Rob Schmitz

Hey, I've got a question for you.

So when you started hosting Up First, did you ever think that someday you and your team would be nominated for a Golden Globe Award?

Congratulations.

Millions of Americans face dramatic price hikes, but can Congress reach a deal to alleviate the pain?

And I'm Rob Schmitz, and this is Up First from NPR News.

This is something that the people of the state of Washington have not faced before, this level of flooding.

Governor Bob Ferguson calls on people to follow evacuation orders.

We'll have all the latest.

We have the news you need to start your weekend.

And President Trump faces pushback from within his own party on redistricting and strikes against alleged drug boats.

To discuss all this, we're joined now by NPR's national political correspondent, Don Gagne.

Thanks for being here.

It's a pleasure.

So, Don, on health care, these enhanced subsidies are broadly popular, according to polls.

Why is it so hard to agree on a fix?

Now, President Trump, in an interview with Politico this week, graded his own performance on the economy.

That's good grade.

And then at a rally in Pennsylvania, he said Americans can, quote, give up certain products.

We can get by with fewer pencils and dolls.

Those are two consumer products I would not have thought to put together.