When the Senate returns, they will likely reprise the fight ahead of the next deadline to avoid another government shutdown on March 23rd. Lawmakers could compromise, extending protections for “Dreamers” for an additional three years in exchange for three years of border wall funding. In another provocative debate, Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) is quickly becoming the face of congressional inaction on tougher gun restrictions. Three mobile billboards parked near his district office read, “Slaughtered in school. And still no gun control. How come, Marco Rubio?” He’ll clarify his position on gun control during tonight’s CNN town hall, along with a spokesperson from the NRA. Meanwhile, the president announced Tuesday that he had instructed AG Jeff Sessions to move on a ban of so-called "bump stocks," the accessory used to simulate fully automatic fire, although they weren’t involved in the attack at the high school in Parkland, FL. He also signaled that he’s open to legislation to strengthen the national system for background checks. On Tuesday, Oprah pledged to donate $500,000 to the March For Our Lives, the protest that was launched by the students affected by the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. She is matching the $500,000 pledge made by George and Amal Clooney and others in support of the movement. Tonight, R. Kelly is set to perform in Detroit with Charlie Wilson as part of their "Tale of Two Kings" tour. But the “scandal proof” artist is no longer. He'll meet opposition from #MuteRKelly activists, who plan to protest the show, saying his sexual misconduct allegations should disqualify him from performing at the arena, which is partially taxpayer funded. Speaking of sexual misconduct, a dating site for Trump supporters used a sex offender as its model. For real. Lastly, 53 years ago today, Malcolm X was assassinated. He once said, “Early in life I had learned that if you want something, you had better make some noise." We’re kicking off Wednesday with this noise...
- Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (D-NY) reaches across the political aisle to launch a new Caucus with Congressman Darrell Issa (R-CA).
- Congressman Ro Khanna (D-CA) wants to regulate Bitcoin, and he’s joining Congressman Tim Ryan (D-OH) on a venture capitalist tour that’s kicking off today.
- What’s going on with the WH Opioid Commission? Congressman Elijah Cummings (D-MD) wants to know.
- HUD IG is investigating Secretary Dr. Ben Carson’s family.
- NAHJ leadership to meet with Albuquerque newspaper editor over controversial cartoon.
- Portraits of the Obamas attract record crowds at the National Portrait Gallery.
- Congressman Ted Lieu (D-CA) is seeking answers from Jared Kushner.
- Senator Bob Menéndez (D-NJ) is urging the EPA to revise its rules on lead-based paint.
- APAICS picks its new President & CEO.
- Deal to buy Weinstein Co. back on the table.
- Meet the new nominee for U.S. Attorney for Hawaii.
- SCOTUS Justice Clarence Thomas dissents from court decision on guns.
- Physician launches congressional bid in Oregon.
- NPR names new co-host of Morning Edition.
- HuffPost names new head of HuffPost India.
- Tavis Smiley sues PBS.
- FCC set to officially publish its rules on net neutrality.
- Meet the new University of Chicago Institute of Politics Pritzker Fellows.
- The City of Brotherly Love to drop marijuana possession charges for small amounts.
- Eric Holder asks “who counts?” in the New Republic. Check it out in Blogs.