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The Daily Politic Briefing - 03/06/2025


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Welcome to The Daily Politic Briefing! Good morning and thank you for joining us for today's essential political updates. I'm your host, bringing you the most significant developments from Washington and beyond. In a fast-moving political landscape, we're here to break down what matters most and why you should care. Let's dive into today's top stories. Today's Headlines In today's briefing, we'll cover the Senate's ambitious megabill taking shape this week, President Trump's hands-on involvement with key legislation, the White House's new $9.4 billion spending cuts package, cryptocurrency legislation developments, Russia sanctions deliberations, complications with the AM Radio bill, immigration-related votes in the House, ACA debates, and personnel changes at the Capitol. Senate Megabill Timeline Takes Shape Senate committees are beginning to release portions of the GOP megabill this week, following a strategic sequence from least to most controversial items. The Armed Services Committee kicks things off today, followed by Environment and Public Works tomorrow, Commerce on Thursday, and Banking on Friday. The Finance Committee, handling the more contentious tax cuts and Medicaid changes, will likely be among the last to release its text. According to Majority Leader John Thune, the full bill should reach the Senate floor by the last week of June, just before the July 4th recess. This timeline depends on Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough's review to ensure provisions comply with budget reconciliation rules. Presidential Engagement on Legislative Priorities President Trump has stepped up his direct involvement with the megabill, holding separate meetings with Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Senator Rick Scott. He's also been working the phones, speaking with Senators Ron Johnson about returning to pre-pandemic spending levels and Josh Hawley regarding Medicaid changes. Looking ahead, the President is expected to meet with Thune and Finance Chair Mike Crapo either this week or next to specifically address the tax portions of the bill, signaling the administration's high-priority focus on this legislation. White House Proposes $9.4 Billion in Spending Cuts The White House is preparing to send Congress a $9.4 billion rescissions package targeting funding for NPR, PBS, and foreign aid programs. While House Republican leadership helped shape this request, Senate Republicans are exploring options to amend it. Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins expressed uncertainty about whether her committee would mark up the package, citing "complicated" rules around modifying rescissions requests. Budget Director Russ Vought has indicated openness to additional packages and is working with House GOP leaders on making DOGE cuts permanent. Cryptocurrency Legislation Faces Hurdles Majority Leader Thune has committed to finalizing landmark cryptocurrency legislation "in the very near future," but his promise of an open amendment process may complicate passage. One potential amendment forcing credit card processors like Visa and MasterCard to compete on swipe fees has Senator Thom Tillis warning it would be a "deal killer" if adopted. Russia Sanctions Bill Deliberations Continue Despite bipartisan pressure to act quickly, Thune is proceeding cautiously with Senator Lindsey Graham's Russia sanctions bill. The Majority Leader indicated it "could be something we take up in this work period" but emphasized coordination with the White House on timing and strategy. Meanwhile, Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has called for the bill to be put on the floor "as soon as possible," highlighting the tension between congressional and executive approaches to Russia policy. AM Radio Legislation Hits New Roadblock Efforts to pass the AM Radio in Every Vehicle Act face fresh complications as automakers link it to the American Music Fairness Act. Two car manufacturer trade groups argue that "Congress should not mandate the u
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The Daily Politic NewsBy Bella