Sen. Dick Durbin's retirement has set off a scramble among Democrats to represent the Land of Lincoln. Read this free story from @savbehrmanndc.bsky.social and @nenonicolosio.bsky.social to find out whos got the edge right now and why geography matters: njour.nl/s/729522?unl...

Tribal leaders felt left out when lawmakers tried to include the sale of public lands--some sacred to Native Americans--as part of the Big Beautiful Bill. That effort stalled but talks to revive such sales have begun. Read this free story from @savbehrmanndc.bsky.social: njour.nl/s/729561?unl...

The government hasn’t shut down yet, but it feels like it’s heading that way. @caseywooten.bsky.social @savbehrmanndc.bsky.social and Nancy Vu report (unlocked): www.nationaljournal.com/s/729605/fin...

Republicans are about to walk onto a political minefield this fall in deciding whether to renew the enhanced premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act—and risk angering the White House. By Nancy Vu and @savbehrmannDC.bsky.social (unlocked): www.nationaljournal.com/s/729643/the...

Sen. Kaine has pushed privileged motions as a way to fight against the Trump administration and force Republicans to take tough votes, reports @savbehrmannDC.bsky.social (unlocked)

On this episode, @ledyardking.bsky.social brings on @caseywooten.bsky.social and @savbehrmannDC.bsky.social to discuss the potential pathways for the 'big, beautiful bill.' Listen on Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/6HZO...

Senate GOP moves to unravel a Biden-era vehicle-emission waiver in California that is helping the state phase out gas-powered cars. @savbehrmannDC.bsky.social reports www.nationaljournal.com/s/728561/out...

While the president seemingly threw his support behind a House plan embracing a single, wide-ranging bill, Senate GOP leaders remained resolute about forging ahead with their own plan this week. @SavbehrmannDC.bsky.social reports (unlocked):

Democrats are sounding the alarm about FEMA’s future as Elon Musk and DOGE set their eyes upon the nation’s disaster response agency as part of an aggressive effort to reshape and downsize the federal government. @savbehrmannDC.bsky.social reports (unlocked):

On this episode, @ledyardking.bsky.social brings on @savbehrmanndc.bsky.social @erincdurkin.bsky.social and @cmaza.bsky.social as they examine the prospects for Trump's nominees. Listen on Spotify:

Washington rolled out the red carpet for its first-ever Crypto Inauguration Ball, seemingly opening its arms to the industry it had long viewed with skepticism. @philipathey.bsky.social and @savbehrmanndc.bsky.social report (unlocked):

While President Trump is using GOP control of Washington to impose drastic reforms and immigration crackdowns, some Democrats are proposing an olive branch. @savbehrmanndc.bsky.social reports (unlocked):

NEW w/ @savbehrmanndc.bsky.social: Pete Hegseth's confirmation hearing lasted over 4 hours and zeroed in on his mistreatment of women and controversial views about women in combat. www.nationaljournal.com/s/727270/ern...

Welcome to confirmation hearing week. About a dozen of Trump's picks go before key Senate committees for public vetting. Among them is Pete Hegseth for Defense secretary. @savbehrmanndc.bsky.social has the unlocked coverage:

It looked like the nomination of Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump's embattled choice to lead the Pentagon, might be taking on water. Then Joni Ernst threw him a lifeline. Read this free story from @cmaza.bsky.social & @savbehrmanndc.bsky.social :

Republicans want sweeping change in Washington. But Donald Trump remains mushy on the process going forward. @caseywooten.bsky.social & @savbehrmanndc.bsky.social provide the details in this unlocked story from National Journal:

Just before he left office, Jimmy Carter warned how family farms were being squeezed out by large operations. It’s an issue USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack still wrestles with today. Read the latest Outside Influences column from Jerry Hagstrom

President-elect Trump just made his way through the Capitol building on his way to pay respects to President Carter. Afterwards, he’ll be meeting with Senate Republicans to discuss a path forward on reconciliation where he says they’re looking at the “one bill vs two bills.”

A surprisingly pain-free re-election to speaker for Mike Johnson and a new leader takes charge in the Senate. @caseywooten.bsky.social, @savbehrmanndc.bsky.social, and @laurengreennn.bsky.social have the latest in this free article:

On this episode, @ledyardking.bsky.social talks to @caseywooten.bsky.social and @savbehrmanndc.bsky.social about the speakership election and the rise of John Thune. Listen on Spotify:

It’s rare Republicans buck Trump, but that's what they did on the debt-limit increase Friday night. Members still feel safe going against him if their position is to the right of his. https://njour.nl/s/727126?unlock=9M6R1HEXUHP64NNB @caseywooten.bsky.social and @savbehrmanndc.bsky.social report

https://njour.nl/s/727034?unlock=CKN3KNHQZ1ZKQNSI @savbehrmanndc.bsky.social reports

My latest for @nationaljournal.com: Sen. Gillibrand tells me why she wants a meeting with President Biden “to convince him that he has the legal basis to call on the National Archivist to sign and publish the ERA.” www.nationaljournal.com/s/726958/qa-...

Hegseth tells reporters he had a “great meeting” with Republican Leader-Elect Sen. Thune. “I spoke to President [Trump] this morning. He supports me fully. We're not going anywhere,” Hegseth said. Reports broke last night that Trump was considering others for the role.

12 new senators-elect make up a robust freshman class for the 119th Congress, ranging from businessmen to local politicians to House members reaching for the next step in their careers. @savbehrmanndc.bsky.social and Lauren Green report (unlocked): www.nationaljournal.com/s/726912/her...

A Dem leadership aide tells me that Leader Schumer has scheduled Senate Dems leadership elections for Tuesday, December 3, which will begin at 9:30AM.

Looking for some journalists to follow here? Check out the @nationaljournal.com team starter pack bsky.app/start/did:pl...