SCANDALS Rep. John Conyers, D-MI, steps aside as the top-ranked Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee amid allegations he sexually harassed female staff members. http://cvote.it/2i9cdFW
BUREAUCRATIC SHOWDOWN Richard Cordray was head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Before he resigned, he named his deputy director as the new head of the agency. But the White House says it’s Trump’s decision to name a new department head. And both the Justice Department and the general counsel of the CFPB agree. http://cvote.it/2n3lPU0
QUOTE OF THE DAY “According to the guy who became the CFPB’s first director via an illegal recess appointment while the Senate was in session, the president cannot designate an acting director when the position is vacant.” -Phil Kerpen
TAXES ON AGENDA First, the Senate will likely vote today on the nomination of Gregory Katsas for the D.C. Circuit. Then it’s on to tax reform. Republican leaders are working behind the scenes to get 50 votes to advance their tax reform plan. http://cvote.it/2n7LQla
SUPREME COURT Here’s a rundown on four important cases before the Supreme Court this term. http://cvote.it/2n4sltT
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY Why can’t the Democrats leave the Little Sisters alone? http://cvote.it/2n7Jy5F
LGBT WHAT? New Zealand is allowing a man ‘who identifies as a woman’ to participate in international women’s weightlifting. http://cvote.it/2n62x0B
BLUE LAWS Poland to phase out Sunday shopping by 2020. Both the ruling conservative party and the trade unions stated that they wanted workers to spend more time with their families. http://cvote.it/2nbfpTd
TERROR ATTACK Pope Francis and American bishops lament deadly attack on a mosque in Egypt, which killed 235 people. http://cvote.it/2n6jpUF
PAPAL VISIT Cardinal Charles Maung Bo prepares for Pope Francis’ visit to Burma, which starts today. http://cvote.it/2n6Re8e
SAINT OF THE DAY Saint Francesco Antonio Fasani – http://cvote.it/dailysaint
DAILY MASS READINGS “Glory and praise for ever!” (Dn 3:52) – http://cvote.it/Daily-Readings
HUMOR