Mike Johnson’s Plan B

Today’s notice: Is it a CR or a CRn’t?

And a Very Bah Humbug CR to You

Republicans are proposing a new government funding plan now that Mike Johnson’s first strategy has fallen apart: the same thing, but with the added possibility of ruining lawmakers’ winter holiday plans.

One of the big sticking points on Johnson’s plan A — besides it tacking on a bill that would require proof of citizenship to register voters — was how long the continuing resolution would last. Conservatives originally wanted the CR to fund the government through March, when there will be a new president in office. But Democrats wanted a shorter timeline — and many Republicans agreed, reasoning that it’d be harmful to keep the Pentagon at current levels for another half a year.

“I understand people don’t like to get jammed right up against Christmas, but we didn’t get the votes for that,” House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole told reporters Wednesday night of the CR bill that would have ended in March.

The new December deadline sets Congress up for one of its favorite holiday gifts: a Christmastime omnibus. Typically, the pressure of lawmakers wanting to leave Washington in favor of time with their families is enough of an impetus to convince them to muscle a catchall spending bill through both chambers.

It’s that exact dynamic that conservatives wanted to avoid. But to that, Cole said, Bah Humbug.

“The people that asked for this got a chance to get it,” Cole said, putting the failure of the six-month CR on conservatives. “I think that’s a pretty good move by the speaker. He fought the good fight, but that’s clearly not happening.”

—Riley Rogerson

Read more from NOTUS’ Ben T.N. Mause, Riley Rogerson, John T. Seward and Reese Gorman.

High-turnout elections are back en vogue

It wasn’t long ago that some people in Democratic circles were downplaying voter registration drives this cycle — a low-turnout election of only the most regular voters was the desired outcome. Kamala Harris’ ascension may be changing that calculation.

Forward Blue, a small progressive PAC, has seen a massive influx of donations since Harris took over the Dem nomination and, NOTUS has learned, will use the first of several million-dollar ad buys to register and turn out 18- to 25-year-olds in NV, OH, MT, WI and PA. The tactic: social pressure.

“Anyone can look up if you voted on Nov. 5,” an ad warns. “Don’t be lectured about failing to do your civic duty at family dinner.”

David Austin, Forward Blue executive director, told me the group recently tested tactics for two weeks. “We saw the largest lift when we created that sort of external accountability,” he said.

“I want to see turnout go up as much as I want to see new voters come in the door,” Austin said. “I think the youngest unregistered voters have the fewest amount of resources and ads put in front of them.”

—Evan McMorris-Santoro

Front Page

• A Republican in a Tight House Race Is Borrowing Abortion Rights Terminology: Rep. Mike Levin’s challenger is lifting words from Bill Clinton to massage how voters view his stance on abortion.

Money talks

Sen. John Thune dropped the biggest ever donation to the NRSC, $4 million, a source familiar confirmed to NOTUS’ Reese Gorman. Now, the pressure is on Sens. John Cornyn and Rick Scott, as the three vie to be the next Senate GOP leader.

“There are quite a few members that are here because of the fundraising help that McConnell has been over the years, or they wouldn’t be here at all,” Sen. James Lankford said.

“Certainly, fundraising will be a factor for everyone,” Sen. Ted Cruz echoed about the leadership race.

But it’s “three pretty heavy hitters,” as Sen. Mike Braun described them. As for whether Scott is feeling the need to pony up extra cash? “I’m focused on making sure I win my election, helping my colleagues to the extent that I can,” he told NOTUS.

—Claire Heddles

Speaking of Rick Scott…

Florida Democrats are also putting him under pressure to debate his opponent, Debbie Mucarsel-Powell. Polls show their Senate race is close. Will a debate happen? We asked Scott three times. The best answer we got sounded like a maybe.

Take one: Are you planning to debate Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, or can you commit to that now?

Scott: You know, here’s a person that doesn’t want to travel the state, and so I’ve been traveling the state, I’ve been working hard, and I look forward to watching her travel the state.

Take two: You said you’re traveling up and down the state, but why not a debate with Debbie Mucarsel-Powell specifically?

Scott: Well, right now, I’m traveling the state. I spend my time traveling the state.

Take three: Can you commit to one, in the future, before the election?

Scott: Well, we might, you never know.

—Claire Heddles

AOC: Jump-starter of progressivism and dead batteries

Evan Hollander, staff assistant and driver for Rep. John Larson, was parked on the East Plaza waiting for his boss after votes. But when it came time to get moving, the car would not start. Hollander couldn’t figure out how to work his portable jump-starter (“I had never used it before,” he said). Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who was in her own car after the morning vote series, saw Hollander struggling, hopped out, moved the cables around on Hollander’s engine and voila: a ride for Rep. Larson.

“I was very starstruck and so thankful for her help!” Hollander said.

—Evan McMorris-Santoro

Be Social

After a rowdy stand-up routine at the Washington Press Club Foundation dinner in February, Rep. Lisa McClain will return to the stage Thursday for Congressional Karaoke at The Anthem.

McClain gave NOTUS’ Tinashe Chingarande a sneak peek of what she’s been working on…

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