Welcome to Thursday, October 17th, pups and kittens...

Another day. Another House subpoena. Another Trump administration official saying they won’t comply with the subpoena.

Does Congress have any recourse? They do. And we explain all the ways the legislative branch can enforce a subpoena here.

In 1821, the Supreme Court said that Congress has “inherent authority” to arrest – and detain – non-compliers until they consent with congressional demands.

In 1827, for instance, SCOTUS ruled that the Senate acted lawfully when it sent its deputy sergeant-at-arms to Ohio to arrest the brother of the attorney general who was refusing to testify about the Teapot Dome bribery scandal.

Congress can also levy the criminal contempt statute and ask the U.S. attorney for Washington, D.C., to bring criminal charges against a recalcitrant witness. But as this would rely on Attorney General William Barr to assist the House, it’s unlikely to occur.

What is likely to occur? Click here. Then tell your reps:

Should Congress enforce their subpoenas?

On the Radar

Trump Vetoes Bill to Terminate Border Emergency

President Donald Trump has vetoed a second bipartisan bill to terminate the national emergency he declared at the Southern border. In his veto message, Trump said the border emergency's termination would “undermine United States sovereignty and threaten the lives and safety of countless Americans.” The bill will now return to the Senate for a vote to override the veto. If recent votes on the issue are any indication, the veto will be sustained.

The latest iteration of the border emergency termination resolution passed the Senate and House on votes of 54-41 and 245-182, respectively. Both of those margins fall short of the two-thirds majority required to override a veto.

Under the National Emergencies Act, Congress can use expedited procedures to vote every six months on the termination of an ongoing national emergency declared by the president.

Should Congress override Trump’s veto and end the border emergency declaration?

Under the Radar

Pushing School Start Times

California students rejoice: The Golden State will be the first in the nation to mandate later start times at most middle and high schools after Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) signed legislation into law on Sunday.

The motion was designed to improve educational performance by allowing students more time to sleep. The law will be phased-in gradually, requiring public middle schools to begin classes at 8 a.m. or later, and high schools at 8:30 or later.

“The science shows that teenage students who start their day later increase their academic performance, attendance, and overall health,” Newsom said in a statement. “Importantly, the law allows three years for schools and districts to plan and implement these changes.”

Opponents argue that parents may be unable to adjust their work schedules, that earlier start times may impact after-school programs, and that students will still have to wake up quite early to make it to school by 8:30 a.m.

Should schools push back start times?

What You're Saying

Here's how you're answering Should the SALT Deduction Be Restored & Paid for By Raising the Top Income Tax Bracket?