Welcome to The Daily Politic Briefing! Good morning, listeners. Today is another packed day in Washington as lawmakers race against the clock before August recess. From crucial funding votes to nomination battles and international crises, we're covering the developments shaping policy decisions across the nation. Stay with us as we break down the complex political landscape into clear, actionable insights. In Today's Briefing: Senate races to pass the "Minibus" funding package while facing pressure over Trump nominees. A bipartisan effort to release more Epstein files faces opposition from Speaker Johnson. The Gaza humanitarian crisis deepens as ceasefire talks collapse. Plus, gambling tax deductions, reconciliation planning, and key campaign updates. Senate's "Minibus" Funding Package Majority Leader John Thune is pushing to pass the first appropriations package through the Senate before members leave town. This "minibus" combines three bills funding the Departments of Commerce, Justice, Agriculture, Veterans Affairs, military construction projects, and the FDA. The process faces hurdles, including Senator John Kennedy's opposition to legislation funding congressional operations, which will likely postpone debate on a fourth bill. Republican leadership remains optimistic about passing the package this week, despite procedural obstacles requiring two 30-hour debate periods and bipartisan agreement on amendments. August Recess and Trump Nominees The Senate faces mounting pressure from Donald Trump to confirm more of his nominees before the August recess. Majority Leader Thune has warned senators they might need to work through the weekend after Trump's public calls to stay in Washington. Senator Mike Lee suggested either working through August or canceling pro-forma sessions to allow Trump to make recess appointments. Judiciary Chair Chuck Grassley backed Trump's position, stating, "Trump needs his administration in place." Many lawmakers see Thune's threats to extend the session as leverage to secure deals with Democrats on nominations. Epstein Files Release Controversy A bipartisan effort led by Representatives Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna to force the release of more Jeffrey Epstein files has drawn criticism from Speaker Mike Johnson. The Speaker called their proposal "reckless," arguing it would compel the release of unverified information while potentially failing to protect victims. Massie and Khanna have pushed back, emphasizing their legislation would redact victims' names and exclude sensitive material. They expect to gather the 218 signatures needed to force a floor vote when Congress returns in September. Gaza Humanitarian Crisis Worsens With the U.S. withdrawing from ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, Gaza's humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate. UN officials report approximately a quarter of Gaza's population now faces famine-like conditions. Republican leaders attribute the crisis to Hamas, with Trump claiming aid supplies are being stolen. Meanwhile, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has called the starvation "unacceptable" and urged immediate action from the administration. Gambling Tax Deduction Rollback House Ways and Means Chair Jason Smith has indicated support for reversing a provision in the recent Republican megabill that would limit gambling loss deductions. Starting in 2026, the measure would reduce deductible gambling losses from 100% to 90%, potentially creating tax liability even for gamblers who break even. Smith blamed Senate Republicans for inserting the provision and noted bipartisan interest in addressing it before implementation. RSC Task Force for Second Megabill Republican Study Committee Chair August Pfluger has announced a new working group to develop a policy framework for the next budget reconciliation package. GOP leaders have expressed interest in addressing tax, trade, and healthcare issues, though questions remain about appetite f