BACKUP AT HOME: South Dakota Republicans roundly rejected a measure to censure Senator Majority Leader John Thune (R., S.D.). The Reporter’s editorial team previously weighed in backing Leader Thune by pointing out he is right: the talking filibuster.
TRUMP DROPPED THE ACTING: President Donald Trump announced that Keith Sonderling is his pick to run the Department of Labor; Sonderling has been doing that in an acting capacity for months. Our editor-in-chief, Matthew Foldi, wrote an op-ed encouraging Trump to make Sonderling his pick that was circulated on and off the Hill.
MULVANEY ON RETIREMENT REFORM: Former White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney published a piece in the Washington Examiner supporting President Trump’s retirement reforms that offer more options for America’s seniors. Sources tell us Mulvaney’s piece has been getting substantial pickup on the Hill and in the Administration.
BAUMGARTNER TO THE RESCUE: Gov. Bob Ferguson (D., Wash.) is one of several Democratic governors to boycott the State Fair on the National Mall. Rep. Michael Baumgartner (R., Wash.) decided to fill the void himself and man his home state’s empty booth. “Washington is an incredible state, and it’s disappointing that Governor Ferguson chose not to showcase it at the Great American State Fair,” Baumgartner noted.
NEW LEGISLATION INCOMING: Rep. Keith Self (R., Texas) and other members of the Sharia-Free America Caucus, announced that they will roll out new legislation ahead of America’s birthday this weekend.
HAPPY HOUR: Save our States is hosting a happy hour on Wednesday at 6pm at Hawk ‘n Dove to celebrate the release of its latest report, “Glitz and Glam of Tax Exempt Hospitals.” Read more on its report, covered by Center Square’s Morgan Sweeney, here.
THEY TIED THE KNOT: Robert Shultz and Kelleigh Gustafson got married over the weekend at St. Matthews Cathedral. Among those in attendance were Mike Joyce, Chris Gustafson, Victoria LaCivita, Danny Gustafson, Nick Ballas, Gates and Jacki McGavick, Emma Hall, Zach Parkinson, Brice Brazell, Matt Middleton, Caeleigh Jennings, Caroline Anderegg, Rachel Lee, Gabriella and Zach Imel, Kiera Murphy, Bob Byers, Max and Cassie Docksey, Joy Lee, Robyn Knecht, Mason DiPalma, and many others. Attendees remarked that Pat McManus was notably absent from the festivities.
NEW GIG: Kiersten Pels is the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) new principal deputy press secretary; Pels, a Maryland native, is an alum of the RNC and of Sen. Ron Johnson (R., Wis.).
HAPPY BIRTHDAYS: The Washington Reporter wants to wish Grace Carnathan with Sen. Ron Johnson (R., Wis.), the Senate Republican Policy Committee’s Sandra LaMura, and Anahita Dhungel with the Senate Intelligence Committee the happiest of birthdays!
