Washington Today

President Biden condemns Hamas' attack on Israel as an "act of sheer evil" and says the "U.S. stands with Israel"; House Republicans meet in closed session to hear from declared candidates for Speaker, with Speaker Pro Temp McHenry saying it is his intent to have a full House vote for Speaker this week.

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President Biden has put out statement about Americans killed by Hamas in Israel & also being held hostage. Saying QUOTE "Sadly, we now know that at least 11 American citizens were among those killed—many of whom made a second home in Israel. The safety of American citizens—whether at home or abroad—is my top priority as President."

Meanwhile, Israel's defense ministry says it has ordered a QUOTE complete siege of Gaza cutting off electricity, food, fuel and water and pounding the region with airstrikes. And in the eastern Mediterranean, the US Navy is positioning its newest, most advanced carrier-the USS Gerald R. Ford—along with a strike group that includes four guided missile destroyers and several F-35 fighter jets.

All of this comes as the House of Representatives continues without a permanent Speaker which effectively paralyzes Congress from authorizing additional aid to Israel. The House's former speaker Kevin McCarthy. He held a press conference at the Capitol today. He offered a five-point plan to help support Israel and criticized the Biden administration for its handling of Iran.

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In this weekend's episode, three segments from this past week's Washington Journal 

First – Former Representatives, Democrat Steve Israel and Republican Zach Wamp discuss the removal of Kevin McCarthy as House Speaker – and what it means for House Republicans and the functioning of Congress.

Then - Bloomberg Supreme Court reporter Greg Stohr previews the major cases before the High Court this term - including on gun rights, abortion medication, and social media. 

Plus – Politico education reporter Michael Stratford discusses the resumption of federal student loan payments this month – and what the Biden administration hopes to do to help borrowers. 

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Job growth was stronger than expected in September, a sign that the U.S. economy is working despite higher interest rates, labor battles and disfunction in Washington.

Nonfarm payrolls increased by 336,000 for the month, better than the Dow Jones estimate for 170,000 and more than 100,000 higher than the previous month, the Labor Department said Friday. 

The unemployment rate was 3.8%, compared to the forecast for 3.7%

The payrolls increase was the best monthly number since January.

The strong numbers are better for the economy than the August numbers, but also signal that the economy refuses to slow down, despite the Federal Reserves efforts to get prices and hiring closer to normal levels.

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VP Harris & Rep. Pelosi speak at a memorial service for the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) in San Francisco; President Biden is asked about waiving environmental laws to speed up building a section of U.S.-Mexico border wall; Pentagon on U.S. fighter jet shooting down a Turkish military drone in Syria; Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN), who voted to oust Speaker McCarthy, on who will get his vote for Speaker.

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Interview with Politico's Anthony Adragna on race for House Speaker now that Rep. Jordan (R-OH) and Rep. Scalise (R-LA) are running (4), President Biden on removal of Speaker McCarthy, former President Trump on suggestions he become Speaker, Senate confirmation hearing for FAA Administrator.

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House votes to remove Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) from speakership, new Sen. Laphonza Butler (D-CA) is sworn-in, Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX) talks about being carjacked, Supreme Court case which could lead to invalidating CFPB actions.

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On the House floor today, Florida Republican Matt Gaetz amplified his calls for change of leadership. His speech comes after multiple threats to begin the process to remove House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. The procedure known as a "motion to vacate" requires a simple majority. We'll hear what Rep. Gaetz had to say today coming up.

Top Republicans are united in their support for Kevin McCarthy. Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Majority Whip Tom Emmer and conference chair Elise Stefanik all saying today they back the Speaker. But just how real is the threat to Kevin McCarthy's speakership? We'll talk to NBC News' Scott Wong about it and the role Democrats could play.

California's new US Senator Laphonza Butler says she is QUOTE honored and humbled to fill the seat of the late Dianne Feinstein California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the appointment early this morning. Laphonza Butler is the president of EMILY's List, a group that works to elect Democratic women. We'll hear what people are saying about the appointment and go into the C-SPAN Video Library and hear from the Senator-designate herself.

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First –  CQ Roll Call senior writer Paul Krawzak discusses the latest on Congress' efforts to pass government funding bills before today's deadline.

Then - Federal Times reporter Molly Weisner discusses how federal agencies are preparing for a potential government shutdown and how a shutdown would impact federal benefits and services.

Plus – Bloomberg Government Congress Reporter Jack Fitzpatrick discusses the impact federal funding negotiations and a potential government shutdown could have on reauthorization bills.

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A House Republican bill to prevent a government shutdown is voted down in the House when 21 House Republicans vote 'no'. They instead want to pass all the regular government spending bills and negotiate with the Senate and White House on that, and a leader of the group, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), spoke out against the border security language added to the bill, saying it was not tough enough on illegal immigration. 

But time is short. The deadline to keep the government operating is midnight Sunday, October 1, the new fiscal year.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) has died at the age of 90. She was the longest-serving female Senator ever. Tributes are coming from both Democrats and Republicans.. 

Outgoing Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Mark Milley, said at his retirement ceremony that the U.S. military owes its loyalty to the Constitution, not to a "wannabe dictator" in apparent reference to former President Donald Trump with whom he has had public disagreements, even to the point that Donald Trump suggested that some of Gen. Milley's actions would, in earlier times, be punishable by death.

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