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The Hill's Morning Report - Presented by Facebook - Cheney poised to be ousted; Biden to host big meeting...

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Presented by Facebook Welcome to The Hill’s Morning Report. Today is Wednesday! We get you up to speed on the most important developments in politics and policy, plus trends to watch. Alexis Simendinger and Al Weaver are the co-creators. Readers can find us on Twitter @asimendinger and @alweaver22. Please recommend the Morning Report to friends and let us know what you think. CLICK HERE to subscribe!Total U.S. coronavirus deaths as of this morning: Monday, 581,754; Tuesday, 582,153; Wednesday, 582,848.Both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue will play host to key lawmaker meetings as congressional leaders will convene with President BidenJoe BidenKinzinger, Gaetz get in back-and-forth on Twitter over Cheney vote Cheney in defiant floor speech: Trump on 'crusade to undermine our democracy' US officials testify on domestic terrorism in wake of Capitol attack MORE at the White House to discuss his $4 trillion spending plan and House Republicans prepare to oust House Republican Conference Chairwoman Liz CheneyElizabeth (Liz) Lynn CheneyKinzinger, Gaetz get in back-and-forth on Twitter over Cheney vote READ: Liz Cheney's speech on the House floor Cheney in defiant floor speech: Trump on 'crusade to undermine our democracy' MORE (Wyo.) from her leadership post. For the first time since taking office, Biden will meet with the four congressional leaders in the Oval Office as he continues to push for support for his $2.3 trillion infrastructure proposal and a $1.8 trillion jobs blueprint. With Republicans set to demote Cheney, the White House pitched today’s gathering as a means to figure out a bipartisan pathway to pass legislation sought by the president. “We’ll let the intraparty squabbling happen at the table” on Capitol Hill, White House press secretary Jen PsakiJen PsakiBlinken speaks with Israeli counterpart amid escalating conflict Hillicon Valley: Feds eye more oversight of pipelines after Colonial attack | White House monitoring fuel shortages | Democrats urge Facebook to reverse WhatsApp update | Biden announces deal with Uber, Lyft for free vaccine rides Biden sent letter to Palestinian president over 'current situations' MORE said on Tuesday. “And at the table over here — or a smaller table in the Oval Office — we’re going to have a discussion about how we can work together.” Despite the measured optimism, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle remain skeptical that the gargantuan package will progress with support from both parties. As The Hill’s Jordain Carney and Morgan Chalfant write, Democrats believe Republicans will not negotiate in good faith, pointing to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnellAddison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellSenate panel deadlocks in vote on sweeping elections bill Senate descends into hours-long fight over elections bill Republican governor of Arkansas says 'Trump is dividing our party' MORE's (R-Ky.) recent comment that 100 percent of his focus is on stopping the administration. “I don’t know if it’s a good-faith effort on the part of the Republicans or not,” said Sen. Dick DurbinDick DurbinSenate poised for all-day brawl over sweeping elections bill Biden-McConnell cold war unlikely to end at White House Amazon blocks 10B listings in crackdown on counterfeits MORE (D-Ill.). Republicans, meanwhile, believe Biden’s push for compromise is for show. They expect Senate Democrats to pass the multi trillion-dollar package using reconciliation as a budget tool that allows Biden and his party to enact major policies if they manage to line up a simple majority. “We’re hoping to find a partner in President Biden ... [but] if he’s only looking to make a photo-op out of this in an effort to say he’s trying to work with Republicans, that’s not what we’re looking for,” said Sen. John BarrassoJohn Anthony BarrassoBiden to meet with GOP senators amid infrastructure push Republican seeks to use Obama energy policies to criticize Biden EPA proposes major rule to reduce certain greenhouse gases MORE (Wyo.), the No. 3 Senate Republican. Biden’s sit-down with the “Big Four” today comes amid a spate of meetings with lawmakers. On Monday, he met separately with Sens. Joe ManchinJoe ManchinSenate panel deadlocks in vote on sweeping elections bill Wyden: Funding infrastructure with gas tax hike a 'big mistake' Biden to host Sinema for meeting on infrastructure proposal MORE (D-W.Va.) and Tom CarperThomas (Tom) Richard Carper Biden to host Sinema for meeting on infrastructure proposal The Hill's Morning Report - Presented by Facebook - Biden, Congress drawn into pipeline cyberattack, violence in Israel Biden to go one-on-one with Manchin MORE (D-Del.) to discuss the American Jobs Plan. On Tuesday, Biden talked shop with Sen. Kyrsten SinemaKyrsten Sinema Biden to host Sinema for meeting on infrastructure proposal Senate Republicans attack Democratic bill as 'politically motivated ... takeover' of election system Senate poised for all-day brawl over sweeping elections bill MORE (D-Ariz.). Sinema said in a statement that she used the opportunity to “underscore bipartisan efforts” to pass legislation. Finally, on Thursday, Biden will meet with Sen. Shelley Moore CapitoShelley Wellons Moore Capito Biden to host Sinema for meeting on infrastructure proposal The Hill's Morning Report - Presented by Facebook - Biden, Congress drawn into pipeline cyberattack, violence in Israel Manchin, Biden huddle amid talk of breaking up T package MORE (W.Va.), the GOP author of the party’s $568 billion infrastructure offer, which Democrats dismiss as too miniscule. As The Hill’s Brett Samuels points out, the White House’s series of meetings comes as it puts pressure on lawmakers by laying out self-imposed deadlines for actions, specifically on immigration and policing reform. Biden has maintained that he wants a deal in an infrastructure package by Memorial Day. He also told a joint session of Congress two weeks ago that he hopes to sign a policing bill into law by May 25 — the anniversary of George Floyd’s death. A bipartisan deal is possible, but it's highly unlikely to pass the House and Senate during the next few weeks. Alexander Bolton, The Hill: Democratic fissures start to show after Biden's first 100 days. The Hill exclusive interview: Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron WydenRonald (Ron) Lee WydenOn The Money: Job openings jump to record high of 8.1 million | Wyden opposes gas tax hike | Airlines feel fuel crunch Green future needs to be built with union jobs and prevailing wage Wyden: Funding infrastructure with gas tax hike a 'big mistake' MORE (D-Ore.) says that it would be a “big mistake” to pay for an infrastructure package through a gas tax increase instead of through raising taxes on corporations. “It just seems to be a big mistake to go there when corporate [tax] revenue is down something like 40 percent in the last few years.” Niall Stanage: The Memo: GOP attacks bounce off Biden. Across Washington, the House Republican Conference is set to overwhelmingly vote to remove Cheney from her position as the chairwoman amid complaints over her criticisms of former President TrumpDonald TrumpKinzinger, Gaetz get in back-and-forth on Twitter over Cheney vote READ: Liz Cheney's speech on the House floor Cheney in defiant floor speech: Trump on 'crusade to undermine our democracy' MORE and that she is looking too much in the rearview mirror as Republicans focus on retaking the House next year. The vote will take place as part of the House GOP’s weekly meeting at 9 a.m. According to one House Republican, Cheney is expected to win the support of only 20 to 60 GOP members. The low level of support is a far cry from more than three months ago when the No. 3 House Republican soundly beat back an attempt to oust her from the position, 145 to 61. The House GOP member added that a subsequent vote to install Rep. Elise StefanikElise Marie StefanikCheney in defiant floor speech: Trump on 'crusade to undermine our democracy' Graham warns about trying to 'drive' Trump from GOP: 'Half the people will leave' Cheney set to be face of anti-Trump GOP MORE (R-N.Y.) as conference chairwoman will take place either later this week or next week. Ahead of this morning’s vote, Cheney defiantly spoke out on the House floor Tuesday night, charging that the decision by many within the GOP to enable Trump’s falsehoods about his election loss risked undermining American democracy. She maintained that she isn't backing down against the former president, even as she is expected to be discarded from her leadership post. “Every one of us who has sworn the oath must act to prevent the unraveling of our democracy. This is not about policy. This is not about partisanship. This is about our duty as Americans,” Cheney said. “Remaining silent and ignoring the lie emboldens the liar,” Cheney continued. “I will not participate in that. I will not sit back and watch in silence while others lead our party down a path that abandons the rule of law, and joins the former president's crusade to undermine our democracy” (The Hill). As The Hill’s Scott Wong and Mike Lillis write, the expected vote will have major political ramifications, as it will cement Cheney as the face of the anti-Trump movement in the party. For years, the effort was leaderless following the death of Sen. John McCainJohn Sidney McCainCheney set to be face of anti-Trump GOP Ex-McSally aide pleads guilty to stealing over 0K in campaign funds DOJ: Arizona recount could violate civil rights laws MORE (R-Ariz.). In a matter of months, Cheney has claimed that mantle, having been vocal about Trump’s repeated lies that the 2020 election was stolen and warning that the party must move on from Trump in its push to retake the lower chamber. However, Cheney is on an island as Republican after Republican line up behind the former president, raising questions about her future — namely, whether her political career will be the next thing to go. The New York Times: House Republicans prepare to oust a defiant Liz Cheney. NBC News political analysis: Trump-backed anti-Cheney vote proves the only Republican ideology now is revenge. The Hill: Schumer: “The big lie is spreading like a cancer” among the GOP. > Election reform: The Senate Rules Committee on Tuesday deadlocked on sweeping Democratic legislation to overhaul elections after an hours-long, often heated debate. The panel voted 9 to 9 on the For the People Act, a top priority for Democrats heading into the 2022 election. White the tie means Democrats aren't able to formally advance the bill to the floor, the party is expected to continue pressing ahead with what is considered a hallmark of its agenda this Congress. “With respect and some earnest debate, I think a lot of people have learned things today. I hope that will guide as we go forward. ... We must get this bill passed,” Sen. Amy KlobucharAmy KlobucharSenate panel deadlocks in vote on sweeping elections bill Senate descends into hours-long fight over elections bill Senate poised for all-day brawl over sweeping elections bill MORE (D-Minn.), the chairwoman of the committee, said shortly before the vote. “This is not the last you will hear. ... This is the beginning.” The Associated Press: McConnell leads GOP attack on Democrats’ voting rights bill. > Investigations: The Hill: The House Judiciary Committee and the Justice Department said Tuesday they reached an agreement, which they did not detail, as part of a two-year battle over a subpoena for testimony from former Trump White House counsel Don McGahn. A MESSAGE FROM FACEBOOK The internet has changed a lot since 1996 — internet regulations should too It's been 25 years since comprehensive internet regulations passed. See why we support updated regulations on key issues, including: - Protecting people's privacy - Enabling safe and easy data portability between platforms - Preventing election interference - Reforming Section 230LEADING THE DAYADMINISTRATION & INTERNATIONAL: Biden on Tuesday received an update from his national security team about the violence in the Middle East, and his spokeswoman said his immediate concern is de-escalation. Dozens of people have been killed and hundreds have been injured during days of rocket attacks and airstrikes. It’s the worst fighting in seven years. Psaki said Israel has a legitimate right to defend itself from Hamas rockets. But in remarks about Israel’s treatment of Palestinians, she said Jerusalem “must be a place of coexistence.” The U.S., she said, condemned attacks by Hamas and other groups, including attacks on Jerusalem, and that Biden's support for “Israel's security, for its legitimate right to defend itself and its people, is fundamental and will never waver” (The Hill). The Associated Press: Just after daybreak Wednesday, Israel unleashed dozens of new airstrikes in the course of a few minutes, targeting police and security installations, witnesses said (pictured below). A wall of dark gray smoke rose over Gaza City. Escalating Mideast violence bears the hallmarks of the 2014 Gaza war. According to a statement, Secretary of State Antony BlinkenAntony BlinkenBlinken speaks with Israeli counterpart amid escalating conflict Biden sent letter to Palestinian president over 'current situations' Asian American lawmakers say State's 'assignment restrictions' discriminate MORE emphasized to Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi by phone on Tuesday “the need for Israelis and Palestinians to be able to live in safety and security, as well as enjoy equal measures of freedom, security, prosperity, and democracy.” Prime Minister Benjamin NetanyahuBenjamin (Bibi) NetanyahuMORE on Tuesday said an Israeli military operation dealt a tough blow to Gaza militants but is warning that the fighting will continue for some time. In a nationally televised speech, he said Hamas and Islamic Jihad “have paid, and I tell you here, will pay a heavy price.” He said Israel will press ahead with an intensified operation, but said “it will take time” to complete the mission (The Associated Press). Fox News: Senate Foreign Relations Committee member John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) said on Tuesday that the Biden administration wants to send money to the Palestinians, a policy he opposes. “This money will be used for terrorism, and it looks to me like it’s doing that right now,” he said. The New York Times: Violence in Israel challenges Biden’s “stand back” approach. > Fuel supply shortages resulting from the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack and shutdown have sparked a run on gasoline by drivers on the East Coast. The shutdown, which may ease by the end of the week, is particularly worrisome for Southeastern states, including North and South Carolina, Virginia and Georgia (Atlanta line, below) — states with fewer fuel sources than states farther up the Atlantic Coast (The Wall Street Journal). Shortages have also hit airlines at a time when the industry is just beginning to emerge from the coronavirus recession. Seven airports in the eastern part of the country rely on the pipeline, prompting some carriers to alter routes as a way to use less jet fuel. And while Colonial is optimistic that its operations will return to normal later this week, an extended disruption could force airlines to consider passing the added costs along to passengers in the form of higher airfares heading into the summer travel season, The Hill’s Alex Gangitano writes. The Biden administration and lawmakers are reexamining security in place for critical oil and gas utilities, reports The Hill’s Maggie Miller. The shutdown of the pipeline that provides 45 percent of the East Coast's oil may have been made worse by the relative lack of federal oversight of pipelines compared with other utilities, according to some current and former officials. Reuters: U.S. fuel supplies tighten. The Washington Post: Gas prices jump, fuel shortages in the Southeast. > U.S. nuclear policy: Biden’s position on scrapping, replacing or refurbishing the 50-year-old Minuteman nuclear missile is unclear, reports The Associated Press. The Minuteman has been armed and ready for nuclear war on a moment’s notice for half a century. It has never been launched into combat from its underground silo, but this year it became the prime target in a wider political battle over the condition and cost of the nation’s nuclear arsenal. Decisions could influence how U.S. allies in Europe and Asia view the reliability of America’s nuclear “umbrella” — the security net that has allowed most of them to forgo developing nuclear weapons of their own. Some argue that it could make the difference between war and peace in an era of rising Chinese military power. > Domestic extremists: Attorney General Merrick GarlandMerrick GarlandUS officials testify on domestic terrorism in wake of Capitol attack Democrats reintroduce legislation to ban 'ghost guns' DHS establishes domestic terror unit within its intelligence office MORE and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro MayorkasAlejandro MayorkasUS officials testify on domestic terrorism in wake of Capitol attack DHS establishes domestic terror unit within its intelligence office Overnight Energy: Southeast sees gas shortages amid pipeline shutdown | Feds eye more oversight of pipelines after Colonial attack | Biden administration approves major offshore wind project MORE will testify today about the administration's efforts to crack down on domestic extremism as Congress is scrutinizing law enforcement's actions in the lead-up to as well as in the aftermath of the Capitol riot (The Hill). … In related news, House Democrats are eyeing a vote as soon as next week on the formation of an independent 9/11-style commission to investigate the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol (The Hill). > From White House aide to investment banker to House lawmaker to POTUS chief to Chicago mayor to TV political contributor — to ambassador? Biden is expected later this month to nominate Rahm Emanuel to serve as the U.S. ambassador to Japan, The Associated Press reported. IN FOCUS/SHARP TAKESCORONAVIRUS: The White House and U.S. public health experts are increasingly optimistic that even without assurances of herd immunity in the near term, the United States is turning a corner in the pandemic. The country on Monday recorded its lowest seven-day average since July of deaths caused by the coronavirus. Fifty-eight percent of the adult population has received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Americans by and large say they are eager for a return to normalcy, including for travel, office work and the resumption of in-person learning in schools. The Hill’s Justine Coleman and Peter Sullivan report the challenge of banking progress while still trying to reach people who remain unvaccinated or skeptical about the risks of illness. Only 11 percent of those who have not been vaccinated for COVID-19 say they will definitely do so, according to a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research released on Tuesday. A majority of 54 percent said the country is heading in the right direction, a stark improvement from December, when 63 percent of respondents said the United States was headed in the wrong direction. The president set an ambitious July Fourth inoculation target of 70 percent of U.S. adults and understands that the pace of COVID-19 vaccinations has fallen off since earlier this spring. Eager to address the challenge of transportation for Americans who are willing to be vaccinated, Biden said on Tuesday that ride-hailing companies Uber and Lyft will provide rides to and from vaccination sites free of charge (The Associated Press). Biden met virtually with a bipartisan group of governors Tuesday to share best practices for encouraging Americans to roll up their sleeves. “We have to make it easier and more convenient for all Americans to get vaccinated,” Biden said as he met with Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker and Ohio Gov. Mike DeWineMike DeWineBiden vows to get 'more aggressive' on lifestyle benefits of vaccines White House to announce deal for free vaccination rides from Uber, Lyft Biden to talk vaccination strategy with bipartisan governors MORE, all Republicans, as well as Democratic Govs. Michelle Lujan GrishamMichelle Lynn Lujan GrishamBiden vows to get 'more aggressive' on lifestyle benefits of vaccines White House to announce deal for free vaccination rides from Uber, Lyft DC deserves a governor MORE of New Mexico, Janet MillsJanet MillsBiden vows to get 'more aggressive' on lifestyle benefits of vaccines White House to announce deal for free vaccination rides from Uber, Lyft Biden to talk vaccination strategy with bipartisan governors MORE of Maine and Tim WalzTim WalzMinnesota governor jokes that residents should 'go get vaccinated so you're alive to vote against me' Biden vows to get 'more aggressive' on lifestyle benefits of vaccines White House to announce deal for free vaccination rides from Uber, Lyft MORE of Minnesota. > Many virologists and public health physicians anticipate that COVID-19 booster shots will become routine in the future, depending on what scientists learns about lingering immunity from vaccinations and the impact of variants of the coronavirus. David Kessler, former Food and Drug Administration commissioner and chief science officer of the White House COVID-19 response team, told senators on Tuesday that any such shots would be free to Americans, as are initial inoculations (CNBC). The new director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, Gary Disbrow, tells The Hill’s Reid Wilson in an exclusive interview that he believes COVID-19 vaccines will become as commonplace as flu shots or other regular vaccines. > Schools: The New York City Department of Education will NOT require pupils to get vaccinated before the upcoming school year, Mayor Bill de BlasioBill de Blasio3 shot, including 1 child, in Times Square New York area will lift capacity restrictions May 19 NYC 24-hour subway service resumes May 17 MORE (D) said Tuesday. The declaration came the day after both the CUNY and SUNY systems announced that students would have to receive the COVID-19 shot before enrolling in the fall. “We look forward to welcoming back every single student,” de Blasio said at his daily briefing. “I think you’ll see a lot of students and a lot of staff vaccinated by then. But I think that’s the right way to go about it.” The mayor was asked if there were any parallels to be drawn with other vaccines that are required to enroll youngsters in schools, including measles shots. “I talked about it with the health team,” he said. “We just don’t think it’s the right way to go at this moment.” He added that he’s open to “making adjustments” as the situation evolves (New York Post). > Relaxing restraints: Philadelphia next week plans to ease more COVID-19 restrictions. Beginning May 21, there will no longer be density limits in retail stores, museums, libraries and offices. Employers can welcome employees back indoors if they choose (CBS Philly). > Brazil on Tuesday halted vaccinations of pregnant women using the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine after a 35-year-old expectant mother died of a stroke shortly after being inoculated. A Health Ministry official said that the move was precautionary while authorities investigated the incident (Reuters). > Senators vs. federal experts: Sen. Rand PaulRandal (Rand) Howard PaulOvernight Health Care: Biden announces 1M have enrolled in special ObamaCare sign-up period | Rand Paul clashes with Fauci over coronavirus origins | Biden vows to get 'more aggressive' on lifestyle benefits of vaccines Rand Paul clashes with Fauci over coronavirus origins Tim Scott sparks buzz in crowded field of White House hopefuls MORE (R-Ky.), an eye doctor who contracted COVID-19, on Tuesday clashed with Anthony FauciAnthony FauciOvernight Health Care: Biden announces 1M have enrolled in special ObamaCare sign-up period | Rand Paul clashes with Fauci over coronavirus origins | Biden vows to get 'more aggressive' on lifestyle benefits of vaccines Average US daily COVID-19 cases below 40K for first time since September Rand Paul clashes with Fauci over coronavirus origins MORE, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, over the origin of the coronavirus. It’s not the first time they’ve sparred (The Hill). … Sen. Susan CollinsSusan Margaret CollinsSenate votes to repeal OCC 'true lender' rule Top female GOP senator compares Cheney ousting to 'cancel culture' Utah county GOP censures Romney over Trump impeachment vote MORE (R-Maine), whose constituents in non-pandemic situations prosper from summer camp revenues, on Tuesday challenged Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Rochelle WalenskyRochelle WalenskyUS reaching turning point in pandemic amid vaccination concerns Watch live: Fauci, Walensky testify on COVID-19 response efforts Top CDC official who warned of pandemic disruption will resign MORE, a physician trained in internal medicine and infectious diseases, to explain what Collins termed confusing and inconsistent COVID-19 guidance, including for summer camps (ABC News and C-SPAN). ***** POLITICS: The proliferation of controversial voting measures in state legislatures is adding another layer of uncertainty for Democrats as they brace for an already challenging political landscape in the 2022 midterms. As The Hill’s Max Greenwood writes, nearly a dozen states, including key battlegrounds such as Florida and Georgia, have already enacted new voting laws this year, with other states — including Texas — likely to do so in the coming weeks and months. The new measures, which Democrats maintain are intended to make voting more difficult, present just one more obstacle for Democrats heading into 2022, when they will have to defend their slim majorities in the House and Senate. The hurdle is among a number Democrats will have to overcome next year. On top of that, Republicans received a boost in the redistricting process, as multiple red states will add seats. Republicans also have history on their side, as the party out of power usually fares well during the midterm elections, with the GOP looking to 2010 and 2014, when it retook the House and Senate, respectively. > 2022 watch: In Pennsylvania, Republicans are staring down a highly competitive Senate primary fight, with Trump expected to play a starring role as candidates seek to position themselves in the race. Sean Parnell, a top contender for the party nomination to replace Sen. Pat ToomeyPatrick (Pat) Joseph ToomeySasse rebuked by Nebraska Republican Party over impeachment vote Philly GOP commissioner on censures: 'I would suggest they censure Republican elected officials who are lying' Toomey censured by several Pennsylvania county GOP committees over impeachment vote MORE (R-Pa.), officially announced his candidacy for the seat on Tuesday as the top tier of GOP options takes shape. Multiple sources tell The Hill’s Julia Manchester and Al Weaver that Parnell, real estate developer Jeff Bartos and former ambassador to Denmark Carla Sands are emerging as the preeminent options for the party as it looks to hold the seat. Parnell, who is close with Donald Trump Jr., lost by 2 points to Rep. Conor Lamb (D-Pa.) in November, and Sands, who has yet to announce her bid, have the closest proximity to Trump, potentially giving them a leg up. Pennsylvania insiders tell The Hill that while Trump lost the state in November, the former president’s economic message continues to ring true with Republican voters in the state. “He’s by no means toxic in any way. It was a very tight election in the state,” said Matt Beynon, a former adviser to former presidential candidate Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Pa.). “Both he and the policies that he advocated are going to likely be front and center again this cycle.” Axios: Rep. Stephanie MurphyStephanie MurphyDemocrats confront difficult prospects for midterms Lawmakers brace for battles with colleagues as redistricting kicks off Demings mulling statewide Florida run in 2022 MORE (D-Fla.) announcing challenge to Sen. Marco RubioMarco Antonio RubioSenate votes to repeal OCC 'true lender' rule Democrats cool on Crist's latest bid for Florida governor Tim Scott sparks buzz in crowded field of White House hopefuls MORE (R-Fla.). The New York Times: A federal judge on Tuesday tossed out the National Rifle Association’s bankruptcy case, its attempt to evade a legal challenge from New York regulators. New York’s attorney general is seeking to shutter the gun rights group amid a corruption investigation.The Morning Report is created by journalists Alexis Simendinger and Al Weaver. We want to hear from you! Email: asimendinger@thehill.com and aweaver@thehill.com. We invite you to share The Hill’s reporting and newsletters, and encourage others to SUBSCRIBE! OPINIONSIsraelis, Palestinians and their neighbors worry: Is this the Big One? by Thomas Friedman, opinion columnist, The New York Times. https://nyti.ms/3hj4fG9 Without more work, Biden’s tax plans don’t compute, by Bloomberg Opinion editorial board. https://bloom.bg/3y5R0OXA MESSAGE FROM FACEBOOK Facebook supports updated internet regulations 2021 is the 25th anniversary of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, the last major update to internet regulation. It's time for an update to set clear rules for addressing today's toughest challenges. See how we're taking action on key issues and why we support updated internet regulations.WHERE AND WHENThe House meets at 10 a.m. The Senate will convene at 10 a.m. and resume consideration of the nomination of Chiquita Brooks-LaSure to serve as the administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The president will receive the President’s Daily Brief at 9:30 a.m. Biden and Vice President Harris will meet at 11 a.m. with Speaker Nancy PelosiNancy PelosiOn The Money: Job openings jump to record high of 8.1 million | Wyden opposes gas tax hike | Airlines feel fuel crunch Pelosi: House Democrats want to make child tax credit expansion permanent Pelosi announces change to House floor mask rules MORE (D-Calif.), Senate Majority Leader Charles SchumerChuck SchumerSenate panel deadlocks in vote on sweeping elections bill Senate descends into hours-long fight over elections bill Biden to host Sinema for meeting on infrastructure proposal MORE (D-N.Y.), McConnell and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthyKevin McCarthyHouse fails to pass drug bill amid Jan. 6 tensions READ: Liz Cheney's speech on the House floor Cheney in defiant floor speech: Trump on 'crusade to undermine our democracy' MORE (R-Calif.) in the Oval Office to discuss bipartisan priorities for the months ahead. Biden at 3:30 p.m. delivers remarks on the administration’s COVID-19 response and vaccination program. The White House press briefing is scheduled at noon. Economic indicator: The Bureau of Labor Statistics at 8:30 a.m. reports on the U.S. consumer price index in April. Prices are expected to post their largest annual increase in nearly a decade. INVITATION TODAY: The Hill Virtually Live hosts “The Future of Mobility Summit at 12:30 p.m. with a standout roster of speakers, including major corporate CEOs, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, Charlotte, N.C., Mayor Vi Lyles and Missouri Rep. Sam GravesSamuel (Sam) Bruce GravesThe Hill's Morning Report - Presented by Facebook - Biden, Congress drawn into pipeline cyberattack, violence in Israel The Hill's Morning Report - Presented by Facebook - Infrastructure, Cheney ouster on deck as Congress returns Hillicon Valley: DOJ to review cyber challenges | Gaetz, House Republicans want to end funding for postal service surveillance | TikTok gets new CEO MORE, the top Republican on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Register HERE to join a conversation about the intersection of technology and transportation and how technology advances in mobility can be supported by policymakers at the local, state and federal levels. Hill.TV’s “Rising” program features news and interviews at http://thehill.com/hilltv or on YouTube at 10:30 a.m. ET at Rising on YouTube. ELSEWHERE➔ NEWS MEDIA: Sally Buzbee, 55, senior vice president and executive editor of The Associated Press, was named Tuesday as executive editor of The Washington Post, succeeding the recently retired Marty Baron. As AP’s top editor since 2017, Buzbee has directed AP’s journalism through the COVID-19 pandemic, Donald Trump’s presidency, the #MeToo movement, Brexit, protests over racial injustice and the 2020 U.S. election. Her emphasis on live coverage of breaking news events in all formats, augmented by deep enterprise reporting, has helped yield top awards, including Pulitzer Prizes in feature photography and international reporting, along with six other Pulitzer finalists. Buzbee, 55, previously served as the agency’s Washington bureau chief and before that was Middle East editor, among many other positions in an AP career stretching back to 1988. At the Post, Buzbee succeeds the widely revered Baron, who had led the Post since 2013, guiding the news organization’s resurgence under the ownership of Amazon founder Jeff BezosJeffrey (Jeff) Preston BezosHillicon Valley: Trump's Facebook ban to stay in place, board rules | Facebook board's Trump decision pleases no one | Republicans float support for antitrust reform Republicans urge probe into Amazon government cloud-computing bid: report SpaceX's Elon Musk has become the coolest capitalist of them all MORE. Baron retired earlier this year at age 66 (The Associated Press). ➔ GENETIC SCIENCE: A gene therapy that makes use of an unlikely helper, the AIDS virus, gave a working immune system to 48 babies and toddlers who were born without one, doctors reported on Tuesday. Results show that all but two of the 50 children who were given the experimental therapy in a study now have healthy germ-fighting abilities (The Associated Press). ➔ HORSE RACING: Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit was treated with an antifungal ointment containing the steroid betamethasone that caused the horse to fail a postrace drug test, trainer Bob Baffert said Tuesday. In a statement issued by his lawyer, Baffert said Medina Spirit was treated for dermatitis with the ointment once a day leading up to the May 1 race. Regardless of the reason, Medina Spirit would be disqualified from the Derby if a second round of testing shows the presence of betamethasone. Derby runner-up Mandaloun would be elevated to winner. It is unknown how long Kentucky officials will take to determine whether the results of the Derby should stand or will change (ESPN). Medina Spirit is still expected to compete in the Preakness Stakes on Saturday, entering the field as a heavy 9-5 favorite (The Washington Post). THE CLOSERAnd finally … A yawning, seemingly relaxed bear climbed utility poles and sat on power lines in Arizona near Mexico on Sunday. It eventually departed, and no one was hurt, but the news photos seemed perfect for today’s Morning Report (The Associated Press). Share on Twitter JW Video Type: CutdownPerson: Michelle Lujan GrishamShelley Moore CapitoBenjamin NetanyahuAlejandro MayorkasRochelle WalenskyStephanie MurphyMerrick GarlandMitch McConnellCharles SchumerBill de BlasioKyrsten SinemaKevin McCarthyAntony BlinkenElise StefanikJohn BarrassoAnthony FauciAmy KlobucharKamala HarrisSusan CollinsNancy PelosiDonald TrumpDick DurbinJoe ManchinMarco RubioJohn McCainJanet MillsMike DeWineLiz CheneyTom CarperJeff BezosSam GravesPat ToomeyJoe BidenRon WydenRand PaulJen PsakiTim WalzExcluded from Just In: 0Video comments: Video comments......

Sundance Labs: 20 Up-and-Coming Directors and Screenwriters Named for 2021 Fellowship...

TheWrap ·

3 days ago

Signature workshops include 12 fellows for directors and screenwriters labs and nine fellows cultivating Native artists The Sundance Institute named on Monday the artists and projects for the first group of its upcoming summer labs. The group includes 12 fellows for the directors and screenwriters labs and nine artists participating in the Native and Indigenous lab which focuses on the development of storytellers from those backgrounds through feature film, episodic work and other pursuits. One artist will participate in both labs. Elements of this year’s labs will take place digitally via Sundance Collab. Sundance Institute said in a statement that fellows in the Native program will engage in one-on-one feedback sessions with advisors, as well as round-table discussions. With these fellows working across both episodic and feature formats, they will explore “indigenizing” their creative process in writing their scripts, the statement said. The labs are organized under the leadership of Feature Film Program (FFP) founding director Michelle Satter, FFP deputy director Ilyse McKimmie, and Indigenous Program direcgtor N. Bird Runningwater. “Supprt for Indigenous storytellers has been part or the Institute’s mission since its founding,” Runningwater said in the statement. “We’re excited tpo nurture this cohort of filmmakers and their stories, strengthening the Indigenous lens through which their stories are being told and supporting them along their creative journey to the screen and audiences.” Below is a list of fellows and projects selected for the 2021 Native Lab May 10-21: Miciana Alise (Tlingit)Mia, Too In this life, a woman’s biggest challenges are the love she chooses to accept, the tough love of a well-meaning mother, and the absence of love that heartbreak leaves behind. Mia will have to face them all in order to find a way to finally love herself.Miciana Alise interned with Jesse Collins Entertainment during the 2013 Black Entertainment Television Awards and served as First Assistant Director under Director Randy Reinholz during Perseverance Theatre’s production of an original Alaska Native play. She penned her first feature length script in 2018, leading to her selection as a 2019 Sundance Institute Indigenous Film Fellow. She hosts a YouTube channel focused on educating Native youth regarding current events and Indigenous history. Fancy Dance, a feature she co-wrote with Erica Tremblay, was included on the inaugural Indigenous List hosted by The Black List. She is a current Sundance Institute Screenwriting Fellow.Doane Tulugaq Avery (Iñupiaq)Mama DragonAs a 40-year-old queer ex-Mormon begins to navigate the world as a recent divorcee, she is surprised to find support in raising her nonbinary child from an advocacy group called Mama Dragons, a Mormon led organization that breathes fire for their LGBTQ family members.Doane Tulugaq Avery is a filmmaker whose stories focus on feminine, queer, and Indigenous character-driven narratives. She was the recipient of the LA Skins Fest Emerging Filmmaker Award and the imagineNATIVE Jane Glassco Award for Emerging Talent. Her short films have screened at Outfest, Oaxaca Film Fest, Seattle Queer Film Festival, and Māoriland. She was selected as a fellow for the Sundance Institute + IAIA Native Writers Workshop, the Barcid Foundation’s Native American TV Writers Lab, and the 2nd Annual Native American Writers Room sponsored by the Pop Culture Collaborative. She recently worked with Topple Productions as a co-writer on the forthcoming film Mothertrucker. She received an MFA in Film Directing from the California Institute of the Arts. Doane is from the Pacific Northwest and lives in Los Angeles.Bryson Chun (Kanaka Maoli)Poi DogsWhen a small-town, high-end Hawai’i dog groomer learns that a hit was put on her on the Dark Web, she has to race to find the culprit among her friends and family before it’s too late.Bryson Chun is a Native Hawaiian filmmaker who has produced award-winning short and feature films in Hawai’i that have gone on to screen for PBS, The Smithsonian Institution, The Criterion Collection, and at festivals all over the world. He was a writing fellow for Sundance, imagineNATIVE, LA Skins, and ‘Ohina Labs where he developed his Greenlight award-winning short Other People under the mentorship of Thor Ragnarok writer Eric Pearson. His television pilot Poi Dogs was recently selected to be part of The Blacklist’s Inaugural Indigenous List. He was part of the 2021 CAPE New Writers Fellowship and is currently pursuing his MFA in Screenwriting from the Institute of American Indian Arts.Alexandra Lazarowich (Cree)Sweet Home ReservationAfter the death of her aunt, a successful fashion business woman returns to her childhood home on the Cree reservation in Northern Alberta, Canada for the funeral. However unbeknownst to her large, loud Native family, she brings home her new fiancé — a musician from Malibu.Alexandra Lazarowich is an award-winning Cree filmmaker from northern Alberta. Her short film Fast Horse was honored with The Special Jury Prize for Directing at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival. Her body of work as director and producer include Lake, Indian Rights for Indian Women, Cree Code Talker, Empty Metal and INAATE/SE/. She is the series producer for the CBC’s multi-award-winning comedy documentary series Still Standing. Her fellowship is made possible with support from the Indigenous Screen Office. 2021 Native Lab – Artist In Residence: Charine Pilar Gonzales (San Ildefonso Pueblo) An aspiring Pueblo photographer drops out of college and decides to sell her photos at Native art shows full-time to support her family. She struggles with self-doubt, competitive attitudes and understanding the market – in order to establish herself as an artist. Charine Pilar Gonzales (San Ildefonso Pueblo) is a Tewa filmmaker whose work focuses on empowering women, celebrating resilience and laughing in-between. Gonzales is Lead Editor for Native Lens, a crowdsourced series by RMPBS and KSUT Tribal Radio. She’s a 2021 graduate from IAIA where she studied Cinematic Arts and Technology. She’s a current Artist in Business Leadership Fellow through First Peoples Fund. She’s an alumna of the Indigenous Film Opportunity Fellowship and Full Circle Fellowship, both through the Sundance Institute’s Indigenous Program. Gonzales earned an English-Communication BA from Fort Lewis College in 2017. Her favorite foods are red chile and oven bread. Tommy Pico (Kumeyaay) – writer Sometimes Tommy is a “sometimes” person: sometimes Brooklyn, sometimes rez, but never both. When his best friend becomes a punk singer, a dream Tommy wanted for himself, his identities begin to blur against a backdrop of punk music, ceremony, and the ghost of an ex he killed on the rez. Tommy “Teebs” Pico is a poet, podcaster, and TV writer. He authored the books IRL, Nature Poem, Junk, and Feed. He hosts the podcasts Food 4 Thot and Scream, Queen! and writes on the TV shows Reservation Dogs and Resident Alien. The 2021 Native Lab Fellows will be joined at Lab by the 2021 Full Circle Fellows: Jamie John (Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians) Jamie John is a two-spirit Anishinaabe and Korean multidisciplinary artist living in their historic homeland of so-called Michigan. They’re an enrolled tribal citizen of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, a graduate in interdisciplinary arts at Interlochen Arts Academy, and currently reconnecting to their Anishinaabe ceremonial way of life. Art has been used as a tool to carve out a space for Jamie despite the impact of colonialism, intergenerational suffering, and gender violence. With works tackling topics of colonialism and historical loss, Jamie attempts to pull the thread of resistance to these atrocities through cultural connection and emphasizing collective survival. Sarah Liese (Diné and an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians) Sarah Liese is a master’s student at Ohio University, where she studies journalism and photography. She is a research assistant to Dr. Victoria LaPoe, which has allowed her to learn more about Indigenous reporting – a topic Liese is passionate about, as she is Diné and a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians. In her free time, Sarah works as a poetry reader for the New Ohio Review. She plans to earn her master’s degree from Ohio University in April 2022 and begin her career as a documentary filmmaker, highlighting Indigenous stories. She is a graduate of Mississippi University in the state where she grew up and maintains strong family connections. Christina Zuni (Isleta Pueblo) Christina Zuni is a Native filmmaker and cinematographer from Isleta Pueblo, N.M. She is a soon-to-be graduate at New Mexico State University in the Digital Filmmaking program. Growing up in a culture-driven community, she developed an interest in pueblo art at a young age. The combination of Native art and visual media heavily influences the themes present in her work. By giving a voice to the unheard and unspoken, she advocates and empowers communities in ways that uplift them. Her goal in filmmaking is to enrich humanity’s interest in Native American traditions and encourage pueblo youth to find their creativity. Fellows and projects selected for the 2021 Directors Lab are: Fancy Dance (U.S.A.) Erica Tremblay, co-writer/director Miciana Alise, co-writer Following the disappearance of her sister, a Native American hustler kidnaps her niece from her white grandparents and sets out for the state powwow in the hopes of keeping what’s left of their family intact. Erica Tremblay is an award-winning writer and director from the Seneca-Cayuga Nation. Her short film Little Chief premiered at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival and was included on IndieWire’s top 10 must-see short films at the fest. Tremblay was a 2018 Sundance Native Film Lab Fellow and she is a current Sundance Screenwriters Lab Fellow. She was recently honored as a 40 Under 40 Native American. Tremblay lives on Cayuga Lake in upstate New York where she is studying her Indigenous language. forward (U.S.A.) Cris Gris, director Mary Ann Anane, writer After moving to a working-class part of the Hamptons, a Latinx teen employed as a housecleaner for the elite explores identity and love in the shadow of gentrification and inevitable loss. Cris Gris is a Mexican filmmaker whose films have screened internationally in prestigious festivals, including La Semaine de la Critique, Festival de Cannes. She’s known for moving between acting, writing, and directing, and landed her first leading role in the feature independent drama Fish Bones (2018). Her short San Miguel (2018) received the Spike Lee Film Production Fund, the HFPA Fellows Fund, and was named a 2019 NBR student grant winner. Her short Pia & Mike (2019) premiered at FICM. Gris is a Film Independent Project Involve 2020 fellow and a 2021 Sundance Screenwriters Lab fellow. forward will be her feature directorial debut. Mary Ann Anane is a Ghanaian-born, New-Jersey raised screenwriter and novelist. She is a graduate of Northwestern University with a concentration in playwriting. Anane is a 2021 Sundance Screenwriters Lab Fellow, 2020 Athena Feature Lab fellow, 2020 Film Independent’s Project Involve fellow, and a finalist for MACRO’s inaugural Episodic Lab. Outside of writing, Anane was a development assistant at Endeavor Content, a producer’s assistant on The Farewell and A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, and has worked on off-Broadway productions at New York Theatre Workshop. All her titles are lowercased. The Macrobiotic Toker (U.S.A.) Tracy Droz Tragos, writer/director Living in a mommune, balancing her alternative lifestyle and a bitter separation, Sula’s life is plunged into potential chaos by an unplanned pregnancy. After discovering how to procure abortion pills online, she travels an unexpected path to become an underground supplier, an accidental pro-choice activist, and ultimately, a convicted felon. Inspired by true events. Tracy Droz Tragos is a writer, filmmaker, and mother of two kids. Her documentary work includes Abortion: Stories Women Tell, the HBO film about unplanned pregnancies and resilience; Be Good, Smile Pretty, an Emmy Award-winning documentary about the grief and healing of survivors of the Vietnam War; and Rich Hill (Grand Jury Prize, U.S. Documentary, 2014 Sundance Film Festival) for which she embedded in the homes of low-income families in rural Missouri. In 2020, Tragos won a Guggenheim Fellowship for her long-form work on the documentary Sarah. She received her MFA in screenwriting from USC. The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo (Chile) Diego Céspedes, writer/director Chile, 1984. A remote mining town is stricken with a mysterious disease, said to be transmitted between men through eye contact. Twelve-year-old Lidia must protect her older brother Alexo, who raised her, when he comes under threat from the fearful townspeople. Diego Céspedes is a Chilean filmmaker. In 2018, he wrote and directed his first short, The Summer of the Electric Lion, which won the Cinéfondation First Prize at Cannes Film Festival and the Nest First Prize at San Sebastian Film Festival, and also screened at Sundance, Palm Springs, and AFI Fest, among others. The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo will mark his feature directorial debut. The project has been supported by the Cinéfondation Residence (Cannes), the Ikusmira Berriak Residence (San Sebastian) and the Sundance Screenwriters Lab. It also won the TorinoFilmLab and the Ibermedia production fund. Neon Tilapia (Kenya, U.S.A.) Tony Koros, writer/director When a dangerous water-weed threatens to take over his lake and livelihood, a fisherman in rural Kenya forms an unexpected alliance with his estranged granddaughter to fight back using glowing, genetically modified fish. As strange lights appear in the lake, chaos erupts in the village, and the two are challenged to reach a new understanding of each other. Tony Koros is a New York-based Kenyan screenwriter, director and producer. He is a 2021 Sundance Screenwriters Lab Fellow, a recipient of the 2020 Tribeca Film Institute Sloan Grant, a 2020 Cine Qua Non Lab Script Revision Lab fellowship, the Martin E. Segal Production Grant and the 2019 Hollywood Foreign Press Association grant. His latest short film, Tithes & Offerings, premiered in competition at Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival 2019 and has since been acquired for distribution by CANAL+. His previous short films have screened at over 70 international film festivals including Palm Springs International Shortfest where he won the Alexis Prize in 2017, Clermont-Ferrand 2018, FESPACO 2017, and won the Sembene prize at the Zanzibar International Film Festival. He holds an MFA in Filmmaking from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts (2018). Parts & Labor (U.S.A.) Cristina Costantini, co-writer/director Jacob Albert, co-writer Working single mom Maria Burgos signs on as a gestational surrogate for a wealthy, controlling New York couple to pay for her son’s college tuition. She tolerates their degrading demands until the relationship explodes, and Maria seizes the moment to blackmail her way to the American Dream. Cristina Costantini is an Emmy Award-winning director. Her latest documentary Mucho Mucho Amor premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and on Netflix in 2020. The film was nominated for a Critics Choice Award and won the Best Latinx Film award from NALIP. Her first feature documentary, Science Fair, won the Sundance Festival Favorite Award as well as the SXSW Audience Award, a Critics Choice Award for Best First Time Director, and an Emmy award. The Milwaukee native is a Yale grad who now lives in California with her husband and their pug dog Harriet. Jacob Albert lives in Oakland. He ghostwrites popular science books for research scientists and is at work on a novel. Formerly a Stegner Fellow at Stanford, he has received fellowships from the Blue Mountain Center, the Michener Center, and the Elizabeth George Foundation. A Real One (U.S.A.) McKenzie Chinn, writer/director A bright teenager in a working class neighborhood on Chicago’s south side discovers the power and beauty of true friendship when her illicit relationship with a teacher is discovered amid the final weeks of her senior year in high school. McKenzie Chinn is a filmmaker, actor, and poet based in Chicago. She is the writer and lead actor of Olympia, which premiered at the 2018 LA Film Festival and won the Audience Award at the 2019 Bentonville Film Festival. Her poetry has been nominated for multiple awards including a Pushcart Prize. She is part of Growing Concerns Poetry Collective whose releases include the album BIG DARK BRIGHT FUTURES (2020) and the poetry collection Five Fifths (Candor Arts 2018). She is a 2021 Sundance Screenwriters Lab Fellow and the recipient of the inaugural NBCUniversal Grant through the Bentonville Film Foundation. Stampede (U.S.A.) Sontenish Myers, writer/director On a southern plantation in the 1800s, Lena is an 11-year-old slave with telekinetic abilities she cannot yet control. When she is separated from her mother and moved into close quarters with the volatile Master’s wife, Lena must grapple with the danger of her gift as well as its potential power. Sontenish Myers is a Jamaican American writer-director based in Harlem, New York. She is a graduate of NYU’s Graduate Film program where she’s now an adjunct professor. Her short film, Cross My Heart, won the Alexis Award for Best Emerging Student Filmmaker at the Palm Springs International Shortfest and the Vimeo Staff Pick Award at Hamptons International Film Festival. Stampede, her debut feature, was accepted into the Sundance Screenwriters Lab, HIFF Screenwriting Lab, Film Independent Screenwriting Lab and IFP Week. It is also a selected script on the Black List 2019, and a recipient of SFFILM’s Rainin Grant and Tribeca All Access Grant. The 2021 Directors Lab Fellows will be joined at the Screenwriters Lab by: White Knuckle (U.S.A.) Xavier Coleman, writer/director When a serial killer begins targeting the gentrifiers of a dwindling, historically Black neighborhood, a young newcomer must determine the murderer’s identity—before she’s next. Xavier Coleman is a Brooklyn-based filmmaker with a focus on the intersection of genre and identity. His most recent directorial effort was the short film, White Knuckle. The film screened at the Movies Under the Stars series presented by the N.Y.C. Mayor’s Office, and was listed in AMC and Shudder’s Horror Noire syllabus of Black horror. The feature-length screenplay for White Knuckle was selected for the 2021 Sundance Screenwriters Intensive. As a nonfiction editor, Coleman has worked with writers and directors including Elliot Page, Ira Glass, and Joe Berlinger. His latest documentary feature film as an editor, There’s Something in the Water, premiered at the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival.......