Welcome to The Daily Politic Briefing! Good day, listeners. I'm your host bringing you the most significant political developments shaping our nation today. From critical Senate negotiations on Medicaid funding to new revelations about Iran's nuclear capabilities and important legislative movements on Capitol Hill, we've got a packed show with analysis on stories that matter. Let's dive into today's political landscape. In our lineup today: Senate Republicans face internal rebellion over Medicaid funding, a high-stakes Iran briefing raises questions about nuclear capabilities, budget rescissions create GOP divisions, a children's online privacy bill advances, and several other developments including an unexpected primary victory in New York and fascinating new polling in Texas. First up, Senate Majority Leader John Thune is wrestling with significant internal dissent over the Senate's Medicaid plan. The so-called "Medicaid moderates" have firmly rejected the Finance Committee's proposal of $15 billion for rural hospital stabilization. Senator Susan Collins has called this amount "inadequate," demanding instead a much larger $100 billion fund. The situation is so tense that multiple senators are threatening to withhold their votes on the larger package without clarity on Medicaid. Senator Thom Tillis issued a stark warning that without changes, "you won't have a member from North Carolina sitting at this table after next year." Meanwhile, Speaker Mike Johnson faces similar resistance in the House, attempting to reassure members that the final language will move closer to the House position. Turning to international affairs, senators are gathering this afternoon for a crucial briefing on the Iran situation. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and Joint Chiefs Chair Dan Caine are expected to attend. Senate Armed Services Chair Roger Wicker is seeking specific answers about Iran's nuclear program timeline and capabilities, while Democrats led by Senator Tim Kaine are pressing on transparency and war powers concerns. Kaine has indicated he intends to move forward with his war powers resolution following the briefing. On the budget front, Leader Thune faces significant challenges uniting Republicans behind President Trump's rescissions request as the July 18 deadline approaches. The party is divided over proposed cuts to global health programs like PEPFAR and public broadcasting. Senator Lindsey Graham appears convinced about alleged wasteful spending in certain programs, while Senator Collins strongly opposes the proposed cuts and is considering drafting an alternative package. In a positive development for online child safety advocates, the Senate Commerce Committee has advanced the "COPPA 2.0" bill, updating the original 1998 children's online privacy law. Sponsored by Senator Ed Markey, the legislation would extend protections to anyone under 16, up from the current age of 13, and place significant limits on how companies can use data from younger users. Meanwhile, the House Financial Services Committee is addressing the National Flood Insurance Program as the administration proposes major changes. This critical program, which covers 95% of flood insurance policyholders nationwide, faces a September 30 expiration deadline after being temporarily reauthorized 33 times since 2017. On the caucus front, we're seeing new bipartisan efforts emerging. Representatives Sydney Kamlager-Dove and Nicole Malliotakis have launched the Recommerce Caucus promoting secondhand goods commerce, while Democratic Representatives Scholten, Landsman, and Tran have formed the Lowering Costs Caucus to address economic challenges. In New York politics, Zohran Mamdani's upset victory in the Democratic primary for mayor has received cautious acknowledgment from Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries, though several suburban Democrats have distanced themselves from the democratic

Welcome to The Daily Politic Briefing! Good morning and thank you for joining us on this pivotal day in American politics. As Washington grapples with major legislative challenges and political maneuvering ahead of the July 4th recess, we're here to break down the most consequential developments affecting the nation. Today, we'll examine high-stakes budget negotiations, judicial controversies, and shifting political fortunes. In today's briefing, we'll cover Speaker Johnson's warnings about Medicaid cuts and their potential political fallout, the Senate's race to pass their megabill before the holiday deadline, a controversial judicial nomination raising ethical concerns, the White House's budget rescission request facing bipartisan scrutiny, and several other critical developments shaping the political landscape. Let's begin with Capitol Hill, where Speaker Mike Johnson is sounding the alarm over Senate Republicans' proposed Medicaid cuts. In private conversations, Johnson has warned that these deep cuts could cost House Republicans their majority in the upcoming election. Senator Thom Tillis has echoed these concerns, comparing the potential political damage to what Democrats faced after passing the Affordable Care Act. GOP leaders are scrambling to mitigate these concerns by preparing a special fund for rural hospitals that might be harmed by the reductions. Meanwhile, the Senate is racing against the clock. Majority Leader John Thune believes they're "on a path" to begin voting on their comprehensive megabill by Friday, just ahead of President Trump's July 4th deadline. Several committees are finalizing revised text, but Republican leaders face significant challenges with the tax package in flux and the Medicaid savings under threat. On the judicial front, the Senate Judiciary Committee is holding a hearing for Emil Bove, nominated for the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. Bove, a former Trump defense lawyer and top Justice Department official, faces serious scrutiny following allegations that he suggested disregarding court orders to advance presidential political goals. Democrats argue these revelations disqualify him from serving on the federal bench. Turning to budget matters, OMB Director Russ Vought is testifying before Senate appropriators today to defend the White House's request for $9.4 billion in cuts to previously approved funding. The proposal has drawn opposition from Republicans like Senator Susan Collins, particularly regarding cuts to programs like PEPFAR. Senator Mike Rounds plans to question how Native American radio stations would be affected by cuts to NPR and PBS. War powers debates have hit a snag after the administration postponed planned briefings on Iran. Senators will now be briefed Thursday, after which Democrat Tim Kaine aims to push for a vote on his resolution limiting further military action against Iran. House members await their briefing on Friday. In House developments, Republican leaders are eyeing a floor vote on landmark cryptocurrency legislation shortly after the July recess. They're considering combining stablecoin regulations with a broader crypto market structure bill, while President Trump is pushing for quick passage of a "clean" stablecoin bill. As we look toward the conclusion of today's news cycle, these developments reflect the intensifying political climate as we approach both the holiday break and the election season. The outcomes of these legislative battles and nomination fights will shape policy and politics for months to come. Thank you for listening to The Daily Politic Briefing. We'll be back tomorrow with more essential updates from the corridors of power. Until then, stay informed and engaged.

Welcome to The Daily Politic Briefing! Good day listeners, thank you for joining us for today's comprehensive analysis of the most pressing political developments. I'm your host, bringing you the critical updates that are shaping Washington and beyond. From major legislative hurdles to leadership changes and international affairs, we've got you covered with all the essential information you need to stay informed. Today's Headlines First up, we'll dive into the Senate megabill progress as GOP leaders push for Thursday votes despite unresolved policy disputes. Then, we'll cover the House Oversight Committee's leadership change with Rep. Robert Garcia's significant victory. We'll also examine the Iran War Powers Resolutions and how the recent ceasefire has impacted congressional action. Plus, we'll explore House Republican resistance to the Senate megabill, key policy developments with Trump appointees, and delayed trade deals. Senate Megabill Progress Senate Republican leadership is working aggressively to begin voting on what's being called a "big, beautiful bill" as early as Thursday, despite several major policy disagreements that remain unresolved. Senators Ron Johnson, Mike Lee, and Rick Scott recently met with President Trump, who expressed his desire to repeal green credits established under the Biden administration's climate law and voiced support for a balanced budget approach. Some progress is being made on the contentious state-and-local-tax deduction issue. Senator Markwayne Mullin has suggested the Senate might maintain the $40,000 cap that was negotiated in the House while adjusting the income threshold. Additionally, Senate leaders are considering establishing a fund to help offset Medicaid changes affecting rural hospitals, though Senator Josh Hawley remains skeptical about whether this truly addresses the underlying concerns. Behind the scenes, multiple committees are rushing to redraft portions of the legislation following consultations with Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough, whose final rulings are expected by Wednesday. House Oversight Leadership Change In a significant shift for House Democrats, Representative Robert Garcia has been elected as the next top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee. The former mayor of Long Beach, California defeated Representative Stephen Lynch by a decisive margin of 150-63 in a caucus vote. Garcia had previously secured strong support from the steering committee, receiving 33 votes on the first ballot compared to Lynch's 15 votes. Representatives Kweisi Mfume and Jasmine Crockett received eight and six votes respectively. Garcia positioned himself as a unifying candidate who could effectively bridge the divide between those seeking direct confrontation with Trump and more established party leaders. This leadership change comes at a critical time for the committee, which will likely play a central role in oversight during the Trump administration. Iran War Powers Resolutions The recent ceasefire announcement in the Iran-Israel conflict has had immediate legislative implications. Representative Thomas Massie informed Speaker Mike Johnson that he will no longer pursue a resolution blocking U.S. involvement in the conflict if the ceasefire holds. Speaker Johnson has described the measure as "moot" given this diplomatic breakthrough. However, not all lawmakers are ready to drop the issue. Democratic Representatives Jim Himes, Gregory Meeks, and Adam Smith have introduced their own war powers resolution. Similarly, in the Senate, Tim Kaine is determined to force a vote on a comparable resolution regardless of the ceasefire status, highlighting ongoing concerns about congressional oversight of military actions. House Republican Resistance to Senate Megabill The path forward for the Republican megabill is becoming increasingly complicated as House GOP hard-liners are threatening to block the Senate's version. Freedom Caucus Chair Andy Harris, along

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. Our team has compiled the critical stories shaping the political landscape right now, with analysis to help you understand what it all means. Today's Headlines First up, we'll examine the Senate's race to finalize a complex megabill with pressure mounting from President Trump. Then, we'll look at the shakeup in House Oversight Committee leadership as Democrats select Rep. Robert Garcia for their top position. We'll also cover the latest on Iran war powers resolutions, healthcare policy debates, and Senator Murkowski's surprising comments about her party affiliation. Senate Megabill Progress Senate Majority Leader John Thune is pushing for votes to begin Thursday on a comprehensive megabill, despite several unresolved issues. Committees are working frantically to redraft portions after parliamentary rulings, with final decisions from parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough expected soon. President Trump has directly involved himself in the negotiations, meeting with fiscal hawks Senators Ron Johnson, Mike Lee, and Rick Scott at the White House. During these discussions, Trump expressed support for repealing green energy credits and implementing a balanced budget approach. On the SALT deduction front, Senator Markwayne Mullin has proposed maintaining the $40,000 cap while adjusting income thresholds. Meanwhile, GOP leaders are considering establishing a fund to help offset Medicaid changes affecting rural hospitals. House Oversight Leadership Shift In a significant development for House Democrats, Representative Robert Garcia has emerged as the leading candidate for the top Democratic position on the House Oversight Committee. Garcia secured 33 votes from the steering committee, outpacing Representatives Stephen Lynch, Kweisi Mfume, and Jasmine Crockett. Garcia, the former mayor of Long Beach, California, has positioned himself as someone who can bridge the divide between Democrats seeking direct confrontation with Trump and party veterans preferring different approaches. This election highlights the ongoing tension between traditional seniority systems and calls for younger leadership within the Democratic Party. Iran War Powers Developments Following President Trump's announcement of a ceasefire, Representative Thomas Massie informed Speaker Mike Johnson he would no longer advance a resolution blocking U.S. involvement in the Iran-Israel conflict. Speaker Johnson called the measure "moot" given the breakthrough. However, Democratic Representatives Jim Himes, Gregory Meeks, and Adam Smith have introduced their own war powers resolution. In the Senate, Tim Kaine stated he's proceeding with forcing a vote on a similar resolution regardless of the ceasefire, indicating continued concern about presidential war powers. Healthcare Policy Debates Senator Bill Cassidy has criticized HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s vaccine advisers, citing concerns about their experience. Cassidy urged delaying a scheduled meeting with the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, noting the absence of a CDC Director. This comes after Cassidy previously questioned Kennedy's vaccine skepticism but ultimately agreed to vote for him following Kennedy's promise not to dismantle vaccine safety systems. Senator Murkowski's Independence Signal In a revealing podcast appearance, Senator Lisa Murkowski suggested she might consider becoming an independent and potentially caucusing with Democrats under certain circumstances. The Alaska Republican, a known Trump critic, emphasized that her "allegiance is not to the Republican Party" but to Alaskans. When asked about a scenario where Democrats win Senate seats in 2026 and offer support for Alaskan priorities in exchange for caucusing, Murkowski acknowledged "there may be that

Welcome to The Daily Politic Briefing! Good day, listeners. I'm your host bringing you the most critical political developments shaping Washington and beyond. Today's political landscape is particularly charged with congressional battles over war powers, budget negotiations, and internal party dynamics that could reshape policy directions for months to come. Today's Top Stories In our lineup today: Congress wrestles with the Iran War Powers Resolution, Senate Republicans face delays on their megabill, House Republicans propose dramatic cuts to government oversight, House Democrats prepare for a leadership vote, Trump targets a Republican congressman, and Jewish organizations advance a security agenda in Washington. Iran War Powers Resolution Creates Congressional Divide The question of presidential authority to conduct military strikes against Iran has ignited a fierce debate in Congress. Speaker Mike Johnson is reportedly considering blocking a resolution from Representatives Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna that would limit U.S. military action in Iran. Meanwhile, the Senate is expected to vote this week on Senator Tim Kaine's resolution requiring congressional approval for any further military action against Iran. The issue has largely divided along partisan lines, with Republicans rallying behind former President Trump's decision to authorize airstrikes, while Democrats question the constitutional basis for these actions. Trump has intensified pressure on Republican dissenters, particularly targeting Representative Massie. Adding fuel to the controversy, Trump recently suggested pursuing "regime change" in Iran, a comment that raised concerns even among some Republican lawmakers. Senate "Megabill" Faces Setbacks and Delays Senate Republicans' ambitious legislative package, nicknamed the "big, beautiful bill," is experiencing significant delays. The Senate parliamentarian has ruled against several key provisions for violating the Byrd rule, including proposed cuts to SNAP spending and the elimination of funding for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Interestingly, a 10-year moratorium on enforcing state and local AI laws unexpectedly survived parliamentary scrutiny. While the full bill text could be released today, floor action is now likely postponed until Thursday. Senate Majority Leader John Thune is reportedly increasing pressure on Republican holdouts, with Trump expected to play a pivotal role in convincing GOP deficit hawks to support the package despite its budgetary implications. House Republicans Target Government Watchdog Funding In a move raising eyebrows across Washington, House Republican appropriators have proposed cutting funding for the Government Accountability Office by nearly half. This represents the latest clash between Republicans and the nonpartisan watchdog agency responsible for investigating government spending and operations. The House Appropriations Legislative Branch Subcommittee is scheduled to mark up this contentious bill soon, setting up what could be a significant battle over government oversight capabilities. House Democrats Prepare for Leadership Test House Democrats' steering committee will vote tonight on who should lead the party on the Oversight Committee. Representative Robert Garcia, at age 47, is viewed as the frontrunner against Representatives Jasmine Crockett, Kweisi Mfume, and Stephen Lynch. This vote will test Democrats' commitment to their traditional seniority system at a time when the party base is increasingly demanding younger, more progressive, and more aggressive leadership. The outcome could signal the direction of the Democratic caucus in the coming years. Trump Launches Campaign Against Republican Congressman In a striking move against a member of his own party, former President Trump's political operation has launched a super PAC called "Kentucky MAGA" explicitly dedicated to defeating Representative Thomas Massie in his next election.

Welcome to The Daily Politic Briefing! Good morning and thank you for joining us on this edition of The Daily Politic Briefing, where we bring you the most significant political developments from Washington and beyond. Today, we'll be diving into the intricate workings of Capitol Hill as lawmakers navigate crucial legislation, leadership tensions, and international policy decisions that will shape the weeks ahead. Today's Headlines In today's briefing, we'll examine the internal GOP conflict as Senator Rand Paul finds himself sidelined from border security negotiations. We'll also explore the procedural challenges of the Senate's megabill, escalating leadership tensions within Republican ranks, and Democratic opposition strategies. Additionally, we'll cover the administration's Iran policy deliberations, House committee leadership races, and significant policy impacts related to clean energy and TikTok regulation. GOP Internal Tensions Over Border Security Republicans are making the unusual move of sidelining Senator Rand Paul from border security funding negotiations, despite his chairmanship of the Senate Homeland Security Committee. Budget Chair Lindsey Graham has stepped in as lead negotiator for border wall construction, with Senator Lankford handling government affairs provisions. This sidelining comes after Paul proposed funding border security at a fraction of what the administration requested. Graham didn't mince words, stating, "Senator Paul usually votes 'no' and blames everybody else for not being pure enough. As chairman, you don't have that luxury sometimes." The Senate Megabill's Procedural Hurdles The Senate's massive reconciliation bill is currently undergoing the "Byrd bath" process, where Senate rule-keeper Elizabeth MacDonough reviews which provisions comply with budget reconciliation rules. Republicans are particularly anxious about whether they can use "current policy baseline" accounting to make extending Trump's 2017 tax cuts appear cost-neutral. Other provisions under scrutiny include tax cuts on gun silencers, the "revenge tax" on foreign companies, and prohibitions on AI regulation. The procedural review will significantly shape the final legislation that emerges for a vote. Leadership Challenges for Senate GOP Senate Majority Leader John Thune is facing resistance over the megabill from within his own party. Senator Josh Hawley is pushing to modify language on provider taxes, warning that the Senate's proposed reduction won't satisfy House Republicans who preferred a freeze. Despite speaking "nearly daily" with former President Trump, Thune faces skepticism about meeting the July 4th deadline. Senator Tuberville puts the chances at just "50/50," highlighting the precarious timeline for this massive legislative package. Democrats Rally Opposition Senate Democrats are mounting a coordinated response to Republican proposals. Led by Chuck Schumer, they're criticizing potential changes to healthcare and food assistance programs. In a letter to Thune, they warned: "If enacted, these cuts to food assistance and health care will mean widespread hardship for Americans." Democrats are scheduled to hold a strategy call to prepare for floor action, signaling an organized opposition as the megabill moves forward. Iran Policy at a Crossroads The administration has set a two-week deadline to decide on potential military action against Iran amid escalating tensions with Israel. Senate Democrats are demanding more information and a clear strategy before any American military involvement. Senator Tim Kaine's resolution requiring congressional approval for military action will be eligible for vote next Friday, potentially forcing a clarification of the administration's intentions toward Iran. House Committee Leadership Race In the House, Representative Robert Garcia has emerged as the frontrunner to become the top Democrat on the Oversight Committee. He's focusing on his contributions and e

Welcome to The Daily Politic Briefing! I'm your host bringing you the most crucial political developments of the day. From escalating tensions over congressional security funding to landmark cryptocurrency legislation, we're covering the stories that matter most in Washington and beyond. These are fast-moving stories with significant implications for American politics and policy. Today's briefing covers: lawmakers clashing over security funding after recent violence, Senate Republicans struggling with their tax-and-spending package timeline, the first congressional hearing on President Biden's mental capacity, competing resolutions on the Israel-Iran conflict, a major cryptocurrency bill advancing in Congress, and concerning deficit projections for the GOP megabill. Let's start with the heated debate over congressional security. Following recent political violence, including shootings of state lawmakers in Minnesota, members of Congress are divided on whether to increase funding for their own protection. Top Democrats are advocating for additional resources for Capitol Police and personal security programs, with some Republicans also supporting enhanced measures. Currently, round-the-clock security is limited to select leadership positions, leaving most lawmakers with minimal protection. Despite existing programs for security equipment and home protection, many representatives don't utilize these resources due to privacy concerns or administrative challenges. The Capitol Police budget request for fiscal 2026 stands at $967.8 million—a 22% increase that could soon push security spending beyond $1 billion. Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader John Thune faces significant hurdles in his push to pass the Republican tax-and-spending package next week. Rank-and-file Republican senators remain divided on several policy issues. The White House is pressing for passage by Independence Day, though Vice President JD Vance has indicated the ultimate deadline could be the August recess. Disagreements center around proposed Medicaid reforms, with hospital executives and moderate Republicans opposing plans to reduce state provider taxes. Additionally, several GOP senators are seeking to soften proposed rollbacks of clean energy credits to provide more transition time for hydrogen and solar power projects. In a particularly contentious development, congressional Republicans are holding their first hearing today on President Biden's alleged mental decline. The panel, co-chaired by Senators Eric Schmitt and John Cornyn, will hear testimony from former Trump administration officials including Sean Spicer and Theo Wold. Notably absent will be any Biden administration representatives. The committee's ranking Democrat, Senator Dick Durbin, plans to deliver an opening statement before immediately departing the hearing, with Senators Adam Schiff and Peter Welch following his example. On the international front, House members are considering competing resolutions regarding the Israel-Iran conflict. Representatives Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna have introduced a privileged war powers resolution aimed at blocking U.S. involvement, while Representatives Brad Sherman and Claudia Tenney have countered with a resolution reaffirming American support for Israel's military actions. In the Senate, Tim Kaine is preparing to force a floor vote on his own privileged resolution barring U.S. involvement in Iran as soon as June 25, though support for the measure remains uncertain. In a significant legislative achievement, the Senate has passed landmark cryptocurrency legislation establishing America's first regulatory framework for stablecoins—representing a major victory for former President Trump and industry advocates. However, the bill faces an uncertain future in the House, where Republicans are considering potential modifications and possibly combining it with broader measures to divide digital asset regulation between market regulators. Democrats who opposed

Welcome to The Daily Politic Briefing! Good morning and thank you for joining us on this edition of The Daily Politic Briefing. Today we're covering the most pressing political developments from Washington and beyond, from GOP turmoil over Medicaid funding to heightened security concerns in Congress. Let's dive into the stories shaping today's political landscape. Today's Headlines First, we'll examine the Republican tax-and-spending package that's causing significant division within the GOP. Then, we'll look at the ongoing SALT deduction cap negotiations creating friction between the House and Senate. We'll also discuss the bipartisan war powers resolution aimed at limiting U.S. involvement with Iran, rising security concerns for lawmakers, and a landmark cryptocurrency bill poised for Senate passage. GOP Medicaid and Tax Plan Divisions Senate Majority Leader John Thune is navigating troubled waters as he attempts to unite Republicans behind their tax-and-spending package. The main point of contention? Medicaid funding. The Senate Finance Committee has proposed gradually lowering the provider tax from 6% to 3.5% by 2031 for states with expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. This has alarmed moderate Republicans, with Senator Josh Hawley expressing serious concerns about defunding rural hospitals in his state. Senator Susan Collins has voiced similar worries. Meanwhile, Senator Rick Scott is pushing from the opposite direction, suggesting the plan doesn't cut spending enough. Republicans are expected to discuss these issues with CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz during their weekly lunch. SALT Deduction Standoff Moving to another contentious issue, blue-state House Republicans are firmly opposing the Senate's proposal to maintain the $10,000 state-and-local-tax deduction cap. Representative Mike Lawler didn't mince words, declaring the Senate's proposal "dead on arrival." The House had previously passed a measure increasing the cap to $40,000, creating a significant gap between the chambers. Senator Markwayne Mullin offered some flexibility, insisting the deduction is "fully open for negotiating," while Leader Thune indicated senators are prepared to "figure out a landing spot" through discussions. Green Energy Credit Negotiations On the energy front, Senate Republicans are extending some phase-out dates for credits benefitting nuclear, geothermal, and hydropower technologies, which has left GOP proponent Senator Thom Tillis "generally satisfied." They're still making significant cuts to solar, wind, and electric vehicle incentives, though conservatives like Representative Chip Roy who want a full repeal of what he calls the "Green New Scam" may push back against the Senate's more gradual approach. Rising Congressional Security Concerns Following disturbing shootings of Minnesota state lawmakers, security has become a pressing issue in Congress. Democratic Senator Tina Smith confronted GOP Senator Mike Lee over his social media post blaming "Marxists" for the violence. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer condemned Lee's comments, while Senator Mullin issued a stark warning that "it's going to take someone in the House or Senate to get hurt really bad" before security is taken more seriously. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is now asking Speaker Mike Johnson to increase funding for members' security. Bipartisan War Powers Resolution Representatives Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna are introducing a bipartisan war powers resolution aimed at blocking U.S. involvement in the conflict with Iran following Israel's strike. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has voiced support for the measure. Pro-Israel lawmakers like Representative Lawler oppose the resolution, which would come up as "privileged," forcing leadership to address it and potentially creating a challenge for Speaker Johnson. Cryptocurrency Legislation Advances In a significant development for the financial sector, the Senate app

Welcome to The Daily Politic Briefing! Good day, listeners. I'm your host bringing you the most significant political developments from Washington and beyond. Today, we'll analyze crucial legislative negotiations on Capitol Hill, growing security concerns for lawmakers, healthcare funding debates, housing policy disagreements, and notable election updates that are shaping the political landscape this week. Today's Top Stories First up, the Senate Finance Committee is making moves on their anticipated megabill, with Chairman Mike Crapo expected to release partial text today containing placeholders for Medicaid and tax provisions. The state-and-local-tax deduction, known as SALT, remains a key sticking point, with Senate leadership suggesting a compromise rather than adopting the House's $40,000 cap approach. With a shortened week ahead and a July 4th deadline looming, the pressure is mounting. Security concerns are taking center stage as senators prepare for a classified briefing today following the tragic shooting in Minnesota that affected state lawmakers. Senate leadership has organized this bipartisan session after requests from multiple senators, with additional security already arranged for Minnesota Senators Klobuchar and Smith, plus Senator Padilla following a recent incident at a press conference. On the healthcare front, hospital associations from 13 states are rallying behind Medicaid provisions in the House-passed budget reconciliation bill. Their letter to Senate GOP leadership warns against further cuts to provider tax provisions, emphasizing that such changes could destabilize the healthcare safety net in vulnerable communities. Meanwhile, significant tension is building around housing policy as GOP lawmakers and mortgage industry representatives question the administration's approach to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. President Trump's pledge to take these entities public while maintaining federal backing has created divisions within Republican ranks, with Senator Mike Rounds urging caution about how to proceed with ending government conservatorship. In election developments, Democrats are strengthening their position in Michigan's competitive 10th District with Army and Navy veteran Tripp Adams entering the race. His candidacy continues a trend of Democrats highlighting military service backgrounds. Additionally, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's dinner with former Senator Sherrod Brown has sparked speculation about a potential Senate comeback for Brown in Ohio. Conclusion As we wrap up today's briefing, these developments highlight the complex legislative challenges facing Congress in this shortened week. From tax policy to healthcare funding and housing finance reform, significant decisions loom large. Meanwhile, the concerning rise in political violence and security threats continues to reshape how lawmakers operate. We'll continue monitoring these stories as they evolve. Thank you for joining us on The Daily Politic Briefing. I'll be back tomorrow with the latest developments from Washington and beyond.

Welcome to The Daily Politic Briefing! I'm your host bringing you the most significant political developments of the day. Today we're covering major movements on Capitol Hill, international tensions, and the latest in partisan divides. From the Senate Finance megabill to Israel's military actions and domestic policy battles, we've got a packed show that breaks down what you need to know right now. Let's start with what's happening on Capitol Hill. The Senate Finance Committee is poised to release their highly anticipated megabill text, potentially as early as today. This legislation will outline key changes to Medicaid cuts and implement President Trump's tax incentives. Senate Majority Leader John Thune met with the president at the White House and confirmed that Trump's campaign promises, including tax relief for tips and overtime work, will remain intact. However, some strategic considerations might push the release to next week, as lawmakers are wary of giving lobbyists too much time to scrutinize the tax proposals. Senator Josh Hawley has taken a firm stance, threatening to force a floor vote on easing Medicaid cuts if his concerns aren't addressed in the bill. The dynamics within Republican leadership have shifted noticeably. GOP senators and the White House now believe that previous hard-liners Senators Ron Johnson, Mike Lee, and Rick Scott are likely to support the megabill despite their earlier criticism about insufficient spending cuts. Johnson's position softened considerably after a one-on-one phone call with President Trump, which opened the door for him to work directly with administration officials on his deficit-reduction plan. This was followed by productive meetings with Vice President JD Vance and National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett. Turning to international affairs, Republican leaders have shown strong support for Israel following its "preemptive" military strike against Iran's nuclear facilities. House Speaker Mike Johnson posted an Israeli flag on social media, declaring "Israel IS right — and has a right — to defend itself!" Similarly, Senate Majority Leader John Thune issued a warning to Iran and affirmed America's commitment to Israel, stating that the Senate stands ready to work with President Trump to restore peace in the region while defending American interests against Iranian aggression. On Capitol Hill, tensions are high following an incident involving Senator Alex Padilla's removal from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's press conference. This has created a sharp partisan divide. Speaker Johnson suggested Senate censure for Padilla, claiming his behavior warrants formal reprimand. Majority Leader Thune took a more measured approach, saying he had spoken with Padilla and was attempting to contact Noem to get a complete understanding of the situation. Democrats have rallied behind Padilla, with Minority Leader Schumer describing the incident as something that "reeks of totalitarianism." The $9.4 billion rescissions package that narrowly passed the House faces an uncertain future in the Senate. Thune has indicated it "could be" modified, while Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins has expressed concerns about cutting funding for public broadcasting and foreign assistance. Senator Lisa Murkowski specifically worried about defunding local Alaska affiliates of NPR and PBS. Congress has until July 18 to act on this legislation. In energy policy news, Senator Schumer is mobilizing a coalition to prevent Republicans from repealing green credits established in President Biden's climate law. He's enlisted support from clean-energy executives, tech leaders, governors with renewable investments, utility company executives, union leaders, and even some Trump administration officials. Their target is 16 senators who have shown "discomfort" with the proposed repeals. Meanwhile, Senator Ted Cruz's proposal to bar the Federal Reserve from paying interest to banks is facing resistan