Burgess Everett
@burgessev.bsky.social
Congressional bureau chief at Semafor. Former Politico
Trump immigration enforcement under siege from Hill Republicans
- Murk and Tillis want Noem gone
- Rs break with admin on calling Pretti a terrorist or saying he shouldn’t have had gun
- immigration hearings coming up
www.semafor.com/article/01/2...
- Murk and Tillis want Noem gone
- Rs break with admin on calling Pretti a terrorist or saying he shouldn’t have had gun
- immigration hearings coming up
www.semafor.com/article/01/2...
Trump immigration enforcement under siege from Hill Republicans
From occasional critics of the president to conservative gun-rights advocates, the party is speaking up after Alex Pretti’s death.
www.semafor.com
January 28, 2026 at 12:33 AM
Trump immigration enforcement under siege from Hill Republicans
- Murk and Tillis want Noem gone
- Rs break with admin on calling Pretti a terrorist or saying he shouldn’t have had gun
- immigration hearings coming up
www.semafor.com/article/01/2...
- Murk and Tillis want Noem gone
- Rs break with admin on calling Pretti a terrorist or saying he shouldn’t have had gun
- immigration hearings coming up
www.semafor.com/article/01/2...
Sen. Murkowski on why it's time for Secretary Noem to go: "It's the president's decision, but I think there's got to be a level of accountability"
Sen. Tillis has given Trump a "terminate recommendation" and called Noem "out of her death" and criticized her "failure of leadership"
Sen. Tillis has given Trump a "terminate recommendation" and called Noem "out of her death" and criticized her "failure of leadership"
January 27, 2026 at 11:39 PM
Sen. Murkowski on why it's time for Secretary Noem to go: "It's the president's decision, but I think there's got to be a level of accountability"
Sen. Tillis has given Trump a "terminate recommendation" and called Noem "out of her death" and criticized her "failure of leadership"
Sen. Tillis has given Trump a "terminate recommendation" and called Noem "out of her death" and criticized her "failure of leadership"
GOP Sen. Lankford warns against identifying the officer involved in Pretti shooting: “no I never like that. Let's go through the investigation and let's get this but if the goal is trying to dox somebody so protesters go after his family … that doesn't make the situation better, that makes it worse”
January 27, 2026 at 10:03 PM
GOP Sen. Lankford warns against identifying the officer involved in Pretti shooting: “no I never like that. Let's go through the investigation and let's get this but if the goal is trying to dox somebody so protesters go after his family … that doesn't make the situation better, that makes it worse”
Senate Majority Leader Thune says he hopes something can be worked out with Democrats on government funding but if the six-bill package fails “then obviously we’ll go to plan B”
January 27, 2026 at 9:11 PM
Senate Majority Leader Thune says he hopes something can be worked out with Democrats on government funding but if the six-bill package fails “then obviously we’ll go to plan B”
Joint statement from House Dem leadership: "Kristi Noem should be fired immediately, or we will commence impeachment proceedings in the House of Representatives. We can do this the easy way or the hard way."
January 27, 2026 at 6:28 PM
Joint statement from House Dem leadership: "Kristi Noem should be fired immediately, or we will commence impeachment proceedings in the House of Representatives. We can do this the easy way or the hard way."
Senate moving to Thursday vote on government funding…Dems vowing to block unless DHS is removed and renegotiated…Rs hope maybe there’s something White House can negotiate with Democrats www.semafor.com/article/01/2...
Senate moves toward Thursday shutdown vote
Avoiding a Jan. 31 shutdown might come down to whether the White House and Democrats agree on changes to immigration enforcement.
www.semafor.com
January 27, 2026 at 3:08 PM
Senate moving to Thursday vote on government funding…Dems vowing to block unless DHS is removed and renegotiated…Rs hope maybe there’s something White House can negotiate with Democrats www.semafor.com/article/01/2...
Fetterman: “President Trump: I make a direct appeal to immediately fire Secretary Noem. Americans have died. She is betraying DHS’s core mission and trashing your border security legacy"
Fetterman is anti-shutdown and was among handful of Dems to support Noem www.senate.gov/legislative/...
Fetterman is anti-shutdown and was among handful of Dems to support Noem www.senate.gov/legislative/...
U.S. Senate: U.S. Senate Roll Call Votes 119th Congress - 1st Session
www.senate.gov
January 27, 2026 at 1:42 PM
Fetterman: “President Trump: I make a direct appeal to immediately fire Secretary Noem. Americans have died. She is betraying DHS’s core mission and trashing your border security legacy"
Fetterman is anti-shutdown and was among handful of Dems to support Noem www.senate.gov/legislative/...
Fetterman is anti-shutdown and was among handful of Dems to support Noem www.senate.gov/legislative/...
Alex Vindman, he of the first impeachment trial, is running against Sen. Ashley Moody in Florida
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTXv...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTXv...
Patriot
YouTube video by Alexander S. Vindman
www.youtube.com
January 27, 2026 at 12:33 PM
Alex Vindman, he of the first impeachment trial, is running against Sen. Ashley Moody in Florida
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTXv...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTXv...
New poll on congressional primaries from Unite America
- 71 percent want states to require open primaries
- 60 percent support top 2 primaries (California style)
- 62 percent support top 4 ranked choice (Alaska style)
www.semafor.com/article/01/2...
- 71 percent want states to require open primaries
- 60 percent support top 2 primaries (California style)
- 62 percent support top 4 ranked choice (Alaska style)
www.semafor.com/article/01/2...
Exclusive: Poll: US voters want significant primary election reforms
Large majorities of Americans in both parties support requiring states to open up congressional primaries to all voters.
www.semafor.com
January 27, 2026 at 12:32 PM
New poll on congressional primaries from Unite America
- 71 percent want states to require open primaries
- 60 percent support top 2 primaries (California style)
- 62 percent support top 4 ranked choice (Alaska style)
www.semafor.com/article/01/2...
- 71 percent want states to require open primaries
- 60 percent support top 2 primaries (California style)
- 62 percent support top 4 ranked choice (Alaska style)
www.semafor.com/article/01/2...
Sen. Collins says she talked to Secretary Noem this morning, but has not received an official response to the questions she's asking about ICE operations in Maine
Says DHS bill includes "many important changes" on body cameras, IG review of detention centers and OBBB spending
Says DHS bill includes "many important changes" on body cameras, IG review of detention centers and OBBB spending
January 26, 2026 at 9:17 PM
Sen. Collins says she talked to Secretary Noem this morning, but has not received an official response to the questions she's asking about ICE operations in Maine
Says DHS bill includes "many important changes" on body cameras, IG review of detention centers and OBBB spending
Says DHS bill includes "many important changes" on body cameras, IG review of detention centers and OBBB spending
Hearing that Secretary Noem may testify in front of Senate Judiciary Committee soon
“The chairman has full intention to get Secretary Noem before the committee for her annual oversight hearing. He expects that to be soon,” an aide tells Semafor
“The chairman has full intention to get Secretary Noem before the committee for her annual oversight hearing. He expects that to be soon,” an aide tells Semafor
January 26, 2026 at 8:24 PM
Hearing that Secretary Noem may testify in front of Senate Judiciary Committee soon
“The chairman has full intention to get Secretary Noem before the committee for her annual oversight hearing. He expects that to be soon,” an aide tells Semafor
“The chairman has full intention to get Secretary Noem before the committee for her annual oversight hearing. He expects that to be soon,” an aide tells Semafor
Shutdown latest: GOP plans to press on with six-bill minibus, including DHS funding, which both parties negotiated. Dems say they won't support the package unless DHS is pulled out. House would need to pass any amended bill.
Dems in contact with WH
www.semafor.com/article/01/2...
Dems in contact with WH
www.semafor.com/article/01/2...
Shutdown looms as Republicans press on with homeland security funding
Senate Democrats are vowing to tank a six-bill funding package if it includes a bill with billions for ICE.
www.semafor.com
January 26, 2026 at 1:27 PM
Shutdown latest: GOP plans to press on with six-bill minibus, including DHS funding, which both parties negotiated. Dems say they won't support the package unless DHS is pulled out. House would need to pass any amended bill.
Dems in contact with WH
www.semafor.com/article/01/2...
Dems in contact with WH
www.semafor.com/article/01/2...
Dems want DHS funding axed from minibus; Rs moving forward with minibus. Partial shutdown deadline: Jan 30
"Republicans are determined to not have another government shut down. We will move forward as planned and hope Democrats can find a path forward to join us," aide says
"Republicans are determined to not have another government shut down. We will move forward as planned and hope Democrats can find a path forward to join us," aide says
January 25, 2026 at 11:04 PM
Dems want DHS funding axed from minibus; Rs moving forward with minibus. Partial shutdown deadline: Jan 30
"Republicans are determined to not have another government shut down. We will move forward as planned and hope Democrats can find a path forward to join us," aide says
"Republicans are determined to not have another government shut down. We will move forward as planned and hope Democrats can find a path forward to join us," aide says
Schumer: “Senate Republicans must work with Democrats to advance the other five funding bills while we work to rewrite the DHS bill. This is best course of action, and the American people are on our side.”
They would also need the House to come back to change the package
They would also need the House to come back to change the package
January 25, 2026 at 8:36 PM
Schumer: “Senate Republicans must work with Democrats to advance the other five funding bills while we work to rewrite the DHS bill. This is best course of action, and the American people are on our side.”
They would also need the House to come back to change the package
They would also need the House to come back to change the package
Minority Whip Durbin won't support DHS funding -- he's another Dem who voted to fund government in November
He also knocks Noem for not coming to Judiciary: "I will not reward her arrogance and lawlessness with my vote.” (Tillis has holds on noms over Noem not appearing)
He also knocks Noem for not coming to Judiciary: "I will not reward her arrogance and lawlessness with my vote.” (Tillis has holds on noms over Noem not appearing)
January 25, 2026 at 12:32 PM
Minority Whip Durbin won't support DHS funding -- he's another Dem who voted to fund government in November
He also knocks Noem for not coming to Judiciary: "I will not reward her arrogance and lawlessness with my vote.” (Tillis has holds on noms over Noem not appearing)
He also knocks Noem for not coming to Judiciary: "I will not reward her arrogance and lawlessness with my vote.” (Tillis has holds on noms over Noem not appearing)
It's looking like the ICE shutdown. Schumer says Dems won't provide votes to fund DHS
www.semafor.com/article/01/2...
www.semafor.com/article/01/2...
Second Minnesota shooting by ICE raises chances of a partial government shutdown
Some Senate Democrats who had supported reopening US agencies after last fall’s record closure are vowing to vote no this time.
www.semafor.com
January 25, 2026 at 12:32 AM
It's looking like the ICE shutdown. Schumer says Dems won't provide votes to fund DHS
www.semafor.com/article/01/2...
www.semafor.com/article/01/2...
The government funding package that passed the House is in huge trouble in the Senate. Kaine and Cortez Masto, who supported government funding deal in November, both will oppose the package with DHS funding included. Rosen + Kelly putting out statements tonight saying the same
January 24, 2026 at 10:42 PM
The government funding package that passed the House is in huge trouble in the Senate. Kaine and Cortez Masto, who supported government funding deal in November, both will oppose the package with DHS funding included. Rosen + Kelly putting out statements tonight saying the same
Maine Gov. Janet Mills, candidate for Senate, says "Congress, including Susan Collins, should curtail funding for ICE until they stop their aggressive tactics that are just instilling fear and anxiety in people across the state"
January 23, 2026 at 3:03 PM
Maine Gov. Janet Mills, candidate for Senate, says "Congress, including Susan Collins, should curtail funding for ICE until they stop their aggressive tactics that are just instilling fear and anxiety in people across the state"
Sen. Chris Murphy endorses Mallory McMorrow in Michigan ... another endorsement crosswise with Schumer/DSCC subtle preferences in contested primaries (they like Stevens)
January 23, 2026 at 2:47 PM
Sen. Chris Murphy endorses Mallory McMorrow in Michigan ... another endorsement crosswise with Schumer/DSCC subtle preferences in contested primaries (they like Stevens)
This is important because Rs need a coalition of probably 8 Dems to back this whole package ... but most of the caucus HATES the DHS bill. GOP relying on the larger package being popular enough to carry it in Senate next week ... @eleanormueller.bsky.social
www.semafor.com/article/01/2...
www.semafor.com/article/01/2...
January 23, 2026 at 2:42 PM
This is important because Rs need a coalition of probably 8 Dems to back this whole package ... but most of the caucus HATES the DHS bill. GOP relying on the larger package being popular enough to carry it in Senate next week ... @eleanormueller.bsky.social
www.semafor.com/article/01/2...
www.semafor.com/article/01/2...
Sen. Kaine supported deal to reopen gov in Nov but doesn’t like what Senate will vote on next week. Says it doesn’t restrict Trump enough
“We shouldn’t give his deranged decisions the imprimatur of congressional approval by passing this legislation without significant amendment”
“We shouldn’t give his deranged decisions the imprimatur of congressional approval by passing this legislation without significant amendment”
January 23, 2026 at 1:42 PM
Sen. Kaine supported deal to reopen gov in Nov but doesn’t like what Senate will vote on next week. Says it doesn’t restrict Trump enough
“We shouldn’t give his deranged decisions the imprimatur of congressional approval by passing this legislation without significant amendment”
“We shouldn’t give his deranged decisions the imprimatur of congressional approval by passing this legislation without significant amendment”
Md. Dem Sen. Alsobrooks: "The Gestapo tactics used by ICE reveal their inhumanity and lack of training. The lawlessness and abject cruelty of this administration are harming our country, making us less safe here and across the world"
“I will not support" DHS funding bill
“I will not support" DHS funding bill
January 22, 2026 at 4:46 PM
Md. Dem Sen. Alsobrooks: "The Gestapo tactics used by ICE reveal their inhumanity and lack of training. The lawlessness and abject cruelty of this administration are harming our country, making us less safe here and across the world"
“I will not support" DHS funding bill
“I will not support" DHS funding bill
Tafoya gives Republicans their Senate target list: Minnesota, New Hampshire, Michigan and Georgia. Those are uphill but Rs happy to have some offensive opportunities.
Schumer: “They’re all going to stay Democratic" and Ossoff will “win by more than people think"
www.semafor.com/article/01/2...
Schumer: “They’re all going to stay Democratic" and Ossoff will “win by more than people think"
www.semafor.com/article/01/2...
Exclusive: The four Senate seats Republicans are eyeing for 2026
One of them still remains a reach for the GOP.
www.semafor.com
January 22, 2026 at 4:25 PM
Tafoya gives Republicans their Senate target list: Minnesota, New Hampshire, Michigan and Georgia. Those are uphill but Rs happy to have some offensive opportunities.
Schumer: “They’re all going to stay Democratic" and Ossoff will “win by more than people think"
www.semafor.com/article/01/2...
Schumer: “They’re all going to stay Democratic" and Ossoff will “win by more than people think"
www.semafor.com/article/01/2...
Sen. Grassley on Trump and Greenland
“We shouldn't have to buy it, and we would never invade it"
"It's all quieted down and [Trump] says we’ve got a framework that will protect the national security of the United States and that ought to take care of the whole situation”
“We shouldn't have to buy it, and we would never invade it"
"It's all quieted down and [Trump] says we’ve got a framework that will protect the national security of the United States and that ought to take care of the whole situation”
January 22, 2026 at 4:17 PM
Sen. Grassley on Trump and Greenland
“We shouldn't have to buy it, and we would never invade it"
"It's all quieted down and [Trump] says we’ve got a framework that will protect the national security of the United States and that ought to take care of the whole situation”
“We shouldn't have to buy it, and we would never invade it"
"It's all quieted down and [Trump] says we’ve got a framework that will protect the national security of the United States and that ought to take care of the whole situation”
President Donald Trump himself is controlling the release of funds garnered from Venezuela, an administration official told Shelby Talcott
www.semafor.com/article/01/2...
www.semafor.com/article/01/2...
Exclusive: Trump controls Venezuela oil funds
It’s another way in which he wields leverage over the country.
www.semafor.com
January 22, 2026 at 12:40 PM
President Donald Trump himself is controlling the release of funds garnered from Venezuela, an administration official told Shelby Talcott
www.semafor.com/article/01/2...
www.semafor.com/article/01/2...