Welcome to The Hill’s Morning Report. Happy Thursday! Our newsletter gets you up to speed on the most important developments in politics and policy, plus trends to watch. Co-creators are Alexis Simendinger and Al Weaver (CLICK HERE to subscribe!). On Twitter, find us at @asimendinger and @alweaver22.







House Democrats were left shaking their heads on Wednesday after former White House communications director Hope Hicks Hope Charlotte HicksSenate intel leaders said Trump associates may have presented misleading testimony during Russia probe: report Cuomo turned down Trump invitation to participate in April press briefing: report Trump shakes up White House communications team MORE appeared on Capitol Hill, but continued the White House’s ongoing stonewalling by declining to answer most questions during a day-long, closed-door interview before the House Judiciary Committee.

According to Morgan Chalfant and Olivia Beavers, Democrats were fuming after the White House blocked Hicks from answering any questions related to her time in the administration. A White House lawyer accompanying Hicks’ argued that she was immune from testifying on her time in the White House, something lawmakers immediately disputed. Nevertheless, Hicks did not answer White House related questions, including, where her office was in the West Wing, according to lawmakers.

“I’ve been watching obstruction of justice in action,” Rep. Ted Lieu Ted W. LieuThe spin on Woodward's tapes reveals the hypocrisy of Democrats Larry Kudlow defends response to coronavirus: Trump 'led wisely' Lieu on Trump 'playing it down' on coronavirus: 'This is reckless homicide' MORE (D-Calif.) told reporters. “You have their White House serving ‘absolute immunity,’ which is not a thing — it doesn’t exist.”

The move is a blow to Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee who thought they had won a major fight to even get her to comply with a subpoena and appear on Capitol Hill, as she was the first material witness to testify before the panel. The latest move from Hicks continues the stonewalling from the administration, as Attorney General William Barr Bill BarrHillicon Valley: Subpoenas for Facebook, Google and Twitter on the cards | Wray rebuffs mail-in voting conspiracies | Reps. raise mass surveillance concerns Bipartisan representatives demand answers on expired surveillance programs YouTube to battle mail-in voting misinformation with info panel on videos MORE and former White House counsel Don McGahn have both declined to cooperate with subpoenas.

Additionally, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler Jerrold (Jerry) Lewis NadlerDemocrats shoot down talk of expanding Supreme Court Schumer: 'Nothing is off the table' if GOP moves forward with Ginsburg replacement Top Democrats call for DOJ watchdog to probe Barr over possible 2020 election influence MORE (D-N.Y.) has been unable to strike a deal with special counsel Robert Mueller Robert (Bob) MuellerCNN's Toobin warns McCabe is in 'perilous condition' with emboldened Trump CNN anchor rips Trump over Stone while evoking Clinton-Lynch tarmac meeting The Hill's 12:30 Report: New Hampshire fallout MORE for him to appear on Capitol Hill after Mueller said in public remarks that his 448 page report would be his testimony.

Hicks’s lack of testimony also gives more ammo to lawmakers who support opening impeachment proceedings against President Trump Donald John TrumpSteele Dossier sub-source was subject of FBI counterintelligence probe Pelosi slams Trump executive order on pre-existing conditions: It 'isn't worth the paper it's signed on' Trump 'no longer angry' at Romney because of Supreme Court stance MORE. 65 Democrats back opening an impeachment inquiry, a number that continues to grow by the week as Democrats grow more frustrated with the president. However, Speaker Nancy Pelosi Nancy PelosiPelosi slams Trump executive order on pre-existing conditions: It 'isn't worth the paper it's signed on' On The Money: Anxious Democrats push for vote on COVID-19 aid | Pelosi, Mnuchin ready to restart talks | Weekly jobless claims increase | Senate treads close to shutdown deadline Trump signs largely symbolic pre-existing conditions order amid lawsuit MORE (D-Calif.) continues to stand in the way of any effort toward impeachment, including on Wednesday after Hicks blocked and parried Democratic attempts for her testimony.

“I don’t think you should have an inquiry unless you’re ready to impeach,” Pelosi said, according to The Washington Post, adding that you need the Senate GOP to convict also.

Republicans panned the hearing, arguing they learned nothing from Hicks that they hadn’t already learned from Mueller’s report.

Elsewhere on Capitol Hill, congressional leaders, top appropriators and senior White House officials were unable to strike a spending and debt limit deal Wednesday after a meeting in Pelosi’s office earlier in the day, with Democrats laying the blame squarely on presidential interference for the lack of an accord.

"If the House and Senate could work their will without interference from the President, we could come to a good agreement much more quickly,” said Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer Chuck SchumerPelosi slams Trump executive order on pre-existing conditions: It 'isn't worth the paper it's signed on' 3 reasons why Biden is misreading the politics of court packing Cruz blocks amended resolution honoring Ginsburg over language about her dying wish MORE (D-N.Y.) in a joint statement after the meeting.

According to Niv Elis, a senior administration official blamed the Democratic duo for their inability to negotiate on top-line spending numbers and argued the two are “playing press games.”

While lawmakers have time on their side because the new fiscal year does not start until Oct. 1, they are pushing for a deal and to wrap up the issue early. However, there are only 17 days in session before lawmakers leave for the August recess, giving them limited time to negotiate before times get tense if negotiations stretch into September.

House Democrats passed a partisan budget earlier on Wednesday, 226-203, with seven Democrats voting against the legislation. The bill is unlikely to be brought up in the Senate.

Mediaite: NBC News “Meet the Press” moderator Chuck Todd Charles (Chuck) David ToddMurkowski: Supreme Court nominee should not be taken up before election Republican senator says plans to confirm justice before election 'completely consistent with the precedent' Sunday shows - Trump team defends coronavirus response MORE knocked Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Alexandria Ocasio-CortezOn The Money: Anxious Democrats push for vote on COVID-19 aid | Pelosi, Mnuchin ready to restart talks | Weekly jobless claims increase | Senate treads close to shutdown deadline McCarthy says there will be a peaceful transition if Biden wins Anxious Democrats amp up pressure for vote on COVID-19 aid MORE (D-N.Y.) for what he called her “tremendous disservice” after she referred to migrant detention facilities at the U.S. southern border as “concentration camps.” Ocasio-Cortez defended her use of the description and its definition.

The Washington Post: Pelosi warns Democrats that Republicans can exploit their words as controversy continues over Ocasio-Cortez “concentration camp” comments.

ABC News: As Senate appropriators pass $4.6 billion border package, House Dems express “concerns.”

CNN: Sen. Tim Scott Timothy (Tim) Eugene ScottAuthor Ryan Girdusky: RNC worked best when highlighting 'regular people' as opposed to 'standard Republicans' Now is the time to renew our focus on students and their futures GOP lobbyists pleasantly surprised by Republican convention MORE (R-S.C.) supports McConnell on not paying reparations for slavery.







LEADING THE DAY





POLITICS & CAMPAIGNS: Former Vice President Joe Biden Joe BidenPelosi slams Trump executive order on pre-existing conditions: It 'isn't worth the paper it's signed on' Hillicon Valley: Subpoenas for Facebook, Google and Twitter on the cards | Wray rebuffs mail-in voting conspiracies | Reps. raise mass surveillance concerns Fox News poll: Biden ahead of Trump in Nevada, Pennsylvania and Ohio MORE sparked an intra party bonfire Tuesday night when he tried to make a point about his early experience in the Senate working alongside politicians whose opposition to integration and support for segregation he is on record as rejecting.

Biden’s remarks at a New York fundraiser were covered by the news media, turning the former Delaware senator into an instant social media target. By Wednesday, fellow Democratic presidential candidates weighed in, seeing openings to rebuke the current front-runner.

“I was in a caucus with James O. Eastland,” Biden said on Tuesday, speaking of the Mississippi senator, a Democrat. “He never called me ‘boy.’ He always called me ‘son.’ ” The late Sen. Herman Talmadge (D-Ga.) was “one of the meanest guys I ever knew,” Biden added. “Well guess what? At least there was some civility. We got things done,” he continued. “We didn’t agree on much of anything. We got things done. We got it finished. But today, you look at the other side and you’re the enemy. Not the opposition, the enemy. We don't talk to each other anymore.”

Sen. Cory Booker Cory Anthony Booker3 reasons why Biden is misreading the politics of court packing Bipartisan praise pours in after Ginsburg's death DHS opens probe into allegations at Georgia ICE facility MORE (D-N.J.) said he respected Biden but called him “wrong,” while Sen. Bernie Sanders Bernie SandersThe Hill's Campaign Report: Trump faces backlash after not committing to peaceful transition of power Bernie Sanders: 'This is an election between Donald Trump and democracy' The Hill's 12:30 Report: Trump stokes fears over November election outcome MORE (I-Vt.) joined Booker in urging the former vice president to apologize. New York Mayor Bill de Blasio Bill de BlasioOVERNIGHT ENERGY: California seeks to sell only electric cars by 2035 | EPA threatens to close New York City office after Trump threats to 'anarchist' cities | House energy package sparks criticism from left and right EPA threatens to close New York City office after Trump threats to 'anarchist' cities New Year's Eve in Times Square to be largely virtual amid pandemic MORE (D) said it was “past time for apologies or evolution” from Biden. Sen. Elizabeth Warren Elizabeth WarrenHillicon Valley: Subpoenas for Facebook, Google and Twitter on the cards | Wray rebuffs mail-in voting conspiracies | Reps. raise mass surveillance concerns On The Money: Anxious Democrats push for vote on COVID-19 aid | Pelosi, Mnuchin ready to restart talks | Weekly jobless claims increase | Senate treads close to shutdown deadline Democratic senators ask inspector general to investigate IRS use of location tracking service MORE (D-Mass.) said “it’s never OK to celebrate segregationists,” while Sen. Kamala Harris Kamala HarrisHundreds of lawyers from nation's oldest African American sorority join effort to fight voter suppression Biden picks up endorsement from progressive climate group 350 Action 3 reasons why Biden is misreading the politics of court packing MORE (D-Calif.) said Biden’s discussion of Eastland and Talmadge concerned her “deeply” (The Hill).

The former vice president bristled at Booker’s call for an apology, telling a reporter on Wednesday, "Apologize for what? He knows better. There’s not a racist bone in my body. I’ve been involved in civil rights my whole career. Period. Period. Period” (The Hill).

“Vice President Biden shouldn’t need this lesson,” Booker said on CNN as the back-and-forth continued. “This is deeply disappointing.”

Biden campaign spokeswoman Symone Sanders Symone SandersBiden campaign ratchets up courting of Black voters, specifically Black men The Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by The Air Line Pilots Association - Trump, Biden renew push for Latino support Sunday shows - Trump team defends coronavirus response MORE argued on Twitter that the former vice president did not praise segregationists but “basically said sometimes in Congress, one has to work with terrible or downright racist folks to get things done. And then went on to say when you can’t work with them, work around them” (The Hill).

Bottom line: Biden wants to set himself apart from the progressive left of his party in a way that appeals to voters beyond the Democratic base. But he has to clear a primary field first, and his Democratic opponents saw a misstep and pounced. Expect some back-and-forth about segregation, racial reparations and racial discrimination in the justice system during next week’s Democratic debates, to be held in Miami.

The Atlanta-Journal Constitution’s Political Insider: Parsing Biden’s relationship with Southern history.

Stephen Collinson: Biden gets in his own way on race.

SE Cupp: Biden is stuck in the wrong century.

David Leonhardt: Give Joe a break. Talking about compromise is smart.

Elizabeth Bruenig: Why Biden can’t take us back to normal.

Sara Boboltz, Black Voices: Biden fondly recalls segregationist senators from a time of more `civility.’

> Warren is nipping at Sanders’s heels in recent polls of likely Democratic voters, but advisers and allies who back the Vermont senator for the White House say they’re confident his supporters will emerge when the sprawling field of primary candidates begins to winnow, reports Amie Parnes. Sanders took a swipe at Warren on Wednesday.

> Twenty-one Democrats running for president were videotaped answering 18 questions posed by The New York Times. It’s worth taking the time to watch their answers. Biden declined to participate.

> In the wake of his reelection rally on Tuesday night, Trump’s argument for four more years was tinged with grievance and anger about Democratic foes, witch hunts, corruption and deceit. Niall Stanage explores whether incumbent presidents can appeal to voters as outsiders once they lead the very system they pledged to fix.

Perhaps part of the answer emerged on Wednesday morning when the Republican National Committee announced that Trump raised “a record breaking $24.8M in less than 24 hours for his reelection.”

Politico: Trump’s plan for Democratic debates: Make it about him.

> The Cook Political Report’s David Wasserman tweeted a fascinating and detailed 2020 scenario in which Trump could conceivably win reelection by one Electoral College vote but lose the popular vote by as many as 5 million ballots. Read Wasserman’s take HERE.

> House GOP and 2020: Republicans are growing pessimistic about recapturing the House majority next year. Trump's approval ratings in key states put downward pressure on expectations, while the party's 2020 campaign strategy may be heading for the operating room (The Hill). The National Republican Congressional Committee, the campaign arm for House GOP candidates, is the subject of much agitation among conservatives who think Chairman Tom Emmer Thomas (Tom) Earl EmmerHouse Democrats' campaign arm reserves .6M in ads in competitive districts The Hill's Convention Report: Trump to attack Biden at final night of convention | Speech comes amid hurricane, racial justice protests | Biden accuses Trump of 'rooting' for violence Republicans cast Trump as best choice for women MORE (R-Minn.) and his team need to step it up, and quickly. As one disgruntled GOP lawmaker put it, “His team is inept. They have no idea what they’re doing, and their strategy is not putting Republicans in a good position to take back the House.” (The Hill).

> House Democrats and 2020: Democratic primary challengers in House races are poised to challenge incumbents, eager to shrink the ranks of moderate Democrats in Congress. What’s a hot-button litmus test issue among progressives trying to take out moderate incumbents? You guessed it: Impeachment (The Hill).

The Associated Press: Alabama’s Roy Moore Roy Stewart MooreRoy Moore sues Alabama over COVID-19 restrictions Vulnerable Senate Democrat urges unity: 'Not about what side of the aisle we're on' Sessions hits back at Trump days ahead of Alabama Senate runoff MORE to announce U.S. Senate plans today.

The Washington Post: Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions Jefferson (Jeff) Beauregard SessionsRoy Moore sues Alabama over COVID-19 restrictions GOP set to release controversial Biden report Trump's policies on refugees are as simple as ABCs MORE (R) hasn’t ruled out a run for his old Senate seat from Alabama, says Sen. Richard Shelby Richard Craig ShelbySenate to push funding bill vote up against shutdown deadline Senate GOP eyes early exit Dems discussing government funding bill into February MORE (R-Ala.).







IN FOCUS/SHARP TAKES





WHITE HOUSE & ADMINISTRATION: Defense Department: Trump is feeling pressure from members of Congress to quickly nominate a new pick to take over the top job at the Pentagon on a permanent basis. Concerns in Washington about mounting global tensions, deployment of additional U.S. forces to Poland and to the Middle East and Trump’s avowed preference for temporary, “acting” Cabinet secretaries are being heard loud and clear in the West Wing. The Defense Department has not had a confirmed secretary since James Mattis James Norman MattisBiden courts veterans amid fallout from Trump military controversies Trump says he wanted to take out Syria's Assad but Mattis opposed it Gary Cohn: 'I haven't made up my mind' on vote for president in November MORE departed in January following policy differences with Trump. After the abrupt withdrawal on Tuesday of the nomination of former acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan Patrick Michael ShanahanHouse Armed Services chairman expresses confidence in Esper amid aircraft carrier coronavirus crisis Boeing pleads for bailout under weight of coronavirus, 737 fallout Esper's chief of staff to depart at end of January MORE at the Pentagon following disclosure of past domestic violence incidents, senators expressed misgivings about the White House process to vet candidates and share relevant information before confirmation (Bloomberg).

The Associated Press: Iran Revolutionary Guard shoots down U.S. drone amid tensions.

MORNING REPORT EXCLUSIVE: Republican governors have released a joint letter urging Congress to pass the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The letter, addressed to the four leaders on Capitol Hill, is signed by all 27 GOP governors and says it is “critical” for the Congress to act. The note to lawmakers comes less than a day after Mexico became the first of the three countries to ratify the agreement. The president is also scheduled to meet with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Justin Pierre James TrudeauCanada says former ambassador to US violated conflict-of-interest law No new Canadian COVID-19 deaths reported for first time since mid-March Trudeau announces millions for first 'Black Entrepreneurship Program' MORE on Thursday. Trudeau is also expected to hold meetings with Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell Addison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellTrump 'no longer angry' at Romney because of Supreme Court stance On The Money: Anxious Democrats push for vote on COVID-19 aid | Pelosi, Mnuchin ready to restart talks | Weekly jobless claims increase | Senate treads close to shutdown deadline The Hill's Campaign Report: Trump faces backlash after not committing to peaceful transition of power MORE (R-Ky.) to discuss the USMCA. Read the letter HERE.

Federal security clearances: The president’s decision to transfer authority over federal security clearances for employees from the Office of Personnel Management to the Defense Department is behind schedule and disorganized, impacting employees and government programs and projects, according to a new report. Trump ordered the change as a way to strengthen and streamline the process of deciding who is permitted to know U.S. secrets (Reuters).

Immigration and Customs Enforcement: Immigration officials on Wednesday said they want to deport recently arrived families who are in the United States illegally to discourage the surging numbers of Central Americans arriving from Mexico. The message they want Central American migrants to hear: “You will be removed” (Reuters).







The Morning Report is created by journalists Alexis Simendinger and Al Weaver. We want to hear from you! Email: asimendinger@thehill.com and aweaver@thehill.com. We invite you to share The Hill’s reporting and newsletters, and encourage others to SUBSCRIBE!







OPINION





Addressing climate change is a win for Republicans — why not embrace it? by Shane Skelton, opinion contributor, The Hill. https://bit.ly/2XZqwMJ

The 'blue wall' is real; GOP should back national popular vote before it's too late, by Saul Anuzis, opinion contributor, The Hill. https://bit.ly/2KqeZ63







WHERE AND WHEN





Hill.TV’s “Rising” program features Rep. Matt Gaetz Matthew (Matt) GaetzTrump faces tricky choice on Supreme Court pick Florida attorney general scrutinizing Bloomberg paying fines for felons to vote Lara Trump campaigns with far-right activist candidate Laura Loomer in Florida MORE (R-Fla.) talking about news the day at 9 a.m. ET at http://thehill.com/hilltv or on YouTube at 10 a.m. at Rising on YouTube.

The House convenes at 10 a.m. The House Judiciary Committee will hold its second hearing at 10 a.m. focused on the special counsel’s Russia investigation and findings, “Lessons from the Mueller report: Bipartisan Perspectives.” House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy Kevin Owen McCarthyMcCarthy says there will be a peaceful transition if Biden wins GOP lawmakers distance themselves from Trump comments on transfer of power McCarthy claims protests in Louisville, other cities are 'planned, orchestrated events' MORE (R-Calif.) holds a news conference at noon on Capitol Hill.

The Senate meets at 10 a.m.

The president welcomes Prime Minister Trudeau to the White House for bilateral meetings. In a break from recent custom with visiting heads of government, Trump and Trudeau are not scheduled to hold a joint news conference.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Michael (Mike) Richard PompeoPutin nominated for Nobel Peace Prize The Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by Facebook - Trump previews SCOTUS nominee as 'totally brilliant' Pompeo accused of stumping for Trump ahead of election MORE delivers remarks at 9 a.m. at the State Department about findings of the 2019 Trafficking in Persons report.

The Hill invites you to the “Future of Healthcare Summit” June 26 to discuss some of tomorrow’s biggest questions in health care with policymakers, health officials and industry leaders. Speakers include Sen. Bill Cassidy William (Bill) Morgan CassidyCoushatta tribe begins long road to recovery after Hurricane Laura Senators offer disaster tax relief bill Bottom line MORE (R-La.); Dr. Amy Abernethy from the Food and Drug Administration; Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel, who advised the Obama administration during enactment of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; and Steve Papermaster, the CEO of Nano Vision. The event happens at Long View Gallery in Washington, D.C. To RSVP, take a look HERE.







ELSEWHERE





➔ Federal Reserve: The nation’s central bank signaled a readiness to cut interest rates for the first time in a decade, concluding a two-day meeting on Wednesday with a policy statement that attempted to navigate economic “cross-currents,” including slowing global growth and trade tensions with China. Chairman Jerome Powell said the Fed wants to wait for more economic data in order to gauge trends. Responding to a reporter’s question, Powell said that despite public criticism from Trump, he intends to serve out his four-year term (The Hill).

➔ Tech: Facebook is experiencing scrutiny from lawmakers and consumer advocates about its new cryptocurrency project, which is slated to launch next year and could change the world of e-commerce. Facebook's digital currency project, "Libra," which is backed by an array of powerful companies including Mastercard and Uber, is likely to invite regulatory inspection (The Hill). … YouTube is under Federal Trade Commission investigation over allegations it violates privacy with its handling of children’s videos (The Washington Post).

➔ State Watch: People’s emotional support animals are on a tighter leash in various states (The New York Times). … In Kentucky, an unusual feud between Gov. Matt Bevin (R) and his own lieutenant governor is throwing the state into political turmoil. Lt. Gov. Jenean Hampton says she is battling “dark forces” in Bevin’s administration (The Hill).

➔ Congressional spouses: Here’s an interesting, head-shaking read for the morning. The influx of women serving in Congress has given the spouses club a makeover (The Wall Street Journal).







THE CLOSER





And finally … It’s Thursday, which means it’s time for this week’s Morning Report Quiz! Inspired by the Friday release of “Toy Story 4” in theaters, we’re eager for some smart guesses about the famed Disney-Pixar series.

Email your responses to asimendinger@thehill.com and/or aweaver@thehill.com, and please add “Quiz” to subject lines. Winners who submit correct answers will enjoy some richly deserved newsletter fame on Friday.

In which year was the original “Toy Story” movie released in theaters?

1994 1995 1996 1997

Which longtime comedian voiced Mr. Potato Head before his death in 2017?

Rodney Dangerfield Robin Williams Don Rickles Bob Einstein

Who is Buzz Lightyear’s archenemy?

Stinky Pete Emperor Zurg Bullseye Evil Dr. Porkchop

Who is Sheriff Woody’s love interest, reappearing in “Toy Story 4” after omission in the third installment?

Barbie Bo Peep Jessie Trixie











