INSIDER
What to know about the Kids Online Safety Act that just passed the Senate
Read full article: What to know about the Kids Online Safety Act that just passed the SenateThe last time Congress passed a law to protect children on the internet was in 1998 — before Facebook, before the iPhone and long before today’s oldest teenagers were born.
JD Vance charted a Trump-centric, populist path in Senate as he fought GOP establishment
Read full article: JD Vance charted a Trump-centric, populist path in Senate as he fought GOP establishmentElevated into the national spotlight as former President Donald Trump’s running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance has carved out a unique role in his short Senate career.
Congress passes first package of spending bills just hours before shutdown deadline for key agencies
Read full article: Congress passes first package of spending bills just hours before shutdown deadline for key agenciesThe Senate has approved a $460 billion package of spending bills in time to meet a midnight deadline for avoiding a shutdown of many key federal agencies.
Tennessee GOP could change law to prevent Democrat's simultaneous bids for Senate and statehouse
Read full article: Tennessee GOP could change law to prevent Democrat's simultaneous bids for Senate and statehouseLess than a year after Tennessee Republicans tried to expel her from the state House, Democrat Gloria Johnson is seeking another term there while simultaneously waging an uphill campaign for U.S. Senate.
Ted Cruz pushes for car manufacturers to keep AM radio, a tool for emergency communication and conservative talk
Read full article: Ted Cruz pushes for car manufacturers to keep AM radio, a tool for emergency communication and conservative talkCruz on Tuesday requested a unanimous consent decision on his AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. The legislation was blocked by Sen. Rand Paul, R-Kentucky, who said the mandate on private companies would be an overstep of congressional power.
Sen. Rand Paul performed Heimlich maneuver on choking Sen. Joni Ernst during GOP lunch
Read full article: Sen. Rand Paul performed Heimlich maneuver on choking Sen. Joni Ernst during GOP lunchSen. Joni Ernst, a Republican from Iowa, was choking on food during a luncheon when fellow Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky performed the Heimlich maneuver on her.
Mayorkas warns of dangers to the US if it loses tools to block terrorists from using drones and WMD
Read full article: Mayorkas warns of dangers to the US if it loses tools to block terrorists from using drones and WMDThe U.S. government is at risk of losing key tools for preventing terrorists from using drones, chemicals or weapons of mass destruction if Congress doesn’t take action soon.
Senate panel OKs Lew to be ambassador to Israel, and a final confirmation vote could come next week
Read full article: Senate panel OKs Lew to be ambassador to Israel, and a final confirmation vote could come next weekThe Senate Foreign Relations Committee has approved Jacob Lew to be ambassador to Israel, moving quickly to get him in place during Israel's war with Hamas.
Meta and X questioned by lawmakers over lack of rules against AI-generated political deepfakes
Read full article: Meta and X questioned by lawmakers over lack of rules against AI-generated political deepfakesUS Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and U.S. Rep. Yvette Clarke of New York sent a letter Thursday to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and X CEO Linda Yaccarino expressing “serious concerns” about the emergence of AI-generated political ads on their platforms and asking each to explain any rules they’re crafting to curb the harms to free and fair elections.
The US government is eager to restore powers to keep dangerous chemicals out of extremists' hands
Read full article: The US government is eager to restore powers to keep dangerous chemicals out of extremists' handsWhen Congress returns this week, Homeland Security officials and those in the chemical industries will be watching to see if a program regulating the chemical sector will be on its agenda.
Debt ceiling agreement gets thumbs up from business groups, jeers from some on political right
Read full article: Debt ceiling agreement gets thumbs up from business groups, jeers from some on political rightThe reviews are starting to come in about the debt ceiling agreement reached by President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
Man accused of stabbing Senate staffer after prison release
Read full article: Man accused of stabbing Senate staffer after prison releaseA U.S. Senate staffer remained hospitalized Tuesday after police say he was attacked leaving a restaurant in Washington this weekend by a man who had been released from federal prison a day earlier.
Senate votes to keep 2001 authorization for war on terror
Read full article: Senate votes to keep 2001 authorization for war on terrorThe Senate has voted overwhelmingly to continue congressional authorization for the use of military force in the global fight against terror, turning back an effort by Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul to repeal the 2001 measure.
In wake of floods, typical barbs at Kentucky political event
Read full article: In wake of floods, typical barbs at Kentucky political eventWhile Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear was consoling families displaced by historic flooding in the mountains of eastern Kentucky, Republicans at the state’s premier political event on the other side of the state were campaigning to oust him from office in 2023.
Britt wins tumultuous Alabama Senate race scrambled by Trump
Read full article: Britt wins tumultuous Alabama Senate race scrambled by TrumpKatie Britt has won the Republican nomination for Senate in Alabama, defeating six-term Congressman Mo Brooks in a primary runoff after former President Donald Trump endorsed and then un-endorsed him.
2022 midterms: What to watch in Texas, Georgia, elsewhere
Read full article: 2022 midterms: What to watch in Texas, Georgia, elsewhereGeorgia takes center stage in Tuesday’s primary elections as Gov. Brian Kemp and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger try to fight back challengers endorsed by Donald Trump.
McConnell, GOP senators to visit Helsinki amid NATO talks
Read full article: McConnell, GOP senators to visit Helsinki amid NATO talksSenate Republican leader Mitch McConnell and a delegation of GOP senators are due to visit Helsinki on Monday for talks with Finland’s president as the previously neutral Nordic nation bordering Russia seeks NATO membership.
McConnell, GOP senators meet Zelenskyy in surprise Kyiv stop
Read full article: McConnell, GOP senators meet Zelenskyy in surprise Kyiv stopSenate Republican leader Mitch McConnell says senators who visited Ukraine on Saturday have reaffirmed that the U.S. will back Ukraine until it wins its war with Russia.
Rand Paul stalls quick Senate OK of $40B Ukraine package
Read full article: Rand Paul stalls quick Senate OK of $40B Ukraine packageKentucky Republican Sen. Rand Paul is defying leaders of both parties and has single-handedly delayed until next week Senate approval of an additional $40 billion to help Ukraine and its allies withstand Russia’s three-month old invasion.
Louisville mayor's race plays out amid lingering tensions
Read full article: Louisville mayor's race plays out amid lingering tensionsLouisville's mayoral race is taking place in a city roiled by racial tension, a spike in gun violence and deep misgivings many harbor about the Louisville police department.
McCarthy's push to ascend to House speaker relies on Trump
Read full article: McCarthy's push to ascend to House speaker relies on TrumpThe next House speaker could very well hail from California, but if Republicans take control, that leader won't come from the part of the state represented by the current speaker, Democrat Nancy Pelosi of San Francisco.
‘A moment like this’: Senate history in Supreme Court vote
Read full article: ‘A moment like this’: Senate history in Supreme Court voteMoments before the Senate began Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s confirmation vote to become the first Black woman on the Supreme Court, the chamber filled with the swell of history.
Congress votes to suspend Russia trade status, enact oil ban
Read full article: Congress votes to suspend Russia trade status, enact oil banCongress has overwhelmingly voted to suspend normal trade relations with Russia and ban the importation of its oil, ratcheting up the U.S. response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine amid reports of atrocities.
Pandemic preparedness bill moves ahead; funding still needed
Read full article: Pandemic preparedness bill moves ahead; funding still neededA Senate committee has approved a bipartisan blueprint to overhaul the nation’s public health system, applying the lessons of COVID-19 to future outbreaks through a new chain of command, a stronger medical supply chain, and clearer crisis communications.
How American cash for Canada protests could sway US politics
Read full article: How American cash for Canada protests could sway US politicsThe Canadians who have disrupted trade with the U.S. and occupied downtown Ottawa for nearly three weeks have been cheered and funded by American right-wing activists and conservative politicians who also oppose vaccine mandates and the country’s liberal leader.
McConnell: Black people vote at similar rates to 'Americans'
Read full article: McConnell: Black people vote at similar rates to 'Americans'Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell is drawing criticism for comments he made shortly before the GOP blocked a federal elections bill, when he said that “African American” voters cast ballots at similar rates to “Americans.”.
GOP stalls pick who'd be government's highest-ranking Muslim
Read full article: GOP stalls pick who'd be government's highest-ranking MuslimThe nomination of a Pakistani-born businessman who'd be the highest-ranking Muslim in the U.S. government is in jeopardy because Senate Republicans have repeatedly blocked his confirmation.
Green energy takes hold in unlikely places with Ford project
Read full article: Green energy takes hold in unlikely places with Ford projectWhen Ford revealed plans to ramp up its commitment to the electric vehicle sector, the automaker chose two states where Republican leaders have vilified the push for green energy and defended fossil fuels.
YouTube suspends Rand Paul after misleading video on masks
Read full article: YouTube suspends Rand Paul after misleading video on masksYouTube has suspended U.S. Sen. Rand Paul for seven days after the Kentucky Republican posted a misleading video suggesting face masks don't prevent infection by COVID-19.
Fauci hopeful COVID vaccines get full OK by FDA within weeks
Read full article: Fauci hopeful COVID vaccines get full OK by FDA within weeksThe U.S. government’s top infectious disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, says he's hopeful that the Food and Drug Administration will give full approval to the coronavirus vaccine by month’s end.
Man charged with sending threatening emails to Dr. Fauci
Read full article: Man charged with sending threatening emails to Dr. FauciFederal prosecutors in Maryland say a man has been arrested and charged with sending emails that threatened to harm and kill Dr. Anthony Fauci, National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Francis Collins, and their families.
Fauci, Paul clash on virus origins, trade charges of lying
Read full article: Fauci, Paul clash on virus origins, trade charges of lyingA recurring clash between the government’s top infectious disease doctor and a U.S. senator has erupted again on Capitol Hill, with each accusing the other of lying.
The Latest: Eased visiting rules urged for nursing homes
Read full article: The Latest: Eased visiting rules urged for nursing homesFamilies and advocates for the elderly in Kansas argue that with most nursing home residents vaccinated against the coronavirus, some facilities need to relax visiting rules.
Senate passes bill to boost US tech industry, counter rivals
Read full article: Senate passes bill to boost US tech industry, counter rivalsThe Senate has overwhelmingly approved legislation aiming to boost semiconductor production in the U.S. The bill is a bid to protect economic and national security in the face of growing international competition, most notably from China.
A first: US Senate confirms transgender doctor for key post
Read full article: A first: US Senate confirms transgender doctor for key postVoting mostly along party lines, the U.S. Senate on March 24, confirmed Levine to be assistant secretary of health. She becomes the first openly transgender federal official to win Senate confirmation. (Caroline Brehman/Pool via AP, File)Voting mostly along party lines, the U.S. Senate has confirmed former Pennsylvania Health Secretary Rachel Levine to be the nation’s assistant secretary of health. She is the first openly transgender federal official to win Senate confirmation. She won confirmation by the Republican-majority Pennsylvania Senate.
A first: US Senate confirms transgender doctor for key post
Read full article: A first: US Senate confirms transgender doctor for key postVoting mostly along party lines, the U.S. Senate on March 24, confirmed Levine to be assistant secretary of health. She becomes the first openly transgender federal official to win Senate confirmation. (Caroline Brehman/Pool via AP, File)Voting mostly along party lines, the U.S. Senate on Wednesday confirmed former Pennsylvania Health Secretary Rachel Levine to be the nation’s assistant secretary of health. She is the first openly transgender federal official to win Senate confirmation. She won confirmation by the Republican-majority Pennsylvania Senate.
Senator’s annual ‘Festivus’ report highlights government grant for boat slips, marinas
Read full article: Senator’s annual ‘Festivus’ report highlights government grant for boat slips, marinas“It’s been really, really hard,” said Murray, who was a victim of Harvey. Back at Laguna Harbor, the feds have earmarked dollars for another building project, a new marina. “I’m tired of you spending money on rich people, let’s spend it on those who need money,” said the Junior U.S. On page 66 of last year’s report, Paul highlights Laguna Harbor. Johnson said he has sent a demand letter to Senator Paul on behalf of Laguna Harbor to retract the defamatory claims in the Festivus report.
Senate confirms Cardona as Biden's education secretary
Read full article: Senate confirms Cardona as Biden's education secretaryFILE - In this Feb. 3, 2021, file photo, Education Secretary nominee Miguel Cardona testifies before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee during his confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington. The Senate has confirmed him as Education Secretary on March 1. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, Pool, File)The Senate voted Monday to confirm Miguel Cardona as education secretary, clearing his way to lead President Joe Biden’s effort to reopen the nation’s schools amid the coronavirus pandemic. AdCardona, who gained attention for his efforts to reopen schools in Connecticut, has vowed to make it his top priority to reopen schools. In an increasingly fractionalized world of education, Cardona has vowed to be a unifier.
Trump acquitted, denounced in historic impeachment trial
Read full article: Trump acquitted, denounced in historic impeachment trialIn this image from video, House impeachment manager Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., speaks about the motion to call witnesses during the second impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump in the Senate at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Saturday, Feb. 13, 2021. Coming amid the searing COVID-19 crisis, the Biden White House is trying to rush pandemic relief through Congress. Most of them ultimately voted to acquit, doubting whether Trump was fully responsible or if impeachment is the appropriate response. Within a week Biden was inaugurated, Trump was gone and Pelosi sent the article of impeachment to the Senate days later, launching the proceedings. At the same time, this year's trial carried similar warnings from the prosecutors that Trump must be held accountable because he has shown repeatedly he has no bounds.
Trump lawyers: Impeachment based on hatred, not facts
Read full article: Trump lawyers: Impeachment based on hatred, not factsTrump's lawyers made an abbreviated presentation that used less than three of their allotted 16 hours. But in trying to draw that equivalency, the defenders minimized Trump's months-long efforts to undermine the election results and his urging of followers to do the same. On Friday, as defense lawyers repeated their own videos over and over, some Democrats chuckled and whispered among themselves as many of their faces flashed on the screen. Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet said it felt like the lawyers were “erecting straw men to then take them down rather than deal with the facts." Trump's lawyers say that goal only underscores the “hatred” Democrats feel for Trump.
‘Distressing and emotional’: Senators relive horror of riot
Read full article: ‘Distressing and emotional’: Senators relive horror of riotReporters vie for a response from Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, as Senators take a dinner break while arguments continue in former President Donald Trump's impeachment trial, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021. Scott Applewhite)WASHINGTON – For 90 tense minutes, members of the Senate relived the horror. The rioters were “58 steps” from senators at one point, impeachment manager Eric Swalwell told them. Senators were silent afterward, some sitting quietly and alone, as if to process it all. He walked out of the room in the middle of the presentation, as impeachment manager Stacey Plaskett detailed the threats to Pence’s life.
Trial highlights: Harrowing footage, focus on Trump's words
Read full article: Trial highlights: Harrowing footage, focus on Trump's wordsNEW SURVEILLANCE FOOTAGETo reconstruct the siege for senators, Democrats aired never-before-seen security footage from inside the Capitol that showed the attack unfolding. Ad“Vice President Pence had the courage to stand against the president, tell the American public the truth and uphold our Constitution. Many Republicans had been appalled by Trump's treatment of his most loyal soldier during his final days in office. REPUBLICANS HOLD FIRMThere appears little chance enough Republicans will break with Democrats to convict Trump at the end of the trial. AdThe video evidence was “nothing new here, for me, at the end of the day,” said Hawley, who maintains the trial is unconstitutional.
Trump trial gets go-ahead after emotional, graphic first day
Read full article: Trump trial gets go-ahead after emotional, graphic first dayWhite House press secretary Jen Psaki said Biden would not be watching the trial of his predecessor. Though the trial now proceeds, that’s a legal issue that could resonate with Republicans eager to acquit Trump without being seen as condoning his behavior. Trump attorney David Schoen turned the trial toward starkly partisan tones, saying the Democrats were fueled by a “base hatred” of the former president. On the vote, six Republicans joined with Democrats pursue the trial, just one more than on a similar vote last week. Trump's second impeachment trial is expected to diverge from the lengthy, complicated affair of a year ago.
Trump's trial starting: 'Grievous crime' or just 'theater'?
Read full article: Trump's trial starting: 'Grievous crime' or just 'theater'?Under COVID-19 protocols senators will distance for the trial, some even using the visitors' galleries. “This trial is one way of having that difficult national conversation about the difference between dissent and insurrection," he said. Trump's defenders are preparing to challenge both the constitutionality of the trial and any suggestion that he was to blame for the insurrection. The trial was set to break Friday evening for the Jewish Sabbath at the request of Trump's defense team, and resume Sunday. Trump's second impeachment trial is expected to diverge from the lengthy, complicated affair of a year ago.
Senate Republicans back Trump as impeachment trial nears
Read full article: Senate Republicans back Trump as impeachment trial nearsAdMany senators including Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell immediately denounced the violence and pointed a finger of blame at Trump. Those partisan divisions appear to be hardening ahead of Trump’s trial, a sign of his continuing grip on the GOP. On Sunday, Wicker described Trump's impeachment trial as a “meaningless messaging partisan exercise." Democratic Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont will preside over the trial as Senate president pro tempore. Forty-four Republican senators sided with Paul and voted to oppose holding an impeachment trial at all.
Democrat floats Trump censure as conviction grows unlikely
Read full article: Democrat floats Trump censure as conviction grows unlikelyHouse Democrats are busy preparing their formal case against the former president for inciting an insurrection, with arguments starting the week of Feb. 8. A week later, on Jan. 13, the Democratic-led House impeached Trump with the backing of 10 Republicans. She said that five is probably “a high mark on what you’re going to see for Republican support” for convicting Trump at trial. Some said the censure resolution was too late because Democrats had rejected GOP suggestions of censure before the House voted to impeach. “I guess if we can censure former presidents, then when Republicans get in charge, we can censure Barack Obama or Democrats can censure George Bush."
Ted Cruz, John Cornyn vote in favor of failed attempt to dismiss Trump impeachment case
Read full article: Ted Cruz, John Cornyn vote in favor of failed attempt to dismiss Trump impeachment caseJohn Cornyn and Ted Cruz joined with most of their Republican colleagues on Tuesday to support a measure that would have declared the second impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump as unconstitutional. The point of order, raised by U.S. Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, had the backing of most other Republican senators. Supporters of Trump overtook the Capitol — including the U.S. Senate chamber — and killed one Capitol Police officer. The House impeachment managers — de facto prosecutors — will have to convince at least 17 Republican senators to join the expected unanimous Democratic vote in convicting Trump. Sign up for The Brief, our daily newsletter that keeps readers up to speed on the most essential Texas news.
GOP largely sides against holding Trump impeachment trial
Read full article: GOP largely sides against holding Trump impeachment trialIn this image from video, Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., the president pro tempore of the Senate, who is presiding over the impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump, swears in members of the Senate for the impeachment trial at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021. Late Tuesday, the presiding officer at the trial, Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., was taken to the hospital for observation after not feeling well at his office, spokesman David Carle said in a statement. The vote means the trial on Trump's impeachment will begin as scheduled the week of Feb. 8. “You’re asking me to vote in a trial that by itself on its own is not constitutionally allowed?” he asked. Instead, Leahy, who serves in the largely ceremonial role of Senate president pro tempore, was sworn in on Tuesday.
Federal judge in Iowa ridicules Trump's pardons
Read full article: Federal judge in Iowa ridicules Trump's pardonsPratt, who has warned that systemic political corruption is a threat to U.S. democracy, is ridiculing President Trump's pardons, including those issued to convicted Republican campaign operatives and members of Congress. "It's not surprising that a criminal like Trump pardons other criminals," Judge Pratt of the Southern District of Iowa said Monday, Dec. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall File)IOWA CITY, Iowa – A federal judge in Iowa who has warned against political corruption is ridiculing President Donald Trump’s pardons, including those issued to convicted Republican campaign operatives and former members of Congress. “It’s not surprising that a criminal like Trump pardons other criminals,” senior U.S. District Judge Robert Pratt of the Southern District of Iowa told The Associated Press in a brief phone interview Monday. Trump also pardons turkeys — this year two from Iowa — annually before Thanksgiving.
New round of Trump clemency benefits Manafort, other allies
Read full article: New round of Trump clemency benefits Manafort, other alliesFILE - In this Thursday, June 27, 2019 file photo, Paul Manafort arrives in court in New York. President Trump's former campaign manager is to be arraigned on state mortgage fraud charges. Manafort, who led Trump's campaign during a pivotal period in 2016 before being ousted over his ties to Ukraine, was among the first people charged as part of Mueller’s investigation into ties between the Trump campaign and Russia. Though the charges against Manafort did not concern the central thrust of Mueller's mandate — whether the Trump campaign and Russia colluded to tip the election — he was nonetheless a pivotal figure in the investigation. Trump and the elder Kushner knew each other from real estate circles and their children were married in 2009.
A look at the 29 people Trump pardoned or gave commutations
Read full article: A look at the 29 people Trump pardoned or gave commutationsTrump commuted his sentence in July just days before he was scheduled to report to federal prison. The president commuted her sentence; the White House said the commutation was supported by several former U.S. attorneys general. A White House news release praised the men as “model prisoners,” who had earned support and praise from other inmates. She was in the White House when Trump signed the overhaul measure, known as the First Step Act, into law. Black was a co-defendant in the case and was also convicted; Trump previously pardoned him.
$900B COVID relief bill passed by Congress, sent to Trump
Read full article: $900B COVID relief bill passed by Congress, sent to Trump(AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)WASHINGTON – Congress passed a $900 billion pandemic relief package that would finally deliver long-sought cash to businesses and individuals and resources to vaccinate a nation confronting a frightening surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths. The bill approved Monday night went to President Donald Trump for his signature, which was expected in the coming days. The relief package, unveiled Monday afternoon, sped through the House and Senate in a matter of hours. The bill combines coronavirus-fighting funds with financial relief for individuals and businesses. Democrats and Senate Republicans prevailed in a bid to use bookkeeping maneuvers to squeeze $12.5 billion more for domestic programs into the legislation.
Sen. Rand Paul delays defense bill vote over troop drawdowns
Read full article: Sen. Rand Paul delays defense bill vote over troop drawdownsPaul said on the Senate floor that he opposes provisions in the defense bill that would limit President Donald Trump's ability to draw down U.S. troops from Afghanistan and Germany. Paul said he would drop his objection if GOP leaders allowed a final vote on the National Defense Authorization Act on Monday. 2 Senate Republican, said he thought Paul — who has provoked government shutdowns before — was using the time-crunch for maximum leverage to remove the provision on troop withdrawals. A procedural vote on the defense bill was expected Friday, setting the stage for final votes on the defense bill and the stopgap spending measure later in the day. If he does veto the defense bill, Congress could cut short its Christmas recess to hold override votes, senior House members said.
Sen. Rand Paul delays defense bill vote over troop drawdowns
Read full article: Sen. Rand Paul delays defense bill vote over troop drawdownsSenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, speaks during a news conference following a weekly meeting with the Senate Republican caucus, Tuesday, Dec. 8. Paul said he would drop his objection if GOP leaders allowed a final vote on the National Defense Authorization Act on Monday. 2 Senate Republican, said he thought Paul — who has provoked government shutdowns before — was using the time-crunch for maximum leverage to remove the provision on troop withdrawals. A procedural vote on the defense bill was expected Friday, setting the stage for final votes on the defense bill and the stopgap spending measure later in the day. If he does veto the defense bill, Congress could cut short its Christmas recess to hold override votes, senior House members said.
Senate falls short of halting Trump's $23B arms sales to UAE
Read full article: Senate falls short of halting Trump's $23B arms sales to UAEBut on Wednesday the effort to turn back the arms sales failed to reach the 51-vote majority needed for passage. The Senate will take up the broader defense bill soon. Israeli officials have previously expressed some concern about an F-35 sale. Even after Wednesday's setback, Congress is poised to approve the sweeping annual defense bill despite Trump's objections. Trump has warned he would veto the bill over a provision to study stripping the names of Confederate leaders from U.S. military bases.
Trump's return means more anxiety for White House reporters
Read full article: Trump's return means more anxiety for White House reportersA member of the cleaning staff sprays The James Brady Briefing Room of the White House, Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, in Washington. CNN's Kaitlan Collins said it was “irresponsible, at best.”“It’s frustrating,” said Jonathan Karl, ABC News White House correspondent. “The only people who have habitually not followed that rule have been that White House staff,” Karl said. For example, the White House arranged to increase the buffer zone between the audience at Trump rallies and journalists. But at the White House, Ryan said she is concerned for fellow reporters.
GOP senator with virus says he'll make Supreme Court vote
Read full article: GOP senator with virus says he'll make Supreme Court voteHours after President Donald Trump announced he had tested positive for the coronavirus, Republican Utah Sen. Mike Lee revealed he too had been infected with the disease. Trump disclosed that he and first lady Melania Trump had tested positive overnight; Lee tweeted his own diagnosis mid-morning Friday. It's unclear when and how the Utah Republican caught the virus, but Lee said he had tested negative ahead of the Saturday visit to the White House. Lee previously self-quarantined for two weeks in late March and April, after his colleague Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky tested positive for the coronavirus. Lee rode back to Utah then with fellow Utah Sen. Mitt Romney on a plane chartered by the former presidential candidate.
Former congressman Ron Paul hospitalized, says he's OK
Read full article: Former congressman Ron Paul hospitalized, says he's OKAUSTIN, Texas – Former GOP presidential candidate Ron Paul posted a picture of himself in a hospital Friday but said he was OK after video circulated online of him struggling to speak during an interview. The 85-year-old former Texas congressman, who ran for president three times, posted a picture on Facebook showing him smiling in a hospital gown and giving a thumbs-up. The post came after a video took off on social media showing Paul having trouble speaking during an appearance on his livestreamed show “Ron Paul Liberty Report.” The video cuts away to the interviewer as Paul struggles. Paul is the father of Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., whose office did not immediately return a message Friday. He faced an electorate frustrated by a weak economy and two wars, and saw his once outsider views become more mainstream.
AP Exclusive: Pence to attend event hosted by QAnon backers
Read full article: AP Exclusive: Pence to attend event hosted by QAnon backersFILE - In this Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2020, file photo, Vice President Mike Pence speaks at a campaign event on the grounds of Kuharchik Construction, Inc., in Exeter, Pa. Labor Day kicks off the unofficial start to fall election campaign. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)
AP Exclusive: Pence to attend event hosted by QAnon backers
Read full article: AP Exclusive: Pence to attend event hosted by QAnon backersThe hosts of the fundraiser, Caryn and Michael Borland, have shared QAnon memes and retweeted posts from QAnon accounts, their social media activity shows. The baseless conspiracy theory posits that Trump is fighting entrenched enemies in the government and also involves satanism and child sex trafficking. While many Republicans have dismissed QAnon, the fundraiser is another sign of how the conspiracy theory is gaining a foothold in the party. Representatives for the Trump campaign didn't immediately comment on the fundraiser. They posed for photos from the White House South Lawn, including one that shows Michael Alfaro, a Trump fundraiser from Illinois, in the foreground.
Trump spins baseless tale of thugs flying to protests
Read full article: Trump spins baseless tale of thugs flying to protestsThousands of social media users shared posts suggesting a covert network was coordinating the protests and rioters were descending on communities across the country. Trump is picking up on unproven conspiracy theories that began spreading earlier this year during protests for racial justice. A social media message sent to Wade on Tuesday was not immediately returned. Other social media posts claimed that throngs of antifa, a term for leftist militants, were plotting to violently disrupt cities and towns. In Facebook and Twitter posts earlier this summer, Trump also blamed antifa for violence that broke out during racial justice protests.
Protesters try to drown out Trump speech, yell at Sen. Paul
Read full article: Protesters try to drown out Trump speech, yell at Sen. PaulI hope you hear us, Trump, the leader of the popular local band TOB shouted Thursday night near the site of Trump's speech. One protester held up a sign, Nightmare on Pennsylvania Avenue the street where the White House is located. Paul later tweeted that he had been attacked by a crazed mob a block from the White House. Lafayette Park, a traditional site of demonstrations across from the White House, was sealed off and there were some street closures. A longtime D.C. signature sound, Go-Go music emerged last year as a battle anthem for activists fighting fast-moving gentrification in the nations capital.
Sen. Paul complains about 'angry mob' encounter after RNC
Read full article: Sen. Paul complains about 'angry mob' encounter after RNCPaul alleged, without offering any evidence, that the demonstrators were paid to create trouble on the streets of the nations capital. I think were going to find out that these people are hired and from out of town, specifically in our case, Paul claimed. Paul said that was ironic because he proposed legislation that would end no-knock raids. Videos showed other attendees of Trump's RNC speech being confronted by protesters after leaving the event. The FBI needs to investigate.___This story has been corrected to show Pauls tweet thanked police for saving our lives, not saving his life.