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--> A midday take on what's happening in politics and how to have a sense of humor about it.*

*Ha. Haha. Hahah. Sniff. Haha. Sniff. Ha--breaks down crying hysterically.

The Hill's 12:30 Report: Cohen back on Capitol Hill | DHS chief Nielsen defends border emergency | Border emergency vote puts McConnell in tough spot | Prosecutors drop charges against former Rep. Schock | Dems delay vote on anti-Semitism resolution | Progressives defend Omar | House Dem campaign chief pours cold water on 'Medicare for all' | Rep. Dingell hands out 3K Polish doughnuts | National Oreo Day

IN THE WHITE HOUSE

New reporting on the Michael Cohen Michael Dean CohenA huge deal for campaign disclosure: Trump's tax records for Biden's medical records Our Constitution is under attack by Attorney General William Barr Eric Trump says he will comply with New York AG's subpoena only after Election Day MORE payments

Where do I sign?:

Via The New York Times's Peter Baker and Maggie Haberman, "On a busy day at the White House, President Trump Donald John TrumpOmar fires back at Trump over rally remarks: 'This is my country' Pelosi: Trump hurrying to fill SCOTUS seat so he can repeal ObamaCare Trump mocks Biden appearance, mask use ahead of first debate MORE hosted senators to talk about tax cuts, accused a Democratic congresswoman of distorting his condolence call to a soldier's widow and suffered another court defeat for his travel ban targeting Muslim countries."

"And at some point on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017, Mr. Trump took the time to sign a $35,000 check to his lawyer, who had made hush payments to prevent alleged sexual misconduct from being exposed before the 2016 presidential election. It was one of 11 occasions that Mr. Trump or his trust cut such checks, six of which were provided this week to The New York Times." https://nyti.ms/2J5NHBU

Maggie Haberman then discussed her reporting on CNN:

The New York Times's Maggie Haberman: "What people close to the president said is they are not sure he actually knew what the payments were going toward. That he thought he was getting a legal fee to repay Michael Cohen."

CNN host Alisyn Camerota: "That's absurd, Maggie..."

Haberman shot back: "It's not absurd, I don't agree."

Camerota: "$35,000 and to not know. This is a man who didn't even pay his vendors when they completed work for him. This is somebody who doesn't part with $35,000."

Haberman: "I'm just doing this for a theoretical here, let's say he thought he was reimbursing Michael Cohen for other things that he may not want people to know about. I'm talking specifically about the Stormy Daniels thing. So, no, I disagree that it's absurd."

Watch the back and forth -- it's pretty awkward: Via Mediaite: http://bit.ly/2EOZD6Y

It's Ash Wednesday. I'm Cate Martel with a quick recap of the morning and what's coming up. Send comments, story ideas and events for our radar to cmartel@thehill.com -- and follow along on Twitter @CateMartel and Facebook .

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ON CAPITOL HILL

Michael Cohen is getting to know the Capitol well:

Michael Cohen is back on the Hill today for his return appearance before the House Intel Committee. Note what appear to be a good number of records he is wheeling in pic.twitter.com/19ZBXtO5Sb — Morgan Chalfant (@mchalfant16) March 6, 2019

Watch: http://bit.ly/2Tk30vQ

Keep in mind: Michael Cohen was supposed to report for prison today. His sentence has been postponed until May 6.

Rep. Omar is forming her squad:

Via The Hill's Cristina Marcos, progressives are running to the defense of Rep. Ilhan Omar Ilhan OmarOmar fires back at Trump over rally remarks: 'This is my country' Trump attacks Omar for criticizing US: 'How did you do where you came from?' Democrats scramble on COVID-19 relief amid division, Trump surprise MORE (D-Minn.) after her controversial remarks about Israel. http://bit.ly/2SMOOpZ

Who: Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Alexandria Ocasio-CortezHouse passes bill to avert shutdown Trump attacks Omar for criticizing US: 'How did you do where you came from?' The Memo: Dems face balancing act on SCOTUS fight MORE (D-N.Y.) and Rashida Tlaib Rashida Harbi TlaibTrump attacks Omar for criticizing US: 'How did you do where you came from?' George Conway: 'Trump is like a practical joke that got out of hand' Pelosi endorses Kennedy in Massachusetts Senate primary challenge MORE (D-Mich.).

The House will likely vote tomorrow: The House is preparing to pass a resolution to condemn anti-Semitism. The vote was scheduled for today, but House Democratic leaders postponed it. http://bit.ly/2EHKPWH

Keep in mind: The resolution does not mention Omar by name.

Tidbit -- Mardi Gras was in full swing on Capitol Hill:

Via Politico's Sarah Ferris, "Rep. Debbie Dingell Deborah (Debbie) Ann DingellRaces heat up for House leadership posts Michigan Rep. Debbie Dingell easily wins House primary Court orders release of Black Michigan teen who was jailed for missing schoolwork MORE delivered a huuuge spread of Polish doughnuts to the press gallery today for Fat Tuesday, carrying on a tradition started by her husband." http://bit.ly/2EFxE8I

Back story: Her late husband, Rep. John Dingell John DingellRaces heat up for House leadership posts Democrats flubbed opportunity to capitalize on postal delays COVID-19 bill limiting liability would strike the wrong balance MORE (D-Mich.), started handing out paczki over 40 years ago to honor his Polish heritage. How it started: http://bit.ly/2IXe5xX

LATEST WITH THE BORDER EMERGENCY DEBATE

Seeking any and all ideas:

Via The Hill's Jordain Carney, the GOP is struggling to find a unified strategy ahead of next week's floor fight over President Trump's national emergency declaration to build a border wall. http://bit.ly/2Hjd8xq

Where the Republican debate stands: "Republicans are discussing the possibility of alternative measures that would let the caucus lay out its position on border security and offer a counterpoint to a House-passed resolution of disapproval blocking Trump. But instead of bringing Republicans together, they are struggling to agree on what an alternative would look like -- underscoring the deep divisions sparked by Trump's action."

What to expect: http://bit.ly/2Hjd8xq

HOW THE BORDER WALL DEBATE HAS SNOWBALLED IN THE SENATE: It puts Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell Addison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellPelosi: Trump hurrying to fill SCOTUS seat so he can repeal ObamaCare Senate GOP aims to confirm Trump court pick by Oct. 29: report Trump argues full Supreme Court needed to settle potential election disputes MORE (R-Ky.) in a tough spot. The measure is expected to pass the Senate, but McConnell also wants to avoid what could be an embarrassment for Trump. http://bit.ly/2VEQ3sY

Happening this morning -- let's talk it out:

Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen Kirstjen Michele NielsenDHS IG won't investigate after watchdog said Wolf, Cuccinelli appointments violated law Appeals court sides with Trump over drawdown of immigrant protections Democrats smell blood with new DHS whistleblower complaint MORE is testifying about border security before the House Homeland Security Committee.

The highlight: Nielsen defended President Trump's national emergency declaration. From her opening statement: "Although we may disagree on solutions, I hope there can be a consensus that the current system isn't working and that this is an emergency." http://bit.ly/2VIzIDU

On whether the declaration is necessary: "I give [Trump] the operations reality," she said. "Here's what we're facing, here's what we're seeing, here are the facts. By my read of it, it is an emergency." http://bit.ly/2VIzIDU

Livestream: http://bit.ly/2C5XEtg

Liveblog of updates: https://cnn.it/2VHj1Zq

IN OTHER NEWS

Just now — Schock charges dropped:

"Federal prosecutors said Wednesday they would defer prosecuting former Rep. Aaron Schock Aaron Jon SchockFormer GOP Rep. Aaron Schock comes out as gay Now that Aaron Schock is 'out,' he can be a powerful LGBTQ ally Feds formally drop charges against former Rep. Aaron Schock MORE (R-Ill.) in return for an agreement that he repay more than $100,000 in misappropriated funds." http://bit.ly/2C6eesU

Details: "Prosecutors said Schock had agreed to repay $42,000 to the Internal Revenue Service and $68,000 to his campaign account. Instead of facing felony charges, Schock would agree to plead guilty to a misdemeanor count of improperly reporting expenses."

Back story: "He resigned from Congress a month after a Washington Post profile reported that he had decorated his congressional office in the style of the hit show 'Downton Abbey' at taxpayer expense."

Yikes, this is bold:

"Roger Stone Roger Jason StoneThe agony of justice Our Constitution is under attack by Attorney General William Barr Justice IG investigating Stone sentencing: report MORE, an associate of President Trump, admitted in open court that a volunteer had given him two or three photos of [District Judge Amy Berman Jackson] to choose from, and for an Instagram post he picked the one that appeared to show the crosshairs of a rifle scope behind Jackson's head. 'You had a choice?' Jackson asked, incredulous after Stone's admission." Details of the hearing: http://bit.ly/2TBCSvu

I.e.: 'You're doing amazing, sweetie':

Via The Hill's Scott Wong and Mike Lillis, "The House Democrats' new campaign chief on Tuesday poured cold water on the progressive Medicare for All plan, dismissing it as just 'one idea' out there and warning that its estimated $33 trillion price tag was 'a little scary.'" http://bit.ly/2IV7VhG

Rep. Cheri Bustos Cheryl (Cheri) Lea BustosThe Hill's Campaign Report: Biden asks if public can trust vaccine from Trump ahead of Election Day | Oklahoma health officials raised red flags before Trump rally DCCC dropping million on voter education program Clark rolls out endorsements in assistant Speaker race MORE (Ill.), the chairwoman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee told The Hill: "What do we have -- 130 million-something Americans who get their health insurance through their work? The transition from what we have now to Medicare for all, it's just hard to conceive how that would work. You have so many jobs attached to the health care industry."

Back story to the 'you're doing amazing, sweetie' meme: http://bit.ly/2Tt9rfj

NOTABLE TWEETS

This pup is quite fashionable:

A photo from Tilly the pup's Instagram: http://bit.ly/2EQPqai

I have so many questions:

Read the full description -- wow:

Three world leaders gifted Trump photos or portraits of himself in 2017, per State Department pic.twitter.com/xGXje1dWbY — Jordan Fabian (@Jordanfabian) March 6, 2019

Another fun fact: "Three world leaders gifted Trump photos or portraits of himself in 2017, per State Department." Read the descriptions: http://bit.ly/2VHfquq

ON TAP

The House and Senate are in. President Trump and Vice President Pence are in Washington, D.C.

1:15 p.m. EST: The House votes.

2 p.m. EST: President Trump meets with Danny Burch, an American citizen who was held hostage in Yemen. Back story: https://nyti.ms/2TyD1zZ

2:45 p.m. EST: President Trump meets with Rep. Adam Kinzinger Adam Daniel KinzingerFox News reporter defends confirming Atlantic piece despite Trump backlash: 'I feel very confident' GOP lawmaker defends Fox reporter after Trump calls for her firing Lindsey Graham: 'QAnon is bats--- crazy' MORE (R-Ill.).

4 p.m. EST: The Senate votes.

March 12: The House will hold a hearing on the proposed T-Mobile-Sprint merger. The deal has come under criticism from progressives. Details: https://reut.rs/2XH9bbJ

WHAT TO WATCH

This morning: Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen testified on border security before the House Homeland Security Committee. Livestream: https://cs.pn/2SK3LJb

12:15 p.m. EST: Vice President Pence speaks at the Latino Coalition Legislative Summit at the Park Hyatt in Washington, D.C. Livestream: http://bit.ly/2TxXyog

4 p.m. EST: President Trump participates in an American Workforce Policy Advisory Board Meeting. Livestream: http://bit.ly/2IYkt8a

8 a.m. EST Thursday: The Hill is hosting an event, "History Makers: Women & the 116th Congress." Featured speakers: Reps. Veronica Escobar Veronica EscobarHispanic caucus report takes stock of accomplishments with eye toward 2021 Races heat up for House leadership posts Ahead of a coronavirus vaccine, Mexico's drug pricing to have far-reaching impacts on Americans MORE (D-Texas), Virginia Foxx Virginia Ann FoxxHouse passes bill to allow private lawsuits against public schools for discriminatory practices Pelosi huddles with chairmen on surprise billing but deal elusive House fails to override Trump veto of bill blocking DeVos student loan rule MORE (R-N.C.), Deb Haaland Debra HaalandHispanic caucus report takes stock of accomplishments with eye toward 2021 Rep. Robin Kelly enters race for Democratic caucus vice chair OVERNIGHT ENERGY: Democrats push resolution to battle climate change, sluggish economy and racial injustice | Senators reach compromise on greenhouse gas amendment stalling energy bill | Trump courts Florida voters with offshore drilling moratorium MORE (D-N.M.), Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.), Carol Miller Carol Devine MillerPartial disengagement based on democratic characteristics: A new era of US-China economic relations The Hill's Coronavirus Report: CDC predicts US death toll could reach 145,000 by July 11; Premier President Michael Alkire says more resiliency needed in health supply chain Shelley Moore Capito wins Senate primary MORE (R-W.Va.), Mikie Sherrill Rebecca (Mikie) Michelle SherrillHillicon Valley: DOJ indicts Chinese, Malaysian hackers accused of targeting over 100 organizations | GOP senators raise concerns over Oracle-TikTok deal | QAnon awareness jumps in new poll House passes legislation to boost election security research Lawmakers call for bipartisan push to support scientific research MORE (D-N.J.) and Abigail Spanberger Abigail Davis SpanbergerTrump asked Chamber of Commerce to reconsider Democratic endorsements: report Virginians wait up to four hours to cast early voting ballots The Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by The Air Line Pilots Association - Pence lauds Harris as 'experienced debater'; Trump, Biden diverge over debate prep MORE (D-Va.) and Del. Jenniffer González-Colón (R-Puerto Rico). Moderated by: The Hill's Bob Cusack and Cate Martel. Details and livestream: http://bit.ly/2NEZJkI

NOW FOR THE FUN STUFF...

Today is National Oreo Day!