WSJ Opinion: Potomac Watch

The White House demands close scrutiny of a $14 billion acquisition by Japan's Nippon Steel, but is this merely political and union posturing? After all, Japan is a close ally, and the Pentagon only uses a fraction of annual U.S. steel production. Plus, the latest Census numbers show more Americans fleeing blue states, which could shake up the House after the 2030 census.

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The state Justices say that Wisconsin's legislative maps must be redrawn because they aren't contiguous. But previous rulings had upheld maps that connect municipal "islands," and the state Supreme Court now insists that remedial districts must be politically neutral as well. Is this really a Democratic power play, made possible by the election of liberal Justice Janet Protasiewicz?

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Governor Greg Abbott signed new laws into legislation to tackle the crisis at the border, enabling police to arrest migrants crossing into the U.S. illegally. But will courts strike down these new laws, as happened when Arizona tried to handle the issue on the local level? And is this what happens when Congress can't make a deal to fix immigration policy?

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The Colorado Supreme Court's ruling to disqualify Donald Trump from the state presidential ballot hands the U.S. Supreme Court some political dynamite. Will it issue a unanimous ruling as many are hoping for? And what about the other looming cases on what some call the Court's 'Trump docket' next year? Plus, the Senate leaves Washington without a deal on Ukraine aid and border security. 

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The Colorado Supreme Court rules to disqualify Donald Trump from appearing on the 2024 presidential primary ballot, citing the 14th Amendment. How will the Supreme Court rule on this when it likely ends up in front of the Justices? Plus, even Donald Trump's rivals for the nomination are criticizing the decision, though they'd benefit from the former president's removal from the contest. 

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The annual defense bill includes a bipartisan provision saying that the President may not withdraw from the NATO alliance without Senate approval. This looks like Congress's insurance policy in case Donald Trump wins a second term in 2024, but can the legislative power of the purse really keep the U.S. in a military alliance against the will of the commander in chief?

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The world is watching as newspaper publisher Jimmy Lai faces charges of collusion with foreign forces, which carries a life sentence. Hong Kong and China are more on trial than Mr. Lai is. Plus, Houthi forces attack commercial vessels in the Red Sea to disrupt global trade routes, with all signs pointing to involvement from Iran.

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When the government monitors foreigners outside the U.S. to protect national security, that information goes into a database that can be searched later, including for Americans. With Section 702 authority about to expire, some Republicans want to add a warrant requirement for queries on U.S. persons, while others are focused on better oversight and accountability for abuses.

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Stock and bond prices soared after the Federal Reserve suggested that interest-rates cuts could begin as early as the spring. What would that mean for how voters view the economy and Joe Biden’s prospects in 2024? Plus, the global climate conference in Dubai announces an agreement to transition from fossil fuels. Does it matter?

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As the House prepared to vote on opening a formal impeachment inquiry into Joe Biden, Hunter Biden stood in front of the Capitol and refused to testify behind closed doors. Will the President's son face contempt charges, or will he get the public hearing he's demanding? Plus, the New York Court of Appeals orders a new congressional map, putting GOP seats, and the GOP House majority, in jeopardy. 

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