While the world has been watching the blockbuster story of Donald Trump Jr.’s meeting with a Kremlin-linked lawyer unfold, the Senate has been working behind closed doors to salvage their mess of a health care bill. And it seems like they are far from consensus.
Yesterday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell delayed the start of August recess two weeks, cutting it in half and theoretically giving the Senate until August 14th to pass an ACA repeal bill. Even with the delayed recess McConnell plans to unveil an updated version of the Senate’s Trumpcare plan tomorrow. A preview of the updated bill suggests not much will change, i.e. it will still take health care away from tens of millions of Americans, devastate Medicaid, and cause costs to skyrocket.
The Senate seems poised to do just what the House did when it passed Trumpcare: make some minor tweaks to the bill that will do little to make the cruel and immoral bill less harmful. Prove that it won’t work. Keep resisting Trumpcare.
ACTION OF THE DAY
Trumpcare. We may sound like a broken record, but you all are the reason Trumpcare has failed so far. That’s why we need you to keep up the pressure. Make sure your elected officials are reminded every single day that they should oppose the Senate’s immoral health care bill. Everything you need at TrumpcareToolkit.org.
WHAT’S TRENDING
“High quality person.” After his eldest son published an email chain that shows clear evidence of collusion between Trump advisors and the Russian government, Trump responded by applauding his transparency and calling Donald Trump Jr. a “high quality person.” Senate Republicans, on the other hand, avoided saying anything at all on the matter—something they’ve become pretty practiced at doing.
Disproportionate Impacts. As it stands, the only people who would benefit from Trumpcare are the wealthy few who would see their taxes cut. But some communities—especially rural communities and communities of color—would be hit harder than others by the bill.
Break Ups. A chunk of ice the size of Delaware broke off of Antarctica, resulting in one of the biggest icebergs ever. Scientists haven’t yet determined if the break was caused by climate change, but either way let this be a reminder that climate change is real and its threat serious. Here are simple things you can do individually to help fight climate change. Then, go to IAmStillIn.org to show your commitment to the Paris Agreement.
The FBI. Christopher Wray, Trump’s nominee to replace James Comey as FBI Director is testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee today for his confirmation hearing. Wray was a federal prosecutor in the Bush administration and a criminal defense lawyer. Expect to hear lots of questions about Russia…
UNDER THE RADAR
Nominations. John K. Bush, Trump’s nominee to the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals, has his Senate Judiciary Committee vote tomorrow morning at 9:30am. Bush is an extremist, right-wing blogger with a history of racist, sexist, and homophobic remarks. Senators on both sides of the aisle were dismayed with his rhetoric. And when asked to defend himself, Bush could not give an adequate answer. He is not suited for a lifetime seat on a federal appeals court. Tell your Senators you don’t want these dangerous nominees on our court.
GOOD NEWS
Paris. The fight to maintain the U.S. commitment to the Paris Agreement, despite Trump’s decision to withdraw continues. A group of states, cities, and businesses that have committed to keeping up with the Paris agreement are now teaming up with experts to determine the specifics of their climate commitments. The group will then share their plan with the UN, hoping to signal continued support for the plan.