The Congress Issue

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) talks to the media outside the Senate chamber before voting at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, on March. 3, 2025.

After nearly three decades on Capitol Hill, Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) reached the apex of his career as the new Senate majority leader and head of the Republican caucus. But he’s also reached a personal crossroads — and how he navigates it will determine his legacy and the future of the American experiment.

There’s no question that Thune is a conservative who supports President Donald Trump’s agenda, despite his previous opposition to Trump becoming the GOP nominee. But temperamentally, he’d seem to be at odds with Trump’s aggressive, norm-breaking approach to the presidency.

“In a move-fast-and-break-things era of anti-government ardor, he’s virtually a public-sector lifer, an easy-does-it institutionalist,” writes Michael Kruse in this week’s Friday Read. “The subject of nary a scandal and scant few lengthy profiles for somebody of his stature, John Randolph Thune — by upbringing, experience and disposition — is the utter antithesis of Donald John Trump.”

The question for Thune is whether he wants to be remembered as the man who tolerated Trump’s worst excesses in service of his political project, or as the institutionalist who drew a line in the sand. And so far — to the delight of MAGA skeptics and the chagrin of Democrats and anti-Trump Republicans who respect Thune — he’s choosing the first path.

“I would hope there’s a little inner turmoil,” said longtime John McCain adviser Mark Salter. “You are watching the executive branch usurp all the power and authorities given Congress under Article I,” he continued. “Maybe he thinks, ‘I’ll preserve my influence, and down the road, when something worse comes along, I’ll be able to stop him from doing it’ — but it’s going to get harder to oppose him, not easier.”

Read the story.

“WTF? @SenSchumer please grow a spine. And quickly.”

Can you guess who tweeted this at Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer? Scroll to the bottom for the answer.**

How the Media Missed the Missing Congresswoman … The first notable thing about the news that Texas Rep. Kay Granger had been living in an assisted-living facility with dementia for months was that a sitting member of Congress was unable to carry out her duties. The second notable thing was that no one had noticed. Washington probably has the highest journalist-to-everyone-else ratio of any city in the country, and yet it was a small conservative website called The Dallas Express that got the scoop. A Congresswoman vanished — and not one D.C. outlet reported it. Why? In this week’s Capital City column, Michael Schaffer digs into the story of how the media missed the story.

Wait, was something supposed to happen on Saturday? Why are all your Democratic friends mad at Chuck Schumer? No one needs to know that you missed one of the most dramatic government shutdown showdowns in history. Just use these talking points and everyone will think you were practically glued to C-SPAN this week. (From Associate Editor Dylon Jones)

Share a bit of context to telegraph that you remember how shutdown negotiations typically go — and why this time was different: “When the majority party needs votes from the other side, they used to reach out to try and make a deal. Sometimes the president himself would get involved. But the GOP didn’t even try. As POLITICO put it, ‘the White House’s posture smacks of over-confidence bordering on arrogance.’”
You won’t look like a keen White House observer unless you bring up just how ugly and personal the president got as the deadline for averting the shutdown loomed: “Trump was in a meeting with the Irish prime minister when he decided to say that Schumer, the highest ranking Jewish elected official in the country, is ‘not Jewish anymore. He’s Palestinian.’ He’d previously said Schumer is a ‘proud member of Hamas.’ Something tells me Trump didn’t exactly consult a rabbi on that one. And yeesh, must have been awkward for the prime minister. ”
Drop a detail that indicates you were refreshing Hill reporters’ Twitter pages as Democrats debated their position this week: “Did everyone see that reporters could hear Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand arguing against the shutdown through a closed door on Thursday? You’d think they’d have improved the sound-proofing at the Capitol over the last 231 years or so.”
Everyone will be talking about progressives like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders condemning Schumer’s decision to support the Republican spending bill to avoid a shutdown. But as a sharp political observer, you’ll be able to point out that the criticism isn’t just coming from the party’s leftmost flank: “Multiple Biden advisers threw stones at Schumer as well. More importantly, so did Rep. Nancy Pelosi, one of the most effective wielders of power the party has ever seen, albeit somewhat obliquely. ‘Let’s be clear: neither is a good option for the American people,’ she posted on X, referring to the choice between the bill and a shutdown. ‘But this false choice that some are buying instead of fighting is unacceptable.’”

The 5 Most Stylish Men in Congress … Congress may be dysfunctional, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fashionable. There are a handful of members who know how to turn a look — if not how to turn a bill into law. Menswear critic Derek Guy highlights the five most stylish men in Congress, and what makes them stand out from their frumpy colleagues.

The Navy SEALs Take Congress … One group of Americans has recently achieved greater representation in Congress than ever before: Navy SEALs. There are seven Navy SEAL vets in Congress, and their ascension marks a notable shift both in the military and in politics. Compared to past veteran lawmakers, “the current generation of ex-SEALs, who mostly came of fighting age during the Gulf War and the war on terror, have eagerly embraced a more combative style of politics,” writes Ian Ward, “one that favors partisan warfare, legislative brinkmanship and an open embrace of Trump.”

D.C.’s Big-Dollar Dining Habits Exposed … When members of Congress use campaign or PAC funds to wine and dine, they have to report that spending. So Senior Data Reporter Jessica Piper crunched the numbers to find out where Democrats and Republicans like to crunch on grub — and found a feast of insights. Any guesses which party prefers steakhouses and which one likes European bistros? How about what representative spent $155,563.09 at The Capital Grille alone? Your smorgasbord of delicious D.C. dining details is served.

Congress Spills Secrets on Congress ... Last week, we got 25 members of Congress to give us their unvarnished view of insider life on the Hill — and they did not hold back. We're talking sex, drinking and dementia — which colleagues they can't stand and how they'd change the institution if given a chance. Get ready to see Congress like you've never seen it before.

From the drafting table of editorial cartoonist Matt Wuerker.

Who Dissed? Answer: That would be one of former President Joe Biden’s old advisers, Susan Rice.

politicoweekend@email.politico.com

Topics

Under G.O.P., Congress Cedes Power to Trump, Eroding Its Influence

On spending, oversight and other issues, Republican lawmakers have willingly ceded power traditionally reserved for Congress to the Trump White House.
The New York Times - 1d
Some Democrats Regret Their Scattered Responses to Trump’s Speech to Congress

Progressive and moderate Democrats criticized a protest by Representative Al Green as a distraction, and the party leadership tried to refocus attention on economic issues.
The New York Times - 5d
Government shutdown looms amid budget showdown in Congress

Congress is staring down a deadline to fund the government by the end of the week, as the familiar threat of a shutdown looms over Washington. Nikole Killion explains.
CBS News - 4d
NewsNation’s Leland Vittert blasts House GOP 'bullies' on rhetoric toward transgender member

NewsNation host Leland Vittert admonished a handful of Republican members of Congress over a spate of rhetoric coming from the party toward a transgender member of the House. "Republicans risk ...
The Hill - 1d
GOP-led Congress races to avert government shutdown ahead of Friday deadline

The path to averting a government shutdown at the end of the week remains murky in the Republican-controlled Congress.
NBC News - 5d
Congress keeps a distance on Trump’s tariff rate disputes

President Trump's tariffs on Canada and Mexico, as well as his exemption of North American trade agreement-protected goods, has led to a hands-off approach from Congress, which has been reluctant ...
The Hill - 2d
Republican Refers to Sarah McBride, Transgender Congress Member, as a Man

Representative Keith Self of Texas insisted on calling Representative Sarah McBride, the first openly transgender member of Congress, “Mr. McBride,” and adjourned the session when challenged about it.
The New York Times - 3d
Spending Bill Omits Billions for Local Projects as Congress Cedes Power to Trump

The stopgap measure the G.O.P. is pushing to avert a government shutdown omits billions of dollars in member-requested projects, another way in which Congress has ceded its power on federal spending.
The New York Times - 1d
President Trump's address to Congress draws 36.6 million viewers, down from first term

Trump gave the longest address to Congress in history. His past speeches got better ratings.
Los Angeles Times - Mar. 5
12:30 Report — Johnson scrambles to corral GOP funding votes

{beacon} 12:30 REPORT It’s Tuesday. It’s a stunningly beautiful day, and I wish Congress would move its business outside. TBH, I think a little fresh air would help everyone. Today's forecast in ...
The Hill - 4d
McBride: 'I appear to live rent-free in the minds' of Republicans

Rep. Sarah McBride (D-Del.), the first transgender person elected to Congress, is bashing Republicans for focusing on her gender instead of issues that affect the American public at large. “I ...
The Hill - 2d
Schiff: Democrats lacked ‘coordinated response’ to Trump joint address to Congress

Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) said he thought Democrats lacked a “coordinated response” to President Trump’s joint address to Congress last week. Schiff joined ABC News’s “This Week” on Sunday, where ...
The Hill - 6d
Johnson says Congress will investigate attacks against Tesla owners, vehicles

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said Wednesday that Congress will investigate attacks against Tesla vehicles and their owners as Elon Musk’s flagship electric vehicle company faces mounting backlash ...
The Hill - 3d
Interpol issues global alert for missing Pitt student

Interpol has issued a global alert for University of Pittsburgh student Sudiksha Konanki who went missing in the Dominican Republic more than a week ago. Police say they're now investigating all ...
CBS News - 1d
Michael Chandler willing to apologize to Patricio Pitbull for past issues at Bellator: 'I will shake his hand'

Chandler isn't interested in relitigating past issues with his legendary rival
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Airbus investigating corrosion issues on some of its passenger jets

Corrosion issues have been found on what Airbus calls a "limited population" of its A220 passenger jets, including some operated by U.S. airlines.
CBS News - 4d
Sen. Slotkin wants assurances Trump will spend money 'the way Congress intends' funding bill vote

Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., on Sunday said that she would "withhold" her decision on how to vote to fund the government until Congress gets assurances from the Trump administration that money ...
NBC News - 6d
Congress avoids a shutdown — and gives Trump more tariff power against Canada and Mexico

Congress avoided a government shutdown Friday evening, after the Senate passed legislation that funds the federal government through September at spending levels similar to the 2024 fiscal year.
MarketWatch - 22h
Democrats talking out response to Trump administration at issues conference

House Democrats have kicked off their annual issues conference with the lawmakers discussing their approach to the Trump administration. CBS News political reporter Hunter Woodall has more.
CBS News - 2d
How DOGE is already changing the spending process in Congress

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The Hill - 3d
Congress must end legalized theft on US highways

Marine veteran Stephen Lara lost his life savings in a highway stop by Nevada State Police, who seized his cash, highlighting the need for the Fifth Amendment Integrity Restoration Act to protect ...
The Hill - 3d
China steels itself for Trump turmoil with ‘DeepSeek congress’

Annual session of rubber stamp parliament highlights Beijing’s shifting priorities amid AI breakthroughs and US tariffs
Financial Times - 2d
Yankees' Giancarlo Stanton dealing with calf injury in addition to elbow issues; timeline still unknown

Yankees manager Aaron Boone confirmed that Giancarlo Stanton is dealing with a calf injury in addition to his elbow issues.
Yahoo Sports - 20h
Congress poised to force $1B cut to local DC budget, surprising many lawmakers

Congress is poised to pass a President Trump-endorsed funding bill this week that D.C. officials warn would lead to a $1 billion cut to the district’s local budget, a move that has been catching ...
The Hill - 1d
L.A. officials issue evacuation warnings for wildfire-affected areas ahead of heavy rain

The Los Angeles Fire Department issued evacuation warnings on Tuesday for residents living in the areas of the city savaged by recent wildfires ahead of heavy rain and mudslides expected later this ...
NBC News - 3d
Oracle misses on earnings and issues weak revenue guidance

Oracle missed analysts' expectations for the third quarter.
CNBC - 4d
More Universities Are Choosing to Stay Neutral on the Biggest Issues

Instead of speaking out on the hot-button debates of the day, more schools are making it a policy to stay silent as political pressure mounts against higher education.
The New York Times - 4d
Arrest warrant issued for member of cult exposed by BBC

The BBC exposed the Lighthouse life-coaching organisation for ruining the lives of its members.
BBC News - 2d
Salford promise 'good times' despite funding issues

Chief executive Chris Irwin insists cash-strapped Salford Red Devils will not enter administration and that "good times will come".
Yahoo Sports - 5h
Putin says he agrees in principle to Ukraine ceasefire, points out issues pending

Russian President Vladimir Putin says he agrees in principle to the 30-day temporary ceasefire deal that the U.S. proposed after dialogue with Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia. Putin added that ...
CBS News - 2d
Democrats Wore Pink to Protest Trump’s Congress Speech. But Was It a Moment?

But is this really a “Barbie” moment?
The New York Times - Mar. 5
Senate Republicans tell Musk to send his cuts to Congress

The DOGE chief was told that legislative action could enshrine his slashing.
Politico - Mar. 5
Judges and world leaders defy Trump as Congress sits on sidelines

Federal judges and foreign leaders are acting as the emergency brakes to Trump as he pushes to remake the world.
NBC News - 6d
Colombian president calls for referendum on health and labor reforms that have stalled in congress

Yahoo News - 3d
Congress averts a shutdown — but Democratic divisions ensue: 5 takeaways

The Senate approved a House GOP-crafted spending bill hours before the shutdown deadline Friday evening, capping off the first funding fight of President Trump’s second term — a saga that ripped ...
The Hill - 21h
Republicans in Congress weigh tax increase for top university endowments

Elite US schools including Harvard, Stanford and Princeton could see levies on investment gains raised as high as 21%
Financial Times - 7h
Stats that say striker not Arsenal's big issue - plus Man Utd's mediocrity

We look at the numbers behind Manchester United and Arsenal's seasons to explain their current positions.
BBC News - 6d
Long Covid still an issue 5 years after global pandemic began

Five years ago, the World Health Organization declared Covid a global pandemic, but many people are still living with the symptoms of long Covid. Nearly 7% of adults who contracted the virus in the ...
NBC News - 4d
Dick’s Sporting Goods faces tariff ‘unknowns’ and issues conservative outlook

“The convergence of sport and culture in our country has never been stronger, and with a series of major sporting events set to take place in the U.S.,” the company said.
MarketWatch - 4d