ICYMI, on Wednesday the Associated Press reported that Paul Manafort, Trump’s former campaign manager, secretly worked with a Russian billionaire on a plan to “greatly benefit the Putin Government.” Sound familiar? This isn’t the first time we’ve heard about shady ties between Manafort and Russian officials. And it’s not just Manafort. It seems like every day brings new reports of ties between the Trump team and Russia. And today is no exception, it is now being reported that FBI has information that Trump associates communicated with Russian operatives—possibly to coordinate the release of information during the campaign.
Confused by all the news? The Moscow Project is here to help. Consider it your one-stop-shop for the who, what when, and where of all things Trump and Russia. See all the key players, a timeline of events, and a fact-checked version of the Steele Dossier (of Buzzfeed fame). You can also contribute to the investigation using the Genius tool or by sending confidential tips to [email protected].
ACTION OF THE DAY
#ResistTrumpcare. If you have ever thought about calling your member of congress, today is your day. Today is the day that the House will vote on Trumpcare, their plan to repeal the Affordable Care Act and strip health coverage from 24 million Americans. Speaker Paul Ryan and Trump are stuck between a rock (the House Freedom Caucus) and a hard place (moderate Republican representatives) and that means there is a real chance of defeating Trumpcare. Several members are considering voting against the bill. Help us make sure they do! The pressure is working! Rep. Donovan (R-NY) said calls to his office are 1,000 to 1 against the bill. Keep the pressure up! Call, tweet, Facebook your member and tell them to #ResistTrumpcare! Find all the info you need to do that at TrumpcareToolkit.com. Then share the toolkit with everyone you know!
WHAT’S TRENDING
Credibility. As in Congress doesn’t have any, according to Sen. John McCain (R-AZ). Yesterday, he said Congress can’t be trusted to handle the Russia investigation on its own and called for a select committee or a special committee. That comments came the same day that Rep. Nunes (R-CA), the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, told the press that he had seen evidence (after saying he hadn’t a few days earlier) to back up Trump’s wiretapping claims. Nunes made that claim to the press before presenting any evidence to his fellow committee members. He then apologized for it. Needless to say it didn’t go well.
Last Stands. Today, SCOTUS nominee Judge Gorsuch heads into the last day of a four-day hearing. And his welcome won’t be too warm. This morning, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has already called for a filibuster on the vote to confirm Gorsuch.
UNDER THE RADAR
#SaveMedicaid. People with disabilities took to Capitol Hill yesterday to protest Trumpcare’s devastating $880 billion cut to Medicaid. 54 people with disabilities were arrested for asking for health care. With the vote on Trumpcare tonight, it is important to amplify their stories.
Domestic terror. Yesterday, a white nationalist traveled to New York City to “make a statement by attacking black men.” He stabbed Timothy Caughman, who later died of his injuries, with a sword and later turned himself into the police.
TRANSITION TRACKER
Agriculture Nominee. Trump’s much-delayed nominee to head the Department of Agriculture finally had his confirmation hearing in the Senate today. But with 193 million acres of national forest land under his purview, Sonny Perdue has no background whatsoever in forest policy or land management. A new report out today from the Center for American Progress offers a pathway to strengthen rural economies through modernizing the country’s approach to managing America’s vast national forests.
GOOD NEWS
National Puppy Day. With the fate of 24 million people’s health care up for vote tonight, puppy pictures are needed more than ever, so thankfully it’s National Puppy Day. In celebration, an adorable golden retriever puppy named Joe Biden got to meet his namesake, former Vice President Joe Biden. There were puppy kisses and naps on the Rotunda floor. Check it out here.