After the Senate GOP leadership failed to secure the votes needed to repeal the ACA, they fell short on a seven-year promise to overturn former President Barack Obama’s signature domestic legislation. But no sighs of relief yet. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has now outlined plans to repeal the health law first and replace it later, a strategy that could leave millions without insurance. This morning, Trump tweeted, “As I have always said, let ObamaCare fail and then come together and do a great healthcare plan. Stay tuned!” Who knew healthcare could be so complicated? Everybody but the president apparently. He learned today. Meanwhile, he has declared this week Made in America week, a celebration of U.S.-based manufacturing and domestic economic consumption. But between his hotel products, vodka, ties, and his daughter’s clothing line -- the Trump dynasty falls short. But will this matter to his supporters? Starting in the fall, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) will be making visitor logs to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate public. And while his approval ratings have slipped to a record low of just 36%, all evidence shows his supporters remain loyal. Next up on the Republican agenda? A House committeeunveiled a plan this morning that would reduce tax rates and simplify the tax code. The budget calls for a $621.5 billion national defense budget for 2018 and $511 billion for nondefense spending. It also calls for at least $203 billion in cuts over a decade in “mandatory” spending on programs such as Medicare and Social Security. Sigh. Now that all those trips to the Vineyard, the Hamptons, and the Caribbean have been delayed (thanks, McConnell!), an unbearably hot and steamy August in DC awaits. In the meantime, here’s what we’ve got:
- New Congressman Jimmy Gómez (D-CA) gets committee assignments.
- House committee delays Susan Rice classified hearing.
- There’s a release date for the book penned by BFFs Senator Tim Scott (R-SC)and Congressman Trey Gowdy (R-SC).
- A former congressional staffer throws his hat into the ring and runs for office.
- CNN commentator Bakari Sellers named a Pritzker Fellow.
- Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA) reportedly met with Clinton’s inner circle and donors in the Hamptons.
- DeRay Mckesson leaves Baltimore public schools post.
- Heritage Foundation fellow Michael González slams UnidosUS in WSJ op-ed.
- Homeland adds 15,000 H2-B visas.
- Jorge Ramos wants journalists to question the man.
- More statues of color are coming to the nation's capital.
- London mayor still wants Trump to stay put.
- Members want to ice ICE funding and want them out of courthouses.