Eyes on NOAA
Down in Texas, the search for flash-flood victims continues, with authorities cautioning that the number of fatalities is almost certain to climb. Here in Washington, questions, recriminations, and second-guessing already is underway.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) urged an immediate investigation by the inspector general’s office “into the scope, breadth, and ramifications of whether staffing shortages at key local National Weather Service (NWS) stations contributed to the catastrophic loss of life and property during the deadly flooding.”
The National Weather Service defended the steps it took. The White House defended the weather service. And the chairman of the Senate committee with oversight authority downplayed concerns that President Donald Trump’s staffing cuts played a role in the failure to evacuate people before the floods.
“I think this is not a time for partisan attacks,” Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) said. “My hope is in time we will learn some lessons to implement.”
Trump plans to visit Texas on Friday, saying he would work with the state’s governor and lawmakers to assist with the recovery.
Meanwhile it’s far from business as usual at the weather service and its parent agency, NOAA. Bloomberg Government’s Kellie Lunney scooped that its new default setting will be for new employees to get the boot unless senior political leaders allow them to stay.
Beginning July 23, to keep their new hires after their probationary period, managers must make the case to senior leaders, including Senior Executive Service officials as well as senior political appointees. That may come up when Trump’s nominee to lead NOAA appears tomorrow before the Cruz’s committee. Read More
Netanyahu’s Washington Trip
You probably recall that Speaker Mike Johnson had to postpone his speech to Israel’s Knesset because of the warfare between Israel and Iran. That would have been a high-profile demonstration of allegiance from a politician who has shown unwavering support for Israel in the Gaza war.
Today, that support will yield time on the schedule of Israel’s prime minister.
Benjamin Netanyahu is in Washington after an Oval Office meeting and dinner last night at the White House, where he made news by announcing that he had nominated Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize. Netanyahu will also meet separately with Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and other members of the Senate.
Tariff Watch
Trump reset the tariff clock, so instead of new levies kicking in this week, the administration’s back in a come-negotiate position.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio flies to Malaysia today to discuss trade and security with officials gathering for a meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations — export-reliant countries with a lot on the line in tariff talks.
That trip comes a day after Trump announced plans to impose 25% tariffs on imports from Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, and Kazakhstan; 30% tariffs on goods from South Africa; and 40 percent tariffs on shipments from Laos and Myanmar. Read More
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On the Hill
It’s a one-chamber week on Capitol Hill, where House members are getting a break after adding extra session time to last week’s schedule.
The Senate Armed Services Committee is devoting this week to the annual military policy bill, with today’s subcommittee action happening behind closed doors. BGOV subscribers, you have a fuller look at the legislative day ahead in Congress Tracker.
Before You Go
Ukraine Reversal: After the Pentagon halted flows of some air-defense missiles and artillery shells to Ukraine, Trump now says the US will send more weapons. “We have to,” he told reporters. “They have to be able to defend themselves. They’re getting hit very hard now.”
“I’m disappointed, frankly, that President Putin hasn’t stopped,” Trump said. “I’m not happy about it.” Read More
Blame the Wind: As artificial intelligence creates an increase in demand for electricity, Americans should brace themselves for more blackouts, according to a Trump administration report that could help lay the groundwork to keep coal-fired power plants open. Over-reliance on renewable energy and the closure of coal and natural gas power plants will be responsible for shortfalls, the Energy Department said. Read More
No Exception After All: It looked like the University of Notre Dame would be safe from a Republican proposal to raise taxes on college endowments. But an exemption for religious schools was removed from the final tax bill. Read More
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