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A rogue Chinese scientist stunned the world last year when he announced the birth of genetically modified twin girls, prompting widespread outcry from the broader scientific community and calls for a “global moratorium” on editing human embryos that result in births. Yet months later, Democrats on Capitol Hill surprised many science policy experts when they attempted to roll back a related, 4-year-old ban on altering the DNA of embryos intended for pregnancies. (Facher, 6/18)

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) responded Monday to comedian Jon Stewart’s criticism of his handling of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, saying that he didn’t know why Stewart was “all bent out of shape.” McConnell’s comments, made in an interview with “Fox & Friends,” came one day after Stewart blasted the Kentucky Republican’s leadership on the issue. “I want to make it clear that this has never been dealt with compassionately by Senator McConnell,” Stewart said on “Fox News Sunday.” “He has always held out until the very last minute, and only then, under intense lobbying and public shaming, has he even deigned to move on it.” (Sonmez, 6/17)

The House plans to vote Tuesday night on more than two dozen amendments to the chamber’s fiscal 2020 spending bill for the State Department and foreign operations. Those roll call votes will put House lawmakers on the record about contentious issues like international family planning programs and global climate change agreements. (Scholtes, 6/17)