It’s Wednesday — Happy Spotify Wrapped Day! 🎵 My most-listened-to artist in 2023 was Taylor Swift. But, what’s even more telling about my year — The Wiggles came in No. 2. 🍼 😜 But tbh, I’m shocked it’s not “The Happy Song” by Imogen Heap. If you know, you know…
Here’s what’s happening today:
There are currently two accelerating efforts to oust Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.) from Congress — and they appear to be gaining steam.
Former President Trump has made a few policy comments that are worrying congressional Republicans. Example: Wanting to repeal and replace ObamaCare, which hasn’t been on the GOP radar in quite some time.
The National Christmas Tree collapsed in front of the White House on Tuesday because of the high winds. Yes, there are photos below.
Filing with some holiday cheer, I’m Cate Martel with a quick recap of the morning and what’s coming up. Send tips, commentary, feedback and cookie recipes to cmartel@digital-staging.thehill.com. Did someone forward this newsletter to you? Sign up here.
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You think you’re having a bad week?: |
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Embattled Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.) has been hit with *two* efforts to oust him just *this week.* Talk about a mood and confidence killer. First, Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) introduced a resolution Tuesday to expel Santos, following a scathing House ethics report that was released earlier this month. Then, later in the day, Rep. Anthony D’Esposito (R-N.Y.) set in motion a second effort, backed by House Ethics Committee Chairman Michael Guest (R-Miss.). The timing of these resolutions: Both have been introduced as privileged measures. That maneuver can force the House to vote on the resolution within two legislative days. ^ But if it comes down to it: Garcia said he would back the GOP resolution and rescind his own. Basically, they all have the same end goal of ousting Santos.
How this could play out, via The Hill’s Mychael Schnell and Mike Lillis
What House Republicans are hoping will happen: They want Santos to resign so they can avoid this tough vote to oust him. (Axios) How Santos is handling this: He dared fellow lawmakers to “put up or shut up.”
^ He told reporters on Tuesday: “All these members are pushing this [expulsion vote]. They want me to resign because they don’t want to take this tough vote that sets the precedent to their own demise in the future.” (The Hill)
If Santos is booted from Congress, what happens next?: There will be a special election in his district to fill that seat. And for Santos, he will stand trial for the 23 federal charges in September 2024. Explainer from New York Magazine’s Nia Prater
Tidbit — oh man, the jokes write themselves: @Bencjacobs posted: “So far have not seen George Santos in the hallway outside George Santos’s office but have seen Liz Truss. I suppose it’s a sign that it is time to buy a bag of lettuce.” Photo of Truss |
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Border security talks are getting a bit heated: |
“Senate GOP negotiators struggling to reach a border deal critical to unlocking aid for Ukraine and Israel are expressing doubts that even if they can come to an agreement, it is one that Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) can sell to House members.” (The Hill) |
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➤ READ MORE ON THE BREWING DEBATE: |
’10 Senate Democrats voice alarm over border security talks’: The Hill
‘Why Senate Dems are prepared to swallow a border policy compromise’: Politico
‘The debate over Ukraine aid was already complicated. Then it became tangled up in US border security’: ABC News
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➤ WHY THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR HAS BECOME CONTROVERSIAL: |
When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, lawmakers in both parties supported sending aid to Ukraine. But since then, Republicans have become increasingly split on whether to fund the war.
The gist of GOP reasoning to back Ukraine: Ukraine is an ally, and the war has begun to widen into Europe.
The gist of GOP reasoning to stop sending aid: It’s expensive, there’s no clear outcome and the U.S. is in debt.
The Hill’s Brad Dress has a great explainer on why Republicans are souring on Ukraine. |
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When the fight moves to southern Gaza, it may get very, very ugly: |
Israeli troops have been focusing their efforts on the northern half of Gaza, including the urban center of Gaza City. But when the fighting shifts to the south after the temporary pause ends, there could be many more civilian casualties.
Why would the fighting move to the south?: It would be necessary for Israel to take out the militant group Hamas. Many Hamas fighters fled the north during the fighting, so it’s the home to most of the group.
What to expect in this next phase of the war, via The Hill’s Brad Dress |
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➤ COULD THE TEMPORARY TRUCE CONTINUE?:
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International mediators are trying to extend the pause in Gaza.
How?: By encouraging more prisoner-hostage swaps When does the temporary cease-fire expire?: Today |
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➤ HEADLINES ON THE CONFLICT:
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Trump is making DC Republicans uncomfy: |
“Former President Trump is creating new political headaches for Republicans locked in a highly competitive battle to win back the Senate majority by making extreme statements on health care, immigration and other issues unlikely to play well with swing voters in key states,” reports The Hill’s Alexander Bolton.
The latest example — health care: Over the weekend, Trump declared that he would try to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA) if elected again. This caught Republicans off guard because there haven’t been serious discussions about this. Trump then clarified to stress that he wants to “replace” the ACA, not “terminate” it.
Another example — immigration: Trump referred to migrants crossing the southern border as “poisoning the blood of our country.” “Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), who is trying to negotiate a deal with Democrats to stop the flood of migrants across the U.S.-Mexico border, said while Trump’s rhetoric on immigration may play well with the GOP base, it’s likely to be a liability with moderate and independent voters in the general election.” Read more: ‘GOP senators feel ambushed by Trump’s policy promises’ |
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Who will get the Mario Kart booster pad?: |
New Hampshire’s popular governor, Chris Sununu (R), has still not settled on an endorsement ahead of the first-in-the-nation presidential primary.
Keep in mind: Nikki Haley, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, has been gaining steam in the past few weeks.
Who Sununu has been campaigned with recently?: Sununu campaigned with Haley, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) just last week.
Here’s some of the Republican chatter over whom Sununu could endorse, from The Hill’s Caroline Vakil and Hanna Trudo |
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‘Then we’ll eat a whole roll of Toll House cookie dough as fast as we can’:
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Capitol Hill is looking extra festive with the holiday decorations set up for the season. Here are some photos of the décor:
The gingerbread U.S. Capitol has arrived, and it is STUNNING: Photos of the gingerbread Capitol
^ It even lights up!: Watch
The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is beautiful: “This year’s tree is a 63-foot Norway spruce from the Greenbrier Ranger District in West Virginia’s Monongahela National Forest.” More stats on this year’s tree Photos of the tree arriving in the city: Yes, the Grinch helped to set it up. Watch the moment the Christmas tree was lit: Video of the countdown from the Washington Examiner’s Cami Mondeaux
Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) posted a photo of the tree with a fun fact. “Did u know Tim Dean a trucker from Griswold, Iowa delivered the 63ft Norway Spruce from West Virginia to our nation’s capitol? Thx Tim,” Grassley posted.
This wins: Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.) brought massive inflatable decorations to his office. Photos There’s also a tree in the Speaker’s office: Photo |
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🍬 Celebrate: Today is National Chocolates Day!
💨🎄Omg, the metaphors here: High wind gusts knocked over the National Christmas Tree in front of the White House on Tuesday. Photos
🐶 Cats have nine lives, so let’s give big dogs a few more: A drug that could extend the lifespan of big dogs just took a major step toward FDA approval. (Axios) 🥨 Love this for us: United Airlines is offering a self-serve snack kiosk on a few flights. (The Washington Post) |
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The House and Senate are in. President Biden is in Colorado. Vice President Harris is in New York. (all times Eastern) |
Today: The New York Times DealBook Summit in New York. Featured speakers: Harris, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), Disney CEO Bob Iger, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon, Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina M. Khan and television producer Shonda Rhimes. Summit details
1:30 p.m.: Harris speaks at The New York Times DealBook Summit. 1:30 p.m.: First and last House votes. 🗓️ Today’s agenda
2:30 p.m.: Two Senate votes. 🗓️Today’s agenda 2:35 p.m.: Biden tours CS Wind, the largest wind tower manufacturer in the world.
3:30 p.m.: Biden delivers remarks on clean energy manufacturing. 💻 Livestream
5:30 p.m.: First lady Jill Biden unveils the 2023 White House holiday ice rink. 💻 Livestream 5:45 p.m.: Two more Senate confirmation votes.
7 p.m.: Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff host a reception for members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. 8:30 p.m.: Biden returns to Washington, D.C.
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