TUESDAY’S MINI-REPORT…. Today’s edition of quick hits:
* Fingers crossed in the Gulf: “BP began pumping mud into the blown-out Macondo well Tuesday afternoon in a much-anticipated ‘static kill’ procedure that could choke the well once and for all.”
* In the face of pointless Republican obstructionism, the energy bill is on hold until at least September.
* In the face of pointless Republican obstructionism, the New START treaty is on hold until at least September.
* President Obama signs the Fair Sentencing Act into law.
* Beautiful speech from NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg (I) in support of a Muslim community center in Manhattan.
* Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) has decided to lift his hold on James Clapper’s nomination to serve as director of national intelligence.
* After several Republican senators expressed a willingness to repeal part of the 14th Amendment, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) noted, “They’ve either taken leave of their senses or their principles.”
* Once more with The Cooch: “Virginia joined the national debate over immigration Monday when Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli II issued a legal opinion that authorizes law enforcement to check the immigration status of anyone stopped by police officers for any reason.”
* The “vicious infighting” at the Republican National Committee isn’t close to being done.
* Some much needed attention for the “99ers,” who’ve “exhausted the maximum 99 weeks of unemployment insurance benefits that they can claim.”
* House Republican Conference Chairman Mike Pence (R-Ind.) hates wasteful government spending — unless it benefits his district.
* Likewise, Blue Dogs don’t care for public spending, unless it might help them keep their jobs.
* Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) apparently isn’t leaving the Democratic Party.
* A creative approach in which students build their own scholarship.
* I don’t know what’s gotten into Tom Shales.
* Glad to see ABC’s “This Week” will continue to partner with PolitiFact.com.
* And “Fox & Friends” co-host Steve Doocy seems confused about what a “debate” is.
* Final debate is underway on Solicitor General Elena Kagan’s nomination to the Supreme Court. Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) encouraged Kagan backers to “point out any errors” in his remarks as “so that we can, above all, get the facts straight.” What a good idea.
Anything to add? Consider this an open thread.
