The Latest: Cosby Defense Loses 5th Bid For Mistrial

Steve Bannon told the New Republic that a little-discussed provision of the Laken Riley Act would allow state AGs to file lawsuits to block H-1B visas, which Bannon hopes will be a backdoor victory against Elon Musk in the intra-MAGA dispute.

“You have a two-seat majority, and you shot one of your members.” — A House Republican lawamker, quoted by Politico, on Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) ousting House Intelligence Chair Mike Turner (R-OH) and making him “an enemy.”

“President-elect Donald Trump has said he plans to embark next week on one of the most sweeping deregulatory drives in U. S. history, slashing at rules emanating from every channel of executive authority,” the Wall Street Journal reports. “Trump’s fellow Republicans say lighter regulation will unleash the economy. Some businesses and consumer groups are planning to push back in court, however, echoing legal disputes over executive actions on immigration, healthcare and the environment during Trump’s first term.”

“GOP tax writers are gathering support for creative ways to make the price tag $0 for extending Trump’s 2017 tax cuts,” Axios reports. “The procedural and budgetary gambit will free Republicans from the burden of finding the $4 trillion in spending cuts. But deficit hawks, including member of the House Freedom Caucus, haven’t completely signed off on the novel approach.”

NBC News: “Incoming administration staffers are being warned to weigh the threat of a pricey legal defense and consider purchasing a form of legal insurance that would provide them a lawyer if needed, a protection that many now consider part of doing business after former Trump aides were hauled before congressional committees and grand juries over the past eight years.” “In a cautionary move, Trump’s transition has briefed some incoming administration staff members on the need to price and buy professional liability insurance.”

“President-elect Donald Trump is set to hold a victory rally in Washington, D. C. on Sunday, one day before returning back to the White House for a second term,” USA Today reports.