CABINET // Democrats took to the Senate floor for a 24-hour speaking session to again delay a confirmation vote for Betsy DeVos as Secretary of Education. Democrats need just one more Senate Republican to defect to sink the nomination. A final vote is expected in the Senate today. Vice President Pence will be on hand, in case he needs to cast a tie-breaking vote. http://cvote.it/2jUYzFT
DEFUND PP // Sens. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and James Lankford (R-Okla.) are co-sponsors of the Protect Funding for Women’s Health Care Act, which would eliminate all funding for organizations like Planned Parenthood, which performs abortions. The bill would re-direct money to health care providers who don’t perform abortions. http://cvote.it/2jVaG5X
LABOR // Gov. Eric Greitens signed legislation to make Missouri the 28th right-to-work state. New Hampshire might be next. http://cvote.it/2jUyGGo
SENATE 2018 // Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer says if Trump’s approval rating rises to 55%, the Democrats “could lose the whole ball of wax.” http://cvote.it/2jVePXB
2020 // Most Americans remember Al Franken as a comedian on Saturday Night Live. But he’s been Senator from Minnesota since 2006. For the last 10 years, he’s avoided the national media. Now he’s stepping into the spotlight and that has people wondering if he’s considering a presidential campaign in 2020. http://cvote.it/2jUhocv
MEDIA // From transgender suicides to a 27-cent foreclosure, there have been 16 fake news stories reporters have run since Trump won. http://cvote.it/2jU4bjD
ABORTION // Republicans in control of the Pennsylvania Legislature make another push to pass legal protection for unborn children over 20-weeks old. Pro-abortion Gov. Tom Wolf has promised to veto the bill if it reaches his desk. http://cvote.it/2jVq8z4
CRIME // Quick-thinking flight attendant’s secret message saves teen from human trafficking. http://cvote.it/2jUQIrZ
SOCIAL ISSUES // Should social conservatives avoid criticizing Donald Trump? A must-read article by Phil Lawler of Catholic Culture. http://cvote.it/2kfjPCh
CATHOLIC // Today is the beginning of National Marriage Week. The Bishops’ website ForYourMarriage.org has resources to help you celebrate marriage this week. http://cvote.it/2jUH1tr
WORD OF THE DAY // Rubber-chicken circuit – The many luncheons and dinners that politicians have to attend to win votes and raise funds for their campaign.
SAINT // Saint Colette – http://cvote.it/dailysaint
DAILY MASS // “O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!” (Ps 8:2) – http://cvote.it/Daily-Readings
COMIC // ( click to see larger version. )
