This afternoon, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), and other top Democrats head to Berryville, VA, to roll out an economic package that they’re calling "A Better Deal." As leaders of the party unveil their economic plan before the predominantly white, northern Virginia town, the party is sending a message about where their focus will be as they look to 2020.Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) joined colleagues to write about it in a piece for CNN. In the Beltway, WH Advisor and First Son-In-Law Jared Kushner is telling his side of the story. His position is essentially this: “Don Jr. and them wanted me to come to this meeting. I said cool. Got there. It was whack. I bounced.” But there’s more to this story. Read his full remarks here. News from the Hill continues. For some reason,Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) is going ahead with a push to begin debate on the GOP's healthcare plan. Why, senator? Republican leaders will fall short of the 50 votes needed to move forward. And what’s the endgame here? And what’s the deal with recess? This is the last week Congress is scheduled to be in session. Hence, lawmakers are likely to leave for the August recess without passing a budget, spending bills, an infrastructure package, a bill to lift the debt ceiling, or tax reform. Will they stay or will they go? Oh ... and it seems like we’ve inspired MSNBC’s Ari Melber, who is launching a show called The Beat. Game on, Ari. We officially have beef. **entire Beat team looking at you while we collectively crack our knuckles** Here's what the REAL Beat has up this Monday:
- NAACP names a new interim president and CEO.
- House Republicans of color pull ahead in fundraising -- even in cases without a viable opponent.
- Somali immigrant could make history in Boston.
- Obama once verbally sparred with the new WH Comms Director.
- Hey, Michelle Obama! Hey, Beyoncé! Bye Felicia!
- Did the Senate Intel Committee Chair officially clear Susan Rice?
- Dems don't want Congressman Jim Clyburn (D-SC) to retire.
- Former Congresswoman Corrine Brown says she’s no felon.
- Civil rights groups train on recording police encounters.
- Jobs, jobs, jobs!
- Spelman College rolls out LGBTQ scholarships.
- BET leaves DC and lays off 55.
- Dems reintroduce bicameral legislation to include LGBTQ data in 2020 Census.
- Congressman John Lewis (D-GA) inspires a march at Comic-Con.
- Auntie Maxine 2020?
- Some Latinos unhappy with NCLR to UnidosUS name change.
- Congressman Mark Takano (D-CA) says immigrant veterans deserve a chance at citizenship.
- If you thought immigration courts were already strained, read on for more bad news.