➔ CAMPAIGNS: The primary season for the 2018 midterm election begins Tuesday with contests in Indiana, North Carolina, Ohio and West Virginia. Last night, the fundraiser-in-chief for Democrats, former President Obama, was in Beverly Hills to raise money for Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), who is among the most vulnerable of the red-state Dems seeking reelection. Former first lady Michelle Obama appeared Saturday at the United State of Women Summit in Los Angeles. She waved off calls to run for office and talked up ways parents and employers can expand education and work opportunities for girls and women (Variety). The Hill: GOP takes gloves off against former coal executive in West Virginia. Washington Post: Once-safe GOP lawmakers are struggling for a survival strategy. The Associated Press: In the heartland, Nancy Pelosi tells Democrats they have the cash and environment to win the House. The Hill's Amie Parnes, the bestselling author of "Shattered," reports on the Democratic hopefuls heading to Trump country as the so-called invisible primary gets underway. The Hill: Dems face pressure to focus on economy, not Trump. Steve Israel: Democrats should stop agonizing over a national message. The Associated Press: Early GOP primaries shaping up as rightward march with Trump. ➔ CONGRESS: The House will be in session until May 24, and the Senate through May 25 before lawmakers take a week off for the Memorial Day holiday. So, what are they up to this week? Budget: The Hill — Republicans in the House are collaborating with the White House to unveil an $11 billion rescissions package as early as today. Lending: The Hill — The House plans to take up a resolution of disapproval Tuesday dealing with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's policy on indirect auto lending. Environment: The Washington Examiner — The House is expected to turn Thursday to the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 2018. Term Limits: The Hill – Some House conservatives are keen to push for term limits in Congress, a familiar idea that foundered decades ago. Net Neutrality: The Hill — Senate Democrats are taking the first step toward setting up a floor vote on the Federal Communication Commission's net neutrality rule. Drug Prices/Medicare: The Hill — What to watch as Trump this week gives a long-awaited speech about reducing the costs of pharmaceuticals. Farm Bill: House GOP leaders will begin to gauge lawmakers' support for the farm bill this week. Confirmations: The Senate Intelligence Committee scheduled a confirmation hearing Wednesday for Gina Haspel to lead the CIA. ➔ ADMINISTRATION: Fifteen months into the administration, Trump's Cabinet officials and personnel picks continue to invite plenty of scrutiny. Justice Department: The Hill— Attorney General Jeff Sessions, an early Trump campaign adviser and supporter, has become a favorite presidential punching bag who never regained Trump's trust after recusing himself from the Russia investigation. EPA: The Hill – Senior staff members working for embattled Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt are part of what's described as a "get out of dodge" exodus as the agency's leader remains a subject of more than a dozen investigations. Veterans Affairs: The New York Times – Trump purged former Secretary David Shulkin, then tapped his White House physician, Navy Rear Adm. Ronny Jackson, to lead the troubled department. Jackson's withdrawal after allegations of misconduct and reservations about his lack of management experience contributed to a level of chaos that extends deep inside the department. The Hill: The controversy over allegations about Jackson's conduct impacted Dr. Jennifer Peña, a physician in the White House Medical Unit previously assigned to care for Vice President Pence. Her clashes with Jackson over medical issues involving second lady Karen Pence, reported by CNN, preceded her sudden resignation last week. CIA: The Washington Post – Haspel, Trump's pick to lead the CIA, is preparing for tough Senate questioning during her confirmation hearing Wednesday about her years as a career spy. Concerns about her involvement with harsh interrogation techniques condemned by some lawmakers as torture contributed to Haspel's consideration Friday of backing out of the nomination. She reportedly was talked out of it by colleagues and White House officials. The Hill: White House steps up efforts to confirm Haspel HHS-President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition: CNN – The president's selection Friday of Mehmet Oz, also known on television as "Dr. Oz," a cardiothoracic surgeon, to serve on a council that is part of the Health and Human Services Department invited controversy because of past criticisms of the Columbia University professor's promotion of weight loss and diet supplement products and his freewheeling medical advice on television. | 
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