Good morning, and welcome to the blog. We’re edging towards the end of an already drama-filled week in US politics that, incredibly, still has two full days to run.
Washington DC, and the nation, is still reeling from Monday’s bombshell news that the supreme court stands ready to strike down almost half a century of abortion rights.
Democrats are under increasing pressure to do something about it before their predicted loss of control in one, or both chambers of Congress in November’s midterms.
But legislation to protect abortion rights, or “packing” the supreme court with liberal judges to nullify the conservative majority, would face significant obstacles.
Republicans, meanwhile, must find a way to sell to voters the overwhelmingly unpopular supreme court move.
Russia’s assault in Ukraine continues, and you can follow developments in our 24-hour live blog here.
In the US today:
- Immigration comes under scrutiny on Capitol Hill with officials from the state, homeland, and health and human services departments testifying this morning to lawmakers about security at the southern border.
- The White House press secretary Jen Psaki will brief at 2pm. Expect more questions on abortion rights, immigration, the economy and Covid-19.
- We’re waiting to see if other high-profile attendees at last weekend’s White House correspondents’ dinner come down with Covid-19. Secretary of state Antony Blinken declared he tested positive yesterday.
- Joe Biden will greet Mexico’s first lady Beatriz Gutiérrez Mueller de López Obrador at a White House reception this afternoon to commemorate Cinco de Mayo.
