| | | | |  | | By Katherine Tully-McManus | Presented by The American Petroleum Institute (API) | With help from Andrew Desiderio and Sarah Ferris MALONEY'S NEW YORK MORASS — What does it mean to have the man in charge of protecting House Democratic incumbents suddenly pitted against one of their own? A conflict of interest or just a rough roll of the dice? Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee chief Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (D-N.Y.) is feeling the heat. He's chosen to run in a district that includes much of what is currently Rep. Mondaire Jones' (D-N.Y.) current territory, but also Maloney's home. The party's midterms chief battling with a progressive Black freshman is already drawing ire. "New York 17 is primarily in Congressman Jones' district. He should be regarded as the incumbent," said Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.) on Tuesday. "It seems like there's a conflict." "You cannot have the chair of the DCCC involved in a Democratic primary with an incumbent colleague and expect that person to remain objective about their No. 1 job, which is incumbent protection," said retiring Democratic New York Rep. Kathleen Rice. Blowing up: The group text where frontline Democrats keep up with one another was blowing up over one topic in recent days: Sean Patrick Maloney. At least a dozen members, mostly from swing districts, are floating the idea of trying to oust Maloney from his post as DCCC chair, according to multiple people familiar with the discussions. Several are so determined that they have looped in leadership, including Democratic Caucus Chair Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), to make a push for Maloney to step down. Black Caucus calculation: Congressional Black Caucus chair Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio) told us that she plans to speak to all incumbents involved to potentially avert a member-on-member fiasco. (If Jones doesn't run against Maloney, he'd be pitted against Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.), another Black progressive freshman.) "Obviously no chair of the CBC wants any of their members to have to run against each other, because somebody's going to lose, and somebody's going to win," Beatty said. "It's not illegal to not live in your district." (As some colleagues have privately been saying to Maloney.) Sarah and Ally have more drama, plus the tough decisions ahead for Jones and just how final (or not) this messy, messy map is. BABY SUPP — House Appropriations Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) rolled out a $28 million emergency spending bill Tuesday focused on the FDA workforce that ensures safety of baby formula sold in the U.S. The House is planning to vote this week on the measure, but its prospects are dim in the Senate. Republicans aren't on board with the bill, which ranking member Kay Granger (R-Texas) called a "blank check for the FDA." The Democrats' double-barrel approach also includes a bill expected on the floor Thursday that would allow Americans enrolled in the Women, Infants and Children program for low income families to access more sources for formula, including foreign brands. Nearly half of infant formula purchased nationwide is bought using WIC benefits.
| | | | STEP INSIDE THE WEST WING: What's really happening in West Wing offices? Find out who's up, who's down, and who really has the president's ear in our West Wing Playbook newsletter, the insider's guide to the Biden White House and Cabinet. For buzzy nuggets and details that you won't find anywhere else, subscribe today. | | | | | GOOD MORNING! Welcome to Huddle, the play-by-play guide to all things Capitol Hill, on this Wednesday, May 18, where some staff are on the job hunt after bosses' election night losses. | 
Republican U.S. Senate candidate Mehmet Oz greets supporters at his primary election night party on May 17, 2022 in Newtown, Pennsylvania. | Stephanie Keith/Getty Images |
PRIMARY RESULTS — Later, Schrader? Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-Ore.) is locked in a tough battle with progressive Jamie McLeod-Skinner, who was ahead of Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-Ore.) early Wednesday morning with more than half the expected vote in.
No lock on the Keystone State: Dr. Mehmet Oz and Former hedge fund executive Dave McCormick were neck-and-neck early this morning. Conservative commentator Kathy Barnette, is trailing in third place despite an election-week surge. Whoever wins the GOP Senate primary will face Democratic Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, who sailed to victory over Rep. Conor Lamb (D-Pa.) and state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta – on the same day he had a pacemaker put in. In PA-12 progressive Summer Lee had a razor thin lead over moderate Steve Irwin this morning and the race is not yet called. TRIMMING THE (CAW)THORN — Rep. Madison Cawthorn (R-N.C.) was toppled in NC-11 by state Sen. Chuck Edwards. Madison, we hardly knew ye. (But we also knew too much?) There is sure to be plenty of chatter today about what impact Sen. Thom Tillis' (D-N.C.) backing (and funding) of Edwards had on the race…and how much was a series of self-inflicted wounds by Cawthorn. Our friends at Pro Morning Score point out that Trump-backed 20-somethings can't be counted out. Republican Bo Hines won the GOP primary in the NC-13 and will face Democrat Wiley Nickel in November. Catch up on other primary races and what it all means:
— Rep. Ted Budd, former Chief Justice Cheri Beasley win NC's Senate primaries, from Danielle Battaglia, Lars Dolder, Sarah Coello and Adam Wagner at The News and Observer — 'Beware what you wish for': 5 takeaways from a key primary night, from David Siders — How Trump-backed candidates fared on the busiest primary day, from Marissa Martinez — Kentucky state Sen. Morgan McGarvey wins Democratic primary for Rep. John Yarmuth's seat , from Morgan Watkins at the Louisville Courier Journal | | | | A message from The American Petroleum Institute (API): President Biden's agreement to send more U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Europe will help our allies achieve key energy security and decarbonization goals. Another breakthrough is the European Commission's recognition of natural gas as sustainable for the purposes of investing. Without question, America is the best-prepared nation to help Europe and others meet energy and climate needs amid international conflict. The administration should authorize more LNG infrastructure to match its commitments. Learn more here. | | |
REPUBLICANS DIVIDED OVER UKRAINE AID — Top Republicans are looking to stamp out the growing crowd of GOP lawmakers, candidates and activists who are torching the latest Ukraine aid package. The $40 billion measure, which is set to clear the Senate later this week, is at the center of an ongoing battle to define the modern GOP, with congressional leaders down to the rank-and-file pushing back on what they see as a disturbing trend toward isolationism. The nationalist crowd says the cash would be better spent on stateside challenges that more directly affect Americans. But senior Republicans are rejecting that argument, even as they acknowledge concerns about the high price tag. "I don't know what their alternative is," Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) lamented. "We've seen world wars started over less than what is happening in Europe." Andrew has more on the dynamic.
STROKE TALK — Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M), who survived a stroke in February, told Julie Tsirkin at NBC that he called Sen. Van Hollen (D-Md.), who had a minor stroke over the weekend, to check in and show his support. "Strokes are serious. I think it's important for there to be a very aggressive and vast education to the American people on what to spot," Luján said Tuesday. | | | | DON'T MISS DIGITAL FUTURE DAILY - OUR TECHNOLOGY NEWSLETTER, RE-IMAGINED: Technology is always evolving, and our new tech-obsessed newsletter is too! Digital Future Daily unlocks the most important stories determining the future of technology, from Washington to Silicon Valley and innovation power centers around the world. Readers get an in-depth look at how the next wave of tech will reshape civic and political life, including activism, fundraising, lobbying and legislating. Go inside the minds of the biggest tech players, policymakers and regulators to learn how their decisions affect our lives. Don't miss out, subscribe today. | | | | | | | |
Dining worker action… Senate dining workers are planning an "action" this afternoon to raise awareness and put pressure on the Architect of the Capitol to alter the contract their employer, Restaurant Associates, has with the Senate.
"We're not there yet," Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) told Huddle on Tuesday, saying there was more work to be done to get a deal that is in favor of the workers and works for the Senate. He said that he is pushing the Senate Rules Committee, which has oversight of the Architect's office and dining contracts, to "get this right." Negotiations with Senate Rules, Restaurant Associates and the Architect of the Capitol are "ongoing," per an aide familiar with the discussions. Worker voices: "Since we have yet to see any developments, on Wednesday we are planning to confront some of the decision makers involved in the process of restructuring or rebidding our contracts," Anthony Thomas, a Senate cafeteria workers and union leader told Huddle. "With inflation ripping through our lives, we need the Senators to be even more explicit in their support for our fight to raise the standards of living for an essential workforce at the United States Senate. We have a tentative agreement with the company, but we need leadership to step up to make it work." Clothing swap… The Black Women's Congressional Alliance is hosting a clothing swap tonight (and accepting same-day drop offs.) A savvy way to either clean out your closet or refresh your professional wardrobe. For House and Senate ethics purposes, this is a "widely attended event." Learn more here. Frolic frolic… Paris Hilton is on HillTok. QUICK LINKS 'I Really Needed To Reclaim My Life': Rep. Gwen Moore Shares Her Abortion Story, as told to Madison Feller for ELLE 'She's not racist': House Republicans dismiss furor over Stefanik immigration ad, from Olivia Beavers and Jordain Carney Hill Dems back-burner Ginni Thomas even as Supreme Court grabs national attention, from Nicholas Wu and Kyle Cheney Pentagon's high-level group to aid Ukraine is rooted in Iraq and Afghanistan fight, from Joe Gould at Defense News TRANSITIONS Hannah Rehm is now Communications Director for Rep. Joe Neguse (D-Colo.). She previously was press secretary for Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-Mass.) and is a Pete Buttigieg alum. The Congressional Hispanic Staff Association announced a big roundup of new jobs for their members: Angelical Buque is now an LA for Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.), Daniel Ruiz is an LA for Rep. Norma Torres (D-Calif.), Julian Garcia is an LC for Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Victoria N. Esparza is now a staff assistant and Juan Caballero is now press assistant for Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-Texas), Xylene Rodriguez is now a staff assistant for House Ethics and Laura Guerro is LC for Rep. Alma Adams (D-N.C.). Jack Rayburn is now legislative director for House Appropriations Chair Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) and King Green is now DeLauro's communications director. | | | | A message from The American Petroleum Institute (API):   | | |
TODAY IN CONGRESS
The House convenes at noon for legislative business. The Senate convenes at 10 a.m. with two votes at 11:45 a.m. The chamber will recess until 2 p.m. for the Democratic caucus lunch. There are two more votes at 2:45 p.m. and another four votes at 6 p.m. AROUND THE HILL 10 a.m. Rep. Ross and Sen. Padilla holds a press conference to call for passage of bipartisan legislation to protect documented Dreamers (House Triangle) 11 a.m. Congressional leaders and members of Congress hold a Gold Medal Ceremony honoring the Merchant Mariners of World War II (Statuary Hall). 11:30 a.m. Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-Colo.) holds a press conference on the Taylor Force Martyr Payment Prevention Act (House Triangle). Noon Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and other Senate Republicans hold a press conference on gas prices (Senate TV Studio). 1:30 p.m. Reps. Ann Wagner (R-Mo.), Rob Wittman (R-Va.), French Hill (R-Ark.) and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa) hold a press conference on the Suburban Caucus' legislative agenda (Studio B). 2 p.m. House Appropriations Legislative Branch Subcommittee hearing on fiscal 2023 Member Day (location TBD). | | |
TUESDAY'S WINNER: Logan Ferree correctly answered that in 1960, Rep. George W. Andrews tried to make peanut butter a national institution.
TODAY'S QUESTION from Logan: Today, the House Transportation Committee will mark up the Water Resources Development Act of 2022. These Army Corps bills were previously called Rivers and Harbors Acts, dating back to the 19th Century. What former Chairman of the Transportation Committee started his first job in Congress as a clerk for the Rivers and Harbors Subcommittee? The first person to correctly guess gets a mention in the next edition of Huddle. Send your answers to ktm@politico.com. GET HUDDLE emailed to your phone each morning. Follow Katherine on Twitter @ktullymcmanus
| | | | A message from The American Petroleum Institute (API): Much of the world's work to meaningfully address climate risk and tackle climate change is already underway and accelerating right here in America. In fact, our emergence as the world's top oil and natural gas producer is occurring while overall emissions have been declining.
This trend is a nod to the widespread and growing use of cleaner natural gas in the power generation sector, as well as the embrace of technologies to reduce the industry's overall footprint. Energy producers are taking meaningful steps to improve our environment and enable America to be a positive force in difficult times as increased shipments of U.S. LNG mobilize in response to geopolitical turmoil in Europe.
Innovation and technology have allowed American natural gas and oil producers to get real results for the environment and for energy security at home and abroad. Learn more here. | | | | | | | Follow us | | | | |
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