Debt-limit talks: House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and other congressional leaders are set to meet Tuesday with President Joe Biden for talks about raising the debt ceiling amid renewed urgency following Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s statement that the country could default on its debt by June 1.
What we’re watching: At the White House, Office of Management and Budget Director Shalanda Young suggested that the administration is open to a short-term fix to the debt ceiling, even as officials are keeping options on the table to reach a larger compromise with House Republicans. On Capitol Hill, House Democrats began taking steps to force a vote on their legislation to raise the debt limit via a discharge petition, which would bypass GOP leadership if they can garner enough Republican support.
Title 42 expiration and immigration: The Biden administration is bracing for an influx of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border following the May 11 expiration of a coronavirus-related Title 42 public health order, prompting new actions from them as well as a timely legislative push on Capitol Hill regarding the president’s — and the Democratic Party’s — worst-polling issue set.
What we’re watching: First, the Biden administration is sending 1,500 active duty U.S. troops to the U.S.-Mexico border to offer administrative support. The administration also reached an agreement to have Mexico continue accepting migrants from Venezuela, Haiti, Cuba and Nicaragua who are turned away by American authorities, as well as up to 100,000 individuals from Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador who may be eligible to enter the United States. In Congress, House Republicans are expected to bring up their sweeping border and immigration legislation this week as a bipartisan Senate coalition is working on legislation to give the Biden administration temporary authority to continue migrant expulsions similar to what is allowed under the Title 42 public health order.
DeSantis exploratory in the works: NBC News reported late last month that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis could launch an exploratory committee for the Republican presidential nomination as soon as May 11 following the conclusion of the state legislative session two days ago.
Why it’s worth watching: The move sets him on a pathway toward entering the contest this summer, and comes as his support nationwide has deteriorated. Per our 2024 primary tracker, he has some work to do: Former President Donald Trump leads him by 34 points — nearly double his advantage since late February, when DeSantis’ support started to deteriorate around what was described as a “soft” launch of his campaign.
Trump’s return to CNN: Trump is poised to sit for a New Hampshire town-hall meeting hosted by CNN’s Kaitlan Collins on Wednesday, marking his first appearance on the network since his 2016 campaign and his first appearance on a non-conservative outlet since since he walked out of an interview with CBS’ Lesley Stahl in October 2020. (Separately, you should know Trump is planning a rally in Iowa on Saturday.)
Why it’s worth watching: In March, I wrote a big piece about the voters Republicans miss by sticking to Fox News. Roughly a quarter of CNN’s audience identifies as a political independent, and a third say they are moderate. So, Trump’s decision to appear on the network could be seen as an effort to reach a broader swath of the electorate.
Administration moves: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Rochelle Walensky is poised to leave the administration at the end of June, and Biden has named Neera Tanden as the head of his domestic policy council when Susan Rice leaves the role later this month.
Why it’s worth watching: Walensky’s exit comes after the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency on May 11, and Tanden’s promotion elevates a prominent Democratic operative to a key role as Biden faces re-election.
Feinstein’s potential return: All eyes in the Senate are on California Democrat Dianne Feinstein, who is “hopeful” to return to Washington this week, per notes seen in the hands of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), after being absent from the chamber since an early March shingles hospitalization.
What we’re watching: The 89-year-old, who plans to retire at end of her term in 2024, has faced a slew of intra-party resignation calls as her absence has imperiled action in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Ahead of her potential return, she claimed that there’s been “no slowdown” in the panel’s work but also blamed Republicans for blocking some judicial nominations.
