NATO member countries will begin pulling their troops out of Afghanistan on May 1, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg announced Wednesday. 

Stoltenberg – who spoke alongside Secretary of State Antony BlinkenAntony BlinkenOvernight Defense: Biden officially rolls out Afghanistan withdrawal plan | Probe finds issues with DC Guard helicopter use during June protests NATO will match US timeline to pull troops out of Afghanistan Indirect talks with Iran over nuclear deal to resume Thursday MORE and Defense Secretary Lloyd AustinLloyd AustinOvernight Defense: Biden officially rolls out Afghanistan withdrawal plan | Probe finds issues with DC Guard helicopter use during June protests NATO will match US timeline to pull troops out of Afghanistan Biden to say he won’t pass along ‘responsibility’ of Afghanistan War MORE following a meeting in Brussels – said the planned drawdown of the nearly 10,000 NATO troops will be completed within a few months and mirrors Washington’s decision to withdraw its forces from the country.

“In the light of the U.S. decision to withdraw, foreign and defense ministers of NATO discussed a way forward today and decided that we will start the withdrawal of NATO Resolution Support forces by May 1,” he said, referring to the mission began in Afghanistan in 2015 to train, advise and assist the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces.

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NATO forces have been in the country since 2001 after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in an initial operation intended to oust the Taliban from power and root out al Qaeda’s bases there.

“We went into Afghanistan together, we have adjusted our posture together, and we are united in leaving together,” Stoltenberg said. 

He added that any attacks by the Taliban during the withdrawal will be met with “forceful response.”

Stoltenberg’s comments came shortly after President BidenJoe BidenHouse panel approves bill to set up commission on reparations Democrats to offer bill to expand Supreme Court Former Israeli prime minister advises Iran to ‘cool down’ amid nuclear threats MORE on Wednesday laid out his plan to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan and end America’s longest war by Sept. 11, the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks that sparked the conflict.

“War in Afghanistan was never meant to be a multigenerational undertaking,” Biden said during a speech delivered in the Treaty Room of the White House, where former President George W. Bush announced the start of the war. “It’s time to end the forever war.”

Biden stressed that the U.S. would execute the withdrawal plans in coordination with allies and partners and would continue to provide humanitarian assistance and support peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban.

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That sentiment was also expressed by Blinken.

“In short, bringing our troops home does not mean ending our relationship with Afghanistan or our support for the country,” Blinken said in Brussels, committing U.S. support for the rights of Afghan women and girls, equal representation for minorities and that the U.S. will maintain significant humanitarian assistance to the country.

The secretary said the U.S. will “remain vigilant” against preventing any threats of terrorism from emerging in Afghanistan, and hold the Taliban accountable of keeping al Qaeda “or any terrorist organization from using Afghanistan as a base for attacks against us.”

Blinken added that the U.S. is committed to advancing a political resolution between the Afghanistan government and the Taliban.

“It’s very important to note that we are very focused on advancing what prospects there are for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict, pressing the parties to engage in meaningful negotiations to a political outcome and peaceful settlement,” he said. 

Stoltenberg stressed several times that it was “not an easy decision” for NATO to pull out its troops and that the plan “entails risks.”

He also emphasized that the move is “the start of a new chapter” in terms of NATO’s relationship with Afghanistan, adding that the alliance will continue to support the country.

Stoltenberg said he spoke with Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani of the “new partnership” earlier Wednesday.

The remarks by Stoltenberg and Blinken come after the Taliban said they will not attend a meeting in Turkey set to take place this week aimed at advancing the Afghan Peace Process and with the participation of the United Nations and Qatar, Reuters reported. The Taliban did not rule out meeting at a future date. 

Blinken said the Taliban “has a choice to make” on engaging productively on peace negotiations.

“I think it’s in no one’s interest, including the Taliban’s, to plunge Afghanistan back into a long war, into a civil war that will do terrible damage to the country and to everyone,” he said.

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Former Secretary of State Mike PompeoMike PompeoHouse passes legislation to elevate cybersecurity at the State Department The Hill’s 12:30 Report – Presented by Facebook – All US adults now eligible for COVID vaccines Parade of 2024 GOP hopefuls court House conservatives MORE is putting his support behind Republican lawmakers aiming to block President BidenJoe BidenBiden overruled Blinken, top officials on initial refugee cap decision: report Suicide bombing hits Afghan security forces Jim Jordan, Val Demings get in shouting match about police during hearing MORE’s ability to lift sanctions on Iran.

Pompeo is returning to Capitol Hill on Wednesday to join members of the Republican Study Committee (RSC) in unveiling legislation called the Max Pressure Act, with the goal to codify the Trump administration’s maximum pressure campaign of sanctions against Iran. 

The top diplomat in the Trump administration is viewed as a potential 2024 presidential candidate and the sanctions campaign against Iran imposed during the Trump years is considered a key part of Pompeo’s legacy. 

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The new legislation, introduced by Rep. Jim Banks (R-Indiana), comes as the Biden administration is participating in discussions in Vienna with signatories to the Obama-era nuclear deal, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), that former President TrumpDonald TrumpSt. Louis lawyer who pointed gun at Black Lives Matter protesters considering Senate run Chauvin found guilty as nation exhales US says Iran negotiations are ‘positive’ MORE withdrew from in 2018. 

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Pompeo will appear with Banks at a press conference outside the Capitol on Wednesday morning.

Banks is chair of the RSC, the largest Republican caucus in the House with 154 conservative GOP members. Pompeo was part of the RSC when he served as a Republican congressman from Kansas between 2011 and 2017. 

President Biden has said he is intent on rejoining the JCPOA, and the discussions with signatories and Iran are meant to lay out a pathway for both sides to return to compliance with the deal, for the U.S. to lift specific sanctions and Iran to reverse course on its violations of the terms of the deal.  

The majority of Democratic lawmakers support the president’s push to reenter the deal, but Republicans are stalwart in their opposition to lifting any sanctions on Iran.  

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Pompeo, in his role as secretary of state, oversaw the imposition of some 1,500 sanctions on Iran. These included reimposing sanctions that were lifted as part of the JCPOA, in addition to more punitive actions targeting Iran’s industries that help fund its support for terrorism and punitive measures for its human rights abuses.

Pompeo is viewed as laying the groundwork for a possible 2024 presidential run, making key appearances in New Hampshire and Iowa while his House-campaign committee reportedly provided $155,000 to a newly-formed Political Action Committee, “Champion American Values.” 

The maximum pressure campaign against Iran is viewed as one of Pompeo’s most important policies, along with unprecedented support for Israel, who’s government has spoken out against the U.S. return to the JCPOA.

Pompeo spoke out against Biden’s push to reenter the nuclear deal last week in an event in New York City marking Israel’s independence day.  

“America, who is the noblest force for good and for human rights in the world, cannot permit the return to a situation where the risk to the Jewish homeland is real, and the capacity for Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon is real,” he said in remarks.

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The Max Pressure Act, the legislation being introduced Wednesday, says that sanctions on Iran can only be lifted if Tehran meets 12 demands that were outlined by Pompeo in May 2018, following the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA. 

These include allowing full international access to observe and inspect Tehran’s nuclear activity, which Iran maintains is for peaceful purposes, and give up any activity that could be used to develop materials for a nuclear weapon. 

Other demands include Iran ending its proliferation of ballistic missiles, demands for the release of all American and international prisoners “detained on spurious charges,” calls for Iran ending its support for groups declared as terrorists and proxy-fighting forces in Iraq and Syria, and accountability for human rights abuses; among other requirements. 

The bill would further restrict the ability of the president to issue waiver and license authorities that allow for the bypassing of certain sanctions, used mostly for humanitarian purposes. The legislation would put sunset clauses on certain waivers and provide for expanded congressional review before sanctions are lifted on Iran.  

It also calls for submitting to the Senate for ratification as a treaty any new agreement with Iran. 

Supporters of the maximum pressure campaign of sanctions on Iran say that the policy works in squeezing Tehran financially and bankrupting its malign activity, and if left in place for long enough will extract concessions from the Islamic Republic. 

But critics say the sanctions have done little to curb Iran’s bad behavior and have emboldened it to break out of the constraints of the nuclear deal by threatening inspections from international nuclear watchdogs and increasing enrichment of uranium, key elements of fuel for a nuclear weapon. 

The Max Pressure Act is not the first move by Republicans aimed at constraining Biden’s ability to enter an agreement with Iran. 

Ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Senator Jim RischJim Elroy RischGOP lawmakers block Biden assistance to Palestinians Lack of cyber funds in Biden infrastructure plan raises eyebrows The Hill’s Morning Report – Biden shifts on filibuster MORE (R-Idaho) and Senator Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) introduced legislation this month to require congressional review of executive branch proposals to “terminate or waive sanctions” against Iran. 

In February, Sen. Tom CottonTom Bryant CottonThe Hill’s 12:30 Report – Presented by Facebook – All US adults now eligible for COVID vaccines Parade of 2024 GOP hopefuls court House conservatives Hillicon Valley: Biden administration sanctions Russia for SolarWinds hack, election interference MORE (R-Ark.) and Rep. Mike GallagherMichael (Mike) John GallagherHouse passes legislation to elevate cybersecurity at the State Department Republicans see record fundraising in months after Capitol breach Bipartisan lawmakers signal support for Biden cybersecurity picks MORE (R-Wis.) introduced a bicameral resolution that opposed lifting sanctions on Iran “without addressing the full scope of Iran’s malign activities,” including its nuclear program, ballistic missile program, weapons proliferation, support for terrorism, hostage-taking and human rights violations. 

Researchers at Oxford University said Thursday that the risk of developing rare blood clots is higher after becoming infected with COVID-19 than it is for people who have been vaccinated. 

The findings come in a new study published by the university, which helped develop the AstraZeneca vaccine that has now come under scrutiny for potential links to a brain blood clot known as cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST). 

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After comparing the number of CVST cases in the two weeks following a COVID-19 diagnosis and after the first dose of a vaccine, Oxford reports that the risk of developing the blood clots is as much as 10 times greater following a COVID-19 infection than it is after a vaccination. 

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The researchers noted that compared to the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, the risk of developing CVST is about 10 times greater, while the risk is about eight times higher when compared to the Oxford-AstraZeneca inoculation. 

While the study noted that data on potential links between the vaccines and blood clots are still under review, Paul Harrison, head of Oxford’s Translational Neurobiology Group, said that Thursday’s findings “should be taken into account when considering the balances between risks and benefits for vaccination.” 

The study comes after a wave of countries has limited the use of AstraZeneca’s vaccine to older age groups due to reports of blood clots. 

On Wednesday, Denmark became the first European country to completely halt the use of the AstraZeneca shot after an investigation “showed real and serious side effects,” according to the Danish Health Authority. 

A safety committee of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) said last week that a “possible link” exists between the AstraZeneca vaccine and blood clots, though it added that the benefits of the inoculation to protect against COVID-19 outweigh the risks. 

Oxford’s study did not include data on the shot from Johnson & Johnson, which has been paused in the U.S. upon recommendations from health authorities that are reviewing six cases of blood clots among the 7 million people who received the shot.

An independent advisory group to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday postponed making a recommendation on the Johnson & Johnson shot until there was more evidence on blood clots, likely prolonging the distribution of one of the three coronavirus vaccines federally approved for emergency use in the U.S.

Sen. Bernie SandersBernie SandersNewsmax host: Jury decided to ‘sacrifice’ Chauvin to the mob Lawmakers react to guilty verdict in Chauvin murder trial: ‘Our work is far from done’ Senate confirms SEC chief Gensler to full five-year term MORE (I-Vt.) and Rep. Pramila JayapalPramila JayapalBiden angers Democrats by keeping Trump-era refugee cap Omar: ‘Shameful’ Biden reneging on refugee promise Biden rebuffs Democrats, keeps refugee admissions at 15,000 MORE (D-Wash.) introduced legislation on Wednesday to make college tuition free for many Americans, a policy that would be paid for by a tax on Wall Street. 

The bill would make community college tuition-free for everyone and four-year public colleges tuition-free and debt-free for students from families making up to $125,000 per year. 

“In the 21st century, a free public education system that goes from kindergarten through high school is no longer good enough. The time is long overdue to make public colleges and universities tuition-free and debt-free for working families,” Sanders said in a statement.

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Jayapal, who chairs the Congressional Progressive Caucus, added that the bill would “free students from a lifetime of debt, invest in working people, and transform higher education across America.”   

The bill would also allow students from families who make up to $125,000 per year to attend private, nonprofit minority-serving institutions tuition-free such as historically Black colleges and universities.

And it would double the maximum Pell Grant to $12,990, which can be used for living and non-tuition expenses, and would expand eligibility to “Dreamers,” immigrants brought into the country illegally as children. 

The bill would be paid for by a tax on some Wall Street trades. Sanders said he would separately reintroduce a bill, known as the Tax on Wall Street Speculation Act, on Wednesday. It would put a 0.5 percent tax on stock trades, a 0.1 percent tax on bonds and a 0.005 tax on derivatives. 

The bill comes as Democrats are trying to build pressure on Biden to cancel student loan debt. Biden, during his presidential campaign, backed forgiving $10,000 in student loan debt. He’s now facing calls from lawmakers to go further and cancel $50,000 per borrower, which top Democrats say he can do without Congress.

“While President BidenJoe BidenBiden overruled Blinken, top officials on initial refugee cap decision: report Suicide bombing hits Afghan security forces Jim Jordan, Val Demings get in shouting match about police during hearing MORE can and should immediately cancel student debt for millions of borrowers, Congress must ensure that working families never have to take out these crushing loans to receive a higher education in the first place,” Jayapal said on Wednesday.

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Happy Tuesday and welcome to Overnight Defense. I’m Ellen Mitchell, and here’s your nightly guide to the latest developments at the Pentagon, on Capitol Hill and beyond. CLICK HERE to subscribe to the newsletter.

THE TOPLINE: National Guard troops were on hand Tuesday in cities throughout the country following the guilty verdict for former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin.

Chavin was found guilty on all charges in the murder trial of George Floyd, whose death led to months of demonstrations against police brutality last summer.

Details of the DC Guard: Ahead of the verdict, the D.C. National Guard approved a request from the Metropolitan Police Department to activate about 250 personnel.

The D.C. National Guard announced in a statement Monday that it would activate the personnel “to support local law enforcement in response to potential First Amendment demonstrations.”

The force is approved to support D.C. and law enforcement “as needed” until May 9.

The guardsmen were specifically requested to “assist police with street closures at multiple intersections in order to provide safety in and around pedestrian areas,” according to the statement.

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Who made the request: In a letter sent to the D.C. National Guard on April 8, Christopher Rodriguez, the director of the D.C. government’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, requested that the Guard be activated to help the D.C. police manage crowds, block vehicles at traffic posts and provide a “quick response force.”

Elsewhere in the country: In downtown Minneapolis, a spokesperson for the Minneapolis National Guard confirmed to The Hill last week that 3,000 Guardsmen are being deployed. 

The Minnesota National Guard was activated as part of Operation Safety Net, a joint undertaking by the Minneapolis Police Department, the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, the state of Minnesota and local jurisdictions to “protect people, freedom of speech and property during the Derek Chauvin trial as well as the aftermath of the police involved shooting of Daunte Wright in Brooklyn Center.” 

Wright, a young Black man, was killed in Brooklyn Center, Minn., on Sunday, just miles away from where Floyd died. 

Similar measures are underway in other cities, including in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Atlanta and New York, where police presence will be increased.  

Read more on the Chauvin verdict here.

 

COUNTERTERRORISM STRIKES IN AFGHANISTAN AFTER WITHDRAWAL ‘HARDER’ BUT ‘NOT IMPOSSIBLE’

Striking terrorist targets in Afghanistan without a U.S. troop presence there will be “harder” but “not impossible,” the top U.S. general overseeing the region said Tuesday.

Speaking to the House Armed Services Committee, Gen. Frank McKenzie, commander of U.S. Central Command, said he is in the midst of “detailed planning” for options for “over the horizon” forces, or forces positioned elsewhere in the region that could continue counterterrorism strikes in Afghanistan. He plans to give Defense Secretary Lloyd AustinLloyd AustinOvernight Defense: DC National Guard activates 250 troops ahead of Chauvin verdict | Planning update on Afghanistan withdrawal Top officers believe they have ‘zero’ extremists in their forces Top general: Counterterrorism strikes in Afghanistan after withdrawal ‘harder’ but ‘not impossible’ MORE those options by the end of the month, he added.

“If you leave Afghanistan and you want to go back in to conduct these kinds of operations, there are three things you need to do: you need to find the target, you need to fix the target, and you need to be able to finish the target,” McKenzie said. “The first two require heavy intelligence support. If you’re out of the country, and you don’t have the ecosystem that we have there now, it will be harder to do that. It is not impossible to do that.”

Earlier: McKenzie was testifying about a week after President BidenJoe BidenBiden overruled Blinken, top officials on initial refugee cap decision: report Suicide bombing hits Afghan security forces Jim Jordan, Val Demings get in shouting match about police during hearing MORE announced he was ordering all U.S. troops out of Afghanistan by Sept. 11, bringing an end to U.S. military participation in America’s longest war.

Later Tuesday, Austin, Secretary of State Antony BlinkenAntony BlinkenBiden overruled Blinken, top officials on initial refugee cap decision: report Overnight Defense: DC National Guard activates 250 troops ahead of Chauvin verdict | Planning update on Afghanistan withdrawal Top general: Counterterrorism strikes in Afghanistan after withdrawal ‘harder’ but ‘not impossible’ MORE, Director of National Intelligence Avril HainesAvril HainesOvernight Defense: DC National Guard activates 250 troops ahead of Chauvin verdict | Planning update on Afghanistan withdrawal Top general: Counterterrorism strikes in Afghanistan after withdrawal ‘harder’ but ‘not impossible’ Sunday shows preview: Russia, US exchange sanctions; tensions over policing rise; vaccination campaign continues MORE and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark MilleyMark MilleyOvernight Defense: DC National Guard activates 250 troops ahead of Chauvin verdict | Planning update on Afghanistan withdrawal Top general: Counterterrorism strikes in Afghanistan after withdrawal ‘harder’ but ‘not impossible’ Inspector general chose not to investigate Secret Service in clearing of Lafayette Square: report MORE are also scheduled to brief the full House and Senate behind closed doors on Biden’s plan for Afghanistan.

Biden’s decision came despite repeated statements from U.S. military officials that the Taliban was not yet upholding its end of a deal made during the Trump administration to reduce violence and break from al Qaeda, as well as warnings about the potential for chaos in Afghanistan that could allow an al Qaeda resurgence should U.S. troops withdraw.

Read the rest here.

 

RUSSIAN BUILDUP BIGGER THAN THOUGHT

Satellite photos show Russia has moved more warplanes, troops and equipment to near its border with Ukraine than previously revealed, The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday.

The military buildup, which has taken place in Crimea and at Moscow’s bases near Ukraine, has alarmed the United States and other NATO countries as it indicates an increased pressure for political coercion or likelihood of Russian military intervention into Ukraine.

What’s been added: One commercial satellite image from April 16 specifically shows Su-30 fighters on a runway at a Crimea air base which had not been there in late March, according to the Journal.

Russia apparently has also added military units to the area that include attack helicopters, motorized rifle and armored units, smoke generators, spy drones, jamming equipment and a military hospital, according to the photos taken between March 27 and April 16 by Maxar Technologies.

More Russian troops: The added forces and armaments come after the European Union’s (EU) top foreign policy minister Josep Borrell warned Monday that tensions on the Ukraine-Russia border were at an all-time high, adding that “a spark” could set off a war between the two countries. 

Borrell said there are more than 100,000 Russian troops amassing at the borders and in Crimea – double the forces there about four weeks ago – with the risk of further escalation “evident” and “very concerning.”

Pentagon press secretary John Kirby also said Monday that the Russian military buildup is “certainly bigger” than the one witnessed in 2014 when Moscow annexed Crimea from Ukraine.

Read more here.

 

ON TAP FOR TOMORROW

• The United States Institute of Peace will hold a webinar on “Afghanistan’s Next Chapter: What Happens as U.S. Troops Leave?” at 10 a.m. 
• House Foreign Affairs ranking member Michael McCaulMichael Thomas McCaulHouse passes legislation to elevate cybersecurity at the State Department Overnight Defense: DC National Guard activates 250 troops ahead of Chauvin verdict | Planning update on Afghanistan withdrawal House Republicans kick off climate forum ahead of White House summit MORE (R-Texas) will speak at a Washington Post Live virtual discussion on topics that include “the timetable for U.S. troops to leave Afghanistan, the relationship with China and the Biden administration,” at 11:30 a.m. 
• The Center for Security Policy will hold an online discussion on “Artificial Intelligence and the Wars of the Future,” with former Rep. Joe Sestak (D-Pa.); and Ken Rapuano, former assistant secretary of defense for homeland defense and global security, at 1 p.m. 
• The Senate Armed Services will hear from defense officials during a subpanel hearing on the current and future cyber workforce of the Defense Department and the military services, at 2:30 p.m. in Russell Senate Office Building, room 232A. 
• Another Senate Armed Services subcommittee will hear from Air Force, Navy and Army officials on science and technology, technology maturation, and technology transition activities, at 2:30 p.m. in Russell, 222. 
• A House Armed Services subcommittee will hold a hearing on “FY22 Strategic Forces Posture,” at 4 p.m. in Rayburn House Office Building, room 2118. 

 

ICYMI

— The Hill: Blinken to participate in G-7 foreign minister meeting in London next month

— The Hill: Inspector general chose not to investigate Secret Service in clearing of Lafayette Square: report

— The Hill: Opinion: Did Biden blink on Russia? Limited sanctions and no summit

— The Hill: Opinion: From exit strategy to exit timetable in Afghanistan

— The Hill: Opinion: Japan needs to stand stronger with the US to defend Taiwan — and itself

— Military Times: Multiple VA medical centers may be rebuilt under Biden’s infrastructure plan 

— Stars and Stripes: Coronavirus pandemic is causing a massive funding shortfall in the Defense Health Program

— The Associated Press: Russia defends foreign navy limits amid buildup near Ukraine

Happy Tuesday and welcome back to On The Money. I’m Sylvan Lane, and here’s your nightly guide to everything affecting your bills, bank account and bottom line.

See something I missed? Let me know at slane@thehill.com or tweet me @SylvanLane. And if you like your newsletter, you can subscribe to it here: http://bit.ly/1NxxW2N.

Write us with tips, suggestions and news: slane@thehill.com, njagoda@thehill.com and nelis@thehill.com. Follow us on Twitter: @SylvanLane, @NJagoda and @NivElis.

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THE BIG DEAL—Senate GOP faces post-Trump spending brawl: Republicans are bracing for a fierce fight over spending as the party tries to figure out its post-Trump identity.

GOP senators this week will wade into two major sources of division in the conference: whether to nix an earmark ban, one of the few remaining vestiges of the Tea Party years, and whether to adopt a caucus rule that endorses offsetting any increase in the debt ceiling with spending cuts.

• The looming standoff comes after Republicans embraced big budgets under former President TrumpDonald TrumpSt. Louis lawyer who pointed gun at Black Lives Matter protesters considering Senate run Chauvin found guilty as nation exhales US says Iran negotiations are ‘positive’ MORE, who supported getting rid of the debt ceiling, and urged GOP lawmakers to go bigger in the final round of coronavirus relief passed while he was in office. 
• Senate Republicans have also become increasingly marginalized on spending with Democrats poised to revive earmarks and House Republicans, in a surprise move, lifting their own ban this year. 

Sen. John ThuneJohn Randolph ThuneOn The Money: Senate GOP faces post-Trump spending brawl | Senate confirms SEC chief Gensler to full five-year term | Left-leaning group raises concerns about SALT cap repeal Senate GOP faces post-Trump spending brawl The Hill’s Morning Report – Presented by Facebook – All US adults can get vaccine; decision Friday on J&J vax MORE (S.D.), the No. 2 Senate Republican, said he had “no clue” how this week’s debate will play out given the divided caucus. The Hill’s Jordain Carney breaks it down here.

The fault lines: The Senate GOP fight is politically complicated, and the result could signal where the party and the caucus are going, particularly if they win back one or both chambers next year.

• On one side is a cadre of the party’s 2024 White House contenders, such as Republican Sens. Ted CruzRafael (Ted) Edward CruzOn The Money: Senate GOP faces post-Trump spending brawl | Senate confirms SEC chief Gensler to full five-year term | Left-leaning group raises concerns about SALT cap repeal Biden watching Derek Chauvin verdict from West Wing Cruz opposed to state lawmaker’s bid to replace Wright in Congress MORE (Texas), Josh HawleyJoshua (Josh) David HawleyOn The Money: Senate GOP faces post-Trump spending brawl | Senate confirms SEC chief Gensler to full five-year term | Left-leaning group raises concerns about SALT cap repeal RNC raises nearly M in record off-year March donations Senate GOP faces post-Trump spending brawl MORE (Mo.), Rand PaulRandal (Rand) Howard PaulOn The Money: Senate GOP faces post-Trump spending brawl | Senate confirms SEC chief Gensler to full five-year term | Left-leaning group raises concerns about SALT cap repeal Senate GOP faces post-Trump spending brawl 15 Senate Republicans pledge to oppose lifting earmark ban MORE (Ky.) and Marco RubioMarco Antonio RubioOn The Money: Senate GOP faces post-Trump spending brawl | Senate confirms SEC chief Gensler to full five-year term | Left-leaning group raises concerns about SALT cap repeal Senate GOP faces post-Trump spending brawl 15 Senate Republicans pledge to oppose lifting earmark ban MORE (Fla.), who are all opposed to lifting the earmark ban. Another potential White House contender, Sen. Ben SasseBen SasseOn The Money: Senate GOP faces post-Trump spending brawl | Senate confirms SEC chief Gensler to full five-year term | Left-leaning group raises concerns about SALT cap repeal Senate GOP faces post-Trump spending brawl 15 Senate Republicans pledge to oppose lifting earmark ban MORE (R-Neb.), led the charge in 2019 to get the permanent ban included in the caucus rules.
• On the other is some of the most senior members of the caucus: Republicans on the powerful Appropriations Committee and perhaps Trump himself.

 

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LEADING THE DAY

Senate confirms SEC chief Gensler to full five-year term: The Senate on Tuesday voted to approve Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Gary GenslerGary GenslerOn The Money: Senate GOP faces post-Trump spending brawl | Senate confirms SEC chief Gensler to full five-year term | Left-leaning group raises concerns about SALT cap repeal Senate confirms SEC chief Gensler to full five-year term The Hill’s Morning Report – Presented by Facebook – GOP draws line on taxes; nation braces for Chauvin verdict MORE for a full five-year term after confirming him to the Wall Street watchdog last week.

• Senators voted 54 to 45 for Gensler to serve as a commissioner and chairman of the SEC through June 5, 2026. 
• The Senate last week confirmed Gensler to serve the remaining two months of former SEC Chairman Jay Clayton’s term by a nearly identical margin.

Gensler, who was sworn in to the SEC on Sunday, was a professor at the MIT Sloan School of Management before joining the commission. He was also the chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) during the Obama administration, a Treasury Department undersecretary during the Clinton administration and a partner at Goldman Sachs for almost two decades.

 

Left-leaning group: SALT cap repeal would worsen racial income disparities: Repealing the cap on the state and local tax (SALT) deduction would exacerbate racial income and wealth disparities, according to an analysis released Tuesday from the left-leaning Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP).

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The think tank’s report comes as a growing number of Democratic lawmakers are pushing for the SALT cap to be repealed in forthcoming infrastructure legislation.

The background: 

• Republicans’ 2017 tax law capped the SALT deduction at $10,000 in an effort to help offset the cost of tax cuts in the measure. 
• A number of lawmakers on both sides of the aisle from high-tax states such as New York, New Jersey, California and Illinois oppose the cap, arguing that it hurts their residents and their states.

“Repealing the SALT cap would worsen the racial income and wealth divides by primarily benefiting wealthy white households,” ITEP wrote in its report. “It would also likely crowd out other, much more progressive policies and programs from the upcoming infrastructure package while doing comparatively little to encourage progressive revenue raising at the state and local levels.”

The Hill’s Naomi Jagoda explains here.

 

ON TAP TOMORROW: The Senate Commerce Committee holds a hearing on the nomination of Lina Khan to serve as a commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission at 10 a.m.

 

GOOD TO KNOW

• Entertainment industry leaders are calling on Congress and President BidenJoe BidenBiden overruled Blinken, top officials on initial refugee cap decision: report Suicide bombing hits Afghan security forces Jim Jordan, Val Demings get in shouting match about police during hearing MORE to broaden the definition of infrastructure to include the arts.
• The House passed a bill on Monday that would allow banks and financial institutions to work with cannabis businesses.
• Republicans say President Biden’s $2.3 trillion infrastructure package will have a tough time getting through the Senate intact because of several key provisions that will open the legislation up to parliamentary challenges under the arcane Byrd Rule. 

 

ODDS AND ENDS

• A Geico data breach that lasted over a month earlier this year exposed customers’ driver’s license numbers to hackers, according to a notice filed with California’s attorney general earlier this month. 
• Lobbyists had a strong start to the new year with a new Congress and new administration, following a year of major growth lobbying for relief during the coronavirus pandemic.

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The families of George Floyd and Daunte Wright met Tuesday to hold a joint press conference with their attorney Ben Crump.

CNN reporter Sara Sidner posted a video on Twitter of the families meeting each other for the first time.

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“Oh man. So many tears falling here. #GeorgeFloyd’s family meets #DaunteWright’s family for the first time. Watching this in person is a whole lot. The families pain is searing. You can feel it,” Snider said in the post.

Katie Wright, the mother of Daunte Wright, was among those who spoke during the press conference.

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Crump announced Monday that he will represent the family of the 20-year-old Daunte Wright, who was shot dead by police during a traffic stop on Sunday. 

Crump also represents the family of Floyd, who died in May after former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for more than eight minutes. 

Chauvin’s trial began in April and closing arguments are expected next week.

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A Japanese government official said on Thursday that the Tokyo Olympics could still be canceled despite the efforts made by his government to facilitate the international event.

The Associated Press reports that Toshihiro Nikai, a high-ranking official in Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), said “of course” cancellation was still an option when asked about such a possibility on Japan’s TBS TV.

“If it seems impossible to go on with the games, they must be definitely canceled,” Nikai said, according to the AP. “If there is a surge in infections because of the Olympics, there will be no meaning to having the Olympics.”

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“It is important for Japan to have a successful Olympics. It is a big opportunity. I want to make it a success,” Nikai added. “We will have many issues to resolve and prepare, and it is important to take care of them one by one.”

Another Japanese official who is in charge of the country’s vaccine rollout said if the Olympics do happen then it was a possibility that fans may be banned from attending.

“I think the question is how to do the Olympics in a way that is possible in this situation,” government minister Taro Kono said. “That may mean there will probably be no spectators.”

Tokyo organizers have said they expect to announce the number of fans allowed at the games some time this month, the AP noted.

The Tokyo Olympics are expected to begin on July 23, and the Paralympics are expected to follow on Aug. 24.

According to the World Health Organization, Japan has confirmed more than 500,000 coronavirus cases and nearly 10,000 deaths.

Several Democratic lawmakers are pushing for Justice Amy Coney BarrettAmy Coney BarrettDemocrats seek Barrett’s recusal from case tied to conservative backers Amy Coney Barrett receives million advance for book deal: report The Supreme Court creates a new religious aristocracy MORE to recuse herself from an upcoming case linked to a conservative group that funded an ad blitz supporting her confirmation to the Supreme Court.

In a three-page letter, the lawmakers argued that Barrett was at risk of bias in favor of a litigant funded by Charles Koch, the conservative billionaire behind a group that bankrolled a high-priced ad campaign for the Trump appointee’s Senate confirmation last fall.

“Statute, constitutional case law, and common sense all would seem to require your recusal,” Sens. Sheldon WhitehouseSheldon WhitehouseOvernight Energy: Biden reportedly will pledge to halve US emissions by 2030 | Ocasio-Cortez, Markey reintroduce Green New Deal resolution Democrats seek Barrett’s recusal from case tied to conservative backers For a win on climate, let’s put our best player in the game MORE (D-R.I.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Rep. Hank JohnsonHenry (Hank) C. JohnsonDemocrats seek Barrett’s recusal from case tied to conservative backers Democrats debate timing and wisdom of reparations vote Democratic Rep. Mondaire Jones calls on Breyer to retire MORE (D-Ga.) wrote in an April 16 letter first reported by USA Today.

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“At a minimum, there should be a public explanation as to why you think recusal is not required under federal law,” they added.

The Supreme Court did not respond to a request for comment from The Hill.

The Koch-backed Americans for Prosperity Foundation is among the parties that will appear before the justices next week in a First Amendment challenge to a California law that requires nonprofits to disclose their major donors to state officials.

The case comes just months after its sister organization, Americans for Prosperity, told The Hill it would spend seven figures to mount what it described as a “full scale campaign to confirm Judge Amy Coney Barrett.”

Republicans’ fast-track confirmation of Barrett in October followed the death of liberal stalwart Justice Ruth Bader GinsburgRuth Bader GinsburgMcConnell vents over ‘fake news’ Democrats seek Barrett’s recusal from case tied to conservative backers Court packing legislation straight out of Maduro’s playbook MORE and came about a week before the 2020 election, cementing a 6-3 conservative majority on the court.

Supreme Court justices are generally permitted to decide for themselves whether recusal is appropriate in a given case.

Earlier this term, Barrett participated in a case involving some of the fossil fuel industry’s biggest players, including Shell Oil Co., despite her father’s long-standing ties to the corporation, with her non-recusal prompting criticism from government watchdog groups.

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The Biden administration on Tuesday issued an extension for free school lunch through 2022 as part of its effort to reopen schools safely amid the coronavirus pandemic.

According to a press release, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will allow school meal programs to resume serving meals to students this fall and will extend the programs through the following year. The programs will also allow for flexible service that promotes social distancing as schools begin to reopen across the country.

“USDA will remain relentless in ensuring our nation’s children get the critical nutrition they need,” Agriculture Secretary Tom VilsackTom VilsackUSDA: Farm-to-school programs help schools serve healthier meals OVERNIGHT MONEY: House poised to pass debt-ceiling bill MORE said in the release. “States and districts wanted waivers extended to plan for safe reopening in the fall. USDA answered the call to help America’s schools and childcare institutions serve high quality meals while being responsive to their local needs as children safely return to their regular routines.

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“This action also increases the reimbursement rate to school meal operators so they can serve healthy foods to our kids,” he added. “It’s a win-win for kids, parents and schools.”

With the extension, public schools across the country will be able to provide meals through the USDA’s National School Lunch Program Seamless Summer Option (SSO), which is usually only available to students during the summer, the press release noted. The program will also ensure that students are provided meals that include nutritional items such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, milk and maintain “sensible” calorie amounts.

“Students’ success in the classroom goes hand in hand with their ability to access basic needs like healthy and nutritious meals,” Secretary of Education Miguel CardonaMiguel CardonaBiden administration extends universal free school lunch through 2022 The Hill’s Morning Report – Presented by Facebook – All US adults can get vaccine; decision Friday on J&J vax Biden accompanies first lady to medical procedure MORE said, according to the release. “It’s critical that our efforts to reopen schools quickly and safely include programs that provide access to free, healthy meals for our most vulnerable students, particularly those whose communities have been hardest hit by the pandemic. This program will ensure more students, regardless of their educational setting, can access free, healthy meals as more schools reopen their doors for in-person learning.”

Nearly 12 million children nationwide do not always have access to nutritious meals during the pandemic, according to the release.

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