Michigan Dems have a warning for Biden

Presented by American Chemistry Council – Chemistry Creates America Competes: An evening recap of the action on Capitol Hill and preview of the day ahead

Feb 01, 2024 View in browser   By Daniella Diaz and Nicholas Wu Presented by With assists from POLITICO’s Congress team Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Mich.) is among the Democrats begging Joe Biden to pay more heed to the Great Lakes State. | Andrew Harnik/AP Photo MIND THE MITTEN Joe Biden is back in Michigan today for the first time since the Israel-Hamas conflict began on Oct. 7, visiting a state whose sizable Muslim/Arab American community has been dismayed at his handling of the deadly situation in Gaza. Democratic lawmakers from the state say it’s going to take more than one visit to repair the political damage that has been done in a key swing state. “My suggestion has been that he sit down with Arab American leaders in Michigan and hear what they have to say,” Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Mich.) said. “I'm sympathetic to their concerns. I support a cease-fire myself. But I do believe that as the president makes these determinations about U.S. policy regarding Israel and its prosecution of this war, the voices of Arab Americans have to be considered and I hope that they find time, make time to hear from them.” Biden did not meet today with members of that community, whose leaders have openly disagreed with the administration’s stance on the war. He instead visited a sports bar in the Detroit suburbs and later visited a United Auto Workers facility. But just hours before his arrival, in what was widely interpreted as a gesture toward his critics, Biden issued an executive order levying sanctions on Israeli settlers who have been found responsible for violence against Palestinians Biden’s Michigan problem:A January poll conducted by the Michigan-based Glengariff Group found former President Donald Trump beating Biden 47% to 39% among likely voters in the state. The state is close to a must-win for Biden as he seeks a second term. Before Biden visited Thursday, several Arab-American and Muslim leaders refused to meet with Biden campaign manager Julie Chávez Rodríguez when she visited the state last week, Adam and Nicholas noted. Biden was also greeted today, like most of his recent public appearances, by protestors advocating for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Another Democratic lawmaker, Rep. Hillary Scholten, said Biden faces “an impossible situation” right now given the polarized views on the conflict — Michigan is also home to a significant Jewish community — that might not be bridgeable absent a cease-fire. The polling shows “two different sides wanting two very different things right now,” she told Inside Congress. “Ultimately, the goal is to bring peace as quickly as possible.” Union power: As his itinerary demonstrates, Biden is counting on his intervention on workers’ behalf in last year’s auto strike — and his subsequent UAW endorsement — to bolster his support in the state. But Kildee said there are bigger issues he needs to address. “He has been the most significant pro labor president in my lifetime, certainly maybe in history,” he said. “That's noteworthy, but it doesn't erase some of the other challenges that he has.” Another Michigan Democrat said Biden has the retail politics skills to overcome those hurdles. “I'm excited to see him connect with voters and union members and do what Joe Biden does best, which is show his humanity, his compassion and his dedication and love,” said Rep. Haley Stevens. — Daniella Diaz and Nicholas Wu   A message from American Chemistry Council – Chemistry Creates America Competes: President Biden: American chemistry is the backbone of innovation. It's time to address the regulatory overload stifling American chemistry. Chemistry powers our semiconductors, medical devices, and clean energy initiatives. But your administration’s avalanche of regulations is hampering America’s progress and competitiveness. American chemistry is more than an industry; it's our future. The Biden Administration must commit to smarter, growth-oriented regulations before it’s too late - because when chemistry is enabled to create, America competes.   GOOD EVENING! Welcome to Inside Congress, the play-by-play guide to all things Capitol Hill, on this Thursday, Feb. 1, where Andrea Bocelli brought the speaker to tears.  THE MAYORKAS MATH Ahead of an expected vote next week to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, House Republicans have their first definite “no”: retiring Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.). Buck’s opposition isn’t exactly surprising. He’s been a vocal critic of his party’s impeachment push and reiterated earlier this week that he’s unlikely to support it. But his opposition underscores just how narrow of a tightrope Speaker Mike Johnson is navigating with his miniscule majority. He got a little more breathing room on Thursday when Democratic Rep. Brian Higgins resigned effective Friday. Where that leaves Johnson’s math: With full attendance, Johnson could lose up to three of his own members and still squeak the impeachment articles through the House. But it’s not clear Republicans will get all their members back. Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) has been working remotely as he undergoes treatment for blood cancer, though his office previously said he’d return this month. And Rep. Hal Rogers (R-Ky.) has been out as he recovers from a car crash. A spokesperson for his office didn’t immediately respond to a question about whether he will be back next week. Republicans could still have other opponents in their ranks: We’re closely watching Rep. Tom McClintock (R-Calif.), who told us just a couple of weeks ago that he still didn’t see evidence of high crimes or misdemeanors on Mayorkas’ part. We’re also keeping an eye on another handful of on-the-fence Republicans, including Reps. David Joyce (Ohio), Brian Fitzpatrick (Pa.), Dan Newhouse (Wash.) and Patrick McHenry (N.C.). What’s next: Should the House manage to impeach Mayorkas, the saga likely ends there: It’s all but certain he won’t be convicted by the Democratic Senate, where Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) this week declined to say if he would even hold a trial that would result in Mayorkas’ removal from office. — Jordain Carney   GROWING IN THE GOLDEN STATE: POLITICO California is growing, reinforcing our role as the indispensable insider source for reporting on politics, policy and power. From the corridors of power in Sacramento and Los Angeles to the players and innovation hubs in Silicon Valley, we're your go-to for navigating the political landscape across the state. Exclusive scoops, essential daily newsletters, unmatched policy reporting and insights — POLITICO California is your key to unlocking Golden State politics. LEARN MORE.     SEX TAPE CASE CLOSED The Capitol Police said Thursday they’re closing an investigation into a staffer who filmed a sex tape in a Senate hearing room in December “After consulting with federal and local prosecutors, as well as doing a comprehensive investigation and review of possible charges, it was determined that — despite a likely violation of Congressional policy — there is currently no evidence that a crime was committed,” the department said in a statement Thursday. Aidan Maese-Czeropski, who was a legislative aide to Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.), left his position not long after news broke about the incident, and the statement said the person responsible for the tape had exercised his Fifth Amendment right to remain silent. — Nicholas Wu and Daniella Diaz    A message from American Chemistry Council – Chemistry Creates America Competes:   HUDDLE HOTDISH Jordan Peterson was at the Capitol Thursday. Very cool, Juan Ciscomani! We are forever grateful to Sara Jacobs for this. Happy birthday! Jacky Rosen hosted the Super Bowl trophy in her office ahead of the big game in Las Vegas. Ed Markey rolls with Oscar & Ernie & Grover & Cookie & Bird.   A message from American Chemistry Council – Chemistry Creates America Competes: President Biden, America’s priorities depend on chemistry America’s chemical industry is the foundation of semiconductors, medical devices, infrastructure, defense, clean energy and more. But there's a looming threat – ballooning regulatory overload. Over the past two decades, regulations on chemical manufacturing have doubled. This isn't just numbers, it's a reality that hampers policies like the Inflation Reduction Act, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and the Chips and Science Act. The Biden Administration’s current approach is a direct hit to America's innovation and global standing. We need to wake up to the reality that over-regulation stifles growth and production. It's time for the Biden Administration to adopt smarter, growth-oriented regulations. Join us in urging the Biden Administration to stop undercutting national priorities and American competitiveness. American chemistry isn't just an industry -- it's our future. When Chemistry Creates, America Competes.   QUICK LINKS  Inside Kevin McCarthy’s vengeance operation against the Republicans who fired him, from Ally Mutnick and Olivia Beavers Secret Recording: Black Candidate Can’t Win in Texas, from Reese Gorman at The Daily Beast The Senate Gives Itself an A+ on Ethics, from Byron Tau and Haley Byrd Wilt at NOTUS TRANSITIONS  SMI is adding Nick Vance as a director. Vance most recently was a professional staff member for the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee. Tim Monahan is joining Atlas Crossing as SVP of government affairs. He previously was a senior adviser to both Speaker Mike Johnson and Speaker Kevin McCarthy, and is a House Administration and House Appropriations alum.   YOUR GUIDE TO EMPIRE STATE POLITICS: From the newsroom that doesn’t sleep, POLITICO's New York Playbook is the ultimate guide for power players navigating the intricate landscape of Empire State politics. Stay ahead of the curve with the latest and most important stories from Albany, New York City and around the state, with in-depth, original reporting to stay ahead of policy trends and political developments. Subscribe now to keep up with the daily hustle and bustle of NY politics.      TOMORROW IN CONGRESS The House and Senate are out. FRIDAY AROUND THE HILL Crickets. TRIVIA WEDNESDAY’S ANSWER: Noah Krawitz correctly answered that Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-N.J.) can trace his family’s record of public service back to the Continental Congress. His great-great-great-grandfather John Kean represented South Carolina. TODAY’S QUESTION, from Noah: Since 1984, what Cabinet department most frequently sees its secretary being appointed “designated survivor” for the State of the Union (and other presidential addresses to joint sessions of Congress)? The first person to correctly guess gets a mention in the next edition of Inside Congress. Send your answers to insidecongress@politico.com. GET INSIDE CONGRESS emailed to your phone each evening. Follow Daniella on X at @DaniellaMicaela.   Follow us

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