Heard on the Hill
What we're hearing from people we trust on and around the Hill
IN THE CLOUDS: The General Services Administration (GSA) rolled out a OneGov agreement with Amazon Web Services (AWS) that includes up to $1 billion in savings for cloud adoption, modernization, and training for federal agencies through 2028.
STARS IN DC: The Department of Agriculture, under Secretary Brooke Rollins hosted the inaugural Great American Farmers Market on the National Mall, featuring booths from dozens of states, and performers from all star acts, including Big & Rich, LOCASH, Danny Gokey, Mary Millben, and the Free Chapel Band.
NO THANK YOU: A new mini-documentary from filmmaker Rob Montz showcases how the American taxpayer was on the hook for a rapper in Gaza. Watch the movie here.
PUT ON NOTICE: Sen. Tom Cotton's (R., Ark.) letter to Intel's board asking why Intel hired a CEO linked to China made a massive splash, leading to a post from President Donald Trump and more members of Congress weighing in. Our Hill sources say companies that are linked to China should take notice, because this won't be the last hit from the Senate.
EMAIL PROBLEMS: The Washington Reporter broke the news that the Hill was interested in emails sent by Brian Quintenz, the nominee to be chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). This week, Rep. Dina Titus (D., Nev.) asked the CFTC to release more information about Quintenz's emails, alleging he asked for nonpublic information that would affect one of his business interests. Our sources tell us to expect more to come on this front.
EXECUTIVE ACTION: President Trump's executive order involving collegiate admissions data is getting rave reviews from Republicans, with one Senate aide describing it as "a great way to end racist affirmative action."