Happy Thursday, May 16. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey (R) signed the country’s most restrictive ban on abortion into law Wednesday night, though it is undoubtedly headed for a legal snarl in the lower courts. Here’s more on that and the other stories we’re following.
Three Things We’re Watching Today
White House war with Congress rages on
The White House sent a lengthy letter to House Judiciary Committee Chair Jerry Nadler (D-NY) rejecting the committee’s probe into possible obstruction and claiming that the committee overstepped its authority. Nadler blasted the letter and said that he’s considering imposing fines on those who defy his subpoenas. The standoff continues to escalate with no end in sight, and we’ll be watching for standout moments.
Barr insists that he isn’t blocking Mueller from testifying
Attorney General William Barr insisted that he hasn’t been blocking special counsel Robert Mueller from testifying before Congress, saying it’s “Bob’s call.” He added that talks between the special counsel’s office and the House Judiciary Committee are ongoing.
Alabama abortion bill is now law
This week, we’ve been covering the Alabama abortion bill that even televangelist Pat Robertson called “extreme.” The measure, which is the most restrictive abortion law in the country, was signed by Gov. Kay Ivey (R) Wednesday night. Lawsuits are certain to follow, and the anti-abortion contingent is itching for a legal fight that goes all the way up to the Supreme Court.
Today’s Rundown
10:00 a.m. ET House and Senate gavel in.
10:45 a.m. ET Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi holds a press conference.
11:45 a.m. ET President Trump greets and meets with Ueli Maurer, President of the Swiss Confederation, at the White House.
2:30 p.m. ET Trump delivers remarks “on modernizing our immigration system for a stronger America” in the White House Rose Garden.
4:15 p.m. ET Trump departs the White House en route to New York.
6:30 p.m. ET Trump speaks at a fundraiser.
8:10 p.m. ET Trump arrives at Trump Tower
Yesterday’s Top Story
Pat Robertson Calls Alabama Abortion Ban ‘An Extreme Law’ — Kate Riga
Reading List
The Complicity of Ben Carson — Jamil Smith, Rolling Stone
Grasswho? Members raised hundreds of thousands, almost none from small donors — Chris Cioffi, Roll Call
White House launches tool for social media censorship complaints — Sara Fischer, Axios
Behind Twitter’s Plan To Get People To Stop Yelling At One Another — Nicole Nguyen, Buzzfeed