| | | | |  | | By Jordain Carney and Katherine Tully-McManus | Presented by Genentech | With Elana Schor and Andrew Desiderio. FROM WHENCE PENCE CAME (plus, a pressure campaign) — Former Vice President Mike Pence will be in the spotlight today as the House Select Committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol focuses on the pressure Pence was under on the day Congress was set to certify the 2020 Electoral College results. Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.), will lead a large part of the hearing, which will focus on former President Trump's embrace of a fringe theory that Pence could use his role to unilaterally reject then-President-elect Joe Biden's electors or delay the count entirely on Jan. 6. Former U.S. Attorney John Wood will also conduct some questioning of witnesses. Wood has been one of the senior investigative attorneys on the committee. Committee aides said Wednesday that the plot, spearheaded by attorney John Eastman, directly contributed to the attack on the Capitol and put Pence's life in danger. Committee vice chair Rep. Liz Cheney previewed the hearing, saying it would focus on Trump's "relentless effort on Jan. 6 and in the days beforehand to pressure Vice President Pence to refuse to count lawful electoral votes." Who's Testifying: Top Pence advisor Greg Jacob, who pushed back against the plan cooked up by Eastman while the mob besieged the Capitol, will publicly tell his story for the first time. Former appeals court Judge Michael Luttig, a conservative jurist for whom Eastman once clerked, will also testify. As Pence was swept to safety by the secret service as the mob crashed into the building, Jacob repeatedly rebuffed Eastman's urging that Pence try to upend the electoral count, sending an email that said, in part: "Thanks to your bullshit, we are now under siege." Kyle and Nicholas have a preview of today's action. Meanwhile … Kimberly Guilfoyle — the former Fox News host now engaged to Donald Trump's elder son — thanked Cheney for supporting Trump's 2020 bid as a "congressional co-captain" and asked her to do more, in a previously unreported email obtained by POLITICO. More from our colleague, Betsy Woodruff Swan, on the 2020 outreach. RELATED: Ginni Thomas corresponded with John Eastman, sources in Jan. 6 House investigation say from The Washington Post's Jacqueline Alemany, Josh Dawsey and Emma Brown; Trump Lawyer Cited 'Heated Fight' Among Justices Over Election Suits from The New York Times's Luke Broadwater and Maggie Haberman.
| | | | 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 16, where KTM is off doing her civic duty. Hit your temporary co-captain up with House tips or good coffee recs at jcarney@politico.com or on Twitter @jordainc. Programming Note: We'll be off this Monday for Juneteenth but will be back in your inboxes on Tuesday, June 21. SPOTTED: *WE* GOT GOTCHA'D! Since POLITICO's Congress reporters spend every waking minute that Congress is in session firing off questions to lawmakers, we figured it was time to return the favor and give them a chance to turn the tables on us. Staffers got the satisfaction of watching reporters who -- usually put their bosses on the spot -- instead squirm while they fielded questions. At a rooftop happy hour Wednesday night on the Hill, Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.) and Rep. Julia Letlow (R-La.) asked us some tough ones. Bureau chief Burgess weighed in on his favorite rapper, Olivia shed light on her favorite stake-out spots and Letlow, in a jab at questions moms in politics get, asked male reporters how they can possibly balance work and kids. We hope lawmakers take note of our colleagues' responses to one key question: what is the most annoying answer to get in a hallway. (No comment, off the record: no comment and call my office, were the answers). In the audience: Reps. Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.), Don Bacon (R-Neb.), Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) and Susan Wild (D-Pa.). McCONNELL'S GUN GAMBLE— Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell's (R-Ky.) endorsement of the bipartisan gun safety framework didn't surprise his GOP colleagues but does potentially put him on the opposite side of the majority of his conference, Marianne and Burgess report. McConnell cautioned that he would only support the legislation if it reflects the framework. Negotiators are hoping for 70-plus votes for the eventual bill, but members of McConnell's own leadership team haven't yet backed it and it's facing pushback from corners of the caucus. "He can do what he wants. I mean, everybody can do what they want. I don't pick at my colleagues," Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) said of McConnell. The latest on the Senate gang: The core group — GOP Sens. Thom Tillis (N.C.) and John Cornyn (Texas) and Democratic Sens. Kysten Sinema (Ariz.) and Chris Murphy (Conn.) — met in Murphy's hideaway in the Capitol basement on Wednesday night as they try to finalize the text of their outlined agreement. Cornyn, a close ally and former whip to McConnell, pointed to two sticking points: the details over the "boyfriend loophole" and incentivizing "red flag" laws. They didn't finalize a deal in the meeting. But Cornyn said that they had made progress on both issues but were still vetting ideas and figuring out "what the market will bear" on gun reforms. The group is expected to meet again today. RELATED: Senate negotiations on gun safety reform stall over outstanding challenges from ABC News's Allison Pecorin.
| | | | A message from Genentech: Stakeholders across the healthcare system have unique priorities and perspectives on what constitutes value. Current approaches to assessing the value of new and innovative medicines are narrow, often leading to a fragmented view of the full impact medicines deliver to patients, health care providers, payers and society. Learn about Genentech's commitment to building an ideal framework that uses a holistic set of attributes to define the value medicines bring to all stakeholders. | | | DETTELBACH FACES A DRAW—The Senate is about to be one step closer to confirming Steven Dettelbach to be President Biden's nominee to lead the bureau of alcohol, tobacco, firearms and explosives (ATF). The Judiciary Committee is meeting at 9 a.m. to vote on Dettelbach, who would be the first Senate-confirmed ATF director since 2015. Because the committee is evenly split, Dettelbach could face a tie if every Republican votes against him but Democrats could discharge him on the floor. Despite the potential drama, he appears to be on track for confirmation after Sens. Tester and Angus King (I-Maine) signaled their support. As a reminder: Biden previously nominated David Chipman last year but had to withdraw the nominee amid Democratic pushback. PLAN B FOR IRAN NUKES — Senators were told at a classified briefing yesterday that new sanctions on Iran could be coming soon, Andrew reports , as the administration scrambles for a plan B to the faltering talks to revive the Iran nuclear deal. "For all intents and purposes, there are no talks," Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) said after the briefing. When asked if the White House is considering additional punitive measures as a way to curb Iran's nuclear program, Menendez responded: "I would stay tuned." Those sanctions would be aimed at preventing Iran from becoming a nuclear power, but the details are unclear. Many Democrats continue to believe that a JCPOA revival is the only way to halt Iran's nuclear program, with Murphy saying "there is no backup." A WHITE HOUSE ICYMI — The White House disclosed after 9 p.m. last night that Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) met with Biden Wednesday to talk "tackling inflation and lowering prices and transitioning from a historic economic recovery to stable, steady growth," according to a read out. Among the issues discussed were reducing prescription drug and energy costs and deficit reduction — frequently mentioned priorities for a certain West Virginia Democrat.
| | | | 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. | | | | | TEXAS DEMS' FURY — Several Latino Democrats — livid after Republicans flipped a congressional district in South Texas — are pushing for their party's campaign leadership to course correct, Ally Mutnick and Sarah report . Several members approached DCCC Chair Sean Patrick Maloney (D-N.Y.) on Wednesday. Democratic Rep. Sylvia Garcia (D-Texas) said she asked for a meeting next week that other Texas Democrats are expected to attend. Democratic Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (Texas) wasn't willing to wait that long: He chatted with Maloney on the Capitol steps and could be overheard urging the party to make investments in the region. But… senior Democrats, including Maloney, say Republicans spent a lot of money on a short-term victory because the district will soon disappear because of redistricting. "Look, I think the Republicans spent millions of dollars to win a seat that's going away. We're going to win this seat when it matters," Maloney said in a brief interview. 80 PERCENT INCREASE — No, not the Member Representational Allowance (MRA). Under the House's Legislative Branch spending bill for fiscal 2023, the Architect of the Capitol would receive $1.3 billion, an 80 percent hike over current funding. The dramatic increase would fund a rethinking of security across the Capitol campus, both in buildings and on the grounds. SPEAKING STAFFERS' LANGUAGE — House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) and Democratic Caucus Chair Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) were both powerful cheerleaders for the massive 20 percent increase in House office budgets this fiscal year, but today they are addressing staff issues "after the MRA." Congressional Black Associates hosts a discussion this afternoon featuring the two lawmakers on staff issues as part of a series of events celebrating Juneteenth. Registration for the event is still open. Speaking of MRA…We missed this LegiStorm analysis earlier this week: House Republicans edge out Democrats in average Q1 staffer pay HEARTBREAKING UPDATE — Rep. Sean Casten (D-Ill.) shared a wrenching update on his daughter Gwen's death.
| | | | A message from Genentech:   | | | | | | Farewell to antlers (and arms)… Some of the treasures that made the late Rep. Don Young's (R-Alaska) Rayburn office iconic, including multiple antlered animal busts are being packed in boxes for a long journey to Alaska, where it all will eventually be housed at the future Don Young Institute for Alaska. "There is a growing desire to reassemble DY's office at a TBD location in Alaska, sort of as a time capsule as he left it," Zack Brown, communications Director for the Alaska At-Large House district (formerly Young's office,) told Huddle. It has been an emotional process for staff, even though they knew the time would eventually come. Professional archivists are helping to pack and archive the hunting trophies, legislation, and birthday notes from 10 presidents that covered the walls (and every other surface) of Young's office. Here's a peek at what is in crate number 10. "His office is almost as iconic as him, so there is a great desire to allow future generations of Alaskans to step into the legendary office that served as DC's little slice of Alaska for many decades," said Brown. QUICK LINKS Herschel Walker, Critic of Absentee Dads, Admits to Yet ANOTHER Secret Son from Roger Sollenberger at The Daily Beast House GOP welcomes a new Chamber, declares war against the old one from Jonathan Swan at Axios Bicameral appropriations talks stalled as House charges ahead from Aidan Quigley at Roll Call. Democratic senators say Biden should make call on second term from Alexander Bolton at The Hill. TRANSITIONS Ian Krager is now a press assistant for Pelosi. He was previously a communications fellow for Rep. Deborah Ross (D-N.C.) and a press intern for Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) TODAY IN CONGRESS The House convenes at 9 a.m. for legislative business. The Senate convenes at 10 a.m. with votes at 11:15 a.m. and possibly (but not certain yet) at 1:45 p.m. AROUND THE HILL 9 a.m. Senate Judiciary Committee business meeting on five nominations, including Steven Dettelbach's nomination to be director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (Hart 216). 9:45 a.m. Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) holds a press conference on the "Good Jobs for Good Airports Act" (Senate Swamp). 10:45 a.m. Reps. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.), Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), Doris Matsui (D-Calif.) and Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.) hold a press conference to call for climate, justice, jobs and clean energy investments this summer (House Triangle). 10:45 a.m. Pelosi will hold her weekly press conference (Studio A). 1 p.m. House Jan. 6 Select Committee hearing on the investigation into the insurrection (Cannon 390).
| | | THURSDAY'S WINNER: Bruce Mehlman correctly answered that the 11-day special Senate session held in July 1948 was called the "Turnip Day Session." Why? That session began on "what we in Missouri call 'Turnip Day,'" taken from the old Missouri saying , "On the twenty-sixth of July, sow your turnips, wet or dry." TODAY'S QUESTION from Bruce: How much was Abraham Lincoln paid per year as President in 1862, and how much is that in today's dollars? 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 Genentech: As our healthcare system evolves it is imperative for us to consider what value medicines bring to patients, health care providers, payers and society. However, healthcare stakeholders often have a range of unique and differing perspectives on value. When it comes to defining, measuring and communicating the value of medicines, we need a framework that uses a more holistic set of attributes that are transparent and meaningful to all stakeholders. It is essential that we look more closely at the full range of benefits medicines offer and help ensure those benefits are incorporated into decisions about drug development, pricing, payer coverage and regulatory actions. Learn more about how Genentech is working to help all stakeholders fully understand a treatment's total impact to ensure we get the right treatments to the right patients. | | | | | | | Follow us | | | | |
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