1. Tabula rasa
Senate Republicans say that when they take up the House AHCA bill that repeals Obamacare, they expect to start with a “blank page” and write their own legislation in a process that will likely take weeks or months.
Summary
Senate Republicans have indicated that they intend to use the budget reconciliation process to advance a healthcare bill, meaning a simple majority would be needed to pass. The party currently controls 52 seats in the chamber.
2. Boys Club
So far the 12 members of the Senate working group on the healthcare law have one thing in common: they are all men.
Summary
The Republican Senate Health Working Group:
— Rob Flaherty (@Rob_Flaherty) May 5, 2017
Dudes named "John": 3
Women: 0https://t.co/tc5bY4HnE5
4. Garden State
Trump was in New York City on Thursday night, then tweeted on Friday that he will be spending his “working weekend” at his golf club across the river in New Jersey, rather than at Trump Tower. The trip to New York was the president’s first since the inauguration.
Updated
3. Wizards of Oz
On Thursday night, hours after celebrating a bill that is likely to lead to millions of Americans becoming uninsured, Donald Trump told Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull his country “has better healthcare than we do”. Australia has universal healthcare.
Updated
Summary
Trump said he hoped to cause less disruption and cost the country less money by the move. New York City spends an estimated $308,000 every day on security for Trump Tower, according to Reuters.
5. Ushered out
The White House has parted ways with Angella Reid, chief usher and the first woman to serve in that role. No reason was given. The chief usher is responsible for the management of the building and oversees residence staff – not roles that are typically considered political.
Huck's yucks
For Cinco de Mayo I will drink an entire jar of hot salsa and watch old Speedy Gonzales cartoons and speak Spanish all day. Happy CdMayo!
— Gov. Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) May 5, 2017
