Axios

The Biden administration rolled out a proposal on Tuesday that would bar migrants from seeking asylum if they attempt to cross the southwest border illegally without first asking for protection in a country they traveled through.

Why it matters: It's the latest in a string of new policy moves by the Biden administration to deter migrants and asylum seekers from illegally crossing the U.S.-Mexico border.

The Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday in a landmark tech case, Gonzalez v. Google, grappling for the first time with whether to make big changes in a 1996 law protecting service providers and publishers from being sued over content their users post.

Why it matters: The court's decision could have a far-reaching impact on any website that hosts content created by third parties.

Farmers of color are calling on lawmakers this Congress to invest in equitable land access for the next generation.

The big picture: They're looking to the farm bill as a funding gateway to mitigate the federal government's historic role in fueling racial disparities in farming and food sovereignty.

The Environmental Protection Agency ordered Norfolk Southern on Tuesday to clean up the contamination from the derailment of one of its trains carrying hazardous materials in East Palestine, Ohio, earlier this month.

Why it matters: The railway operator has been cleaning up the crash site voluntarily, but the EPA's order will require the company to do so under a plan approved by the agency.

State and local governments are facing very different circumstances than they did during the yearslong slog that followed the Great Recession: They are swimming in cash.

Why it matters: State lawmakers have begun to hash out budget plans for this fiscal year. There are exceptions — California being one — but for the most part, state coffers are fat and generally finances are in good shape. That enables state-level spending to help keep growth humming.

A group of 20 Democratic members on Tuesday announced they are forming a coalition to protect and expand abortion access in their states as bans continue to be enacted following the fall of Roe v. Wade.

The big picture: The Reproductive Freedom Alliance works as a formal structure for governors to respond together to bans coming from red states and "judges who are advancing their ideological agenda" — particularly the upcoming ruling from a judge in Texas that could end access to abortion pills nationwide.

Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) officially announced on Tuesday her bid for California’s U.S. Senate seat in 2024, becoming the third House Democrat vying to replace outgoing Sen. Dianne Feinstein.

Why it matters: This is shaping up to be the most competitive Senate primary in California in decades.

Rep. David Cicilline (D-R.I.) is leaving Congress on June 1 to lead the Rhode Island Foundation, his office announced Tuesday.

Why it matters: His forthcoming departure likely sets up a competitive special election to replace him in the Democratic stronghold.

Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg on Tuesday urged the rail industry to improve safety measures after the derailment of a Norfolk Southern train carrying hazardous materials in East Palestine, Ohio, earlier this month.

The big picture: Buttigieg called on Congress to help hold the freight rail industry accountable by increasing the maximum fines that the Transportation Department can issue.

United Airlines announced a new family seating policy on Monday that makes it easier for children under 12 to sit next to an adult in their party for free — including customers who buy the cheaper Basic Economy tickets.

Why it matters: Having to pay extra to sit together is a rising frustration for travelers on a budget.

Tim Mulvey — a former senior staff member and spokesman for the House 1/6 committee, which expired at the end of last year — tells Axios he's concerned there aren't enough security protections embedded in Speaker McCarthy's deal with Fox News' Tucker Carlson.

Driving the news: As revealed in Axios AM yesterday, McCarthy is giving Carlson's producers access to up to 41,000 hours of Capitol surveillance video from the riot and preceding days.

The Biden administration is courting a wave of private investments as a multiplier for the nearly $2 trillion in spending and tax incentives Congress approved in the past two years.

Why it matters: With little chance of getting more stimulus through Congress, the White House sees buy-in from the business community as the best way to juice the reach of President Biden's infrastructure package, the Inflation Reduction Act and the semiconductor research bill.