General Discussion

One of the setbacks came in the GOP-led House, where a Democratic discharge petition to revive and extend Affordable Care Act insurance subsidies passed the chamber on a 230-196 vote. In all, 17 House Republicans sided with the Democratic minority — more than members of either party expected — suggesting bipartisan concern about the health care coverage benefits that Republicans let expire on Jan. 1.

The measure now heads to the Senate, where a separate set of negotiations is underway for a possible compromise.

Speaking of the upper chamber, Trump’s other, more dramatic setback happened in the Senate on Thursday afternoon. My MS NOW colleague Mychael Schnell reported:

In a rare bipartisan rebuke of President Donald Trump on Thursday, the Senate narrowly advanced a war powers resolution aimed at reining in U.S. military actions in Venezuela — an early sign that Trump may not have the congressional backing he anticipated for an extended military presence there.

In a 52-47 vote, senators agreed to begin debate on a war powers resolution from Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., that, if successful, would ‘direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Venezuela that have not been authorized by Congress.’

As the dust settled, many observers were surprised to see that five Senate Republicans had voted with the Democratic minority on the bipartisan legislation......

I think that’s the right way to see the developments. The point isn’t that the unpopular and failing president is suddenly powerless. He’s not, as evidenced by Thursday’s failed House votes on overriding his recent vetoes.

Rather, the point is that his grip is slipping in ways he isn’t accustomed to and clearly does not like. This was evident in the fall, when Republicans rejected some of Trump’s ridiculous nominees and voted to rebuke his trade agenda, and it was even more obvious this week.

As this year’s midterm elections approach and GOP members look for ways to salvage their careers, this dynamic seems likely to get worse for the White House before it gets better.