The Senate votes today on a bipartisan agreement that would significantly increase spending on military and domestic programs over two years. GOP congressional leaders champion the deal despite it negating Trump’s demand that large increases in military spending be offset by deep cuts to non-defense programs. If it passes the Senate, the legislation will go to the House. Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) delivered a record-breaking speech of more than eight hours on Wednesday opposing the deal because it lacks protection for “Dreamers.” Back at the White House, Donald Trump is still weighing a decision to release the Democratic rebuttal to the GOP memo that alleged bias in the FBI’s handling of the Russia investigation. He has until tomorrow to decide. He may be distracted by the latest scandal to rock this administration. WH Staff Secretary Rob Porter has resigned after his first ex-wife told The Daily Mail that he choked and punched her during their marriage, and his second ex-wife detailed similar allegations of abuse. Porter’s current girlfriend, WH Comms Director Hope Hicks, was reportedly part of the team to manage the messaging around his departure. Last night, WH Chief of Staff John Kelly issued a statement condemning domestic abuse while still expressing support for Porter. If you’re keeping track, so far this administration has defended Nazis, accused pedophiles, and now, those accused of domestic violence. Oh, and by the way, Donald Trump spoke to his most loyal base this morning when he delivered remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast. Meanwhile, Omarosa made her debut on CBS’ Celebrity Big Brother and compared the show to the White House and described herself as a reality TV legend. In other news where politics and entertainment intersect... Actress Diane Neal, who played Assistant District Attorney Casey Novak on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, has announced that she is making an independent run for NY's 19th Congressional District seat in an effort to unseat Congressman John Faso (R-NY). And, former Miss America Mallory Hagan announced her Democratic bid for Alabama’s 3rd Congressional District, hoping to unseat Congressman Mike Rogers (R-AL). Lastly, if you have time today, the Quincy Jones interview is fire! At 84-years-young, Jones went to the “eff” machine and it was empty. Check it out in Blogs. Okay, we’re kicking off Thursday with this...
- Military veterans Congressmen Rubén Gallego (D-AZ) and Ted Lieu (D-CA) say no to a military parade.
- Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) intros legislation to help address teacher shortages.
- Congresswoman Mia Love (R-UT) gets a little financial boost from Mike Pence PAC.
- Lawmakers launch first-ever Planetary Science Caucus.
- Legislators want Medgar Evers’ home declared a national monument site.
- Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) still looking for answers on Russia sanctions.
- Former President Obama lands in Monterey, CA.
- Canada welcomes First Lady Michelle Obama once again.
- Raj Shah makes debut, and history, at the podium for today’s WH press briefing.
- Donald Trump names nominees to Frederick Douglass bicentennial commission.
- Eric Holder has 2020 vision.
- Poet and author Elizabeth Alexander named President of Mellon Foundation.
- Meet the new Managing Editor at Reuters.
- National Urban League President Marc Morial meets with Labor Secretary Alex Acosta and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos to talk apprenticeships.