• The House is reportedly expected to vote Thursday on the GOP’s wide-ranging border security package, the same day that the pandemic-related Title 42 migration policy expires. Though House Republicans face internal divisions over the measure, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) has publicly projected that it has enough support to pass. (CNN)
• President Joe Biden again called on Congress to pass gun control legislation following the Allen, Texas mass shooting on Saturday that left at least eight people dead as well as the suspect. (USA Today) In Texas, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott said the country should work to address mental health issues while also urging lawmakers “to get guns out of the hands of dangerous criminals.” (Politico)
• The Biden administration is set to unveil plans to examine whether to require airlines to provide cash payouts to customers who experience delays when travel disruptions occur in circumstances that are under the companies’ control. A compensation rule would mark a major change in how the Department of Transportation regulates air travel, and would likely face opposition from the airline industry. (The Washington Post)

Happening today (all in ET):

• 9:30 a.m. Georgia secretary of state participates in Center for Election Innovation & Research event on elections.

• 1:45 p.m. Biden speaks on the airline industry.
• 2:30 p.m. White House press secretary holds briefing.  

What Would the G.O.P. Plan Actually Do to the Budget?
The New York Times

Yellen Says No Good Alternative to Congress Lifting Debt Cap
Christopher Condon, Bloomberg

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said there are “simply no good options” for solving the debt limit stalemate in Washington other than Congress lifting the cap and cautioned that resorting to the 14th Amendment would provoke a constitutional crisis.

Biden prepares to take debt ceiling battle to vulnerable GOP lawmakers
Mike Memoli and Julie Tsirkin, NBC News

In the congressional battle to raise the debt ceiling, a White House strategy targets swing district Republicans to pressure House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

U.S. and Allies Look at Potential China Role in Ending Ukraine War
Bojan Pancevski et al., The Wall Street Journal

An expected offensive by Ukraine is seen as paving way for negotiations with Russia.

Leaders brace for critical Biden-McCarthy meeting as debt limit deadline looms
Emily Brooks and Mike Lillis, The Hill

Congress is heading into a critical week in the debt limit battle, when a meeting between President Biden and top congressional leaders will set the tone for negotiations — or lack thereof. 

Why McConnell and McCarthy locked arms on the debt crisis
Burgess Everett and Olivia Beavers, Politico

After multiple splits that stressed their party, the Senate GOP leader and the speaker are moving as one as the nation nears a fiscal breaking point.

Su nomination on hold as Feinstein questions linger
John Bresnahan, Punchbowl News

Julie Su’s nomination to be the next Labor secretary remains stalled. Su was cleared by the HELP Committee on April 26, but with unified GOP opposition and several Democratic moderates still refusing to say how they’ll vote, this nomination isn’t going anywhere for the moment.

Top Republican investigating Biden administration withdrawal from Afghanistan threatens to hold Blinken in contempt of Congress
Alayna Treene, CNN

House Foreign Affairs Chairman Michael McCaul is threatening to hold Secretary of State Antony Blinken in contempt of Congress over his panel’s investigation into the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, according to a letter the Texas Republican sent him Friday, a copy of which was obtained by CNN.

IRS whistleblower’s attorneys meet with congressional investigators on Hunter Biden probe
Sara Murray et al., CNN

Attorneys for an IRS whistleblower who allege there is political interference at the Justice Department in the Hunter Biden criminal investigation met with congressional investigators Friday to lay the groundwork for what their client hopes to share with Congress, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Senate Judiciary chair says ‘everything is on the table’ in response to Clarence Thomas revelations
Aileen Graef, CNN

Senate Judiciary Chair Dick Durbin said Sunday that “everything is on the table” as the panel scrutinizes new ethics concerns around Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.

Sen. Kyrsten Sinema says she has no interest in becoming a Republican
Kelly Garrity, Politico

The Arizona senator is “absolutely” done with parties.

Tucker Carlson ready to torch Fox News
Mike Allen, Axios

Tucker Carlson is preparing to unleash allies to attack Fox News in an effort to bully the network into letting him work for — or start — a right-wing rival, sources close to him tell Axios.

Closing arguments set for Monday morning in E. Jean Carroll civil rape trial against Donald Trump
Lauren del Valle, CNN

Attorneys for E. Jean Carroll and Donald Trump are set to give closing arguments Monday morning in the battery and defamation trial against the former president in Manhattan federal court.

Restrictive border policy Title 42 ends this week but leaves imprint on future of asylum
Kate Morrissey and Andrewa Castillo, The San Diego Union-Tribune

The controversial border policy that has expelled asylum seekers for more than three years is set to end on May 11. However, it may seem like not much has changed.

U.S. and Allies Look at Potential China Role in Ending Ukraine War
Bojan Pancevski et al., The Wall Street Journal

An expected offensive by Ukraine is seen as paving way for negotiations with Russia.

Iran hid weapons among earthquake aid to target U.S. troops, leak says
Alex Horton et al., The Washington Post

Iranian operatives and their affiliates in Iraq moved swiftly to capitalize on the February disaster that left tens of thousands dead, U.S. intelligence alleges.

‘It’s Going to Be a While’: No End in Sight for Hollywood Strike
Brooks Barnes and John Koblin, The New York Times

The writers and entertainment companies remain far apart on several key issues, including money, and the standoff could last for months.

Trump plays the inside game to stave off ’16-like convention chaos
Alex Isenstadt, Politico

The former president has been wooing delegates at his club and over the phone.

The GOP-Hungary connection shaping the ’24 campaign
Sophia Cai, Axios

The far-right populism of Hungary’s prime minister is helping to inspire U.S. Republicans’ agenda for 2024, a game plan that targets immigration, LGBTQ rights and — at least for some — the war in Ukraine.

‘Really weak option’: Wall Street sours on DeSantis as Trump challenger
Sam Sutton and Ben White, Politico

Ron DeSantis’ gubernatorial reelection campaign is still loaded with cash, giving him big advantages over possible competitors. But many now say he no longer seems so formidable — at least on Wall Street.

Don’t ‘piss off his voters’: Recordings reveal DeSantis’ 2018 thoughts on dealing with Trump
Olivia Rubin and Will Steakin, ABC News

During his first bid for statewide office in 2018, Ron DeSantis was grappling with a key issue that he could soon face again during his potential 2024 bid for the White House: how to not alienate Donald Trump’s base.

Senators love Tim Scott, but they’re not ready to endorse him for president
Scott Wong et al., NBC News

Many of Scott’s Senate colleagues had nothing but positive things to say about the amiable Republican. Asked whether they’ll officially back him in 2024, they were quieter.

Republicans want Manchin to bow out, fearful that he may have one more trick up his sleeve
Holly Otterbein and Ally Mutnick, Politico

Democrats are on the verge of extinction in West Virginia, but the West Virginia senator hasn’t lost a race since the 1990s.

Arizona Republicans are skeptical Kari Lake will run for Senate, but national GOP is worried
Samantha-Jo Roth, Washington Examiner

A growing number of Arizona Republican political operatives remain unconvinced that former Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake is serious about running for the Senate seat currently held by Sen. Krysten Sinema (I-AZ).

Kentucky GOP aims for strong matchup versus Dem Gov. Beshear
Bruce Schreiner, The Associated Press

As Kentucky’s GOP primary campaign sprints toward the finish line, some Republicans are looking ahead to the November election with an eye toward who best can reclaim the governorship — a job that the state’s dominant party has struggled to hold despite its strong showing in other races.

A GOP Nebraska lawmaker chose his voters over his party with abortion vote
Colby Itkowitz and Sabrina Rodriguez, The Washington Post

In the days since state Sen. Merv Riepe cast the lone vote that blocked a near-total abortion ban in his conservative state, he’s faced protests at his office, the cold shoulder from irate colleagues and calls for his resignation. A stranger left an angry note inside his home mailbox.

GOP legislator should be expelled for sexual misconduct, Texas panel says
Kyle Melnick, The Washington Post

The Texas House of Representatives will vote this week on whether to expel Rep. Bryan Slaton (R) after a committee unanimously recommended his dismissal over sexual misconduct with a 19-year-old aide.

12-week abortion ban will do great harm, North Carolina’s governor says
David Cohen, Politico

Gov. Roy Cooper has vowed to override the veto, but his veto could be overriden.

California reparations panel OKs recommendations on state apology and payments
The Associated Press

California’s reparations task force voted Saturday to approve recommendations on how the state may compensate and apologize to Black residents for generations of harm caused by discriminatory policies.

New Jersey power broker George Norcross is stepping back from politics
Dustin Racioppi, Politico

George Norcross spent decades building one of the most effective and influential political machines in the nation. Now the New Jersey Democrat says he’s all but giving up on politics.

Saudi-Financed LIV Golf Expands Its Reach Into Washington
Alan Blinder and Maggie Haberman, The New York Times

A new deal gives the LIV Golf series ties to both former President Donald J. Trump and an adviser to Gov. Ron DeSantis.

A Former NFL Player Persuaded Politicians That His Child ID Kits Help Find Missing Kids. There’s No Evidence They Do.
Kiah Collier and Jeremy Schwartz, ProPublica

At least 11 states have agreed to distribute fingerprinting kits sold by Kenny Hansmire’s National Child Identification Program. Some are spending millions even though similar kits are available for free.

U.S. Think Tank Reports Prompted Beijing to Put a Lid on Chinese Data
Lingling Wei, The Wall Street Journal

Some reports based on publicly available information alarmed officials.

Tanked Biden FCC pick shows influence of dark money on US politics
Trenton Daniel, The Associated Press

When President Joe Biden nominated Gigi Sohn to serve on the Federal Communications Commission, the longtime consumer advocate expected to face criticism over her desire to expand free internet access and improve competition among broadband providers.

The Republican Takeover of American Education
Jonathan Chait, New York

Convinced schools are brainwashing kids to be left-wingers, conservatives are seizing control of the American classroom.

The Unfortunate, Unintended Consequence of the Inflation Reduction Act
Brett Christophers, The New York Times

The Inflation Reduction Act will reshape the physical and economic landscape of the United States over the next decade, including in ways that might surprise a lot of people.