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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: House Judiciary launches sweeping Trump probe | Document request sent to over 80 people, organizations | Trump faces potential GOP revolt over border emergency | Dems have votes to send measure blocking emergency to Trump | Hickenlooper enters 2020 race | Trump promises 'A Plus treatment' for tornado victims | How House freshmen are forming cliques | 'The Sandlot' returning as TV show | April the giraffe in labor again

LATEST WITH TRUMP'S NATIONAL EMERGENCY DECLARATION

So much for the 'me' in 'team,' guys...:

Via The Hill's Jordain Carney, "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 is facing a potential revolt among Senate Republicans over his decision to declare a national emergency to construct the U.S.-Mexico border wall." http://bit.ly/2XBSmij

The straw that broke the camel's back: Over the weekend, Sen. Rand Paul Randal (Rand) Howard PaulSecond GOP senator to quarantine after exposure to coronavirus GOP senator to quarantine after coronavirus exposure The Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by National Industries for the Blind - Trump seeks to flip 'Rage' narrative; Dems block COVID-19 bill MORE (R-Ky.) announced that he will oppose President Trump's national emergency declaration.

Why: Paul said he does not support giving the president "extra-constitutional powers." From Paul's Fox News op-ed: "Without question, the president's order for more wall money contradicts the will of Congress and will, in all likelihood, be struck down by the Supreme Court." Read his op-ed: https://fxn.ws/2CdSATZ

What this means for the Senate vote: Democrats now have enough votes to block the national emergency. GOP Sens. Susan Collins Susan Margaret CollinsSenate GOP aims to confirm Trump court pick by Oct. 29: report The Hill's Campaign Report: GOP set to ask SCOTUS to limit mail-in voting Senate GOP sees early Supreme Court vote as political booster shot MORE (Maine), Lisa Murkowski Lisa Ann MurkowskiSenate GOP aims to confirm Trump court pick by Oct. 29: report Senate GOP sees early Supreme Court vote as political booster shot Pence defends Trump's 'obligation' to nominate new Supreme Court justice MORE (Alaska) and Thom Tillis Thomas (Thom) Roland TillisThe Hill's Campaign Report: GOP set to ask SCOTUS to limit mail-in voting OVERNIGHT ENERGY: EPA head questions connection of climate change to natural disasters | Pebble Mine executives eye future expansion in recorded conversations | EPA questions science linking widely used pesticide to brain damage in children Liberal super PAC launches ads targeting vulnerable GOP senators over SCOTUS fight MORE (N.C.) also plan to vote with Democrats, giving them the four votes to send the measure to Trump's desk.

What about the House?: House Democrats already passed the measure.

Yeah, but: Trump will almost certainly veto the measure. Democrats do not have nearly enough votes to override a presidential veto.

Why McConnell can't protect Trump from vetoes: https://cnn.it/2VxgVLr

It's Monday. 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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NEWS THIS MORNING

Hooooo boy:

"Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee unleashed a sprawling probe of President Trump's family, campaign and administration on Monday, that includes more than 80 requests for documents from associates of the president." http://bit.ly/2SDJXr7

What the probes involve: "...the president's inner circle and family, as well as individuals involved in the June 2016 Trump Tower meeting; plans to build a Trump property in Moscow; and a scheme to pay off women to alleged affairs with Trump before the 2016 election."

A quick look at the those involved:

"-55 men

-6 women

-20 business/gov entities" (Via Politico's Kyle Cheney)

The full list:

BREAKING: @HouseJudiciary has sent document requests to the following people and entities related to its investigation into the alleged obstruction of justice, public corruption, and abuses of power by President Trump, his associates, and members of his administration. pic.twitter.com/iizBIqTNwf — Geoff Bennett (@GeoffRBennett) March 4, 2019

Walking off into the sunset:

Via NBC's Julia Ainsleey, former Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker has left the Justice Department. https://nbcnews.to/2tPLSP6

Keep in mind: "Whitaker had been serving as a senior counselor at the Justice Department since Attorney General William Barr was sworn in last month.”

Whitaker's next move: Unclear, but he said he will stay in Washington, D.C.

To channel Christina Aguilera: Move on over. Move on over, baby

Yiiiikes, this music video is SO 1990s --> http://bit.ly/2Eupfoz :

This morning, former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper (D) announced he will seek the Democratic nomination for president. http://bit.ly/2tLCvA4

Watch Hickenlooper's campaign announcement video: http://bit.ly/2XCBc4b

My favorite line: "As a skinny kid with Coke-bottle glasses and a funny last name, I've stood up to my fair share of bullies." Pics of the glasses or it didn't happen, governor! ;)

Hickenlooper's first campaign rally: This Thursday in Denver.

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT JOHN HICKENLOOPER: "Hickenlooper turned his success as a brewery owner into a successful political career, becoming the mayor of Denver and then governor. He is known for his willingness to work across party lines and is considered to be a 'moderate problem-solver.'" More about him: https://abcn.ws/2ExAX1G

Trump to FEMA -- hook them up:

This morning, President Trump said he directed the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to give Alabama "the A Plus treatment" after deadly tornadoes ravaged through the state. http://bit.ly/2SEakNr

Trump tweeted: "FEMA has been told directly by me to give the A Plus treatment to the Great State of Alabama and the wonderful people who have been so devastated by the Tornadoes. @GovIvey, one of the best in our Country, has been so informed. She is working closely with FEMA (and me!)."

BACK STORY: Over the weekend, at least 23 people, including children, were killed by tornadoes in Alabama. From the Lee County coroner: "We had several families that have probably lost everybody in their whole family." https://nyti.ms/2UjagEH

HAPPENING IN CONGRESS

It's election reform week:

Via The Hill's Jordain Carney and Juliegrace Brufke, House Democrats are expected to pass an election reform bill on Wednesday. http://bit.ly/2He1MLd

What the bill would do: It "aims to expand voting rights through provisions including the creation of automatic voter registration, increased election security by pushing back on foreign threats and making Election Day a national holiday for federal workers."

What 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.) calls the bill: McConnell mocked the bill, calling it the "Democrat Politician Protection Act."

WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING IN CONGRESS THIS WEEK:

Emergency declaration: The Senate appears to have enough votes to pass a resolution to block President Trump's emergency declaration to build a border wall. When is the vote?: "The Senate is expected to vote on the measure before lawmakers leave town for a weeklong recess on March 15, but GOP aides predict it's more likely to come up on the floor next week."

Michael Cohen: President Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen will continue testifying this week.

Nominations: "McConnell has teed up votes on three of Trump's circuit court picks, as Republicans fill vacancies on the key appeals bench at a record pace."

Family separation: "The Senate Judiciary Committee is set to hold a hearing on the administration's policy for detaining immigrant families along the U.S.-Mexico border after two children died in U.S. custody."

Context and details for each: http://bit.ly/2He1MLd

Ain't nobody messing with my clique, clique, clique, clique

--> http://bit.ly/2TqSTEF :

Via Politico's Melanie Zanona, Sarah Ferris and Heather Caygle, House freshmen are forming cliques for influence and friendships in Congress. Details: https://politi.co/2SJ1lKS

" 'I had that split-second moment, like, do I choose an office I haven't seen ... or give up on your friends?' [Rep. 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.)] recalled in an interview. Spanberger stuck with the group, solidifying the ties of former CIA agents, Marine Corps vets and a Navy helicopter pilot who have become one of the most visible crews of freshmen roaming the House. They now text every day in a group chat, sit together on the House floor and eat Chinese food while waiting for late-night votes."

GETTING TRACTION

*Cue a collective Gen Z gasp*:

JetBlue is hosting a contest for free flights for a year. How it works: To enter, customers must delete all of their Instagram posts (!), then upload a template from JetBlue as their only post. Details: http://bit.ly/2EJXwBl

Full rules: http://bit.ly/2EJYkpR

NOTABLE TWEETS

We've all been there, kid:

One of the second grade kids at this table was lamenting to @FLOTUS about homework, saying she wished she didn’t have to do it. Listening, Melania answers, “I’m sure everybody wish that. But you have to study.” pic.twitter.com/xmu9n3r6PL — Kate Bennett (@KateBennett_DC) March 4, 2019

ON TAP

The House is out. The Senate meets later today.

11:30 a.m. EST: President Trump met with the 2018 Division I Football Championship Subdivision national champions, the North Dakota State Bison.

12:30 p.m. EST: President Trump has lunch with Vice President Pence.

1:45 p.m. EST: President Trump receives an intelligence briefing.

2:30 p.m. EST: President Trump signs an executive order on "Supporting the Transition of Active Duty Service Members and Military Veterans into the Merchant Marine."

3 p.m. EST: The Senate meets.

4:15 p.m. EST: President Trump speaks at the National Association of Attorneys General. Vice President Pence also attends.

5:30 p.m. EST: The Senate votes.

March 6: The Hill is hosting an event, "Overcoming Obstacles: Patient Access to Innovation." Featured speakers: FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb and Matt Salo, executive director of the National Association of Medicaid Directors. Moderated by: The Hill's Bob Cusack. Details and how to RSVP: http://bit.ly/2tNeVDf

March 7: 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 (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 (D-Va.) and Del. Jenniffer González-Colón (R-Puerto Rico). Moderated by: The Hill's Bob Cusack and Cate Martel. Details and how to RSVP: http://bit.ly/2NEZJkI

WHAT TO WATCH

Thursday: Former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper (D) holds his first campaign rally. Where: Denver.

NOW FOR THE FUN STUFF...

Today is National Pound Cake Day.

You're killing me, Smalls!:

The 1993 film "The Sandlot" is returning as a TV show with the original cast.

What we know about the premise: From writer-director David Mickey Evans: "It takes place in 1984, when they're all like 33 years old and they all have children of their own, and that's all I can tell you." https://on.today.com/2HadczH

Keep in mind about the original film: The 1993 film was set in 1962.

Everyone's favorite giraffe is giving birth again:

Internet star April the giraffe is about the give birth again. http://bit.ly/2VyiSav

How to follow: Here's the livestream -- oh and you can sign up for text alerts (?!) http://bit.ly/2ELOQKQ