What Kind of Day Has It Been, Vol. 2

Today has been A FUCKING DAY. Let’s talk about it.

• The Senate affirmed the motion to proceed (with a tie-breaking vote casted by none other than Mike Pence) on voting on the reconciliation bill (or bills? who knows) about healthcare.
• In a surprise turn of events, Sen. Murkowski of Alaska voted with the Democrats on the motion to proceed.
• Senator McCain arrived in the Senate, amid recovery from a brain surgery and brain cancer diagnosis, to vote on healthcare. He gave a rousing speech that has everyone talking — both the good kind and the bad.
• And well into the night, the Senate voted on the BCRA (the repeal and replace bill + Cruz and Portman amendments) and it failed. Senator Enzi then motioned to adjourn and the Senate will reconvene at 9:30am to continue voting. The next likely tactic is to vote on the “skinny Obamacare repeal.”
• The White House press aide resigned today after Scaramucci alleged he would be fired over supposed leaks.
• Scaramucci also said he’d just fire the whole office if leaks continue.
• The House of Representatives approved the new sanctions against Russia that were previously passed by the Senate. It will now go to President Trump for his signature. Plot twist: if he vetoes, there are more than enough votes to override his veto.
• President Trump continued to say he was disappointed in Jeff Sessions’ decision to recuse himself from the Russia investigation.
• Senator Susan Collins had a hot mic when she said, “Well, he’s huge. And he is so — I don’t mean to be unkind — but he’s so unattractive, it’s unbelievable.” This was part of a conversation with Senator Reed, where she asked if he saw that she had been challenged to a duel by a Republican Congressman.
• The Senate Judiciary committee issued a subpoena to Paul Manafort.
• …then they revoked the subpoena hours later after he willingly gave up his notes.