MNI POLITICAL RISK - Biden Meets With Congressional Leaders

Executive Summary:

• President Biden will take his first step into complex negotiations to overhaul US-Mexico border policy and secure supplemental funding for Ukraine when he meets with Congressional leaders at the White House today.
• Biden’s job will be to convince House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) that funding Ukraine is a critical national security interest and reverse a hardline position on the border which has put him in conflict with both Democrats and Senate Republicans. Calling the meeting may suggest that Biden has something substantial to offer or, by isolating Johnson with a group highly experienced politicos, it could be designed to exert pressure on the inexperienced speaker.
• The Senate yesterday voted 63-13 to invoke cloture on the legislative vehicle which will become their Continuing Resolution to extend government funding to March 1 and March 8. There are additional hurdles to clear, but Congress appears on track to avert a government shutdown, for now.
• A USD$78 billion bipartisan tax agreement faces an uncertain future in Congress.
• The US is expected to re-designate the Yemeni Houthis as a terrorist organisation amid new strikes on Houthi infrastructure.
• US officials have expressed optimism that Washington can continue to provide security assistance to Ukraine in the long term.
• Secretary of State Antony Blinken has appeared to rule out the prospect of the US delegation meeting with their Chinese counterparts at the WEF.
• Poll of the Day: President Biden continues to see a collapse of support amongst minority voters.

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MNIPOLRISKUSDaily170124.pdf