| | | | |  | | By Katherine Tully-McManus | | | LET ME SEE YOU ONE, TWO, STEP — A first step suggests a next step, and for gun safety legislation, this week's compromise may be the last for a long while. Democrats are saying that the Senate's compromise gun safety bill moves the ball forward toward more sweeping firearms restrictions, including banning assault weapons and expanding background checks. Cloture countdown: The bipartisan Senate bill, which faces the 60-vote cloture gambit this morning, is the most significant gun legislation in nearly 30 years. And so far, it has defied pessimistic expectations and political odds. After the mass shootings targeting students in Uvalde, Texas, and Black grocery shoppers in Buffalo, New York, plenty of people on Capitol Hill were resigned that the 50-50 Senate would make action impossible. But now it is on the move and lawmakers are looking ahead. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) says that there is hope for more action, but cautioned that "my read of the room here is, if we do this, we've got a lot of other issues that are on the table right now. And it'll probably be a while before we return to anything in the gun safety space." Some Democrats are resigned that this is the only real chance they'll get and are wary of promises that there will be another bite of the apple. "This almost fell apart three times over the weekend. We are barely getting this done. And so one of the things I struggle with is, this constant 'it's not enough!' and 'we'll get more later' is just rank bullshit," said one Democratic senator who requested anonymity to speak candidly to Marianne and Burgess. "For the foreseeable future, I think this will be the high-water mark." The few Senate Republicans willing to take the political gamble to support the modest proposal on the floor this week, see this as far as they can go. "I predict [Democrats] will not be able to do more because we'll barely get by with the Republicans they need to get this done," Utah Republican Sen. Mitt Romney, one of the bill's architects, said. "So if they want to do something more than this, they're not going to get 10" Republicans. More from Marianne and Burgess: Dems vow they'll do more on gun safety — but it could take years View from the House: Don't miss Jordain and Olivia's look at why GOP support for the bill in the House will look very different than in the Senate. Republican leaders are already whipping against it. | | | | 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 Thursday, June 23, where the Senate starts a 30 hour cloture clock and the House has to wait and see.
TENSIONS SIMMER BETWEEN MCCARTHY AND TRUMP — House Republicans are feeling the pinch as former President Donald Trump second guesses House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) on his handling of the select committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol by a pro-Trump mob. It's been nearly a year since the House GOP Leader yanked three of his members from the panel, after Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) vetoed two others. Trump recently said he hasn't endorsed McCarthy for speaker if Republicans take the House and criticized the move to eliminate friendly voices from the Jan. 6 panel. Olivia took the temperature of the GOP conference (what she does best) and sees the tensions at a simmer. DEMS' DISCORD ON INFLATION — Rising prices? They are raising tensions up and down Pennsylvania Ave as Democrats on Capitol Hill try to grapple with the White House's economic proposals, which some see as indecisive and delayed. Biden pushed yesterday for a months-long gas tax reprieve for consumers at the pump. But swing-state Democrats were pushing that proposal back in February and now fear it is too late. Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) was among members pushing the gas tax break months ago, said Biden "has been slow to react" on gas prices. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) said this should be at the top of the agenda for every White House Briefing. Democrats in Congress have been pressing the administration for action and answers beyond talking points. Last week a team of top White House advisers headed to the Hill to talk economic messaging. But when pressed by lawmakers, the response was, "We hear you," which left a sour and unsatisfied taste. Sarah, Burgess and Adam Cancryn from our White House team dug into the tensions that are as thick as D.C. humidity. | | | | A message from Workday: It's tough to meet today's workforce challenges using yesterday's technologies. To address this, Workday and the Alliance for Digital Innovation led a discussion on June 22 to highlight strategies, tools, and technologies to address some of today's most pressing issues in building a public sector workforce. This event featured remarks from Congressman Eric Swalwell and other government leaders who are working to develop a human capital strategy that supports our public sector missions. Click to watch. | | |
MODCOM TAKES ON TECH — The House Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress digs into the Hill's adoption of up-to-date technology, how technology can help Congress serve the people and how to recruit and retain tech staff (when private sector and even Executive Branch roles beckon with big paychecks.) Stephen Dwyer, the architect of the popular Dome Watch and Dome Directory apps, will testify. If you've ever watched the votes tick in on your phone while waiting for you boss, he's who to thank.
Also takes home $$ — The House Legislative Branch appropriations bill cleared out of the full committee yesterday includes $10 million for the Modernization Initiatives Account, with projects that address more than 20 of ModCom's existing recommendations. Not to mention all the juicy details in the LegBranch committee report. (More on that later.) WELL WISHES — Wishing a speedy recovery to Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), who disclosed on Wednesday he sustained a major injury to his right hand while doing yard work. There is "a high risk of infection and the possible need for amputation" of some fingers. He said his injury required "immediate surgery" and that he will miss this week's work in Washington. Anthony has more on Cramer's condition. BURN PIT BLUE SLIP — House action on a bipartisan bill to help veterans exposed to toxic burn pits had hit a procedural roadblock. They planned to vote this week, but after the Senate added some of its own language, the timeline is now more complicated. Sarah had the scoop yesterday. | | | | 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. | | | | | | | | Don't? … Former Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y.) is seeking advice on returning to Twitter. Don't hate, negotiate… The Modernization Staff Association is hosting a virtual training next Thursday on how to successfully negotiate salary and benefits. RSVP to attend. We're hearing… That a doctor made famous by Oprah will be on the Hill today. No, not the one running for Senate. Dr. Phil McGraw's team says he will be on the Hill today talking about mental health, but they wouldn't say who he's meeting with, which chamber or when. TREASURE TROVE: Your Huddle host's favorite Congressional document of the year dropped yesterday. The House Legislative Branch Appropriations Committee report that accompanies the bill text is always packed with wild and juicy details about big dreams for life on Capitol Hill and tons of directives for the Architect of the Capitol (AOC). Here is an incomplete roundup of some highlights:
- Mice and bugs, baby: Appropriators direct the Architect of the Capitol to "review existing challenges" of "proactive pest management and mitigation" on Capitol Hill and brief the committee and provide a written copy of the "latest integrated pest management plan."
- Pink tax: Directing ACO to make bulk purchases, store and distribute menstrual hygiene products "at no cost to all those who use restroom facilities" throughout the Capitol complex.
- Planning way, way ahead: The panel wants to mark the nation's semiquincentennial (250 year) anniversary in 2023. They're eager for celebration plans and for the "possibility of a Congressional Time Capsule being buried somewhere on the Capitol Complex that will remain sealed until July 4th, 2276." Yes, the year 2276.
- Returning citizens: The report directs the Office of House Employment Counsel (OHEC) to review current model policies on hiring formerly incarcerated individuals and report back with "policy language to assist House offices in the hiring and retention of justice-impacted individuals."
- Prayers up: Where can a staffer pray around here? Appropriators direct the AOC, House Administration Committee and the House Office Building Commission to find a space to be used as "a Congressional interfaith space for the prayer and meditation of House staff of all faiths." There is $150,000 on the table for the AOC to "plan, design, construct, and furnish a space within the House Office Buildings for this purpose."
- Protein shake up: The Chief Administrative Officer is instructed to report back with "additional alternative protein choices that will be offered to consumers in all House dining facilities" in response to the need to accommodate members, staff and visitors with dietary restrictions.
- Short staffing: Appropriators say they are "troubled by reports of understaffing and possible mistreatment of cafeteria employees" and want a report on the performance of Sodexo as a vendor.
- Sledding, duh: The report protects the right of neighborhood kids to sled on Capitol Hill (if we ever get enough snow for that).
QUICK LINKS Inflation Could Be Path to Re-election for GOP's Most Vulnerable Senator, from Laura Litvan, Michael Sasso and Marie Patino at Bloomberg Lawmakers on Jan. 6 committee ramp up their security as threats increase, from Amy Gardner, Josh Dawsey and Jacqueline Alemany at The Washington Post The unintended consequences of the $178 billion bailout to keep hospitals and doctors afloat, from Christopher Rowland at The Washington Post Nancy Pelosi's Napa: Wealthy Friends and a Husband's Porsche Crash , from Jacob Bernstein and Holly Secon at The New York Times Senate fails to pass breastfeeding law for 9 million working parents despite calls for flexibility amid formula shortage, from Chabeli Carrazana at The 19th* News TRANSITIONS John Christie is joining the Smith-Free Group as senior vice president. He previously was chief of staff for Rep. Alma Adams (D-N.C.) and is a Frederica Wilson and Norma Torres alum. Ted Lehman, top aide to Sen. Thom Tillis' (R-N.C.), is leaving the Hill after more than two decades to join Todd Strategy Group as a principal. Lehman has served as chief of staff to the North Carolina Republican since 2017, and before that was a top aide on the Senate Judiciary Committee. Ways and Means Republicans staff promotions: Paige Decker is now deputy staff director, moving from director of coalitions and member services. Caroline Jones is now deputy parliamentarian and senior advisor. Previously she served as deputy parliamentarian and clerk. Zach Kahler is now communications advisor, he was previously digital director. Lauren Camp is now deputy press secretary, promoted from press assistant. | | | | A message from Workday:   | | |
TODAY IN CONGRESS
The House convenes at noon for legislative business. The Senate convenes at 10 a.m. with two roll call votes at 11 a.m. AROUND THE HILL 10 a.m. Pelosi will unveil a portrait of the late Rep. Patsy Mink (D-Hawaii), the first woman of color elected to Congress and a champion of the passage of Title IX 50 years ago. Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Reps. Bobby Scott (D-Va.), Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) and Judy Chu (D-Calif.) will attend, as will Mink's daughter Gwendolyn and tennis legend Billie Jean King (Statuary Hall). 10:30 a.m. Sens. Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.) are set to speak at an event with Ukrainian Ambassador Oksana Markarova and leaders of the McCain Institute and World Central Kitchen (Dirksen 106). 11 a.m. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) and other House Democrats hold a press conference on adding supply chain resilience to the Democrats' "Make It In America Agenda" (House Triangle). 11:30 a.m. McCarthy, Rep. Scott Peters (D-Calif.), and House Natural Resources Committee ranking member Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) hold a press conference on the "Save Our Sequoias Act" (Studio A). 1 p.m. House Jan. 6 Select Committee hearing on the investigation into the insurrection (Cannon 390). 4 p.m. McCarthy and Rep. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) and others hold a press conference on Title IX following a roundtable on the topic (House Triangle). | | | WEDNESDAY'S WINNER: Ross A. Kapilian correctly answered that Martin Van Buren is the only president to learn English as a second language. He first spoke Dutch. TODAY'S QUESTION from Ross: Who was the first U.S. President to attend a major league baseball game while in office? 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 Workday: As a leading provider of enterprise cloud applications for finance, HR, and planning, Workday partners with more than 9,500 organizations - spanning healthcare, financial services, retail, hospitality, education, state and local government, and more - to help them adapt and thrive in a changing world of work. Now we're bringing that expertise to the federal market with Workday Government Cloud . Workday Government Cloud looks to give agencies more time to focus on the strategic initiatives that help further their mission. Workday handles all administrative applications, including upgrades, patches, data security, application availability, backup, disaster recovery, performance tuning, operating system, database, network, storage, and maintenance. Say goodbye to yesterday's technology, and hello to a new era in software delivery with a system that evolves as your organization evolves. With Workday Government Cloud, you can operate more strategically, hire, and develop a top-performing workforce, and adapt quickly to changes. | | | | | | | Follow us | | | | |
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