Today’s edition of quick hits:
* Look for more on this on tonight’s show: “The House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday voted to authorize a subpoena for the full, unredacted report by special counsel Robert Mueller on Russian interference in the U.S. election and alleged obstruction of justice by President Donald Trump.”
* As expected, Mitch McConnell went “nuclear” this afternoon: “Senate Republicans on Wednesday used a controversial procedural tactic called the ‘nuclear option’ to change the chamber’s rules to make it easier to confirm lower-level Trump nominees.”
* Sending a message: “The House on Wednesday approved a nonbinding resolution to condemn the Trump administration’s support for a lawsuit that would overturn Obamacare. Lawmakers approved the symbolic measure sponsored by freshman Rep. Colin Allred, R-Texas, in a 240-186 vote. The GOP-controlled Senate is not expected to take it up.”
* Related news out of Wisconsin: “A federal court has approved Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul’s request to withdraw Wisconsin from two lawsuits against the Affordable Care Act, handing a victory to Kaul and Gov. Tony Evers.”
* This is bound to be an interesting investigation: “Federal authorities are investigating possible Chinese intelligence operations targeting President Donald Trump and his private Palm Beach club, Mar-a-Lago, sources familiar with the never-before-reported investigation told the Miami Herald Wednesday.” * Puerto Rico: “Mr. Trump’s apparent disdain for the island’s leadership has led to a breakdown of communication between local officials and the White House. For weeks, [Gov. Ricardo] Rosselló has asked the White House for a private meeting with Mr. Trump to lay out the island’s case for why it desperately needs federal funds for rebuilding after Hurricane Maria. But Mr. Rosselló’s request has gone unanswered.” Anything to add? Consider this an open thread.
Steve Benen is a producer for "The Rachel Maddow Show," the editor of MaddowBlog and an MS NOW political contributor. He's also the bestselling author of "Ministry of Truth: Democracy, Reality, and the Republicans' War on the Recent Past." Recommended
