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

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The Hill's 12:30 Report: Firestorm over Trump's 'go back' comments | Trump says remarks 'not at all racist' | Pelosi plans resolution to condemn comments | Republicans join in criticism of Trump | Trump to end asylum protections for most Central Americans | This week in Congress: Vote to hold officials in contempt over citizenship question | Amazon warehouse workers to strike on Prime Day | Top deals | Best moments from NYC blackout

NEWS THIS MORNING

Most Central American migrants will no longer be eligible for asylum:

The departments of Justice and Homeland Security announced this morning that the Trump administration is ending asylum protections for most Central American immigrants. http://bit.ly/2LmFEkS

The new rule: Migrants who pass through another country before entering the United States will not be eligible to seek asylum when they reach the U.S. border.

Exceptions to the rule: "Under the rule, those who have been the victims of trafficking are granted exceptions. The rule also allows exceptions for migrants passing through countries that have not signed major international refugee treaties and for migrants who have been denied asylum in the countries they traveled through."

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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 explains the move: "The United States is a generous country but is being completely overwhelmed by the burdens associated with apprehending and processing hundreds of thousands of aliens along the southern border," Barr said in a statement.

It's Monday -- can you believe July is already half over? 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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TALK OF THE MORNING

This is what we in the business call "stirring the pot":

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 started a firestorm over the weekend when he tweeted that a group of Democratic congresswomen should "go back" to the countries they came from. Read Trump's original tweets: http://bit.ly/2lwQ8SV

Who the tweet was likely directed toward: Reps. 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.), 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.), 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.) and Ayanna Pressley Ayanna PressleyFauci, Black Lives Matter founders included on Time's 100 Most Influential People list Trump attacks Omar for criticizing US: 'How did you do where you came from?' Pressley applauded on House floor after moving speech on living with alopecia MORE (D-Mass.).

The ironic part: Three of the four were born in the United States -- Ocasio-Cortez was born in New York, Tlaib was born in Detroit and Pressley was born in Cincinnati. Omar was born in Somalia and came to the U.S. as a refugee when she was 12 years old. http://bit.ly/2lvs1nE

I SAID WHAT I MEANT:

Later in the day, President Trump doubled down on his comments about the four Democratic congresswomen. Trump tweeted: "So sad to see the Democrats sticking up for people who speak so badly of our Country and who, in addition, hate Israel with a true and unbridled passion. Whenever confronted, they call their adversaries, including 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, 'RACIST.'" Read Trump's full reaction: http://bit.ly/2lxpXLV

^ Then he *tripled down* this morning: Trump asked when the congresswomen would apologize to the U.S. Trump tweeted: "When will the Radical Left Congresswomen apologize to our Country, the people of Israel and even to the Office of the President, for the foul language they have used, and the terrible things they have said. So many people are angry at them & their horrible & disgusting actions!" http://bit.ly/2JMybs5

JUST NOW — Trump said his tweets are not racist: Via CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, “On the South Lawn, President Trump claims his tweets are not racist. ‘Not at all,’ he told me. ‘If somebody has a problem with our country, if somebody doesn’t want to be in our country, they should leave.’ He didn’t respond when reporters noted the lawmakers are from the U.S.” http://bit.ly/2XPFqnV

REACTIONS:

BREAKING -- PELOSI ANNOUNCES A RESOLUTION TO CONDEMN TRUMP'S COMMENTS: Via Politico's Heather Caygle, Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) just announced a resolution to officially condemn President Trump's comments towards the group of Democratic congresswomen. From Pelosi: "Please join us in supporting a forthcoming resolution sponsored by Congressman Tom Malinowski Thomas (Tom) MalinowskiDCCC reserves new ad buys in competitive districts, adds new members to 'Red to Blue' program The Hill's Morning Report - Presented by Facebook - First lady casts Trump as fighter for the 'forgotten' Hillicon Valley: Lawmakers introduce resolution condemning QAnon | US Cyber Command leader vows to 'defend forward' in protecting nation from cyberattacks MORE, who was born abroad, and Congressman Jamie Raskin Jamin (Jamie) Ben RaskinOVERNIGHT ENERGY: House passes sweeping clean energy bill | Pebble Mine CEO resigns over secretly recorded comments about government officials | Corporations roll out climate goals amid growing pressure to deliver On The Money: House panel pulls Powell into partisan battles | New York considers hiking taxes on the rich | Treasury: Trump's payroll tax deferral won't hurt Social Security House panel pulls Powell into partisan battles over pandemic MORE, along with other Democratic Members." http://bit.ly/2LpbkFV

From AOC: Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) accused Trump of using "language of white supremacists." She also tweeted: "Trump feels comfortable leading the GOP into outright racism, and that should concern all Americans." http://bit.ly/2lwborY

Vice President Pence's chief of staff defended Trump: "I don't think that our president's intent in any way is racist," Marc Short said. http://bit.ly/2lx4P8w

From a foreign-born member of Congress: Rep. Jim Himes James (Jim) Andres HimesMany Democrats want John Bolton's testimony, but Pelosi stays mum SEC's Clayton demurs on firing of Manhattan US attorney he would replace Democrats face tough questions with Bolton MORE (D-Conn.) posted on Instagram: "Unlike the Democratic Congresswomen the President targeted today, I actually am a foreign-born Member of Congress. I was born in Lima, Peru. This picture is of me in 2nd grade in Colombia. But I'm a white male of European descent. He's not going to tell me to 'go back to my county'. His tantrum has nothing to do with birthplace. This country is stronger because of our diversity." Photo of Himes in second grade: http://bit.ly/2SiB73o

From GOP Rep. Andy Harris Andrew (Andy) Peter HarrisCongressman who denounced mask wearing overseeing the trial of a drug to treat COVID-19 Pelosi must go — the House is in dire need of new leadership Ukraine language in GOP platform underscores Trump tensions MORE (Md.): "No they're not, they're obviously not racist," Harris told WBAL's Bryan Nehman about Trump's tweets. http://bit.ly/2JHvxn9

From Democratic presidential candidate Julián Castro: "It's disgusting, it's racist ... everybody knows that the President acts like a white supremacist," Castro told CNN's "New Day." Watch Castro's full reaction: http://bit.ly/2LlA5D5

Republicans on Monday also joined in the criticism. From Rep. Pete Olson Peter (Pete) Graham OlsonShakespeare Theatre Company goes virtual for 'Will on the Hill...or Won't They?' The time for HELP is now: Senate should pass bill to expedite recovery following natural disasters House Democrats reserve airtime for voters of color in Texas MORE (R-Texas): "The Tweet President Trump posted over the weekend about fellow Members of Congress are not reflective of the values of the 1,000,000+ people in Texas 22. We are proud to be the most diverse Congressional district in America. I urge our President immediately disavow his comments." http://bit.ly/2LQ8byB

From Rep. Paul Mitchell Paul MitchellGOP wants more vision, policy from Trump at convention Loomer win creates bigger problem for House GOP Lisa McClain wins Michigan GOP primary in race to replace Rep. Paul Mitchell MORE (R-Mich.): "[President Trump,] we must be better than comments like these. I share the political frustrations with some members of the other party, but these comments are beneath leaders." http://bit.ly/2JH5I6M

Here’s a roundup of more reactions from Republicans: http://bit.ly/2XRpxgO

Some context from The New York Times's Peter Baker: "When it comes to race, Mr. Trump plays with fire like no other president in a century. While others who occupied the White House at times skirted close to or even over the line, finding ways to appeal to the resentments of white Americans with subtle and not-so-subtle appeals, none of them in modern times fanned the flames as overtly, relentlessly and even eagerly as Mr. Trump." https://nyti.ms/2JGI4aw

The New York Times also noted: Trump's tweets "left his own advisers unable or unwilling to defend him. None of six spokespeople for the White House or his campaign initially responded to requests for comment." https://nyti.ms/2lxqVb1

BREAKING — PELOSI ANNOUNCES A RESOLUTION TO CONDEMN TRUMP’S COMMENTS:

Via The Hill’s Cristina Marcos, “Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) just announced a “forthcoming” resolution to condemn President Trump’s comments towards a group of Democratic congresswomen. http://bit.ly/2JJDoAG

From Pelosi’s letter to Democrats: "The House cannot allow the President’s characterization of immigrants to our country to stand. Our Republican colleagues must join us in condemning the President’s xenophobic tweets.”

Who is sponsoring the bill:“Reps. Tom Malinowski(D-N.J.), who was born in Poland, Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), and other Democratic members who were born abroad.”

THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS

The classic cram-everything-in-before-vacation mode:

The citizenship census question fight: House Democrats are voting to hold administration officials in contempt for failing to comply with subpoenas related to the citizenship question on the 2020 census.

Minimum wage: The House is working on a bill to raise the federal minimum wage to $15 by 2024. Keep in mind: The bill would face a tough time in the Republican-controlled Senate. http://bit.ly/2lxkyo5

A 'come to Jesus' meeting: House Democrats have their weekly caucus meeting for the first time since the feud with Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and progressive House members.

Debt ceiling and budget caps: Pelosi is speaking with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin Steven Terner MnuchinOn 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 Vulnerable Democrats tell Pelosi COVID-19 compromise 'essential' Pelosi asks panels to draft new COVID-19 relief measure MORE to continue negotiating budget caps and raising the debt ceiling before Congress leaves for the August recess.

Trump's arms deal with Saudi Arabia: On Wednesday, the House is voting to block President Trump's arms deal with Saudi Arabia. What to expect: A veto fight with the White House.

ObamaCare tax: The House is voting to repeal the "Cadillac tax" on high-cost health plans.

Immigration: "Acting Homeland Security Secretary Kevin McAleenan will testify Wednesday before the House Oversight and Reform Committee on the separation of immigrant families."

Context and details for each, via The Hill's Jordain Carney and Juliegrace Brufke: http://bit.ly/2LnOSNE

Op-ed: http://bit.ly/2XK61Yf

HAPPENING TODAY

Black Friday in July:

Today is Amazon Prime Day!

Here's a list of the best Prime Day deals: Via Tom's Guide: http://bit.ly/2lxcq75

Other retailers have joined in on the fun: Target, Macy's, Walmart and Best Buy have added competing sales today. https://nbcnews.to/2lwsVjK

List of competitors' deals: http://bit.ly/2luPdlV

What a day to picket:

Via The Daily Beast's Blake Montgomery, workers at an Amazon warehouse in Minnesota are striking today to protest their work conditions. http://bit.ly/2lxeufl

From Amazon: "In a statement, a company spokesperson said Amazon did not expect any disruptions in its operations due to the strike. The warehouse in question employs roughly 1,500 people full-time, according to the statement. 'The fact is Amazon offers already what this outside organization is asking for,' the statement read."

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 IS SUPPORTIVE:

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) tweeted, "I fully support Amazon workers' Prime Day strike. Their fight for safe and reliable jobs is another reminder that we must come together to hold big corporations accountable." http://bit.ly/2JO6YoC

NOTABLE TWEETS

*coughs on sip of coffee* -- oh, good morning!:

an internship at the white house will be amazing on your resume. — Monica Lewinsky (@MonicaLewinsky) July 14, 2019

Wow, the sound is incredible:

Power has been restored after a major blackout in New York City over the weekend.

Now this is what turning lemons into lemonade is all about! We can hear singing from the streets below...the entire @carnegiehall choir including conductor are putting on an impromptu concert by singing outside during the blackout! #NYCBlackout #BeautifulSoundsDuringBlackout pic.twitter.com/ll5ocnGYvc — Caryn Ross (@SuperSassyMama) July 14, 2019

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

Trending -- I've never seen New Yorkers patiently listen so well before:

A man started directing traffic during the blackout. This video has 1.6 million views so far.

KUDOS TO THE NYC RESIDENT DIRECTING TRAFFIC DURING THE NYC BLACKOUT WHILE THE COPS ARE TOO BUSY DEALING WITH EMERGENCIES! pic.twitter.com/BsucQ2SNkI — Matlock (@Matlock21045895) July 14, 2019

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

ON TAP

10:30 a.m. EDT: Vice President Pence attended the 3rd Annual Made in America Product Showcase on the South Lawn of the White House.

11:30 a.m. EDT: Vice President Pence participated in a trade roundtable with CEOs.

Noon: The House meets. The House's full schedule today: http://bit.ly/2JF9AoS

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

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

3 p.m. EDT: The Senate meets. The Senate's full schedule today: http://bit.ly/2JVmKyn

5:30 p.m. EDT: The Senate votes to proceed on a nomination.

6:30 p.m. EDT: Votes in the House.

July 24: Former 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 will testify before the House Judiciary and Intelligence committees. Keep in mind: Mueller was scheduled to testify on Wednesday, but that was delayed. http://bit.ly/2JDKoz6

WHAT TO WATCH

11:45 a.m. EDT: President Trump attended the Made in America Product Showcase at the White House. Livestream: http://bit.ly/2LmCH3I

4 p.m. EDT: The House Oversight and Reform Committee is holding a hearing on the alleged Hatch Act violations by White House counselor Kellyanne Conway Kellyanne Elizabeth ConwaySpecial counsel investigating DeVos for potential Hatch Act violation: report George and Kellyanne Conway honor Ginsburg Trump carries on with rally, unaware of Ginsburg's death MORE. Livestream: https://cs.pn/2JBSGY4

6 a.m. EDT Tuesday: 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 will appear on MSNBC's "Morning Joe."

NOW FOR THE FUN STUFF...

Today is National Tapioca Pudding Day.

And to brighten your Monday afternoon, here's a puppy and a baby who are the best of friends: http://bit.ly/2lvQYiO