Donald Trump just announced that the U.S. will not accept transgender individuals to serve in any capacity in the military in any capacity. “Our military must be focused on decisive and overwhelming victory and cannot be burdened with the tremendous medical costs and disruption that transgender in the military would entail. Thank you,” the president tweeted. See for yourself. Yesterday, the GOP’s plan to replace the ACA fell far short of the votes it needed in the Senate. VP Mike Pence cast the tie-breaking vote to start debate. Senator John McCain (R-AZ), who returned to Capitol Hill less than two weeks after brain surgery, delivered an emotional speech on the floor and implored his colleagues to work in a bipartisan manner. So ... what happens next? TheNYT breaks it down. The GOP is rallying behind embattled AG Jeff Sessions who, according to reports, is no longer on speaking terms with the president. But it’s another Cabinet member who could use some support. Mainly in the communications department. Energy Secretary Rick Perry optimistically discussed expanding American coal exports to Ukraine and other energy matters during a lengthy phone call this month with a Russian prankster who Perry thought was Ukraine's prime minister. True story. And, according to intelligence agencies, a North Korean missile capable of reaching the continental U.S. is likely to be developed within a year. Just in case you didn’t have enough to worry about. The Beat turned one-year-old yesterday. We celebrated accordingly. After the party it was the hotel lobby. After the Belv it was probably Cris. And after the original, it’s probably this:
- Obama Foundation names CFO.
- Michelle Obama talks about being the first Black First Lady.
- Eric Holder calls Trump’s voter commission vice chair a “fact-challenged zealot.”
- Tri-Caucus pushes DOD to diversify its ad dollars.
- HBCUs get a new invite from Omarosa.
- AG Jeff Sessions sets new funding guidelines that target sanctuary cities.
- Congressman Will Hurd (R-TX) and other GOPers join the anti-border wall chorus.
- Senator Robert Menéndez (D-NJ) cites McDonnell case in bid to dismiss charges.
- Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-WI) and Dems oppose Export-Import Bank nominee.
- Congresswoman Marcia Fudge (D-OH) concerned about Amazon/Whole Foods merger.
- Everytown wants your résumé -- jobs below and on our website!
- TV One’s got a new GM.
- Meet the new Executive Director of the Futuro Media Group.
- There’s another entrant in the race to succeed Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL).
- American Association for State and Local History honors NMAAHC Founding Director Lonnie Bunch.
- Pew finds anti-Muslim discrimination on the rise.
- Today, the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) will host a Twitter town hall on Trumpcare. Chair Cedric Richmond (D-LA) kicks it off at 10A. Other members will join throughout the day until 7P. Follow it using #CBConHealthcare.