First in Punchbowl News: The Business Roundtable is ramping up its multi-million dollar campaign as the House Ways and Means Committee marks up Republicans’ reconciliation bill this week.
The group, which represents CEOs of the largest U.S. companies, is shelling out $2 million on a new wave of ad buys that include:
— Radio ads urging Congress to “extend and strengthen the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.” Listen here.
— Digital ads in every state and D.C. that tout benefits from the 2017 tax cuts and say the law “helped businesses boost wages for American workers.” BRT is putting up billboards like this and running ads in print.
— A TV spot airing nationally on Fox News, which BRT is extending.
Plus, CFOs of BRT companies are flying in Wednesday for meetings with congressional offices, the Treasury Department and the National Economic Council.
Sherpa thanks: The Senate Opportunity Fund — a not-for-profit 501(c)(4) organization closely aligned with Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso — is hosting an event tonight to thank dozens of “sherpas” who worked with senators and the incoming Trump administration to guide Cabinet-level nominees through the confirmation process.
Barrasso, Senate Republican Conference Chair Tom Cotton, GOP Sens. Bill Hagerty (Tenn.) and Bernie Moreno (Ohio), along with Cabinet and White House officials are also scheduled to attend, including Education Secretary Linda McMahon.
Illinois Senate news: Eighteen members of the Congressional Black Caucus, including Chair Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.) and Rep. Jonathan Jackson (D-Ill.), are endorsing Rep. Robin Kelly’s (D-Ill.) Senate run.
Gallego moves on immigration: Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) is releasing an immigration framework that calls for more U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents and a path to citizenship for Dreamers. It’s hard to see this going anywhere in the GOP-controlled Senate, but it’s a sign that Gallego wants to be seen as a player in any future immigration and border security compromise.
