Sleepy Joe On Medication?
“Something’s not right” with Sleepy Joe Biden says former White House doctor to Presidents George W. Bush, Donald Trump, and Barack Obama. Rep. Ronny Jackson (R) made his assessment of Biden this weekend a day or so after the president stumbled up the stairs leading up to Air Force 1.
Yeah, but we all know that Biden’s lack of transparency, being hidden from press appearances, and the ongoing gaffes he has made are what prompted Rep. Jackson to all but say Biden was not fit to serve. READ MORE
Run for the Border
Texas’ Republican congressional delegation will be visiting the U.S. southern border to get a ‘boots on the ground’ assessment of the crisis, and Texas Politics will be right there with the delegation.
Photos of Biden's. Border Bumbling Emerge
Texas Congressman Henry Cuellar (D) has outed the Biden administration’s struggle to address the “border crisis” by posting images of the living conditions within detention “pods” being used to house illegal aliens crossing over the U.S.-Mexico border. READ MORE
“Trump, Obama White House Doctor: ‘Something’s Not Right’ With President Biden” by Texas Politics’ Javier Manjarres – President Donald Trump’s former White House physician, Texas Rep. Ronny Jackson (R) has tweeted that “something’s not right” with President Joe Biden’s health. President Biden has not held a press conference since taking the presidential oath of office, and with a slew of gaffes or senior-style moments, not to mention his recent stumbling up the staircase while boarding Air Force 1, Republicans and medical professionals across the nation, like Rep. Jackson, are now starting to question whether Biden is mentally and physically fit to lead. “I served as White House physician under THREE Presidents,” stated Jackson. “I’ve seen what it takes physically AND mentally to do the job. I can tell you right now that the way Biden is hiding from the public is a MAJOR red flag. Something’s not right!” President Trump even took a jab at Biden’s staircase “misstep. “I watch as Joe Biden went up the stairs today and I said ‘I didn’t lose to him,’ which we didn’t lose to him. Almost 75 million votes and probably a lot more than that,” Trump said Friday in the video posted on TikTok user Robert Petrosian. As we mentioned. Biden has a long history of gaffes that have been used against him where many are questioning that the president might be experiencing a cognitive decline since leaving the White House in 2016.
“House Passes Two Immigration Bills Providing Pathway To Citizenship For Illegals And Dreamers” by Texas Politics’ Javier Manjarres – The Democrat-led House passed two immigration bills on Thursday to provide a path to citizenship for over 11 million illegal immigrants, including “Dreamers” brought to the country illegally as minors and farmworkers. The American Dream and Promise Act passed on a 228 to 197 vote with nine Republicans, three of those from Florida in crossing party lines to support the measure. Those nine were: Reps. Don Bacon of Nebraska, David Valadao of California, Fred Upton of Michigan, Dan Newhouse of Washington, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, Chris Smith of New Jersey and Maria Elvira Salazar, Carlos Gimenez, and Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida. “Each Dreamer has a unique story,” Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA) who authored the legislation said in House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D-CA) weekly news conference. “They all exemplify American values and a deep love for the only nation they call home.” The measure would create a pathway to legal status for “Dreamers,” and grant conditional permanent resident status for 10 years and cancel removal proceedings if people meet certain requirements. Under the legislation, “Dreamers” could gain full lawful permanent resident status by either acquiring a degree from college, completing at least two years of military service, or being employed for at least three years where they had employment authorization for 75% of the time they were employed.
“Chip Roy References Lynching During Anti-Asian Violence Hearing” by Texas Politics’ Isabel Webb Carey – Texas Republican Rep. Chip Roy recently came under fire for his comments made during a House Judiciary Committee hearing on anti-Asian violence in which he referenced lynching and lashed out at China over coronavirus. U.S. Texas Democrats have since called for his immediate removal. The U.S. House Judiciary Committee held a hearing Thursday to discuss discrimination against Asian Americans two days after a white man went on a shooting rampage targeting Asian women in Atlanta. Continuing racially-motivated attacks against Asian Americans that skyrocketed after the onset of the virus prompted President Joe Biden to issue an executive order “Condemning and Combating Racism, Xenophobia and Intolerance Against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States” within his first week in office. Asian American lawmakers testified on the rise in violence and discrimination against Asian Americans amid the COVID-19 pandemic, saying the words of former President Trump and other Republicans have inflamed tension. Roy drew ire from his colleagues after he spoke out to undermine the validity of raised concerns and attack the Chinese government over the coronavirus pandemic. His colleagues accused the Texas Republican for distracting from the purpose of the hearing and using rhetoric about China that encourages racism and violence towards Asian communities.
“AG Paxton Leads Multistate Complaint Against the Biden Administration Over Keystone XL Permit” by Texas Politics’ Isabel Webb Carey – Months after the executive order enacted on President Biden’s first day in office in which he revoked the permit for the Keystone XL oil pipeline, twenty-one states led by Texas and Montana filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration. Leading the charge was Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, as well as Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen. On his first day in office President Biden revoked the permit granted under the Trump administration in 2019 after asserting its inconsistencies with the administration’s “economic and climate imperatives.” Mr. Biden stated that it would not serve the national interest and argued the U.S. should prioritize “the development of a clean energy economy, which will in turn create good jobs.” The decision has since become a sticking point in ongoing debates over economic development, fossil fuels and environmentalism. Texas officials have stressed concerns over the state’s economic reliance on fossil fuels, despite the global push in the free market towards renewables. Energy experts, however, have expressed a strong conviction that Biden’s policies will have no negative effect on the state’s employment. Dr. Michael Webber, deputy director of the University of Texas Energy Institute and industry expert, argues that adverse effects on production in neighboring states would help production in Texas. Webber’s optimism has been matched by fellow leading industry experts, including Tim Latimer, chief executive of Fervo Energy who reportedly expects massive job creation as companies invest in “unprecedented amounts of construction” to meet the country’s climate goals.
“Senate Office Building Named After Devout Democrat Racist, Rep. Green Wants Name Changed” by Texas Politics’ Javier Manjarres – The Democratic-controlled House of Representatives continues to push a very progressive political and legislative agenda, but it has also joined the “cancel culture” in looking to rewrite American history, particularly buildings and memorials naming past confederate leaders and segregationists. Texas Congressman Al Green (D), who many Republicans have called a “race-baiter” over his ongoing pro-Black agenda, says “it’s time to change the name” of the Russell Senate Office building because it was named after the late Georgia Senator and segregationist, Richard B. Russell Jr. Rep. Green makes a good point considering that Russell never apologized for his racist ways, nor did he take his foot off of the segregation pedal. Sen. Russell was a devout racist who absolutely hated civil rights and black equality, pushing for the preservation of the famed Jim Crow segregation laws. Russell opposed the 1964 Civil Rights Act and proposed that Blacks be moved out of the Deep South, arguing “it is only fair and right that the Negro population be spread more evenly over all sections of the nation.” So why would any governing body even consider naming a federal building after him?
“Marc Veasey Introduces SCALE Act” by Texas Politics’ Isabel Webb Carey – Texas Democrat Rep. Marc Veasey joined Sen. Chris Coons (D-DL), Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Rep. David McKinley (R-WV) in introducing a landmark bill on Wednesday which would support carbon capture infrastructure. The bipartisan Storing CO2 And Lowering Emissions (SCALE) Act is the nation’s first comprehensive CO2 infrastructure bill. It would support infrastructure to transport CO2 from the sites of capture to locations where it can be either utilized in manufacturing or sequestered safely and securely underground. While governments in the United Kingdom, Norway, Australia, and Canada have recently announced large investment in the sector, the U.S. has lagged behind in its adoption of carbon capture technologies. The availability of CO2 transport is necessary to drive investment in the sector. The SCALE Act would establish a Carbon-to-Value Research, Development, and Demonstration center, create the CO2 Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (CIFIA) and mobilize funding to maximize CO2 storage efficiency. The lawmakers have pointed to the economic opportunities and potential for job growth and cited analysis by the Decarb America Project that puts job creation as high as 13,000 annually, not including those indirectly created through retrofitting energy-intensive facilities. “Carbon Capture and the associated infrastructure is essential for the United States to reach net-zero emissions by mid-century,” stated Texas Rep. Veasey. “If we successfully deploy CO2 transport and storage infrastructure, we can help certain industrial sectors of our economy dramatically reduce their emissions while creating thousands of good jobs.”
“House Votes to Reauthorize Violence Against Women Act” by Texas Politics’ Isabell Webb Carey – The House passed legislation introduced by Texas Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D), House Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler (D-NY) and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) on Wednesday which renewed the 1994 Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). The legislation seeks to protect and provide resources for victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence and provides grants to state and local governments to support programs addressing domestic abuse, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking. The landmark law was originally authored by President Biden during his tenure as a senator under the Clinton administration. He recently described the bill as “one of my proudest legislative achievements.” It was last reauthorized in 2013 after a long legislative battle over extending the Act’s protections to same-sex couples and battered undocumented immigrants. It then lapsed at the end of 2018 over guns and transgender issues and was never brought up in the then-GOP-led Senate, despite the measure passing the House. Lawmakers voted yesterday largely along party lines 244-172 to approve the measure, although it did attract some bipartisan support. Among the 29 Republicans who joined their Democrat colleagues were Texas GOP Reps. Michael McCaul, Brian Babin and John Carter. This iteration would further close the so-called boyfriend loophole to prevent dating partners convicted of domestic violence or abuse from buying or owning guns. Republican legislators have objected to perceived infringements on gun rights, as well as protection for transgender individuals.
“Biden Urges Migrants ‘Don’t Come Over’ As Border Surge Grows” by Texas Politics’ Javier Manjarres – Faced with a border disaster crisis, hand-crafted by his eagerness to rescind many of his predecessor’s deterrent policies combined with past rhetorics of naive promises that have enticed a massive surge of migrants crossing the U.S. southern border, President Biden is offering a new blunt message to asylum-seekers — “Don’t come over.” In an exclusive interview with ABC News on Tuesday, host George Stephanopoulos asked the president, “Do you have to say quite clearly, ‘Don’t come?'” “Yes, I can say quite clearly: Don’t come over,” Biden said in response in a preview interview clip shared Tuesday evening that was conducted following his COVID relief victory “Help Is Here” tour in Darby, Pennsylvania. “We are in a process of getting set up, and it’s not going to take a whole long time it’s to be able to apply for asylum in place. So don’t leave your town, or city or community,” he added. Biden claimed that there was a surge in the last two years of Trump’s presidency, though he acknowledged that his own border crisis “could be” worse. When asked if it was a mistake “not to anticipate” such a surge along the southern border that is “getting worse by the day.” However, Biden officials were warned before taking office that making any sudden immigration move during a global pandemic would lead to chaos at the border. Ignoring the warning from the previous administration and some democrat lawmakers who represent border district, Biden just shortly after being sworn-in took quick executive action to undo several Trump-era immigration policies by ending 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. But, his administration failed to prepare for the consequences of looser enforcement, and 55 days later they have become ill-equipped and under-resourced to handle the mounting surge.
“Kim Blames Biden for Border Crisis, Sexual Assaults on Immigrant Children” by Texas Politics’ Javier Manjarres – When Rep. Ron Wright (R) passed away in February after a long battle with lung cancer, some two dozen Republican, Democrat, and Independent voters decided that they would run for the now-vacant congressional seat in Texas’ 6th district. One of those congressional candidates is Republican Attorney and former Asst. Administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) under President Donald Trump, Sery Kim. Kim, who has received the endorsements of Reps. Pete Sessions (R-TX), Young Kim (R-CA), and Michelle Steel (R-CA), recently sat down with Texas Politics to discuss, among other things, the ongoing immigration crisis along the U.S. southern border, where she firmly place blame on President Joe Biden. “The Biden Administration started the crisis during Obama/Biden years,” said Kim. “I mean they’re the ones that actually created these detention camps for migrant children. This is not something that was created by either president George W Bush or reinforced by President Donald J Trump. They’re the ones that created it. There are the ones that are trying to rename the problem that they did.” Earlier this week, 20 Texas House Reps — Beth Van Duyne, Ronny L. Jackson, Jodey Arrington, Brian Babin, Kevin Brady, Michael C. Burgess M.D., John Carter, Michael Cloud, Dan Crenshaw, Pat Fallon, Louie Gohmert, Lance Gooden, Michael McCaul, Troy Nehls, August Pfluger, Chip Roy, Pete Sessions, Van Taylor, Randy Weber, and Roger Williams —all signed a letter to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton urging him to file a lawsuit against the Biden Administration to uphold Title 42.
“Sery Kim Calls on Biden to Act on the Border Crisis” by Texas Politics’ Isabel Webb Carey – In a letter to the President, Republican candidate for the 6th Congressional District of Texas Sery Kim expressed her concern for the crisis at the Texas Southern border and implored the President to support Title 42. Recent months have seen a surge in crossings at the state’s southern border. Republicans have demanded action from the current administration and denounced President Biden’s relaxation of policies. “The security of our nation and our border is first and foremost the responsibility of our president,” House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said at a recent news conference near El Paso, Texas. “This crisis is created by the presidential policies of this new administration. There’s no other way to claim it, than a Biden border crisis.” Throughout her campaign, Kim has frequently denounced what she describes as the “radical left wing agenda of open borders” and vowed to fight for a more conservative immigration policy. In her letter she described border sectors as “overwhelmed” and stressed the importance of Title 42. First introduced under the Trump administration, the policy invokes authority from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to rapidly deport all asylum seekers without due process in the U.S.. She went on to raise pandemic-related concerns over illegal immigrants entering the country without a mask or testing, contradicting pandemic-related policies which she described as having “curtailed our freedoms.” Kim’s accusation echoes those made by the Governor who has fixated on liberal border policies as responsible for the high numbers of active cases in the state. In response, the White House has criticized Abbott’s recent repeal of the mask mandate and rejection of federal assistance to test migrants for COVID-19.
“Matthew McConaughey says Texas governor run is an ‘honorable thing’ he’s ‘giving consideration’” by Fox News’ Cortney Moore – Matthew McConaughey told Jimmy Fallon that he thinks taking political office is an honorable thing to do. McConaughey’s statement comes 10 days after the 51-year-old actor confirmed to The Balanced Voice Podcast that he has thought of running for governor in Texas. "Well, it’s come up a lot lately. And I’m gonna say to you now the same thing I’ve been saying, which is true. It’s not a dodge. And when I say it’s something I’m giving consideration, absolutely," McConaughey told Fallon Friday on The Tonight Show. "What an honorable thing to even be able to consider. But that’s no further than that right now, sir." Aside from discussing a potential run for governor, McConaughey shared him and his family faced their own set of hardships during the February Texas snowstorms. "Look, we’re doing good. We had, you know, a couple pipes break. We’ve had to pull up some drywall in the house. Lost power. Just got off having to boil water four days ago," the "Dallas Buyers Club" star said. "But the problem in Texas is there’s tens of thousands that aren’t as good a shape as we are right now. There’s a lot of people that are out of home." McConaughey and his wife Camila Alves are hosting are hosting a "We’re Texas" virtual benefit concert Sunday evening to help raise money for the Just Keep Livin Texas Relief Fund, which is welcoming several philanthropic celebrities.
“Texas Roadhouse founder Kent Taylor, 65, passes away after battle with worsening COVID-19 symptoms” by Fox Business’ Peter Aitken and Michael Bartiromo – Kent Taylor, the founder and CEO of the Texas Roadhouse restaurant chain, passed away last week at the age of 65. His family later stated that Taylor took his own life while suffering from post-coronavirus-related symptoms. Texas Roadhouse first announced Taylor’s death on Friday. In a follow-up statement shared with Fox News, Texas Roadhouse and Taylor's family confirmed he was battling post-coronavirus symptoms, and specifically tinnitus, leading up to his passing. "After a battle with post-Covid related symptoms, including severe tinnitus, Kent Taylor took his own life this week. Kent battled and fought hard like the former track champion that he was, but the suffering that greatly intensified in recent days became unbearable,” read the statement, which added that Taylor had also committed funding to a study aiming to help military members who suffered from the condition. "We are saddened by the decision Kent felt he needed to make and want to emphasize more than ever the importance of reaching out for help if you or someone you love is suffering. As Kent would so often say, 'keep it legendary,'" the statement concluded.
“Texas GOP ramps up attacks against voting access” by MSNBC - Republicans in Texas have introduced more than two dozen bills targeting voting access. Charlie Bonner, Communications Director of MOVE Texas, Cristina Tzintzun Ramirez, Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Jolt, and Chris Hollins, Former County Clerk in Harris County, join MSNBC’s host of “American Voices” Alicia Menendez to discuss efforts on the ground to fight back in the attack against voting rights.
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“Trump returning to social media with 'his own platform' in 2-3 months: adviser” by Fox News’ Ronn Blitzer – Former President Donald Trump will be back on social media in the near future with his own service, according to one of his senior advisers. Trump was banned from Twitter following the Jan. 6 Capitol riots. He had been a prolific poster on that platform before and during his presidency. "I do think that we’re going to see President Trump returning to social media in probably about two or three months here, with his own platform," Trump senior adviser Jason Miller told Fox News' "#MediaBuzz" on Sunday. "And this is something that I think will be the hottest ticket in social media, it’s going to completely redefine the game, and everybody is going to be waiting and watching to see what exactly President Trump does." Miller said he was unable to provide much more in terms of details at this point, but he did reveal that Trump has been having "high-powered meetings" at Mar-a-Lago with various teams regarding the venture, and that "numerous companies" have approached Trump. "This new platform is going to be big," Miller said, predicting that Trump will draw "tens of millions of people." In the meantime, Miller said that Trump will continue to endorse Republican candidates, teasing one that is expected to come on Monday. "Pay attention to Georgia tomorrow, on Monday. There's a big endorsement that's coming that's going to really shake things up in the political landsc ape in Georgia. It's big, it's coming tomorrow, and just be sure to tune in."
“Border Patrol in Rio Grande Valley releasing illegal crossers into US without court date” by The Floridian’s Griff Jenkins and Yael Halon – Fox News confirmed Sunday that Border Patrol agents in the Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) have begun to process and release illegal border crossers who claim asylum without issuing a Notice to Appear (NTA) - allowing them to depart custody without scheduling a court date for a hearing. The unprecedented move places the responsibility of seeking an asylum hearing on the migrants through Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or legal assistance. Multiple Border Patrol agents confirmed the new process to Fox News, revealing that they have been directed to use prosecutorial discretion (PD) to forgo the hours-long process of paperwork required to issue an NTA amid the surge of migrants at the border. Instead, migrants are registered into the system with biometrical data taken and largely released into the public - in one instance - at a bus station in McAllen, TX. The processing is being done mostly at a temporary outdoor processing site. Border Patrol agents emphasized that this does not apply to unaccompanied children. A senior source with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) told Fox News on Saturday that officials were considering the controversial move because the ongoing crisis on the border has "become so dire that BP [Border Patrol] has no choice but to release people nearly immediately after apprehension because there is no space to hold people even to do necessary NTA paperwork."
“Trump slams Biden over border 'crisis', accused him of causing 'death and human tragedy'” by Fox News’ Yael Halon – President Biden said Sunday that he intends to travel to the southern border "at some point," telling reporters that he is in no rush to visit because "I know what's going in those facilities." Biden’s immigration agenda includes a pathway to citizenship for 11 million undocumented immigrants, but the president last week urged migrants planning on embarking to the United States to hold off for the time being. Asked Sunday why his warning did little to quell the chaos at the border, Biden admitted that his administration could increase efforts to transmit his recent messaging to migrants making their way to the U.S. The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facilities have been operating far beyond capacity amid a troubling surge in border crossers. The agency announced that it had encountered more than 100,000 migrants at the border in February, while numbers of child migrants in custody have also increased dramatically. The Biden administration has been moving to increase capacity of facilities to house migrants, and building a number of extra facilities — including looking at NASA sites and military bases. Republicans have laid blame on Biden for the surge after he rolled back a number of Trump-era immigration restrictions he deemed inhumane, including ending the "Remain-in-Mexico" policy and reinstating "catch-and-release." Former President Donald Trump released a statement in response to Biden's remarks on Sunday, blaming his successor for turning "a national triumph into a national disaster" with his handling of the crisis. "We proudly handed the Biden Administration the most secure border in history," the statement reads. " All they had to do was keep this smooth-running system on autopilot. Instead, in the span of a just few weeks, the Biden Administration has turned a national triumph into a national disaster. They are in way over their heads and taking on water fast."
“DHS chief says border closed, won't give timeline for facilities capable of handling surge of unaccompanied children” by CNN’s Devan Cole – Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas declined Sunday to provide a timeline for when the Biden administration will open new facilities capable of handling the surge of unaccompanied children at the southern border. "We established three new facilities last week. ... We are working on the system from beginning to end. We are working around the clock 24/7," Mayorkas told CNN's Dana Bash on "State of the Union" when pressed on the administration's timeline for having new processing facilities up and running. "We have dealt with surges in the past and the men and women of Department of Homeland Security will succeed." The comments from Mayorkas, who insisted the southern border is currently closed to migrants even though the administration is making an exception for unaccompanied minors, come as the situation there worsens amid a surge in unaccompanied children in US custody. The Biden administration has resisted calling the situation a crisis, even as Democratic and Republican lawmakers do so as they pressure officials to rectify the growing issue. Bash pressed Mayorkas to provide a timeline, asking: "Can you be more specific?" and "Can you give me a date you hope to be up and running so that these children have better facilities?" The secretary, declining again to provide a date, told Bash "as soon as possible," adding that the coronavirus pandemic has partly complicated their efforts. Mayorkas defended the administration's work at the southern border and placed blame on the Trump administration for dismantling the immigration system, saying his department now has to rebuild it "from scratch."
“Arkansas governor says he signed near-total abortion ban so Supreme Court can decide if it's a 'direct challenge' to Roe” by CNN’s Devan Cole – Arkansas' Republican governor said Sunday that he signed a near-total abortion ban into law earlier this month because he wants the Supreme Court to eventually consider the legislation and overturn the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that legalized the procedure in the US. "That was the whole design of the law. It is not constitutional under Supreme Court cases right now," Gov. Asa Hutchinson, a Republican, told CNN's Dana Bash on "State of the Union." "I signed it because it is a direct challenge to Roe v. Wade." "I think there's a very narrow chance that the Supreme Court will accept that case, but we'll see," the governor said, noting he preferred that the legislation included a rape and incest exception. The Arkansas law bans providers from performing abortions "except to save the life of a pregnant woman in a medical emergency," and makes no exceptions for instances of rape, incest or fetal anomalies. Those found to violate the law could face a fine of up to $100,000 and up to 10 years in prison. The abortion law is slated to go into effect 91 days after the end of the Arkansas legislative session, which is currently set for May 3, according to Arkansas state Sen. Jason Rapert, who sponsored the Senate bill. Of the 11 so-called gestational bans -- which bar abortions past a certain point in pregnancy -- passed since the start of 2019, none have gone into effect after most of them have been blocked by judges. Those include a similar near-total abortion ban passed in Alabama in 2019 and an 18-week bill passed by Arkansas in 2019.
“Former top Capitol riot prosecutor says 'maybe the President is culpable' when asked about Trump” by CNN’s Katelyn Polantz – The former top prosecutor for the US Capitol riot said former President Donald Trump might be "culpable" for the January 6 insurrection and federal investigators are "looking at everything," according to an interview airing on CBS Sunday night. Michael Sherwin, the former acting DC US attorney, also said he believes sedition could be a charge made against some Capitol riot defendants. "It's unequivocal that Trump was the magnet that brought the people to DC on the 6th," Sherwin said in response to a question from "60 Minutes" about whether Trump is part of the investigation. "We have soccer moms from Ohio that were arrested saying, 'Well, I did this because my president said I had to take back our house.' That moves the needle towards that direction. Maybe the President is culpable for those actions." Sherwin noted that other rioters have acknowledged they went further than the President's speech. Sherwin's candid comments come as he leaves his Justice Department post leading the Washington, DC prosecutors' office and its sprawling investigation into violence at the Capitol. He was appointed to the job during the Trump administration. Attorney General Merrick Garland and Sherwin's successor, acting US Attorney for DC Channing Phillips, have not directly addressed whether Trump will be investigated. When CBS' Scott Pelley followed up to ask Sherwin if investigators were looking into Trump's role, Sherwin responded, "We have people looking at everything, correct. Everything's being looked at."
“Rep. Tom Reed Says He Won’t Run for Re-Election in 2022” by WSJ’s Kristina Peterson – Rep. Tom Reed (R., N.Y.) said in a statement Sunday night he would not run for re-election or for governor in 2022, following allegations last week of inappropriate sexual conduct. Mr. Reed also apologized to Nicolette Davis, who told the Washington Post last week that the lawmaker had made unwanted sexual advances to her in 2017, which he said on Friday was inaccurate. “Simply put, my behavior caused her pain, showed her disrespect and was unprofessional. I was wrong, I am sorry, and I take full responsibility,” Mr. Reed said in a statement Sunday evening. Ms. Davis, a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army who at the time worked as an insurance lobbyist, said Mr. Reed put his hand on her back, unhooked her bra and touched her leg during a fundraising trip, according to an account she gave to the Washington Post. She didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment Sunday night. Mr. Reed said the incident occurred when he was still struggling with an addiction to alcohol, for which he later sought treatment. “In addition to apologizing to those I have impacted, including Ms. Davis, I will be seeking to help those wrestling with addiction in any way I can,” Mr. Reed said. “As I go forward, I will strive to be a better human being, continue to fight for what I believe in, and to make people’s lives better in any way I can. I hope this formal apology is just the start.”
“U.S., NATO Allies to Discuss Plans to End War in Afghanistan” by WSJ’s Nancy A. Youssef – Biden administration officials will meet with allies this week on teetering plans to end the war in Afghanistan, turning to another top foreign policy challenge after a week that saw confrontations with Washington’s chief geopolitical rivals. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel this week to Brussels for meetings with allies from North Atlantic Treaty Organization countries who have backed the U.S. in the 20-year war. The trip follows an unannounced visit to Afghanistan on Sunday by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. U.S. officials haven’t said whether they would meet a May 1 deadline for U.S. troops to depart Afghanistan, set under the Trump administration as part of talks with leaders of the insurgent Taliban movement. Biden administration officials have indicated repeatedly that removing troops by then will be difficult, given continued high levels of violence. There are at least 2,500 U.S. troops in Afghanistan and 6,500 NATO troops, and allies have said they would depend on U.S. logistical support to withdraw troops. “We went in together. We will adjust together as we have over the years. And when the time is right, we will leave together,” Philip Reeker, acting assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian affairs, told reporters last week in a preview of Mr. Blinken’s trip to Brussels. The talks about the long-running Afghanistan war will mark the Biden administration’s latest foreign policy test. Mr. Blinken and White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan clashed with Chinese counterparts over a range of issues during meetings last week in Alaska.
“How New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo Is Fighting for Political Survival” by WSJ’s Jimmy Vieldkind – New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is leaning on Black leaders for support and focusing on governing as he confronts an impeachment investigation, calls for his resignation over accusations of sexual harassment and criticism over the state’s handling of Covid-19 in nursing homes. Political operatives and pollsters said the Democratic governor’s strategy—including appearances with civil-rights leaders in New York City and on Long Island—is working for now, but they questioned how long it can be sustained. New York Attorney General Letitia James is overseeing an investigation into the harassment allegations by current and former aides to the governor and is expected to issue a report on its findings later this year. Democrats, who control the state Assembly, are investigating the harassment allegations as well as the state’s delayed release of a full tally of Covid-19 deaths in nursing homes. Federal prosecutors based in Brooklyn have requested data about nursing- home deaths and are interested in other state policies related to the facilities, The Wall Street Journal has reported. Mr. Cuomo and his attorneys have said they are cooperating with all of the probes. The governor has said he never touched anybody inappropriately and has apologized if his behavior made anybody uncomfortable. During a Wednesday press call, he said he wouldn’t answer questions while the probes are pending.
“Pentagon chief makes surprise stop in Afghanistan as generals warn of premature drawdown” by Politico’s Lara Seligman – Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin made a surprise stop in Afghanistan on Sunday, his first as Pentagon chief, as top generals warn that the country could fall into chaos if U.S. troops withdraw before diplomatic efforts between the Taliban and the Afghan government to end the conflict yield results. President Joe Biden is still weighing a decision on whether to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan by May 1, the deadline stipulated by an agreement he inherited from the Trump administration. But violence in the country remains too high, Austin told reporters after meeting with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in Kabul. “It’s obvious that the level of violence remains pretty high in the country, we’d really like to see that violence come down,” Austin said. “If it does come down, it can begin to set the conditions for some really fruitful diplomatic work.” Austin declined to say whether the Taliban are meeting the conditions of the February 2020 agreement negotiated by the previous administration, but stressed that he wants to see “a responsible end to the conflict.” “There is always going to be concerns about things one way or the other, but I think there is a lot of energy focused on doing what’s necessary to bring about a responsible end, a negotiated settlement to the war,” he said. While the Pentagon insists that all options are still on the table, meeting the deadline seems increasingly less feasible as May 1 gets closer. Biden himself said a complete U.S. withdrawal by that date would be “tough.”
“Drug pricing, climate, immigration: House Dems eye ‘kitchen sink’ for next big bill” by Politico’s Sarah Ferris – Less than two weeks after President Joe Biden signed into law one of Congress’ most expansive measures in decades, House Democratic leaders are already dreaming bigger. With most items on their agenda hobbled by the Senate filibuster, top House Democrats are eyeing ways to muscle through drug pricing and climate policy goals using the same arcane budget process that let the party bypass GOP votes for its pandemic aid bill. Sweeping immigration bills are also on the wishlist for many members, with Democrats eager to fit what they can in Biden’s next high-profile package — which could be the party’s last shot at using the budget tool before the midterm elections. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer haven’t formally decided to use the budgetary tool known as reconciliation for Biden’s next major priority, an infrastructure and jobs plan. Biden and top Democrats are still publicly courting Republicans for his proposal. But given the Senate GOP’s continued reluctance, many senior Democrats in both chambers believe it will be the ultimate path. House Democrats are in discussions about including two of the caucus’ signature bills — one, a drug pricing bill known as H.R. 3, and another a sweeping green infrastructure bill known as H.R. 2 — as part of the next reconciliation package, according to people familiar with their plans. Both would be enormous wins for Pelosi, whose caucus drafted the measures soon after retaking the majority in 2019. Those plans are still in the early stages. House lawmakers left town Friday for a three-week recess, which Democratic chairs will spend starting to assemble their pieces of the package. That includes House Transportation Committee Chair Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.), who aims to mark up his piece of the massive bill by late May.
“Cotton calls for return of Trump border policies” by Politico’s Zachary Warmbrodt - Sen. Tom Cotton on Sunday accused President Joe Biden of inviting a recent surge of migrants to the United States, claiming the border is "wide open." In an interview on "Fox News Sunday," the Arkansas Republican said Biden had dismantled "highly effective" policies in securing the southern border with Mexico and that the measures should be revived. Cotton, one of Congress's most outspoken immigration and foreign policy hawks, slammed Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who made the Sunday political talk show circuit to defend the administration's policy of not expelling unaccompanied minors reaching the U.S. border with Mexico. "He's basically saying the United States will not secure our border and that is a big welcome sign to migrants from across the world," Cotton said. Cotton's comments underscored the political pressure growing on Biden to address the growing surge of migrants reaching the southern border. In February, U.S. border agents apprehended more than 100,000 people, a 28 percent increase from January. A repeated talking point by Mayorkas on Sunday was that the Trump administration, which took a hard line on border policy, was to blame because it "dismantled the orderly, humane and efficient way" of dealing with the migrant children. Mayorkas said the U.S. was expelling families and adults but will not turn back "young, vulnerable children." He said the U.S. was working to address the issue with Mexico and Central American countries where the asylum seekers are coming from. Cotton said Biden should embrace the Trump administration's policies to address the situation at the border. Cotton said Biden should reinstate a "public health" restriction that he lifted for minors reaching the border. Cotton said Biden should also embrace Trump-era policies intended to keep pending asylum seekers in Mexico and force migrants to make asylum claims in the first country they pass through.
“U.S. House antitrust chairman plans multiple bills to go after Big Tech” by Reuters Staff – Democratic Representative David Cicilline, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee’s antitrust panel, is preparing to come out with 10 or more pieces of legislation targeting Big Tech companies, a source with knowledge of the matter said on Sunday. The subcommittee, under Cicilline’s leadership, released a 449-page report in October last year, which detailed abuses of market power by Apple, Amazon, Alphabet’s Google and Facebook. The strategy to produce a series of smaller bills is aimed at lowering opposition from tech companies and their lobbyists towards a single piece of legislation, the source said. Cicilline is also working on a separate bill targeting a key law called Section 230, which offers protection to tech platforms from liability over content users post, the source said. His 230 legislation is likely to go after platforms such as Facebook and the way they amplify user content. Cicilline’s comments were first reported in an interview by Axios on Sunday. His office declined comment.
