Top Republicans in the House are brushing aside the indictment of a former FBI informant who was a star witness in the GOP’s effort to impeach President Biden. Alexander Smirnov was charged earlier this month with lying about the case, with the Justice Department on Tuesday further revealing that he allegedly received his information from Russian intelligence. “Well, I mean, it is what it is,” House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) told reporters on Wednesday when asked about the indictment, maintaining that “it doesn’t change the fundamental facts.” House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) has similarly argued that the GOP’s impeachment inquiry against the president does not hinge on Smirnov’s claims. Smirnov accused Biden of being involved in a bribery scheme with his son, Hunter Biden. He said the then-vice president and his son took a $5 million bribe for foreign deals. The charges allege that Smirnov fabricated the story because he opposed Biden’s reelection campaign. Smirnov’s allegations have been central to the House GOP’s impeach probe against Biden. For his part, the president’s brother, James Biden, testified Wednesday
that his brother has never been involved with his business dealings. |
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Welcome to Evening Report! I’m Liz Crisp, catching you up from the afternoon and what’s coming tomorrow. Not on the list? Subscribe here. |
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GOP eyes opportunity to regain Senate control this year
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The GOP is looking for a chance to get the power back in Congress’s upper chamber. With Maryland and Montana in play, the GOP’s sights are set on recapturing control of the Senate.
The brewing battle for crucial seats has party officials hopeful, as new candidates have entered the race and cleared the field.
Former President Trump endorsed Republican Tim Sheehy in the Montana race, pushing out a bid from Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-Mont.).
Meanwhile, former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) has thrown his hat in the ring to replace outgoing Democratic Sen. Ben Cardin.
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Trump’s veep shortlist — former rivals and unwavering supporters
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Three former GOP presidential candidates and a few wildcard conservatives are on former
President Trump‘s shortlist of potential running mates as he seeks a second term.
Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), businessman Vivek Ramaswamy and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) are on his radar, as are Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.), South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R) and former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard
, who was a Democrat in Congress and sought the party’s presidential nomination but has since become a right-leaning celebrity.
Trump, the GOP 2024 presidential primary front-runner, confirmed they all are on his shortlist during a Fox News interview this week, but didn’t say when he’ll make the final call. “All of those people are good. They’re all solid,” he said of the list. |
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Let’s go: Join The Hill’s State of the Union Watch Party
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Samsung DC, 700 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20003 |
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President Biden’s State of the Union address will reach the largest audience of the year for him to outline his administration’s policy achievements and priorities. Join The Hill, in partnership with Samsung Electronics America, for a State of the Union watch party with pre-speech analysis, bingo, food and drinks. Plus some of your favorites from The Hill. REGISTER NOW |
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Voters question Biden, Trump fitness heading into possible rematch
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More polls suggest voters are questioning
President Biden‘s run for a second term, and they aren’t so confident in GOP presidential frontrunner former President Trump, either.
A Quinnipiac University poll released Wednesday
found that just 34 percent of registered voters surveyed think Biden, 81, has “the mental fitness to serve a second presidential term,” while 64 percent disagreed.
The poll found similar numbers when voters were asked about Biden’s physical fitness, with 34 percent saying he has “the physical fitness to serve a second presidential term,” and 62 percent saying he doesn’t.
The poll also questioned registered voters about Trump, 78, and found 60 percent of voters said the former president is physically fit for another term, and 48 percent said he’s mentally fit. |
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IRS plans to crack down on private jet usage
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The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) plans to ramp up its audits of corporate jets — part of a larger effort to increase enforcement on wealthier taxpayers.
The federal government will conduct up to four dozen audits of companies and wealthy individuals flying private for leisure while putting expenses the trips to avoid taxes.
The IRS says it will begin corporate jet audits in the coming months. |
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3 days until the South Carolina GOP primary. 13 days
until Super Tuesday. 258 days until the general election. |
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CPAC is kicking off today in National Harbor, Md. Former President Trump, Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), Brexit leader Nigel Farage and others are slated to speak. It runs through Saturday. |
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