Welcome to The Hill’s Morning Report. It’s Thursday! Our newsletter gets you up to speed on the most important developments in politics and policy, plus trends to watch. Alexis Simendinger and Al Weaver are the daily co-creators, so find us @asimendinger and @alweaver22 on Twitter and recommend the Morning Report to your friends. CLICK HERE to subscribe!







President Trump Donald John TrumpObama calls on Senate not to fill Ginsburg's vacancy until after election Planned Parenthood: 'The fate of our rights' depends on Ginsburg replacement Progressive group to spend M in ad campaign on Supreme Court vacancy MORE engaged in a “corrupt scheme” last year to leverage U.S. national interests with Ukraine to gain personal political advantage over a rival and then impeded an impeachment inquiry in violation of the Constitution and his oath of office, members of the House told the Senate on Wednesday.

During Democrats’ eight hours of arguments as part of the third Senate impeachment trial in American history, Rep. Adam Schiff Adam Bennett SchiffTop Democrats call for DOJ watchdog to probe Barr over possible 2020 election influence Overnight Defense: Top admiral says 'no condition' where US should conduct nuclear test 'at this time' | Intelligence chief says Congress will get some in-person election security briefings Overnight Defense: House to vote on military justice bill spurred by Vanessa Guillén death | Biden courts veterans after Trump's military controversies MORE (D-Calif.), chairman of the House Intelligence Committee and the prosecution’s lead trial manager, said Trump, leaning on emissaries including lawyer Rudy Giuliani Rudy GiulianiGrand jury adds additional counts against Giuliani associates Lev Parnas and and Igor Fruman Juan Williams: Breaking down the debates Giuliani criticizes NYC leadership: 'They're killing this city' MORE, set up a political “quid pro quo” by pressuring Ukraine’s new government and using U.S. military aid as leverage. When exposed, Schiff said, “the president offered multiple and shifting justifications for obstructing the House’s inquiry, each of them deficient, while his actions and statements powerfully reflect his own consciousness of guilt.”

The former Los Angeles prosecutor (pictured above) spoke for nearly two and a half hours on Wednesday afternoon while summarizing what he called “uncontested” evidence to support two articles of impeachment alleging abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

The seven House prosecutors are expected to fill up to 24 hours stretched over three days to try to persuade two-thirds of the Senate to remove Trump for what they describe as his corrupt motives and “lawless” actions.

The Hill: Democrats present their case to the Senate.

The New York Times: Two legal teams with contrasting strategies target a key audience (the public).

Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer Chuck SchumerPelosi orders Capitol flags at half-staff to honor Ginsburg Ginsburg in statement before her death said she wished not to be replaced until next president is sworn in Democrats call for NRA Foundation to be prohibited from receiving donations from federal employees MORE (D-N.Y.) told reporters on Wednesday that he hoped Schiff’s “tour de force” presentation, coupled with public opinion, might encourage enough Senate Republicans to join Democrats in seeking witnesses and documents blocked by Trump and the White House since September. “We’ll see,” he said.

If Senate Republicans attempt to short-circuit a debate about calling witnesses after the president’s lawyers present Trump’s defense, Schumer said acquittal would be viewed by many Americans as a partisan cover-up.

“The bottom line is this: The very first thing the American people saw when they tuned into the impeachment trial of President Trump was Republican senators voting against having a fair trial with relevant evidence,” Schumer said (The Hill).

While Schiff made the case for the House managers, Senate Republicans directed their ire at House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler Jerrold (Jerry) Lewis NadlerTop Democrats call for DOJ watchdog to probe Barr over possible 2020 election influence House passes bill to protect pregnant workers House Democrats postpone vote on marijuana decriminalization bill MORE (D-N.Y.) after he accused them of “treacherous” behavior during an emotional speech early Wednesday morning. Senate Republicans said Nadler went too far and undercut the Democrats’ basic aim.

“I can tell you there was open gasping on the Senate floor when Nadler was saying those things,” Sen. Josh Hawley Joshua (Josh) David HawleyRenewed focus on Trump's Supreme Court list after Ginsburg's death What Facebook's planned change to its terms of service means for the Section 230 debate Republican Senators raise concerns over Oracle-TikTok deal MORE (R-Mo.) told reporters. “If the goal was to persuade, they took a huge step back.”

The Hill: Democrats’ impeachment case lands with a thud with GOP — but real audience is voters.

The Washington Post: Senators urge House impeachment managers to tone it down after testy debate.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell Addison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellObama calls on Senate not to fill Ginsburg's vacancy until after election Planned Parenthood: 'The fate of our rights' depends on Ginsburg replacement Progressive group to spend M in ad campaign on Supreme Court vacancy MORE (R-Ky.) wants the shortest trial possible with no witnesses, but he is treading carefully. Some of his GOP colleagues have said they may want to hear from relevant witnesses after senators pose questions to the prosecution and defense teams, working through Chief Justice John Roberts, who presides. McConnell believes he can limit GOP defections on motions to secure new testimony from current or former Trump officials (CNN).

The Hill: Schumer vs. McConnell.

Polling suggests that most Americans are deeply divided along party lines about whether Trump should be removed from office and are dubious they’ll hear anything during the trial to change their minds. The public’s confidence in the Senate to conduct a fair trial of Trump’s actions is limited, though Republicans are more likely than Democrats to say the proceedings will be fair, according to an Associated Press-NORC poll released on Wednesday.

While few in Congress believe Trump will be convicted, there are hints in recent polling that the president’s reputation is not being helped by the swirl of House accusations. Because he’s so indelibly identified with the Republican Party, Trump’s low favorability and job approval numbers are of keen interest to GOP candidates this year.

An astonishing 63 percent of Americans say the president has definitely or probably done things that are illegal, either during his time in office or while he ran for president. Seventy percent say he definitely or probably has done unethical things, according to a large survey conducted this month by the Pew Research Center.

The president’s defense team will soon get equal time to counter the prosecution, perhaps beginning on Saturday. Trump lawyer Jay Sekulow Jay Alan SekulowNow, we need the election monitors Judge denies Trump's request for a stay on subpoena for tax records Judge throws out Trump effort to block subpoena for tax returns MORE (pictured below with White House Counsel Pat Cipollone and attorney Eric Herschmann) said the defense case has been prepared but will incorporate specific rebuttals and detailed challenges depending on the presentations made by House members. The team is expected to raise a constitutional argument that a president cannot be impeached for abuse of power.

It’s unclear if Trump’s attorneys will use the entire 24 hours they have been given. The president has said he wants what Senate Republicans want — a speedy trial.

The Hill: Pivotal trial day may be Wednesday.

Reuters: 72 percent of Americans favor trial witnesses, according to Reuters/IPSOS poll released on Wednesday.

The Hill: Fiery defense of Trump on Day One.

In comments to reporters before returning to Washington from Switzerland, the president said he watched some of the trial on Tuesday between meetings during a global gathering.

“There’s nothing here,” he said of the Democrats’ case. “I got to watch enough. I thought our team did a very good job. But honestly, we have all the material. They don’t have the material.”

The Associated Press: Trump says he’s open to witnesses, but wants to protect national security.







LEADING THE DAY





CAMPAIGNS & POLITICS: Former Vice President Joe Biden Joe BidenSenate Republicans face tough decision on replacing Ginsburg What Senate Republicans have said about election-year Supreme Court vacancies Biden says Ginsburg successor should be picked by candidate who wins on Nov. 3 MORE and Sen. Bernie Sanders Bernie SandersKenosha will be a good bellwether in 2020 Biden's fiscal program: What is the likely market impact? McConnell accuses Democrats of sowing division by 'downplaying progress' on election security MORE (I-Vt.) have started to separate themselves from the rest of the Democratic primary field and are going head-to-head as Iowa and other early voting contests draw closer.

According to multiple recent polls, the two are polling first and second both nationally and in early states and continue to lob attacks at each other as a week and a half stands between them and a potential victory in Iowa. At the national level, three polls showed Biden leading Sanders by 5 to 7 points, while another showed Sanders topping the former vice president by 3 points. In a poll of delegate-rich California, Sanders holds a 4-point advantage.

As Jonathan Easley and Amie Parnes write, Sanders has gone after Biden recently on myriad topics, including his record on race and his past remarks about an openness to cutting entitlement programs as he seeks to win over black voters and older voters who make up Biden’s base.

On occasion, Sanders and his allies have gone too far. The Vermont Independent was forced to apologize after professor Zephyr Teachout, a supporter and surrogate for his campaign, alleged that Biden has a history of corruption. Since then, Biden’s campaign has responded with force as it launched a new attack ad against Sanders, accusing him of lying about Biden’s record on Social Security.

Biden indicated to CBS News’s Ed O’Keefe on Wednesday that Sanders should have withdrawn the attack over Social Security.

"He apologized for saying I was corrupt. He didn't say anything about whether or not I was telling the truth about Social Security," Biden said after a campaign event in Mason City, Iowa.

The Associated Press: 2020 Democratic candidates vow unity, but conflict escalates.

The Wall Street Journal: Sanders aims for positive campaign, but allies don’t always follow.

The Hill: Biden wins Iron Workers union endorsement.

The New York Times: Stuck in the Senate as their 2020 rivals have Iowa to themselves.

The Washington Post: What Pete Buttigieg Pete ButtigiegBipartisan praise pours in after Ginsburg's death Bogeymen of the far left deserve a place in any Biden administration Overnight Defense: Woodward book causes new firestorm | Book says Trump lashed out at generals, told Woodward about secret weapons system | US withdrawing thousands of troops from Iraq MORE learned organizing for Obama in Iowa: “You can reach people.” And wear boots.

> Collins focus: Outside McConnell and Schumer, perhaps no one is under a brighter spotlight than Sen. Susan Collins Susan Margaret CollinsSenate Republicans face tough decision on replacing Ginsburg Democratic senator calls for eliminating filibuster, expanding Supreme Court if GOP fills vacancy What Senate Republicans have said about election-year Supreme Court vacancies MORE (R-Maine) given her standing as the preeminent moderate in the Senate GOP conference and a top target for Democrats on the 2020 map.

The Maine Republican was part of a small group of Republicans who successfully pressured McConnell in a private lunch on Tuesday to change the impeachment trial rules to extend the number of days for both the prosecution and defense teams to make their arguments and to admit evidence from the House investigation.

Collins also was the only GOP senator to break with her party and join Democrats in supporting another rules change offered by Schumer. That and 10 other amendments offered by the Democrats on Tuesday and early Wednesday morning failed, as Julia Manchester and Scott Wong point out.

“Susan always does what’s best for her constituents, and then she explains it really well,” said Sen. Kevin Cramer Kevin John CramerOn Paycheck Protection Program, streamlined forgiveness is key McConnell shores up GOP support for coronavirus package Army Corps urges DOJ to settle case with ND over M DAPL damages MORE (R-N.D.), a Trump ally. “I’m sure it didn’t hurt her any; I’m sure it helped her. She’s a very courageous Republican.”

The Hill: Impeachment trial forces senators to scrap fundraisers.

The Associated Press: Democrats not alone in soliciting votes in Iowa; GOP is, too.

The Texas Tribune: Michael Bloomberg Michael BloombergTop Democratic super PAC launches Florida ad blitz after Bloomberg donation The Hill's 12:30 Report - Presented by Facebook - Latest with the COVID-19 relief bill negotiations The Memo: 2020 is all about winning Florida MORE’s Texas strategy is expensive and unprecedented. Can it work?







IN FOCUS/SHARP TAKES





WHITE HOUSE & ADMINISTRATION: Trump on Wednesday sparked a new controversy when he confirmed that U.S. forces were injured during Iran’s recent missile strikes against U.S. bases in Iraq — injuries he brushed off as “headaches.” He said he believes traumatic brain injuries suffered by military personnel are less serious than loss of limbs and other wounds he has seen in the military (Reuters).

From 11 to 23 percent of U.S. forces deployed since 2000 have suffered a traumatic brain injury, described by the Defense Department as a “signature injury” of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

> Immigration: Trump reconfirmed on Wednesday to reporters that additional countries will be added to the administration’s travel ban, which he noted had cleared the U.S. Supreme Court after lower court challenges. He declined to list the additional countries, saying the policy expansion will be announced “very shortly” (The Hill).

> Trade: The president on Wednesday said talks have begun with the World Trade Organization about reforming the institution, which he has long accused of treating the United States unfairly in its formal trade complaints (Bloomberg News).

> Europe and digital tax: The United States and France reached a broad framework to turn to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development for a plan to help set digital taxes. Talks are to continue today, said France’s finance minister, Bruno Le Maire. The announcement came a day after the two countries appeared to strike a temporary truce over the sensitive issue important to major U.S. tech companies that operate globally (The New York Times).







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





The Senate should reject the Dershowitz argument on Johnson impeachment, by Jonathan Turley, opinion contributor, The Hill. https://bit.ly/2Rkdzwj

Who Will Speak Out Against China? By Tyler Cowen, columnist, Bloomberg View. https://bloom.bg/2ukWglz







WHERE AND WHEN





The House meets for a pro forma session on Friday at 2 p.m.

The Senate convenes today at 1 p.m. to continue the impeachment trial.

The president flies to Doral, Fla., to speak at the Republican National Committee winter meeting at 6 p.m., a gathering held at Trump National Doral Miami. Trump returns to Washington tonight.

Vice President Pence is in Israel. He and second lady Karen Pence Karen Sue PenceThe Hill's 12:30 Report - Presented by Facebook - Biden, Pence elbow bump at NYC Sept. 11 ceremony The Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by National Industries for the Blind - Trump seeks to flip 'Rage' narrative; Dems block COVID-19 bill Pentagon, Trump, Biden to mark 9/11 anniversary MORE join more than 30 heads of state and government to participate in the Fifth World Holocaust Forum at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Remembrance Center in Jerusalem. This evening, Pence meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Benjamin (Bibi) NetanyahuMORE.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Michael (Mike) Richard PompeoHouse panel halts contempt proceedings against Pompeo after documents turned over Outgoing ambassador to China slams Beijing over coronavirus: 'Could have been contained in Wuhan' Hillicon Valley: FBI chief says Russia is trying to interfere in election to undermine Biden | Treasury Dept. sanctions Iranian government-backed hackers MORE is in Bushnell, Fla., where he will speak at 4 p.m. about U.S. foreign policy at the Sumter County Fairgrounds.

You’re invited to The Hill’s Jan. 30 newsmaker event, “A More Perfect Union?” from 8 to 11 a.m. in Washington. Speakers include Reps. Will Hurd William Ballard HurdHillicon Valley: Oracle confirms deal with TikTok to be 'trusted technology provider' | QAnon spreads across globe, shadowing COVID-19 | VA hit by data breach impacting 46,000 veterans House approves bill to secure internet-connected federal devices against cyber threats House Democrats' campaign arm reserves .6M in ads in competitive districts MORE (R-Texas), 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) and Greg Stanton Gregory (Greg) John StantonUS Chamber of Commerce set to endorse 23 House freshman Democrats Arizona lawmaker warns Pence state may end coronavirus testing due to shortage Sanders poised for big Super Tuesday MORE (D-Ariz.). Information is HERE.







ELSEWHERE





➔ Brexit: The United Kingdom is in the final stages of completing its withdrawal from the European Union as the House of Lords abandoned attempts on Wednesday to amend the Brexit bill, the final hurdle in Parliament on Wednesday. The move came after the House of Commons overturned changes to the Brexit bill made a day earlier by the House of Lords. The bill will be codified when it receives royal assent from Queen Elizabeth II, which could happen today (The Associated Press).

➔ Supreme Court: Justices heard oral arguments in Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue on Wednesday, a case focused on a since-disbanded voucher program in Montana that provided tax breaks for donors to scholarships for private schools, including religious schools. The court’s ruling could allow for more public aid in faith-based schools and education, with eyes on Roberts, who is expected to provide the key vote one way or another (Reuters).

➔ State watch: Floridians are breaking out umbrellas, not for rain but for falling iguanas. Cold temperatures in the Sunshine State have temporarily stunned tree-loving iguanas, causing them to plummet from their tropical perches. Prank-loving Floridians, aware of weathercasters’ “Iguana Alerts,” put little costumes on the chilly reptiles, tweeted videos of the prone green bodies and warned residents not to bring the prehistoric-looking creatures indoors, where they swiftly revive and scamper for the exits (The Associated Press).







THE CLOSER





And finally … It’s Thursday, which means it’s time for this week’s Morning Report Quiz!

Attentive to international worries about a possible pandemic, we’re eager for some smart guesses about a deadly new virus confirmed by experts to be in at least five countries. It has killed at least 17 people and sickened hundreds since last month.

Answer these four questions drawn from this week’s headlines and email your responses to asimendinger@thehill.com and/or aweaver@thehill.com, and please add “Quiz” to subject lines. Winners become newsletter stars on Friday.

The microscopic viral organism, which global health officials are closely tracking, causes which type of sickness in humans?

Liver failure Excessive bleeding Pneumonia and respiratory illness Brain damage

How are humans contracting the mysterious new “coronavirus”?

This question remains under study, including air and surface contact transmission Water supplies Direct contact with infected animals Mosquito bites

Where is the reported epicenter of the outbreak of the new virus?

China Congo Brazil Russia

The first U.S. patient diagnosed with this strain of coronavirus was hospitalized in what city?

Los Angeles Miami Everett, Wash. New York











