Smooth Sailing: Sotomayor Headed To Easy Confirmation

President-elect Donald Trump has selected hedge-fund manager Scott Bessent to lead the Treasury Department, “elevating one of the finance world’s most vocal supporters of the president-elect to a crucial position overseeing the incoming administration’s economic agenda,” the Wall Street Journal reports. “Bessent in recent months has become a key economic adviser to Trump and his team.

“Tulsi Gabbard, Donald Trump’s pick to lead the intelligence community, was briefly placed on a Transportation Security Administration list that prompts additional security screening before flights after her overseas travel patterns and foreign connections triggered a government algorithm earlier this year,” CNN reports.

“The Supreme Court agreed Friday to wade into a fight over Congress’ ability to delegate power to federal agencies — opening the next chapter in a decadeslong effort by conservatives and business interests to reduce the power of the federal government,” CNN reports. “The appeal, filed by the Biden administration, comes months after the high court handed down a blockbuster ruling limiting the power of federal agencies to interpret vague federal laws on workplace conditions, environmental protections and consumer safeguards.”

“House Democrats are gearing up to put maximum pressure on House Speaker Mike Johnson’s (R-LA) agonizingly small House majority,” Axios reports. “Just a few complications on the GOP side could hobble Johnson’s efforts to pass President-elect Trump’s sweeping agenda, fund the government and raise the debt ceiling.” “Republicans may end up with as small as a temporary one- or two-seat majority until seats can be filled with special elections.

Former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) is recording short videos on Cameo for $500 apiece.

“Florida will conduct a special election on April 1, 2025, to fill the House seat vacated by Matt Gaetz, kicking off a sprint among Florida Republicans to represent the deep-red district,” Politico reports. “The primaries are set for January 28, but whoever wins the GOP nomination will be the heavy favorite over the Democratic pick.”