Heard on the Hill
What we’re hearing from people we trust on and around the Hill.
What we’re hearing from people we trust on and around the Hill – please send us more tips!
Hamas protesters legislation: Over the weekend, miscreants vandalized statues around the White House during a pro-Hamas demonstration. Senators noticed — expect at least one bill this week to enhance the penalty for such conduct.
Proxy-voting earthquake: Republicans have long criticized the two dominant shareholder proxy advisory funds: Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) and Glass Lewis. We hear there will be a major shakeup this week, with a new, credible market entry that will provide an option for those who still believe in shareholder value.
Empire State of mind: Sources tell us that when former Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D., N.Y.) appears before the House’s Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic on Tuesday, he’ll be pressed on “New York’s deadly ‘must-admit’ COVID-19 nursing home guidance.” Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne, who was in the New York legislature during Cuomo’s fall from grace, told us Cuomo’s “vanity and ego take over” his decision-making skills and that “it would be a shame for the State of New York” if he went back in politics.
Crime wave: Multiple Hill staffers were attacked in and around Navy Yard this weekend.
Play ball: As the GOP prepares for the Congressional baseball game, Sens. Eric Schmitt (R., Mo.) and Joni Ernst (R., Iowa) have impressed their colleagues and are likely to be the game’s stars. Schmitt told the Reporter that this year’s game is “motivation to get in a little better shape.” Playing baseball, he said, “is what I really wanted to do with my life, but somehow I ended up in the Senate.” Also, Rep. Greg Steube (R., Fla.) has the starting pitching job on lock according to Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R., Ohio). Wenstrup confirmed that Steube is a far better pitcher than amateur baseball player Anthony Fauci, who has been in and around Washington, D.C. recently. “It’s not real close,” Wenstrup told the Reporter.
Gold Barrs: Rep. Andy Barr (R., Ky.) is transferring $1 million to the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) this week. The Kentuckian has donated almost $2 million to House GOP campaign efforts this cycle. Barr tells the Reporter that he’s “proud to continue to support the NRCC to grow our majority and save our country.”
Tiger 2.0: At the annual Senators Classic hosted by Sens. John Hoeven (R., N.D.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R., W. Va.) in Williamsburg, a crew of former, current, and aspiring senators met to talk politics and play golf. Per a list flagged to the Reporter, attendees included Sens. John Barrasso (R., Wyo.), John Cornyn (R., Texas), Joni Ernst (R., Iowa), Mike Lee (R., Utah), Pete Ricketts (R., Neb.), Jim Risch (R., Idaho), Mike Rounds (R, S.D.), Rick Scott (R., Fla.), John Thune (R., S.D.), Roger Wicker, (R., Miss.), and Todd Young (R., Ind.). Joining the current senators were candidates Jim Banks, Jim Justice, Bernie Moreno, Kari Lake, and Mike Rogers. Former Sen. Richard Burr (R., N.C.) was reportedly on scene.