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Trump’s push for Russian dirt on Biden is latest GOP headache

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Republicans are finding themselves on defense again after former President TrumpDonald TrumpTrump says he’s uninterested in being Speaker if GOP retakes House Perdue says he ‘misunderstood’ Trump supporters’ ‘lock him up’ chants about Kemp Jared Kushner expected to sit for interview with Jan. 6 panel this week: reports MORE urged Russian President Vladimir PutinVladimir Vladimirovich PutinRussian internet regulator announces fines against Google for ‘dissemination of false content’ Putin’s actions in Ukraine are spilling north Ukraine fighting Russian Goliath: Why dictators are so bad at war MORE to release dirt on the Biden family. 

The remarks are the latest Trump-fueled headache for Republicans this week and the most recent entry in a years-long fissure between Trump and many congressional Republicans over Russia.

Trump’s comments also come at a politically awkward moment for GOP lawmakers trying to push the Biden administration to do more in response to Putin’s weeks-long, bloody invasion of Ukraine.  

“My message to Putin is he needs to go,” said Sen. Lindsey GrahamLindsey Olin GrahamSusan Collins to make Supreme Court decision ‘relatively soon’ No. 2 GOP senator to oppose Supreme Court nominee Romney planning ‘a much deeper dive’ on Jackson after opposing her for appeals court MORE (R-S.C.), who has remained close to Trump since he left office last year, when asked about the former president’s comments.  

Asked if he thought making the remark was appropriate, Graham added: “That would not be something that I would do, no.” 

Sen. John ThuneJohn Randolph ThuneManchin shoots down Biden’s new billionaire tax plan  Schumer says Thomas should recuse himself No. 2 GOP senator to oppose Supreme Court nominee MORE (S.D.), the No. 2 Senate Republican, said, “We have very little control over what the former president says, obviously.”

“You know, there are a lot of voices out there right now, and you have to stay focused on the goal and that is to give the Ukrainians whatever they need to succeed and be victorious. And I think that’s actually a possibility,” Thune added, asked if it stepped on Senate Republicans’ message on Russia.

Trump set off alarm bells on Tuesday night when he said in an interview that he thought Putin should release any information he might have on Hunter Biden, President BidenJoe BidenTrump says he’s uninterested in being Speaker if GOP retakes House Biden administration boosts support for antitrust efforts Energy & Environment — Oil companies rebuff House chairman MORE‘s son.

“One thing, while I’m on your show, as long as Putin now is not exactly a fan of our country, let him explain, where did — because Chris WallaceChristopher (Chris) WallaceChris Wallace: Working at Fox had become ‘unsustainable’ WarnerMedia merger approved by Discovery’s shareholders CNN announces streaming service launch date MORE wouldn’t let me ask the question — why did the mayor of Moscow’s wife give the Bidens, both of them, $3.5 million dollars? That’s a lot of money,” Trump told John Solomon and Amanda Head on “Just the News” on the Real America’s Voice network.

Trump added that, “I would think Putin would know the answer to that. I think he should release it.” 

Trump was referencing a controversial 2020 Senate GOP report on President Biden and Hunter Biden that resulted in little proof of wrongdoing. He doubled down on his comments on Wednesday, saying that “Russia may be willing to give that information.”  

Solomon, a former employee of The Hill, faced scrutiny for his opinion columns during Trump’s first impeachment in 2019 relating to Ukraine. The Hill subsequently launched a review of those columns.

Democrats made the case at the time that Trump abused his power by trying to pressure Ukraine to open an investigation into the Bidens, including linking a probe to assistance.

Not all Republicans distanced themselves from Trump’s comments. 

“If he believes Vladimir Putin has information a crime has been committed, you know, sure, why not?” said Sen. Kevin CramerKevin John CramerBipartisan group of senators requests specifics on defense aid provided to Ukraine Energy & Environment — Interior to continue oil leasing plans Republican senators introduce bill to ban Russian uranium imports MORE (R-N.D.), asked if Trump’s comments were appropriate.  

But it’s hardly the first Russia-related headache for the GOP in response to Trump, which has been a running point of contention between the former president, who remains the de facto leader of the party, and congressional Republicans.

The GOP-controlled Congress enacted new sanctions on Russia in 2017 over initial objections from the Trump administration. And more recently, Trump sparked pushback, including from regular Capitol Hill allies, when he called Putin “savvy” and a “genius.”

“I do not think anything savvy or genius about Putin,” said House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthyKevin McCarthyJD Vance: Greene ‘did nothing wrong’ by attending white nationalist conference Defense & National Security — Officials skeptical Russia reducing military campaign Lawmakers pay tribute to late GOP Rep. Don Young lying in state in Capitol MORE (R-Calif.), in a rare break. 

“I think Putin is evil. I think he’s a dictator. I think he’s murdering people right now,” McCarthy added. 

Trump also appeared to relitigate those comments in his statement on Wednesday, saying that he was calling Putin a “genius” for building up troops along the Russia-Ukraine border before its invasion “because I assumed he would be easily able to negotiate a great deal for Russia.” 

Trump’s latest comments come as Republicans are already facing questions this week over whether they communicated with him on Jan. 6, 2021, when a mob of the then-president’s supporters breached the Capitol and disrupted the counting of the 2020 Electoral College results for hours. 

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnellAddison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellJD Vance: Greene ‘did nothing wrong’ by attending white nationalist conference Defense & National Security — Officials skeptical Russia reducing military campaign McConnell sidesteps question on Jan. 6 call from Trump MORE (R-Ky.) got questions at a weekly press conference about a call Trump made to him, and that he declined to answer, on the day of the attack. 

“I’ve said repeatedly the last time I spoke to the president was the day after the Electoral College declared President Biden the winner. I publicly congratulated President Biden on his victory and received a phone call after that from President Trump, and that’s the last time we’ve spoken,” McConnell said when asked why he did not take Trump’s call.

Congressional Republicans also offered a split-screen to Trump on Russia Wednesday, when Sens. Rob PortmanRobert (Rob) Jones PortmanBennet, Portman introduce bill to use seized Russian assets for Ukrainian relief The Memo: Biden tries to retract his gift to Putin The Hill’s Morning Report – Biden: `No’ policy for Russia regime change MORE (R-Ohio) and Dick DurbinDick DurbinSchumer says Thomas should recuse himself Ketanji Brown Jackson and the burden of firstness Manchin: GOP treatment of Jackson ‘disgraceful,’ ’embarrassing’ MORE (D-Ill.), the co-chairs of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, met with members of Ukraine’s parliament.  

“I am grateful for the opportunity to meet with members of the Ukraine parliament today. America is inspired by their courage and the bravery of the Ukrainian people to fight back against Russian aggression,” Portman said after the meeting, adding that the administration should do more faster on sanctions and lethal aid.

Republicans also predicted that whatever comes from Trump’s latest comments, like much of what the president says, is largely out of their control. 

“I don’t know how I would answer that. That will be like things involving him, it will unfurl,” Sen. Mike BraunMichael BraunJudge Ketanji Brown Jackson: Without fear or favor Braun walks back remarks criticizing SCOTUS ruling that legalized interracial marriage Senate GOP eyes Hunter Biden, Fauci probes after midterms  MORE (R-Ind.) said about whether Trump’s comments were appropriate, adding that it was “out of my control.”



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Jackson forcefully pushes back against GOP child porn sentencing attacks

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Judge Ketanji Brown JacksonKetanji Brown JacksonHawley says he’ll bring child porn cases up during Jackson hearing Kavanaugh fight casts long shadow over Jackson hearing The Hill’s 12:30 Report: Judge Jackson in the hotseat MORE opened the second day of her confirmation hearing Tuesday with a forceful defense of her record of sentencing child pornography offenders, pushing back against a recurring Republican attack line leveled against her.

Under questioning from Sen. Dick DurbinDick DurbinThe Memo: GOP seeks to make Jackson part of broader Biden midterm war Hawley says he’ll bring child porn cases up during Jackson hearing Kavanaugh fight casts long shadow over Jackson hearing MORE (D-Ill.), Jackson was asked to address a claim by Sen. Josh HawleyJoshua (Josh) David HawleyGOP sounds alarm bells over Greitens allegations The Memo: GOP seeks to make Jackson part of broader Biden midterm war Hawley says Greitens should drop out of Senate race amid abuse allegations MORE (R-Mo.) on Monday that her treatment of sentencing child sex offenders showed an “alarming pattern” of leniency. 

“As a mother and a judge who has had to deal with these cases, I was thinking that nothing could be further from the truth,” Jackson told Durbin, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Jackson said that as a sentencing judge she puts great weight on victims’ perspective when addressing offenders. 

“I tell them about the adults who are former child sex abuse victims, tell me that they will never have a normal adult relationship because of this abuse. I tell them about the ones who say, ‘I went into prostitution, I fell into drugs because I was trying to suppress the hurt that was done to me as an as an infant.’ ”

“Almost every one of these sentences, when I look in the eyes of a defendant who’s weeping because I’m giving him a significant sentence, what I say to him is do you know that there is someone who has written to me and she has told me that she has developed agoraphobia — she cannot leave her house — because she thinks that everyone she meets will have seen her, will have seen her pictures on the internet, they’re out there forever, at the most vulnerable time of her life and so she’s paralyzed,” she added. “I tell that story to every child porn defendant as a part of my sentences, so that they understand what they have done.”

Hawley and a few other GOP senators are expected to make the issue a major point in their questioning, a matter GOP senators have backed even as it has created some unease among Republicans wary of being seen as offering personal attacks against the first Black woman nominated to serve on the Supreme Court.

In offering Jackson a chance to address the issue in response to his own questioning, Durbin appeared to want to help the nominee and White House get out in front of the issue.



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Rand Paul threatens to block Ukraine-Russia resolution 

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Sen. Rand PaulRandal (Rand) Howard PaulPortman backs Timken as successor in Ohio Must-watch moments between Fauci and Sen. Paul Website that raised millions for ‘Freedom Convoy’ protests goes offline after possible hack MORE (R-Ky.) warned on Thursday that he will block quick passage of a symbolic resolution supporting Ukraine and sending a warning to Russia unless it incorporates changes he wants. 

“We have some amendments to it. We believe that it should say nothing in this resolution is to be construed as an authorization of war and nothing in this resolution is to be construed as authorizing the use of troops into Ukraine,” Paul said. 

Paul said that he offered the amendments to sponsors of the resolution on Wednesday night but they were rejected. He said that he would object to quickly passing the resolution if it doesn’t incorporate his amendments.

Because the bipartisan group is trying to pass the resolution by unanimous consent, they need buy-in from every senator to allow the resolution to pass quickly. 

Sen. Rob PortmanRobert (Rob) Jones PortmanPortman backs Timken as successor in Ohio Senators eye Plan B amid Russia sanctions stalemate Putin’s Ukraine gambit unites Western democracies he sought to divide MORE (R-Ohio) said that he was in talks with Paul. 

“We’re working through it,” Portman said.

Portman and Sens. Jeanne ShaheenCynthia (Jeanne) Jeanne ShaheenPavlich: It was always spying US, allies warn time running out for diplomacy with Russia Senators introduce a resolution honoring Tom Brady’s career MORE (D-N.H.), Dick DurbinDick DurbinOvernight Defense & National Security — US officials accuse Russia of lying GOP senator opposes Biden court pick, likely blocking nominee Senate leaders send Putin symbolic warning shot amid invasion fears MORE (D-Ill.), John CornynJohn CornynSenate seeks offramp as funding deadline nears White House brushing off Graham handicapping of high court choice Democrats show little appetite for Biden’s call for gun control MORE (R-Texas), James Risch (R-Idaho) and Bob MenendezRobert (Bob) MenendezSenators eye Plan B amid Russia sanctions stalemate To counter Russian gas, look to the Eastern Mediterranean Why the debate over SALT deductions matters MORE (D-N.J.) offered the resolution.

Beyond offering support for Ukraine, the resolution “denounces the Russian military buildup of over 150,000 troops on Ukraine’s border” and signals that President BidenJoe BidenTrump-nominated FAA administrator to resign at end of March Senate slips within 48 hours of government shutdown deadline Trump issues endorsements in Texas congressional races MORE should impose sanctions if Russia invades Ukraine.

“[The Senate] encourages the President that, should any further invasion or other malign activity to undermine the sovereignty of Ukraine occur by Russia, the United States Government should exhaust all tools at its disposal to impose significant costs on the Russian Federation to restore peace in Europe,” it states.



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GOP senator knocks Biden for ‘spreading things that are untrue’ in voting rights speech

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Republican Sen. Bill CassidyBill CassidySunday shows preview: Democrats’ struggle for voting rights bill comes to a head Hillicon Valley — Tech giants hit with Jan. 6 panel subpoenas Bipartisan lawmakers propose ‘TLDR Act’ to simplify terms of service agreements MORE (La.) knocked President BidenJoe BidenSunday shows preview: Democrats’ struggle for voting rights bill comes to a head David Weil: Wrong man, wrong place, wrong time  Biden’s voting rights gamble prompts second-guessing MORE on Sunday for “spreading things” that he claimed were “untrue” in last week’s voting rights speech, suggesting the remarks will not help unite the country.

Asked during an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union” about Biden’s voting rights speech in Georgia, Cassidy said Biden made claims that were “misleading” and not helpful in the president’s quest to bring Americans together.

“Now if you’re trying to call the United States of America to unity, trying to get us to where we will come to common ground, you don’t end up spreading things that are untrue, are frankly lies, and that’s why people think we need to filibuster, otherwise you’re just totally rolled by somebody who’s willing to sacrifice truth to pursue their agenda,” Cassidy told co-anchor Jake TapperJacob (Jake) Paul TapperDurbin says Biden may have gone ‘a little too far’ in Georgia speech GOP governor says large businesses should not comply with ‘oppressive’ vaccine mandate Hutchinson says ‘big lie’ supporters ‘not demonstrating leadership’ MORE.

The Louisiana Republican also criticized House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.), who appeared on the program earlier and, when asked, did not say Biden’s remarks in Georgia went too far. Cassidy also accused Clyburn of making wrong or misleading statements in regard to election legislation.

Biden sparked criticism with his passionate remarks in which he called for changing the Senate filibuster to pass voting rights reform on the national level.

At one point, he asked if people wanted to be on the side of Dr. King, John LewisJohn LewisClyburn says he’s worried about losing House, ‘losing this democracy’ King family to march for voting rights in Arizona before MLK Day Sinema reignites 2024 primary chatter amid filibuster fight  MORE and Abraham Lincoln or Confederate President George Wallace, segregationist Bull Connor and Jefferson Davis, who opposed the civil rights movement.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnellAddison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellSinema reignites 2024 primary chatter amid filibuster fight  Biden’s new calls to action matter, as does the one yet to come Trump to make election claims center stage in Arizona MORE (R-Ky.) said the president’s remarks were “incoherent, incorrect and beneath his office,” and Senate Democratic Whip Dick DurbinDick DurbinSinema, Manchin curb Biden’s agenda Democrats’ filibuster gambit unravels Sinema scuttles hopes for filibuster reform MORE (Ill.) said Biden may have “gone a little too far” in his rhetoric.

Speaker Nancy PelosiNancy PelosiClyburn says he’s worried about losing House, ‘losing this democracy’ King family to march for voting rights in Arizona before MLK Day GOP’s McCarthy has little incentive to work with Jan. 6 panel MORE (D-Calif.), however, called Biden’s speech “wonderful” and “fabulous,” but did suggest that that his references to Connor was arcane.

The Senate is set to take up voting rights reform on Tuesday after Sens. Kyrsten SinemaKyrsten SinemaSunday shows preview: Democrats’ struggle for voting rights bill comes to a head Biden’s voting rights gamble prompts second-guessing King family to march for voting rights in Arizona before MLK Day MORE (D-Ariz.) and Joe ManchinJoe ManchinSunday shows preview: Democrats’ struggle for voting rights bill comes to a head Biden’s voting rights gamble prompts second-guessing King family to march for voting rights in Arizona before MLK Day MORE (D-Ariz.) said they will not change the 60-vote filibuster to pass such legislation. Democrats were looking to change Senate rules amid GOP opposition to election reform.



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Democrats set to play hardball with Manchin

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Senate Democrats are signaling they plan to take more of a hardball approach to pressuring Sen. Joe ManchinJoe ManchinOn The Money — Dems lay blame for Build Back Better blowup McConnell: Manchin’s opposition to Biden plan ‘great shot in the arm for the country’ Harris says ‘stakes are too high’ for Build Back Better to be about Manchin MORE (D-W.Va.) to support their climate and social spending agenda after months of kid-glove treatment failed to deliver his vote.

Democrats are threatening to drive a wedge between Manchin and his many lower-income constituents who stand to reap billions of dollars in federal benefits if Build Back Better passes, including an enhanced child tax credit, lower Medicare-negotiated prescription drug prices and subsidies to cover the cost of childcare.  

Senate Majority Leader Charles SchumerChuck SchumerManchin says he will not vote for Build Back Better: ‘This is a no’ Senate confirms 40 judges during Biden’s first year in office, the most since Reagan Cruz to get Nord Stream 2 vote as part of deal on Biden nominees MORE (D-N.Y.) on Monday said Manchin will have to repeatedly defend his opposition to these popular programs by voting on the floor and took a subtle shot at his colleague for trying to dictate national policy through an appearance on “Fox News Sunday” over the weekend.

Democratic aides say that Manchin can expect more tough treatment from Schumer and other Democratic lawmakers who are now under new pressure from the party’s base for failing to deliver on the “big, bold” agenda they promised earlier this year.

“He has had absolutely no pressure,” said one Democratic aide, citing Manchin’s friendly meetings with the at the White House and at Biden’s home in Delaware this fall that failed to produce results.

“Biden’s got to grab him by the lapels and say, ‘Listen, this ends now,’” the aide added, warning there’s little prospect of passing another piece of major legislation before the 2022 midterms if Build Back Better fails to pass.

Democratic senators have said for months they were reluctant to apply too much pressure on Manchin for fear that it might backfire and only goad him to dig in his heels more firmly against progressive priorities such as major new investments for renewable energy and expanded Medicare benefits.

There was also the looming threat that Manchin might leave the caucus and declare himself an independent. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnellAddison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellMcConnell: Manchin’s opposition to Biden plan ‘great shot in the arm for the country’ Ocasio-Cortez: Democrats need to to ‘crack down’ on ‘old boys club’ in Senate The day democracy almost died MORE (R-Ky.) told reporters before the break that he would love to have Manchin join his caucus, though he acknowledged it wasn’t a likely possibility.

But now Biden, Schumer and other Democrats risk looking ineffective after Manchin flatly spurned their many entreaties with his bluntly stated opposition to Build Back Better on Fox News.

“He’s going to blow up the president’s agenda so I think you have to play hardball but there are different ways to play hardball,” said Steve Jarding, a Democratic strategist who formerly advised the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.

“He’s making them looking ineffective,” he added.

On Sunday, White House press secretary Jen PsakiJen PsakiStaffer who had contact with Biden tests positive for COVID-19 McConnell: Manchin’s opposition to Biden plan ‘great shot in the arm for the country’ Harris says ‘stakes are too high’ for Build Back Better to be about Manchin MORE released a blistering statement that took Manchin to task for backing out of a deal Biden thought he had agreed to in October.

She said Manchin would have to explain his opposition to the bill to “families paying $1,000 a month for insulin,” to “two million women who would get the affordable day care they need to return to work” and to the “millions of children who have been lifted out of poverty, in part due to the Child Tax credit,” which expired last week.

A day later, the White House was taking a much softer approach, with Psaki emphasizing Biden’s desire to work with Biden at the daily briefing.

Biden met with Manchin at the White House in late September and late October as well as at the president’s home in Wilmington, Delaware, but without having any major results to show for those meetings.

The White House said that Manchin signed off on a $1.75 trillion framework at the meeting in Delaware, which Schumer also attended, but Manchin this week disputed he had agreed to anything.

In a “Dear Colleague” letter circulated Monday, Schumer took at not-so-subtle jab at Manchin.

“Senators should be aware that the Senate will, in fact, consider the Build Back Better Act, very early in the new year so that every Member of this body has the opportunity to make their position known on the Senate floor, not just on television,” Schumer vowed.

The Democratic leader warned that he would force Manchin to vote multiple times against Biden’s top priorities to hammer home the message that the West Virginia centrist is standing in the way of reforms that are designed to help low-income people in his home state.

“We are going to vote on a revised version of the House-passed Build Back Better Act – and we will keep voting on it until we get something done,” Schumer wrote.

A second Democratic aide said Schumer’s threat was remarkable because only days ago he pushed back on members of his caucus such as Senate Majority Whip Dick DurbinDick DurbinBiden’s relationship with ‘Joe-Joe’ Manchin hits the rocks Democrats mull hardball tactics to leapfrog parliamentarian on immigration Democrats end year reopening old wounds MORE (D-Ill.) who were pushing to force Manchin to take a vote on Build Back Better before Christmas.

The aide said Schumer knows many progressives in his party are angry over the failure to deliver Manchin’s vote and doesn’t leave a potential challenger any openings ahead of his re-election campaign in New York next year.

“It’s performative,” said the aide. “It’s hard not to view this through the lens of his coming primary.”

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-CortezAlexandria Ocasio-CortezOn The Money — Dems lay blame for Build Back Better blowup Hillicon Valley — Dems press Amazon on warehouse collapse Democrats press Amazon about fatal warehouse collapse MORE (D-N.Y.), a leading House progressive who has often criticized Manchin, in August did not rule out a primary challenge against Schumer.

Ocasio-Cortez on Monday said Manchin committed “an egregious breach of the trust of the president” and said “it’s an outcome that we had warned about well over a month ago.”

“Of course we have every right to be furious with Joe Manchin but it’s really up to leadership in the Democratic Party who made the decision to get us to this juncture and how we’re going to move forward and I think right now that the Democratic leadership as a very large number of tools at their disposal,” she said on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.”

“And it’s really about time that we take the kid gloves off,” she added.

Senate progressives have also vented their frustration since Manchin told Fox host Bret Baier that he is a “no” on Build Back Better.

“I suspect that the people of West Virginia are like people in every other state. They want to lower prescription drug costs. They want Medicare to cover vision, hearing and dental. They want to continue $300 per child monthly payments. They want the wealthy to pay their fair share,” Senate Budget Committee Chairman Bernie SandersBernie SandersEquilibrium/Sustainability — Underground abortion network links to Mexico The Hill’s 12:30 Report: Manchin explains BBB opposition, slams Dems Republicans, ideology, and demise of the state and local tax deduction MORE (I-Vt.) tweeted Monday.

He reposted an interview he did with CNN’s “State of the Union” in which he called out Manchin for failing to meet his constituents needs.

“Mr. Manchin says he’s representing the people of West Virginia,” Sanders said. “I told Manchin, by the way, I’ll pay for the damn poll in West Virginia on those issues. See how the people of West Virginia feel.”

Sen. Elizabeth WarrenElizabeth WarrenThe politics of an independent Fed Hillicon Valley — Dems press Amazon on warehouse collapse Politicians and celebrities who have tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of the holidays MORE (D-Mass.), another leading Senate progressive, applauded Schumer’s promise to force Manchin to vote on Build Back Better, potentially multiple times, even though he told Fox: “I tried everything possible. I can’t get there.”

“The American people expect the Senate to deliver on the Build Back Better plan AND protect the right to vote. Inaction is not an option: our democracy is under assault and our economy is not working for working people. Enough talk. It’s time to vote,” she tweeted. 



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Democrats up ante in risky debt ceiling fight

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Speaker Nancy PelosiNancy PelosiBiden pushes back at Democrats on taxes Yarmuth and Clyburn suggest .5T package may be slimmed Of partisan fights and follies, or why Democrats should follow Manchin, not Sanders MORE (D-Calif.), Senate Majority Leader Charles SchumerChuck SchumerBiden discusses agenda with Schumer, Pelosi ahead of pivotal week CEOs urge Congress to raise debt limit or risk ‘avoidable crisis’ If .5 trillion ‘infrastructure’ bill fails, it’s bye-bye for an increasingly unpopular Biden MORE (D-N.Y.) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnellAddison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellTrump seeking challenger to McConnell as Senate GOP leader: report Budget chairman: Debt ceiling fight ‘a ridiculous position to be in’ Buckle up for more Trump, courtesy of the Democratic Party MORE (R-Ky.) are playing a risky game of chicken over funding the government and raising the nation’s borrowing limit.

Pelosi and Schumer upped the stakes Monday by announcing they will force Republicans to vote next week on a short-term government funding measure that includes legislation to raise the nation’s debt ceiling.

The legislation will also include about $20 billion to respond to recent disasters, ranging from hurricane damage in the Gulf states to millions of acres scorched by wildfires in the West.

Republicans insist they will not vote on any package that includes a debt ceiling hike, something they say Democrats should have to do on their own despite decades of members of both parties voting to increase the borrowing limit to pay for past spending authorized by Democrats and Republicans alike.

In pairing the two measures, Democrats hope the GOP will take the public’s blame for shutting down the government if Republicans block the measure in the upper chamber.

The standoff could result in a government shutdown at the end of next week and provoke a crisis of confidence over the nation’s credit rating, something that last happened when Democrats and Republicans deadlocked over the debt limit in 2011.

McConnell made it clear last week that Republicans would vote against any proposal to lift the debt cap, even if paired with legislation to keep federal departments and agencies funded beyond Sept. 30. He then doubled down on that position on Monday.

“Senate Republicans would support a clean continuing resolution that included appropriate disaster relief and targeted Afghan assistance. We will not support legislation that raises the debt limit,” McConnell said from the Senate floor.

But Democrats do not want to kowtow to McConnell, who has pressed them to include a debt ceiling hike in a separate $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation package the party is preparing. That bill can’t be filibustered, meaning Democrats can get it to President BidenJoe BidenCapitol fencing starts coming down after ‘Justice for J6′ rally Senate parliamentarian nixes Democrats’ immigration plan Biden pushes back at Democrats on taxes MORE’s desk if they can stay unified.

Pelosi and Schumer argue the debt ceiling hike should be backed by members of both parties since it covers spending backed by Democrats and Republicans alike.

“The American people expect our Republican colleagues to live up to their responsibilities and make good on the debts they proudly helped incur in the December 2020 ‘908’ COVID package that helped American families and small businesses reeling from the COVID crisis,” the Democratic leaders wrote in their joint statement announcing their strategy.

McConnell’s strategy is focused on the $3.5 trillion reconciliation package that is unanimously opposed by Republicans. He wants Democrats to take the political hit for raising the debt ceiling as he and other Republicans criticize the majority party for their big spending measure.

Financial markets are beginning to take notice of the game of chicken. The Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged more than 900 points Monday before bouncing slightly before the close.

Monday’s stock dip was mostly blamed on fears over China’s property market but the brewing political storm around U.S. debt was also cited as a factor.

Democratic and Republican leaders in Congress are publicly predicting the other side will get the blame for any end-of-September blowup over government funding and the nation’s creditworthiness.

But both sides face political repercussions if there’s a political train wreck next week.

“Should Republicans careen our country toward a default, our country could actually be plunged into recession, laying off millions, making it harder for people to pay for the food on the table and their mortgages and their rents,” Schumer said on the Senate floor.

Democrats face another problem in using the budget reconciliation package to raise the debt ceiling. The budget resolution passed by both chambers last month didn’t include a reconciliation instruction for raising the debt limit. As a result, Senate Democrats would have to have another lengthy floor debate and vote-a-rama to amend the budget resolution to allow the debt limit to be increased with only Democratic votes.

“That’s not going to happen,” a Democratic senator on the Budget Committee predicted after his caucus held a meeting on debt-limit strategy.

Some Democrats feel confident that McConnell and his Senate GOP colleagues will get blamed for a government shutdown and any economic turmoil surrounding a defeat of debt limit legislation, but they acknowledge Biden might also take a hit.

Asked if Biden could be hurt politically, Senate Majority Whip Dick DurbinDick DurbinSenate parliamentarian nixes Democrats’ immigration plan Manchin keeps Washington guessing on what he wants Democrats hope Biden can flip Manchin and Sinema MORE (D-Ill.) said “it could.” But Durbin said Republicans would clearly be the real culprits.

“The fingerprints are obvious. McConnell is boasting that he has the power to do this, so it isn’t a question of whether Biden didn’t do the right thing. It’s up to Congress. It’s our responsibility,” Durbin said.

Some Democrats worry that the last thing Biden needs right now is a debt crisis. His political standing, especially among independents, has fallen significantly since the end of July.

The slide in Biden’s support is being attributed to the messy exit of U.S. troops from Afghanistan and the surge of COVID-19 infections around the country, which has in turn dampened enthusiasm about the economy.

A Senate Democratic aide said “it’s very hard to imagine a world in which it doesn’t splash back on Biden” if the government shuts down or credit agencies downgrade the nation’s credit status because of a political battle over the debt limit.

Republicans are also worried about a meltdown over government funding and the debt limit.

Sen. John CornynJohn CornynSenate parliamentarian nixes Democrats’ immigration plan Democrats make case to Senate parliamentarian for 8 million green cards Democrats to make pitch Friday for pathway to citizenship in spending bill MORE (R-Texas), a member of McConnell’s leadership team, predicted that cooler heads would prevail next week, pointing out that nobody wants a shutdown that would shake the economy while its struggling in the face of a winter surge of COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations.

“I don’t think it’s going to happen,” he said, when asked about a possible government shutdown. “Nobody wants it.”



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Senate GOP faces retirement brain drain

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Senate Republicans are facing a brain drain as some of the caucus’s biggest dealmakers prepare to head for the exits. 

Sen. Roy BluntRoy Dean BluntDemocratic Marine veteran jumps into Missouri Senate race after Blunt retirement Trump praises retiring Blunt, who opposed his conviction The Hill’s Morning Report – Presented by the National Shooting Sports Foundation – CDC news on gatherings a step toward normality MORE’s (R-Mo.) announcement this week that he will not run for reelection is the latest blow for the GOP’s governing wing of the Senate, a coalition of policy wonks and bipartisan-minded institutionalists who have been at the center of the biggest legislative accomplishments. 

Though the membership of Congress is always in flux — a third of the Senate is up every two years and the full House every two — the turnover amongst some of the most successful GOP negotiators is particularly acute. 

“There’s a lot of experience, a lot of knowledge leaving. … It’s a loss of a lot of institutional memory,” said Sen. John CornynJohn CornynThe Hill’s Morning Report – Presented by the National Shooting Sports Foundation – Relief bill to become law; Cuomo in trouble GOP stumbles give Democrats new hope in Texas Senate holds longest vote in history as Democrats scramble to save relief bill MORE (R-Texas), an adviser to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnellAddison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellTrump praises retiring Blunt, who opposed his conviction The Hill’s 12:30 Report – Presented by Johns Hopkins University – Trump’s relationship with GOP worsens Dozens of Trump appointees ‘burrow’ into Biden government MORE (R-Ky.).

In addition to Blunt, Sens. Richard ShelbyRichard Craig ShelbyThe Hill’s Morning Report – Presented by the National Shooting Sports Foundation – CDC news on gatherings a step toward normality Blunt retirement shakes up Missouri Senate race These GOP senators aren’t seeking reelection in 2022 MORE (R-Ala.), Rob PortmanRobert (Rob) Jones PortmanThe Hill’s Morning Report – Presented by the National Shooting Sports Foundation – CDC news on gatherings a step toward normality Blunt’s retirement deals blow to McConnell inner circle Trump ramps up battle with Republican leadership MORE (R-Ohio), Pat ToomeyPatrick (Pat) Joseph ToomeySasse rebuked by Nebraska Republican Party over impeachment vote Philly GOP commissioner on censures: ‘I would suggest they censure Republican elected officials who are lying’ Toomey censured by several Pennsylvania county GOP committees over impeachment vote MORE (R-Pa.) and Richard BurrRichard Mauze BurrThe Hill’s Morning Report – Presented by the National Shooting Sports Foundation – CDC news on gatherings a step toward normality Blunt’s retirement deals blow to McConnell inner circle Trump ramps up battle with Republican leadership MORE (R-N.C.) are all expected to retire at the end of 2022. 

Each holds a top GOP committee spot. Blunt and Shelby, in particular, are known for their ability to craft deals; Portman and Toomey are well versed in policy and Burr has earned the respect of Democrats for his work as Intelligence Committee chairman. 

Other GOP senators seen as dealmakers have also left the Senate in recent years. 

Former Sens. Lamar AlexanderLamar AlexanderThe Hill’s Morning Report – Presented by the National Shooting Sports Foundation – CDC news on gatherings a step toward normality Blunt’s retirement deals blow to McConnell inner circle Roy Blunt won’t run for Senate seat in 2022 MORE (R-Tenn.) and Pat RobertsCharles (Pat) Patrick RobertsRoy Blunt won’t run for Senate seat in 2022 Lobbying world Pat Roberts joins lobbying firm weeks after Senate retirement MORE (R-Kan.) — two GOP chairmen with big bipartisan accomplishments — retired at the end of 2020. Former Sen. Johnny IsaksonJohnny IsaksonLoeffler leaves door open to 2022 rematch against Warnock Perdue on potential 2022 run: GOP must regain the Senate Bottom line MORE (R-Ga.) stepped down in 2019 due to health reasons. 

The end of 2018 saw the departure of former Sens. Orrin HatchOrrin Grant HatchHow President Biden can hit a home run Mellman: What happened after Ginsburg? Bottom line MORE (R-Utah), then the chairman of the Finance Committee; Bob CorkerRobert (Bob) Phillips CorkerRoy Blunt won’t run for Senate seat in 2022 It’s time for Biden’s Cuba GOP lawmaker patience runs thin with Trump tactics MORE (R-Tenn.), then the chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee; and Jeff FlakeJeffrey (Jeff) Lane FlakeFormer GOP lawmaker: Republican Party ‘engulfed in lies and fear’ Grassley to vote against Tanden nomination Klain on Manchin’s objection to Neera Tanden: He ‘doesn’t answer to us at the White House’ MORE (R-Ariz.), a conservative who was willing to buck his party. Former Sen. John McCainJohn Sidney McCainKoch network urges lawmakers to back ‘personal option’ health plan Graham: Trump can make GOP bigger, stronger, or he ‘could destroy it’ Former Trump Defense chief Esper to join McCain Institute MORE (R-Ariz.) died in 2018. 

Asked about the trail of departures, Sen. Lisa MurkowskiLisa Ann MurkowskiGOP leaders reiterate commitment to working with Trump amid back-and-forth Schumer moves to break GOP holds on Haaland Republicans put procedural delay on Haaland’s nomination MORE (R-Alaska) interjected “all of the institutionalists?” 

“I think about just the years of legislating that they have brought to these discussions, it’s going to be a real loss. A loss for the institution really,” Murkowski said. 

“Over the years, Congress has changed and we’ve seen different leaders rise, perform and leave. … But it just seems like, it seems like, we’re losing so much of that substantive tenure in a very short period,” she added. 

It’s far from certain the current exits will be the only ones for Senate Republicans. Sen. Chuck GrassleyChuck GrassleyThe Hill’s Morning Report – Presented by the National Shooting Sports Foundation – CDC news on gatherings a step toward normality Blunt retirement shakes up Missouri Senate race Roy Blunt won’t run for Senate seat in 2022 MORE (Iowa), the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee and the panel’s former chairman, isn’t expected to make a decision about running for another term until the fall. Murkowski — who Trump has threatened to campaign against — also hasn’t said if she will run for reelection. 

Murkowski, asked if she had made a decision on 2022, said, “I have to do it before 2022.” 

The departures are being watched closely by Democrats. 

“These are people I’ve worked with for years. They harken back to an era where there was bipartisan cooperation so I’m worried about their absence,” said Sen. Dick DurbinDick DurbinBiden DOJ nominee apologizes for ‘harsh rhetoric’ amid GOP criticism Democrats near pressure point on nixing filibuster  Senate approves sweeping coronavirus measure in partisan vote MORE (D-Ill.). 

Asked if he had seen the same interest in bipartisanship from newer members, Durbin replied, “not yet.”

The changing of the guard comes as many GOP institutionalists are replaced with Republicans more in the mold of former President TrumpDonald TrumpManhattan prosecutors intensifying probe into Trump’s New York estate: report GOP leaders reiterate commitment to working with Trump amid back-and-forth Top Republicans seek to tamp down concerns over Trump’s funding demands MORE.

GovTrack, a congressional analysis website, ranked Sen. Marsha BlackburnMarsha BlackburnRepublicans blast Pentagon policy nominee over tweets, Iran nuclear deal White House defends Biden’s ‘Neanderthal thinking’ remark on masks Marsha Blackburn: Biden needs to ‘rethink’ comments about ‘resilient’ and ‘resourceful’ Neanderthals MORE (R-Tenn.) as the senator most ideologically to the right in 2019. Her predecessor, Corker, was ranked 47 in 2018. 

Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), who replaced former Sen. Doug Jones (D-Ala.), has a 100 percent Trump score according to FiveThirtyEight. Shelby, while still a typical Trump vote, was at 90 percent. Former Sen. Martha McSallyMartha Elizabeth McSallyGOP targets Manchin, Sinema, Kelly on Becerra House Freedom Caucus chair weighs Arizona Senate bid New rule shakes up Senate Armed Services subcommittees MORE (R-Ariz.) voted with Trump 94.9 percent of the time; McCain, whose seat she was appointed to, was at 83 percent. 

Republicans only need a net gain of one seat to win back the majority next year. But they are defending 20 seats in 2022, including two in states won by Biden: Pennsylvania, where Toomey is retiring, and Wisconsin, where Sen. Ron JohnsonRonald (Ron) Harold JohnsonThe Hill’s Morning Report – Presented by the National Shooting Sports Foundation – CDC news on gatherings a step toward normality Blunt retirement shakes up Missouri Senate race Report urges sweeping changes to Capitol security after Jan. 6 attack MORE (R) hasn’t made a decision but suggested recently his preference is to leave after 2022. 

Open seats could attract Trump loyalists, which could tilt the Senate GOP further toward Trump if they are elected.

Rep. Mo BrooksMorris (Mo) Jackson BrooksDemocratic lawmaker releases social media report on GOP members who voted to overturn election The Hill’s 12:30 Report – Presented by ExxonMobil – Senate begins marathon vote-a-rama before .9T COVID-19 relief passage Trump sued by Democrat over mob attack on Capitol MORE (R-Ala.), the House firebrand who supported efforts to overturn the election results, has indicated that he’s looking at running for Shelby’s seat. Rep. Jason SmithJason Thomas SmithThe Hill’s Morning Report – Presented by the National Shooting Sports Foundation – CDC news on gatherings a step toward normality Blunt retirement shakes up Missouri Senate race House panel advances Biden’s .9T COVID-19 aid bill MORE (R-Mo.) — who votes with Trump 94 percent of the time according to FiveThirtyEight — also said Tuesday that he’s considering a run for Blunt’s seat. 

“I would definitely compare my record for working class families and my conservative credentials against anyone that’s named. … So, I am considering it,” he said. 

It’s possible other senators will step into the shoes of the dealmakers. GOP senators who have been willing to cut deals include Murkowski, Sen. Susan CollinsSusan Margaret CollinsSchumer moves to break GOP holds on Haaland Republicans put procedural delay on Haaland’s nomination The Hill’s Morning Report – Presented by the National Shooting Sports Foundation – CDC news on gatherings a step toward normality MORE (Maine), Sen. Marco RubioMarco Antonio RubioBiden grants temporary legal status to thousands of Venezuelans in US GOP votes in unison against COVID-19 relief bill Hillicon Valley: YouTube to restore Trump’s account | House-passed election bill takes aim at foreign interference | Senators introduce legislation to create international tech partnerships MORE (Fla.) and others. 

“I think some of that is because of their experience, they have maybe a more extensive and nuanced understanding of not just the short-term but long-term consequences of doing things,” Cornyn said. “My experience is if we’ve got 50 others, people do step up.” 

Blunt, asked on Tuesday about senators leaving from the institutionalist wing of the party, questioned if that was “fair to the members that are staying,” predicting that senators who might be more ideological now would step up to fill any void. 

Speaking to reporters in Missouri on Monday, Blunt warned his potential successors of drawing hard lines on what they would never agree to. 

“I think the country in the last decade or so has sort of fallen off the edge with too many politicians saying, ‘If you vote for me I’ll never compromise on anything,’ ” Blunt said. “The failure to do that — that’s a philosophy that particularly does not work in a democracy.”



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Senate rejects Cruz effort to block stimulus checks for undocumented immigrants

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The Senate voted along party lines Saturday morning to reject an amendment sponsored by Sen. Ted CruzRafael (Ted) Edward CruzDeSantis, Pence tied in 2024 Republican poll Democrats under pressure to deliver on labor’s ‘litmus test’ bill Crenshaw pours cold water on 2024 White House bid: ‘Something will emerge’ MORE (R-Texas), a potential 2024 White House candidate, to block $1,400 stimulus checks from going to undocumented immigrants.

The amendment failed by a vote of 49 to 50, with a slim majority of the Senate voting against it.

Eight Democrats had voted for a similar amendment sponsored by Sens. Todd YoungTodd Christopher YoungOvernight Defense: White House open to reforming war powers | Army base might house migrant children | Fauci scolds military on vaccine White House open to reforming war powers amid bipartisan push Senators introduce bill creating technology partnerships to compete with China MORE (R-Ind.) and Tom CottonTom Bryant CottonDeSantis, Pence tied in 2024 Republican poll Republicans blast Pentagon policy nominee over tweets, Iran nuclear deal The Hill’s Morning Report – Presented by Facebook – Lawmakers face Capitol threat as senators line up votes for relief bill MORE (R-Ark.), another White House hopeful, early last month during a debate on the Senate budget resolution. However, the Democratic caucus stayed unified on Saturday in defeating the Republican amendment.

All Republicans voted for it.

“This amendment before us today provides that the stimulus checks should not go to illegal aliens in this country,” Cruz said while introducing the amendment. “The question for the American people to answer is, should your money, should taxpayer money, be sent, $1,400, to every illegal alien in America?”

Senate Majority Whip Dick DurbinDick DurbinDemocrats break COVID-19 impasse with deal on jobless benefits COVID-19 relief debate stalls in Senate amid Democratic drama Democrats close in on deal to provide tax relief for unemployment recipients MORE (D-Ill.) slammed the measure while accusing Cruz of exaggerating the flow of stimulus payments to undocumented immigrants. He pointed out that the pending $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill treats payments to families with undocumented immigrant members the same way as the $900 billion relief bill passed by the GOP-controlled Senate in December and signed into law by former President TrumpDonald TrumpTrump announces new tranche of endorsements DeSantis, Pence tied in 2024 Republican poll Lawmakers demand changes after National Guard troops at Capitol sickened from tainted food MORE.

“The statement of the senator from Texas is just plain false. False! Let me be clear: Undocumented immigrants do not have Social Security numbers, and they do not qualify for stimulus relief checks,” he said.

Durbin accused Cruz and other Republicans of trying to collect political ammo for the campaign trail.

“They want to be able to give speeches that say the checks go to undocumented people,” he said, accusing Cruz of trying to “rile people up over something that is not true.”

Eight Democrats voted for a similar effort sponsored by Young and Cotton to establish a reserve fund to bar illegal immigrants from receiving economic impact payments or other direct temporary assistance.

They were Sens. Maggie HassanMargaret (Maggie) HassanThe eight Democrats who voted ‘no’ on minimum wage Justice Democrats call moderates’ votes against minimum wage hike ‘unconscionable’ Senate rejects Sanders minimum wage hike MORE (D-N.H.), John HickenlooperJohn HickenlooperThe Hill’s 12:30 Report – Presented by ExxonMobil – Third approved vaccine distributed to Americans Democrats hesitant to raise taxes amid pandemic The Hill’s 12:30 Report: Trump’s second impeachment trial begins MORE (D-Colo.), Mark KellyMark KellyThe eight Democrats who voted ‘no’ on minimum wage Democratic centrists flex power on Biden legislation GOP targets Manchin, Sinema, Kelly on Becerra MORE (D-Ariz.), Joe ManchinJoseph (Joe) ManchinSenate Democrats vote to provide 0 unemployment benefits into September Senate GOP gets short-lived win on unemployment fight McConnell makes failed bid to adjourn Senate after hours-long delay MORE (D-W.Va.), Gary PetersGary PetersDemocratic centrists flex power on Biden legislation Alarming threat prompts early exit, underscoring security fears Five takeaways from dramatic Capitol security hearing MORE (D-Mich.), Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), Debbie StabenowDeborah (Debbie) Ann StabenowDemocratic centrists flex power on Biden legislation Democrats cut deals to bolster support for relief bill Senate Democrats offer fresh support for embattled Tanden MORE (D-Mich.) and Jon TesterJonathan (Jon) TesterDemocrats break COVID-19 impasse with deal on jobless benefits The eight Democrats who voted ‘no’ on minimum wage COVID-19 relief debate stalls in Senate amid Democratic drama MORE (D-Mont.).

The amendment to the Senate budget resolution was later stripped out by a substitute amendment offered by Senate Majority Leader Charles SchumerChuck SchumerLawmakers demand changes after National Guard troops at Capitol sickened from tainted food Ron Johnson forces reading of 628-page Senate coronavirus relief bill on floor Senate panel splits along party lines on Becerra MORE (D-N.Y.).  



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