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 Jonathan Easley and Alexis Simendinger ( CLICK HERE to subscribe! ). On Twitter, you can find us at @joneasley and @asimendinger.

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That didn’t take long.

Two months into their majority in the House, tensions within the diverse Democratic caucus have spilled into the open, dividing the party along generational, racial and ideological lines.

After weeks of enjoying positive press coverage about her grip on the party, Speaker Nancy Pelosi Nancy PelosiPelosi: Trump hurrying to fill SCOTUS seat so he can repeal ObamaCare House lawmakers reach deal to avert shutdown Centrist Democrats 'strongly considering' discharge petition on GOP PPP bill MORE (D-Calif.) is suddenly struggling to keep a young band of rebels in line. Freshman 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.), 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.) 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.) figure to be a thorn in the side of leadership going forward.

Ocasio-Cortez has a massive following on social media and has irked her centrist colleagues for her propensity to publicly battle those who don’t share her leftist leanings.

Tlaib joined a rally to impeach 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 on Wednesday and will introduce her own articles of impeachment later this month, despite Pelosi’s eagerness to keep a lid on the impeachment chatter.

And Omar, who was born in Somalia and is one of the few Muslim lawmakers in Congress, is accused of using anti-Semitic tropes to make the case that U.S. foreign policy is too beholden to Israel.

The Hill : New cracks emerge in Dem unity.

The Hill : Dem frustrations boil over on both sides.

Omar has been publicly reprimanded by Democratic leaders, who planned a floor vote on a general resolution rebuking anti-Semitism.

Democrats were not counting on full-scale revolt from the left wing of the party, which feels Omar has been unfairly singled out.

Ocasio-Cortez and Tlaib have rallied behind Omar, and the Congressional Black Caucus’s defense of the Minnesota Democrat has added a racial component to the intra-party divisions.

Democrats scrambled to water-down any anti-Semitism resolution by adding language to rebuke all forms of racism and bigotry. But the liberal rebellion took on a life of its own and the vote, scheduled for today, has been postponed.

The Hill : Dems under fire put brakes on Omar resolution.

The New York Times : “We have to get past all of this, and quickly,” Rep. Jamie Raskin Jamin (Jamie) Ben RaskinShakespeare Theatre Company goes virtual for 'Will on the Hill...or Won't They?' Trump payroll-tax deferral for federal workers sparks backlash Congress must enact a plan to keep government workers safe MORE (D-Md.) said.

The Democratic divisions pit young lawmakers against old, liberals against centrists and white Jews against black Muslims.

Here is some color from a brutal and embarrassing day of infighting:

> At a Democratic caucus meeting, Pelosi became frustrated and said, “Well if you're not going to listen to me, I’m done talking.” She then dropped the microphone and stormed off ( Politico ).

> Rep. Jan Schakowsky Janice (Jan) Danoff SchakowskyAhead of a coronavirus vaccine, Mexico's drug pricing to have far-reaching impacts on Americans With Biden, advocates sense momentum for lifting abortion funding ban Hillicon Valley: Facebook removed over 22 million posts for hate speech in second quarter | Republicans introduce bill to defend universities against hackers targeting COVID-19 research | Facebook's Sandberg backs Harris as VP pick MORE (D-Ill.) expressed frustration with Ocasio-Cortez’s tweets. “Everyone stop tweeting!” Rep. Juan Vargas Juan C. VargasHispanic Caucus asks for Department of Labor meeting on COVID in meatpacking plants Hispanic Caucus requests meeting with private detention center CEOs Hispanic Caucus asks Trump to rescind invitation to Mexican president MORE (D-Calif.), the subject of one Ocasio-Cortez tweet, said Ocasio-Cortez “could have come down the hall and asked me what my opinion is” ( The Washington Post ).

> The fight reached new heights when some lawmakers, such as Sen. Kamala Harris Kamala HarrisButtigieg stands in as Pence for Harris's debate practice First presidential debate to cover coronavirus, Supreme Court Harris joins women's voter mobilization event also featuring Pelosi, Gloria Steinem, Jane Fonda MORE (D-Calif.), warned that Omar’s critics were putting her safety at risk. Members of the Congressional Black Caucus shielded Omar from reporters after a meeting on Wednesday.

Perspectives and Analysis

“I think it's inappropriate to just focus on one person. I absolutely do.” — Rep. Karen Bass Karen Ruth BassPatients are dying unnecessarily from organ donation policy failures Hispanic caucus report takes stock of accomplishments with eye toward 2021 Bogeymen of the far left deserve a place in any Biden administration MORE (D-Calif.), chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus.

“I disagree with what [Omar] said. And I think there should be an apology.” — Rep. Colin Allred (D-Texas), a freshman who represents a swing district.

Noah Rothman : The anti-Semitism monster Democrats can no longer control.

Glenn Greenwald : House Dem effort to rebuke Omar is a total fraud.

Batya Ungar-Sargon : The left is making Jews choose between ourselves and our progressive values.





LEADING THE DAY





CONGRESS: In the GOP-controlled Senate, Republicans are anxious to bolster Trump on border security while parting company when it comes to his decision to make an end-run around appropriators for a border wall funded by executive fiat. Trying to accomplish both goals is not going smoothly, becoming the latest distraction for the Senate GOP in what is proving to be a distracting year ( The Hill ).

Vice President Pence, issuing a second warning to senators in as many days, said, “A vote against the president’s emergency declaration is a vote against border security. A vote against the president’s emergency declaration is a vote to deny the real humanitarian and security crisis at our southern border.”

The president also turned up the heat.

Meanwhile, lawmakers dissected Trump’s immigration policies on Wednesday during a rollicking hearing that gave Republicans an opening to back the president’s belief that conditions at the southern border are an emergency, while Democrats asserted that Trump’s policies have made border conditions worse.

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 defended the president’s declaration that conditions are a national security emergency ( The Hill ).

Testy exchanges between Nielsen and members of the House Homeland Security Committee included differences over barriers, asylum laws and separation of migrant children from their parents and families ( The Hill )

Across the Capitol in the Senate, Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley Charles (Chuck) Ernest GrassleyCollins says she will vote 'no' on Supreme Court nominee before election The Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by Facebook - Trump, GOP allies prepare for SCOTUS nomination this week Gardner signals support for taking up Supreme Court nominee this year MORE (R-Iowa) and ranking Democrat Sen. Dianne Feinstein Dianne Emiel FeinsteinBiden leads Trump by 12 points among Catholic voters: poll Names to watch as Trump picks Ginsburg replacement on Supreme Court McConnell says Trump nominee to replace Ginsburg will get Senate vote MORE (Calif.) sent a letter to the administration seeking an investigation of public allegations of sexual abuse of minor migrants held in the custody of the Department of Health and Human Services ( The Hill ).

At the same time, freshman Sen. Martha McSally Martha Elizabeth McSallyTumultuous court battle upends fight for Senate Grassley, Ernst pledge to 'evaluate' Trump's Supreme Court nominee The Hill's Campaign Report: Biden goes on offense MORE (R-Ariz.) surprised her colleagues and created news headlines on Wednesday with an emotional speech saying she was raped by a military superior while serving in the Air Force.

“I am also a military sexual assault survivor,” McSally said during a Senate Armed Services subcommittee hearing about sexual assault in the military. She is a former colonel and served in the Air Force from 1988 to 2010. Because of her fear of reprisals, she said she never reported the rape to authorities ( The Hill ).

On Wednesday, the senator taped an interview with Norah O’Donnell, to be broadcast today on “CBS This Morning.”

Last year, she disclosed that a high school track coach pressured her into unwanted sex when she was 17 ( The Washington Post ).

McSally, who faces Arizona voters in 2020 in a bid to keep her appointed Senate seat, disclosed a few weeks ago that she returned or dispatched to charity campaign donations she received from supporters who subsequently became publicly embroiled in sexual misconduct and sexual assault allegations ( The Washington Post ).

Retired astronaut Mark Kelly last month launched a campaign as a Democrat to defeat McSally ( Arizona Republic ).

> In the House on Wednesday, Democrats continue their investigatory zeal aimed at the president on all fronts.

Trump’s tax returns? House Democrats appear closer to making a formal request to the Treasury Department for the president’s filings ( The Hill ).

Trump’s business practices and associates? The House Intelligence Committee met on Wednesday for the fourth time with former New York “fixer” 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.

He reportedly produced documents to bolster his assertion that Trump lawyers conferred with him to create erroneous earlier testimony designed to protect the president. But contrary to his testimony a week ago, it now appears Cohen directed his attorney at the time last spring to inquire about a possible presidential pardon with Trump’s lawyers ( The Wall Street Journal ).

Cohen will report in May to federal prison to serve a three-year sentence on criminal counts that include lying to Congress ( The New York Times ).

Lobbying: K Street ramped up its opposition to an ethics reform bill at the center of the House Democrats’ agenda. Any House-passed measure cannot clear the GOP-controlled Senate, but lobbyists want to scuttle changes they perceive as threats to the advocacy business ( The Hill ). … At a white-collar crime conference in New Orleans on Wednesday, Justice Department officials unveiled more energetic pursuit of foreign influence operations with the appointment of a prosecutor to go after unregistered foreign agents. That prosecutor? Brandon Van Grack, who worked until recently on special counsel Mueller's team ( CNN ).





IN FOCUS/SHARP TAKES





POLITICS: Former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper (D) will formally launch his presidential campaign today from Denver, replete with a music performance from local folk artist Nathaniel Rateliff and a “who’s who” of Colorado bigwigs, including Denver Mayor Michael Hancock.

Hickenlooper will have a tough time breaking through in the crowded Democratic field, but he raised an eye-popping $1 million in the 48 hours since announcing his plans to enter the race, making him one of only four candidates to reach that benchmark so quickly.

In a Wednesday interview in Denver, Hickenlooper laid out his strategy, telling KDVR that if he doesn’t win the Iowa caucuses and finish in the top two in New Hampshire, it could mean the end of his campaign.

Meanwhile, former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz, who is running as an independent, is staffing up with aides and consultants from both parties. Democrats were already angry with Schultz for running, fearing that he’ll play spoiler and help get Trump reelected. Now Republicans are angry that some GOP operatives would join a campaign for a man who is looking to oust Trump. One thing is certain: the new Schultz hires are being well compensated ( The Hill ).

Finally, former President Obama’s 2012 campaign manager, Jim Messina, gave an insightful interview to Bloomberg Radio on Wednesday about the Democratic primary.

A few takeaways…



> It’s still about the economy. Messina said the majority of presidential elections in the modern era have been won on that issue and that if Trump is seen as steering a strong economy, it could very well get him reelected.

> The Democratic presidential field may reach 20 candidates, but Messina said the party shouldn’t fret about a potentially chaotic primary. He said Democrats should instead celebrate their deepest and most diverse field ever.

> Ignore the chatter about what “lane” a candidate occupies. The nominee will be the candidate who builds the broadest coalition of support and makes the most persuasive argument on the economy.

> Expect the field to narrow by the fall of this year, long before the first primary ballots are cast.

> Former Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D-Texas) and former Vice President Joe Biden Joe BidenOmar fires back at Trump over rally remarks: 'This is my country' Trump mocks Biden appearance, mask use ahead of first debate Trump attacks Omar for criticizing US: 'How did you do where you came from?' MORE are under no pressure to get into the race at this point. As fundraising juggernauts, they can take their time before entering the race.

“Democrats believe they made a mistake in 2016 by all jumping on the Hillary bandwagon too early, and not having her go through a really tough primary to get ready for a general election. So, I think people are going to wait and see who’s out there, and see who performs in the early debates. And I think that’s really healthy. What we don’t need is an ugly Democratic primary where everyone is smashing one another in March of the off year. We ought to take some time and let the candidates make their decisions and then get into the fall and get ready for Iowa and New Hampshire.” — Messina

More from campaigns and politics … The Democratic National Committee will not allow Fox News to host a presidential primary debate ( The Hill ) … Trump responded by threatening to block networks from hosting debates ( The Hill ).





The Morning Report is created by journalists Jonathan Easley & Alexis Simendinger. We want to hear from you! @ jeasley@thehill.com and @ asimendinger@thehill.com . We invite you to share The Hill’s reporting and newsletters, and encourage others to SUBSCRIBE !





OPINION





It’s not about collusion; it’s about obstruction and impeachment, by Andrew McCarthy, opinion contributor, The Hill. http://bit.ly/2NQaUqM

Trump should not underestimate House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler Jerrold (Jerry) Lewis NadlerSchumer: '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 House passes bill to protect pregnant workers MORE (D-N.Y.), by former Rep. Steve Israel Steven (Steve) J. IsraelThe Hill's Morning Report - Presented by Facebook - Trump, Biden intensify battleground focus as 2020 race tightens Biden allies express confidence as convention begins The Hill's Campaign Report: Biden closes in on vice presidential pick MORE (D-N.Y.), opinion contributor, The Hill. http://bit.ly/2TjlpZJ

WHERE AND WHEN





The House meets at 10 a.m. Pelosi will hold a press conference at 10:45 a.m.

The Senate meets at 9:30 a.m. and resumes consideration of the nomination of Eric E. Murphy to be a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit.

The president meets with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin Steven Terner MnuchinOn The Money: Powell, Mnuchin stress limits of emergency loans | House seeks to salvage vote on spending bill | Economists tell lawmakers: Kill the virus to heal the economy Economists spanning spectrum say recovery depends on containing virus Powell, Mnuchin stress limits of current emergency lending programs MORE at 11 a.m., then has lunch with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Michael (Mike) Richard PompeoOvernight Defense: Pentagon redirects pandemic funding to defense contractors | US planning for full Afghanistan withdrawal by May | Anti-Trump GOP group puts ads in military papers Overnight Defense: House Democrats unveil stopgap spending measure to GOP opposition | Bill includes .6B for new subs | Trump issues Iran sanctions after world shrugs at US action at UN Navalny calls on Russia to return clothes he was wearing when he fell ill MORE. Trump welcomes Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš and his wife, Monika Babišová, to the White House for bilateral meetings scheduled to last an hour. Trump will meet with Defense Acting 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 4 p.m, joined by the vice president. He’ll host a photo opportunity with participants in the 2019 Senate Youth Program in the East Room at 5 p.m. Pence also attends.

Attorney General William Barr and senior law enforcement officials will hold a press conference at the Justice Department at 11 a.m. to announce law enforcement actions tied to elder fraud.

Pompeo hosts the annual International Women of Courage Awards at 10 a.m. at the State Department with guest Melania Trump Melania TrumpMelania Trump: Ginsburg's 'spirit will live on in all she has inspired' The Hill's 12:30 Report - Presented by Facebook - You might want to download TikTok now Warning label added to Trump tweet over potential mail-in voting disinformation MORE.

Economic reports today: U.S. jobless claims at 8:30 a.m.; U.S. labor productivity for the fourth quarter at 8:30 a.m.; U.S. consumer credit for January at 3 p.m.

You’re invited today to The Hill’s History Makers: Women and the 116th Congress, 8-10 a.m., at the Gallup downtown Washington offices. Editor-in-chief Bob Cusack and national political reporter Cate Martel lead the discussion about policy and politics ahead of International Women’s Day joined by freshman and veteran lawmakers, including 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.), 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). RSVP HERE . http://bit.ly/2XapEEW





ELSEWHERE





➔ In the courts: Trump’s former campaign chairman Paul Manafort Paul John ManafortOur Constitution is under attack by Attorney General William Barr Bannon trial date set in alleged border wall scam Conspicuous by their absence from the Republican Convention MORE, 69, is scheduled to be sentenced this afternoon in a Virginia federal court under criminal indictments brought as a result of Mueller’s Russia probe. It’s one of two sentences Manafort faces, and he could spend the rest of his life in prison ( The Hill ). His second court appearance is scheduled next week ( NBC News ) … On Wednesday, a second federal judge blocked a citizenship question from appearing on the 2020 census, ruling that Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross Wilbur Louis RossTrump admin asks Supreme Court to fast-track excluding people in U.S. illegally from census Trump 'very happy' to allow TikTok to operate in US if security concerns resolved TikTok, WeChat to be banned Sunday from US app stores MORE "ignored" federal law when he "insisted upon adding the citizenship question" ( The Hill ).

➔ China: The world’s second-largest economy is contracting, and China’s time as an emerging markets outperformer is ending, analysts say ( CNBC ) … The U.S. trade deficit hit a 10-year high on record imports from China, despite Trump’s tariffs. The trade gap in merchandise is the highest in U.S. history ( Reuters ). The president calls the imbalances in goods and services “unsustainable” ( The Washington Post ).

➔ Political advertising: Google, one of the world’s largest digital-advertising companies, decided to block political advertising on its platforms in Canada ahead of elections in response to new transparency restrictions. The company’s solution attracted criticism ( The Globe and Mail ) … Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg Mark Elliot ZuckerbergHillicon Valley: FBI, DHS warn that foreign hackers will likely spread disinformation around election results | Social media platforms put muscle into National Voter Registration Day | Trump to meet with Republican state officials on tech liability shield Facebook to 'restrict the circulation of content' if chaos results from election: report 2.5 million US users register to vote using Facebook, Instagram, Messenger MORE says the company is moving toward a “privacy-focused communications platform” ( BuzzFeed ).

➔ Cherry blossoms! The National Park Service on Wednesday projected peak viewing opportunities for Washington’s cherry blossoms (weather permitting): April 3-6. Plan accordingly! ( WTOP )





THE CLOSER





And finally … It’s Thursday, which means it’s time for this week’s Morning Report Quiz! Inspired by the World Wide Web’s 30th birthday, we’re eager for some smart guesses about the internet.

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

This month marks three decades since the creation of the World Wide Web, which is widely viewed as having taken its current form back in 1989. Let’s test your knowledge!

Who is credited with inventing the World Wide Web?

This early internet giant became ubiquitous for sending free CDs in the mail to get consumers to download its dial-up service.

Netscape Lycos America Online (AOL) Google

What is the largest internet company in the world based on annual revenue?

Alphabet Inc. (parent to Google) Twitter Facebook Amazon

Before he became famous for his line of electric cars and spaceships, Elon Musk was one of the founders of this pioneering internet company.

PayPal Netflix YouTube eBay





