Feb 14, 2018

Trey Gowdy: House Oversight has launched Porter investigation

Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-SC). Photo: Zach Gibson / Getty Image

Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-SC) told CNN Wednesday that the House Oversight Committee launched an investigation last night into the Trump administration's handling of the domestic abuse allegations against former White House staff secretary Rob Porter.

“You can call it official. You can call it unofficial. I'm going to direct questions to the FBI that I expect them to answer. And if they don't answer them, then they're going to need to give me a really good reason.”

— Gowdy on "New Day" CNN

Why it matters: The White House has been in hot water for their handling of Porter's exit — specifically what they knew and when. Yesterday, FBI Director Christopher Wray contradicted the White House, which still can't get it's story straight, on the Porter timeline. Now Congress is taking the matter into its own hands.

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Mike Allen

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Postal slowdown threatens election breakdown

In 24 hours, signs of a pre-election postal slowdown have moved from the shadows to the spotlight, with evidence emerging all over the country that this isn't a just a potential threat, but is happening before our eyes.

Why it matters: If you're the Trump administration, and you're in charge of the federal government, remember that a Pew poll published in April found the Postal Service was viewed favorably by 91% of Americans.

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Axios

Updated 2 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Coronavirus dashboard

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

Global: Total confirmed cases as of 2 p.m. ET: 21,280,608 — Total deaths: 767,422— Total recoveries: 13,290,879 — Map.
U.S.: Total confirmed cases as of 2 p.m. ET: 5,335,398 — Total deaths: 168,903 — Total recoveries: 1,796,326 — Total tests: 65,676,624 — Map.
Health: The coronavirus-connected heart ailment that could lead to sudden death in athletes — Patients grow more open with their health data during pandemic.
States: New York to reopen gyms, bowling alleys, museums.
Podcasts: The rise of learning pods — Special ed under pressure — Not enough laptops — The loss of learning.

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Mike Allen

2 hours ago - Politics & Policy

USPS pushes election officials to pay more for mail ballots

Protesters gather in Kalorama Park in D.C. today before demonstrating outside the condo of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy. Photo: Cheriss May/Reuters

The Postal Service has urged state election officials to pay first class for mail ballots, which Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer says could nearly triple the cost.

Why it matters: Senate Democrats claim that "it has been the practice of USPS to treat all election mail as First Class mail regardless of the paid class of service."