Peek Into Harris’ Network: What to Know in Washington

From Gen Z to tech executives to the Divine Nine, Kamala Harris’ network of advisers and allies is both eclectic and expanding rapidly as she mounts a presidential campaign in just a little over the three months. But first you should know:

• Democratic Party officials will meet today to finalize a rule change to allow Harris to formally lead their presidential ticket.
• In the Senate, Bob Menendez’s resignation next month will open a leadership post on the foreign policy panel.
• Hundreds of police officers from New York City and elsewhere will guard the Capitol today as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses a joint meeting of Congress.

Democrats Finalize Plan for Virtual Roll Call to Nominate Harris

Vice President Kamala Harris is known for keeping a small club of informal advisers.

Her husband, former DLA Piper lawyer Douglas Emhoff; sister, Maya Harris; and brother-in-law Tony West, who is senior vice president and chief legal officer for Uber, are among her closest advisers. As Harris seeks the presidency and courts party donors, that group is expanding.

Harris will be able to lean on support from the Senate’s younger generation of Democrats and even some Republicans like-minded on policy priorities during her four years in the Senate.

The vice president also has former aides and allies scattered around the lobbying, consulting, and business sectors from Sacramento to Washington, D.C. Additionally, members of Black sororities and fraternities, known collectively as the Divine Nine, will be critical in her campaign for the White House. Read More

As Harris campaigns, a panel of Democratic stalwarts will meet today to complete a rule change to allow Harris to accept her party’s nomination, weeks in advance of the party’s convention in Chicago.

• The virtual roll call would take place the first week of August and formalize the result of a 32-hour blitz in which Harris won the support of a majority of delegates.
• The vote will provide added urgency for Harris to select a running mate beforehand. Read More

Economists are scouring Harris’ record as a senator and, before that, California’s attorney general, for clues about her economic agenda. While she has yet to map out her proposals, economists expect her to adhere to the Biden administration’s policy mix.

• That includes subsidies for green energy, a focus on high living costs, and tax relief for lower- and middle-income families.
• However, there are also areas where she is expected to signal her own policies, including individual income tax rates, climate, and consumer protection. Read More

Meanwhile, Donald Trump’s campaign has filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission claiming that the transfer of Biden’s $96 million campaign war chest to Harris violates the law.

• The legal question is a novel one, but campaign finance experts say the transfer is probably allowed. Steve Roberts, a lawyer who has represented GOP candidates, said the argument was “maybe wishful thinking” by his Republican colleagues.

Trump also plans to stop holding outdoor rallies, NBC reports. The campaign currently plans to hold indoor rallies. However, it is possible that Trump will participate in smaller outdoor events or larger rallies in facilities where entrances are more controlled and there are not issues with high ground. Read More

BIDEN’S SCHEDULE

• 2 p.m. — Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre will hold a briefing.
• 8 p.m. — Biden will address the nation.

HARRIS’S SCHEDULE

• 12:45 p.m. — Harris will deliver a keynote speech at Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.’s Grand Boulé in Indianapolis.

CONGRESS’ AGENDA

• The House meets at 9 a.m. before recessing and reconvening at about 1:35 p.m. for Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu’s joint address at 2 p.m.
• The House will consider the Interior spending bill
• Senators convene at 10 a.m. to vote on nominations.
• For the full detailed agenda, read BGOV’s Congress Tracker.

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House Dems Eye How AI Bias in Housing, Banking Hurts Consumers

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Biden Taps David Johnson as IRS Watchdog Agency Chief Nominee

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House Panel Asked to Cabin Trade Commission’s Patent Authority

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Delta Failing to Meet Moment, Help Passengers, Senator Says

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GOP Energy Funding Bill Stalls as Floor Leaders Struggle

House leaders Tuesday pulled from floor consideration a bill that sought to prioritize nuclear energy and domestic security over other federal renewable energy programs after conservatives balked at sections of the bill.

New York Police Officers Reinforce Capitol for Netanyahu Speech

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To contact the reporters on this story: Brandon Lee in Washington at blee@bgov.com; Jeannie Baumann in Washington at jbaumann@bloombergindustry.com

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Kayla Sharpe at ksharpe@bloombergindustry.com; Giuseppe Macri at gmacri@bgov.com