White House priorities , from new trade deals to driverless car regulations , underpin aggressive economic growth @ @ @ @ @ ’ s new budget request that are out of line with most independent forecasts .
@ @ @ @ @ as the budget notes , given the current political environment : “ 2020 is an @ @ @ @ @ is the risk that this will distract from implementation of the necessary policies required for @ @ @ @ @ [ Top 10 things to know about Trump ’ s budget proposal ] The White @ @ @ @ @ gross domestic product growth this year , measured from the fourth quarter over the same @ @ @ @ @ 3 percent growth continuing each year in a potential second Trump term .
That would @ @ @ @ @ U.S. hasn ’ t seen since the late 1990s .

Overhaul the nation’s immigration laws? Check. Huge infrastructure spending package? No problem.
Those and other White House priorities, from new trade deals to driverless car regulations, underpin aggressive economic growth assumptions in President Donald Trump’s new budget request that are out of line with most independent forecasts.
The targets are ambitious, as the budget notes, given the current political environment: “2020 is an election year, and there is the risk that this will distract from implementation of the necessary policies required for continued increases in prosperity.”
[Top 10 things to know about Trump’s budget proposal]
The White House envisions 3.1 percent real gross domestic product growth this year, measured from the fourth quarter over the same period in 2019, with 3 percent growth continuing each year in a potential second Trump term. That would be a hot streak the U.S. hasn’t seen since the late 1990s.


rollcall--2020-02-20--These two House Democrats oppose abortion rights. It could cost them their seats

Two of the last remaining anti-abortion Democrats in the House are facing competitive primaries next month , raising questions about the future for Democrats who diverge with their party on an issue at the center of the country ’ s culture wars .
“ More and more the party is sending a message that if you are pro-life you aren ’ t welcome , ” said Illinois Rep. Dan Lipinski .
“ Look , we want to defeat Donald Trump .
We can ’ t keep pushing people out of the party.
” Lipinski is facing two Democratic primary challengers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who came close to defeating him in 2018 , and Rush Darwish , a business owner .
Both are in favor of abortion rights .
And on March 3 , Texas Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar is facing a challenge from immigration attorney Jessica Cisneros .
Both Newman and Cisneros have been endorsed by a range of progressive leaders and organizations including EMILY ’ s List , which backs women candidates who support abortion rights .
Anti-abortion groups consider just two other House Democrats potential allies : Minnesota Rep. Collin C. Peterson and Utah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are vulnerable in November .

Two of the last remaining anti-abortion Democrats in the House are facing competitive primaries next month, raising questions about the future for Democrats who diverge with their party on an issue at the center of the country’s culture wars.
“More and more the party is sending a message that if you are pro-life you aren’t welcome,” said Illinois Rep. Dan Lipinski. “Look, we want to defeat Donald Trump. We can’t keep pushing people out of the party.”
Lipinski is facing two Democratic primary challengers on March 17: Marie Newman, who came close to defeating him in 2018, and Rush Darwish, a business owner. Both are in favor of abortion rights.
And on March 3, Texas Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar is facing a challenge from immigration attorney Jessica Cisneros. Both Newman and Cisneros have been endorsed by a range of progressive leaders and organizations including EMILY’s List, which backs women candidates who support abortion rights.
Anti-abortion groups consider just two other House Democrats potential allies: Minnesota Rep. Collin C. Peterson and Utah Rep. Ben McAdams, both of whom are vulnerable in November.