You're going to be first in the nation.

So brave the weather and go out and save America because that's what you're doing.

You're never going to have an opportunity where your voice and your vote is going to pack as much of a punch as it will tomorrow night.

I know it's going to be cold tomorrow. I get it. I know it's going to be cold.

But think about this. You get to set the direction

for the country. The first contest of the 2024 Republican presidential nomination happens tonight in

Iowa. But voters will have to face dangerously cold temperatures to cast their ballots.

Meanwhile, on Capitol Hill, it appears Congress has a deal to keep the government funded until

March, despite threats from far-right Republicans in the House.

And also ahead, we'll bring you the latest from the Middle East, following another

U.S.-led airstrike on Houthi targets in Yemen.

Good morning and welcome to way too early on this Monday, January 15th.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day and also Iowa Caucus Day. I'm Jonathan Lemire. Thanks for starting

your day and week with us. And we will begin this morning in Iowa. The caucus is there tonight will be the first

nominating contest of the very consequential 2024 presidential campaign. But turnout in Iowa

could be a real issue because it will be an absolutely frigid night with temperatures below

zero across the state. Voters must be at their caucus precincts

by 7 p.m. Central time. They will hear from campaign surrogates and fill out secret ballots.

Then workers at each precinct will tally them up. The results are usually available within a few

hours. The caucus system has faced intense criticism as an outdated method that can exclude those

who are disabled or anyone else who cannot get out on the one night Iwans have their say

in picking presidential nominees.

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