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Turning Point, moving forward without Charlie Kirk, makes first return to Utah since his killing
Read full article: Turning Point, moving forward without Charlie Kirk, makes first return to Utah since his killingTurning Point USA’s college tour went to Utah for the first time since its founder was assassinated on a college campus in the state earlier this month.
Lawyer for suspect in Charlie Kirk killing wants more time to review 'voluminous' evidence
Read full article: Lawyer for suspect in Charlie Kirk killing wants more time to review 'voluminous' evidenceAn attorney for the 22-year-old man charged with killing Charlie Kirk has asked a judge for more time to review the large amount of evidence before deciding if the defense will seek a preliminary hearing.
House turns back effort to censure Rep. Ilhan Omar over remarks about Charlie Kirk
Read full article: House turns back effort to censure Rep. Ilhan Omar over remarks about Charlie KirkThe House declined late Wednesday to punish one of its own over commentary in the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s assassination.
Trump executive order aims to rename the Department of Defense as the Department of War
Read full article: Trump executive order aims to rename the Department of Defense as the Department of WarPresident Donald Trump has signed an executive order to rebrand the Department of Defense as the Department of War.
Senate passes Trump’s big tax and spending cuts bill as Vance breaks a 50-50 tie
Read full article: Senate passes Trump’s big tax and spending cuts bill as Vance breaks a 50-50 tieSenate Majority Leader John Thune says Republicans “got the job done” in passing President Donald Trump’s big bill of tax breaks and spending cuts.
Senate's long day turns to night as GOP works to shore up support on Trump’s big bill
Read full article: Senate's long day turns to night as GOP works to shore up support on Trump’s big billThe Senate’s long day of voting has churned into a long night as Republican leaders grasp for ways to shore up support for President Donald Trump’s big bill of tax breaks and spending cuts.
Debate is underway in the Senate on Trump's big bill, but overnight voting is delayed
Read full article: Debate is underway in the Senate on Trump's big bill, but overnight voting is delayedDebate has been underway late into the night in the Senate on President Donald Trump’s big tax breaks and spending cuts package.
GOP plan to sell more than 3,200 square miles of federal lands is found to violate Senate rules
Read full article: GOP plan to sell more than 3,200 square miles of federal lands is found to violate Senate rulesA plan to sell more than 3,200 square miles of federal lands has been ruled out of Republicans’ big tax and spending cut bill after the Senate parliamentarian determined the proposal by Senate Energy Chairman Mike Lee would violate the chamber’s rules.
Governors of Western states give mixed reactions to proposed federal land sell-off
Read full article: Governors of Western states give mixed reactions to proposed federal land sell-offA Republican-sponsored proposal before Congress to mandate the sale of federal public lands is getting a mixed reception from the governors of Western states.
Threats to lawmakers are on the rise, security officials tell senators after Minnesota shootings
Read full article: Threats to lawmakers are on the rise, security officials tell senators after Minnesota shootingsThreats to members of Congress are on the rise, security officials told senators at an emergency briefing in the wake of the killing of a Minnesota state lawmaker in her home over the weekend.
Utah Republican proposes sale of more than 2 million acres of US lands
Read full article: Utah Republican proposes sale of more than 2 million acres of US landsMore than 2 million acres of federal lands would be sold to states or other entities under a budget proposal from Utah Republican Sen. Mike Lee.
Republicans urge Donald Trump and Elon Musk to end their feud
Read full article: Republicans urge Donald Trump and Elon Musk to end their feudPresident Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk are showing no signs of reconciling on Friday, but Republicans are increasingly urging them to settle their dispute.
Trump nominee for public lands post withdraws after her criticism of Jan. 6 attack surfaces
Read full article: Trump nominee for public lands post withdraws after her criticism of Jan. 6 attack surfacesPresident Donald Trump’s nominee to oversee an agency that manages a quarter-billion acres of public land has withdrawn her nomination.
Trump's early backing of Ramaswamy for Ohio governor seen by some as meant to avoid a nasty primary
Read full article: Trump's early backing of Ramaswamy for Ohio governor seen by some as meant to avoid a nasty primaryThe timing of President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Republican Vivek Ramaswamy for Ohio governor has stunned and intrigued Ohio political observers.
With public broadcasters pressured by the Trump administration, PBS shuts down its diversity office
Read full article: With public broadcasters pressured by the Trump administration, PBS shuts down its diversity officeDuring a time of pressure on public broadcasters, PBS says that it is shutting down its office of diversity, equity and inclusion and firing the two executives who staffed it.
Senate confirms fossil fuel CEO Chris Wright as energy secretary. He vows to 'unleash' US resources
Read full article: Senate confirms fossil fuel CEO Chris Wright as energy secretary. He vows to 'unleash' US resourcesThe Senate has confirmed fossil fuel executive Chris Wright to serve as energy secretary, a key post to promote President Donald Trump’s efforts to achieve U.S. “energy dominance” in the global market.
Key takeaways from Trump's energy secretary pick's confirmation hearing
Read full article: Key takeaways from Trump's energy secretary pick's confirmation hearingChris Wright, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for energy secretary, told senators during his confirmation hearing Wednesday that he would promote all sources of American energy, while also acknowledging the burning of fossil fuels causes climate change.
Utah GOP picks Trump-backed mayor as nominee to replace Sen. Mitt Romney, but primary foes await
Read full article: Utah GOP picks Trump-backed mayor as nominee to replace Sen. Mitt Romney, but primary foes awaitThe Utah Republican Party has selected Trent Staggs as its nominee to replace Mitt Romney in the U.S. Senate, hours after the local official received former President Donald Trump’s endorsement.
As some call for his ouster, McConnell pushes back on GOP critics: 'They've had their shot'
Read full article: As some call for his ouster, McConnell pushes back on GOP critics: 'They've had their shot'After months of negotiations and delays, the Senate has voted to move forward on legislation that would provide wartime aid to Ukraine and Israel.
Race to replace Sen. Mitt Romney heats up as Republican Utah House speaker formally enters race
Read full article: Race to replace Sen. Mitt Romney heats up as Republican Utah House speaker formally enters raceRepublican Utah House Speaker Brad Wilson has formally announced that he's running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Mitt Romney.
Senators clash with US prisons chief over transparency, seek fixes for problem-plagued agency
Read full article: Senators clash with US prisons chief over transparency, seek fixes for problem-plagued agencyThe director of the federal Bureau of Prisons was scolded Wednesday by members of the Senate Judiciary Committee who say her lack of transparency is hampering their ability to help fix the agency, which has long been plagued by staffing shortages, chronic violence and other problems.
GOP presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy lists Senators Cruz, Lee as possible Supreme Court picks
Read full article: GOP presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy lists Senators Cruz, Lee as possible Supreme Court picksA biotech entrepreneur and Republican presidential hopeful says he'd consider Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas and Mike Lee of Utah among several possible conservative candidates should he get to nominate someone to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Biden warns of GOP plans for Medicare, Social Security cuts
Read full article: Biden warns of GOP plans for Medicare, Social Security cutsWhen President Joe Biden suggested that Republicans want to slash Medicare and Social Security it brought howls of protests from the GOP side of the aisle during the State of the Union address.
Senate passes $1.7 trillion bill to fund gov't, aid Ukraine
Read full article: Senate passes $1.7 trillion bill to fund gov't, aid UkraineThe Senate has passed a $1.7 trillion bill to finance federal agencies through September, aid Ukraine and provide assistance to communities recovering from hurricanes, floods and other natural disasters.
McMullin loss in Utah raises independent candidacy questions
Read full article: McMullin loss in Utah raises independent candidacy questionsSince Utah Republican Mike Lee won his race comfortably against independent Evan McMullin, a debate has emerged over the Democrats’ strategy to back an independent rather than run their own candidate.
Democrats, tech leaders fund PAC to boost McMullin in Utah
Read full article: Democrats, tech leaders fund PAC to boost McMullin in UtahTech leaders and Democratic Party-aligned groups are among those funneling millions into Utah to support independent Evan McMullin’s bid to unseat Republican Sen. Mike Lee.
Democrats cautiously campaign on Jan. 6, democracy threats
Read full article: Democrats cautiously campaign on Jan. 6, democracy threatsDemocrats running for office this year in Republican-leaning areas or swing states are grappling with how much they should talk about the Jan. 6 insurrection, if at all.
Biden signs international climate deal on refrigerants
Read full article: Biden signs international climate deal on refrigerantsPresident Joe Biden has signed an international agreement that compels the United States and other countries to limit use of hydrofluorocarbons, highly potent greenhouse gases commonly used in refrigeration and air conditioning that are far more powerful than carbon dioxide.
House approves antitrust bill targeting Big Tech dominance
Read full article: House approves antitrust bill targeting Big Tech dominanceThe House has approved antitrust legislation targeting the dominance of Big Tech companies by giving states greater power in competition cases and increasing money for federal regulators.
Panel: Trump staffers pushed unproven COVID treatment at FDA
Read full article: Panel: Trump staffers pushed unproven COVID treatment at FDAA special House panel looking into the government's coronavirus response says the Trump White House tried to pressure U.S. health experts into reauthorizing the drug hydroxychloroquine that had been discredited as a COVID-19 treatment.
Manfred to senators: antitrust exemption stops city switches
Read full article: Manfred to senators: antitrust exemption stops city switchesMajor League Baseball told a Senate committee planning a hearing on the sport’s antitrust exemption that it prevents teams from moving without approval and allows the sport to maintain the minor leagues at a wide level.
Senators ask MLB why antitrust exemption needed in minors
Read full article: Senators ask MLB why antitrust exemption needed in minorsLeaders of the Senate Judiciary Committee have asked baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred to explain the impact of potential legislation stripping the sport’s antitrust exemption from covering the sport’s relationship with minor league players.
Minors rep asks Congress to restrict MLB antitrust exemption
Read full article: Minors rep asks Congress to restrict MLB antitrust exemptionThe executive director of the nonprofit Advocates for Minor Leaguers has recommended Congress enact legislation nullifying Major League Baseball’s antitrust exemption as it applies to minor league players.
Senators ask minor leaguers for information on MLB antitrust
Read full article: Senators ask minor leaguers for information on MLB antitrustThe chairman and ranking minority member of the Senate Judiciary Committee sent a letter to an advocacy group for minor leaguers asking questions about baseball’s antitrust exemption.
What to watch in primaries in Colorado, Illinois, elsewhere
Read full article: What to watch in primaries in Colorado, Illinois, elsewhereSeven states are set to host primary elections Tuesday as the nation comes to terms with last week’s stunning Supreme Court ruling eliminating the constitutional right to an abortion.
What we know about Trump's actions as insurrection unfolded
Read full article: What we know about Trump's actions as insurrection unfoldedMembers of the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol insurrection are holding their first prime-time hearing to share what they have uncovered about then-President Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election.
Texas massacre casts shadow over hearing for ATF pick
Read full article: Texas massacre casts shadow over hearing for ATF pickLess than a day after a gunman massacred 19 children and two teachers at an elementary school in Texas, a Wednesday Senate hearing for President Joe Biden’s pick to head the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives reflected the deep political divisions over guns.
Utah Democrats back independent as US Senate candidate
Read full article: Utah Democrats back independent as US Senate candidateUtah Democrats pulling hard to defeat Republican Sen. Mike Lee took the unusual step Saturday of spurning a party hopeful to instead get behind an independent, former presidential candidate Evan McMullin.
Texts show Utah Sen. Lee's early work to overturn election
Read full article: Texts show Utah Sen. Lee's early work to overturn electionUtah Sen. Mike Lee worked on early efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election, helping push legally dubious schemes to keep then-President Donald Trump in power, before he shifted course and quickly backed away.
Utah senator blocks internment camp designation, draws ire
Read full article: Utah senator blocks internment camp designation, draws ireUtah Sen. Mike Lee is facing backlash from Japanese Americans and conservation groups after blocking a proposal to create a national historic site at a former internment camp in rural Colorado.
Manchin wary of changing Senate rules to advance voting bill
Read full article: Manchin wary of changing Senate rules to advance voting billSenator Joe Manchin of West Virginia is sounding a skeptical note about the prospects of easing the Senate’s filibuster rules to advance stalled voting legislation.
Senate passes stopgap funding bill, avoiding shutdown
Read full article: Senate passes stopgap funding bill, avoiding shutdownThe Senate has passed a stopgap spending bill that avoids a short-term shutdown and funds the federal government through Feb. 18 after leaders defused a partisan standoff over federal vaccine mandates.
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Afghanistan war unpopular amid chaotic pullout: AP-NORC poll
Read full article: Afghanistan war unpopular amid chaotic pullout: AP-NORC pollA significant majority of Americans doubt that the war in Afghanistan was worthwhile, even as they are more divided over President Joe Biden’s handling of foreign policy and national security.
VIDEO: Body camera footage released in fatal officer-involved shooting in Cypress
Read full article: VIDEO: Body camera footage released in fatal officer-involved shooting in CypressThe Harris County Sheriff’s Office released video Tuesday of an officer-involved shooting that happened in March in the Cypress area.
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#BoringButRadical: Ted Cruz responds to #SleepyTed kerfluffle and these are all the memes you may have missed so far in the internet melee over Biden’s speech
Read full article: #BoringButRadical: Ted Cruz responds to #SleepyTed kerfluffle and these are all the memes you may have missed so far in the internet melee over Biden’s speechPerhaps the biggest thing to come out of last night’s address to Congress from President Joe Biden was those in the audience, and, in particular, Ted Cruz.
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HCSO: 43 arrested in crackdown on illegal street racing
Read full article: HCSO: 43 arrested in crackdown on illegal street racingThese 8 are among the 43 arrested overnight in crackdown on illegal street racing, according to HCSO. HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – The Harris County Sheriff’s Office announced Friday that it arrested 43 people for offenses related to illegal street racing. ➡️Report street racing activities:- #713-221-6000- TrafficCrimesTips@sheriff.hctx.net pic.twitter.com/4zuhyVMAO5 — Chief Mike Lee (@HCSO_LECommand) March 19, 2021The crackdown came as race enthusiasts converge in Baytown this week for TX2K21 Roll & Drag Race Nationals. County officials and authorities in Harris County have seen an increase in street racing and last year created a traffic crimes unit to combat complaints over reckless driving. HCSO: 43 arrested overnight in crackdown on illegal street racing (HCSO)“Just last month, our sheriff’s office deputies investigated a dangerous street incident that resulted in a crash that killed two young brothers, ages 14 and 16,” said Sheriff Ed Gonzalez during a news briefing earlier this week “...The problem of illegal street racing and street takeovers has gotten so bad that last year our sheriff’s office created a special traffic crimes unit that is tasked with shutting down these drivers.”AdHarris County residents who witness illegal street racing in the area are urged to report it at 713-221-6000 or TrafficCrimesTips@sheriff.hctx.net.
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Battling bigness: Congress eyes action against monopolies
Read full article: Battling bigness: Congress eyes action against monopoliesKlobuchar, who heads the Senate Judiciary subcommittee on competition policy, has launched a broad examination by the panel of monopoly concerns. The current drift toward bigness began with a merger boom in the 1980s in corporate America that fattened profits for the dominant companies. But hold on, some are saying, let’s not punish bigness for its own sake; better to look at each case individually. They say big companies can bring efficiencies of scale, reduce prices and create jobs. He said as a candidate that breaking up Big Tech companies was something that should be considered.
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Child tax credit expansion sets up showdown with GOP
Read full article: Child tax credit expansion sets up showdown with GOP(Senate Television via AP)WASHINGTON – The massive coronavirus relief plan making its way to President Joe Biden’s desk includes a plan to temporarily raise the child tax credit that could end up permanently changing the way the country deals with child poverty. The American Rescue Plan, expected to receive final approval this week, temporarily raises the child tax credit, now at a maximum of $2,000, to as much as $3,600 per child annually. Indeed, Biden himself told House Democrats during a private call last week that he supports legislation that would permanently increase the child tax credit to $3,000 per child. That's the case made by some Republican lawmakers in offering an alternative to the Biden proposal. Because the benefit currently expires after a year, the Biden plan essentially creates a potential fiscal cliff for child poverty.
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Child tax credit expansion sets up showdown with GOP
Read full article: Child tax credit expansion sets up showdown with GOP(Senate Television via AP)WASHINGTON – The massive coronavirus relief plan making its way to President Joe Biden’s desk includes a plan to temporarily raise the child tax credit that could end up permanently changing the way the country deals with child poverty. The American Rescue Plan, expected to receive final approval this week, temporarily raises the child tax credit, now at a maximum of $2,000, to as much as $3,600 per child annually. Indeed, Biden himself told House Democrats during a private call last week that he supports legislation that would permanently increase the child tax credit to $3,000 per child. That's the case made by some Republican lawmakers in offering an alternative to the Biden proposal. Because the benefit currently expires after a year, the Biden plan essentially creates a potential fiscal cliff for child poverty.
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States easing virus restrictions despite experts' warnings
Read full article: States easing virus restrictions despite experts' warningsEmployees with the McKesson Corporation scan a box of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine while filling an order at their shipping facility in Shepherdsville, Ky., Monday, March 1, 2021. AdThe push to reopen comes as COVID-19 vaccine shipments to the states are ramping up. Johnson & Johnson shipped out nearly 4 million doses of its newly authorized, one-shot COVID-19 vaccine Sunday night to be delivered to states for use starting on Tuesday. The company will deliver about 16 million more doses by the end of March and a total of 100 million by the end of June. White House vaccination coordinator Jeff Zients also acknowledged that scheduling of vaccination appointments “ remains too difficult in too many places."
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Support grows for Capitol riot inquiry after Trump acquittal
Read full article: Support grows for Capitol riot inquiry after Trump acquittalSen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., walks on Capitol Hill after the Senate acquitted former President Donald Trump in his second impeachment trial in the Senate at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Saturday, Feb. 13, 2021. Trump was accused of inciting the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, and the acquittal gives him a historic second victory in the court of impeachment. Investigations into the riot were already planned, with Senate hearings scheduled later this month in the Senate Rules Committee. We needed more senators with spines.”AdMcConnell told Republican senators shortly before the vote that he would vote to acquit Trump. Beutler's statement late Friday that Trump rebuffed a plea from House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy to call off the rioters was ultimately entered into the trial record.
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‘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.
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The Latest: House managers wrap up 1st full day of arguments
Read full article: The Latest: House managers wrap up 1st full day of arguments(Senate Television via AP)WASHINGTON – The Latest on former President Donald Trump's second Senate impeachment trial (all times local):8:20 p.m.House Democrats have wrapped up their first full day of arguments at the historic second impeachment trial of Donald Trump. The impeachment trial is set to resume at noon Thursday. Lisa Murkowski and Mitt Romney say they are deeply disturbed by the evidence shown by Democrats against former President Donald Trump at his second impeachment trial. Prosecutors at Trump’s impeachment trial on Wednesday played security footage from inside the Capitol on Jan. 6. ___2:20 p.m.Democrats are arguing that former President Donald Trump “built” the mob that attacked the Capitol.
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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.
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Romney heckled in airport in another show of GOP divisions
Read full article: Romney heckled in airport in another show of GOP divisionsSALT LAKE CITY – Supporters of President Donald Trump heckled Republican U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah in an airport, illustrating divisions in the Republican Party between Trump loyalists and those ready to accept the results of the presidential election. Romney has been considered Trump’s sharpest GOP critic and is among a group of senators who called for an end to an effort to overturn President-elect Joe Biden’s win. Video of the airport confrontation posted online Tuesday night came as Trump backers around the U.S. traveled to Washington, D.C., for demonstrations as Congress meets to accept the Electoral College vote. It's being contested by some GOP lawmakers, but the effort is all but certain to fail. His counterpart, Sen. Mike Lee, is a staunch Trump supporter but called for civility after the video made the rounds.
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Trump says he’ll ‘fight like hell’ to hold on to presidency
Read full article: Trump says he’ll ‘fight like hell’ to hold on to presidencyEleven Republican senators saying they will not be voting Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, to confirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory include Wyoming's newly sworn in Sen. Cynthia Lummis, a Cheyenne-area rancher and former congresswoman. It is unclear just what the Republican senators will do, but the process could drag into the night as the two chambers will have to consider each objection individually. He is under growing pressure from Trump and others to tip the results in Trump’s favor. And more than a dozen Republican senators have said they will not support the effort. The commission remains his focus, he has said, not to undo the election results, even though that would be the practical effect of a successful objection.
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A look at pardons, clemency in waning weeks of Trump tenure
Read full article: A look at pardons, clemency in waning weeks of Trump tenureOn Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020, President Donald Trump pardoned 15 people, including Collins. Papadopoulos was the first Trump aide to plead guilty as part of Mueller’s investigation – pleading guilty to lying to the FBI – and served a nearly two-week sentence in federal prison. The White House said Stockman had contracted coronavirus while in federal prison and has served more than two years of his 10-year sentence. Esformes’ prison sentence was commuted by the president on Tuesday, but other aspects of his sentence, including supervised release and millions in restitution, remained intact. The White House said the commutation was supported by a number of former attorneys general and said Esformes is in declining health.
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A look at pardons, clemency in waning weeks of Trump tenure
Read full article: A look at pardons, clemency in waning weeks of Trump tenureOn Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020, President Donald Trump pardoned 15 people, including Collins. Papadopoulos was the first Trump aide to plead guilty as part of Mueller’s investigation – pleading guilty to lying to the FBI – and served a nearly two-week sentence in federal prison. The White House said Stockman had contracted coronavirus while in federal prison and has served more than two years of his 10-year sentence. Esformes’ prison sentence was commuted by the president on Tuesday, but other aspects of his sentence, including supervised release and millions in restitution, remained intact. The White House said the commutation was supported by a number of former attorneys general and said Esformes is in declining health.
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$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.
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Utah senator blocks national museums for Latinos, women
Read full article: Utah senator blocks national museums for Latinos, womenWASHINGTON – A lone senator from Utah has singlehandedly blocked the bipartisan approval of two new national museums to honor American Latinos and women, arguing that “last thing we need is to further divide an already divided nation.”Republican Sen. Mike Lee objected Thursday to the creation of the two proposed Smithsonian museums, stalling two projects that have been in the making for decades and enjoy broad bipartisan support. Senate approval would have sent the legislation approving the Latino museum to President Donald Trump for his signature. The Senate was attempting to pass the measures by voice vote, which requires every senator's consent. Lee said he sees an exception for museums dedicated to American Indians and African Americans that already sit on the National Mall. “We have been systematically excluded, not because this senator said so but because the Smithsonian itself said so,” Menendez said.
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Some in GOP break with Trump over baseless vote-fraud claims
Read full article: Some in GOP break with Trump over baseless vote-fraud claimsTrump did not back up his claims with any details or evidence, and state and federal officials have not reported any instances of widespread voter fraud. Counting votes is often “long” and “frustrating,” Romney said. Most in the GOP take pains to avoid directly criticizing Trump, even when they find his conduct unhelpful or offensive to their values and goals. But one of Trump’s top congressional supporters said he supports efforts to question the vote counting process and is donating money to shore up legal challenges. Chris Christie, a Trump ally who is an analyst for ABC News, said there was no basis for Trump's argument.
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Barrett swearing-in differs markedly from 'superspreader'
Read full article: Barrett swearing-in differs markedly from 'superspreader'Barrett was confirmed to be a Supreme Court justice by the Senate earlier in the evening. It's been only a month since President Donald Trump's Rose Garden event to announce he was nominating Amy Coney Barrett to serve on the Supreme Court. Mike Lee and Thom Tillis — tested positive after attending the earlier White House celebration. Indiana Sen. Todd Young told reporters that he had told the White House he would attend, but was reconsidering. She said people need to be careful about gatherings as illnesses have been rising, but stopped short of calling the White House event a mistake.
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Senate GOP pushes Barrett forward over Democratic boycott of vote
Read full article: Senate GOP pushes Barrett forward over Democratic boycott of voteNever has the Senate confirmed a Supreme Court nominee so close to a presidential election. As the Senate committee met, protesters, some shouting “Stop the confirmation!” demonstrated outside the Capitol across the street from the Supreme Court. Unable to stop the confirmation, Democrats have been trying unsuccessfully to stall the process so the winner of the White House race could name the new nominee. With Republicans holding a 53-47 majority in the Senate, Trump’s pick for the court is almost certain to be confirmed. Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, called Barrett a “clear and present danger” to the values Ginsburg fought for on the court.
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Barrett bats away tough Democratic confirmation probing
Read full article: Barrett bats away tough Democratic confirmation probingSupreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett listens during a confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Allowing Trump to fill the seat with Barrett “poses a threat to safe and legal abortion in our country," Harris said. And that table is the Supreme Court." Democrats warn that she would be a vote to undo the law and strip health coverage from millions of Americans. "I'm not hostile to the ACA,” Barrett told the senators.
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Barrett vows to interpret laws ‘as they are written’
Read full article: Barrett vows to interpret laws ‘as they are written’Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut was among several Democrats demanding that Barrett pledge not to take part in any election case. One after another, Democrats sought Monday to tie her nomination to the upcoming Obama-era health care case. “Health care coverage for millions of Americans is at stake with this nomination,” said Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, the committee’s senior Democrat. In one message, he tweeted that he’d have a “FAR BETTER” health care plan, with lower costs and protections for preexisting conditions. But he has not, as yet, discussed an actual health care plan.
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Graham, Harris share spotlight as Barrett hearings begin
Read full article: Graham, Harris share spotlight as Barrett hearings beginHearings before the Republican-led Senate Judiciary Committee will begin Monday, Oct. 12, for President Donald Trumps Supreme Court nominee Judge Amy Coney Barrett. SEN. KAMALA HARRIS, D-CALIF.Harris, Joe Biden's running mate in the presidential election, will again be in the spotlight as Democrats question a Trump nominee for the Supreme Court. Harris and other key Democrats said the hearings should not move forward without plans to test people attending, including senators, for coronavirus. In a sign of the heightened scrutiny, Vice President Mike Pence tried to get Harris to reveal whether she and Biden support expanding the Supreme Court, as many liberals advocate. In just three years on the 7th Circuit, Barrett has twice argued for approval of abortion restrictions that violated Supreme Court precedent, Hirono said.