Welcome to The Daily Politic Briefing! Good morning and welcome to today's edition of The Daily Politic Briefing, where we bring you the most significant political developments from Washington and beyond. I'm your host, and today we have a packed lineup of stories that showcase the growing tensions in American politics as we approach the fall legislative session. Today's Headlines First, we'll examine the backlash Republicans are facing at town halls across the country as they attempt to sell President Trump's new tax legislation. Then, we'll look at GOP senators' plans to streamline presidential nominations through rule changes. We'll also cover the potential revival of the litigation tax proposal, speculation about Trump's Federal Reserve Chair nomination, and the escalating situation in Texas where Democrats are facing removal threats. Republican Town Hall Troubles Republicans are encountering significant pushback at town halls while trying to promote President Trump's tax legislation. Representative Mike Flood experienced this firsthand when he was jeered by constituents during a Monday night event. GOP officials have been quick to dismiss these confrontations, with Senator Mike Rounds claiming these outbursts are "choreographed by Democrats" rather than representing genuine voter concerns. However, progressive activists, including Ezra Levin from Indivisible, argue that Republicans are simply downplaying authentic grassroots anger, which they suggest is even more intense than during the healthcare debates of 2017. Notably, fewer Republican representatives are holding open-access town halls. Some, like Representative Aaron Bean, are opting instead for smaller gatherings with civic groups and GOP-friendly events, avoiding larger public forums where criticism might be more pronounced. Senate Rule Changes on the Horizon Moving to Capitol Hill, Republican senators are actively discussing ways to modify chamber rules to expedite presidential nominee confirmations. Senator Rounds has indicated that Republicans want to reduce the roughly 1,100 to 1,200 positions currently requiring Senate confirmation. The proposed changes include eliminating the 60-vote threshold for certain nominees, reducing debate time, and implementing simultaneous confirmation votes for multiple appointees. Rounds emphasized that Republicans are seeking bipartisan cooperation on these rule modifications, though it remains to be seen if Democrats will participate in these discussions. Litigation Tax Proposal Returns Business groups and conservative advocates are lobbying Republicans to resurrect a proposal that would impose a 40.8% tax on profits from litigation funding agreements. Originally championed by Senator Thom Tillis and Representative Kevin Hern, the measure aims to discourage what proponents view as frivolous lawsuits. This proposal was previously removed from the GOP policy package for procedural reasons, but Senate Finance Chair Mike Crapo has expressed interest in revisiting it, along with approximately 200 other tax proposals, in a potential second comprehensive bill this fall. Federal Reserve Chair Speculation As Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's term approaches its end, Senate Banking Republicans are signaling their support for President Trump's eventual nominee. While Senator Cynthia Lummis stressed the importance of "independent judgment" at the Fed, most committee Republicans have expressed confidence in Trump's selection process. The President has mentioned that his shortlist includes National Economic Council director Kevin Hassett and former Fed board member Kevin Warsh, plus two additional unnamed candidates. This nomination will be crucial for economic policy direction in the coming years. Texas Political Standoff In Texas, a dramatic political confrontation is unfolding. Attorney General Ken Paxton is threatening to remove state House Democrats from office if they don't return to Austin by Friday. These