reporter @punchbowlnews covering tax and trade
Washington, DC
Joined November 2017
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Catherine Leffert retweeted
SCOOP: Major U.S. banks are detecting unauthorized third-party AI agents inside customer accounts, including some attempting to take actions that appear to be independent of user instructions, sources told Axios.
The findings have alarmed banking executives, who are racing to restrict access to their systems as AI moves at a velocity faster than financial institutions can respond, multiple industry and bank executives told Axios.
Several banks are now preparing for worst-case and even “day after” scenarios, including how to rapidly secure or restore customer accounts if things go wrong, the people said.
Several bank executives told Axios they're struggling to distinguish between human users and AI agents. One executive said banks also struggle to determine whether agents are authorized by customers or potentially operating without their permission, more akin to rogue agent behavior.
Read my latest for Axios here: axios.com/2026/10/22/ai-agen…
Catherine Leffert retweeted
SCOOP: The Trump admin is easing its blockade on wind projects as it looks to motivate Democrats to support the Senate’s bipartisan permitting reform bill. A White House official told me DOD has advanced 2 projects in Maine & SD with more to come. Text subscribers got it 1st!
Sherrod Brown playing a little coy here on committee plans if he’s reelected, but he signals that rejoining Finance is certainly in the mix!
More from on the ground in Ohio by @LauraEWeiss16
Former Sen. Sherrod Brown’s potential return to the Senate has economic policy watchers wondering what kind of role he’d play after his past run as Banking Committee chair. punchbowl.news/article/senat…
Catherine Leffert retweeted
Interesting: Coinbase gave $500K and the Solana Policy Institute gave 500k.
Remember this is over the last quarter
HMP's top 10 donors last quarter:
1) Reid Hoffman: $8.5M
2) Economic Opportunity Fund: $5M
3) The PAC for America’s Future: $4M
4) National Association of Realtors Congressional Fund: $3M
5) Rory Gates: $2.5M
6) UA Political Issues Fund:: $2M
7) Working for Working Americans: $2M
8) NEA Advocacy Fund: $1.5M
9) Lincoln Robinson: $1.4M
10) Susan Sarofim: $1.29M
Catherine Leffert retweeted
🚨 BREAKING NEWS from me and @bresreports:
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the FBI and U.S. Capitol Police have launched an investigation into "multiple letters containing suspicious substances that were mailed to various addresses nationwide, including multiple Congressional offices," according to a notice sent to senior Capitol Hill staff.
"Law enforcement officials are working to intercept any additional letters before they are delivered, however, it is possible that some letters may reach their destinations," the Senate Sergeant at Arms said in the notice sent this morning.
more in @PunchbowlNews midday
Catherine Leffert retweeted
NEWS: Republicans' next Ways & Means gavel race is already underway w/ multiple GOP members vying to succeed Chair Jason Smith in 2029
Rep. ADRIAN SMITH has met w/ multiple members of the House GOP Steering Committee to discuss his interest in running
Rep. DARIN LAHOOD is telling members if and when Jason Smith's time wraps up, he'll actively pursue the job. LaHood met w/ Jason Smith earlier this summer to discuss his intentions
JASON SMITH could also seek a waiver to remain W&M's top R through 2030
w/ @maxpcohen @JakeSherman
Multiple House Republicans are already vying to become the party’s leader on the House Ways and Means Committee — in 2029.
...Yes, 2029. punchbowl.news/article/house…
Catherine Leffert retweeted
Scoop: Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif) asked Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) and Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) to be her co-whips for her race to remain top Democrat on the Financial Services panel, sources tell us
Gottheimer and Pressley are key moderate / progressive HFSC voices
News: Rep. Bill Foster (D-Ill.) is weighing his own bid to be the next top Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee – the latest potential challenge to Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.).
Confirming @Jasper_Goodman
Catherine Leffert retweeted
Rep. Ashley Hinson opposes Trump’s Russian diesel deal during tonight’s Iowa Senate debate:
“We need to lower gas prices in this country. We need to lower diesel prices. But I don’t think we need to be making a deal with Russia to do it”
Hinson calls for gas tax holiday, diesel rebate program, investments in U.S. biofuels instead
Democrat Josh Turek also opposes the Russia deal & makes point gas prices are high due to Iran war
Me, six months ago: i’m a tax reporter now, surely i can start forgetting about my days of reporting on bank compliance
Me, today:
Catherine Leffert retweeted
SCOOP: Sean Casten (D-Ill.) told Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) on Tuesday he planned to run to be the top Democrat on the House Financial Service Committee for the 120th Congress.
The conversation marks the unofficial kickoff for a committee race with big stakes. PBN TEXTS>>>
Catherine Leffert retweeted
A string of senior staffers has left Nebraska Senate candidate Dan Osborn’s campaign in recent months, an unusual rate of turnover as he heads into the general election. punchbowl.news/article/campa…
Catherine Leffert retweeted
ICYMI from @PunchbowlNews AM:
Dems are feeling optimistic about November. But the party's top leaders are warning a cash crunch could blunt their gains.
Chuck Schumer says the midterms boil down to one key q: "Can Republicans buy the Senate?"
Catherine Leffert retweeted
Guilfoyle is OUT; says the recent allegations were "false."
Expect Foreign Affairs to continue interest in them if Democrats regain control of the House.
Serving as the United States Ambassador to Greece has been the honor of a lifetime. I will forever be grateful to President Donald J. Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for entrusting me with the extraordinary privilege of representing the greatest country in the history of the world.
From my first day as Ambassador, I have worked tirelessly to advance President Trump’s America First agenda, strengthen our strategic alliance with Greece, and deliver meaningful victories for the American people.
During my tenure, we have helped secure historic agreements to expand American liquefied natural gas exports to Europe, advanced the Vertical Corridor to reduce Europe’s dependence on Russian energy, strengthened our defense and security partnership with a critical NATO ally, and expanded opportunities for American businesses and investment throughout the region.
I am especially proud of the role our Embassy has played in strengthening American energy dominance, advancing economic cooperation, and ensuring that the United States remains the indispensable leader in Southeast Europe.
These accomplishments are a testament to President Trump’s bold leadership, Secretary Rubio’s commitment to American diplomacy, and the extraordinary men and women who serve our country every day.
I also want to address the recent allegations against me. These allegations are false, and I intend to vigorously defend my name, my reputation, and my integrity. I have dedicated my professional life to fighting for justice, standing up for what is right, and defending the values that make America exceptional. I will not allow false accusations to define my decades of public service.
My gratitude and respect for President Trump and Secretary Rubio remain unwavering. I am proud of what we accomplished together, and I will always be a loyal supporter of President Trump and his mission to Make America Great Again.
While my time as Ambassador may be coming to an end, my commitment to President Trump, the America First movement, and the country I love will never end.
It has been the honor of my lifetime to serve the United States of America. My deepest heartfelt appreciation to the people of Greece for their hospitality, partnership, and welcoming me with open arms. God bless President Trump, God bless our incredible diplomats and service members, and God bless the United States of America.
Catherine Leffert retweeted
Beyer, one of the leading House Democratic opponents to the sweeping Russia sanctions bill, reacts to news of Trump's deal to temporarily lift sanctions on Russian diesel.
Trump signed the bill into law three weeks ago.
Catherine Leffert retweeted
Catherine Leffert retweeted
News: DOJ is seeking a federal criminal indictment of former WH aide Cassidy Hutchinson on charges of lying to Congress in her Jan. 6 testimony
DOJ's Civil Rights Division brought evidence to a federal grand jury on Tuesday and is expected to present more evidence and additional witnesses later this month, per sources familiar with the plans. Hutchinson has not been subpoenaed to appear before the grand jury, per the sources
MORE to come on this news from me and @bresreports in @PunchbowlNews Midday. Text subscribers got it first
Inbox news.
Ways and Means’ top Democrat Richie Neal doesn’t support Treasury’s latest changes to Trump Accounts. Neal says in emailed statement that the updated rules, which allow the donation of individual stocks into kids’ accounts, could be ripe for grifting.
Here’s Neal:
Michigan Senate candidate Mike Rogers' message here of "Canada is not our enemy" seems like a break from Trump admin (and Rogers' previous stance).
Trump's response to the ad: "I viewed him as saying that he thinks Canada should make a deal."
The Trump admin tariff regime has been...uncomfortable for GOP candidates, esp in border states. I wrote this week about how some Republicans think it's probably too late to hope for a trade policy boost before the midterms.
punchbowl.news/article/vault…
Rogers' line here of "Canada is not our enemy" is notably distinct from Trump's message.
I wrote earlier this week about how it might be too late for Republicans to hold out hope on trade policy before the midterms
punchbowl.news/article/vault…