Subject: POLITICO Huddle, presented by Freight Rail Works: SENATE GOP DESPERATE FOR SHUTDOWN DEAL -- SOTU gets rescheduled -- HOUSE DEMS TO DISCUSS MUELLER PROBE -- Meadows keeps grip on Freedom Caucus
From: "POLITICO Huddle" <[email-masked]>
To: <[email-masked]>
Date: Tue, 29 Jan 2019 07:04:29 -0600
List-Id: <1376319.xt.local>

View online version 

     

01/29/2019 08:02 AM EDT
        
By MELANIE ZANONA ([email-masked]; @MZanona)

        
THREE WAYS TO AVOID A SHUTDOWN -- A bipartisan committee of 17 lawmakers has been tasked with negotiating a border security package to keep the government open past Feb. 15, with nearly everyone on Capitol Hill eager to prevent another closure. Here are three ways Congress and Trump can avoid a shutdown:

  Emergency Declaration. The idea of bypassing Congress to build the wall is sure to face swift legal challenges, and members of Trump's own party are deeply concerned the move would set a dangerous precedent for future presidents. But Trump is keeping the controversial option on the table.   An immigration deal. Thus far, an agreement has remained elusive, and it will take some serious compromise on both sides to reach a deal. Yet there is a strong resolve among negotiators on Capitol Hill to come up with a border security solution, even if it's a slimmed down version.   Another continuing resolution (CR). Passing another stopgap funding bill without wall funding seems to be the least
 likely scenario, since Trump got so much flak from his base over the last CR. But some Republicans are drafting a back-up CR in case talks fall apart. 
Senate Republicans have such little appetite for another dreaded shutdown that they may try to stop it from happening again, report Burgess, Bres and Sarah. Trump hasn't ruled out closing down the government if Congress can't reach a deal, which could spark an internal revolt in the GOP. "I did not love the shutdown. I wouldn't think anybody would have another shutdown," said Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.). Much more: http://go.politicoemail.com/?qs=e1d7d21fe7933828008e5b0283eb9a3d42731cf01a5628cfc0e36b9b7ab2516e57a7eca4171ea11108db189758030e9e 

Related: "Dealmakers Dominate Panel Tasked to Reach Border Security Agreement," by Sheryl Gay Stolberg for The New York Times: http://go.politicoemail.com/?qs=e1d7d21fe7933828530c404fdfb6c061e47b5d41550bf1e7ce87fcb202760a82eb41f50ebdc6ab14f805942d38717c6c 

SOTU BACK ON -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Trump have settled on a new date for his State of the Union address: Feb. 5. Pelosi had disinvited the president from the originally scheduled date of Jan. 29 due to the shutdown. But as soon as the government reopened, negotiations began over a new SOTU date. The House and Senate must now approve a resolution allowing Trump to give the joint address in the lower chamber. More from Bres: http://go.politicoemail.com/?qs=e1d7d21fe79338288adc7e92392328191dce75e3c9a9e9b13fbc1389b9a430d122cf27642ec119a31c7b9223a2776ba4 

DEMS INTERNAL OVERSIGHT BATTLE -- Pelosi may find it more and more difficult to keep the animated, liberal wing of her caucus in line as revelations about the Russia probe continue to drip out. Those internal clashes could be on full display today, when the new Democratic House conference meets for the first time to discuss special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation. The challenge for leadership: allowing members to conduct rigorous oversight of Trump's foreign ties without interfering with Mueller's probe. More from Darren Samuelsohn, Andrew and Rachael: http://go.politicoemail.com/?qs=e1d7d21fe793382841e6b43f90e6fdbdd0d393720795e13e79f27fb2b97ced66c1d123830ca6fd550e7a73ba3fa8aba4 

Progressive lawmakers are also growing impatient with the "go-slow" approach to obtaining Trump's tax returns, which was supposed to be a top priority in the new House majority. Now, the Congressional Progressive Caucus is drafting a letter that they hope will prod Ways and Means Chairman Richard Neal (D-Mass.) into action. "People are grumbling, 'Why can't we have this?'" said Rep. Ra&uacute;l Grijalva (D-Ariz.). More from your Huddle host: http://go.politicoemail.com/?qs=e1d7d21fe793382834aa828a255fa08776fe82fe85e9dd58608cebcf7b1fe66477ab51eb8de02a122170e868b73d54cb 

Related: "Mueller investigation is 'close to being completed,' acting attorney general says," via The Washington Post: http://go.politicoemail.com/?qs=e1d7d21fe79338281dacb5faaf53fdd91ec4f596aabc2273c83c3949c7bda0582779bfaf5d606cb902a6a75ac9db8dad

GOOD MORNING! Welcome to Huddle, the play-by-play guide to all things Capitol Hill, on this Tuesday, Jan. 29, when we may finally learn where Bryce Harper is headed. (My bet is on the Cubbies, but maybe that is wishful thinking!)

MONDAY'S MOST CLICKED: The excerpt from Cliff Sims' new book detailing when Trump met Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) was by far the winner.

** A message from Freight Rail Works: The Department of Transportation expects total freight demand to grow 37% by 2040 - and only one industry is spending billions of dollars annually to build the freight transportation network of the future. Learn how freight rail's private investments are creating a safer, cleaner and cost-effective solution for today and tomorrow. www.aar.org/freight-rails-investments **

COHEN TO FACE CONGRESS -- Trump's former personal attorney Michael Cohen has voluntarily agreed to appear in front of the House Intelligence Committee behind closed doors on Feb. 8. He initially was planning to publicly testify in front of the Oversight Committee, but backed out citing "threats" against his family. Andrew with the dispatch: http://go.politicoemail.com/?qs=e1d7d21fe7933828c68f1953b4e047801a443ecb702e6da08f70cb236408c99414dc4bd52b9ed0ca2298f2dae53e83f5 

MEADOWS CLINGS TO POWER -- The House Freedom Caucus agreed to let Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.) lead the conservative caucus until the end of the year, effectively ditching plans to elect a new chairman this month. The move comes after Meadows, a top Trump ally, gave up his chance to serve as top Republican on the Judiciary Committee. He also was skipped over for White house chief of staff. More from Sarah and yours truly: http://go.politicoemail.com/?qs=e1d7d21fe79338280e28787a40b711da12813405cbeae72b9c7a4c5001ad71ff7cb130e76b405ba3fb97f044ca2df3d9 

Related: "Liz Cheney rises amid GOP rubble," by Sarah: http://go.politicoemail.com/?qs=e1d7d21fe793382801eedbdf94ef847106224ce2d4f38a46dc77febda9ae9b302834075cb7e6fbe84a0901aa0e2eb1c5 

SHUTDOWN GETS A PRICE TAG -- The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates that the partial government shutdown cost $11 billion - $3 billion of which won't ever be recovered. The report comes ahead of CBO Director Keith Hall's appearance in front of the House Budget Committee today, where he will provide the agency's 2019 budget and economic outlook. Considering the disastrous government shutdown the last five weeks, this should be interesting. More from Caitlin Emma and Jennifer Scholtes: http://go.politicoemail.com/?qs=e1d7d21fe79338282417f063fdd12821fbfa4416f97be7bc0772ae3c4b141bf6daa2aee8764192d8216c2b8268a7b8f7 

SUBPOENA PACT-- In a rare moment of harmony, House Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler has promised not to blindside the GOP with subpoenas. The New York Democrat told Republicans that they would get two days notice before the majority issues a subpoena, and will get a committee vote if they object. The bipartisan spirit may not last long on the panel, which has jurisdiction over everything from gun policy to impeachment. But for now, Nadler's gesture earned praise from ranking member Doug Collins (R-Ga.). Rachael with the latest: http://go.politicoemail.com/?qs=e1d7d21fe79338281641b79ac89b119a31f1e745470ba9fc6437326eeb9e6f505ec6a6466db139fd51ce8e927e3e46af 

Related: "'Slow roll'?: Trump admin says shutdown means delays in responding to House Dem oversight," via Anita Kumar: http://go.politicoemail.com/?qs=e1d7d21fe793382806fd6618667a70a15630f18c9db599d3a3b410c1efee4923ca38e19a2775a9335ffa5ef5d8d204f2 

HOUSE DEMS EYE 2020 TARGETS -- The House Democratic campaign arm is going on early offense. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) unveiled its target list for the 2020 campaign cycle, setting its sights on 33 Republican-held or open seats. The committee is particularly focused on suburban districts, which helped deliver Democrats the majority in 2018, including six districts in Texas. More from CNN's David Wright: http://go.politicoemail.com/?qs=e1d7d21fe7933828f28535bce1f8ee6aff3c72d275ba409e1135d29c3d46373d1dcf161ede39758d5a02172cb8bbcc88 

Related: "Some Dems float idea of primary challenge for Ocasio-Cortez," from The Hill's Scott Wong: http://go.politicoemail.com/?qs=e1d7d21fe79338284f6de4c5ab18463ddd43151111f5a9c3b22178ee9250dd17d41d7fe977f885e2b7314edba80ba693 

DEMS SEEK TO BAN THE MUSLIM BAN -- Rep. Judy Chu (D-Calif.) and Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) are unveiling legislation today to block federal funds from being used toward the implementation of a "Muslim ban." The bill's introduction comes exactly two years after Trump, shortly after taking office, issued an executive order to temporarily halt travel from certain majority-Muslim nations. Then-candidate Trump called for banning Muslims from entering the U.S. when he was on the campaign trail.
          TRANSITIONS         
Katie Schoettler is now communications director for Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.). She previously was deputy communications director and spokesperson for Daines. Julia Doyle is now press secretary. She previously was press secretary for the Matt Rosendale campaign in Montana.

David Simons is now senior legislative assistant for Rep. Andy Barr (R-Ky.). He was previously a legislative assistant for Rep. Randy Hultgren (R-Ill.) and legislative correspondent for Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.).

Banner Public Affairs is bringing on Luke Strimer, who was previously a Democratic staffer on the House Transportation Committee. 

Venn Strategies has added Andrew Block as a vice president. Block was previously counsel and senior legislative assistant to former Rep. Mike Bishop (R-Mich.).

Maxwell Young, a long-time aide to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), has joined New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority as chief external affairs officer.
          TODAY IN CONGRESS         
The House gavels in at 10 a.m., with first and last votes expected between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Today's agenda: http://go.politicoemail.com/?qs=e1d7d21fe79338283fcd7c109f222bfe8695b8cf0a75ddf66960ab0605b13685628bbfd360fa44464b40ac3f0de74f32 The Senate meets at 10 a.m. to resume consideration of S. 1.
          AROUND THE HILL         
The House Democratic Caucus will hold a closed-door meeting at 9 a.m. in HC-5. 

The House GOP caucus will meet behind closed doors at 9 a.m. in HVC-215.

House Democratic Caucus Chairman Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), Vice Chair Katherine Clark (D-Mass.) and Rep. Jesus Garcia (D-Ill.) hold a weekly press conference at 10:15 a.m. in HC-8.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and GOP leaders hold a weekly press conference at 11 a.m. in HVC Studio A.

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) holds a pen and pad briefing with reporters at 11:00 a.m. in his Capitol office, H-107.

Sen. Edward Markey (D-Mass.) and Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) hold a news conference on limiting Trump's nuclear authority at 11:30 a.m. in SVC-209.

The Senate holds its weekly party luncheons from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The co-chairs of the Congressional Progressive Caucus hold a media availability at 1 p.m. in 1421 Longworth House Office Building.

Sens. Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) and Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) hold a news conference on securing back pay for federal contract workers at 2 p.m. in SVC 208-209.

Democratic Reps. Elissa Slotkin (Mich.), Chrissy Houlahan (Pa.), Dean Phillips (Minn.) and Colin Allred (Texas) hold a press conference to unveil legislation titled "the Shutdown to End All Shutdowns" at 3 p.m. in HVC Studio A.

House Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) holds a pen and pad briefing with reporters at 4:30 p.m. in H-148.
          TRIVIA         
MONDAY'S WINNER -- Casey Burgat was the first person to guess that President Abe Lincoln was a licensed bartender. And fun fact from Bradley Jaye: During the Lincoln-Douglas debates, Douglas attacked Lincoln for selling alcohol from the store he owned. Lincoln responded by telling voters Douglas neglected to mention it was Douglas on the other side of the counter. 

TODAY'S QUESTION -- From Casey: Just out of law school, which future president applied to become an FBI agent, but ultimately never served in the Bureau? First person to correctly guess gets a mention in the next edition of Huddle. Send your best guess my way: [email-masked].

GET HUDDLE emailed to your phone each morning.

** A message from Freight Rail Works: America's freight railroads spend an average of $25 billion a year on infrastructure, equipment and innovation - all at no cost to taxpayers. What does America get out of it? A cleaner environment, a cost-effective solution to get American goods to market nationally and beyond, and a boost in economic activity that amounted to $220 billion in 2017 alone. Learn how the future of freight transportation is working for America today. www.aar.org/freight-rails-investments **
    
View online

 To change your alert settings, please go to http://go.politicoemail.com/?qs=e1d7d21fe7933828834e1e8b9f5b3e807ee79aea3e16d604fb0c440ab5ba309dea0db995d10ee847989f9ea2160c996a or http://click.politicoemail.com/profile_center.aspx?qs=c1c81b2ef644fde1dd3c1f6178ef6a8ea3ee660992025bd443f2519ed6dcf00f4c00f79f21d5006999c7a91da01452382c2c8ddcede43d5510fbefda2c6a6d78
This email was sent to [email-masked] by: POLITICO, LLC 1000 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA, 22209, USA

To unsubscribe,https://www.politico.com/_unsubscribe?e=00000168-99b4-d7af-a77d-dff606630000&u=0000014e-f0fe-dd93-ad7f-f8fffbc40000&s=39a668f83a00f5ba4a58b340827ff1142376845da60a58825564284f28d6e22476500ee4c009bd3eaa191a4a64039f3e0bc35afad16c03540e0ada60b8e22cd5