MNI POLITICAL RISK - House Has No Easy Route To Avoid Shutdown

Executive Summary:

• House Republicans are privately concerned that Congress could be heading towards a government shutdown in early March as Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) struggles to outline a clear strategy for FY2024 spending bills.
• The US vetoed an Israel-Hamas ceasefire resolution at the UN yesterday, arguing the resolution could imperil multilateral negotiations to secure the release of hostages and implement a six-week pause in fighting.
• A new "major" package of sanctions on Russia, to be unveiled on Friday, will target, "a range of different elements of the Russian defense industrial base and sources of revenue for the Russian economy..."
• Longshot presidential candidate Nikki Haley has pledged stay in the Republican race beyond Saturday's primary election in South Carolina where she is expected to lose heavily to former President Donald Trump. Although Haley has virtually no chance of securing the nomination, she is likely eyeing leadership of the GOP in the long-term.
• President Biden’s brother will appear before the House Oversight and Judiciary committee today for a private disposition.
• The White House plans to bolster security at US ports with a USD20bn package of loans and grants.
• A bipartisan group of Senators are preparing to unveil a resolution condemning Hungary for democratic backsliding, curtailing media freedom, and a “deepening relationship with Russia and China.”
• US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Brazilian President Lula in today ahead of a G20 foreign ministerial.
• Poll of the Day: Former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan could make deep blue Maryland a competitive Senate race.

Please find the full article attached below:

MNIPOLRISKUSDaily210224.pdf