Border Crisis Explodes
Before we continue. Where is the media?
When President Donald Trump had a similar issue at the border, every single network was coving the immigration crisis on a continuous loop, showing images of thousands of illegal immigrants crossing over and others detained. Now, those same cameras appear to have lost their battery charge.
President Joe Biden’s border crisis has forced Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s hand, forcing the governor to send state troopers and National Guardsmen to the southern border under his “Operation Lone Star.”
Biden’s new “border policies” have left the CBP overwhelmed with the number of illegal aliens crossing over.
Both Republicans and Democrats (moderates) are addressing Biden’s border crisis, including Reps. Henry Cuellar (D), Vicente Gonzalez, and Beth Van Duyne (R).
“We’re seeing thousands upon thousands of illegal immigrants pouring into this country basically at the invitation of the Biden administration,” said Rep. Van Duyne. “They’re being offered checks, they’re being offered health insurance, they’re being offered pretty much everything including housing, and then we’re surprised that, during his campaign, when Biden said he was gonna open the border, now we’re somehow surprised,” she added, calling it a “created crisis.” READ MORE
Rep. Cuellar will be visiting the border along with Sen. John Cornyn.
According to Sen. Cornyn’s Texas Press Secretary Libby Sharp, the two legislators will be “mostly” listening and during their tour.
“Mostly, they're there to listen. There's a lot of talk in DC about what's happening on the border, but Sen. Cornyn and Rep. Cuellar are no strangers to South Texas, and they've learned over the years that locals in STX who deal with these crises firsthand have great insight.
They'll visit a migrant facility for unaccompanied minors (UACs), receive a briefing from federal immigration officials, and then hear from local officials and community leaders what the influx has meant practically for the people of Laredo.”
Rep. Gonzalez is extremely concerned about the crisis and is asking for a meeting with President Biden. READ MORE
“Austin Continues Enforcing Mask Mandate Despite State Order” by Texas Politics’ Isabel Webb Carey – Following Gov. Greg Abbott’s decision to lift the statewide mask mandate and eliminate capacity limits on businesses announced earlier this month, Austin and Travis County officials have said that the city will continue to legally require masks. “If state officials don’t want to do their jobs in this pandemic, then we’ll do it ourselves,” tweeted Austin City Council Member Gregorio Casar. “In Austin, we’re committed to saving lives. Period.” Casar’s comments align with widespread disapproval of the Governor’s position from the leaders in Texas’ most populous cities. Extensive backlash has been levied by Democrats, but some Republican leaders including Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price have also spoken out, calling the order “premature.” Leaders in other metropolitan areas have also announced that they will still mandate masks inside city-owned buildings. However, Abbott’s order demands that “no jurisdiction” can impose jail time or other penalties for not wearing masks. It remains unclear how local officials will enforce the rule. It is likely that any measures would be limited, and may still provoke tension between the state and its capital city. The offices of Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton have indicated that they are likely to block attempts to enforce a mask requirement. “We’re looking at every avenue available to stop them,” tweeted the Texas Attorney General. Casar responded to the potential legal conflict in a statement. “This action is both legal and the right thing to do,” he said. “If state officials choose to sue, they’ll be going out of their way to harm the health of Texans.” Local leaders have since argued that public health authorities should be able to enact orders, including Class C misdemeanor fines of up to $2,000.
“Backlash Against Fine Art High School Credit Requirement” by Texas Politics’ Isabel Webb Carey – A proposed bill entailing the removal of the high school fine arts credit for graduation underwent a public hearing in front of the House Committee on Public Education on Tuesday. Authored by Rep. Keith Bell (R), the legislation proposes that high school students could choose between a fine arts class or a career in technical education class (CTE) for their electives credit. “My intent here is not to disparage the fine arts at all,” Bell stated. “It’s about giving kids choices.” Prior to the hearing, waves of backlash had rolled through social media concerning the potential cuts to arts funding. Critics cited mental health issues exacerbated by the pandemic and described the proposal as “dangerous.” The Texas Arts Education Campaign and Texas Cultural Trust launched vehement attacks on the bill, calling on constituents to reach out to their legislator. Testimonies in opposition to the bill were heard from educators and parents, as well as Lauren Anderson, the first African American principal dancer at Houston Ballet, who emphasized the disproportionate effects defunding arts education would have on minority communities. “Let’s not pretend that [arts] access is equitable for students in marginalized communities, because it is not,” she said. “Substituting or removing learning is unacceptable and a disservice to a child’s education.”
“Biden Remains Silent When Asked About Border Crisis, Aides Boot Reporters Away” by Texas Politics’ Javier Manjarres – President Biden ignores a question repeatedly shouted at him by a reporter about whether or not there is a border crisis as Biden’s handlers immediately interfered to prevent him from answering the question by stepping in to usher away the traveling press corps to leave the event. On Tuesday, Biden visited “W.S. Jenks & Son,” a hardware store in D.C. that benefited from receiving the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan. The forgivable loan program was spearheaded by Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) who developed the program under the CARES Act last year as businesses faced an immediate cash crunch because of the pandemic. The White House ahead of the visit sent background notes claiming the hardware store was able to obtain the PPP loan during the last two weeks due to the president’s changes in temporarily opening the small business loan application process. Biden administration announced changes last month to the PPP forgivable loans, overhauling the way small business loans are doled out by giving a two-week opening for businesses with fewer than 20 employees to apply. They also changed the eligibility rules to include self-employed, sole proprietors, and independent contractors to qualify for more money under the program. The president used the visit to knock former President Trump for not sending enough aid to small businesses.
“Trump Rips Biden’s Handling Of Border Crisis” by Texas Politics’s Mona Salama – Former President Donald Trump declared that the U.S. is being “destroyed” due to President Joe Biden’s handling of the growing immigration crisis at the southern border, saying it is a “terrible thing to see.” “When I was President, our Southern border was in great shape — stronger, safer, and more secure than ever before,” Trump said in a short statement released Tuesday. “Our country is being destroyed at the Southern border, a terrible thing to see.” Trump touted his border policies during his presidency that were “stronger, safer and more secure than ever before,” and pointed to how the U.S.-Mexico border under his watch was “in great shape.” “When I was President, our Southern border was in great shape — stronger, safer, and more secure than ever before,” Trump said. “We ended Catch-and-release, shut down asylum fraud, and crippled the vicious smugglers, drug dealers, and human traffickers.” The former president also argued if Democrats hadn’t impeded on his signature border wall project, it “would have easily been finished by now,” while proclaiming that it has worked “magnificently.” “The wall, despite horrendous Democrat delays, would have easily been finished by now and is working magnificently,” he stated. Trump’s statement comes as his predecessor faces down a massive wave of illegal migrants at the southern border, due to Biden making a priority to unravel many of the former president’s immigration policies. President Biden in his first month in office ended the construction of Trump’s signature U.S-Mexico southern border wall and immediately suspended the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) — known as the “Remain in Mexico” policy, leading to the surge of unaccompanied minors arriving at the border in recent weeks. This has Biden officials racing to look for new facilities across the nation to house the unaccompanied children as they scramble to deal with the growing migrant crisis.
“Bipartisan Legislation to Legalize Gambling” by Texas Politics’ Isabel Webb Carey – Two pieces of bipartisan legislation have been filed by Rep. John Kuempel (R) and Sen. Carol Alvarado (D) which seek to legalize casino gambling and sports betting in Texas. The lawmakers are proposing a constitutional amendment to establish the Texas Gaming Commission which would regulate gambling in the state. The move comes off the back of pressure from the gambling empire Las Vegas Sands, which has levied extensive lobbying efforts in support of its ambitious plans for gambling legalization in Texas. Founded by the late GOP megadonor Sheldon Adelson, the company has strong ties to the Republican Party of Texas and has predicted a gross annual gaming revenue of between $8-10 billion, along with up to 80,000 jobs. Las Vegas Sands has set its sights on Austin, Houston, San Antonio and Dallas-Fort Worth as potential gambling sites. Kuempel and Alvarado’s proposals would create special casino licenses for the four cities, as well as establish a Texas Gaming Commission and legalize sports betting. However, the bills are expected to face an uphill battle in the historically gambling-averse and conservative state. A two thirds approval from the legislature is necessary for the constitutional amendment to be put on the ballot for Texas voters in the November election. While the Republican Party of Texas is officially opposed to expanding gambling, prominent members including Gov. Greg Abbott and House Speaker Dade Phelan have indicated a willingness to consider the measure. Others, however, remain resolutely opposed and have cast doubt on the casino bills’ viability.
“Local Leaders Denounce ‘Mask off’ Party” by Texas Politics’ Isabel Webb Carey – Following Gov. Greg Abbott’s recent executive order to end the statewide mask mandate and limits on business capacity, local leaders denounced “mask off” parties planned for this week. Houston mayor Sylvester Turner and Rep. Ann Johnson (D) raised alarms about a potential spike in coronavirus cases after nightclubs invited patrons for a “mask off” bash. They shared images of an ad circulated through Instagram which has since been deleted. “This is a dangerous, irresponsible event that is literally a slap in the face of our health care workers that are risking their lives, those family members who have lost loved ones, and all of Houstonians, who honor the sanctity of life over getting an overpriced cocktail,” Johnson stated at a press conference held Sunday. “This is unquestionably a superspreader event that will literally kick off the fourth surge of COVID in our Houston area.” “Today, I stand with healthcare workers, Council Member Robinson, State Rep. Ann Johnson and others to denounce businesses planning “mask off” parties to celebrate the governor’s decision to end the mask mandate COVID19,” tweeted Turner. “Let’s work to keep our friends, family and neighbors alive.” After the venue cancelled the event, Turner publicly thanked the owners of the Houston bar for “putting the safety of their employees and guests as a top priority.” A spokesperson for Mayor Turner implied that Abbott’s order is under review with plans to investigate potential institutions of mask mandates on local scales.
“Trump Slams Biden’s Handling Of Border Crisis” by Floridian’s Mona Salama – Former President Donald Trump declared that the U.S. is being “destroyed” due to President Joe Biden’s handling of the growing crisis at the southern border, saying it is a “terrible thing to see.” “When I was President, our Southern border was in great shape — stronger, safer, and more secure than ever before,” Trump said in a short statement released Tuesday. “Our country is being destroyed at the Southern border, a terrible thing to see.” rump touted his border policies during his presidency that were “stronger, safer and more secure than ever before,” and pointed to how the U.S.-Mexico border under his watch was “in great shape.” “When I was President, our Southern border was in great shape — stronger, safer, and more secure than ever before,” Trump said. “We ended Catch-and-release, shut down asylum fraud, and crippled the vicious smugglers, drug dealers, and human traffickers.” The former president also argued if Democrats hadn’t impeded on his signature border wall project, it “would have easily been finished by now,” while proclaiming that it has worked “magnificently.” “The wall, despite horrendous Democrat delays, would have easily been finished by now and is working magnificently,” he stated. Trump’s statement comes as his predecessor faces down a massive wave of illegal migrants at the southern border, due to Biden making a priority to unravel many of the former president’s immigration policies.
“Biden Remains Silent When Asked About Border Crisis As Aides Usher Reporters Away” by The Floridian’s Mona Salama – President Biden ignores a question repeatedly shouted at him by a reporter about whether or not there is a border crisis as Biden’s handlers immediately interfered to prevent him from answering the question by stepping in to usher away the traveling press corps to leave the event. On Tuesday, Biden visited “W.S. Jenks & Son,” a hardware store in D.C. that benefited from receiving the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan. The forgivable loan program was spearheaded by Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) who developed the program under the CARES Act last year as businesses faced an immediate cash crunch because of the pandemic. The White House ahead of the visit sent background notes claiming the hardware store was able to obtain the PPP loan during the last two weeks due to the president’s changes in temporarily opening the small business loan application process. Biden administration announced changes last month to the PPP forgivable loans, overhauling the way small business loans are doled out by giving a two-week opening for businesses with fewer than 20 employees to apply. They also changed the eligibility rules to include self-employed, sole proprietors, and independent contractors to qualify for more money under the program. The president used the visit to knock former President Trump for not sending enough aid to small businesses.
“Psaki Refuses To ‘Put New Labels’ On ‘Challenging’ Crisis At The Border” by The Floridian’s Mona Salama – White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki on Tuesday declined to call the new surge of immigrants at the U.S-Mexico southern border a “crisis,” despite reports of the number of detained unaccompanied children has tripled in just the last two weeks alone, saying she is not looking to “put new labels” on the escalating situation. Speaking during her daily press briefing, Psaki was asked point-blank by a reporter, “At this point, is this a crisis at the border?” “Look, I don’t think we need to sit here and put new labels on what we have already conveyed is challenging, what we have conveyed as a top priority for the president, what our policy teams are working on every single day,” Psaki said in response, striking the same tone she has in days where she refused to used the term “crisis” and instead saying the situation amounts to a “challenge.” She then pivoted to a “couple of reasons” as factors causing people to come to the border in seeking asylum, pointing to “violence, economic hardships, and other things,” as well as a pair of hurricanes that happened last fall and the continuing effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Later in the briefing, another reporter pressed Psaki on why the Biden administration has “been so reluctant to call it a crisis,” to which the press secretary continued her daily dancing around the question and claiming that Americans only want to be informed on what President Biden is doing “to try to solve” the root causes of mass migration, and not how it will be tackling the crisis.
“Austin Energy estimates it earned $54 million during Texas freeze” by Austin American-Statesman’s Ryan Autullo – Austin Energy estimates it earned $54 million in net revenue from last month's Texas freeze, but the city-owned utility raised doubts about actually collecting that amount because other electricity providers in the state were decimated financially and might not be able to pay their bills. As power-generating plants across Texas were failing during the wave of subfreezing temperatures, Austin Energy was ordered by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas – the entity that oversees the grid – to shed a significant amount of energy demand as the state's power grid came close to a full shutdown. But at a time when residents in more than 220,000 Austin homes shivered in the dark, the power-generating plants operated by Austin Energy mostly held up and continued to pump energy into the state's electric grid. The confluence of these events allowed Austin Energy to consistently generate more energy than it used during the weather event – and during the period when ERCOT raised wholesale prices to the maximum level allowable of $9,000 per megawatt hour. The city's $54 million net revenue estimate was included in a voluntary notice filed Monday with the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board. The disclosure did provide for a considerable deviation from that estimate, however, suggesting the final revenue total could reach as high as $104 million but also drop all the way to negative $16 million depending on market developments.
“Texas lawmakers plan slate of bills in response to power outages, but experts skeptical there will be meaningful change” by Texas Tribune’s Mitchell Ferman and Patrick Svitek – Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan on Monday announced seven priority bills responding to the widespread power outages last month that left dozens of Texans dead and millions without power. The proposals include “weatherizing” the state’s energy infrastructure to protect it from extreme weather, creating a statewide alert system for impending extreme events and improving communication between state agencies to better coordinate during disasters. Lawmakers are also seeking to reform the governance structure of the state’s grid operator, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas. There is also legislation to ban variable-rate electricity pricing plans such as were offered by the company Griddy, which was recently effectively shut down in the state after customers were hit with bills in the thousands of dollars. Phelan’s office called the legislative proposals the “first phase” of the House’s proposed reforms in the wake of the winter storm. Not all the bills Phelan announced have been filed yet, so the details of two of the seven bills have not yet been made public. “We must take accountability, close critical gaps in our system, and prevent these breakdowns from ever happening again,” Phelan, a Republican, said in a statement. But Ed Hirs, energy economist at the University of Houston, called the proposals “window-dressing band-aids that don't actually solve the structural problems facing the Texas grid.”
“SpaceX SN11 Starship prototype moved to launch pad in Texas ahead of next test flight” by FoxBusiness’ James Leggate – SpaceX got closer than ever to a successful landing of one of its Starship prototypes last week, and the next test could be the one where the company finally nails it. The Elon Musk-backed rocket maker delivered its latest prototype, named the SN11, to its Boca Chica, Texas, launch site on Monday. Photos shared online showed the spacecraft standing at the site after a heavy duty crane nicknamed “Tankzilla” moved it into place. SpaceX hasn’t said exactly when the next flight test will take place, but it will likely take some time to prepare the spacecraft for the event. NASASpaceFlight.com, an industry news website, estimated the SN11 could be ready as soon as next week, based on turnaround times for the earlier prototypes. In the meantime, SpaceX is scheduled to launch 60 more Starlink satellites aboard one of its reusable Falcon 9 rockets from Cape Canaveral, Florida this week. The first launch window is scheduled for Tuesday night. While the Falcon 9 is designed to travel into orbit, the Starship is designed to land on non-Earth ground and return. NASA selected the Starship as one of three projects for its future Moon missions, and Musk has said the spacecraft could even be used for eventual human habitation on Mars. The Starship is 160 feet tall and 30 feet wide. It’s designed to carry more than 100 metric tons. When launching for missions beyond Earth's atmosphere, it will also stand on one of SpaceX's Super Heavy rockets.
“Abbott calls on Biden administration to ‘step up’ at the Texas-Mexico border” by Click 2 Houston’s Daniela Sternitzky- Di Napoli, Amanda Cochran, and Andy Cerota – Texas Gov. Greg Abbott held a news conference Tuesday and called on the Biden administration to help address the state’s border security efforts. “This crisis is the result of President Biden’s open-door policies,” Abbott said. “It invites illegal immigration. It is creating a humanitarian crisis in Texas right now.” Abbott said Border Patrol warned the Biden administration that an influx of migrants was coming and about the tremendous strain the surge is now putting on Border Patrol resources in South Texas. “It is clear, they are completely unprepared for what is going on the border, and they are going to be even more unprepared for what will be happing in the coming months,” Abbott said. Biden administration officials have said they don’t believe the situation at the southern border is a full-blown crisis, calling it a challenge instead -- one they said they are dedicated to managing. “I need the Biden administration to step up,” Abbott said. Abbott said he is not waiting to act and is launching Operation Lone Star. “This is an operation similar to what we’ve done in the past where we provide a surge of resources to the border,” Abbott said. Abbott said he toured the Texas-Mexico border area and saw issues firsthand. He said he saw about 21 people exiting a raft and walking up a dirt road during his aerial tour. The raft, he said, returned to the Mexico side of the border.
“GOP Texas lawmaker introduces bill to allow death penalty for women who have abortions” by The Hill’s Jordan Williams – A Republican lawmaker in Texas has introduced a bill that would allow the death penalty for women who have abortions. “Today, I filed HB 3326 to Abolish Abortion in Texas,” Texas State Rep. Bryan Slaton (R) said on Twitter. “The bill will end the discriminatory practice of terminating the life of innocent children, and will guarantee the equal protection of the laws to all Texans, no matter how small," he said. Under HB 3326, a person who has an abortion or performs an abortion could be charged with assault or homicide, which is punishable by death, the Texas Tribune reported. Slaton’s legislation also says that certain parties may have to testify in cases of death or “bodily injury to an unborn child,” and offers immunity to those that do. The legislation also directs the state’s attorney general to “direct a state agency to enforce those laws, regardless of any contrary federal statute, regulation, treaty, order, or court decision,” the newspaper reported. The bill would also ban abortions at fertilization, whereas most abortions in Texas are prohibited after 20 weeks.
“Texas Guard Deployed as Migrants, Some in Biden T-shirts, Flood Border States” by Newsweek’s Daniel Villarreal – After President Joe Biden signed executive orders ending several "zero-tolerance" anti-immigration policies instated by former Republican President Donald Trump, a surge of immigrants have begun arriving along the U.S. southern border. Some wearing t-shirts that read, "Biden Let Us In." In response, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has deployed the Texas Guard, a state military force, to crack down on any associated cartels and human smuggling. The brewing confrontation will test Biden just as he and the Democratic-led Congress prepare to introduce comprehensive immigration reform, a key campaign promise. Video footage shot Monday at the San Ysidro crossing port in Tijuana, Baja California state—just south of the California border—showed a group of migrants, some of them wearing the "Biden Let Us In" t-shirts. While it's unclear where the migrants got the shirts, similar shirts are available on several websites. The English-language apparel seemingly strives to send a message directly to Biden, Democrats and the English-speaking Americans—a protest message pressuring Biden to make good on his promise to create a more humane immigration system. But before Biden can deliver, his administration will have to address the growing unrest between immigrants and leaders of southern states. "Today I met with Border Patrol Officers," Abbott wrote in a Tuesday afternoon tweet. "Last year, they apprehended about 90,000 people crossing the border illegally in the RGV (Rio Grand Valley). This year that number already exceed 100,000."
“Texas Governor makes correcting power grid operator's billing 'emergency' item” by Reuters – Texas Governor Greg Abbott said on Tuesday he had made correcting "inaccurate excessive charges" billed during the winter freeze by power grid operator Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) an emergency matter for the state legislature. Abbott said he wants the legislature to take action in its upcoming session to reduce emergency power pricing put in place by ERCOT during the weather crisis in the state. "The emergency item includes any inaccurate excessive charges and any issues regarding ancillary service prices," the Texas governor's office said in a statement. Abbott's declaration comes a day after Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick called ERCOT to correct the $16 billion pricing error during the week of a winter storm that led to power outages across the state. Potomac Economics, the independent market monitor for Texas power regulator the Public Utility Commission, said last week that ERCOT made a $16 billion pricing error as it kept market prices charged to electricity providers too high for more than a day after widespread outages ended late on Feb. 17. The Public Utility Commission, which oversees ERCOT, on Friday unanimously vetoed a request to cut about $16 billion from state power charges during the final day of the February cold snap, saying even a partial repricing could have unintended effects.
“Texas no longer has a statewide mask mandate. But face coverings are still required in some businesses and public places” by Texas Tribune’s Marissa Martinez – Texas’ statewide mask mandate has ended as of March 10. Businesses are also now allowed to operate at full capacity as long as the hospitals in their region haven’t been treating a large share of patients for COVID-19. Gov. Greg Abbott announced he was loosening those restrictions so “businesses and families in Texas have the freedom to determine their own destiny.” Health officials still emphasize the importance of wearing face masks to contain spread of the virus, alongside handwashing and social distancing. Several Democratic leaders called the executive order “dangerous,” including President Joe Biden, who said it was a “big mistake” to end the mask mandate. In addition, three of Abbott’s four coronavirus medical advisers say they were not directly consulted before he lifted the mandate. Abbott said the state is in a “completely different position” than it was last year, with more access to testing, successful treatments, protective equipment and vaccines. However, Texas is still descending from a harsh winter surge that killed thousands and overwhelmed intensive care units across the state. Abbott’s decision to relax restrictions was announced as Texas averaged over 200 reported deaths a day and as Houston reported the presence of every COVID-19 variant, the Houston Chronicle reported.
National:
“Congress’ $1.9 trillion COVID relief bill brings sense of deja vu a year after pandemic took off” by Fox News’ Chad Pergram – It was late February last year. The Trump Administration sent a formal spending request to Capitol Hill to help address the spreading scourge of COVID-19. The administration’s request was a scant $2.5 billion. Less than half of that was "new money." $1.2 billion came from funds shuffled around from other accounts. Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala., is now the leading Republican on the Senate Appropriations Committee. Back then, Shelby chaired the panel in charge of the federal purse strings. "This is no ordinary crisis coming up," said Shelby. "I would call this a dire emergency." The Alabama Republican worried the administration and other fiscal conservatives might undercut what the true need was to address the virus. "If you lowball something like this, you’ll pay for it later," augured Shelby. One senior Trump administration official ridiculed Shelby’s approach, decrying him as a "big spender." It wasn’t long until the top Democrat in the Senate, then-Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., suggested $8.5 billion. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., characterized the administration’s proposal as "a little low." McCarthy pushed for $4 billion. The Trump Administration resisted the spending. But a compromise to address COVID-19 was already hurtling through Congress. President Trump dismissed the severity of the virus. "It’s going to disappear," said Mr. Trump. "One day, it’s like a miracle. It will disappear." The House and Senate have now approved differing versions of what is expected to become the sixth major piece of COVID-related legislation since last winter. This measure costs $1.9 trillion. The House is slated to align with Senate changes to the plan before sending the package to President Biden’s desk for signature.
“Hannity accuses White House of trying to 'buy time' for 'cognitively struggling' Biden” by Fox News’ Charles Creitz – Sean Hannity accused the Biden administration Tuesday of trying to conceal the fact of the president's "decline" in acuity. "What is going on with the president of the United States, Joe Biden? Seriously. What is wrong?" the "Hannity" host asked rhetorically. "The American people deserve answers. He barely has any public events. His vice president, Kamala Harris, is taking solo calls with world leaders. That would be the commander-in-chief's job." Hannity noted reports that Biden often goes to bed before prime-time television hours, contrasting that with former President Donald Trump, who was often up into the early morning hours. Hannity went on to criticize White House press secretary Jen Psaki for declining to give a firm answer to when Biden's first solo press conference will be. The president is expected to address the nation Thursday night about the ongoing coronavirus pandemic response. "See what is happening here? They are clearly trying to buy time," Hannity said. "They absolutely know that Joe Biden is struggling cognitively. He is a walking liability ... He can barely read from a teleprompter." The host added that he had "a theory on how this is all going to play out. Uncharacteristically, for now, I'm going to keep that to myself. I will share it in due time." Hannity asked why White House staff is "continuing to hide President Biden? What do they know? You, we have a right to know."
“US prosecutors allege Honduras president helped move drugs” by Associated Press – An accountant witnessed meetings between Honduras President Juan Orlando Hernández and a drug trafficker in which they planned the trafficking of cocaine to the U.S., federal prosecutors in New York said Tuesday. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob Gutwillig said during his opening statement at the trial of accused Honduran drug trafficker Geovanny Fuentes Ramírez that the accountant was present when Hernández allegedly said he wanted to "shove the drugs right up the noses of the gringos.'" "They plotted to send as much cocaine as possible to the United States," Gutwillig said of the president and Fuentes Ramírez. Fuentes Ramírez was arrested in March 2020 in Florida. He is charged with drug trafficking and arms possession. But much of the prosecutors’ artillery appears aimed at Hernández, who they said helped Fuentes Ramírez’s drug trafficking along with other high-ranking officials. Hernández has previously denied any involvement with drug traffickers. He has not been charged. "His operations thrived because of his connections. Mayors, congressmen, military generals, police chiefs, even the current president of Honduras," Gutwillig said. "The defendant bribed them all." The meetings allegedly occurred in 2013 and 2014, Gutwillig said. The accountant, who prosecutors called José Sánchez, ran a rice business through which Fuentes Ramírez allegedly laundered drug proceeds. Sánchez will testify at the trial, the prosecutor said. Gutwillig described the "shock, the fear" that Sánchez had seeing Fuentes Ramírez meeting with the president. One of Fuentes Ramírez’s defense attorneys later said Sánchez wasn’t credible, suggesting the U.S. would approve his asylum application in exchange for his testimony.
“Oath Keepers founder directed Capitol rioters on January 6, Justice Department says
CNN Digital Expansion 2018 Katelyn Polantz” CNN’s Katelyn Polantz – The founder of the Oath Keepers was giving directions before and during the US Capitol riot to alleged extremist conspirators among the right-wing paramilitary group, the Justice Department said in court filings Monday and Tuesday. The new details begin to capture more about the leadership and network within the Oath Keepers around the insurrection, as prosecutors fight to keep defendants in jail and charge additional members of the group. Monday night's filing highlighted newly disclosed communications over the messaging app Signal that investigators have found from Stewart Rhodes, the Oath Keepers' founder, and regional Oath Keepers leaders. The Justice Department describes Rhodes as a central presence among the Oath Keepers during the siege, telling some where to go and gathering with them in person at the Capitol. Prosecutors also described, in court documents supporting the arrest of an Alabama Oath Keeper on Tuesday, how members of the group carried out Rhodes' call to provide security for "VIPs" at events related to the "Stop the Steal" pro-Trump effort on January 5 and 6. Prosecutors have gradually been building out a major Capitol riot conspiracy case against nine Oath Keepers. The new details about Rhodes, which come in arguments to keep another alleged Oath Keeper who was arrested early in the investigation in jail, is the first time the Justice Department has offered a bigger picture of directions given that day and shared publicly what they've learned about the involvement of the Oath Keepers' national leader. Before this week, nine Oath Keepers from different states had been charged in a conspiracy case.
“FBI releases new security footage of person placing pipe bombs outside RNC and DNC headquarters” by CNN’s Josh Campbell – The FBI released new security footage Tuesday as authorities continue to seek more information about the person who placed pipe bombs outside the Republican National Committee and Democratic National Committee headquarters that were discovered in Washington, DC, on the day of the Capitol riot.
Two pipe bombs near the Democratic and Republican party headquarters were planted on January 5, the night before the insurrection at the Capitol, the FBI has said.
The videos, which offer multiple angles from several surveillance cameras, offer a clearer look at a masked individual who is wearing a hood as the person moves through neighborhoods and near the RNC and DNC. At one point, the individual stops and wipes off their glasses. They also sit down on a bench near the DNC. In January, the FBI issued a wanted poster of the suspect, who was wearing Nike Air Max Speed Turf shoes in yellow, black, and gray, and included enhanced photos of them, along with photos of the devices. Authorities have said the bombs were placed between 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. on January 5, the night before the insurrection. "We believe the information released today will help someone recognize the suspect, or something about them," FBI assistant director in charge Steven D'Antuono said in a video statement. D'Antuono said the person who is believed to have placed the pipe bombs wore a facemask, a gray sweatshirt, and black and gray Nike shoes.
“Georgia remains at center of voting rights fight after state Senate passes bill to restrict those rights” by CNN’s Fredreka Schouten – Georgia Republicans have advanced a sweeping bill in the state Senate that further restricts voting -- keeping a state that was pivotal to the 2020 elections at the forefront of the GOP backlash against expanded voting. The expansive package, which passed by a narrow margin Monday, would repeal no-excuse absentee voting for many Georgians -- a method 1.3 million of the state's residents used to cast ballots in last November's general election. The measure now moves to the Georgia House, which has passed its own slate of proposed voting restrictions. The developments in Georgia come amid a flurry of activity around the country by Republican-controlled legislatures to make it harder to vote after the GOP lost the presidency and the US Senate majority in the 2020 elections. On Monday, Iowa became one of the first states to enact new restrictions as the Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a new law that makes it harder to vote early. But Monday's vote in the Peach State -- which came on the final day that the Senate could send its voting package to the state House for consideration -- also underscored fresh tensions building among Republicans over how much to restrict paths to the franchise. Republican grassroots activists mounted a weekend campaign to ensure the bill's passage. In the end, the measure survived by only a one-vote majority of the Senate's 56 senators, once abstentions were taken into account. And the No. 2 GOP official in Georgia, Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, opted to boycott Monday's debate.
“Supreme Court Dismisses Immigrant Public-Charge Cases” by WSJ’s Jess Bravin – The Supreme Court dismissed several pending appeals over a Trump administration rule penalizing lawful immigrants for seeking public assistance, acting on joint requests filed Tuesday by the Biden administration and plaintiffs challenging the policy. The Justice Department, which didn’t publicly announce the move, declined to comment after the filings were docketed by the Supreme Court. Immigrant-rights groups said the filings were a precursor to rescinding the public-charge policy still in place. “This case is over, and this victory means the American Dream is alive and well,” said San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera, one of several local officials who sued to block the Trump-era policy. “The previous administration’s attempt to impose a wealth test on immigrants who came here legally was bad for our economy, bad for public health and bad for our country.” Several immigrant advocacy groups that also sued the Trump administration said they expected the rule no longer would be enforced. “Immigrant families can now access lifesaving healthcare, food and housing assistance for which they are eligible without fear that they will lose the chance to obtain lawful permanent residence,” said a statement from Make the Road New York, the African Services Committee, the Asian American Federation, Catholic Charities Community Services and the Catholic Legal Immigration Network.
“Derek Chauvin Trial Begins With Jury Selection” by WSJ’s Joe Barrett – Jury selection in the murder trial of a former police officer accused of killing George Floyd began under tight security despite the prosecution’s request to a higher court to pause the case until an appeal over an additional charge of third-degree murder is resolved. Judge Peter Cahill, who is presiding in the case, welcomed prospective jurors into the courtroom Tuesday morning, and lawyers for former officer Derek Chauvin and prosecutors including Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison introduced themselves. The prospective jurors’ faces weren’t broadcast, and the judge asked them not to identify themselves on social media, saying the court wouldn’t divulge their names during the trial. On Monday, prospective jurors were sent home after the prosecution asked the state Court of Appeals to order the case paused so the defendant could appeal a ruling over the additional charge to the state Supreme Court. On Friday, the Minnesota Court of Appeals said Judge Cahill must reconsider his decision to exclude the third-degree murder charge. Judge Cahill indicated Tuesday that Eric Nelson, Mr. Chauvin’s attorney, had filed to appeal the ruling with the Minnesota Supreme Court and that the court was seeking the prosecution’s response by 5 p.m. Matthew Frank, Minnesota’s assistant attorney general, said the third-degree murder charge, if ultimately included, would be integral to how prosecutors present their case, beginning with jury selection.
“National Guard to Remain at U.S. Capitol Through May 23” by WSJ’s Alexa Corse – The National Guard will extend its mission at the U.S. Capitol into May, the Defense Department said Tuesday, as congressional officials weigh how to secure the complex going forward. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin approved extending the Guard’s presence in Washington through May 23, after the U.S. Capitol Police requested continued support. The Guard’s mission previously was slated to end on Friday. Capitol Police formally requested the Guard extension last week, saying threats against members of Congress during the first two months of this year were up 93% compared with last year. “The National Guard has played a critical role to the Department’s enhanced security posture,’’ the Capitol Police said in a statement after the Pentagon’s announcement. As of this week, just under 5,200 Guards troops were deployed in Washington from more than 30 states and territories, defense officials said Monday. After Friday, nearly 2,300 Guard members will remain in Washington due to the extension, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said Tuesday. Defense officials will work with the Capitol Police to “incrementally reduce the National Guard footprint as conditions allow,” Mr. Kirby said in a statement. The Guard members will be in and around the Capitol complex, a defense official said. They have been guarding the complex since Jan. 6, after Capitol Police leaders called for their help as a mob of Trump supporters breached the Capitol. Law-enforcement agencies have warned about the possibility of violence from domestic extremists following the assault on the Capitol.
“How Biden is betting on Buttigieg to drive a new era of racial equity” by Politico’s Sam Mintz – A central plank in President Joe Biden's agenda of improving racial equity requires dismantling or reimagining parts of America's transportation system, which has long stacked the odds against people who most rely on it to climb up the economic ladder. Black households are three times less likely to own a car than white households, meaning they lack access to the infrastructure most heavily prioritized and funded nationwide. People of color also make up a majority of transit riders and have longer commutes. And America’s urban landscape is packed with examples of highways carving up Black communities, cutting off accessibility and spewing disproportionate amounts of pollution. This is not just a matter of halfway accidental neglect,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in an interview. “We’re talking about some really intentional decisions that happened, and a lot of them happened with federal dollars.” Reversing the most harmful of those decades worth of decisions about how America's transportation system is designed falls to Buttigieg, Biden and a team determined to power a multi-trillion dollar infrastructure plan through Congress, transform the policies that underpin America's arterials of commerce and blunt the worst effects of climate change. Those lofty goals require turning buzzwords and pledges into real change that tackles systemic, ingrained ways of doing business.
“‘It’s a Kill Shot’: How Tish James Holds Cuomo’s Future In Her Hands” by Politico’s Anna Gronewold – There was a time not too long ago when Letitia “Tish” James’s tenure as New York attorney general was defined by one thing — the utter certitude with which she vowed to hold Donald Trump accountable for his political, personal and corporate offenses. Now, the 62-year-old James is known for something else: Her decision to confront her own political patron, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, over his handling of nursing-home deaths and then stiff-arm his attempts to maintain control of an investigation into his own behavior in office. Suddenly, one of the state’s most underestimated politicians may be holding the future of New York politics in her hands, even while she herself gets mentioned as a possible gubernatorial candidate. Meanwhile, Empire State pols are scrambling to reassess a woman who’s a mystery to many outside of her willingness to take on the former president. “I’m running for attorney general because I will never be afraid to challenge this illegitimate president when our fundamental rights are at stake,” James declared in an eye-catching 2018 campaign video. “He should be charged with obstructing justice. I believe that the president of these United States can be indicted for criminal offenses and we would join with law enforcement and other attorneys general across the nation in removing this president from office.” At the time, the Brooklyn-born James was New York City’s public advocate, a post she won after a decade navigating Big Apple politics on the City Council. Though New York City elected officials frequently have trouble winning statewide, her anti-Trump message, along with a warm endorsement from the powerful, soon-to-be three-term governor, was enough to make her the first Black person to serve as New York’s top law-enforcement officer.
“House passes labor overhaul, pitting unions against the filibuster” by Politico’s Eleanor Mueller and Sarah Ferris – The House passed Democrats’ wide-ranging overhaul of labor laws Tuesday, inching President Joe Biden closer to fulfilling a campaign promise and coinciding with Amazon workers’ ongoing push to unionize an Alabama warehouse. But the Protecting the Right to Organize Act, which advanced mostly along party lines, is unlikely to win the 60 votes needed for passage in the narrowly controlled Senate. And already, some union leaders — who hold outsize sway in the Biden administration — are amping up pressure on Democrats to eliminate the filibuster so they can see one of their top priorities enacted. “We’re not going to let a few people stop it from happening,” AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said. “Its time has come. Its time is long past due to be enacted. And we’ll do it.” “Everything is on the table so far as we’re concerned.” Just five Republicans voted for the measure: co-sponsors Jeff Van Drew and Chris Smith (N.J.) and Brian Fitzpatrick (Pa.), along with Reps. John Katko (N.Y.) and Don Young (Alaska). One Democrat voted against it: Henry Cuellar (Texas), an aide said. The bill’s advancement concludes several days of behind-the-scenes wrangling by Democratic leaders after a group of moderate members pushed for last-minute changes to the bill. By Monday night, top Democrats had agreed to include an amendment that would study the bill’s impact on gig workers, which the centrist bloc — led by Blue Dog Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D-Fla.), who voted against the bill last session — described as a win.
