Good morning, early risers! Welcome to July. If you have any news tips, please send them to [email protected]. We appreciate you starting your day with us.
Today’s Highlights: A Look into Butler’s Incident, Trump’s “Alligator Alcatraz” Visit, and More
Major Developments in Washington
The Senate is approaching a pivotal moment today as lawmakers prepare for a decisive vote on the landmark legislation known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which consolidates key tax reforms and spending reductions. However, the outcome remains uncertain, with critical votes still hanging in the balance.
Two Republican senators-Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Rand Paul of Kentucky-have firmly opposed the bill. Paul’s opposition stems from concerns over the debt ceiling increase without accompanying fiscal measures, while Tillis worries about the potential harm to Medicaid recipients in his state. If additional senators join their ranks, the legislation’s prospects could be jeopardized, prompting a possible rewrite.
Other GOP members, including Senators Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine, have voiced apprehensions about how the bill might affect Medicaid funding in their regions. Navigating these dissenting voices is politically delicate, especially with President Donald Trump warning of primary challenges against those who oppose the bill. Notably, Tillis announced he will not seek re-election, adding to the political stakes.
The Senate has been engaged in an extended “vote-a-rama,” a marathon session lasting over 21 hours, during which senators have debated and voted on numerous amendments. Democrats have used this time to propose changes aimed at moderating the bill’s more contentious provisions, attempting to sway undecided Republicans. Senate Majority Leader John Thune and his team are actively working to secure enough votes for passage.
For the latest updates on the Senate proceedings, refer to reports by Jacob Bogage, Theodoric Meyer, and Marianna Sotomayor.
Should the Senate approve the bill, the House will need to resolve its own disagreements, with a vote potentially scheduled as early as tomorrow. The traditional process involves forming a conference committee to reconcile differences, but this approach seems less favored amid tight deadlines. The goal is to pass the legislation before Independence Day, a deadline President Trump has indicated he’s willing to extend if necessary. House Speaker Mike Johnson is actively coordinating with members to ensure unity, with negotiations ongoing.
There is considerable frustration within the House Republican ranks. Fiscal conservatives criticize the bill for increasing the national debt by over $3 trillion, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Meanwhile, moderates concerned about Medicaid fear that the Senate’s proposed reductions-such as lower provider tax caps set for 2028-could threaten rural hospitals’ survival.
Representative David G. Valadao (R-California), whose district relies heavily on Medicaid, emphasized his support for provisions that safeguard the program’s future but opposed measures that would cut essential hospital funding streams.
The bill’s stance on clean energy is also more restrictive than the House version. It limits tax credits for zero-emission projects to those operational by 2027, based on project completion rather than start date, and introduces new taxes on wind and solar energy. Industry leaders like Elon Musk have criticized these provisions, warning they could hinder the growth of renewable energy sectors amid surging energy demands.
Interestingly, a faction of House Republicans advocating for SALT deduction increases achieved more than expected. The Senate bill proposes raising the SALT cap to $40,000-matching the House’s plan-while phasing it down to $10,000 after 2029 for households earning less than $500,000. This gradual reduction aims to provide relief to middle-class families, with some members, like Rep. Michael Lawler (R-New York), expressing satisfaction with the proposal.
The Turning Points of the 2024 Presidential Race
One year ago, the nation was shaken by an assassination attempt on Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania-a moment that would leave a lasting mark on American political history.
In an exclusive excerpt from “2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America,” journalists Josh Dawsey, Tyler Pager, and Isaac Arnsdorf detail how the events surrounding the attack not only influenced the 2024 election but also reshaped the political landscape for years to come.
The narrative reveals that Trump had a private meeting with J.D. Vance the day before the incident, signaling ongoing discussions about his vice-presidential pick. Trump’s team was in Milwaukee for the Republican convention, and he considered Vance a potential running mate, though no official decision was made at that time. Trump’s comments afterward suggested he was leaning toward Vance, but he chose to delay announcing his choice, citing a desire for a more formal setting.
The authors also delve into President Joe Biden’s tense meetings with fellow Democrats just hours before the shooting. Notably, Biden faced internal doubts about his re-election prospects, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer revealing that only a handful of senators would prefer Biden to remain in the race if a secret ballot were held. Biden, surprised by this, requested a week to consider his options, reflecting the internal uncertainties within his campaign.
The book vividly recounts the chaos following the shooting, including the frantic efforts to evacuate Trump from the scene. Witnesses describe the tense moments as Secret Service agents and law enforcement secured the area, with Trump refusing a stretcher to avoid a visual spectacle. His subsequent hospital visit included a peculiar request for a CT scan, which he joked was an “IQ test,” underscoring his characteristic bravado.
The full account of these events will be available in the upcoming release of the book on July 8.
On the Ground: Current Events and Political Movements
Today, President Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem are touring a controversial immigration detention facility in the Florida Everglades, dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz.” Joined by Governor Ron DeSantis, they will inspect the site, which can accommodate up to 5,000 detainees. The project has sparked environmental lawsuits from conservation groups concerned about its location in Big Cypress National Preserve.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt defended the facility, describing it as an “efficient and cost-effective solution” to the nation’s largest mass deportation effort in history.
U.S. Foreign Policy Shifts
In a significant policy move, the Biden administration announced the lifting of sanctions on Syria, marking a new chapter in U.S.-Syria relations. This follows President Trump’s recent executive order, which signals a willingness to engage with the Syrian government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who rose to power after Bashar al-Assad’s departure to Russia.
The U.S. severed diplomatic ties with Syria in 2012 amid a brutal civil war involving chemical attacks by Assad’s regime. While formal relations remain suspended, the easing of sanctions indicates a potential shift toward diplomatic normalization, despite concerns over Sharaa’s past associations with extremist groups.
Campaign Updates: Candidates and Elections
Democrat Colin Allred of Texas is officially launching his bid for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Republican John Cornyn. In his campaign announcement, Allred criticized the current political climate, emphasizing the need to reduce costs and combat corruption, framing his run as a fight for economic fairness.
In South Dakota, Rep. Dusty Johnson (R) has announced his candidacy for governor, emphasizing priorities such as law enforcement, education, immigration enforcement, and government efficiency. Johnson, the sole House representative from South Dakota, is seeking to succeed Governor Larry Rhoden, whose plans remain unannounced.
Financial Outlook for Democratic Campaigns
The Democratic super PAC House Majority PAC reported a record-breaking fundraising total of $40 million in the first half of 2025, its strongest start in a non-election year. This surge indicates robust donor interest and signals a concerted effort to regain control of the House in 2026. Historically, such early fundraising success has correlated with successful midterm campaigns, as seen in previous election cycles.
Local News Highlights
- Idaho: Tragically, two firefighters lost their lives in Coeur d’Alene after responding to a wildfire call turned violent.
- Maine: Rising housing costs have led Bangor to explore innovative solutions, including a tiny home community with units averaging 320 square feet.
- Utah: West Valley City hosted its first Pride celebration despite a state ban on the Pride flag, showcasing local resilience and inclusivity.
Your Voice Matters
Public sentiment about national pride appears to be waning, with only 58% of Americans expressing strong pride in their country-down nearly 10 points from last year, according to Gallup. The peak was 91% in 2004. As we celebrate Independence Day, we invite you to share your thoughts on this decline and your feelings about being American. Send your comments to [email protected], [email protected], or [email protected].
Thank you for starting your day with us. Follow Dan and Matthew on X: @merica and @matthewichoi.