Good afternoon,

The 2024 presidential election officially began with yesterday's Iowa caucuses, which had an <a href="[link removed]">underwhelming turnout</a>, even as former president Donald Trump cruised to an overwhelming victory. This result should come as no surprise, whether you were closely following the <a href="[link removed]">polling</a> or even if you were avoiding the news like it was the latest <a href="[link removed]">JN.1</a> COVID-19 variant.

The question was less if Trump would win than by how much. Trump supporters were undeterred by the <a href="[link removed]">inclement weather</a>, as he won 98 out of 99 counties, <a href="[link removed]">gaining ground</a> in lower income areas and areas with fewer college graduates. Rural Republicans consolidated their support for Trump, giving him a 39-point advantage over contenders Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley, who made distant second and third place finishes.
Even with such a lopsided victory, it bears watching whether the enthusiasm and <a href="[link removed]">turnout problems</a> that have plagued Republicans since the Dobbs decision will continue to persist through 2024.

For an in-depth look at the Iowa Republican caucuses, keep an ear out for tomorrow's episode of the <a href="[link removed]">Hot Dish podcast</a>, where we'll be sharing Iowans' perspectives on the 2024 elections.

We'll be looking ahead to the <a href="[link removed]">New Hampshire primary</a> next Tuesday, January 23, where Trump is forecast to secure another victory, and Haley hopes to beat out DeSantis to be the top Trump alternative.

WEATHER ALERT: SNOW DAY DELAYS, CLOSURES, AND (POTENTIAL) SHUTDOWNS

While it's not quite the subzero temperatures Iowa endured, the DC area is experiencing its own wintry weather. <a href="[link removed]">Three to five inches of snow</a> fell yesterday, scrambling flights and closing school systems throughout the region as well as the federal government.

Thanks to the inclement weather, the House is not voting tonight. That gives it an even smaller window to work out a way to fund the government by Friday, January 19, when the first wave of the already-extended FY2023 funding will expire.

Congressional leaders are looking at another <a href="[link removed]">continuing resolution</a> that extends this first batch of funding legislation until March 1 and the rest until March 8. Lawmakers will have to hustle to get that CR passed before the end of the week and avoid the umpteenth shutdown that has threatened to destabilize the country's functioning. If the House Republican Caucus' past performance is any indicator of future behavior though, they're not going to make it an easy ride.

AFFORDABLE CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM TO DISCONNECT AFTER APRIL

There's another essential program that Congress can't keep running. Last week, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) <a href="[link removed]">released a notice</a> that the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is set to wind down after April due to Congress' failure to renew funding.

Reliable internet service has become a necessity for rural and Tribal communities in ensuring access to jobs and education, building small businesses, and expanding access to telehealth care in the 21st century.

It is unacceptable for a program that has benefited so many across America to end merely because of partisan gridlock in Congress. With an April funding deadline - and an imminent stoppage of new applications for ACP discounts - Congress must act to ensure this vital program continues to support those disproportionately affected by lower access to reliable internet connectivity. <a href="[link removed]">Read OCP founder Heidi Heitkamp's full statement here.</a>

ICYMI

New America: <a href="[link removed]">Explainer: Paid and Unpaid Leave Policies in the States</a>


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