Senate Republicans invoked the so-called nuclear option, changing the chambers rules along party lines so they could speed up confirmation of a block of lower level Trump nominees. This just happened. Yes, this week.This change, it lowers the 60 vote threshold for these confirmations to a simple majority and it undercuts the ability of individual senators to block nominees that they find objectionable. Senate Majority Leader John Thun says the change is necessary to break Democrats blockade of nominees, but ...

I'd like to start with that matter of security. I'd love your greater thoughts on the political violence that this country is, I fear, growing used to. The fact of the matter is most lawmakers I have talked to this week have been very modest about their own security.When I've asked them if they feel safe, if they think they should have a security detail. No one has demanded that. But reports suggest that there is an outcry on Capitol Hill for for more to be done.And I wonder what you think when you walk out ...

Summary of COPT Defense Properties Conference Call Company Overview - COPT Defense Properties is a specialized Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) focused on mission-critical assets supporting U.S. national defense activities. [2] - The company operates 204 properties, primarily located near key defense installations in Virginia, Maryland, Washington D.C., Alabama, and Texas. [2] Core Business Insights - 80% of the defense portfolio consists of high-security operations, including eight U.S. government-secured campuses totaling over 4 million square feet. [3] - The U.S. government is the largest tenant, accounting for 36% of annualized rental revenue, with defense contractors contributing 51%. [4] - Non-defense properties contribute only 10% of annualized rental revenue, indicating a strong focus on defense-related assets. [4] Financial Performance and Growth - The defense IT segment is 96.8% leased, significantly above the peer average. [4] - The company forecasts nearly 4% growth in Funds From Operations (FFO) per share for 2025, marking the seventh consecutive year of growth. [8] - COPT has increased its dividend by nearly 11% over the last three years and is the only office REIT to raise dividends in 2023, 2024, and 2025. [8] Development and Leasing Strategy - The company plans to commit $225 million to new developments in 2025, with $50 million already allocated by mid-year. [9] - COPT has a strong leasing pipeline, with over 70% of vacant space having prospects. [35] - The company is in advanced negotiations for build-to-suit solutions with six different tenants. [9] Defense Budget Outlook - The One Big Beautiful Bill pre-appropriated $150 billion for defense over five years, with $113 billion allocated for fiscal year 2026, representing a 13% increase in defense spending. [11] - The president's budget for fiscal year 2026 is $831 billion, which may increase as it moves through Congress. [12] Strategic Opportunities - The relocation of U.S. Space Command headquarters to Huntsville will be developed on COPT's land, representing a significant opportunity for growth. [16][17] - The Golden Dome initiative aims to create an anti-missile defense shield with an estimated budget of $175 billion, expected to drive leasing demand. [28][29] Market Position and Competitive Advantage - COPT has a competitive advantage due to its long-standing relationship with the U.S. government and its specialized focus on defense-related properties. [5][6] - The company has a strong investment-grade balance sheet and a disciplined approach to capital allocation. [5] Risks and Challenges - Government shutdowns do not significantly impact COPT, as leases are covered by the U.S. government. [14] - The company is aware of potential risks related to the broader review of government real estate usage but remains focused on mission-critical work. [33] Future Development Plans - COPT has acquired land in Des Moines, Iowa, for future development, anticipating a four-year timeline before breaking ground due to power constraints. [39] - The company has over 6 million square feet of data centers, with significant rent increases observed upon renewal. [38] Conclusion - COPT Defense Properties is well-positioned for growth in the defense sector, with strong financial performance, strategic development opportunities, and a focus on high-security assets. [6][8][29]

Welcome back. Joining me now is Democratic Senator Corey Booker of New Jersey. Senator Booker, welcome back to Meet the Press.>> It's really good to be back. Thank you. >> It is great to have you here.Thank you so much for joining us. I want to start off on some big news this week. President Trump launched a strike against a Venezuelan boat he alleges was carrying a large amount of drugs.Here's the video he posted. Overnight, the vice president dismissed critics who called this strike a quote war crime. Sen ...

Let's talk about it. Here with us, MCC Global Enterprise CEO Michelle Caruso Cabrera. It's a good question.People watching, well, that's sad for them. Why do they care. >> Well, government government borrowing is going up all over the world because governments at the same time because governments all over the world have been spending more than they take in when it comes to revenue.And at some point, it comes home to roost. And while we have issues in the United States and a lot of people are justifiably ver ...

Now closing bell on Wall Street announced market domination overtime. We have coverage of the latest moves to get you up to speed on the action from today's trade. Yahoo Finances Jared Blickery joining us now to break down the day.Jared, thank you. Ominous start for September here. We got the Dow down about 250 points or 610 of 1%.That's the chart behind me. You can see we are off of the lows. Those occurred very early in the session.So, not a disaster by any stretch of the imagination, but we know, as we w ...

Joining me now, NBC's Melanie Zenona on Capitol Hill. Also, former Montana Democratic Senator John Tester. Brendan Buck was an aid to former Republican House Speakers John Boehner and Paul Ryan.Both John and Brendan are MSNBC political analysts. Welcome all. I hope you had a good holiday weekend.Brendan, you've lived this countdown uh to government funding deadline and a divided Congress. But then other things I didn't even mention. Um look, the CDC firings, the vaccine fight.Oh, and Trump wants a crime bil ...

And lawmakers returned to work on Capitol Hill today. They've got several pressing issues to tackle after their August recess. That includes the House, which took an extended break following Republican leaders concerns about members pushing for a vote on a resolution to force the Justice Department to release the Jeffrey Epstein files. Prior to their break, House Speaker Mike Johnson contended that by September, the DOJ would be more able to give transparency on the files, making a resolution to compel thei ...

longest serving congressman in Texas history says he'll retire if the new Republican drawn redistricting map goes into effect. That's Democrat Lloyd Dogget who made the announcement yesterday. The 78-year-old has represented the Austin area since 1995.But this new map merges Dogget's district with another represented by Democrat Greg Casar. So instead of potentially generational primary against the 36-year-old Casar, Dogget says he's going to step aside unless the courts block the new map. Speaking of that ...

Morning everyone. Honored to be joined today by Whip Katherine Clark and caucus chair Pete Aguilar as we prepare to depart for the August district work period. The Trump administration and House Republicans have been a complete and total failure.These MAGA extremists promised that they were going to lower costs in the United States of America. In fact, they promised the American people that costs would go down on day one. But costs haven't gone down.They are on the way up. Inflation is up. It's the quality ...