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The Hill’s 12:30 Report: Judiciary approves new powers for impeachment hearings | Third DNC debate | What to watch | Biden flanked by Sanders, Warren | House GOP retreat in Baltimore | Washington Post Express shuts down | Water found on another planet

NEWS THIS MORNING



It is the saga that doesn’t end. Yes, it goes on and on, my friends:

--> http://bit.ly/2I5twBh



This morning, the House Judiciary Committee voted to broaden the panel’s powers to investigate President Trump Donald John TrumpFederal prosecutor speaks out, says Barr 'has brought shame' on Justice Dept. Former Pence aide: White House staffers discussed Trump refusing to leave office Progressive group buys domain name of Trump's No. 1 Supreme Court pick MORE as Democrats decide whether to pursue impeachment proceedings. http://bit.ly/2I40wKe

What this means: “The move does not launch a formal impeachment process, but marks the first time a Democratic panel has voted on language that explicitly lays out how the party’s ongoing investigations into alleged presidential misconduct could lead to drafting — and eventual votes on — impeachment articles.”

The vote: 24-17 along party lines.

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From 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.): “This committee is engaged in an investigation that will allow us to determine whether to recommend articles of impeachment with respect to President Trump. Some call this process an impeachment inquiry. Some call it an impeachment investigation. There is no legal difference between these terms, and I no longer care to argue about the nomenclature.”

From Rep. Doug Collins Douglas (Doug) Allen CollinsDemocrats ramp up pressure on Lieberman to drop out of Georgia Senate race The Hill's Campaign Report: Biden on Trump: 'He'll leave' l GOP laywers brush off Trump's election remarks l Obama's endorsements GOP, Democrats look to galvanize women with SCOTUS fight MORE (Ga.), the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee: “Democrats followed the yellow brick road, and now they’re fully lost in impeachment Oz. Try as they might, they can’t find their way out of the mess they’ve made because they think words don’t matter.”





It’s Thursday. 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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HAPPENING TONIGHT



The good news: There is only one debate this time. The bad news: The debate is three hours long.:

The 10 top Democratic presidential candidates are debating tonight in Houston, Texas.

What time: 8 – 11 p.m. EDT

How to watch: On ABC News and streaming online. Here’s a livestream link: https://abcn.ws/30d6Ghe

Who is debating tonight: Sen. Amy Klobuchar Amy Klobuchar3 reasons why Biden is misreading the politics of court packing Social media platforms put muscle into National Voter Registration Day Battle lines drawn on precedent in Supreme Court fight MORE (D-Minn.), Sen. Cory Booker Cory Anthony BookerThe movement to reform animal agriculture has reached a tipping point Watchdog confirms State Dept. canceled award for journalist who criticized Trump 3 reasons why Biden is misreading the politics of court packing MORE (D-N.J.), South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg Pete ButtigiegBillionaire who donated to Trump in 2016 donates to Biden The Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by Facebook - GOP closes ranks to fill SCOTUS vacancy by November Buttigieg stands in as Pence for Harris's debate practice MORE (D), Sen. Bernie Sanders Bernie SandersSirota reacts to report of harassment, doxing by Harris supporters Republicans not immune to the malady that hobbled Democrats The Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by Facebook - Republicans lawmakers rebuke Trump on election MORE (I-Vt.), Former Vice President Joe Biden Joe BidenFormer Pence aide: White House staffers discussed Trump refusing to leave office Progressive group buys domain name of Trump's No. 1 Supreme Court pick Bloomberg rolls out M ad buy to boost Biden in Florida MORE, Sen. Elizabeth Warren Elizabeth WarrenOvernight Defense: Appeals court revives House lawsuit against military funding for border wall | Dems push for limits on transferring military gear to police | Lawmakers ask for IG probe into Pentagon's use of COVID-19 funds On The Money: Half of states deplete funds for Trump's 0 unemployment expansion | EU appealing ruling in Apple tax case | House Democrats include more aid for airlines in coronavirus package Warren, Khanna request IG investigation into Pentagon's use of coronavirus funds MORE (D-Mass.), Sen. Kamala Harris Kamala HarrisTexas Democratic official urges Biden to visit state: 'I thought he had his own plane' The Hill's Campaign Report: Biden on Trump: 'He'll leave' l GOP laywers brush off Trump's election remarks l Obama's endorsements A game theorist's advice to President Trump on filling the Supreme Court seat MORE (D-Calif.), Entrepreneur Andrew Yang Andrew YangBiden's latest small business outreach is just ... awful Doctor who allegedly assaulted Evelyn Yang arrested on federal charges The Hill's Campaign Report: Biden weighs in on police shootings | Who's moderating the debates | Trump trails in post-convention polls MORE, Former Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D-Texas) and Former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julián Castro.

^They will stand on stage in this order.

Why only 10 candidates?: Only 10 candidates have met the Democratic National Committee’s requirements for the third debate.

Who did not make the debate stage: Sen. Michael Bennet Michael Farrand BennetOVERNIGHT ENERGY: House Democrats tee up vote on climate-focused energy bill next week | EPA reappoints controversial leader to air quality advisory committee | Coronavirus creates delay in Pentagon research for alternative to 'forever chemicals' Senate Democrats demand White House fire controversial head of public lands agency Next crisis, keep people working and give them raises MORE (D-Colo.), Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Tulsi GabbardRepublicans call on DOJ to investigate Netflix over 'Cuties' film Hispanic Caucus campaign arm endorses slate of non-Hispanic candidates Gabbard says she 'was not invited to participate in any way' in Democratic convention MORE (D-Hawaii), Montana Gov. Steve Bullock Steve BullockCourt removes Pendley from role as public lands chief On The Trail: Making sense of this week's polling tsunami McConnell locks down key GOP votes in Supreme Court fight MORE (D), Former Rep. John Delaney John DelaneyCoronavirus Report: The Hill's Steve Clemons interviews Rep. Rodney Davis Eurasia Group founder Ian Bremmer says Trump right on China but wrong on WHO; CDC issues new guidance for large gatherings The Hill's Coronavirus Report: Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas says country needs to rethink what 'policing' means; US cases surpass 2 million with no end to pandemic in sight MORE (D-Md.), 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), billionaire Tom Steyer Tom SteyerTV ads favored Biden 2-1 in past month Inslee calls Biden climate plan 'perfect for the moment' OVERNIGHT ENERGY: Trump administration finalizes plan to open up Alaska wildlife refuge to drilling | California finalizes fuel efficiency deal with five automakers, undercutting Trump | Democrats use vulnerable GOP senators to get rare win on environment MORE, Rep. Tim Ryan Timothy (Tim) RyanNow's the time to make 'Social Emotional Learning' a national priority Mourners gather outside Supreme Court after passing of Ruth Bader Ginsburg Lincoln Project hits Trump for criticizing Goodyear, 'an American company' MORE (D-Ohio), author Marianne Williamson Marianne WilliamsonMarianne Williamson discusses speaking at People's Party Convention Fewer people watched opening night of Democratic convention compared to 2016 Marianne Williamson: Democratic convention 'like binge watching a Marriott commercial' MORE and Miramar, Fla., Mayor Wayne Messam Wayne Martin MessamKey moments in the 2020 Democratic presidential race so far Wayne Messam suspends Democratic presidential campaign 2020 primary debate guide: Everything you need to know ahead of the November forum MORE (D).

Who is moderating tonight’s debate: ABC News chief anchor George Stephanopoulos George Robert StephanopoulosColbert implores Pelosi to update 'weaponry' in SCOTUS fight: 'Trump has a literal heat ray' Murkowski: Supreme Court nominee should not be taken up before election Cruz says Senate Republicans likely have votes to confirm Trump Supreme Court nominee MORE, “World News Tonight” anchor David Muir, ABC News correspondent Linsey Davis and Univision anchor Jorge Ramos.

More logistics for tonight’s debate from The Hill’s Julia Manchester: http://bit.ly/305JnWT





WHAT WE’RE EXPECTING DURING THE DEBATE:

“Former Vice President Joe Biden will be flanked by progressive heavyweights Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) at the next Democratic debate Thursday in Houston, marking the first time the sharp ideological divide among the top Democratic contenders will be on full display.” http://bit.ly/30bngy3





TIDBIT FROM ANDREW YANG’S CAMPAIGN MANAGER:

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The Daily Beast’s Sam Stein tweeted, “Andrew Yang’s campaign manager just called to tell me that at tomorrow night’s debate, Yang will be doing ‘something no presidential candidate has ever done before in history.’ He declined to go further than that.” http://bit.ly/30gUyMw





IN CONGRESS



It’s all fair in love and war:

Via The Hill’s Alexander Bolton, Democrats are using President Trump’s sinking poll numbers as leverage on the spending debate and gun legislation. http://bit.ly/30ccc3Q

How so on the budget: “Republicans say a budget deal reached before the recess now appears in doubt after Senate Democrats on Tuesday insisted on an amendment to block Trump’s Title X rule, which prohibits funds for health care providers who share information about abortion.”

How so on gun legislation: “Democrats are [also] gearing up to reject a gun violence proposal expected from the White House as soon as Thursday if it falls short of the proposal sponsored in 2013 by Sens. Joe Manchin Joseph (Joe) ManchinThe debate over the filibuster entirely misses the point Trump plans to pick Amy Coney Barrett to replace Ginsburg on court Day before Trump refused to commit to peaceful transition, Aaron Sorkin described how he would write election night MORE (D-W.Va.) and Pat Toomey Patrick (Pat) Joseph ToomeyAppeals court rules NSA's bulk phone data collection illegal Dunford withdraws from consideration to chair coronavirus oversight panel GOP senators push for quick, partial reopening of economy MORE (R-Pa.), which garnered only four Republican votes at the time.”





What’s it gonna be, Liz?:

Via The Hill’s Juliegrace Brufke, Rep. Liz Cheney Elizabeth (Liz) Lynn CheneyGOP lawmakers distance themselves from Trump comments on transfer of power Graham vows GOP will accept election results after Trump comments Liz Cheney promises peaceful transfer of power: 'Fundamental to the survival of our Republic' MORE (R-Wyo.) is under political pressure to make a decision on her political future. http://bit.ly/30bbEer

Her options: Run for an open Senate seat or remain in the House where she could one day be the first female Republican Speaker of the House.

Cheney’s deadline for running for Senate: May 2020, but a number of Republicans say she will make a decision in the next few months so other lawmakers can plan around her.

What Cheney running for Senate could mean for the House: “If Cheney runs for the Senate, she will have to vacate her leadership position, potentially leaving the House GOP without a woman in leadership. Her departure also would cut into the already dwindling number of Republican women in the House, with two incumbents — Reps. Martha Roby Martha Dubina RobyBarry Moore wins Alabama GOP runoff to replace Martha Roby The 14 other key races to watch on Super Tuesday Collins Senate bid sets off game of musical chairs for GOP MORE (R-Ala.) and Susan Brooks Susan Wiant BrooksBipartisan lawmakers call for broadband expansion to eliminate inequities The Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by Facebook - GOP closes ranks to fill SCOTUS vacancy by November The Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by Facebook - Trump, GOP allies prepare for SCOTUS nomination this week MORE (R-Ind.) — having announced their retirement plans earlier this year.”





Tidbit — Cups is reopening soon:

Politico’s Anthony Adragna tweeted that he ran into the owner of Cups. “He said they’ll reopen on Sept. 20.” http://bit.ly/30cOlkx





IN THE WHITE HOUSE



The Trump administration is repealing waterway protections:

Via The Hill’s Miranda Green, “The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Thursday will announce final plans to redefine and thus shrink the waterways that must be protected under the law, a move likely to be swiftly challenged legally by environmentalists.” http://bit.ly/2I6djMd

What will be repealed: The 2015 Obama-era Waters of the United States rule





IN LOCAL NEWS



Today is the last day of the Post Express:

The Washington Post is discontinuing the Express, its free daily commuter newspaper that has published for 16 years. http://bit.ly/30bc6JF

Timing: The announcement was made yesterday and today is the final edition of the Express.

Reasoning: “More and more readers are consuming The Post’s content digitally, and The Post will continue to serve those who commute via Metro with digital products, including its mobile site, apps, newsletters, and podcasts.”

Aw, check out the cover of the last edition today: Here’s a photo: http://bit.ly/30bcaZV





NOTABLE TWEETS:



Well, that’s a ‘snap in a Z formation’ tweet if I’ve ever seen one:

Hyperlink http://bit.ly/2ZNQwPt

ON TAP:





The Senate is in. The House voted this morning.

President Trump is in Washington, D.C., and is heading to Baltimore this evening. Vice President Pence is in Washington, D.C., today.

Today – Sunday: The 2019 House Republican Conference Member Retreat at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel. http://bit.ly/2ZVAB1t

10:30 – 11:30 a.m. EDT: Votes in the House. The House’s full schedule today: http://bit.ly/2ZP0W1j

12:15 p.m. EDT: The Senate voted on two confirmations. The Senate’s full schedule today: http://bit.ly/2ZUqQk2

12:30 p.m. EDT: President Trump has lunch with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Michael (Mike) Richard PompeoWatchdog confirms State Dept. canceled award for journalist who criticized Trump Trump's push for win with Sudan amps up pressure on Congress Putin nominated for Nobel Peace Prize MORE.

1:45 p.m. EDT: The Senate votes on another confirmation. Details: http://bit.ly/2ZUqQk2

5:35 p.m. EDT: President Trump leaves the White House and heads to Baltimore.

6:30 p.m. EDT: President Trump participates in a joint fundraising committee reception at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront.

8:55 p.m. EDT: President Trump gets back to the White House.

Sept. 26: The Hill is hosting “The Future of Mobility Summit” in Washington, D.C. Details and how to RSVP: http://bit.ly/2ZXafvW





WHAT TO WATCH:





7 p.m. EDT: Vice President Pence speaks at Concerned Women for America’s 40th Anniversary Celebration at the Trump International Hotel. Livestream: http://bit.ly/309IIDQ

7:10 p.m. EDT: President Trump speaks at the 2019 House Republican Conference Member Retreat Dinner in Baltimore. Livestream: http://bit.ly/30eXSHD

8 – 11 p.m. EDT: The third Democratic presidential primary debate.





NOW FOR THE FUN STUFF...:





Today is National Chocolate Milkshake Day.





One step closer to finding other life:

Via National Geographic, scientists have discovered a planet outside of our solar system that has water and temperatures that could sustain life. Details: https://on.natgeo.com/2ZZwRMi





And because you made it this far, here’s a dog living his best life: http://bit.ly/2ZRXbIp