Em Luetkemeyer
@emluetkemeyer.bsky.social
U.S. House of Reps reporter @notus.com
Mizzou alum.
Mizzou alum.
Pinned
Em Luetkemeyer
@emluetkemeyer.bsky.social
· Aug 27
Forget Retirement: Older Lawmakers Want to Stay in Congress
Why are so many lawmakers ages 75 and older running for reelection?
www.notus.org
Almost 70% of lawmakers in Congress age 75 and older say they're running for reelection next year.
“No matter what age you are, if you’re in good shape and you can do what it takes," Rep. Maxine Waters, 87, told me, "then you should do it."
www.notus.org/congress/old...
“No matter what age you are, if you’re in good shape and you can do what it takes," Rep. Maxine Waters, 87, told me, "then you should do it."
www.notus.org/congress/old...
Congress' longest serving members told me about a time before political violence was their new normal.
“There was never a sense that you had to look over your shoulder,” Rep. Rosa DeLauro said.
Read my latest:
www.notus.org/congress/lon...
“There was never a sense that you had to look over your shoulder,” Rep. Rosa DeLauro said.
Read my latest:
www.notus.org/congress/lon...
Longtime Lawmakers Yearn for a Time When Political Violence Was Rare
“You weren't worried about doing town hall meetings,” Rep. Tom Cole told NOTUS.
www.notus.org
November 3, 2025 at 4:58 PM
Congress' longest serving members told me about a time before political violence was their new normal.
“There was never a sense that you had to look over your shoulder,” Rep. Rosa DeLauro said.
Read my latest:
www.notus.org/congress/lon...
“There was never a sense that you had to look over your shoulder,” Rep. Rosa DeLauro said.
Read my latest:
www.notus.org/congress/lon...
Republican senators are coming out of the woodwork to oppose a Trump nominee who reportedly said he had a “Nazi streak” in leaked texts.
“I can't imagine supporting that,” Sen. James Lankford said Monday, adding the nominee should withdraw.
www.notus.org/senate/paul-...
“I can't imagine supporting that,” Sen. James Lankford said Monday, adding the nominee should withdraw.
www.notus.org/senate/paul-...
GOP Senators Ready to Dump Trump Nominee With Self-Proclaimed ‘Nazi Streak’
"I can't imagine supporting that,” Sen. James Lankford told reporters.
www.notus.org
October 20, 2025 at 11:43 PM
Republican senators are coming out of the woodwork to oppose a Trump nominee who reportedly said he had a “Nazi streak” in leaked texts.
“I can't imagine supporting that,” Sen. James Lankford said Monday, adding the nominee should withdraw.
www.notus.org/senate/paul-...
“I can't imagine supporting that,” Sen. James Lankford said Monday, adding the nominee should withdraw.
www.notus.org/senate/paul-...
Reposted by Em Luetkemeyer
NEWS: The Interior Department is planning on firing more than 2000 people, including hundreds at the National Park Service.
Interior gave new detailed numbers after a federal judge got very frustrated and expanded her restraining order.
www.notus.org/trump-white-...
Interior gave new detailed numbers after a federal judge got very frustrated and expanded her restraining order.
www.notus.org/trump-white-...
www.notus.org
October 20, 2025 at 5:02 PM
NEWS: The Interior Department is planning on firing more than 2000 people, including hundreds at the National Park Service.
Interior gave new detailed numbers after a federal judge got very frustrated and expanded her restraining order.
www.notus.org/trump-white-...
Interior gave new detailed numbers after a federal judge got very frustrated and expanded her restraining order.
www.notus.org/trump-white-...
Sen. Rand Paul told me his relationship with the Trump admin wasn't "terrible" on Wednesday, despite not voting with Republicans on the shutdown.
On Friday, Trump called Paul "a nasty liddle' guy."
Read more about their disconnect:
www.notus.org/republicans/...
On Friday, Trump called Paul "a nasty liddle' guy."
Read more about their disconnect:
www.notus.org/republicans/...
Rand Paul Thought He Could Get Away with Bucking Trump. He Was Wrong.
Paul told NOTUS that Trump “understands” him. Forty-eight hours later, the president called him a “sick Wacko.”
www.notus.org
October 20, 2025 at 4:36 PM
Sen. Rand Paul told me his relationship with the Trump admin wasn't "terrible" on Wednesday, despite not voting with Republicans on the shutdown.
On Friday, Trump called Paul "a nasty liddle' guy."
Read more about their disconnect:
www.notus.org/republicans/...
On Friday, Trump called Paul "a nasty liddle' guy."
Read more about their disconnect:
www.notus.org/republicans/...
A shutdown angle you may not have seen yet: Lawmakers are concerned Russ Vought might cut tribal programs.
“I worry about loss of staff,” Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski, chair of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, told me.
www.notus.org/congress/ind...
“I worry about loss of staff,” Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski, chair of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, told me.
www.notus.org/congress/ind...
Are Tribal Programs Safe From OMB Shutdown Cuts? Lawmakers Aren’t Sure.
“I worry about loss of staff,” Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski, chair of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, said Thursday.
www.notus.org
October 15, 2025 at 9:12 PM
A shutdown angle you may not have seen yet: Lawmakers are concerned Russ Vought might cut tribal programs.
“I worry about loss of staff,” Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski, chair of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, told me.
www.notus.org/congress/ind...
“I worry about loss of staff,” Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski, chair of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, told me.
www.notus.org/congress/ind...
Reposted by Em Luetkemeyer
Republicans leaders argued that federal employees should receive back pay after a draft White House memo said workers aren’t guaranteed compensation for the time they must work during the government shutdown.
www.notus.org/congress/gov...
www.notus.org/congress/gov...
Republican Leaders Say Federal Workers Should Get Back Pay After Shutdown
A draft White House memo says workers have no guarantee of compensation for time the government is closed.
www.notus.org
October 7, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Republicans leaders argued that federal employees should receive back pay after a draft White House memo said workers aren’t guaranteed compensation for the time they must work during the government shutdown.
www.notus.org/congress/gov...
www.notus.org/congress/gov...
Republican leaders say they want back pay for fed workers after the shutdown despite a White House memo that says otherwise.
“All you have to do to prevent any federal employee from not getting paid is to open up the government," Sen. John Thune said.
www.notus.org/congress/gov...
“All you have to do to prevent any federal employee from not getting paid is to open up the government," Sen. John Thune said.
www.notus.org/congress/gov...
Republican Leaders Say Federal Workers Should Get Back Pay After Shutdown
A draft White House memo says workers have no guarantee of compensation for time the government is closed.
www.notus.org
October 7, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Republican leaders say they want back pay for fed workers after the shutdown despite a White House memo that says otherwise.
“All you have to do to prevent any federal employee from not getting paid is to open up the government," Sen. John Thune said.
www.notus.org/congress/gov...
“All you have to do to prevent any federal employee from not getting paid is to open up the government," Sen. John Thune said.
www.notus.org/congress/gov...
Speaker Mike Johnson pointed out he was 9 years old when Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer was elected to Congress 44 years ago.
"He's been in Congress for a long, a long time, and he is not the flavor of the day," Johnson said in his news conference today.
"He's been in Congress for a long, a long time, and he is not the flavor of the day," Johnson said in his news conference today.
October 7, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Speaker Mike Johnson pointed out he was 9 years old when Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer was elected to Congress 44 years ago.
"He's been in Congress for a long, a long time, and he is not the flavor of the day," Johnson said in his news conference today.
"He's been in Congress for a long, a long time, and he is not the flavor of the day," Johnson said in his news conference today.
Speaker Mike Johnson offered Leader Hakeem Jeffries some advice this morning for how to deal with Trump's sombrero memes:
“Man, just ignore it," Johnson said.
NEW: www.notus.org/congress/mik...
“Man, just ignore it," Johnson said.
NEW: www.notus.org/congress/mik...
Mike Johnson Tells Hakeem Jeffries to ‘Just Ignore’ Trump’s Sombrero Videos
“These are games. These are sideshows. People are getting caught up in battles over social media memes,” the speaker said on Thursday.
www.notus.org
October 2, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Speaker Mike Johnson offered Leader Hakeem Jeffries some advice this morning for how to deal with Trump's sombrero memes:
“Man, just ignore it," Johnson said.
NEW: www.notus.org/congress/mik...
“Man, just ignore it," Johnson said.
NEW: www.notus.org/congress/mik...
Reposted by Em Luetkemeyer
Congresswoman-elect Adelita Grijalva hasn't been sworn in, so she has to roam Congress with an escort
I saw her this morning going through security along visitors — something lawmakers don't need to do when walking into the Capitol
More on her limbo status here:
www.notus.org/congress/ade...
I saw her this morning going through security along visitors — something lawmakers don't need to do when walking into the Capitol
More on her limbo status here:
www.notus.org/congress/ade...
Voters Elected Her to Congress. Mike Johnson Is Making Her Wait.
“At this point, I can’t hire staff. We don’t have an office. I can’t get around without being escorted,” Arizona’s incoming House Democrat, Adelita Grijalva, said Tuesday.
www.notus.org
September 30, 2025 at 7:53 PM
Congresswoman-elect Adelita Grijalva hasn't been sworn in, so she has to roam Congress with an escort
I saw her this morning going through security along visitors — something lawmakers don't need to do when walking into the Capitol
More on her limbo status here:
www.notus.org/congress/ade...
I saw her this morning going through security along visitors — something lawmakers don't need to do when walking into the Capitol
More on her limbo status here:
www.notus.org/congress/ade...
Congresswoman-elect Adelita Grijalva is in limbo: she hasn't been sworn in, and a gov shutdown is around the corner.
“At this point, I can't hire staff. We don't have an office. I can't get around without being escorted,” Grijalva said.
w/ @oriana.bsky.social
www.notus.org/congress/ade...
“At this point, I can't hire staff. We don't have an office. I can't get around without being escorted,” Grijalva said.
w/ @oriana.bsky.social
www.notus.org/congress/ade...
Voters Elected Her to Congress. Mike Johnson Is Making Her Wait.
“At this point, I can’t hire staff. We don’t have an office. I can’t get around without being escorted,” Arizona’s incoming House Democrat, Adelita Grijalva, said Tuesday.
www.notus.org
September 30, 2025 at 7:53 PM
Congresswoman-elect Adelita Grijalva is in limbo: she hasn't been sworn in, and a gov shutdown is around the corner.
“At this point, I can't hire staff. We don't have an office. I can't get around without being escorted,” Grijalva said.
w/ @oriana.bsky.social
www.notus.org/congress/ade...
“At this point, I can't hire staff. We don't have an office. I can't get around without being escorted,” Grijalva said.
w/ @oriana.bsky.social
www.notus.org/congress/ade...
NEW: Ryan Walters is considering resigning from his post as superintendent of Oklahoma schools.
w/ @reesegorman.bsky.social for @notus.com
www.notus.org/oklahoma/rya...
w/ @reesegorman.bsky.social for @notus.com
www.notus.org/oklahoma/rya...
Oklahoma's MAGA-Loving School Superintendent Ryan Walters Is Considering Resigning
The Trump ally’s potential next steps are still unclear.
www.notus.org
September 24, 2025 at 7:54 PM
NEW: Ryan Walters is considering resigning from his post as superintendent of Oklahoma schools.
w/ @reesegorman.bsky.social for @notus.com
www.notus.org/oklahoma/rya...
w/ @reesegorman.bsky.social for @notus.com
www.notus.org/oklahoma/rya...
Almost 70% of lawmakers in Congress age 75 and older say they're running for reelection next year.
“No matter what age you are, if you’re in good shape and you can do what it takes," Rep. Maxine Waters, 87, told me, "then you should do it."
www.notus.org/congress/old...
“No matter what age you are, if you’re in good shape and you can do what it takes," Rep. Maxine Waters, 87, told me, "then you should do it."
www.notus.org/congress/old...
Forget Retirement: Older Lawmakers Want to Stay in Congress
Why are so many lawmakers ages 75 and older running for reelection?
www.notus.org
August 27, 2025 at 2:37 PM
Almost 70% of lawmakers in Congress age 75 and older say they're running for reelection next year.
“No matter what age you are, if you’re in good shape and you can do what it takes," Rep. Maxine Waters, 87, told me, "then you should do it."
www.notus.org/congress/old...
“No matter what age you are, if you’re in good shape and you can do what it takes," Rep. Maxine Waters, 87, told me, "then you should do it."
www.notus.org/congress/old...
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum told California Democrats from drought-prone districts that reducing the deficit is a higher priority than some 'solid' water security programs.
Read more:
www.notus.org/california/b...
Read more:
www.notus.org/california/b...
Burgum Tells California Democrats that Budget Cuts Are Higher Priority than Some ‘Solid’ Programs
Several California lawmakers raised concerns that Trump’s budget proposal zeroes out funds for a crucial water infrastructure program.
www.notus.org
June 13, 2025 at 6:14 PM
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum told California Democrats from drought-prone districts that reducing the deficit is a higher priority than some 'solid' water security programs.
Read more:
www.notus.org/california/b...
Read more:
www.notus.org/california/b...
Reposted by Em Luetkemeyer
After the Alex Padilla incident, Democrats are scrambling to protect themselves from prosecution by the Trump admin
"We need our own fucking security at this point to protect us from ICE agents, to protect us from executive branch officials," one House Dem told me
www.notus.org/congress/pad...
"We need our own fucking security at this point to protect us from ICE agents, to protect us from executive branch officials," one House Dem told me
www.notus.org/congress/pad...
In the Wake of Padilla's Forceful Removal, Democrats Scramble for Security
“We need our own fucking security at this point to protect us from ICE agents, to protect us from executive branch officials,” one House Democrat told NOTUS.
www.notus.org
June 13, 2025 at 11:43 AM
After the Alex Padilla incident, Democrats are scrambling to protect themselves from prosecution by the Trump admin
"We need our own fucking security at this point to protect us from ICE agents, to protect us from executive branch officials," one House Dem told me
www.notus.org/congress/pad...
"We need our own fucking security at this point to protect us from ICE agents, to protect us from executive branch officials," one House Dem told me
www.notus.org/congress/pad...
Reposted by Em Luetkemeyer
Northern California’s representatives are keeping a close eye on the swell of militarized law enforcement sent to Los Angeles this week, predicting that President Donald Trump may expand his use of the tactics in the coming days.
✍️ @emluetkemeyer.bsky.social, @notusreports.bsky.social
✍️ @emluetkemeyer.bsky.social, @notusreports.bsky.social
Silicon Valley lawmakers sound alarm on Trump’s military mobilization - San José Spotlight
Northern California’s representatives are keeping a close eye on the swell of militarized law enforcement sent to Los Angeles this week, predicting that President Donald Trump may expand his use of th...
sanjosespotlight.com
June 10, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Northern California’s representatives are keeping a close eye on the swell of militarized law enforcement sent to Los Angeles this week, predicting that President Donald Trump may expand his use of the tactics in the coming days.
✍️ @emluetkemeyer.bsky.social, @notusreports.bsky.social
✍️ @emluetkemeyer.bsky.social, @notusreports.bsky.social
Reposted by Em Luetkemeyer
A backlog in probate court at the Bureau of Indian Affairs has some Native Americans waiting months, years or generations for their cases to be decided.
www.notus.org/oklahoma/nat...
www.notus.org/oklahoma/nat...
An ‘Egregious’ Backlog: Interior Searches for Ways to Speed Up Native American Probate Court
There were 48,000 unresolved probate cases as of May. Some families wait generations for their case to be heard.
www.notus.org
June 2, 2025 at 12:57 PM
A backlog in probate court at the Bureau of Indian Affairs has some Native Americans waiting months, years or generations for their cases to be decided.
www.notus.org/oklahoma/nat...
www.notus.org/oklahoma/nat...
Reposted by Em Luetkemeyer
House GOP's reconciliation bill bans Medicaid from being used for gender-affirming care for trans people of any age
"It's the new Hyde Amendment," Dan Crenshaw, who led the provision, told me
Conservatives want to go further in the appropriations process
www.notus.org/congress/tra...
"It's the new Hyde Amendment," Dan Crenshaw, who led the provision, told me
Conservatives want to go further in the appropriations process
www.notus.org/congress/tra...
Transgender People May Soon Be Barred From Using Federal Funds for Gender-Affirming Care
“It’s the new Hyde Amendment,” said Rep. Dan Crenshaw.
www.notus.org
June 2, 2025 at 3:23 PM
House GOP's reconciliation bill bans Medicaid from being used for gender-affirming care for trans people of any age
"It's the new Hyde Amendment," Dan Crenshaw, who led the provision, told me
Conservatives want to go further in the appropriations process
www.notus.org/congress/tra...
"It's the new Hyde Amendment," Dan Crenshaw, who led the provision, told me
Conservatives want to go further in the appropriations process
www.notus.org/congress/tra...
Interior Sec. Doug Burgum says 48,000 probate court cases are backlogged at the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Some Native Americans wait months, years or generations for their cases to get through.
Read more: www.notus.org/oklahoma/nat...
Some Native Americans wait months, years or generations for their cases to get through.
Read more: www.notus.org/oklahoma/nat...
An ‘Egregious’ Backlog: Interior Searches for Ways to Speed Up Native American Probate Court
There were 48,000 unresolved probate cases as of May. Some families wait generations for their case to be heard.
www.notus.org
June 2, 2025 at 6:20 PM
Interior Sec. Doug Burgum says 48,000 probate court cases are backlogged at the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Some Native Americans wait months, years or generations for their cases to get through.
Read more: www.notus.org/oklahoma/nat...
Some Native Americans wait months, years or generations for their cases to get through.
Read more: www.notus.org/oklahoma/nat...
“I think states need a seat at the table when we’re talking about spending cuts," Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt told me. Read my latest: www.notus.org/oklahoma/okl...
Oklahoma’s Governor Wants More Say in What Federal Funding Gets Cut
Lawmakers in Congress say he shouldn’t hold his breath.
www.notus.org
March 5, 2025 at 4:08 PM
“I think states need a seat at the table when we’re talking about spending cuts," Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt told me. Read my latest: www.notus.org/oklahoma/okl...
Reposted by Em Luetkemeyer
Reposted by Em Luetkemeyer
NEW: Trump's EO recognizing “only two sexes” won't invalidate existing passports issued to trans and nonbinary people that have their preferred gender or X marker
But to renew, "they have to use their God-given sex, which was decided at birth," the White House told me
www.notus.org/whitehouse/t...
But to renew, "they have to use their God-given sex, which was decided at birth," the White House told me
www.notus.org/whitehouse/t...
Trump’s Gender Order Won't Affect Existing Passports — Unless They’re Renewed
“They can still apply to renew their passport — they just have to use their God-given sex, which was decided at birth,” the White House press secretary told NOTUS.
www.notus.org
January 21, 2025 at 11:11 PM
NEW: Trump's EO recognizing “only two sexes” won't invalidate existing passports issued to trans and nonbinary people that have their preferred gender or X marker
But to renew, "they have to use their God-given sex, which was decided at birth," the White House told me
www.notus.org/whitehouse/t...
But to renew, "they have to use their God-given sex, which was decided at birth," the White House told me
www.notus.org/whitehouse/t...
Reposted by Em Luetkemeyer
Yes, headlights are brighter. No, Congress isn’t doing anything about it. www.notus.org/congress/hea...
Yes, Headlights Are Brighter. No, Congress Isn’t Doing Anything About It.
An online organizing effort has raised overly bright headlights to members of Congress. But their advocacy hasn’t gained much momentum on Capitol Hill.
www.notus.org
January 17, 2025 at 1:50 PM
Yes, headlights are brighter. No, Congress isn’t doing anything about it. www.notus.org/congress/hea...
Reposted by Em Luetkemeyer
Republicans — many of whom were learning what RedNote is in the last couple of hours — now want to ban the Chinese-based TikTok alternative.
“We will legislate against them. I mean we have to," Rep. Rich McCormick told NOTUS.
www.notus.org/congress/red...
“We will legislate against them. I mean we have to," Rep. Rich McCormick told NOTUS.
www.notus.org/congress/red...
‘RedNote’ Becomes a ‘Red Scare’: Republicans Already Want to Ban This TikTok Alternative
“It provides an opportunity for the CCP to further influence Americans,” Rep. Dan Newhouse said of Xiaohongshu, known as “RedNote” in the U.S.
www.notus.org
January 16, 2025 at 12:10 AM
Republicans — many of whom were learning what RedNote is in the last couple of hours — now want to ban the Chinese-based TikTok alternative.
“We will legislate against them. I mean we have to," Rep. Rich McCormick told NOTUS.
www.notus.org/congress/red...
“We will legislate against them. I mean we have to," Rep. Rich McCormick told NOTUS.
www.notus.org/congress/red...
Biden made his farewell a warning. Read here: www.notus.org/joe-bidens-f...
Joe Biden Made His Farewell a Warning
After a decades-long career in politics, President Joe Biden gave a farewell address in which he emphasized his commitment to a peaceful transfer of power.
www.notus.org
January 16, 2025 at 2:39 AM
Biden made his farewell a warning. Read here: www.notus.org/joe-bidens-f...