Democrats will get amendments to Senate immigration bill, says key Republican

Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.) said on Tuesday that there will “absolutely” be amendments to the Senate GOP’s first immigration bill — indication that Republicans will agree to Democratic demands for a more expansive legislative debate. “We are absolutely open to amendments,” Britt said at a summit hosted by POLITICO Playbook. “There [are] absolutely going to […]

Johnson wants budget blueprint passed by Feb. 27

Speaker Mike Johnson set out a six-week timeline Tuesday for passing a budget blueprint — a necessary first step in getting President-elect Donald Trump’s sprawling domestic agenda through Congress. Under the timeline Johnson set out, the House would need to coalesce around a strategy and write a budget resolution by Feb. 10, setting up floor […]

GOP Sen. John Curtis is undecided on Gabbard, Hegseth

Sen. John Curtis (R-Utah) remains undecided on two of President-elect Donald Trump’s top nominees — former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination to be director of national intelligence and Pete Hegseth’s nomination as Defense secretary — he said at a POLITICO Live event Tuesday. “The biggest problem for me is that she’s been so low-profile,” Curtis said […]

GOP Sen. Curtis says Congress must write AI rules

Republican Sen. John Curtis of Utah called on Tuesday for Congress to set guardrails on artificial intelligence. “The only thing that’s holding things back is not money, it’s the guardrails. When we don’t put guardrails out, everybody’s scared.” Curtis said at the POLITICO Playbook: The First 100 Days event in Washington. “My guess is if […]

Top Democrat attacks Hegseth at contentious hearing

The top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services committee struck quickly at Pete Hegseth’s confirmation hearing for Defense secretary, accusing him of not being qualified for the role. Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), in his opening remarks, said the Pentagon chief is expected to be a nonpartisan, and responsible leader. “I do not believe that you […]

Rep. Virginia Foxx will hold Rules Committee gavel

Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.) will chair the House Rules Committee, Speaker Mike Johnson announced Friday, one of several changes to the powerful panel. Foxx will be the first Republican woman to chair the panel and the second woman ever, following the late Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-N.Y.). A former chair of the Education and Workforce Committee, […]

What we’re watching: Hegseth’s hearing

Here’s what we’re watching in transition world today: 🗓️ What we’re watching Some of President-elect Donald Trump’s most crucial Cabinet nominees will get their time before Senate committees this week, starting Tuesday with embattled Pentagon pick Pete Hegseth. And Democrats are lining up their attacks. Tuesday morning, Trump stood behind his nominee in a post on […]