Political Landscape & Congressional Dynamics - Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik withdrew from the New York governor's race and will give up her seat in Congress next year [1] - Republican Senator Cynthia Lumis of Wyoming will not seek re-election after serving one term [1] - The number of House Republican retirements has already surpassed the amount ahead of the 2024 election, and more are expected [4] - Many House Republicans are undecided about running again in 2026 [6] - Dan Newhouse, one of two House Republicans who voted to impeach Donald Trump, announced his retirement [7][8] - There is anger and resentment from Stefanik towards Trump and the House Speaker [13] Affordable Care Act (ACA) & Healthcare - Affordable Care Act tax credits are set to expire in just over a week, potentially causing a significant hike in health insurance premiums for millions of Americans [16] - House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is optimistic that lawmakers might pass an extension of those subsidies in January [17] - Four Republicans crossed party lines to sign the discharge petition for a three-year extension of the ACA credits [19] - A three-year extension of the ACA credits already failed, and the Senate may find a bipartisan pathway with a shorter extension and reforms [21]

Government Shutdown & Legislative Process - Senate is facing potential delays in voting due to Senator Rand Paul's expected obstruction, potentially extending the process from hours to days [1] - Senator Thune expressed hope for resolution within hours, not days, regarding a plan that includes a stopgap measure to reopen the government until January 30th [2] - The compromise includes a rollback on the firing of federal workers, a policy previously championed by the White House [3] - President Trump is expected to sign the compromise if it reaches his desk, according to Senator Thune [4] Political Dynamics & Leadership - Eight senators broke ranks, including Dick Durbin, a member of the leadership, to support the compromise [5] - Chuck Schumer's leadership is being questioned due to the loss of eight votes, with some calling for his resignation [6] - The fact that none of the eight senators who broke ranks are up for reelection next November suggests a strategic calculation in their decision [6][7] - Schumer faced criticism months ago for keeping the government open in March, but the changing circumstances, particularly the impact on food benefits, have altered the calculus [8] House of Representatives & Potential Obstacles - House conservatives, particularly members of the House Freedom Caucus, may oppose the compromise due to spending levels and provisions regarding fired federal workers [9] - The Republican majority in the House is narrow, allowing for only two or three lost votes if Democrats remain united in opposition [10] - Representative-elect Gray from Arizona is expected to be sworn in before the House vote, potentially influencing the outcome [10]

Following the strike uh on Iran, President Trump quickly turned his attention back uh to his um economic agenda, writing on Truth Social, great unity uh in the Republican party, perhaps unity uh like we've never seen before. Now, let's get the great big beautiful uh bill done. Our country is doing great.MAGA joining us now uh White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hasset. And because of the the news over the weekend, uh Kevin, I I guess I before we we talk about the big beautiful uh bill in a ...