Today on the Hill: Comey Hearing Headlines Big Day in Washington

A big day in Washington will be marked by the highly-anticipated Senate Intelligence Committee hearing this morning featuring remarks from former Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) James Comey. Comey has been asked to testify on his interactions with the President, particularly those related to the Bureau’s investigation of ties between the Trump campaign and Russian government, which has been alleged to be the reason that the President decided to fire Comey last month. The Committee released Comey’s written testimony yesterday, providing details on his interactions with the President and detailing President Trump’s apparent request for “loyalty” from the former FBI Director. Some Democrats have suggested that the request, along with asking Comey to ease the probe on former National Security Agency advisor Mike Flynn, could constitute obstruction of justice – but Comey will reportedly stop short of making that allegation in today’s panel session. In short, today may be more about spectacle than substance, but nevertheless, it will be sure to dominate conversations on Capitol Hill.

On the other side of the Capitol, House lawmakers are scheduled to consider and vote on a financial reform overhaul (H.R. 10), known as the Financial CHOICE Act, that would replace many elements of the 2010 Dodd-Frank law. Support for the bill has largely fallen along partisan lines as Republicans seek to unwind – and Democrats seek to protect – one of the legislative legacies of former President Barack Obama. The White House has also thrown its support behind the bill, saying it is an “important step in moving financial reform legislation through Congress.” Given the significant Republican majority in the chamber, passage is expected, but the legislation is also considered “dead on arrival” in the Senate, where legislators are considering a narrower approach that would aim to boost the community banking sector. Today’s consideration will include votes on six amendments and 90 minutes of general debate.

Aside from its significant hearing action, the Senate is expected to complete consideration of a bill (S. 722) to provide additional authority to the White House for further economic sanctions against Iran over its ballistic missile program and alleged support for terrorism. Sen. Lindsay Graham (R-SC) has tried to include additional sanctions on Russia in the same vehicle, and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has reportedly opened the door for Russia-related amendments. The move is also supported by most Democrats, who want to codify sanctions initially set by the Obama Administration. A version of the bill without the Russia amendments passed cloture yesterday on a 91-8 vote.