Patch Morning Briefing: Gorsuch Hearings; Health Bill Under Threat; Why Taxes Are Complicated

Good morning! It's Wednesday, which means the week is almost nearly half over. We'll help you get through it with a rundown of the news you need to know.

Gorsuch's Steady March To The Supreme Court Continues

Judge Neil Gorsuch's confirmation hearings before the Senate continue to proceed smoothly with few missteps. The most notable moments in the hearings so far include his reiteration of his previous remarks that attacks on judges, including those from the president, are "demoralizing and disheartening." He was also asked whether he would rather fight 100 duck-sized horses or one horse-sized duck, which he declined to answer. He'll face similarly tough questions if he becomes a Supreme Court justice. (Patch)

GOP Health Care Bill Moves Forward In The House

Backroom wheeling and dealing continues today as proponents of the Republican health care bill push for a Thursday vote. It's possible Speaker Paul Ryan will find a way to stall the vote if he realizes the bill would lose, which is a live possibility. But even if it passes the House, proponents will likely have difficulty getting it through the Senate. (Patch)

H&R Block and Intuit Lobby To Keep Taxes Complicated

Jessica Huseman explains: "Intuit spent more than $2 million lobbying last year, much of it spent on legislation that would permanently bar the government from offering taxpayers prefilled returns. H&R Block spent $3 million, also directing some of their efforts towards the bill." (Patch/ProPublica)

Quick Hits

If You’re Just Not A Morning Person, Science Says You May Never Be (Vox)

Is An Upcoming Conference At Trump's DC Hotel A Huge 'Pay-To-Play' Event? (Patch)

DHS 'Detainer Report' Highlights Denied Requests, 'Uncooperative' Jurisdictions (Patch)

Sanctuary State: Washington County Sheriff Defends Decision Not To Help ICE (Patch)

'Sesame Street' Adds New Muppet: Her Name Is Julia, And She's A Child With Autism

There is a new kid on the street. Her name is Julia, and she is a child on the autism spectrum. Her favorite song is "Sunny Days," one that you might be familiar with, in the popular children's educational program, "Sesame Street," in production for more than 50 years. (Patch)

News Minute

U.S. Bans Electronics On Incoming Flights From 8 Muslim-Majority Countries

American officials have banned passengers on flights from eight Muslim-majority countries from carrying electronic devices larger than a cell phone, requiring items such as laptops to instead be packed in checked luggage. U.S. airlines are not affected by the ban, which is reportedly designed to address gaps in foreign airport security. (Patch)

Our Fact-Checkers Are Working Hard To Verify This One

White House Says Trump Will Attend NATO Heads Of State Meeting In May

President Trump will attend the NATO Heads of State and Government meeting in Brussels, Belgium, the White House announced Tuesday evening. The military alliance has been a frequent target of Trump's dating back to the campaign. (Patch)

Why Tillerson Is Secretary Of State

For his first Asia trip in public office, Rex Tillerson took only one reporter with him. Erin McPike, with the conservative Independent Journal Review, got the nod, and wrote a long read about the trip. The part that's catching everyone's eye is when Tillerson explains that he didn't want to be secretary of State. (Independent Journal Review)

Your Daily Reminder To Appreciate The Simple Pleasures In Life

This Day In History

1765 — The British government passes the Stamp Act, a tax widely cited as part of the impetus for the American Revolutionary War.

Famous Birthdays

1930 — Pat Robertson, American pastor and media mogul, founder of the Christian Broadcasting Network

1975 — Reese Witherspoon, American actress known for performances in "Legally Blond" and "Walk the Line"

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