| | | | |  | | By Eli Okun | | | | 
Rep. David Cicilline (D-R.I.) made the surprise announcement that he'd challenge Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) for the role of assistant Democratic leader. | Mariam Zuhaib/AP Photo | House Democrats' leadership elections this week were expected to be free of drama, after Speaker NANCY PELOSI and House Majority Leader STENY HOYER made way for a new generation. And indeed, the unopposed trio of HAKEEM JEFFRIES (N.Y.), KATHERINE CLARK (Mass.) and PETE AGUILAR (Calif.) easily secured their roles as the top three in votes this morning. Jeffries makes history as the country's first Black congressional leader. Backstory from Sarah Ferris and Nick Wu The other piece of the puzzle was House Majority Whip JIM CLYBURN (D-S.C.) remaining in leadership at a slightly lower level, as assistant leader. But Clyburn's decision to hold on to power has rankled some younger Dems. This morning, Rep. DAVID CICILLINE (D-R.I.) made the surprise announcement that he'd challenge Clyburn for the role, arguing for the importance of LGBTQ representation in leadership. He also cited colleagues' desire for "greater coordination and improved communication" from the role. The unexpected competition for the assistant leader position will come to a vote Thursday. Some younger Dems are already telling NBC's Scott Wong they'll vote for Cicilline. Other leadership news: Rep. ABIGAIL SPANBERGER (D-Va.) announced she'll run for battleground leadership representative, which Jonathan Martin notes is interesting because "it suggests a focus on Congress the next two years rather than, say, the 2025 gov race." And could we see an unexpected DCCC chair? Some front-liners are floating the idea of an outsider — perhaps departing Rep. TIM RYAN (D-Ohio), Nick and Sarah report . I'VE BEEN WORKING ON THE RAILROAD — Both chambers and both parties today weighed the bill to impose a railroad labor deal and avoid a strike — and a corollary vote to add stronger paid sick leave provisions to the agreement struck in September. Labor Secretary MARTY WALSH and Transportation Secretary PETE BUTTIGIEG are set to talk to Senate Dems about the issue Thursday, per Burgess Everett . In the end, it wasn't close in the House, which just passed the main bill to impose the labor agreement by a 290-137 vote. House Republicans didn't whip on the legislation, paving the way for a divided vote from their conference: Seventy-nine Republicans voted yes vs. 129 nays. Democrats lost just eight votes from their caucus ( an ideological mixture ). The legislation to expand the deal's paid sick leave passed on a much more partisan vote, 221-207. There were three Republican yes votes and zero Democratic no votes, which could portend a difficult path to reaching 60 in the Senate. Congressional leaders still are signaling confidence that the main bill will head to President JOE BIDEN's desk, but members' opinions this morning were all over the place: Progressives were pushing hard to bolster sick leave from a day to a week. In the upper chamber, Sen. JOE MANCHIN (D-W.Va.) is undecided on sick leave but supports "anything to prevent a strike." Sen. JOHN CORNYN (R-Texas) doesn't think Congress should alter the agreement. BREAKING — "House, Senate negotiators agree to add $45B to Biden's defense budget," our colleagues Connor O'Brien and Lee Hudson scoop: "The deal would set the budget topline of the fiscal 2023 National Defense Authorization Act at $847 billion for national defense, and would go as high as $858 billion when including programs that fall outside of the jurisdiction of the Senate and House Armed Services committees. The level mirrors the increased budget approved by Senate Armed Services in June." FROM THE WHITE HOUSE — Biden spoke today at the White House's historic Tribal Nations Summit, where he and Interior Secretary DEB HAALAND honored the nation's tribes and laid out several new policy moves intended to help and protect them. As Dan Michalski scooped in WaPo , the administration announced it would preserve about 450,000 acres around a sacred Nevada site to be free of development. Biden laid out a $135 million plan to help tribal communities move from locations under risk from climate change ( more on that from the NYT ). He also touted changes to agency tribal consultations. "Respect means we'll defend tribal sovereignty and self-governance and self-determination," Biden vowed. "And respect means being there in person to show it." BULLETIN — "Islamic State says its leader killed, names successor," Reuters Good Wednesday afternoon. Does Cicilline stand any chance at upsetting Clyburn? Send your predictions (and intel) to eokun@politico.com .
| | | | A message from Kroger and Albertsons Companies: Kroger's merger with Albertsons Cos. provides compelling benefits to America's consumers, our associates, and communities by expanding access to fresh, affordable food and establishing a more competitive alternative to large, non-union retailers. Together, we will secure the long-term future of union jobs and continue to invest in supporting our associates. While unionization of the broader retail industry has declined, Kroger is proud to have grown our unionized workforce by more than 100,000 associates since 2012. | | | ALL POLITICS THE GEORGIA RUNOFF — Majority Forward, a Senate Dem leadership-aligned nonprofit, is pushing $11 million into an operation with the America Votes coalition to knock on 4 million doors in the Georgia Senate runoff, WaPo's Sabrina Rodríguez scoops from Atlanta. The turnout effort aims to boost Sen. RAPHAEL WARNOCK during the short campaign. And Senate Majority PAC's affiliated Georgia group is adding another $5.8 million into the campaign. WHERE DEMS STRUGGLED — Black turnout in the midterms seems to have dropped precipitously — with the percentage of Black voters perhaps sinking to its lowest level since 2006, NYT's Nate Cohn reports from the early data. The plunge — one of Democrats' weaker points in the midterms — definitely happened in Georgia and North Carolina, though Cohn writes that it likely wasn't decisive in too many races outside of the Wisconsin Senate campaign. On the flip side, Warnock and CHERI BEASLEY managed to keep things close by doing better with non-Black voters than Dems usually do in their states. BATTLE FOR THE STATES — It's official: GOP Sen. MIKE BRAUN has filed to run for governor of Indiana, Adam Wren scooped . A former business executive who hasn't loved being one of 100 in a slow-moving chamber, Braun will likely set up two competitive primaries — one for governor and one for his current seat. He's been a member of the restive, RICK SCOTT-aligned group challenging MITCH McCONNELL's leadership in the Senate. DEMOCRACY WATCH — The handful of election certification delays or issues in Pennsylvania and Arizona are fewer than election officials had feared, AP's Nicholas Riccardi reports . "The smooth outcome in most of the country is a reflection of the diminished opportunities election conspiracy theorists have to control elections after a number of their candidates were routed in statewide elections." But they still raise fears about repeats — with potentially greater stakes — in 2024. BOOK CLUB — Florida Gov. RON DeSANTIS is writing a new book ahead of a potential 2024 run, Fox News' Paul Steinhauser scooped . "The Courage to Be Free: Florida's Blueprint for America's Revival" will be published Feb. 28 by HarperCollins' Broadside. The autobiography will cover DeSantis' early and personal life as well as his time in office. LET THE DeSANTIS SKEPTICISM BEGIN — The Atlantic's Mark Leibovich has a new piece warning that people who know the Florida governor aren't so certain he can barnstorm a presidential race. "DeSantis, they say, is no thoroughbred political athlete. He can be awkward and plodding. And Trump tends to eviscerate guys like that." Still, despite questions about DeSantis' sometimes robotic interpersonal nature, he maintains certain advantages: "DeSantis works harder than Trump does, and is more disciplined and capable of adapting." 2024 WATCH — Maryland Gov. LARRY HOGAN is meeting with supporters at fundraisers in Baltimore today where he'll discuss his political future, AP's Brian Witte reports . He's expected to pull in north of $1 million. POLICY CORNER BIG WEEK FOR LGBTQ AMERICANS — The FDA is planning to change its blood donation policies to allow gay and bisexual men to participate if they're in monogamous relationships, WSJ's Liz Essley Whyte and Amy Dockser Marcus scooped . For the past seven years, that group of men had to be sexually abstinent before they could donate blood (they were entirely barred from doing so before 2015). The FDA rule, anticipated in the coming months, follows a study earlier this year that examined the efficacy of using an individualized risk assessment before allowing blood donation, like Canada now does. That assessment will be part of the new system, which constitutes a victory for advocates who have long pushed for a change.
| | | | JOIN NEXT WEDNESDAY FOR A POLITICO DISCUSSION ON THE NEW TRAVEL EXPERIENCE : Americans are now traveling in record numbers — but the travel experience has changed drastically in recent years, not always for the better. What lessons can we learn from the pandemic and different responses around the globe? And in the face of a possible recession, what will help the travel industry remain vibrant and deliver jobs? Join POLITICO on Dec. 7 for "The Travel Experience Redefined" to discuss these questions and more. Breakfast and coffee will be provided. REGISTER HERE . | | | | | CONGRESS CLIP AND SAVE — We have the 2023 House schedule , via STEVE SCALISE's office. THE MARRIAGE BILL — The House plans to take up the Senate-passed version of legislation to protect same-sex and interracial marriage rights on Tuesday, per WaPo . Liz Goodwin also has a tick-tock of how the upper chamber got to 60 (plus), as a bipartisan group of senators rallied to gain enough GOP support over several months. Crucial moments included Senate Majority Leader CHUCK SCHUMER delaying the vote until after the election and the Mormon Church praising the bill. MTG MAKES THE STYLE SECTION — "Marjorie Taylor Greene's new reality," by WaPo's Paul Schwartzman: "The MAGA flamethrower is trying to figure out how to become more powerful, even as Trump looks weaker." KNOWING MARIE GLUESENKAMP PEREZ — HuffPost's Daniel Marans profiles the surprise congresswoman-elect from Washington state, an auto repair shop owner, political newcomer and strong advocate for abortion rights. "More than any one policy, Gluesenkamp Perez emphasized her identity as a plaid-wearing working mom intimately acquainted with ordinary people's struggles to pay the bills." She casts herself as eager to work across the aisle, but is still finding her footing a bit as a politician. THE WHITE HOUSE HIT THE ROAD, JOE — Biden will head to Phoenix on Tuesday for another event focused on his economic agenda and manufacturing, the White House announced. More from the Arizona Republic BEYOND THE BELTWAY WHERE MEDICAID EXPANSION STANDS — The lowest-hanging fruit for proponents of red-state Medicaid expansions has been picked — but Kansas and especially North Carolina could be the next frontiers, Megan Messerly reports . Tar Heel Republican state legislators have changed tune and now agree with Democratic Gov. ROY COOPER on expansion, but hammering out the details could be tricky. The change among some Republicans who long fought a key tenet of Obamacare is striking but not wholesale: Kansas legislators are still skeptical, even as advocates push for progress there and in Wyoming. STATE OF THE UNIONS — New Democratic trifectas in Michigan and Minnesota are raising labor unions' hopes for significant legislative changes in the Midwest, Liz Crampton and Eleanor Mueller report . Especially in Michigan, unions are eyeing an ambitious agenda, with repealing a right-to-work law top of the list. But advocates would have to beat back a well-funded corporate lobbying campaign — and keep Democrats' various camps on the same page, as moderates could urge their party to move more slowly. FASCINATING FRONTIER — "Is Spreading Medical Misinformation a Doctor's Free Speech Right?" by NYT's Steven Lee Myers: "Gov. GAVIN NEWSOM signed into law a bill that would punish California doctors for spreading false information about Covid-19 vaccines and treatments … Even before the law, the nation's first of its kind, takes effect on Jan. 1, it faces two legal challenges seeking to declare it an unconstitutional infringement of free speech. … They could also more broadly test what steps — if any — the government can take to combat the scourge of misinformation and disinformation, even in cases where it affects personal and public health." MEDIAWATCH A BLOW FOR CNN — The network has begun a round of layoffs, Puck's Dylan Byers scooped . CHRIS LICHT told employees in a memo that the pink slips would "largely" go to "paid contributors." Byers reports that hundreds of people are expected to be shown the door. SAD NEWS — Semafor's @maxwelltani : "WaPo exec editor SALLY BUZBEE emailed staff today saying the paper is ending its Sunday print magazine. Last issue will publish on Christmas."
| | | | LISTEN TO POLITICO'S ENERGY PODCAST: Check out our daily five-minute brief on the latest energy and environmental politics and policy news. Don't miss out on the must-know stories, candid insights, and analysis from POLITICO's energy team. Listen today . | | | | | PLAYBOOKERS IN MEMORIAM — "Jiang Zemin, Leader Who Presided Over China's Economic Rise, Dies at 96," by WSJ's Chun Han Wong: "Picked by then-paramount leader Deng Xiaoping to helm the party after the deadly crackdown on the Tiananmen Square protests, Mr. Jiang helped shore up an authoritarian system shaken by the 1989 pro-democracy movement and presided over China's economic rise heading into the 21st century." — "Melody Miller, Trusted Aide to the Kennedys, Dies at 77," by NYT's Clay Risen: "Ms. Miller, who was found dead on Nov. 8 at her home in Washington, spent her entire career working for the Kennedys, becoming an unofficial member of America's most storied political clan." OUT AND ABOUT — The Daily Caller News Foundation hosted its 2022 gala Tuesday night at the Mayflower Hotel. The event included remarks by DCNF president Adele Malpass, and was emceed by Neil Patel. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) was presented with the Courage Under Fire award, while Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin received the Man of the Year award. SPOTTED: Sens. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Reps. Kelly Armstrong (R-N.D.), Dan Bishop (R-N.C.), Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.), Ken Buck (R-Colo.), Ben Cline (R-Va.), Michael Cloud (R-Texas), Andrew Clyde (R-Ga.), Warren Davidson (R-Ohio), Beth Van Duyne (R-Texas), Louie Gohmert (R-Texas), Bob Good (R-Va.), Ralph Norman (R-S.C.), Gary Palmer (R-Ala.), María Elvira Salazar (R-Ala.), Greg Steube (R-Fla.), Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y), Randy Weber (R-Texas) and Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.), and Rep.-elect Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.). — SPOTTED at a party for Ed Goeas and Celinda Lake's new book, "A Question of Respect" ( $18.95 ), hosted by Brian Baker at the Ricketts family residence on Capitol Hill on Tuesday night: Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.), Mo Elleithee, Tara Palmeri, Jonathan Swan, Carl Hulse, Joe Pounder, Olivia Perez-Cubas, Meridith McGraw, Alex Isenstadt, Tim Cullen, Josh Dawsey, Michael Abboud, Katie Reynolds, Lynn Sweet, Amanda Hunter, Mark Neuman, Danny Diaz, Ory Rinat and Michael Ahrens. — Adrienne Arsht hosted a party at her residence in Chevy Chase, Md., on Tuesday night for former British Ambassador Peter Westmacott and his wife Susie Nemazee. SPOTTED: Sens. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Lisa Monaco, Sharon Rockfeller, Michael Chertoff, Sylvia Burwell, Sam Feist, Charles Roxburgh, David Sanger, Mary Jordan, Kevin Sullivan and Dan Balz. — SPOTTED at dinner at Cafe Milano on Tuesday night raising money and awareness for Wesley Clark's nonpartisan Civility Leadership Institute: Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Reps. French Hill (R-Ark.) and Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.), Trent Lott and Rodney Slater. TREASURY DEPARTURE LOUNGE — David Lipton is stepping down from his current role as international affairs counselor to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, per the NYT . TRANSITIONS — Arkansas Gov.-elect Sarah Huckabee Sanders has added Judd Deere and Kelly Eichler as deputy chiefs of staff, Andrew "Vu" Ritchie as chief legal counsel and Jordan Power as director of public affairs. … Hannah Schanzer is now development project manager at EDP Renewables. She previously was a special assistant for DOE. … … Camille Gallo is now director of comms at the Plastics Industry Association. She previously was deputy director of media affairs and strategic comms at the NRCC. … Kelsey Cooper is now deputy chief of staff for Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.). She previously was comms director. Corrections: Tuesday's Playbook PM misstated the administration for which Benjamin Tomchik once worked. He worked in the Bush White House. It also misspelled Pete Buttigieg's name.
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