Capitol View®

The Daily Digest: Competitive hotdish edition

Good morning!

In Minnesota

House Speaker Kurt Daudt says he’s satisfied with an apology from a fellow Republican lawmaker for a comment on the House floor that many considered a racial insult to people in north Minneapolis. (MPR News)

The House passed a lowering the minimum wage for tipped workers. (Star Tribune)

The House omnibus tax bill could levy a significant tax increase on Minnesota's growing e-cigarette industry. (MPR News)

The PoliGraph checks out claims about the Republican tax bill. (MPR News)

National Politics

"Bill Clinton was paid at least $26 million in speaking fees by companies and organizations that are also major donors to the foundation he created after leaving the White House..." (Washington Post)

After the Department of Veterans Affairs scandal, officials vowed to clean house. It now looks like just three or fewer people lost their jobs. (New York Times)

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is attempting to renew the Patriot Act until 2020 with no modifications to surveillance programs critics say gives the government too much power to spy on American citizens. (National Journal)

A fascinating read about the Senate sex trafficking/Loretta Lynch confirmation messes that examines Sen. Amy Klobuchar's role. (Politico)

Minnesota U.S. House Rep. John Kline Wednesday criticized the federal government for conditions at the Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig School on the Leech Lake Indian Reservation in northern Minnesota. (MPR News)

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, who's also a likely presidential candidate, will be in Edina today to speak at a private event. (Star Tribune)

Minnesota's congressional delegation met for its annual hotdish showdown. Hijinks ensued. (MPR News)