I started writing this essay about the upcoming big-hitting week on Capitol Hill. The week has been a bit crazy. I got distracted. I had to go back and find the right Word document to continue.
I searched for “blockbuster.”
But it was mildly amusing when an essay surfaced from February 27 of this year about another “blockbuster” week on Capitol Hill.
WAITING FOR THE MOMENT: TRUMP ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT EVOLVES CALLS FOR BIDEN TO STEP ASIDE
That week was a success.
Hunter Biden was set to testify. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was set to tell congressional committees why he didn’t share his medical disability with his superiors. And a partial government shutdown loomed.
These themes seem very quaint today on Capitol Hill, almost old-fashioned.
Yes, that was a very successful week back in late February/early March.
But in the annals of blockbusters, this one may top the rest.
It will be a monster.
Congress was not in session this week due to the Republican convention, but lawmakers return on Monday.
Five main stories will dominate the Capitol, plus subplots.
Former US President Donald Trump is pictured in front of the US Capitol. (Fake Images)
Here's what you should look for:
The investigation into the attempted assassination of Trump:
Monday:
It will be the first time lawmakers have returned to the Capitol since the shooting. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., is likely to announce the structure and name members of his task force to investigate the Pennsylvania incident.
USSS Director Kimberly Cheatle is set to appear before the House Oversight Committee at 10 a.m. Eastern time on Monday. It will be one of the most anticipated hearings in Congress in the past decade. The panel issued a subpoena to compel her to testify. Cheatle confirmed she would attend. There were fears she might not show up before the committee.
Members of Congress may not be impressed by Cheatle, but the mere fact that he will attend could go a long way toward silencing conspiracy theories about the attack.
Most lawmakers won't be back in Washington until midday Monday, but that's when they'll be reacting to the shooting and the fallout for the Secret Service.
The Hitchhiker's Guide to Kicking Bob Menendez Out of the Senate
Tuesday:
The House Homeland Security Committee wants Cheatle to attend a hearing that morning. She has not yet confirmed her attendance at that session. House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green, R-Tenn., has invited FBI Director Christopher Wray and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to the same hearing. Green tells me he's fine with his agents appearing. However, Green definitely wants Cheatle to testify. Green has invited local police and other Pennsylvania state officials to testify at the second part of this hearing on Tuesday.
The Senate is on recess until Tuesday afternoon, so many senators' remarks may not be released until Tuesday night.
Wednesday:
FBI Director Christopher Wray is scheduled to testify before the House Judiciary Committee. That hearing was scheduled before the assassination attempt.
Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Gary Peters, a Michigan Democrat, said he would like to hold a hearing on the incident before the August recess.
Fox was also told there could be hearings during the August recess.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivers a speech during a ceremony on the eve of Memorial Day (Yom HaZikaron), at the Yad LaBanim Memorial in Jerusalem on May 12, 2024. (DEBBIE HILL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Netanyahu speaks at joint meeting of Congress:
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to address a joint session of Congress on Wednesday. All four bicameral and bipartisan leaders of Congress invited Netanyahu, though it’s clear that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., are not happy with Netanyahu. Schumer even came under fire a few months ago for denouncing Netanyahu and suggesting he call new elections soon.
Protests will dominate the Capitol. Even some anti-Israel and pro-Palestinian lawmakers and aides may participate. There were already security concerns before last weekend's shooting. Now those concerns have been amplified. Stay tuned to see how many Democrats boycott this speech. It's also worth listening to what Schumer and Jeffries say afterward.
And please note that this is a “joint meeting,” not a “joint session.”
Democrats disorganized by Biden:
The question about President Biden’s future is gathering steam now. There is a distinct possibility that the president will step down. A groundswell of Democrats is now demanding that President Biden step aside. Watch the moves by Schumer, Jeffries and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. Pelosi has been very close to the situation, especially speaking to the mammoth California delegation. This trio could define what — or who — comes next.
This drama has been simmering since Biden’s disastrous debate in late June. Pay particular attention to the House Democratic leaders’ press conference on Tuesday. Jeffries will hold his weekly press conference on Wednesday or Thursday. Schumer will speak after the Democratic Caucus’ weekly luncheon on Wednesday.
CONGRESS DEVIATION: MANY DEMOCRATS AVOIDABLE ON BIDEN ISSUE
Will Menendez resign or will there be an attempt to oust him?
Don't expect a vote to expel Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., following his conviction this week. We could, however, get a report from the Senate Ethics Committee. That could set in motion a plan to oust Menendez in the coming weeks. Reporters will be keeping an eye on Menendez, if he comes to the Capitol. That's not to mention the questions they'll ask his son, Rep. Rob Menendez, D-N.J. Also, expect Schumer to ask questions about Menendez at his weekly news conference on Wednesday. Schumer has not called for Menendez's expulsion. Just for him to resign.
The Senate has not expelled a member since 1862. A two-thirds vote is needed to expel a senator. If Menendez refuses to budge, the Senate could begin expulsion proceedings against the New Jersey Democrat once the ethics report is complete.
What will Menendez do? It's not clear. He based his entire defense on the idea that he was only doing business with the Senate and his constituents, and not accepting bribes.
Sen. JD Vance (R-OH), Republican vice presidential nominee:
It’s unclear whether Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, will come to the Capitol in the coming days for votes and hearings. Previous presidential and vice presidential candidates have returned to the Capitol here from the process or when there are important votes and debates. Vice President Harris, then a senator from California, returned to the Capitol during the pandemic in the fall of 2020, when the Senate held confirmation hearings for Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett.
Former President Trump's running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), arrives on the first day of the Republican National Convention at Fiserv Forum on July 15, 2024, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
Moreover, Vance has experienced one of the most meteoric rises in the history of American politics. Faster than former President Obama. Vance has only been a senator for a year and a half and has never held any office before. Expect senators from both parties to offer their comments on Vance throughout the week.
The wildcard:
Anything can happen in this environment. A monumental political scandal could arise. God forbid another security incident.
A source told Fox that if President Biden drops out and the party picks Harris, Democrats should consider Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, as their vice presidential nominee. Brown considered running for president in 2020. His resignation could cost Democrats a Senate seat they could win. But Fox was told some in the party like that Brown can compete with Vance.
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This is precisely what we should look for next week.
Get ready for next week.
