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PRESENTED BY

THE TOP
The deadly DCA crash

Happy Thursday morning.
DCA crash. Hundreds of rescue and emergency personnel responded to the Wednesday night collision between an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan Washington National Airport, but it doesn’t appear at this time that there were any survivors. Rescue and recovery operations are continuing in the Potomac River under very difficult circumstances.
American Eagle Flight 5342 from Wichita, Kan., was carrying 60 passengers and four flight crew. There were three soldiers aboard the helicopter, which was on a training mission.
American Airlines launched direct service between DCA and Wichita one year ago.
There are multiple media reports that the American Eagle flight was carrying figure skaters, coaches and family members returning from the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Kansas GOP Sens. Roger Marshall and Jerry Moran attended a late-night news conference. Another news conference is scheduled for 7:30 a.m.
President Donald Trump and other top administration officials were briefed on the tragedy.
There are several topics you can expect to hear on Capitol Hill in the wake of the crash.
The airspace around DCA is very busy. It’s just a stone’s throw from the National Mall. Commercial airlines share the space with all sorts of low-flying helicopters, something that’s been a hot topic in the aviation community for years. Plus, DCA is terribly congested, and it’s one of the most challenging commercial airports to land at in the country.
The DNI nom. Former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (Hawaii) will sit before the Senate Intelligence Committee this morning for the most consequential confirmation hearing to date.
Gabbard, an ex-Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii, is Trump’s pick for director of national intelligence. Senate GOP leaders are holding their breath as Gabbard, widely considered Trump’s most endangered Cabinet-level nominee, is certain to face a grilling from both sides.
The hearing will test whether Trump’s takeover of the GOP can extend to someone like Gabbard, whose public record and views would otherwise be considered an affront to Republicans.
What the GOP leadership wants: Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso said Gabbard’s hearing will be “consequential,” citing questions surrounding her past statements and policy positions.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune told us that Gabbard needs to “try to put to rest some of the concerns around some of these issues that have been raised, involvement in Syria, et cetera.”
“I think [Section] 702 especially [of] FISA is something she’s gonna have to be clear on,” Thune added. More on 702 in a bit.
Gabbard doesn’t have any public GOP opponents yet, although there are plenty of skeptics. Gabbard’s team remains hopeful she can pick up a Democrat or two. And the fact that former Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.) is introducing Gabbard today is noteworthy.
Gabbard’s first big hurdle is the Intelligence Committee, where Republicans have a 9-8 majority. Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Todd Young (R-Ind.) are the ones to watch. Just one GOP “no” vote would prevent Intelligence Committee Chair Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) from reporting Gabbard’s nomination to the floor favorably.
There are some ways around this, as we’ve reported. But Thune suggested Gabbard wouldn’t get a floor vote if she doesn’t have the votes in committee:
“I don’t think you can do that if she’s not voted out of committee. The committee would have to vote to bring her to the floor without recommendation, and I can’t see them doing that if they vote her down.”
The lines of questioning at today’s hearing won’t come as a surprise. Gabbard’s previous opposition to Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act — and her reversal that we scooped — will be a dominant theme. So will her past support for NSA leaker Edward Snowden, whose actions are viewed universally on Capitol Hill as having damaged U.S. national security.
Then there are Gabbard’s secret trips to Syria and Lebanon in 2017, which included a meeting with now-deposed Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad. Following that trip, Gabbard seemed to doubt reports that Assad used chemical weapons against Syrian civilians during that country’s brutal civil war. She’s also been accused of peddling Russian propaganda, particularly as it relates to the war in Ukraine.
This is news: In his opening statement, Sen. Mark Warner (Va.), the Intelligence Committee’s top Democrat, will point to all of that to argue that foreign allies may not be able to trust the United States with sensitive intelligence information if Gabbard is confirmed:
“[The DNI’s] mission… is predicated on trust — trust that we and our allies will protect each other’s secrets. Yet repeatedly, you have excused our adversaries’ worst actions, and instead blamed the United States and our allies for them…
“I don’t know if your intent in making those statements was to defend those dictators… or if you were simply unaware of the intelligence and how your statements would be perceived. In either case, it raises serious questions about your judgment.”
We also obtained an excerpt from Gabbard’s opening statement. Gabbard takes direct aim at her critics — and Trump’s.
“What really upsets my political opponents is my consistent record of independence, regardless of political affiliation, and my refusal to be anyone’s puppet,” Gabbard will say.
Gabbard also touches on some Trumpian themes, saying the president has “a clear mandate” to “end the weaponization and politicization of the IC, and begin to restore trust in those who have been charged with the critical task of securing our nation.”
Gabbard isn’t someone who a traditional Republican president would pick for a high-ranking role, especially the one she’s been nominated for.
But Gabbard has important allies here, and that’s what matters. Chief among them is Donald Trump Jr., who recently said any GOP senator who votes against Gabbard should be primaried. Cotton, too, has defended Gabbard and worked hard to get this hearing off the ground in the face of FBI and ethics paperwork delays.
— Andrew Desiderio, John Bresnahan and Jake Sherman
PRESENTED BY AMAZON
Lina started as a part-time employee in one of Amazon’s fulfillment centers in Monroe Township, New Jersey. After participating in a free skills training program she turned that job into a career as a robotics trainer.
Now, she’s able to buy her first home. “I am making my American dream come true. I’ve always been determined, but buying a house would not have been possible without Amazon,” she said.
SENATE MAP
Governors loom large over ‘26 Senate map
The embryonic 2026 Senate map already has a strong gubernatorial flavor.
While a host of members of Congress want to run to be governor of their home states, a number of governors are looking to make the opposite move in top swing states.
It’s no secret that for many governors, it’s difficult to transition from an executive post to becoming a member of a 100-person legislative body. But both parties view governors as key to their 2026 winning Senate strategy.
The biggest recruitment question of the 2026 cycle is whether Senate GOP leaders can convince Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp to challenge Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) in the Peach State.
If Kemp runs, he would immediately clear the GOP primary field. But Kemp isn’t likely to make up his mind until after Georgia’s legislative session later in the year.
In North Carolina, Democrats are desperate for Gov. Roy Cooper to challenge Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) in one of the party’s few clear flip opportunities. Cooper, who’s won reelection twice in a state that President Donald Trump won three times, would present the party with their best chance of defeating Tillis.
Maine Gov. Janet Mills hasn’t ruled out a challenge to Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), the other top-tier chance for Democrats to unseat a GOP incumbent.
In two ruby-red states, Democrats are hoping that popular governors will jump into races that initially look like uphill battles. In Kentucky, Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear is seen as a potential entrant into the Senate race. The 82-year-old Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) is up for reelection but hasn’t announced if he’ll run again. Beshear’s candidacy in an open seat would make the Kentucky Senate race more competitive than any contest in recent memory.
And in Kansas, Democrats are counting on Gov. Laura Kelly to test Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) in his first reelection bid. But Kelly has quieted these rumors and claimed she’s done seeking public office.
Virginia GOP Gov. Glenn Youngkin is also viewed as a contender to challenge Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) in 2026. Youngkin can’t run for another term as Virginia governor in 2025 thanks to state law.
A note of caution: There are plenty of examples of popular governors falling short when they try to flip a Senate seat in their home state. Former Maryland GOP Gov. Larry Hogan couldn’t cut it in 2024. Former Montana Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock lost in a blockbuster 2020 contest, while former Tennessee Democratic Gov. Phil Bredesen lost during his 2018 Senate race.
But there have been bright spots in recent years, too. Former Colorado Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper unseated former Sen. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) in 2020. Former West Virginia GOP Gov. Jim Justice coasted to victory in November after scaring off former Sen. Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.) from a brutal contest.
Twelve former governors currently serve in the Senate.
— Max Cohen

AWS, Meta join AI industry group
AWS and Meta are joining the AI Competition Center industry group, alongside venture capital firm General Catalyst and design software company Canva.
The addition of the companies to AICC gives the initiative supporters among cloud and VC firms, plus Meta, which is focused on open-source models, at a key time for the industry and its relationship with the government.
Companies that allow other researchers to view and build on existing model parameters are increasingly under pressure in Washington, particularly with the news that the open-source approach may have helped China catch up to the U.S. in generative AI systems for very little money.
The AICC, which is part of the existing lobbying and trade group Incompas, is aiming to build up membership in multiple parts of the artificial intelligence ecosystem, including model-makers, infrastructure providers, venture capital firms and energy companies.
AWS, General Catalyst and Canva are all joining Incompas and AICC together, although Amazon and Meta are existing Incompas members.
Since 2014, the umbrella group has been run by former Rep. Chip Pickering (R-Miss.) with a focus on telecom issues. According to lobbying disclosure records, it’s been less of a spender than other major tech trade groups, laying out only $230,000 last year, while the most prominent tech industry associations spend more than that in a single quarter.
As generative AI systems have captured the attention of the public and policy-makers in recent years, lobbying firms and trade groups have rushed to build new practices and speak for tech on the topic.
Existing industry groups for cloud providers or internet companies have absorbed much of the work, in part because broad-based lobbying groups can have trouble getting members to agree on priorities and positions.
But Pickering said he wants the AICC to try to speak about AI from the point of view of its many sub-industries.
“The future of AI isn’t just about algorithms and large language models,” he said in a statement. “It’s about having secure energy supplies to power our data centers, robust digital infrastructure to move data, and innovative companies building products and services that improve people’s lives.”
Alongside Pickering, Colin Crowell, a former policy vice president at Twitter, is helping to stand up AICC.
— Ben Brody
PRESENTED BY AMAZON

Amazon’s free skills training helped Lina build a career as a robotics trainer. Now she’s able to accomplish her goal of buying a house.
GOP LEADERSHIP
McClain tries to put a press-friendly face on GOP leadership
DORAL, Fla. — House GOP Conference Chair Lisa McClain is trying to redefine the No. 3 leadership role into a press-friendly position.
McClain, who was elected conference chair last year to succeed Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), is making herself frequently available to reporters. McClain also said she’s working on a strategy to highlight members outside of elected leadership.
“I want to put them out front,” McClain told us. “I want to make sure we have a unified message and we’re all singing from the same hymnal.”
McClain’s efforts are in hopes of not just continuing but expanding member engagement that began under Stefanik, especially with freshmen.
McClain’s relationship with the press was on display here as she held unscheduled on-the-record gaggles with reporters during the GOP retreat.
The third-term lawmakers also did the majority of her interviews jointly with various freshmen. In our brief interview, McClain brought in Reps. Sheri Biggs (R-S.C.) and Pat Harrigan (R-N.C.).
Harrigan talked about how McClain is helping get a united message out by allowing new members to share the GOP’s positions on the national stage and back in their districts.
“She’s off to a great start in providing those opportunities in a different way than what’s been provided before in Congress,” Harrigan said.
But even back in Washington, McClain has been working to boost the profile of new members or elevate returning members with key bills prioritized in the GOP agenda. She’s staffed up too by hiring someone to help members with booking TV appearances.
McClain has joined on to op-eds and statements from members to show her support for issues important in her colleagues’ districts. She did a joint interview with Rep. Mike Collins (R-Ga.) about the Laken Riley Act and co-authored an op-ed with him on the topic.
McClain also issued a joint statement about the Los Angeles wildfires and forestry preservation with Natural Resources Chair Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) and Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.).
Collins said when it comes to member support, McClain is “there and in the fight.”
The GOP conference chair also held an inauguration media roundtable with two dozen outlets that was attended by roughly 100 members.
Beyond making the conference chair role a press-facing position, McClain is also focusing on building upon the inroads the GOP has made with minority voters, especially Hispanics.
McClain hired a Hispanic press secretary fluent in Spanish and is hoping to expand Republicans’ presence in Spanish media. Her team made sure to invite Spanish media outlets to the GOP retreat and to the inauguration media row earlier this month.
— Mica Soellner
NOMS, NOMS, NOMS
In other Senate news: The Senate Judiciary Committee will hear from Kash Patel, Trump’s pick to lead the FBI. Democrats, led by Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), will oppose Patel’s nomination and slam the nominee as a “staunch Trump loyalist who has repeatedly peddled false conspiracy theories.”
Expect Democrats to highlight many of Patel’s past statements, including a list of “Members of the Executive Branch Deep State” he included in a recent book. One name to watch? Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), a new member of the panel who is also included in Patel’s book as one of the “corrupt actors of the first order.”
Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) will defend Patel as a figure who has fought for “unpopular but righteous causes, exposing corruption and putting America First.”
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s HHS nominee, will have his courtesy hearing before the Senate HELP Committee today as well.
— Max Cohen
MOMENTS
ALL TIMES EASTERN
8:30 a.m.
The Commerce Department’s Bureau of Economic Analysis will release the advance estimate of fourth quarter and Year 2024 gross domestic product.
Noon
The Senate will convene and proceed to executive session to resume consideration of the nomination of Doug Burgum to be interior secretary.
CLIPS
NYT
“In Tense Call, Governors Push Schumer to Fight Harder Against Trump”
– Reid Epstein
NYT
“Inside the Chaotic Rollout of Trump’s Federal Funding Freeze”
– Jonathan Swan and Zolan Kanno-Youngs
WaPo
“Trump plans to build mass detention camp for deportees at Guantánamo Bay”
– Nick Miroff and Dan Lamothe
Bloomberg
“White House Considers Dozens of New Ways to Seize Spending Power”
– Riley Griffin and Jordan Fabian
PRESENTED BY AMAZON
For years, Lina worked various jobs to support her family. But after losing regular work, she found herself struggling to afford food for her son.
That’s when a friend suggested she apply for a job at an Amazon fulfillment center. With competitive wages and benefits starting on day one, Lina jumped at the opportunity. Through a free skills training program and support from her manager, she boosted her pay and is building a career as a robotics trainer at Amazon.
Amazon fulfillment centers create on average 3,000 local jobs with comprehensive benefits and career growth opportunities so hourly employees get the support they need to succeed.
Editorial photos provided by Getty Images. Political ads courtesy of AdImpact.

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