In the 7 AM Hour: Larry O’Connor and Bethany Mandel discussed:

• INTERVIEW: Matt Schlapp: Chairman of the American Conservative Union and CPAC on the Virginia election fallout and the ensuing court battle as well as the future of the GOP.
• Senate Reconciliation Vote: The Senate advanced a budget resolution on Tuesday in the first step toward funding immigration agencies under the Department of Homeland Security without help from Democrats. In a 52 to 46 vote along party lines, Republicans approved a motion to proceed to the measure, which was released earlier in the day. The vote needed only 51 votes to succeed. (CBS News)
• Bessent vs. Van Hollen & Coons: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent pushed back Wednesday after Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., suggested temporary sanctions relief for Iran had granted the country $14 billion during the war. (FOX Business) Bessent also stood his ground when Sen. Chris Van Holland, D-MD., said he gave a windfall to wealthy people who don’t pay taxes.
• DeSantis Responds to Jeffries: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis blasted Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries’ invitations to "F around and find out" on redistricting efforts in Florida, the next possible battleground in a nationwide struggle to gain partisan advantages from congressional district maps. (FOX News)

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Episode: Thursday, April 23, 2026 / 7 AM Hour