Net Neutrality, Trump on Defense & More!

Thursday, MAY 18

Good morning, dear Countafolks!

We all could be forgiven for being consumed by the avalanche of news about the Trump/Russia investigation, but remember that other news is still happening. Policy positions are being advanced- draft education budget is circulating around Washington, Republicans are still trying to accomplish a major tax overhaul, and there’s always health care. If you’re not paying attention, you can’t participate.

Get your good shoes on, because politics is a marathon for most of us, not a sprint. Ready, set, GO!

The President: IN WASHINGTON

• Hosting a joint press conference with Columbian President Juan Manuel Santos at 3:45 PM EST. Watch the White House livestream here.

The House of Representatives: IN SESSION

• Vote on making the murder or attempted murder of a first responder an aggravating factor in considering the death penalty.

• Vote on letting governors lower flags to half-staff when first responders are killed.

The Senate: IN SESSION

• Vote on the confirmation of Rachel Brand to be Associate Attorney General.

• Procedural vote on the nomination of Terry Branstad to be Ambassador to China.

What to Watch

• At 10:30 AM EST Countable will be livestreaming the FCC committee hearing where the official dismantling of net neutrality is expected to begin. Watch below!

• As always, the President will be tweeting. Here’s his latest following the appointment of former FBI Director Robert Mueller as special prosecutor yesterday:

This is the single greatest witch hunt of a politician in American history!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 18, 2017

Keep going, Countafolks! Stay hydrated, breathe steady, and take breaks when you need to. We’ll be here when you get back.

"The first requirement of politics is not intellect or stamina but patience. Politics is a very long run game and the tortoise will usually beat the hare." - John Major

Stay the course!

-- Asha Sanaker