Good morning! Here's what's on today's agenda:
"Some in GOP urge lawmakers to back tax hikes for changes in safety-net programs" by Lori Montgomery and Rosalind S. Helderman, The Washington Post
"Many GOP centrists and some conservatives are calling on House Speaker John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) to concede on rates now, while he still has some leverage to demand something in return. Republicans are eager to win changes to fast-growing safety-net programs, such as raising the eligibility age for Medicare and applying a less-generous measure of inflation to Social Security benefits."
Tune in at 10:00 AM ET to hear from Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.), USA Today Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page and Washington Post Columnist Dana Milbank.
"Binders of women! Jabbing Boehner, Pelosi touts her ‘diverse’ leaders" by Cara Maresca, msnbc
"It looks like House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., feels she’s earned some bragging rights. Today, she announced that the House Democratic Caucus approved its ranking committee members in the 113th Congress, describing them as 'outstanding' and 'diverse.' Of the 22 leaders, seven are women."
We'll talk with Rep. Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.).
"John Sununu: Obama base gets handouts" by Katie Glueck, POLITICO
"John Sununu says that President Barack Obama owes his reelection in part to voters who are dependent on 'government policy and government programs,' according to a report, echoing Mitt Romney’s comment that voters chose Obama because he offered 'gifts.'"
Strategists Tony Fratto and Kiki McLean join us.
"Clinton to Discuss Syrian Conflict With Russian Counterpart" by Michael R. Gordon and Ellen Barry, The New York Times
"The session, which is being held on the margins of a meeting on European security, comes amid reports of heightened activity at Syria’s chemical weapons sites and signs that Russia may be shifting its position on a political transition in Syria."
The Woodrow Wilson Center's Robin Wright is here to discuss.