Good Morning DC,
Foreign policy is increasingly taking center stage on the news agenda. There is a lot at stake, with multiple conflicts unfolding simultaneously. This dynamic intersects with the domestic agenda and reflects what the US Congress is either willing or unwilling to support.
The absence of a bipartisan agreement on a national-security supplemental bill encapsulates the complexities of our global and domestic challenges.
President Biden finds himself between a rock and a hard place.
Let’s get you caught up with the news of the day.
THE WHITE HOUSE
President Biden has summoned the Congressional leaders to the White House today over aid to Ukraine aid and national-security supplemental.
2024 ELECTION
The outlook in Georgia seems challenging for President Biden. The most recent Atlanta Journal-Constitution poll shows Biden at 37% and Trump at 45%.
“The delusion is disastrous,” remarked Biden’s challenger, Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN), on X.
Gov. DeSantis stated on CNN last night that Republicans are “going to lose” the election if Trump becomes the nominee. “If Donald Trump is the nominee, the election will revolve around all these legal issues,” said DeSantis.
Trump says Nikki Haley is “unelectable” for supporting a “brutal” 23% national sales tax.
ON THE HILL
Today in the House, the agenda will include discussions on border security legislation.
The vote on holding Hunter Biden in contempt was postponed yesterday and is now rescheduled for Thursday this week. There is a possibility that Hunter Biden may agree to testify in a closed-door meeting. The House Oversight Committee is prepared to grant Hunter until the end of this week to provide them with a suitable date.
GLOBAL AFFAIRS
In Davos, Jake Sullivan met with the President of Ukraine, Zelenskyy. US National Security Advisor stated that he continues to believe that, “after a lot of twists and turns” we will ultimately get there.
Regarding peace between Israel and Palestine, Sullivan stated on Tuesday that it could be achievable in the “near term.” He outlined that the peace plan would involve an expansion of the Abraham Accords.
James O’Brien, Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs met with Serbian President Vucic in Davos.
“Late evening stroll through the streets of Davos with James O’Brien. We had crucial talks about Serbia’s future, relations with Pristina, and the advancement of Serbian-American relations. It’s essential for Serbia, and I firmly believe it’s possible, to foster deeper trust and cooperation with the United States in the future,” stated President Vucic.
THE BALKAN VOICE NEWSLETTER
We are excited to introduce The Balkan Voice, your essential newsletter covering US-Western Balkans relations.
The Balkan Voice provides an insider’s perspective on US policy toward the Western Balkans, featuring weekly coverage, State Department briefings, exclusive interviews, and more.
Today, the Department of State is officially designating the Houthis, as a global terrorist group. This designation will take effect 30 days from today.
In response to a missile and drone attack on its territory, Pakistan has decided to recall its ambassador to Iran.
Across the pond, Rishi Sunak is facing a critical vote in the Commons on his Rwanda plans following a significant rebellion last night.
And that’s a wrap for this Wednesday morning January 17, 2024. Good Morning DC will be back tomorrow to provide you with a front-row seat to the ever-evolving landscape of American politics under President Joe Biden.
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