This week’s guide to government and politics in under 10 minutes

I DEMOCRATS ISSUE 10 ICE DEMANDS

With Department of Homeland Security funding set to expire in four days, Democratic congressional leaders issued a list of ten reform demands, which included requiring agents to conduct operations unmasked, show identification, obtain judicial warrants for operations, and avoid operations at sensitive locations like schools and churches. Congressional Republicans pushed back, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) calling the full set of demands “totally unrealistic.” Thune did say “there are a few things, actually, there’s probably some room to maneuver on.” Republicans argue the previously-passed full year funding bill, which included funding increases for body cameras, de-escalation measures, and a departmental inspector general show they already made compromises with Democrats. Republicans have also indicated openness to ending “roving patrols,” but argue officers need face coverings to protect against targeted harassment and “doxxing.” They are also demanding any changes include an end to sanctuary city policies they say undermine cooperation between local, state, and federal authorities.

>> Dig deeper into the debate about ICE funding and reforms here.

I NIMMIGRATION AGENCY HEADS TO TESTIFY BEFORE CONGRESS

The heads of ICE, Customs and Border Patrol, and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will testify before the House on Tuesday and the Senate on Wednesday. Congressional leaders called for the testimony after two shooting deaths by immigration agents in Minnesota during enforcement operations and subsequent protests. The trio are likely to face intense questioning from Democratic lawmakers, who are demanding accountability and greater transparency following the shootings. The White House has signaled a “softer touch” may be needed on immigration and has pulled hundreds of agents out of Minnesota over the past week, but has vowed to continue its enforcement operations.

>> Find out what rights people have if they’re stopped by ICE here.

I THE U.S. & IRAN ATTEMPT TO NEGOTIATE A NUCLEAR DEAL

The U.S. and Iran engaged in direct negotiations about a nuclear deal for the first time since the 12-day war last June when the U.S. bombed Iranian nuclear sites. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner represented the U.S. in the meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Iran’s team said the mediated discussions were a “good beginning.” Iran claims its nuclear program is peaceful, while the U.S. accuses it of being part of an effort to develop a nuclear weapon in violation of international agreements. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that the discussions would have to address issues beyond nuclear weapons for them to be successful, including Iran’s support for armed groups in the region. At the same time as the talks, the U.S. issued new sanctions on Iran’s “shadow fleet” of oil tankers.

>> Learn more about efforts to prevent an Iranian nuclear weapon here.

I VA DEMOCRATS PROPOSE FLIPPING FOUR REPUBLICAN SEATS BLUE IN NEW MAPS

Virginia Democrats unveiled a proposed U.S. House map that would flip four more congressional seats for Democrats ahead of the coming midterm elections, moving from six Democrat-held seats and four Republican-held seats to 10 Democrat seats and a single Republican seat. The map’s release followed a move from state Democrats to amend the state constitution to allow the legislature to draw a new district map if other states alter their maps other than during the standard 10-year census redistricting process. The effort to redraw the state’s districts is facing legal pushback. In January, a Virginia judge ruled that the process Democrats used for their proposed constitutional amendment allowing the map change was illegal. Democrats have appealed the case directly to the state Supreme Court. So far, the redistricting battle in other states is expected to result in nine more Republican seats in Texas, Missouri, North Carolina, and Ohio, and six more Democrat-favored seats in California and Utah.

>> Take a closer look at the redistricting battle happening in the states here. 

I TRUMPRx LAUNCHES WITH 40 REDUCED PRICE DRUGS

Americans can now purchase prescription drugs at reduced costs on the new direct-to-consumer website, TrumpRx. According to the White House, 40 branded medications from drug makers including AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly, EMD Serono, Novo Nordisk, and Pfizer are available for purchase on the site. The Trump administration says more drugs will be added soon.

>> Understand why prescription medication costs keep climbing here.

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