Donald Trump will announce today that the U.S. will recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel -- a decision that both Arab and European leaders warn will disrupt the Mideast peace process and unleash violence across the region. Welcome to Wednesday morning. Is there any area where things are normal and peaceful? Certainly not on Capitol Hill. Today, the House will vote on a bill to allow concealed carry permit holders to take their guns across state lines. Tomorrow, GOP leaders are moving ahead with their plan to pass a continuing resolution to fund the government through December 22nd. Congress has just a few days to strike a deal, but there are several obstacles in the way. Speaking of obstacles, conflating the House and Senate tax bill is proving to be very unpopular among voters. The bill’s generosity to corporations and the wealthiest Americans is at odds with what candidate Trump preached in 2016. In another wing of the Hill, some members of the Congressional Black Caucus are crying foul over the way the retirement/resignation of former Congressman John Conyers was handled, claiming a double standard. Now to the South. Atlanta has chosen their new Mayor, but a recount may be in the near future. More on that below. And accused child molester Roy Moore is pulling out all the stops-- including a campaign stop at a Black church (more on that below) -- with less than a week to go before Alabama decides who will go to the Senate. Now to the Midwest. Former President Barack Obama -- and reigning Twitter champ -- popped in on Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s mayoral climate summit in Chicago yesterday to champion elected officials who lead on this work. Obama’s appearance was also helpful to Emanuel, who’s ramping up efforts to seek a third term as Mayor. POTUS44 was in town for a private speech later that day. And now to the Beyhive. Last night, Beyoncé made a surprise appearance to present Colin Kaepernick with Sports Illustrated’s Muhammad Ali Legacy Award. After Kaepernick accepted the award, he said he will continue combating racial injustice in America whether or not he returns to the NFL. Okay, let’s get in formation. We’re kicking off your Wednesday with this...
- Congressman Rubén Kihuen (D-NV) says he’s not resigning and calls out DCCC Chair Ben Ray Luján and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi.
- Congressman Al Green (D-TX) insists Trump impeachment vote happening today.
- John Conyers retirement sets the stage for Conyers v. Conyers showdown.
- Senators Bob Menéndez (D-NJ) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) push to ensure an accurate Census count of minority groups.
- Congressman Ted Lieu (D-CA) and Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett (D-VI)lead effort for FEMA to invest in eco-friendly power grids in the Caribbean.
- Michael Steele and Risa Lavizzo-Mourey become board members of bipartisan group.
- NYT promotes two POCs on staff.
- Atlanta chooses their new mayor -- but somebody wants a recount.
- Congresswoman Karen Bass (D-CA) intros bill on the Libyan slave trade issue.
- Michelle Obama discusses what she misses about the WH.
- New Mexico state Senator Michael Padilla drops out of Lt. Gov. race.
- Ray Moore shows up at Black church to campaign. For real.
- 34 House GOPers call for DACA fix before the end of 2017.
- Congressman Donald McEachin (D-VA) hosts roundtable on Black entrepreneurs today on the Hill.
- Congresswoman Alma Adams (D-NC) wants to meet with the WH’s new Executive Director of HBCU Initiative.
- Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao says she also had a #MeToo moment.
- Indian Country sues Trump administration over Bears Ears downsizing.
- House Dems want GAO investigation into reports of fake identities used during FCC’s net neutrality comments period.
- The Beat DC’s Tiffany D. Cross calls ‘em like she sees ‘em. Read her first HuffPost contribution, “Trump Supporters Are Ill-Informed and Racists, So Why Aren’t We Saying That?” in Blogs!