To view past editions of Hill’s 12:30 Report, click here. https://bit.ly/30ARS1U

Sign up here to receive The Hill’s 12:30 report in your inbox. https://bit.ly/3qmIoS9

–> Midday views on what’s going on in politics and how to have a sense of humor about it.*

*teeth. Haha. Hahaha. smell. Haha. smell. I break down in hysterical tears.

near

Thank you for signing up!

Subscribe to more newsletters here

The latest in politics and policy. directly to your inbox. 12:30 Sign up for the report newsletter

this morning’s news

oh we’re so close to hitting — *boink*:

Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen notified lawmakers this morning that the US has officially reached the $31.4 trillion debt ceiling.

So why didn’t the US metaphorically implode?: Treasury takes ‘extraordinary steps’ by restructuring some investments to gain more time – possibly until summer According to the Washington Post.

Like?: “Temporarily redeem existing investments and suspend new investments in the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund and the Postal Service Retirement Health Benefit Fund.”

^ But that’s just buying time — so what?: Ultimately, the US will have to borrow more money or default.

Where Things Get Tricky: Raising the debt seems like a natural move, but the bill has to pass the House and Senate, making it a nasty partisan battle. is hoping for

If you’re wondering how US debt works: “The United States borrows large amounts of money by selling Treasury bonds to investors around the world, and uses the funds to pay its existing financial obligations, including military salaries, safety net benefits, and interest on Treasury bonds.” Full description from The New York Times

Reactions, Analysis and Opinions on Situation:

“Every American could feel the pain of Washington’s next confrontation.”: CNN’s Stephen Collinson analysis

story continues

‘The Republican debt ceiling frenzy is about to begin again’: From New Yorker columnist John Cassidy

“House Republicans Are Right: Debt Ceiling Won’t Raise Until Balanced Budget Plan Is In Place”: Fox News Stephen Moore op-ed

Explainer of political struggle over whether to raise Capitol debt ceiling: From NPR’s Susan Davis

A floating out-of-the-box solution: “The Trillion Dollar Coin Scheme Explained by the Man Who Invented It” from vox Dylan Matthews

happy thursday! I Kate Martel A quick recap of the morning and what’s to come. Has someone forwarded this newsletter to you? Sign up here.

🎥 this morning’s news

Alec Baldwin charged with filming ‘The Last’:

actor Alec Baldwin has been charged with manslaughter in the 2021 shooting that killed the cinematographer. Halina Hutchins on the set of his movie Rust. detail

please remember: “Baldwin and other ‘Lust’ producers have settled a lawsuit with the Hutchins family — who accused the team behind the film of ‘reckless behavior and cost-cutting measures.’ was — in October of last year.” What we know about subdued suits

in parliament

What do Democrats, moderate Republicans, and hardline conservatives have in common?

No, no, GOOD LUCK:

“The bipartisan group of senators trying to craft an immigration compromise faces a daunting task: Democrats, moderate Republicans, and hardline conservatives with newfound power and influence in the House. It’s about finding deals that can attract support.”

last week: Ten senators visited the U.S.-Mexico border and Biden visited El Paso, Texas.

So let’s say the Senate reaches agreement: Requires the support of at least nine Republicans and all Democrats in the Senate to pass. But that deal must also be aligned with far-right House Republicans.

hill Al Weaver I will explain how this unfolds

THE ~WHO’S WHO IN THE HOUSE~ IF YOU WILL:
The intraparty dynamics of this new Congress have shuffled a bit since the protracted speaker battle.

hill Michael Schnell Here’s a Useful List of House Republican Powers in This New Congress

🏃‍♂️2024

Is this another 2016 situation or like 2020?:

hill Max Greenwood Republicans caution not to write off the former. President Trump‘s 2024 White House bid claims he is still the frontrunner despite signs that some Republicans are ready to move forward. ”

From Republican Strategist Ford O’Connell: “When you’re in Florida at these grassroots meetings, yeah, you hear ‘Ron DeSantis, Ron DeSantis, Ron DeSantis.’ But outside Florida, it’s still Donald Trump. ”

Trump’s biggest saving grace in recent times: Sensitive document found at President BidenDelaware residence and Washington DC office. This has taken some of the political pressure off the classified documents found at Trump’s Florida home.

Meanwhile, some Republicans think Trump’s 2024 campaign has been uninspired so far“If you’re going to run for president, you’re going to make an announcement and go to Iowa and hold a rally. It doesn’t look like he is. He hasn’t done it yet.”

Details of competing debates about Trump’s 2024 strategy

Held on Thursdays — it will be ‘Uuji’:

former president trump announced this morning He plans to give a “big political address” on Thursday and promised a “wild and exciting” campaign event for his supporters.

Trump posted on Truth Social — here’s an excerpt: “According to fake news, I am not campaigning hard. I say they are stupid and corrupt. Elections are still ahead. .Many GIANT RALLIES and other events are coming soon.It’s all going to be wild and exciting.” Read Trump’s full post

Conservative government watchdog Judicial Watch Trump announced that he is scheduled Be a keynote speaker at the organization’s annual roundtables, private events, and Thursday nights.

🦠 COVID-19 numbers

Cases to date: 101.5 million

Deaths: 1,095,149

Current hospitalizations: 32,348

Number of injections: 666 million

Fully vaccinated: 69.1% of Americans

Click here for CDC data.

🐥Featured Tweet

Biggest news of the day:

of the Washington Post John Hudson He tweeted, “Big news for font freaks: Times New Roman is being phased out by the State Department and replaced by Calibri. [Secretary of State Antony Blinken] A telegram was sent to all embassies today instructing staff not to send any more papers to The Times New Roman. screenshot

⏱on tap

The House and Senate are out. President Biden Located in California. Vice President Harris Located in Arizona.

• 7:30 am: Biden received a daily briefing.

• 9:05 am: Harris and the Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff Depart for Tonopah, Arizona.

• 9:25 am: Biden left for California.

• 3:25 p.m.: Biden is investigating storm damage in Santa Cruz County, California.

• 4 pm: Harris is briefed on a power line project by an IBEW worker.

• 4:50 pm: Biden meets with business owners, first responders, residents and local officials to discuss federal assistance for recent storms.

• 6:50 pm: Harris greets military personnel at Luke Air Force Base.

• 7:35 p.m.: Harris and Emhoff leave Arizona and fly to Los Angeles.

• Friday at 12:20 am: Mr. Biden returns to the White House.

always eastern.

📺what to see

• 2 pm: Chief Deputy Press Secretary of the State Department Vedant Patel Hold a press briefing. live stream

• 4:25 p.m.: Harris speaks out about the clean energy economy.Home Secretary fat Harland energy secretary Jennifer Granholm also attended. live stream

• 6:00 pm: Biden speaks out about storms causing damage in California. live stream

🍿 with light news

today National Popcorn Day!

When To make you smile like I do, This is the team I am honored to join.

Visit The Hill for the latest news, weather, sports and streaming videos.