The state and mood of Washington, D.C. this week are a combination of dire and surreal. The surreal came in the form of the funeral for Lindsey Graham, a rare politician of actual note in this day and age of politicos who are good at winning elections, toeing the line, and remaining consistently unrecognizable as having any effect on national policy. (Did you know that Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI) has been in office since Princess Diana was still alive? Wild.)
The event was, as is typical for the nation&#8217;s capital city, reduced to a pathetic networking session of smiles and handshakes between journos and politicians, lawyers and lobbyists, with the additional Kremlinology of who got to sit where and why. Everyone was on their phones between songs of generic holiness, stuck to the uncomfortable confines of worn brown National Cathedral chairs in the purportedly religious house that has the acoustics of a Wawa and whose respect for holiness is embodied by the head of <a href="https://cathedral.org/discover/fun-facts/">Darth Vader</a> perched atop its Northwest Tower, as predicted by the <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/verse/en/Luke%2019:40">Gospel of Luke</a>. For this, Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) wore a suit?
What was remarkable about the Graham funeral was how little resemblance it bore to the man it claimed to honor. Instead, it was a tribute isolated to a single relationship confined to the last seven years of Graham’s 31-year career in Washington: his political friendship with President Donald Trump. It was a connection built on Graham’s belief that, in the absence of his longtime foreign policy allies John McCain and Joe Lieberman, he had to make the best of things — becoming a quarterback whisperer in an offensive scheme he never thought he’d have to run. The decision reaped benefits, for Graham and for Trump — the former an old hand at driving policy in the Republican conference, the latter a political neophyte who didn’t know whom to trust or how to move legislation beyond a Truth Social post.
The tributes from the front of the Cathedral focused on an appeal to the Commander-in-Chief in the front row and left his longtime friends unmentioned. The program wasn’t marked by any of his longtime political allies from his home in South Carolina. Take the world leaders out of the equation in the attending crowd, and it could’ve been a funeral for any Republican senator. The oddity of it all is that, unlike so many others, Graham’s absence is likely to be immediately felt, and felt the most by Trump’s White House, whose relationship with Capitol Hill, already strained with contention and resentment, is only going to get worse.
The following day brought another insult to holiness with the circus of the Anthony Fauci hearing. The fish in the barrel claimed the Fifth the entire time, and senators expressed their undying love and affection (on the Democratic side) and their utter contempt for his lying, self-dealing, and pompous assumption of the seat of the Pope of Science. Sen. Rand Paul’s (R-KY) blond gum-chewing staffer went viral. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) channeled the fury of millions of Americans. Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-OH) said a swear word. None of this will be of any consequence.
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This is where Republicans find themselves: looking back in anger, without delivering anything of substance. They’re still fighting the last war. Democrats are crazy socialists who haven’t stopped being crazy; in fact, they’ve gotten even crazier. But that’s not good enough to win, despite the insistence of too-online right-wingers that they can run that play back one more time to buck decades of historical midterm trends. Four in 10 voters say they want “<a href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/fox-news-poll-voters-want-major-change-amid-economic-political-discontent">revolutionary</a>” change from this election. Do you think they care about people movers at Washington Dulles Airport? Do you think they give a sh*t if James Talarico rents a truck?
That brings us to the dire mood in the capital city. House Republicans had already been planning their exit strategy and shopping for their next homes and jobs. Senate Republicans have only just noticed that they are headed in the same direction: off a cliff, at rapid speed. President Trump’s approval rating is 33% in the latest AP poll. Democratic Senate candidates currently lead in North Carolina and Georgia — where Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) has promised to spend an enormous amount of cash — and are within the margin of error in Ohio and Texas, which were supposed to be red states the last time we checked. Every bout at the White House’s UFC sideshow ended in a knockout. This may not even be that close.
The realization on the eve of August that the blue tidal wave could hit the Senate, too, has come too late to do much about the outcome except bitch about the damn war. And what comes after? We all know what it looks like for D.C.: committee circuses, impeachment of Cabinet figures, and lawfare targeting the president’s family and allies to a degree that will make the Joe Biden years look sleepy and innocuous. For the Left? A dramatically emboldened socialist wing, with the force multiplier of eager and willing new entrants from safe seats, all looking to make a national name for themselves. And for the Right? Two years of vindictive bloodletting and horror, blame and revisionism, and a level of factional strife that will have the city turning back to all the old &#8220;Game of Thrones&#8221; episodes, lacking as we are in newer references in the post-peak TV era.
The Republican Party was emboldened by Donald Trump’s victory in 2024. But from election night on, it made the mistake of thinking that victory for the Right was fundamental. It may turn out to be the exception before the Left&#8217;s new and dangerous rule. Buckle up.

TOPSHOT-US-POLITICS-CONGRESS-GOVERNMENT-SHUTDOWN

D.C. Republicans Think They’re Going To Lose. They’re Probably Right.

2026 Midterms

dave chappelle

DW Opinion

House Republicans

john fetterman

lindsey graham

President Trump

Senate Republicans

Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-NC) is facing fresh scrutiny after a report revealed he gifted personalized handguns to two women who worked in his congressional office.
According to <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/20/chuck-edwards-ethics-guns-female-staff">Axios</a>, Edwards gave one staffer a blue handgun engraved with her name and another a pink handgun while they were employed in his office in 2024. The gifts are the latest in a series of alleged personal gestures — including handwritten letters, poems, flowers, casino trips, personalized gifts, and a surprise birthday performance — that have become central to the ethics investigation.
Edwards acknowledged providing firearms to some staff members but denied any wrongdoing. &#8220;I have taught several staff members to shoot and handle weapons, and in some cases, I provided them with their own,&#8221; Edwards told Axios. &#8220;Before being elected to Congress, I was a licensed firearm dealer. I&#8217;m a strong believer in teaching men and women about firearm safety and self-defense.&#8221;
One former staffer&#8217;s attorney said her client &#8220;only awkwardly accepted the gift for fear of reprisal against her employment&#8221; before later legally disposing of the firearm. According to Axios, three sources familiar with Edwards&#8217; office said they had never seen him give firearms to other staff members or teach other employees how to handle weapons, raising further questions about whether the congressman singled out the two women.
The handgun gifts are the latest allegations to emerge against Edwards&#8217; who is already under House Ethics Committee investigation over allegations that he created a hostile work environment for young female staffers.
Axios <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/04/chuck-edwards-letter-house-ethics">previously reported</a> Edwards, who has been married since 1980, allegedly wrote one staffer a three-page handwritten letter telling her she had &#8220;written a complex chapter in my heart,&#8221; read an emotional poem to her during a farewell event, gave her personalized gifts, left during the workday to visit her after she was hospitalized with appendicitis, arranged a surprise performance for her birthday, and later vacationed with her in Las Vegas after she left his office, where flowers were reportedly waiting in her hotel room. Edwards has denied misconduct related to those allegations.
The ethics probe arrives at a politically difficult time for the North Carolina Republican, whose western North Carolina district has emerged as one of Democrats&#8217; top pickup opportunities in the 2026 midterms.
Democratic challenger Jamie Ager <a href="https://www.carolinajournal.com/ager-tops-edwards-in-2nd-quarter-fundraising/">dramatically outraised</a> Edwards during the latest fundraising quarter, bringing in roughly $1.4 million compared to Edwards&#8217; approximately $155,000. National election forecasters have also <a href="https://www.cookpolitical.com/house/race/483756">shifted</a> the district from &#8220;Likely Republican&#8221; to a more competitive “Lean Republican” as Democrats increase their investment in the race.
The allegations against Edwards also come amid heightened scrutiny of lawmakers&#8217; relationships with staff following recent scandals involving <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/swalwell-under-federal-investigation-for-alleged-sexual-assault?author=Cameron+Arcand&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=undefined&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=Swalwell+Under+Federal+Investigation+For+Alleged+Sexual+Assault">former Rep. Eric Swalwell</a> (D-CA) and new allegations surrounding <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/dem-presidential-hopeful-swalwell-bff-accused-of-having-sex-with-staffers">Sen. Ruben Gallego</a> (D-AZ), placing congressional workplace conduct under renewed attention.
The House Ethics Committee has not publicly indicated when its investigation into Edwards will conclude.

Republican House Members Attend Party Conference Meeting

Lawmaker Under Fire For Gifting Handguns To Staffers

north carolina

House Republicans have released the outline of their $95 billion reconciliation package, earmarking billions of dollars for conservative initiatives before the midterm elections. 
Democratic lawmakers have been using the filibuster to stall legislation such as the SAVE America Act in the Senate, forcing Republicans to resort to reconciliation to pass conservative budget measures. This is the third major reconciliation bill outlined of the Congress, and it has consequently been dubbed “Reconciliation 3.0.”
The <a href="https://docs.house.gov/meetings/BU/BU00/20260716/119471/BILLS-119pih-LegislativeText.pdf">resolution</a> allocates $60 billion to the House Armed Services Committee for defense spending, $13 billion to the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence for financing the war in Iran, $12 billion to the House Committee on Agriculture for farm subsidies and grants, and $10 billion for a grant program encouraging states to implement SAVE America Act provisions.
A reconciliation bill <a href="https://usconstitution.net/budget-reconciliation-explained/?utm_source=adw-23686928355&amp;utm_medium=194171841279&amp;utm_campaign=what%20is%20a%20reconciliation%20bill&amp;utm_term=Cj0KCQjw39zSBhDhARIsANammDt_yr5eI8Msq2C1lUbLW6WqJVxSdgZ3YxRvHpgJI2_H_Idzm29pxiMaAnu1EALw_wcB&amp;gad_source=1">requires</a> only a simple majority vote to pass the Senate, bypassing the filibuster and cloture rules.
 The $95 billion is not expected to be offset by spending cuts. Despite the increase in the deficit, many Republicans still plan to back the reconciliation bill. 
Rep. <a href="https://thehill.com/people/chip-roy/">Chip Roy</a> (R-TX), a strong fiscal hawk, <a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5968330-republicans-reconciliation-bill-midterms/">said</a> that he is “getting a little hung up” on the spending, but said that the situations America is facing require emergency funding.
“If it’s a reasonably targeted amount on defense, and we’re dealing with these — you know, trying to force the Senate’s hand on SAVE America, then we’ll see if we can get it done,” Roy said.
“I’m not one that wants to swallow lack of offsets,” Roy added. “When you have a three-seat majority, you got to figure out how to move. So we’re working through that as we speak.”
Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL) expressed similar sentiments. “Adding to the deficit is clearly something I don’t want to do, but we have to look at what the consequence is if we don’t do it,&#8221; he <a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5968330-republicans-reconciliation-bill-midterms/">said</a>. 
Speaker Mike Johnson has been working to hammer out the budget resolution, meeting with Republicans on the House Budget Committee and White House officials at Camp David on Monday. 
He stated that he has been “building consensus one step at a time” by making agreements such as shrinking farm aid down from $20 billion to $12 billion, Politico <a href="https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2026/07/14/congress/house-republicans-80-billion-reconciliation-00997839">reported</a>. 
The reconciliation bill will remain under consideration for the rest of the week, with the House expected to vote on the budget resolution next week.

Speaker Johnson Holds A Press Conference On Capitol Hill

House Republicans Reveal $95 Billion Spending Plan To Sidestep Dem Filibuster

House Republicans Reveal $95 Billion Spending Plan

Chip Roy

Defense Spending

mike johnson

randy fine

Spending Bill

Daily Wire senior investigative reporter Luke Rosiak joined the Republican Study Committee’s “Right To The Point” podcast Tuesday to break down his explosive reporting on alleged Medicaid fraud schemes in Ohio, warning that billions in taxpayer dollars are vulnerable to abuse in a system riddled with weak oversight and perverse incentives.
Rosiak, whose reporting has exposed shocking examples of alleged fraud tied to Medicaid-funded home healthcare programs, told Ohio Reps. Dave Taylor and Warren Davidson that his investigation began after the Departments of Government Efficiancy and Health and Human Services released data showing which companies were receiving Medicaid payments.
“For me as an investigative reporter,” Rosiak said. “I wanted to just take an analytical look at the data and run the numbers and see what popped up.”
What popped up, according to Rosiak, was a sprawling web of questionable providers operating in Ohio’s home healthcare system — including individuals with prior fraud convictions allegedly receiving millions in taxpayer dollars through Medicaid-funded programs.
“One of the companies is owned by a husband and wife,” Rosiak explained. “The husband has been convicted three times of fraud. The wife’s been convicted three times of theft … and they were given permission after that to start a home healthcare company that bills the government.”
Rosiak argued that the problem extends beyond isolated bad actors and instead reflects structural failures within the Medicaid system itself, particularly in programs that rely heavily on unverifiable in-home care claims.
“You can literally bill the government for ‘companionship and conversation,’” he said, describing programs where family members can receive taxpayer funds to care for relatives inside private homes.
Davidson echoed concerns about the scale of improper payments and highlighted what he described as systemic accountability failures across federal and state bureaucracies. Taylor pointed to legislation aimed at deporting non-citizens convicted of defrauding federal benefit programs.
The discussion also touched on revelations from Rosiak’s reporting that Ohio’s electronic visit verification system — intended to track whether healthcare workers actually visited patients — allegedly allowed providers to disable GPS tracking while still receiving payment. “The only reason you need privacy is if you want to defraud the government,” Rosiak said when asked why it wasn’t being logged properly.
The wide-ranging conversation eventually turned lighter, with Rosiak joking about life on his Virginia hobby farm and describing raising goats, chickens, and bees.

Luke Rosiak

Daily Wire’s Luke Rosiak Torches Ohio Medicaid Fraudsters On Congressional Podcast

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medicaid

ohio

Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas is facing mounting pressure to resign after he was accused of having an extramarital affair with a staffer before she committed suicide last year.
Reps. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida, Lauren Boebert of Colorado, Nancy Mace of South Carolina, and Thomas Massie of Kentucky have all made public calls for Gonzales to immediately step down. Texas Republican Reps. Chip Roy and Brandon Gill, meanwhile, have urged Gonzales to end his re-election bid.
Gonzales, a 45-year-old husband and father of six children, has denied allegations of an affair with Regina Santos-Aviles, his former staffer, who committed suicide last September by dousing herself in accelerant and setting herself on fire at her Uvalde, Texas, home. Santos-Aviles, who was 35 at the time of her death, left behind a young son.
The latest revelations in the scandal came last week when the <a href="https://www.expressnews.com/news/article/tony-gonzales-santos-aviles-affair-husband-21360950.php">San Antonio Express-News</a> published messages that Santos-Aviles&#8217; husband said were sent between Gonzales and his former staffer. Screenshots of the messages show Gonzales allegedly making sexual requests of Santos-Aviles, including asking her to send him a &#8220;sexy&#8221; photo of herself and asking what her &#8220;favorite position&#8221; is.
One message shows the congressman allegedly telling Santos-Aviles about his sexual fantasy before the staffer replies, &#8220;This is too far, Tony.&#8221; In another message, she wrote, &#8220;This is going too far boss. So how long have you thought I was this hot?&#8221;
Santos-Aviles&#8217; husband, Adrian Aviles, told the Express-News, “I said the truth would come to light when it’s time, and the time is now. Tony abused his power. He should have held himself to a higher standard as a congressional leader.”
Gonzales remained defiant on Tuesday, <a href="https://x.com/i/status/2026369580382163169">telling</a> CNN, &#8220;I am not going to resign. I work every day for the people of Texas &#8230; and there will be an opportunity for all the details and all the facts to come out. What you&#8217;ve seen is not all the facts.&#8221;
Gonzales did not answer when asked by CNN whether the text messages reported by the Express-News were real. Last week, the Republican congressman said he would &#8220;NOT BE BLACKMAILED&#8221; and added that it was &#8220;disgusting to see people profit politically and financially off a tragic death.&#8221;
Adrian Aviles said he wanted to release the text messages to push back on Gonzales&#8217; claim that he is being &#8220;blackmailed.&#8221;
“I’m releasing them now because I don’t want to be called a liar and don’t want her to be called a liar,” Aviles added. “I also want to show proof to everybody the type of person that he is. He’s a predator. He took advantage of a very vulnerable woman.”
The Daily Wire reached out to Gonzales&#8217; office for comment.
House Speaker Mike Johnson said on Monday that Republicans should &#8220;wait for more of the facts to come out&#8221; before calling for Gonzales&#8217; resignation. A Gonzales resignation would further endanger the House Republicans&#8217; majority as the party holds on tightly to a four-seat lead over the Democrats. Some Republicans have seen enough, and are voicing their disgust with Gonzales over the allegations.
&#8220;The entire Texas delegation, as well as every single other Member of Congress, should be condemning a sitting Member of Congress asking for explicit photos of their staff,&#8221; Luna <a href="https://x.com/RepLuna/status/2026010250382610570">said</a> on Monday. &#8220;As a woman, this is really disgusting to see. Not to mention, it brings dishonor on the House of Representatives. I am so sick of people not calling this crap out. Again, like I’ve said before, this is not the only case of this crap up here. @RepTonyGonzales, shame on you.&#8221;
Congressman Roy, a member of the House Freedom Caucus, <a href="https://x.com/emilybrooksnews/status/2026312050637517217">said</a> that Gonzales should end his re-election campaign &#8220;for the good of the country&#8221; and the &#8220;good of the party.&#8221; Roy previously endorsed Gonzales&#8217; Republican primary challenger, Brandon Herrera.
Herrera called Gonzales a &#8220;sexual predator&#8221; who &#8220;wrecked a family.&#8221;
&#8220;I have now seen some of the text messages between Tony Gonzales and his late aide, Regina Santos-Aviles. It is now clear to me Tony Gonzales is a sexual predator, who abused his position of power and wrecked a family,&#8221; Herrera said on Sunday. &#8220;I also now know this is not the only case. He must resign.&#8221;
A recent <a href="https://nypost.com/2026/02/23/us-news/most-voters-have-unfavorable-view-of-rep-tony-gonzales-internal-poll/">poll</a> from Political Intelligence shows Gonzales trailing Herrera by over 20 points ahead of the Republican primary. Gonzales was also underwater by 30 percentage points in approval rating, with 54% of those surveyed holding an unfavorable opinion of the third-term representative.

US Congress Delegation Visit Kyiv

Salacious Texts Ignite Capitol Hill Scandal After Staffer’s Death

congress

Love Affair

politics

texas

President Donald Trump warned Wednesday that Republicans who vote against his tariffs would face severe opposition in their upcoming re-election campaigns.
Trump made the comment as the House voted on Wednesday evening to <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/gop-in-trouble-house-passes-democrat-resolution-to-overturn-some-of-trumps-tariffs?author=Zach+Jewell&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=0&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=GOP+In+Trouble%3F+House+Passes+Democrat+Resolution+To+Overturn+Some+Of+Trump%E2%80%99s+Tariffs">pass a resolution</a> overturning the president&#8217;s tariffs on Canada. Six Republicans joined all but one Democrat to pass the anti-tariff resolution in a 219-211 vote.
&#8220;Any Republican, in the House or the Senate, that votes against TARIFFS will seriously suffer the consequences come Election time, and that includes Primaries!&#8221; Trump <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/116054542648712986">said</a>.
Trump&#8217;s threat comes as Republicans gear up for what promises to be a tightly contested midterm election season. Republicans currently hold a four-seat House majority, and Democrats are widely expected to perform well nationwide in the 2026 elections.
The House Republicans who voted against Trump&#8217;s tariffs were Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Don Bacon of Nebraska, Kevin Kiley of California, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, Dan Newhouse of Washington, and Jeff Hurd of Colorado. The measure now heads to the Senate, but is largely a symbolic rebuke of Trump&#8217;s far-reaching tariffs. Even if the resolution passed the Senate, it would still need Trump&#8217;s signature.
A spokesman for Rep. Hurd told The Daily Wire that his vote on Wednesday is in line with his constituents&#8217; feelings on Trump&#8217;s tariffs. Hurd&#8217;s district is <a href="https://www.cookpolitical.com/house/race/482456">considered</a> &#8220;likely Republican&#8221; for the 2026 midterms by the Cook Political Report.
&#8220;The people of Colorado’s Third District have been vocal with Congressman Hurd about the effect these tariffs have had on their livelihoods,&#8221; Hurd&#8217;s office said. &#8220;Congressman Hurd will always fight for Western and Southern Coloradan farmers, ranchers, and small business owners.&#8221;
Rep. Bacon, who has opposed Trump on multiple issues over the past year, responded to Trump&#8217;s warning, telling The Daily Wire, “Folks should vote their conscience and do what is best for our country. We are an independent branch of government.” The president&#8217;s warning will not affect Bacon, since the Nebraska congressman is not running for re-election.
The Daily Wire also reached out to Massie, Kiley, Fitzpatrick, and Newhouse, seeking comment. Newhouse is also not seeking re-election in 2026, and Massie has been in the president&#8217;s crosshairs throughout Trump&#8217;s second term. Trump <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-backs-navy-seal-in-bid-to-knock-off-gop-rep-thomas-massie">endorsed</a> Massie&#8217;s Republican primary opponent Ed Gallrein after Massie pushed back on some of the president&#8217;s signature economic policies and focused on criticizing Trump&#8217;s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein controversy.
Fitzpatrick has also become one of Trump&#8217;s biggest critics in Congress and joined Massie as the only two Republicans who voted against Trump&#8217;s &#8220;Big, Beautiful Bill&#8221; last summer.
The anti-tariffs vote could have the biggest implications for Rep. Kiley, who recently <a href="https://kiley.house.gov/posts/president-trump-endorses-rep-kiley-bill-to-prevent-violent-riots">received</a> a shoutout from President Trump for his bill that seeks to punish nonprofits that help organize &#8220;unlawful riots.&#8221; Kiley introduced the legislation after anti-ICE demonstrations broke out in Los Angeles last year. Kiley&#8217;s 2026 chances are already in question after California redistricted, making his path to re-election much more difficult. Kiley told the Sacramento Bee earlier this month that he did not have a timeline for deciding on where he would run for re-election.
Republicans still largely support Trump&#8217;s tariffs, but earlier this week, the Republican-controlled House cleared the way for more votes on the president&#8217;s trade policy. In a vote on Tuesday night, three Republicans joined with Democrats to shoot down a rule that blocked members from proposing resolutions to reject Trump’s tariffs.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) said the chamber&#8217;s vote on tariffs was &#8220;a big mistake.&#8221;
The president said on Wednesday that his tariffs have given the United States an economic boost and reduced the country&#8217;s trade deficit.
&#8220;In addition, TARIFFS have given us Great National Security because the mere mention of the word has Countries agreeing to our strongest wishes,&#8221; he added. &#8220;TARIFFS have given us Economic and National Security, and no Republican should be responsible for destroying this privilege.&#8221;
Trump recently <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-rips-canada-threatens-to-shut-down-grand-opening-of-bridge-connecting-ontario-to-michigan?author=Zach+Jewell&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=5&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=Trump+Rips+Canada%2C+Threatens+To+Shut+Down+Grand+Opening+Of+Bridge+Connecting+Ontario+To+Michigan">threatened</a> to raise the tariff rate on Canada to 100% and suggested he would prevent the opening of a bridge connecting Ontario to Detroit after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney held trade talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
“China will eat Canada alive, completely devour it, including the destruction of their businesses, social fabric, and general way of life,” he said.

Donald Trump

Trump Makes It Clear What Will Happen To GOP Defectors

donald trump

Tariffs

House Republican Oversight Chairman James Comer (R-KY) rejected requests from former President Bill Clinton and first lady Hillary Clinton on Monday. The two Democrats face contempt of Congress votes over their refusal to appear for depositions over an investigation into convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
The House is set to vote as early as Wednesday to hold the Clintons in contempt of Congress after the former president and first lady did not show up for their scheduled depositions in January. The Clintons&#8217; lawyers, however, are still hoping to work out a deal with Comer and sent the Republican a letter Saturday saying the former president would be willing to sit for a four-hour transcribed interview instead of a deposition under oath. The lawyers also said Hillary Clinton would submit a sworn declaration rather than appear in person for a deposition.
Comer <a href="https://x.com/GOPoversight/status/2018378201039282202/photo/3">called</a> the offers &#8220;unreasonable,&#8221; adding, &#8220;It has been nearly six months since your clients first received the Committee&#8217;s subpoena, more than three months since the original date of their depositions, and nearly three weeks since they failed to appear for their depositions commensurate with the Committee&#8217;s lawful subpoenas.&#8221;
&#8220;Your clients&#8217; desire for special treatment is both frustrating and an affront to the American people&#8217;s desire for transparency,&#8221; Comer wrote in a reply to the Clintons&#8217; attorneys.
Comer said that the Clintons&#8217; requests for the transcribed interview would mean that Bill Clinton could &#8220;refuse to answer whatever questions he wanted for whatever reasons he wanted.&#8221; The House Oversight chairman added that the four-hour time limit requested would give Bill Clinton an &#8220;incentive to attempt to run out the clock by giving unnecessarily long answers and meandering off-topic.&#8221;
&#8220;This is a particular concern where a witness, such as President Clinton, has an established record of being a loquacious individual,&#8221; Comer added.
Regarding the request for Hillary Clinton, Comer told the attorneys that the Oversight Committee &#8220;has made clear on numerous occasions the necessity of her in-person testimony and unacceptability of simple sworn declarations.&#8221;
A majority of the House must vote in favor of a contempt resolution for it to pass. If found in contempt of Congress, the Clintons face large fines and potentially jail time.
Bill and Hillary Clinton were subpoenaed to appear before the House Oversight Committee last year as the committee conducted its investigation into Epstein. The Clintons&#8217; deposition dates were initially scheduled for October and then moved to December, and finally moved to January, but the former president and his wife were <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/republicans-seek-to-hold-bill-clinton-in-contempt-after-he-refuses-to-testify-on-epstein?author=Zach+Jewell&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=undefined&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=Republicans+Seek+To+Hold+Bill+Clinton+In+Contempt+After+He+Refuses+To+Testify+On+Epstein">no-shows</a>.
After the Clintons skipped their depositions, nine Democrats <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/clintons-in-the-hot-seat-as-oversight-committee-recommends-contempt-charges-over-epstein-scandal?author=Cameron+Arcand&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=undefined&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=Clintons+In+The+Hot+Seat+As+Oversight+Committee+Recommends+Contempt+Charges+Over+Epstein+Scandal">joined</a> with all Republicans on the House Oversight Committee to hold Bill Clinton in contempt, and three Democrats voted with Republicans to hold Hillary Clinton in contempt.
The Clintons were friends of Epstein&#8217;s in the early 2000s, with Bill Clinton often flying with Epstein on the sex predator&#8217;s infamous private plane. Neither the former president nor the first lady has been accused of any wrongdoing related to Epstein&#8217;s crimes. After receiving their subpoenas, the Clintons argued that they &#8220;already provided the limited information they possess about Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell to the Committee.&#8221;
Bill Clinton has appeared multiple times in the Epstein files, as the Justice Department continues to release batches of documents and photos to the public. Some of the <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/bill-clinton-responds-to-shocking-photos-in-epstein-file-dump">images</a> released by the Justice Department from Epstein&#8217;s estate show Bill Clinton enjoying a hot tub with a woman whose face was redacted and swimming in a pool with Epstein&#8217;s associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year prison sentence for her role in the sex trafficking scheme. Bill Clinton was also pictured getting a shoulder massage from one of Epstein&#8217;s accusers, Chauntae Davies. Davies has not accused the former president of any wrongdoing.
Bill Clinton’s chief of staff, Angel Ureña, said in December that the former president &#8220;knew nothing and cut Epstein off before his crimes came to light.&#8221;

House Oversight Committee Votes On Holding Bill Clinton In Contempt Of Congress

House Oversight Chair Rejects Last-Ditch Effort From Clintons To Avoid Contempt Vote

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Epstein Files

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james comer

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Rep. Jim Baird (R-IN) has been hospitalized, but is responsive and in stable condition after a &#8220;pretty bad&#8221; car accident. His wife was also injured in the accident.
Baird&#8217;s office provided a <a href="https://baird.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2519">statement</a> on Tuesday declaring that the Indiana Congressman was recovering in the hospital after his &#8220;vehicle was struck&#8221; in an accident:
<blockquote>Congressman Baird is in the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery, and he is extraordinarily grateful for everyone’s prayers during this time. Congressman Baird looks forward to continuing his work on behalf of Hoosiers. The Office of Congressman Baird will continue to provide services and support for those who need it. Congressman Baird and his office remain steadfast in their commitment to serving constituents and focused on advocating for Hoosiers at the highest levels of government.</blockquote>
Baird, 80, is a Vietnam veteran (U.S. Army) and a veterinarian who has represented Indiana&#8217;s 4th Congressional District since 2019. He voiced his support for President Donald Trump&#8217;s weekend move to capture and extradite Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro.
&#8220;We are fortunate to have a president willing to follow through on protecting American lives. Decisive leadership as commander in chief matters, and it gives our men and women in uniform the confidence they need to carry out difficult missions against those who threaten our country,&#8221; he said in an <a href="https://x.com/RepJimBaird/status/2007539553083478313">X post</a> on Saturday.
Governor Mike Braun (R-IN) responded to the accident in a post on X, saying, &#8220;Maureen and I are grateful to hear that Congressman Jim Baird and his wife are safe and in good spirits following last night’s accident. We continue to pray for their family and wish the Bairds a smooth and speedy recovery.&#8221;
President Donald Trump addressed the news during remarks to Republican members of Congress at the newly-renamed Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts, saying, &#8220;I also want to send our best wishes to Congressman Jim Baird and his wife, who were recovering from a car accident. They’re going to be okay, but they had a pretty bad accident and we’re praying that they get out of that hospital very quickly.&#8221;
During the same remarks, the president also offered his thoughts on the passing of Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), who died on Monday at the age of 65.
With LaMalfa&#8217;s passing and Baird&#8217;s hospitalization — along with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene&#8217;s resignation — the already-slim Republican majority in the U.S. House has dwindled to 218-213.

Agriculture Secretary Rollins Holds Make America Healthy Again Event With HHS Secretary Kennedy

GOP Rep. Jim Baird Hospitalized But ‘Responsive’ After Car Accident

GOP Rep. Jim Baird Hospitalized But 'Responsive' After Car Accident

indiana

Republican

Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) died on Monday, GOP leadership in the House confirmed a day later. He was 65 years old.
&#8220;House Republicans mourn the loss of Congressman Doug LaMalfa. A lifelong resident of Northern California and a fourth-generation rice farmer, Congressman LaMalfa spent more than two decades in public service. He proudly represented California’s 1st Congressional District from 2013 to 2026, serving as Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus. Please join us in praying for Congressman LaMalfa’s wife, kids, and staff.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
House Republicans mourn the loss of Congressman Doug LaMalfa.
A lifelong resident of Northern California and a fourth-generation rice farmer, Congressman LaMalfa spent more than two decades in public service. He proudly represented California’s 1st Congressional District from… <a href="https://t.co/nTFSiEXUlE">pic.twitter.com/nTFSiEXUlE</a>
— House Republicans (@HouseGOP) <a href="https://twitter.com/HouseGOP/status/2008548224055828761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2026</a></blockquote>
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Longtime friend and colleague Tom Emmer (R-MN) posted a <a href="https://x.com/GOPMajorityWhip/status/2008545427080311026?s=20">statement</a> on X confirming the news, saying, &#8220;Jacquie and I are devastated about the sudden loss of our friend, Congressman Doug LaMalfa. Doug was a loving father and husband, and staunch advocate for his constituents and rural America. Our prayers are with Doug’s wife, Jill, and their children.&#8221;
President Donald Trump shared his reaction to the loss of the California congressman as well, adding, &#8220;I want to express our tremendous sorrow at the loss of a great member — a great, great, great member — Congressman Doug LaMalfa, who passed away yesterday as you probably have heard. He was the leader of the Western Caucus, a fierce champion on California water issues, he was great on water — he wanted — release the water, he&#8217;d scream — and a true defender of American children, he was a defender of everybody.&#8221;
&#8220;Our hearts go out to his wife, Jill and his entire family,&#8221; Trump continued. &#8220;I was really saddened by his passing, and was thinking about not even doing this speech in his honor, but then I decided that I have to do it in his honor because he would have wanted it that way. He would have said, &#8216;Do that speech, are you kidding? Do the speech.'&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
&#8220;I want to express our tremendous sorrow at the loss of a great member — a great, great, great member — Congressman Doug LaMalfa, who passed away yesterday&#8230; our hearts go out to his wife, Jill and his entire family.&#8221; 🇺🇸❤️<a href="https://t.co/tySLWmchjV">pic.twitter.com/tySLWmchjV</a>
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/2008560308470903106?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2026</a></blockquote>
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Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) also posted a lengthy statement to X, remembering his colleague and friend — and former roommate.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I am profoundly heartbroken to hear of the passing of my close friend, Congressman Doug LaMalfa. Before serving together in Congress, we weren’t just colleagues in the California State Legislature, we were roommates.
Doug was first and foremost a devoted husband and father,… <a href="https://t.co/haAPzKRWZS">pic.twitter.com/haAPzKRWZS</a>
— Kevin McCarthy (@SpeakerMcCarthy) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerMcCarthy/status/2008569839129096404?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2026</a></blockquote>
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&#8220;I am profoundly heartbroken to hear of the passing of my close friend, Congressman Doug LaMalfa. Before serving together in Congress, we weren’t just colleagues in the California State Legislature, we were roommates,&#8221; McCarthy said, sharing photos of the two of them together.
&#8220;Doug was first and foremost a devoted husband and father, inspired by his Christian faith and values to make the lives of others better,&#8221; McCarthy continued. &#8220;Many will remember him as a principled legislator, but he was also a commonsense rice farmer through and through, spending his time in Congress fighting for family farms on agriculture, water, and resource issues, as well as working to eliminate government waste like California’s high-speed rail.&#8221;
&#8220;Always thoughtful and affable, Doug was the unanimous choice of his colleagues to lead the Western Caucus in Congress. He will be truly missed. I share my prayers and condolences with Jill, their children, their entire family, and the entire LaMalfa team during this most difficult time,&#8221; he concluded.
No cause of death has yet been reported for the California congressman.

House GOP Capitol Hill Club Jan 22

GOP Rep. Doug LaMalfa Dead At 65

california

Republicans

WASHINGTON—As lawmakers spend Thanksgiving with their families in their home districts, they’re also taking the opportunity to highlight the accomplishments they’re most grateful to have delivered this year.
House Appropriations Committee Chair Tom Cole’s office released a Thanksgiving “menu” of the year’s “deliverables,” highlighting accomplishments — such as ending what they called the “harmful Democrat-led shutdown.”
“The House Appropriations Committee has been resolute in completing our work, line by line. No shortcuts, no stuffing – just steady FY26 stewardship,&#8221; the menu said. &#8220;No matter the challenge, tight calendar timeline, or work ahead of us, our members delivered through discourse, targeted funding, and America First priorities.&#8221;
Leaning into the Thanksgiving theme, the committee said they have “carved out” a path to regular order, “restored accountability,” and “set the table” for the remaining fiscal year bills.
“I’m thankful that American families can look forward to a more peaceful and affordable holiday season with the government back open and running on all cylinders,” Rep. Hal Rogers (R-KY), Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and Science said in a statement.
Rogers said families can “breathe a sigh of relief” at the Thanksgiving dinner table this year and credited the “historic tax relief” that they passed into law this year.
This month, the Ways and Means Committee <a href="https://waysandmeans.house.gov/2025/11/17/big-beautiful-success-story-2026-tax-refunds-projected-to-be-largest-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> Americans could see an extra $1,000 increase in their tax refund next year — which may be a “record-breaking tax refund season.”
Additionally, the White House shared the <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/articles/2025/11/good-news-you-may-have-missed-everyday-proof-the-trump-agenda-is-delivering/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news</a> that prices for Thanksgiving meals are down over last year, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation.
The “menu” included other deliverables, such as all 12 of the House appropriations bills advancing through committee, with three of those bills already signed into law by President Donald Trump.
The three-bill minibus was part of the shutdown-ending deal.
Attention now turns to the remaining bills in the regular appropriations process, which were delayed by the longest shutdown in American history.
“With every FY26 bill reported out of committee, sixty percent of discretionary spending advanced across the House floor, the first conference committee in nearly a decade, and three full-year appropriations bills signed into law by President Trump — we have real, proven momentum,” Cole said in a statement.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) previously <a href="https://x.com/CurtisHouck/status/1973754821858533633?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> it was their goal to complete the normal appropriations process — something Congress has not done “for many years now.”
Rep. Michael Guest (R-MS) said in a statement that passing individual spending bills is “not only the responsible way to govern, but it also restores transparency, stability, and accountability to the budget process.”
He said he was thankful for the work of the committee to “ensure Congress returns to regular order.”
Additionally, the Appropriations Committee reported having “steadfast conservative stewardship amid a 406% increase in Democrat amendment attempts and 228% increase in roll call votes, protecting Republican priorities while advancing FY26 progress.”
Lawmakers highlighted additional items they were grateful for this year from their specific subcommittees.
Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Subcommittee Chairman Judge Carter said he secured a $1.4 billion investment in “major construction projects for VA hospitals and cemeteries so our veterans receive the care they deserve and a final resting place worthy of their sacrifice.”
Legislative Branch Subcommittee Chairman David Valadao said he was grateful that Congress is getting back to “regular order” and was proud that their Legislative Branch bill “strengthens security across the Capitol complex, supports the hardworking sworn officers and staff who keep this institution running, and ensures the Capitol remains open.&#8221;
Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Subcommittee Chairman Chuck Fleischmann said the energy and water bill makes “historic investments in improving our energy independence, strengthening our nuclear security, improving waterways infrastructure nationwide, and securing America’s place as the preeminent global scientific leader.”
He said he believes a “new Golden Age is dawning on America,” and predicts “the best is yet to come.”
“Let us all come together and be thankful for all the blessings God has given America,” Fleischmann said.
Lawmakers also expressed gratitude for service members, veterans, homeland security personnel, firefighters, first responders, staff, constituents, and others.
Many said they’re looking forward to getting back to work after the holiday and watching as the rest of the funding bills make their way across the finish line.
But first: time for some turkey and family.

Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA)

Here’s What Top Republican Lawmakers Are Grateful For This Thanksgiving

thanksgiving

WASHINGTON—The Senate on Tuesday unanimously voted to release documents related to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, just hours after the House of Representatives passed the same bill.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced on X that he &#8220;received unanimous consent to approve the Senate bill to release the Epstein Files.&#8221; Once the House sends the bill to the Upper Chamber, it will immediately go to President Donald Trump for his signature.
Just hours before Schumer&#8217;s call for unanimous consent, the House passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act by a vote of 427-1, with only Louisiana Republican Rep. Clay Higgins voting no. Epstein survivors were in the House gallery crying and cheering when the bill passed, The Hill&#8217;s Emily Brooks <a href="https://x.com/emilybrooksnews/status/1990869445242237363?s=20">reports</a>. The bill, which requires the Department of Justice to publish &#8220;all unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials in DOJ&#8217;s possession that relate to the investigation and prosecution of Jeffrey Epstein,&#8221; now heads to the president.
Schumer pledged to fight Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) had he attempted to block the resolution. But by the time the House took up the vote, the bill&#8217;s passage already seemed a foregone conclusion. Over the weekend, Trump <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/115562626931599548">urged</a> House Republicans to vote to release the Epstein files and <a href="https://x.com/RoKhanna/status/1990577070204719582?s=20">pledged</a> to sign the bill if passed.
Republicans had initially opposed releasing the files as Democrats pushed to do so, claiming the files implicated Trump. Trump on Monday <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/the-democrats-were-epsteins-friends-trump-said-he-is-all-for-release-of-epstein-files?author=Lynden+Blake&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=0&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=%E2%80%98The+Democrats+Were+Epstein%E2%80%99s+Friends%E2%80%99%3A+Trump+Said+He+Is+All+For+Release+Of+Epstein+Files">said</a> he was tired of the Epstein saga overshadowing his administration&#8217;s accomplishments, and claimed that releasing the files would hurt Democrats more than Republicans.
Trump&#8217;s about-face turned the tide among Republicans, <a href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/18/mike-johnson-epstein-files-discharge-petition-vote">including</a> House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), who had previously urged his party to oppose the release.
Higgins said Tuesday that he voted against releasing the files because &#8220;as written, this bill reveals and injures thousands of innocent people – witnesses, people who provided alibis, family members, etc.&#8221; Higgins pledged to vote for the bill if the Senate amended it to &#8220;properly address privacy of victims and other Americans, who are named but not criminally implicated.&#8221;
The bill requires the Justice Department to release materials that relate to Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein&#8217;s <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/ghislaine-maxwell-reveals-whether-she-believes-epstein-committed-suicide?author=Leif+Le+Mahieu+and+Zach+Jewell&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=16&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=Ghislaine+Maxwell+Reveals+Whether+She+Believes+Epstein+Committed+Suicide">reported</a> associate and convicted sex trafficker, as well as &#8220;flight logs and travel records,&#8221; and &#8220;individuals named or referenced (including government officials) in connection with the investigation and prosecution of Jeffrey Epstein.&#8221;
The Justice Department is permitted to withhold certain information, such as victims&#8217; personal information and materials that would &#8220;jeopardize an active federal investigation,&#8221; the bill summary noted.
The bill summary said 15 days after the required publication, the DOJ must report &#8220;all categories of information released and withheld, a summary of any redactions made, and a list of all government officials and politically exposed individuals named or referenced in the published materials.&#8221;
This story has been updated to reflect the Senate&#8217;s passage of the bill.

Patrick McMullan Archives

Senate Unanimously Votes To Release The Epstein Files, Sending Bill To Trump’s Desk

Ghislaine Maxwell

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The Republican-controlled North Carolina House approved a new congressional map on Wednesday, a day after the measure cleared the state Senate, likely securing another U.S. House seat for Republicans in the 2026 midterm elections.
The new map passed the state House along party lines in a vote of 66-48, as Democrats condemned the effort, the Raleigh News &amp; Observer <a href="https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/article312584734.html">reported</a>. The current North Carolina House delegation is made up of 10 Republicans and four Democrats, and the new congressional map is projected to shift that to 11 Republicans and three Democrats.
State law does not allow North Carolina&#8217;s governor, Democrat Josh Stein, to veto the new map, meaning the process is finished, pending any legal challenges.
President Donald Trump has urged Republican-led states to draw new congressional maps that are more favorable to the GOP ahead of next year&#8217;s midterms. North Carolina House Republican Majority Leader Brenden Jones celebrated the map&#8217;s passage, saying, “It’s a fact that we will send one more Republican to Congress from this great state.”
Jones also responded to the criticism over the redistricting and had some advice for Democrats.
“You can be mad about redistricting all you want, but you need to look in the mirror and ask yourself, what got us here?” he said.
The new map will mostly affect Democratic Rep. Don Davis, whose district will shift from an area that voted for Trump by just three percentage points to one that voted for Trump by 11 points in the 2024 election.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The new North Carolina congressional map has PASSED the NC House and Senate.
The bill does not require the Governor&#8217;s signature and is now law
Change To Dem Rep Don Davis in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NC01?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NC01</a> 
🔴 Trump +3 -&gt; 🔴 Trump +11 <a href="https://t.co/wM921mJrB7">pic.twitter.com/wM921mJrB7</a>
— InteractivePolls (@IAPolls2022) <a href="https://twitter.com/IAPolls2022/status/1981041109934453186?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2025</a></blockquote>
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A spokesman for Davis <a href="https://x.com/ReubenJones1/status/1980345787109568915">told</a> Spectrum News that he will run again next year but is considering entering the race for the 3rd district, where Republicans would also be favored.
State House Democratic Leader Robert Reives said that the passage of the new map represented a grave omen for “our independence, our democracy.”
“I would ask that you mark this day, because one day they’re coming to you, they’re going to ask you to do something that you just can’t do,&#8221; Reives added. &#8220;And because we have set the precedent that only one man in this party matters, you’re going home.”
Republican state Senator Phil Berger <a href="https://x.com/SenatorBerger/status/1980641716311851245">said</a> that the new map &#8220;respects the will of the North Carolina voters who sent President Trump to the White House three times.&#8221;
So far, Texas, Missouri, and now North Carolina have <a href="https://apnews.com/article/redistricting-gerrymandering-congress-trump-0af8561b1670032fae3e1d2aec7905f0">passed</a> new congressional maps that will likely help Republicans in the midterm elections. Other red states, including Florida, Ohio, Indiana, Nebraska, and Louisiana, are also redistricting.
Democrat-led states, such as California, New York, and Illinois, have either introduced or are considering new congressional maps likely to put more Democrats in Congress. After Texas approved a new congressional map expected to give Republicans five additional House seats, California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom urged residents in his state to respond in kind by backing a statewide measure on the November ballot that would change the Golden State&#8217;s congressional map to favor Democrats.

Donald Trump/U.S. House

Trump Scores Another Win: New North Carolina Congressional Map Boosts GOP’s Midterm Outlook

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