DC Insight - 11/18/2022

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Jeffries formally seeks to be next House Democratic leader
Roll Call – November 18, 2022
New York Rep. Hakeem Jeffries officially announced his bid for House Democratic leader Friday. His path to the top was made easier Thursday when Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced she would not pursue a leadership spot next year, when Republicans will have a narrow majority. The Democratic Caucus will hold its leadership elections and organizing meetings for the next Congress on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. If elected Democratic leader, Jeffries would be the first Black member to lead a party caucus in Congress.

Influential activist pushes House GOP to reinstate earmark ban
Roll Call – November 18, 2022
The conference was set to consider an earmark ban proposed by Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Calif., on Wednesday, but punted the decision until after the upcoming Thanksgiving recess after deciding the amendment required more discussion.

McCarthy backed for speaker, but has work to do before January
Roll Call – November 17, 2022
House Republicans voted 188-31 on Tuesday to formally nominate Kevin McCarthy to serve as speaker in the next Congress, but the opposition shows the work he’ll have to do before a floor election in January, when he’ll likely need 218 votes.

Pelosi opts to step down as Democratic leader
Roll Call – November 17, 2022
Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced Thursday that she will not run for another term as Democratic leader, adhering to a self-imposed term-limit pledge she made four years ago.

McConnell prevails in Senate GOP leadership contest
Roll Call – November 16, 2022
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell handily won reelection to his leadership post Wednesday after a challenge from National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman Rick Scott.

Democrats mull debt limit options as lame-duck window narrows
Roll Call – November 15, 2022
They’re aiming to strike a bipartisan deal to address the debt ceiling during the lame-duck period, which could ride on an omnibus spending package if lawmakers can get one done. But it’s unclear if enough Senate Republicans will accept a deal, and Democrats are also discussing using the budget reconciliation process to act on their own.

McCarthy threatens to hold up key defense bill until next year
DefenseNews – November 16, 2022
Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy of California is threatening to delay passage of the fiscal 2023 defense-authorization bill until January when Republicans take control of the House – and likely make him speaker.

White House to seek more than $9 billion in COVID funding during lame-duck session
The Hill – November 15, 2022
The White House is seeking more than $9 billion in emergency public health funding for the coronavirus response during the lame-duck Congress, including new vaccines and therapeutics, administration officials said Tuesday, even as Republicans remain skeptical about the need for more money. The White House wants lawmakers to include the money as part of a year-end government spending bill that would also include funding for Ukraine and disaster relief for hurricane damage.

GAO Report of Interest: China: Efforts Underway to Address Technology Transfer Risk at U.S. Universities
GAO – November of 2022
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) recently released a report, China: Efforts Underway to Address Technology Transfer Risk at U.S. Universities, but ICE Could Improve Related Data, on U.S. government agencies’ efforts to safeguard federally funded university research from transfer to entities affiliated with the People’s Republic of China, with additional insights on foreign students and scholars studying at such institutions.