| | | | | |  | | By Sarah Ferris and Nicholas Wu | Presented by |  | | With Melanie Zanona. ONE, TWO STEP — The fate of the Senate's bipartisan talks on infrastructure remains a giant question mark after Thursday's self-proclaimed deal. But if an agreement does materialize, it might still run into a giant hurdle on the left. In an interview with your Huddle host, Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) said her members will not vote for any bipartisan deal unless top Democrats commit to teeing up a reconciliation bill "at the same time." "We can't just allow one thing to go through and then take all the pressure and the momentum out," Jayapal said, ticking off a list of Democratic priorities that would likely be left out of the kind of roads-and-bridges bill that Republicans have backed. "We can't just leave women out. We can't just leave child care out." Members of the roughly 100-person group have been saying for weeks (if not months) that Biden should ditch the talks with the GOP to pursue a party-line bill that can check off far more of their wishlist. Those calls got a lot louder after Biden's talks with Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) collapsed earlier this week. Now, there's new frustration at a bipartisan Senate negotiating group, which left town Thursday without disclosing many details of their plan, as Burgess and Marianne reported. https://politi.co/3wdqaTL Jayapal said she and other CPC leaders have raised their demands for a reconciliation bill to accompany any bipartisan deal with White House officials and Democratic leaders. And they're going to keep pushing. SPEAKING OF... FIRST IN HUDDLE: MoveOn is launching a "six-figure" campaign called "Bold Recovery Now" to get senators to.... move on from bipartisan infrastructure negotiations and immediately pass Biden's plans through reconciliation. "The idea that ten Republican senators will support anything close to what is needed in this moment is simply not realistic," said Rahna Epting, the group's executive director said in a statement. OR if you're Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska), you can just say you'll do infrastructure yourself, per Politico's Anthony Adragna. Related: "Congress' most successful bipartisan gang lives in the House — not the Senate" by Sarah. https://politi.co/3pIoYVY And ok, Al Gore is now making calls, too? | | | | DON'T MISS THE MILKEN INSTITUTE FUTURE OF HEALTH SUMMIT: POLITICO will feature a special edition of our Future Pulse newsletter at the 2021 Milken Institute Future of Health Summit. The newsletter takes readers inside one of the most influential gatherings of global health industry leaders and innovators who are turning lessons learned from the past year into a healthier, more resilient and more equitable future. Covid-19 threatened our health and well-being, while simultaneously leading to extraordinary coordination to improve pandemic preparedness, disease prevention, diversity in clinical trials, mental health resources, food access and more. SUBSCRIBE TODAY to receive exclusive coverage from June 22-23. | | | | | A NEW HOPE? — While we're on the subject of bipartisan deals, the prospects for a policing reform deal were back to ehhhh yesterday, after glimpses of optimism earlier this week. The Senate's lead negotiators, Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.), signaled they're still a long way from agreement with just two weeks before their self-imposed deadline. Your Huddle host got ahold of a key part of the draft that's been circulating yesterday, which showed how lawmakers tried to strike a middle ground on qualified immunity — similar to a proposal floated by Scott. Some key stakeholder groups have raised objections , particularly on qualified immunity, the legal doctrine that shields officers from civil liability for misconduct on the job. The National Sheriffs Association, for example, said it had concerns with the language. Another person involved in the talks said shifting legal liability to departments rather than officers would be a "nonstarter." Even if the bipartisan group reaches a deal, they'll still have to get their bill through the House, where progressives have doubled down on their demands for changes to qualified immunity and other provisions included in the House-passed bill named for George Floyd. Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.), a former Black Lives Matter activist, told POLITICO her vote depended on whether final legislation changed qualified immunity or not: "We compromise, we die." More here on police negotiations from Nick and Marianne https://politi.co/2ThRm5h. | | A message from Chevron: At Chevron, we believe in actions , not just words. Let's cover some of the ways we're reducing the carbon emissions intensity of our operations. Learn more below. | | | GOOD MORNING! Welcome to Huddle, the play-by-play guide to all things Capitol Hill, on this Friday, June 11, where your hosts are thoroughly enjoying this hallway exchange between Sen. Bernie Sanders and POLITICO Pro cannabis reporter Natalie Fertig. Trust us, just read it (and listen to it). Almost as good as Sen. Bill Cassidy's own hallway maneuvering. THURSDAY'S MOST CLICKED: Yahoo News' write up of Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas) asking whether federal agencies can fix climate change by altering the orbit of the Earth and moon was the big winner. (I mean, who *wouldn't* click on that.) APPLE TURNOVER — House Democrats are calling for an investigation after the New York Times' bombshell report last night about the Trump administration's aggressive efforts to hunt leakers by secretly subpoenaing communications metadata from House Intel Democrats. Those seizures also included records from members' families — potentially in case parents were using their children's phones or computers to hide contacts with journalists. The NYT crew that broke the story described it as a "nearly unheard-of move outside of corruption investigations," and noted that lawmakers did not know they were being investigated until Apple informed them last month. House Intel Chairman Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) — a target of the probe — has called on DOJ's inspector general to investigate the leak case, calls that were later backed by Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.). Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) told CNN's Don Lemon last night that he, too, was targeted. More reax: Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-N.J.) tweeted former Attorney General Bill Barr should lose his law license and "face criminal prosecution along with trump for his treachery." And in rather concise fashion, Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (D-N.Y.) added: "We need all the facts, ASAP, but this is unacceptable AF." NON-RETIREMENT WATCH — House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) gave a big "hell yes" when asked if he'll be seeking reelection next year, according to the Charleston Post and Courier . And it raised eyebrows for some Democrats in the House, where the conventional wisdom has been that the "big three" — aka Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and Clyburn — would leave together. Pelosi committed three years ago that 2020 would be her final year as speaker, though she has been mum on those plans since. Hoyer, too, has given no clues to his plans for 2022. CAPITOL RIOT WATCH -- Self-described supporters of the right-wing Three Percenters are part of the latest right-wing group to be charged in the aftermath of the Jan. 6 insurrection along with other groups like the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys. The Washington Post's Spencer Hsu and Rachel Weiner report they were charged with conspiracy and aiding and abetting the assault on the joint session of Congress — though only one person in the group allegedly entered the Capitol. More from them: https://wapo.st/3vbfsMh Related: "The Geophysicist Who Stormed the Capitol" by Melanie Warner in POLITICO Magazine: https://politi.co/2TNLh0D | | | | SUBSCRIBE TO "THE RECAST" TODAY: Power is shifting in Washington and in communities across the country. More people are demanding a seat at the table, insisting that politics is personal and not all policy is equitable. The Recast is a twice-weekly newsletter that explores the changing power dynamics in Washington and breaks down how race and identity are recasting politics and policy in America. Get fresh insights, scoops and dispatches on this crucial intersection from across the country and hear critical new voices that challenge business as usual. Don't miss out, SUBSCRIBE . Thank you to our sponsor, Intel. | | | | | THE OMAR SHOWDOWN — The roughly 24 hours of drama over Rep. Ilhan Omar's (D-Minn.) foreign policy comments appeared to end in a detente for House Democrats, with help of a "clarification" from Omar and a separate statement from Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and her leadership team intended to help diffuse the situation. In good news for Democrats, none of the 12 Jewish members who condemned Omar in Wednesday night's statement appear to be pushing for a floor vote condemning rhetoric like the House did in 2019. The member leading that statement, Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Ill.), applauded Omar for her clarification. Several of those who signed the statement have spoken directly with Omar. But, but, but those tensions won't diffuse easily. After the Dem leadership statement, Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) tweeted: "House Democratic leadership should be ashamed of its relentless, exclusive tone policing of Congresswomen of color." And it's not clear if any Dems would vote for a GOP-led rebuke of Omar on the floor, such as a censure resolution or a measure to strip her of her committees. RIght now, GOP leaders don't seem to be plotting floor action, but that could change after a GOP conference call on Friday. Plus, Omar has reported increased death threats, particularly as right-wing groups falsely claim Democrats are blasting their colleague as antisemitic. The story from a long, long day from your Huddle host: https://politi.co/3v7z04g. BATTLE OF THE MARKS — Former Rep. Mark Walker (R-N.C.) rolled out an endorsement from former White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney in his North Carolina Senate bid— one day after Walker complained that another former chief, Mark Meadows, was pressuring Trump to endorse his opponent. Dueling Marks, dueling chiefs of staff... this race is gonna be wild, y'all. More from the Carolina Journal https://bit.ly/3xiGfYF. BANKS IN BEDMINSTER — Ten members of the Republican Study Committee huddled with Trump at his New Jersey resort on Thursday — the latest in a parade of Republicans courting the former president's support in their quest to win back the majority. Mel caught up with RSC Chairman Jim Banks (R-Ind.) after their meeting, which was initiated by Trump, lasted several hours and ended with dinner on the patio. Banks said the most surprising moment was learning that for a while after leaving office, Trump felt like he wanted to take a step back from politics — but now, he's "more motivated than ever" to be engaged in House and Senate races. "He intends to get out and stump around the country for candidates to help us win back the House … He also intends to get down to the border," Banks said. "He's extremely dialed into the politics in every state." Trump did not give any signals about whether he plans to run again in 2024, per Banks. He also didn't spend much time harping on the 2020 election or bring up the Arizona audits. Instead, he was "entirely" focused on the upcoming elections — something Republicans hope he does more of publicly. "He was all about the future," Banks said. "It was not focused on the past." As for Trump's mood? "He was in great spirits … He feels vindicated," Banks said, referring to the IG report that determined Trump did not clear Lafayette park for a photo-opp as well as the Wuhan lab leak theory getting more serious attention. Banks — who has been taking on a larger messaging role inside the House Republican conference and has made the RSC into a must-visit venue for 2024 hopefuls — also invited Trump to attend one of their weekly lunches in Washington. "He said he'd love to do it," Banks said. MAIL BAG — Rep. Lance Gooden (R-Texas) is leading a letter from several House Republicans demanding information from the Biden administration about how their response to unaccompanied children apprehended at the southern border. The letter was signed by Reps. Ronny Jackson (R-Texas), Scott Perry (R-PA.), Doug Lamborn (R-CO.), Bill Posey (R-Fla.) and Matt Rosendale (R-Mont.). Read it here. | | | |   | | | CAMPAIGN CORNER — Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) is siding against former President Donald Trump's favored candidate, Rep. Mo Brooks (R-Ala.) in the race to succeed him in the Senate. Instead, he's backing his former chief of staff, Katie Boyd Britt, per Burgess. https://politi.co/3weVOjW — Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R-Mo.) officially jumped into her state's crowded race for Senate, per the St. Louis Post Dispatch https://bit.ly/3xrh8mD. Related: "Hartzler's Senate campaign creates open seat House race in Missouri. Who will run?" from the Kansas City Star https://bit.ly/2TOLSiC. — Former Rep. Katie Hill (D-Calif.) is considering running for office again in California's 25th district, challenging Rep. Mike Garcia (R-Calif.). Democrats' 2020 candidate, Christy Smith, is also planning to run, per the Los Angeles Times https://lat.ms/357eVR9 — Rep. Val Demings (D-Fla.) raised $1 million in the first day of her formal campaign to unseat Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), per NYT's Jonathan Martin. — Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich is launching a campaign for U.S. Senate, per the Arizona Republic: https://bit.ly/3cSbmCH TRANSITIONS Former Rep. Tom Graves (R-Ga.) has joined the advisory council at Nuclear Matters. Julius West is joining Uber's in-house lobbying team. He most recently was chief of staff to Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Ill.) and is a Nancy Pelosi and Chris Van Hollen alum. Kate Werley has been promoted to be legislative director for Rep. Mike Doyle (R-Pa.). She most recently was Doyle's health policy adviser. Laura Mengelkamp has been promoted to be communications director for Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.). She most recently was Barrasso's deputy comms director. Jacqueline Sobol is now scheduler for Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.). She most recently was legislative intern for Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). Katie Stuntz has been promoted to be communications director for Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.). She previously was acting communications director. Ilse Zuniga is now press secretary for Kaine. She previously was press secretary for Rep. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.). TODAY IN CONGRESS The House meets at 11:30 a.m. for a pro forma session. The Senate is out. AROUND THE HILL 11:00 a.m. House Administration subcommittee hearing on "Voting in America: The Potential for Polling Place Quality and Restrictions on Opportunities to Vote to Interfere with Free and Fair Access to the Ballot" 2:00 p.m. House Homeland Security Committee hearing on "Enhancing Border Security: Addressing Corruption in Central America" TRIVIA THURSDAY'S WINNER: Patricia Bieze was the first person to guess that John Hanson was "President of the United States in Congress assembled" before George Washington. TODAY'S QUESTION: From Patricia: For President Biden's first address to Congress, Jill Biden wore a dark sheath dress with embroidered flowers below the neck line and on the sleeves. Who designed the dress and what was the significance of the flowers? The first person to correctly guess gets a mention in the next edition of Huddle. Send your answer to obeavers@politico.com. GET HUDDLE emailed to your phone each morning. Follow Sarah and Nick on Twitter: @sarahnferris / @nicholaswu12 | | A message from Chevron: Chevron believes the future of energy is lower carbon. So to help set our goals in motion, we're tying executive compensation to lowering the carbon emissions intensity of our operations. And we're already making strides. Through our carbon capture projects, we're expected to capture nearly 5 million tonnes of CO2 per year. It's only human to hold ourselves accountable. Learn more. | | | | | | | Follow us | | | | |
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