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POLITICO PLAYBOOK: Immigration Talks Begin as Democrats Struggle on Messaging
By BARNABY ANTHONY and ELLA LANDRY | 08/14/2017 6:58AM
GOP Senate Leader Cliff Fleming speaks to reporters about Republicans' proposed immigration bill. (CREDIT: VPM News)
NEGOTIATIONS HAVE STARTED ON IMMIGRATION, a major first for the 114th Congress, as "official negotiations" on anything have not happened up to this point, in part due to the instability of Republican leadership, and the battle over the Supreme Court. Republicans also left Democrats little choice but to come to the table and negotiate. They have dominated the airwaves on the border to little response from either the White House or Democrats and the issue has received widespread coverage by the media in recent weeks.
-- Negotiations are said to include Sen. Minority Leader CLIFF FLEMING (R-AL), Sen. Majority Leader DIEGO EVERHART (D-PA), Sen. HANNAH JAMES (D-WA), Sen. KYLE VAN HORN (R-KY), Sen. BARAK MOFAZ (R-GA) and Sen. JOHN CARLSEN (D-IN). No details have been provided on any framework but both sides have drawn lines in the sand previously: Fleming has said any form of amnesty wouldn't pass for Republicans as Everhart and President DOUG MURPHY have indicated a proposal not including DACA protections would be unacceptable. "I am determined to protect America and lock up terrorists and criminals," President Murphy told reporters, "give me the tools and resources to do it, I will sign the bill. But if you think border security means terrorizing kids and harassing hardworking parents by throwing them into vans and throwing them out of the country without any due process, you better find a house of worship or something and get back in touch with your soul."
-- The travel ban proposal by Republicans has been panned by Democrats, immigration advocacy groups, and Muslim advocacy groups. Staffers and activists have been left frustrated by the lack of response from Senate Democrats in the press. "We've been left to fend for ourselves," Masha Bahrami, a Muslim student at the University of California, Berkley told POLITICO. "My family in Iran would be banned from visiting even though they are paying for my education, they would be banned because of the actions of the Iranian government, but they are good people," she said. Bahrami attended protests against the travel ban at UC Berkley.
-- Republicans were surprisingly disciplined and united in their messaging with a barrage of rank-and-file members of the party appearing on the Sunday shows to talk about immigration. Despite widespread resolute opposition to the travel ban, Republicans were successful in driving the narrative in Washington and asserting themselves after an abysmal start to the year. And, perhaps more impressively, with Democrats holding the Senate majority and the White House, Republicans have seemingly dictated the agenda to start out the summer.
-- Yes, but: cracks are already beginning to show with the firing of APRIL KELLY (R-AL) as Senate Minority Whip. On Thursday, Kelly tweeted that Minority Leader CLIFF FLEMING (R-AL) had fired her from her job because she had raised opposition against a "proposed immigration deal" that he is "negotiating with Diego Everhart." What makes this even more awkward is that both Kelly and Fleming represent the state of Alabama. Many on the Beltway saw Kelly's firing coming after the reversions to the GOP Senate Conference charter made it possible for the Senate Leader to dismiss and appoint the Whip. It was an odd pairing: Kelly is an ally of Sen. KIMBERLY ATKINS (R-TN) and was elected following the ousting of former Whip JAMES CAMBRIDGE (R-IA).
-- At the end of the day, it's unclear what the "proposed immigration deal" is at this point. Both sides had previously drawn thick red lines in the sand: Sen. Majority Leader DIEGO EVERHART (D-PA) indicated no deal could be made without addressing codifying DACA, while Republicans insisted on the entirety of the border security proposal laid out by Fleming last week. This includes a travel ban, funding for a border wall, the national implementation of E-Verify, among a number of other border security related provisions.
TRUMP FOR MAYOR? It's primary season for the 2017 elections with most eyes on Virginia, New Jersey, and New York City's Mayoral election. Rumors are circulating who might end up running in each primary and the New York City Mayor's race has perhaps captured the attention of most, with rumors of hypothetical candidates with national name recognition. DONALD TRUMP has sparked speculation that he might mount a challenge against NYC Mayor BILL DEBLASIO. While a Trump matchup seems a little far fetched, former NYPD Commissioner RAYMOND KELLY announced he was indeed stepping into the race. Most believe Kelly could actually pose a threat to DeBlasio, who has suffered from poor approval ratings. Kelly is widely respected by members of both parties and in 2013, Sen. CHUCK SCHUMER (D-NY) endorsed him to lead the FBI. DeBlasio, on the other hand, has made a number of enemies during his time as Mayor, and many Democrats can't stand him. It will make for an interesting race if that's how things turn out.
Hurricane Harvey relief has run into a roadblock in the Senate just as it nearly passed by unanimous consent, with just hours left until Sen. GEORGE SCOTT (R-SC) objected. Several members of both parties have objected publicly to the $100 billion price tag put forward by President DOUG MURPHY, who defended the number, pointing to the standard set recently by Hurricane Sandy, where 80% of economic damages were covered.
-- Sen. Minority Leader CLIFF FLEMING (R-AL), Sen. JOHN CARLSEN (D-IN), Sen. HANNAH JAMES (D-WA), among a number of others, raised concerns about the price tag for disaster relief following Harvey's $125 billion estimated damages. Fleming offered an amendment offering what he called an "appropriate scale for the damage done." Fleming's amendment would've dramatically lowered grant funding to just $6 billion while cancelling all debt for the National Flood Insurance Program. Another $4 billion would be offered with a loan program. Sen. DAVID STEWART (R-PA) offered a series of amendments including the GOP immigration plan, the RAISE Act, and a Cyber Security bill. Sen. KIMBERLY ATKINS (R-TN) said that since Congress was already allocating money for an emergency, "now is as good a time as ever to address our border security emergency as well." Both the Fleming amendment and the Stewart amendments seem likely to fail as of writing.
-- The Texas Congressional delegation and Texas Gov. GREG ABBOTT were, privately, furious at the Republican attempts to pair down aid to the state. While it is evident that Texas would benefit greatly from $100 billion in disaster aid, behind the scenes, Abbott seemed more disturbed about the floating of large loans being apart of disaster relief. While not unprecedented, disaster loans are often provided directly to local communities, and historically have been forgiven by the federal government. Abbott voiced his displeasure on Twitter, saying that Texans "deserved better from Congress."
-- A bill put forward by Sen. GARY SCOTT FREEMAN (R-SC) and Sen. KIMBERLY ATKINS (R-TN) drew bipartisan criticism thanks to a provision that would eliminate all FEMA grant funding, turning it entirely into a loan program. Fleming put out a tweet saying "the solution right now is to not defund FEMA." Sen. ANDREW CLARKE (D-MO) said he was "shocked" by the bill. In a twitter exchange with Freeman, Clarke said he could "do all the word-lawyering you want, but it doesn't change the fact that your response to a devastating disaster is to defund FEMA." In response to Freeman's bill, RNC Chairman TARIK LEE (R-GA) said every morning he walks into the Senate, '"I murmur Fucking idiots, the lot of ya,' and then go about my day." The comment raised a few eyebrows, with several sources within the RNC commenting that Lee "needs to take some media training." Freeman defended the bill, saying "there is no defunding of FEMA." "There's only a mere responsible reappropriating to focus on what really matters: providing relief to the people of Texas," Freeman added.
Happy Sunday and thanks for reading another Playbook weekend edition. Drop us a line: Ella Landry, Barnaby Anthony.
PRESENTED BY PHRMA
Our government leaders should prioritize funding the fight against cancer, Alzheimer's, and
other diseases, not fund programs designed to make research harder. Read more; phrma.com/macisbad
DRIVING THE DAY
SPEAKING OF FREEMAN, a bill titled the "Foreign Ownership Restriction & Forfeiture Act" was introduced by Freeman a few months ago, largely flying under the radar, until President Pro Tempore HANNAH JAMES tweeted about it. "I am not sure it has been covered just how completely insane the Foreign Ownership Act is," she said. Well, Senator James, you're in luck, because this is a doozy. The bill was recently cosponsored by Sen. APRIL KELLY (R-AL), Sen. SEAN STEVENS (D-WV), Sen. TONY JOHNSON (R-OK), and Sen. PAULINA RICHARDS (D-OH). The bill would prohibit home ownership and commercial business ownership by non-citizens and force current non-citizens to sell off their homes and businesses in public auctions.
It's really f***ing insane: According to experts, an average of 15% of owner-occupied homes across the nation’s 50 largest metros belong to those born outside the U.S.. In addition to that, thousands of businesses in the U.S. are owned by non-citizens, including tens of thousands of restaurant franchises, sports arenas, farms, grocery stores, and that's just the tip of the ice berg. International policy experts and legal analysts have weighed in and all agreed that it would be a quagmire, and would likely tank the U.S. economy, violate a number of international treaties, all the while pursuing enforcement would cost tens of billions of dollars. "This bill is one hundred percent, undoubtedly, for certain, the stupidest thing I have ever seen proposed to Congress in my forty year career," former Harvard Law Professor John Taylor told Politico.
It gets worse: Taylor said the legislation would "eliminate millions of jobs, hundreds of billions of dollars of our GDP, and would violate the fifth amendment rights of tens of millions of people." Amy Hopkins, an international policy expert, said the bill was "the most isolationist piece of legislation ever introduced to Congress." Hopkins said the bill was unprecedented and in nature and would harm U.S. relations with essentially every foreign country. "The bill is bigoted in many ways, or its intent is I imagine, but it would effect everyone: Canadian's, Chinese, it doesn't matter, with this bill, you're out, you're a target." Most experts agreed, Democrat and Republican, that the legislation was a liability for everyone who supported it. "If you signed onto this bill, you're a dumbass," MSNBC's James Carville said.
DON'T MISS IT: Opioid Crisis Accountability Act: A Turning Point, van Horn declares War on Opioids
The Appalachian Renewal and Opportunity Act was signed into law over the weekend with Sen. KYLE VAN HORN (R-KY) and Sen. SEAN STEVENS (D-WV), the sponsor of the bill, joining President Murphy at the signing ceremony. At the ceremony, Murphy emphasized the healthcare related provisions of the bill. Murphy said it was a "Herculean leap forward for the prosperity and dignity of all Americans when it comes to their healthcare." Van Horn called the Medical Affordability Commission "an innovative, market-friendly approach to ensure that all Americans can afford the medication they need." Stevens emphasized the aspects of the bill that were geared toward Appalachia and coal miners, saying the bill was " a declaration that we will not leave our coal miners behind." Pharmaceutical companies have vowed to continue to fight against the "restrictive and draconian measures" of the Medical Affordability Commission, creating website called 'macisbad.com', arguing that Congress should not put funding toward the commissions goals, and instead fund key cancer research.
Competing fundraisers were held in Los Angeles and Miami by Democrats and Republicans respectively, with both parties making a big showing. Every member of Democratic leadership, along with President Doug Murphy, attended the Los Angeles gala, drawing famous figures such as actor GEORGE CLOONEY and singer song-writer JOHN LEGEND. For Republicans, a wide variety were in attendance, including GOP mega donors SHELDON ADELSON and PETER THIEL. At the event in Miami, Hank Williams Jr. performed several songs and several members of the Duck Dynasty cast were also in attendance. Early rumors indicate that HANNAH JAMES (D-WA) gave a speech that roused Democratic business donors and Wall Street with her defense of free trade, with a large uptick in donations to James' warchest. We'll find out later this week when financial disclosures are revealed.
WATCH THIS SPOT: Yesterday, President Murphy and Democrats unleashed the "American Family Pact," a pact which Murphy described as "four bills that will restore and secure your share of this nation’s prosperity." The bills include paid family leave, a $15 minimum wage, investments into low income housing, and a bill to advance the rights of union organization. Dems have made a major push in the media for the new AFP, with the White House in "full spin mode," according to several sources familiar with the President's thinking. Watch this spot closely because we'll be doing full coverage of the progress of the President's new agenda and the fall out from Dem messaging on it heading into the fall.
PHOTO OF THE DAY
A family of evacuees of Hurricane Harvey wait for the rest of their family members onboard an Air Force helicopter. Aug. 30, 2017. (CREDIT: NELLIS AFB)
PLAYBOOK READS
Senator Camilo deSonido Champions Economic Justice at the "March for a Living Wage" on Capitol Steps by Sen. Camilo deSonido (D-CA) -- "On a bright Labor Day morning, Senator Camilo deSonido stood before a sea of determined faces on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, leading the resonant "March for a Living Wage." This significant event drew thousands from across the nation, unified in their demand for fair compensation and economic justice. Notably in attendance were Senator Bernie Sanders, Representative Barbara Lee, and activist Nina Turner, alongside a diverse group of marchers from various walks of life, emphasizing the widespread support for this critical cause. In a passionate plea for fairness, Senator deSonido articulated the urgency of establishing a national minimum wage of $15 per hour. This rate is proposed as the minimum standard necessary to ensure that full-time workers can achieve a decent standard of living, lifting themselves and their families out of poverty. The Senator emphasized that this is not just an economic reform, but a moral imperative that addresses the dignity of every American worker."
The Black Community Is Being Decimated By Illegal Immigration by Sen. Tony Johnson (R-OK -- "As a Black Republican Senator, I feel compelled to address an issue that has been largely overlooked in discussions about immigration: the negative impacts of mass illegal immigration on the Black community. While the topic of immigration often evokes passionate debates about border security and humanitarian concerns, it is essential to recognize the significant economic and social consequences that illegal immigration has on Black Americans. First and foremost, mass illegal immigration undermines economic opportunities for Black Americans. The influx of undocumented immigrants into the labor market drives down wages and reduces job prospects for low-skilled workers, who are disproportionately Black. Studies have shown that illegal immigration leads to increased competition for jobs in sectors such as construction, agriculture, and service industries, where many Black workers are employed. This competition results in depressed wages and reduced bargaining power for Black workers, making it harder for them to support themselves and their families."
BBC: Coalition Forces Rout ISIS in Mosul as Last Major Stronghold in Iraq Falls -- "The Battle of Mosul has ended in a decisive coalition victory as the last major stronghold held by the Islamic State has been recaptured by coalition forces. The U.S.-led coalition has emphasized a continued need to drive out remaining ISIS cells, predominantly still in operation in Mosul's Old City, but emphasized that the city at-large remains under firm Iraqi Government control. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi himself recently visited coalition forces in Mosul to celebrate what he described as a "resounding victory" for the country against the Islamic State. The Battle of Mosul has been noted for some of the most intense urban combat since the Second World War with thousands of civilian casualties and over 920,000 Iraqis displaced as a result of the fighting. The nine month battle was the culmination of a concentrated effort by the U.S.-led coalition to push ISIS out of Iraq and strike devastating blows to the terror organization's capabilities. The United Nations has estimated that more than 5,000 buildings have been damaged and 490 destroyed in the Old City alone as a result of the intense fighting. The city had previously been overrun by ISIS in the summer of 2014, catching the Iraqi Government off-guard at the time. The leader of ISIS, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, famously made his first and only public appearance as leader of the Islamic State at the city's Great Mosque of al-Nuri, announcing the creation of a caliphate. ISIS destroyed the mosque as coalition forces neared the city."
WSJ: The Appalachian Renewal and Opportunity Act: Funding Shortfalls Threaten Vital Initiatives -- "Legislative promises often stand as beacons of hope, yet their efficacy hinges on the strength of their financial backing. As "The Appalachian Renewal and Opportunity Act" emerges as a beacon of hope for the beleaguered communities of Appalachia and indeed the country, a cloud of uncertainty looms over its implementation due to possible funding inadequacies. Central to this narrative is the 'Opioid Crisis Accountability Act' the financial backbone of the Appalachian Renewal and Opportunity Act. This legislation, crafted to hold accountable those complicit in the opioid crisis, is expected to funnel resources into programs spanning healthcare, education, economic development, and more. However, the arithmetic behind this funding mechanism may not add up to the monumental challenges facing the region.
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Hurricane Harvey Devastates Texas With Floods and Destruction
(Houston) -- On Saturday, Hurricane Harvey made landfall on the Texas coast, unleashing a deluge of rain and wind that wreaked havoc across the state. What started as a tropical storm quickly intensified into a Category 4 hurricane, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
Harvey slammed into the Texas coast near Rockport on the evening of August 25, with maximum sustained winds of 135mph. The ferocity of the storm was felt immediately, as buildings were ripped apart, trees uprooted, and power lines toppled. The National Hurricane Center described Harvey as "the most powerful hurricane to hit Texas in more than 50 years." One of the most devastating aspects of Hurricane Harvey has been the unprecedented historic flooding unleashed across southeastern Texas. The storm has stalled over the region, dumping staggering amounts of rain. Some areas received over 50 inches of rain, making Harvey one of the wettest tropical cyclones in U.S. history. Cities like Houston, Corpus Christie, and Rockport were particularly hard hit, as the torrential downpours overwhelmed drainage systems and caused rivers to swell to record levels. Neighborhoods were submerged under several feet of water, turning streets into rivers and trapping residents in their homes. Dramatic images circulated on social media of people stranded on rooftops, awaiting rescue as floodwaters rose around them.
The damage wrought by Hurricane Harvey has already been immense and far-reaching. Tens of thousands of homes are likely flooded, and more than 50,000 people have been displaced from their residences. Local officials predict that the economic toll will be staggering, with initial estimates putting the cost of the storm at over $125 billion, which would make it one of the costliest natural disasters in U.S. history. Infrastructure took a heavy blow as well, with roads washed out, road signs and infrastructure blown away, and public utilities damaged or destroyed. The energy industry, a vital component of the Texas economy, also suffered significant disruption, as refineries and chemical plants were forced to shut down due to flooding and power outages.
In the face of the vast devastation, major rescue efforts have already been undertaken to rescue those stranded by the floodwaters and provide aid to affected communities. The U.S. Coast Guard, National Guard, and local emergency responders conducted thousands of rescues, often braving treacherous conditions to reach those in need. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered over 3,000 to deploy to assist with rescue efforts. Volunteers from across the country also mobilized to assist with relief efforts, providing shelter, food, and medical care to displaced residents. The Red Cross has been working with local officials to coordinate relief efforts. FEMA Administrator Nicole Lurie has been working with local officials and Governor Abbott to coordinate the federal governments response to the disaster.
On Sunday, Lurie lamented that preparations made prior to the storm were the right move. "We moved supplies in as soon as we got word on exactly how devastating this might be," Lurie said, "and that decision has saved lives." Lurie also said that FEMA is already developing a recovery plan and assistance to those who have been displaced by the storm. "We aren't going anywhere, we are in this with the people of Texas, and will continue to be for as long as it takes," Lurie said. Lurie acknowledged that FEMA's emergency fund will likely need replenished following the storm, as the hurricane season rages on, saying it is an issue for Congress to address.
The human toll of the disaster was tragically evident, with a confirmed death toll of at least 68 individuals directly attributed to the storm. However, this number is likely an underestimate, as some victims may have perished in floodwaters or been unable to access medical care in the chaotic aftermath of the storm. Hospitals and healthcare facilities in the affected areas faced unprecedented challenges in providing care to those injured by the hurricane and its aftermath. Emergency rooms were inundated with patients suffering from injuries ranging from trauma caused by flying debris to waterborne illnesses contracted in contaminated floodwaters. Despite strained resources and logistical difficulties, medical personnel were able to continue taking patients continuously. Mobile medical units were deployed to affected areas to supplement hospital capacity, and makeshift clinics were set up to provide basic medical services to displaced residents.
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DNC Fundraiser 2017
Los Angeles, California
1. Speeches are due on May 11th, 11:59pm ET.
2. Speeches should not be more than 1000 words.
3. You will be fundraising for the party but will also receive individual donations based on the quality of your speech.
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GOP Fundraiser 2017
Miami, Florida
1. Speeches are due on May 11th, 11:59pm ET.
2. Speeches should not be more than 1000 words.
3. You will be fundraising for the party but will also receive individual donations based on the quality of your speech.
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POLITICO PLAYBOOK: Bipartisan Vote to Kill Senate Judicial Filibuster Succeeds
By BARNABY ANTHONY and ELLA LANDRY | 06/14/2017 6:58AM
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President Doug Murphy speaks to reporters outside the White House after returning from Wisconsin. (CREDIT: Getty)
IT'S FINALLY OVER, the Senate has moved to a final vote on the nomination of Ketanji Brown Jackson, as the Senate filibuster for Supreme Court nominations is officially dead. With the help of a number of Republicans, Democrats overturned the ruling of the Chair, requiring only a simple majority for cloture on nominations to the Supreme Court. Sen. GARY SCOTT FREEMAN (R-SC), Sen. DAVID STEWART (R-PA), and Sen. JAMES CAMBRIDGE (R-IA) all broke with Republicans on the vote while Sen. BARAK MOFAZ (R-GA) voted present. Every Democrat, including Sen. PAULINE RICHARDS (D-OH), who blocked a previous attempt to overturn the filibuster, voted for the motion.
It's a big deal: Ketanji Brown Jackson is now expected to sail to confirmation and become the first African American woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. Not only that, Jackson will be confirmed in time to take part in the 2017 term of the court, taking the place of the late Antonin Scalia. To all appearances, this will tip court in the favor of liberals. Jackson joins Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor, and Elena Kagan who are often identified as the liberals of the court, to create a 5-4 majority, or a 6-3 depending on the swing vote of Justice Anthony Kennedy.
The fall out for Republicans continues as recent Senate approval ratings show many of those who came out in support of Jackson's nomination, or Watford's nomination, have been hurt by it with conservative voters. Most polls show a large majority of Republicans were opposed to the confirmation of Watford and Jackson. "There's a lot on the line here with the court and with gay marriage and other rulings, you can see the court has gone to the left," Jackson Hewitt, a Republican organizer in Pennsylvania, told POLITICO, "people really care about this, especially Christian voters, it's something they ask about all the time."
READ: OUR LAST UPDATE ON THE SUPREME COURT
A BUSY WEEK IN CONGRESS: Retired General DAVID PETRAEUS was nominated for Secretary of Defense while former FDIC Chair SHEILA BLAIR was picked to lead the Office of Management and Budget. KATRINA VALDEZ was confirmed as Secretary of State with a voice vote. Congressman JEREH FORD (D-TN) was announced as the next Vice President and confirmed quickly without much noise or controversy. Petraeus hasn't been so lucky with both Democrats and Republicans forcefully coming out against his nomination.
-- Sen. KYLE VAN HORN (R-KY) came out against Petraeus with a message on Twitter. "I’m not voting for Petraeus," Van Horn wrote, "our military and our country deserve better leadership at the top of the Pentagon." Sen. JASON ROY (R-SC) accused "Obama federal prosecutors" of giving Petraeus a "sweet heart deal" during his legal troubles in 2015.
-- There was also a heated moment between Petraeus and Sen. ERICA SMITH (D-FL), who grilled the former CIA Director for his past conduct and 2015 legal troubles. "Somewhere down the line you lost your way. You gained an immense amount of power and respect and you used that power and respect to betray your family and, unfortunately, betray your country," Smith told Petraeus before asking him how he could be trusted after mishandling classified information. Petraeus acknowledged his wrongdoing and emphasized they would not be repeated. "The mistakes I made were serious and were met with serious consequences. I have faced these actions head-on, not with excuses but with a resolve to learn and improve from them," he said. WATCH
-- Most expect Petraeus will receive the necessary votes regardless, with a number of Democrats and Republicans seeming open to his nomination. RNC Chairman TARIK LEE (R-GA) tweeted out he could "get behind" Petraeus. Other sources believe Petraeus was nominated after the White House consulted Senate Republicans with a list of names, but that has not been confirmed.
-- The nomination has puzzled progressives. Sen. BERNIE SANDERS (I-VT) said Petraeus' "wouldn't be my first choice or my 100th choice" to serve as Secretary of State when asked by Capitol Hill reporter Manu Raju. Progressive commentators and pundits have panned President DOUG MURPHY's decision, with even high-level media allies like RACHEL MADDOW providing extensive coverage of Petraeus' past legal problems and leadership in the Afghanistan war. "I imagine Hillary Clinton is throwing her arms up in the air exasperated at the moment," Maddow quipped.
Good Saturday morning and welcome back to weekend Playbook. Drop us a line; Barnaby Anthony, Ella Landry.
PRESENTED BY JPMORGAN CHASE
“The private sector has not only a moral obligation but a vested interest to deliver for the public good,” notes JPMorgan Chase Chairman and CEO Jamie Dimon.
Business plays an important role in developing solutions that spur economic growth and benefit every American.
Republicans have made a strong push on immigration, with a coordinated press effort that has driven the news cycle of Fox News and other outlets in the conservative media sphere while Republicans forced mainstream news to cover the issue, appearing across Sunday morning shows last week. Senate Minority Leader CLIFF FLEMING (R-AL) made an appearance on CNN, slamming President Doug Murphy and Democrats on the issue. "It's telling that when the President was asked about how he wanted to secure our borders the only thing he could do is fall back on campaign talking points," Fleming told CNN's Jake Tapper. It was one appearance in a barrage of attacks launched. Republicans have mostly focused on news out of Venezuela of a looming migrant crisis while pointing to the Barclaycard Arena bombing in the UK as reason to be concerned about unchecked immigration.
-- Sen. KIMBERLY ATKINS (R-AZ) appeared on CBS' "Face the Nation" and said her constituents were fearful. Atkins said Arizonan's were being "terrorized by the ramping up of migrant crime," arguing that " innocent American families live in fear of violence and insecurity while Democrats sit idle." Atkins and other Republicans have been critical of Senate Majority Leader DIEGO EVERHART (D-PA) for not bringing a border security package to the Senate floor. Senate Minority Whip APRIL KELLY (R-AL) spoke to Good Morning America's George Stephanopoulos. "The president is sitting idly by watching this situation in Venezuela disintegrate before our eyes and pretty soon, we'll be inundated with an invasion of migrants and refugees flooding through our border," Kelly said.
-- Sen. KYLE VAN HORN (R-KY) has been a leader in the GOP on the immigration issue and introduced the EL-CHAPO Act, which would seize assets of Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, who is currently being prosecuted in the United States. Sources say there is likely a tight deadline on Congress passing such a bill, with his trial soon coming to a conclusion. "I introduced the EL CHAPO Act to use El Chapo’s $14 billion worth of ill-gotten gains to build a wall along our southern border," Van Horn told Fox News' Tucker Carlson, "I also introduced the SAFE Act to require extreme vetting of refugees entering our country."
-- Democrats have not pushed back against Republicans on the immigration issue, leaving the airwaves for them to fill, which has frustrated staffers who believe they risk losing the messaging war. "Republicans are making it seem like migrants are piling into the country like a giant hoard," a Democratic pollster said, "and, unchecked, this messaging is effective in stoking fear, stoking panic, and shifting the narrative to their side." Several staffers anonymously said they thought Democrats were fumbling the momentum they have coming off of six long months of Republican infighting.
DEMOCRATS PICK UP A SENATE SEAT . . . SORT-OF: In a press briefing without much fanfare, Sen. CAMILO deSONIDO (D-CA) announced he would be switching his party affiliation from Independent to Democrat. "My roots are deeply entrenched in the Democratic soil; from my early days in South Carolina, engaging with the Young Democrats, to my active participation at UCLA, and my presidency of the California Young Democrats," deSonido said, emphasizing that he believes "transformative strides" had been made by the Democratic Party during his time in the Senate. The news did surprise some progressives and stoke conversations about a possible 2020 Presidential run by the young Senator, with speculation that the move was to prevent any questions about his loyalty to the party.
In the House, the Death Penalty for Cop Killers Act passed relatively easily, with nearly all Republicans in support, and a number of Blue Dog Democrats joining them. The bill, originally sponsored by Van Horn in the Senate, expands aggravating factors to seeking the death penalty on federal cases to include targeting of and killing police officers or other first responders. The bill has received support from Republicans and a number or pro-police organizations, such as the National Fraternal Order of Police. On the other hand, groups like the NAACP and ACLU have criticized the bill even being considered, especially in the face of ongoing racial tensions across the country. "As young Black men and women are systematically targeted by police, this is the topic of conversation," Virginia NAACP spokesperson James Wallace questioned. The NAACP has recently endorsed a policy that would federally mandate police officers to wear body worn cameras, to prevent abuse and to provide a full picture for any future investigations.
PHOTO OF THE DAY
UK Prime Minister David Cameron speaks at the European Council in Brussels following a joint operation targeting ISIS operations in Niger. (Source: NYT)
We're looking at those with influence in Washington and together, we've formed a list of five of Washington's Most Influential Players, and who the movers and shakers are.
1. Sen. Diego Everhart: There's no denying that Senate Majority Leader Everhart holds all the cards and is able to dictate the tempo in Washington. There's been a lot of missteps: the minimum wage bill, an DOA abortion bill, among other things. He's been criticized by some in Washington for 'political stunts', such as a recent bill which would ban right-to-work nationally, with many agreeing it has little chance at passing. Regardless, Everhart and Speaker Paul Ryan are the gatekeepers of Washington, and the ultimate deciders of its agenda.
2. Sen. Cliff Fleming: The Senate Minority Leader may not have any official powers but he has proven to be surprisingly resilient and a consistent force for the GOP. Being ousted and then returning to the top job in the Senate Republican Conference is certainly a testament to Fleming's ability to traverse the complexities of the Beltway, and perhaps more importantly, his own Senate conference. It has been Fleming who has consistently been a thorn in the side of Democrats on the Supreme Court, the minimum wage bill, among other things.
3. Sen. Kyle Van Horn: Van Horn has been heavily influential in the Senate, especially when it comes to directing Republican legislative efforts, with his office driving out bills that are no doubt aimed at firing up the Republican base. These includes bills like the EL CHAPO Act, the Death Penalty for Cop Killers Act, and the SAFE Act -- all of which have received widespread support across the GOP. Van Horn and his Senate office have seemingly become the policy center for Republicans which is a clear mark of his growing stock in the conference after his ouster as Senate Whip.
4. Sen. Camilo deSonido: deSonido is known as the leading progressive voice in the Senate and has obtained some influence due to what many see as a close relationship to Senate Majority Leader Diego Everhart. Both Everhart and deSonido are in the Progressive Caucus and several of deSonido's bills have been placed on the Senate docket, likely much to the ire of Blue Dog Democrats, including the minimum wage bill and the right-to-work ban, both of which had deSonido's fingerprints on them.
5. Sen. John Carlsen: The reason the minimum wage bill was pulled from the Senate floor? The Blue Dog caucus. While Sen. Andrew Clarke is Chair of the caucus, Carlsen is often seen as the face of it, appearing on social media and in the press far more often. It was also Carlsen who has developed a seemingly close relationship with GOP Senate Leader Cliff Fleming; endorsing him on Twitter for his old job and endorsing Fleming's proposal of a $10 minimum wage tied to E-Verify. In a 51-49 Senate, just a few votes dooms Democrats efforts, meaning they need Carlsen and his cohort of Blue Dogs to sign on to anything for it to pass.
PLAYBOOK TOP READS
"Bipartisan Agreement Paves Way for California Bridge Reconstruction Bill", by CNN's Phil Stewart: "A bill appropriating $3 billion in grant funding for the reconstruction of the collapsed Interstate 5 bridge near Sacramento, California, is poised for swift passage through the Senate. Introduced by Senators Everhart (D-PA) and deSonido (D-CA), the legislation enjoys broad bipartisan support and is expected to reach President Murphy's desk."
"Murphy Approval Ratings Sits at 54%," by FiveThirtyEight's Nate Silver: "President Doug Murphy is currently sitting pretty with a 54% approval rating after having just taken office following the resignation of former President Xiomara de la Cruz. Murphy's position at the moment is relatively soft. While he has just taken the job as President, Americans are already familiar with Murphy as a member of the de la Cruz administration. He was, arguably, perhaps even more active in the press than his predecessor. Due to this, Murphy does not enjoy as much of a bump as new Presidents have received historically (ex., Obama with 69% in January, 2009 and Reagan with 68% in May, 1981)."
"Domestic Protests Against Maduro Regime Continues In Spite of GM Plant Takeover," by BBC's Kasey Hendry: "In spite of Venezuela's controversial seizing of a GM Plant, sparking international outrage, protests against the Maduro Regime have grown in recent weeks. Citing significant economic downturn and repression political opposition, Venezuelans have taken to the streets in several major cities across the country. Protestors have been met with significant pushback from military forces, with the atmosphere in some areas considered tense between the two sides. The Maduro Regime has been noted as seeking diplomatic correspondences abroad as they seek to maintain their international legitimacy. Humanitarian experts warn that a mass exodus of Venezuelans could create a significant crisis in the region."
"Trial of Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán Concludes: Verdict and Sentencing Awaited", by WaPo's Alex Hernandez: "After a lengthy and highly publicized trial, the legal proceedings against Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, one of the world's most notorious drug lords, have drawn to a close. The trial, which unfolded in a federal court in the United States, saw prosecutors present a wealth of evidence detailing Guzmán's alleged involvement in drug trafficking, money laundering, and organized crime.
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Presidential Contest Underway as Candidates Jumpstart Campaigns Early
Washington D.C. -- As the dust settles from the previous election cycle, the American political landscape is once again abuzz with anticipation as the 2016 presidential election season officially gets underway. With a diverse array of candidates vying for their party's nomination, the race promises to be both contentious and historic. On the Republican side, a formidable lineup of contenders has emerged. Among the frontrunners are familiar faces such as Jeb Bush, Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, Chris Christie, and John Kasich. Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush enters the race with a well-established political pedigree, boasting a famous family name and a track record of governance in one of the nation's largest swing states of Florida. Alongside him, Senators Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio present formidable challenges, each representing different factions within the Republican Party and appealing to distinct voter demographics. Meanwhile, Governors Chris Christie and John Kasich offer their own unique brand of leadership, with Christie's brash style and Kasich's pragmatic approach setting them apart in a crowded field. With such a diverse range of candidates, Republican voters are faced with a difficult choice as they weigh their options and consider who best embodies their values and priorities.
On the Democratic side, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton appears to be the presumptive frontrunner, leveraging her extensive political experience and name recognition to build a formidable campaign apparatus. However, she faces stiff competition from Senator Bernie Sanders, whose grassroots movement has energized progressive voters across the country with his calls for economic and social justice. Joining them are lesser-known contenders such as former Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley and former Wisconsin Senator Russ Feingold, each hoping to gain traction and challenge the frontrunners for the Democratic nomination. While their paths to victory may be more uncertain, their presence adds depth and diversity to the Democratic field, enriching the debate and ensuring that a wide range of perspectives are represented. As the 2016 presidential election gets underway, many political observers believe that Hillary Clinton and Jeb Bush have a significant advantage, thanks to their strong name recognition, extensive political networks, and formidable fundraising capabilities.
Obama Administration Removes Cuba from State Sponsors of Terrorism List
Washington D.C. -- In a significant move towards normalizing relations, the Obama administration has removed Cuba from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list. This decision signals a new era of engagement between the two countries. By removing this designation, the United States acknowledges that Cuba no longer poses a threat to U.S. national security and recognizes the progress the country has made in addressing terrorism-related concerns. The move acknowledges Cuba's progress in addressing terrorism concerns and paves the way for further diplomatic and economic cooperation. While some criticize the decision citing human rights issues, others see it as a crucial step towards building trust and fostering greater stability in the region.
Domestic Terrorist Attacks Linked to ISIS Shake Americans
Sen Bernardino -- The U.S. was rocked by attacks related to Islamic extremists and those loyal to ISIS recently. One of the most shocking incidents occurred this summer, when a gunman launched a deadly assault on military facilities in Chattanooga, Tennessee. In this act of terror, five U.S. servicemen lost their lives, leaving the nation in mourning and raising grave concerns about the radicalization of individuals within American borders. Similarly alarming was the mass shooting that unfolded in later in the summer, when a married couple carried out a brutal attack in San Bernardino, California. Motivated by allegiance to the Islamic State group, they callously took the lives of 14 innocent people and wounded 22 others. These incidents, along with several other minor incidents reported across the country, served as stark reminders of the evolving nature of the domestic terrorism threat. They highlighted the ease with which individuals can become radicalized online or through extremist networks, posing significant challenges for law enforcement and intelligence agencies tasked with preventing such attacks. In the aftermath of these tragedies, there were calls for greater vigilance and cooperation among federal, state, and local authorities. Efforts were redoubled to identify and disrupt extremist networks operating within the United States, while also addressing the root causes of radicalization and working with international partners to quell the threat of ISIS.
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The New York Times (NYT) is an American daily newspaper based in New York City. The New York Times covers domestic, national, and international news, and comprises opinion pieces, investigative reports, and reviews. As one of the longest-running newspapers in the United States, it serves as one of the country's newspapers of record.
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LEADERSHIP
Secretary of State: John Kerry
Ambassador to the United Nations: Samantha Power
Ambassador to NATO: Douglas Lute
Ambassador to the European Union: Anthony Gardner
Ambassador to China: Max Baucus
Ambassador to the United Kingdom: Matthew Barzun
Ambassador to Russia: John F. Tefft
TRAVEL ADVISORIES:
QuoteIRAQ - DO NOT TRAVEL
IRAN - DO NOT TRAVEL
SYRIA - DO NOT TRAVEL
AFGHANISTAN - DO NOT TRAVEL
SOMALIA - DO NOT TRAVEL
NORTH KOREA - DO NOT TRAVEL
LIBYA - DO NOT TRAVEL
VENEZUELA - DO NOT TRAVEL
SOUTH SUDAN - DO NOT TRAVEL
RUSSIA - LEVEL 3: RECONSIDER TRAVEL
SAUDI ARABIA - LEVEL 3: RECONSIDER TRAVEL
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LEADERSHIP
Commander-in-Chief: Barack Obama
Secretary of Defense: Ashton Carter
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs: Gen. Martin Dempsey (USA)
U.S. Army:
- Manpower:
Active Duty Personnel: 490,000
Army Reserve and National Guard: 548,000
Equipment:
Tanks: 6,000 (Including M1 Abrams)
Infantry Fighting Vehicles: 7,000 (Including Bradley Fighting Vehicle)
Artillery Systems: 3,000 (Including M109 Paladin)
Helicopters: 5,000 (Including AH-64 Apache and UH-60 Black Hawk)
Other Support Vehicles: 50,000 (Including Humvees and MRAPs)
2. U.S. Air Force:
- Manpower:
Active Duty Personnel: 312,000
Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard: 71,000
Aircraft:
Fighter Jets: 1,200 (Including F-15, F-16, F-22, and F-35)
Bombers: 160 (Including B-1, B-2, and B-52)
Cargo Planes: 600 (Including C-130 and C-17)
Reconnaissance Aircraft: 150 (Including U-2 and RQ-4 Global Hawk)
Other Support Aircraft: 1,000 (Including KC-135 and E-3 Sentry)
3. U.S. Navy:
- Manpower:
Active Duty Personnel: 323,000
Navy Reserve: 107,000
Ships:
Aircraft Carriers: 10 (Including Nimitz-class and Ford-class)
Submarines: 70 (Including SSBNs and SSNs)
Destroyers: 65 (Including Arleigh Burke-class)
Cruisers: 22 (Including Ticonderoga-class)
Amphibious Assault Ships: 30 (Including Wasp-class and America-class)
Littoral Combat Ships: 20 (Including Independence-class and Freedom-class)
Support Vessels: 300 (Including supply ships and hospital ships)
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Cable News Network (CNN) is a multinational news channel and website headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. Founded in 1980 by American media proprietor Ted Turner as a 24-hour cable news channel, and presently owned by the Manhattan-based media conglomerate Warner Media (WB), CNN was the first television channel to provide 24-hour news coverage and the first all-news television channel in the United States.
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Following Washington: Approval Ratings
Presidential and Congressional Approval Polls, Q3 2017
How popular is Doug Murphy?
Approve: 54%
Disapprove: 43%
A collection of polls from various pollsters from registered voters. 90% of polls projected to fall in this range.
President Doug Murphy is currently sitting pretty with a 54% approval rating after having just taken office following the resignation of former President Xiomara de la Cruz. Murphy's position at the moment is relatively soft. While he has just taken the job as President, Americans are already familiar with Murphy as a member of the de la Cruz administration. He was, arguably, perhaps even more active in the press than his predecessor. Due to this, Murphy does not enjoy as much of a bump as new Presidents have received historically (ex., Obama with 69% in January, 2009 and Reagan with 68% in May, 1981). Murphy has started out with Republican voters already having a negative perception of him, in large part thanks to his role as a partisan bulldog in the de la Cruz administration, highlighted by his activity on Twitter and back-and-forth exchanges with Republican members of Congress. Nonetheless, a sizeable majority currently view Murphy favorably, which many pundits and analysts have attributed in part to Republicans being in disarray. As NBC political contributor Noah Barnes put it, "while the White House hasn't done a whole lot, doing nothing looks better than what we saw from Republicans the first half of the year." Murphy has also been diligent since taking office, nominating a new VP, Supreme Court Justice, OMB Director, and Secretary of Defense while navigating the seemingly complex web of Republican leadership to strike deals and avoid drawn out confirmation fights.
LOOKING FORWARD: There is a growing crisis in Venezuela, Democrats remain embittered about the minimum wage debacle in the Senate, and a handful of renegade Blue Dog Senators have thrown a wrench in Democrats plans over and over again. These are all issues that the President will have to contend with moving forward and issues which will surely impact these numbers, one way or the other.
General Congressional Ballot
Democrat: 45%
Republican: 40%
A collection of polls from various pollsters from registered voters. 90% of polls projected to fall in this range.
Republicans in Disarray. Republicans in Chaos. The Collapse of the Republican Party. Is this the end of the GOP? - These are all headlines circling around on the internet the past few months, as accusations of blackmail, bullying, coup d'états, and public spats have infected the Republican Senate Conference. And the public has taken notice. Late night talk shows lambasted Republicans and Cliff Fleming and David Stewart were mocked on SNL, with a skit going viral that showed Stewart (played by Beck Bennett) and Fleming (played by Alex Moffat) announcing an upcoming boxing match, parodying the Floyd Mayweather-Conor McGregor fight announcement. Republicans were mocked on social media and their fights, tweets, remarks, and actions were endlessly analyzed on MSNBC, CNN, and even Fox News, with the latter pulling almost no punches in their wall-to-wall coverage of the drama. Needless to say, it was a bad first half of the year for Republicans, with the Generic Congressional Ballot reflecting that. For Democrats, they didn't have to do much to clear the very low bar set by their colleagues, but they had their own issues. Several nominations were defeated despite them only needing a 51 vote majority. A minimum wage bill was brought to the floor, with Democrats emphasizing it in the media, and was quickly pulled after several Blue Dog Democrats endorsed an amendment to include E-Verify and lower the amount to $10 instead of $15. It's safe to say that Democrats majorly benefitted from Republicans airing their issues out in public, with a 5% lead, and a major fundraising advantage despite a rather abysmal success rate -- so far -- in getting anything to clear the Senate.
Individual Senate Approval Ratings
All commentary is based on local pundits in the states polled.
Senator Clifford Fleming (R), Alabama
Approve: 47%
Disapprove: 46%
Alabamans are divided on Cliff Fleming, the once again Senate Minority Leader, largely thanks to the controversy he's been embroiled in on the Beltway. At the moment, a solid majority of Republicans approve of Fleming, which -- thanks to Alabama's demographics -- is keeping his head above water. On the other hand, an overwhelming majority of Democrats and a majority of independents in the state disapprove of Fleming. While Fleming hasn't had the most active press office, he has been highly visible by making various media appearances. In addition to that, Republicans in the state appreciated his effort in the Senate to strike a deal with Blue Dog Democrats on the minimum wage bill which would have included E-Verify. Most Republicans view Fleming as a dependable conservative, someone willing to fight for them and get dirty doing it. As Senate Minority Leader, Alabamans do appreciate the power their elected Senator holds, and will likely continue to judge him greatly by how he uses it.
Senator April Kelly (R), Alabama
Approve: xx
Disapprove: xx
We know Senator Kelly has been elected Senate Minority Whip, however, at the moment, there is not enough record of Kelly's press activity.
Senator Lloyd Bishop (R), Arizona
Approve: 46%
Disapprove: 42%
Bishop has sent some mixed signals to Arizonan's in his press releases, including a few embarrassing slip ups -- like mentioning a non-existent pandemic -- but nonetheless has remain fairly consistent in his stances. Republicans in his state appreciated his stance on the Supreme Court nominations and David Stewart's ouster. They also appreciated his stance on Democrats' 'Raise the Wage Act.' But Bishop will have to be careful. This is a state that was originally a swing state in 2016. In representing a state that is increasingly turning purple, there is a fine line between pleasing your base, while pissing off undecided, non-affiliated voters.
Senator Kimberly Atkins (R), Arizona
Approve: 46%
Disapprove: 43%
Some of Atkins' public positions haven't helped her and her close affiliation to David Stewart only befuddled conservatives in Arizona. She's been walking a fine line with her affiliations but has kept her public positions relatively consistent. Many in Arizona were confused when she voted against an amendment to tie E-Verify to the minimum wage bill in the Senate, but it didn't stay in the news for long. One major benefit to Atkins has been her legislative work, particularly related to veterans, with a bill she sponsored clearing the Democratic Senate, an impressive feat for a Republican Senator. Nonetheless, it is clear Atkins has some work to do to regain the trust of her base in Arizona following Stewart's fall from grace.
Senator Camilo deSonido (I), California
Approve: 54%
Disapprove: 40%
Senator deSonido has done a very good job of catering to his state, sticking to his guns on progressive issues, and cultivating a loyal following. His leadership recently during the Sacramento bridge collapse has earned him favorable coverage across the board. deSonido lead the effort in the Senate to write a relief bill for Sacramento, shepherded the bill through the Senate, and was able to save the city from being forced to take on all the funding offered as a loan. His recent announcement he was joining the Democratic Party proper was seen positively by most Democrats in California. A lot of pundits have speculated that deSonido could be the future of the party due to his growing status in the Senate.
Senator Taylor Kennedy (D), California
Approve: xx
Disapprove: xx
No record yet on Senator Kennedy's press activity.
Senator Erica Smith (D), Florida
Approve: 45%
Disapprove: 40%
At the moment, Smith has limited coverage by the media, and limited activity. The one visible thing Smith has done was vote to expand the child tax credit, which would have provided monthly payments to families that meet income thresholds. Smith's constituents appreciated the vote and her press efforts. We look forward to seeing more from the Senator from Florida.
Senator Barak Mofaz (R), Georgia
Approve: 45%
Disapprove: 40%
Senator Mofaz hasn't done much press, but he did gain some national recognition for being the Senator to call for new elections, ousting former Senate Minority Leader David Stewart. An overwhelming majority of Republicans approved of this action following Stewart holding a press conference at the White House announcing his support for Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson. Mofaz's press office has been largely rudimentary other than a statement criticizing strife within the GOP, which did gain him bonus points with independents, but didn't do him any favors with Republicans.
Senator Tarik Lee (R), Georgia
Approve: 47%
Disapprove: 41%
Lee, the new RNC Chairman, has high approvals among Republicans and thus far has also done well with independents, though a large majority of Democrats disapprove of him. Lee came out in opposition to the nomination of Ketanji Brown Jackson and most Republicans in the country agree with that stance. Lee, however, has also been busy getting some legislative work done, partnering with Senate Majority Leader Diego Everhart on a bill to make permanent and increase federal funding to HBCUs. This certainly gave Lee some credibility with the mainstream press and the bill received coverage locally across Georgia.
Senator Edgar Villanueva (D), Illinois
Approve: xx
Disapprove: xx
Not enough recent record on Senator Villanueva's press activity.
Senator John Carlsen (D), Indiana
Approve: 50%
Disapprove: 44%
John Carlsen has been in a somewhat precarious position a number of times during this Congress, a sentiment I'm sure many of his fellow Senators in states with less favorable demographics would agree. Issues Democrats campaign on and emphasize, such as the minimum wage, abortion, immigration, and labor rights are much tougher to navigate in a state like Indiana, a state that Katherine McCord picked up easily in the 2016 Presidential election. But Carlsen has been trekking those murky waters pretty sensibly, working to appeal to Republican voters in his state. Earlier this year, Carlsen decided to step away and distance himself from Democratic leadership by stepping down as President Pro-tempore of the Senate, a move political analysts have largely agreed to be a savvy one.
Senator James Cambridge (R), Iowa
Approve: 41%
Disapprove: 46%
Senator James Cambridge was involved in the Stewart debacle; he attended the famed White House press conference, he's been an antagonist to the establishment, and he was the one to suggest Judge Jane Kelly when Paulina Richards came out against killing the filibuster. And, similar to Stewart, Cambridge was tossed out as Senate Republican Whip following the Ketanji Brown Jackson nomination. Republicans overwhelmingly disapprove of Jackson's nomination, just as they overwhelmingly disapproved of Paul Watford's nomination, which Cambridge was also in support of. Many Iowa Republicans view Cambridge as being far too moderate. Evangelicals in Iowa are especially concerned about the Supreme Court and Cambridge hasn't spoken to their concerns, instead opting for language related to the importance of the constitution, balance of government, etc. One credit to Cambridge is that his justifications for supporting the President's Supreme Court nominees has been much clearer and more effective than his counterparts. In addition, Cambridge's focus on local issues, like ethanol, has also boosted his standing.
Senator Kyle Van Horn (R), Kentucky
Approve: 58%
Disapprove: 33%
Kyle Van Horn is one of the most active legislators in the Senate, consistently a voice for conservative proposals in the Senate and in Congress as a whole, which has made him highly favored back home in Kentucky. While Van Horn was removed as Senate Whip in the Stewart debacle, he came out of it relatively unscathed, as he was not featured in any major press conferences or news segments talking about the behind-the-scenes issues. Instead, Van Horn has focused his attention on immigration, an issue that is highly resonate with Republican voters across the country. He was the primary sponsor of one of the most discussed bills on conservative media being debated in the House, the Death Penalty for Cop Killers Act. Van Horn has been the driving force of a number of immigration related measures, including the EL CHAPO Act, which has received widespread coverage.
Senator Nolan Stokes (D), Maryland
Approve: xx
Disapprove: xx
Not enough recent record of Senator Stokes' press activity.
Senator Alex Fakhouri (D), Michigan
Approve: xx
Disapprove: xx
Not enough recent record on Senator Fakhouri's press activity.
Senator Andrew Clarke (D), Missouri
Approve: 49%
Disapprove: 42%
Senator Clarke has done a solid job of staying on top of his press office and keeping his constituents informed. Clarke is seen as a reliable moderate in the Senate and has support from a large majority of Democrats. He has come out in support for a compromise deal on the minimum wage, which was supported by a majority of Americans, and Missourian's. This has become a pattern for Clarke who has supported various signature Democratic bills and proposals, like CTC expansion, a minimum wage increase, and efforts to end right-to-work nationally. On the other hand, Clarke is a hawk on immigration and some other issues. So far, Clarke has been able to ride the Blue Dog line well, a line he'll certainly need to keep steady considering Missouri is increasingly leaning Republican.
Senator Martin Merkur (R), Montana
Approve: xx
Disapprove: xx
No record yet on Senator Merkur's press activity.
Senator David Rollins (R), Nebraska
Approve: xx
Disapprove: xx
Not enough recent record on Senator Rollins' press activity.
Senator Harrison LeClavers (D), New Jersey
Approve: xx
Disapprove: xx
No record yet on Senator LeClavers' press activity.
Senator Paulina Richards (D), Ohio
Approve: 44%
Disapprove: 48%
Democrats were furious when Senator Richards announced that she would be opposing efforts to overturn the filibuster and confirm Paul Watford and many remain embittered over it despite her eventually coming around. Her close affiliation with Stewart and other Republicans was panned for weeks and is still a topic of discussion among Ohio Democrats. But Richards has also been pretty impressive legislatively, spearheading the bipartisan childcare legislation currently up for debate in the Senate, and publicizing a number of other proposals in the Senate. Richards represents a state Katherine McCord won by 3% in 2016, so it is easy to see why she would be eager to try and differentiate herself from the party at large. Yet, something as important as a Supreme Court nomination, one Democrats view as Republicans attempting to steal, likely was not the right time or place for it.
Senator Tony Johnson (R), Oklahoma
Approve: xx
Disapprove: xx
No record yet on Senator Johnson's press activity.
Senator Diego Everhart (D), Pennsylvania
Approve: 49%
Disapprove: 43%
Everhart hasn't been very visible in his press office but his status as Senate Majority Leader allows his constituents to see what he is up to more than probably anyone else would be able to get away with. Pennsylvanian's are supportive of Everhart's efforts for unions but many were disappointed when the minimum wage bill was pulled from the Senate floor, and Everhart got his fair share of blame in the media for it. Everhart will certainly need to start doing more press and publicizing his victories and the party's victories.
Senator David Stewart (R), Pennsylvania
Approve: 40%
Disapprove: 50%
Stewart was elected to the Senate in 2016 and had a meteoric rise and a meteoric fall within the span of six months. Stewart seemingly gained a large following within the Republican Senate Conference and ascended to the top job quickly before being ousted just a week later. That is one of several factors on why his approval rating has fallen so badly. His support of Ketanji Brown Jackson was panned by Republicans nearly across the board, an action that lead to Stewart's ouster, which came just weeks after he was censured by the RNC Chairman for reportedly meeting with Teamsters President James Hoffa in an attempt to sink the primary campaign of Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker. Polls show that Stewart rates low with voters on the issues of trust and leadership. On the other hand, Stewart has gained some support from independents, which many attribute to his support for unions and his anti-trade stances. He must be careful, however, as recent actions such as supporting a Muslim ban is not popular with the independents he has attracted.
Senator Gary Scott Freeman (R), South Carolina
Approve: 40%
Disapprove: 46%
Gary Scott Freeman's endorsement of Democrats' attempts to overturn the filibuster caused a scorched earth campaign against him by members of the conservative media. The move was not viewed favorably overall and it hurt Scott significantly. Scott also ardently defended David Stewart in the press, even as he was excoriated by conservative media as well. While many independents and Democrats agree with Scott's move, it wasn't enough for them to approve of him, as Scott remains underwater with both Democrats and independents in his state. Many pundits predict this could be temporary as many will likely forget about this ordeal a few months from now. It's clear, though, that Scott will need to reassure Republicans in South Carolina that he is on their side. And, luckily for him, he's in much better shape than his fellow Senator . . .
Senator Jason Roy (R), South Carolina
Approve: 36%
Disapprove: 54%
Roy is incendiary, vitriolic, and crass. He's been criticized as being bigoted and racist, as he called former President de la Cruz an "anchor baby" and insinuated she was friends with members of the Hispanic dominated gang MS-13. Roy proposed a blanket ban on all Muslims from the United States. He insinuated that the former Senate Majority Leader was sympathetic to terrorists because he was a Muslim. In addition to all of this, Roy remains a close ally to David Stewart, and the two have been mentioned in the same breath by members of the media again and again. This has provided Roy with widespread negative media coverage inside and outside of South Carolina. Roy has gained a cult following on the far-right who love his rhetoric but he has lost the support of many Republicans and is overwhelmingly disapproved by independents and Democrats, resulting in one of the lowest approval ratings in the Senate.
Senator Henry Patterson (R), Tennessee
Approve: 44%
Disapprove: 46%
Patterson's claim to fame, thus far, was his speaking filibuster when Senate Democrats attempted to overturn the filibuster on judicial nominees for the first time in the spring. Patterson received several days of national coverage for the filibuster and was even praised by some, such as George Will, for being sensible in voting for Watford but also working to protect the filibuster, with Will saying Patterson was "basing his decisions on his integrity, not on poll numbers." On the other hand, Patterson was one of the first Republicans to support the Watford nomination, which hurt him with Republicans in his state much more than it helped him with any other demographic. As national Republicans and conservative media worked to portray Watford as someone who defended cop killers, Patterson was the poster child for a RINO traitor who voted with Democrats to confirm him. In addition to this, since the Waterford debacle, Patterson hasn't been active in the press, so the issue is still fresh in the minds of Tennessee conservatives.
Senator Linda Lawler (R), Tennessee
Approve: xx
Disapprove: xx
No record yet on Senator Lawler's press activity.
Senator Tom Donelson (R), Texas
Approve: 46%
Disapprove: 44%
Tom Donelson was introduced to the national stage when he became RNC Chairman and was almost immediately dealt one of the biggest PR crises in the parties history. Donelson, unfortunately for him, became collateral damage in a larger fight for the future of the party, and was ousted as Chair after a short stint that involved several public spats between he and David Stewart. Nonetheless, Donelson did manage to score some points with Republicans due to his stand against the President's Supreme Court nominees. Donelson's press office has not been managed recently which has also negatively effected him and his perception among Republicans and independents. Democrats overwhelmingly disapprove of Donelson. Hope isn't lost, though, as Donelson has a lot of room to maneuver, with 10% still undecided in this poll. He starts with a +2 lead which is better than what many predicted.
Senator Dylan Macmillan (D), Virginia
Approve: xx
Disapprove: xx
No record yet on Senator Macmillan's press activity.
Senator Heather James (D), Washington
Approve: 55%
Disapprove: 36%
James has done a very good job of keeping connected to her constituents and focusing on issues that the people that voted for her really care about. This includes lowered prescription drug prices, expanded medical service, environmental protection, to name just a few. James is often also seen presiding over the Senate and people have taken notice of that, especially those who follow politics closely, with memes of James' reaction to Republicans antics going viral a number of times this year. Progressives angry at James for her endorsement of TPP in early 2016 have largely forgotten about it. She is sitting with one of the highest approval ratings in Congress in large part due to her ability to recognize the state she is representing and appealing to the voters in that state. A novel concept!
Senator Anney Iyal (D), Washington
Approve: 51%
Disapprove: 41%
Anney Iyal keeps a relatively low profile but remains active in her press office and on social media. Iyal isn't known to make huge waves but has gained a significant amount of followers on social media, in part thanks to her consistent bemusement with recent Republican theatrics. In the grander picture of things, however, Iyal is supported by a good majority in her state of Washington. Her voter base appreciated her advocating for the minimum wage bill and her efforts on issues such as her tsunami warning bill, which has become one of the only pieces of legislation to get past the rigorous and sometimes arbitrary barriers in the Senate. Iyal also appeared on various shortlists for VP and was, at times, even considered a favorite for the position by various pundits and commentators, garnering her a week or so of positive national media attention.
Senator Sean Stevens (D), West Virginia
Approve: xx
Disapprove: xx
No record yet on Senator Stevens' press activity.
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- Country you would like to claim, list here: USA
- Why would you like to claim the country, what are your plans for it? The 2016 election, meddling throughout the Middle East, creeping into Asia, funneling money to South America, and pissing off China.
- If a G8/UNSC nation, do you commit to being relatively active in order to properly portray that nation?: Sure.
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Hi, welcome! Unfortunately this biography can't be approved, as all characters are created by players. You can follow our character creation guidelines here:
You can pick a state you want to represent, but all of your character details are up to you, as NPCs aren't playable.
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Name:
Media/Outlet:
Reason: (Ex. Why I Love Our Presidents)
[Bullet points/brief outline of talking points during appearance.]
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You need to put the total amount of points you spent in the biography following the format laid out here:
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Just now, Starnes said:
Judge Jackson,
I understand that, we're trying to get an understanding of your process of considering "the facts, legal arguments and precedents" to get a better understanding of who you are as a Judge. You can understand that you have a smaller judicial history so we have less of your prior rulings to look over to get an understanding of your capabilities. I would also like to clarify that I'm not asking for the opinion of Ketanji Brown Jackson, I'm asking for the opinion based upon the theories of jurisprudence held by Judge Jackson.
Ketanji Brown Jackson: Over the course of my time on the bench, I have developed a methodology that I use to ensure that I am ruling impartially and adhering to the limits on my judicial authority. I first ensure that I am proceeding from a position of neutrality by setting aside any personal views and clearing my mind of any preconceived notions about how the case might come out. Next, I consider the parties’ arguments and the record, to understand all of the facts, claims, and arguments. The final step is interpretation and application of the law to the facts in the case, where I am particularly mindful of the constraints on judicial authority. I assess the question of jurisdiction, and ask whether I even have the power to hear the case. If I do have jurisdiction, I look at the relevant provision of the Constitution, statute, or other applicable legal authority. I work to discern those words’ meaning as intended by the people who wrote them. I focus on original public meaning; I look at history and practice at the time the document was created to understand what those who created the text intended; I also look at precedent to understand how the text has been previously interpreted and applied. As a lower court judge, I am bound by precedent. If I am fortunate enough to be confirmed to the Supreme Court, I would be bound by stare decisis. I do not decide cases based on my personal views or policy preferences. I observe these limits in recognition of the fact that judges have limited authority, and I must always stay in my limited, judicial lane.
Each of the cases I mentioned are a precedent of the Supreme Court entitled to respect under stare decisis principles. As a sitting federal judge, all of the Supreme Court’s pronouncements are binding on me, and under the Code of Conduct for United States Judges, I have a duty to refrain from critiquing the law that governs my decisions, because doing so creates the impression that the judge would have difficulty applying binding law to their own rulings. Consistent with the positions taken by other pending judicial nominees, as a general matter, Senator, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the merits or demerits of the Supreme Court’s binding precedents.
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7 minutes ago, Starnes said:
Judge Jackson,
Citing your belief in a more stringent standard of textualism, do you think that these decisions would’ve met your standard to join the majority in the cases you referenced?
Ketanji Brown Jackson: Senator, as a nominee for the Supreme Court before this committee, it's essential for me to adhere to the principles of judicial independence and impartiality. While I respect the precedent set by these decisions as an established legal doctrine, I must refrain from expressing personal opinions on specific cases or hypotheticals that may come before the Court, including whether I would have agreed with the majority in these specific instances. As a judge, it is my duty to approach each case with an open mind, carefully considering the facts, legal arguments, and precedents before rendering a decision. It's important to emphasize that my role as a judge is not to impose personal views or preferences but to interpret and apply the law faithfully and impartially, consistent with the Constitution and established legal principles.
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9 hours ago, Starnes said:
Thank you Judge Jackson,
With this in mind, can you elaborate as to where in the Constitution you would find a delineated right to privacy?
I yield.
Ketanji Brown Jackson: The right to privacy, although not explicitly mentioned in the text of the Constitution, has been recognized and inferred by the Supreme Court through interpretation of various provisions, most notably the First, Fourth, Fifth, Ninth, and Fourteenth Amendments. The Supreme Court has articulated that the right to privacy is fundamental to the protection of personal autonomy and dignity, encompassing a range of individual liberties such as the right to make personal decisions concerning marriage, procreation, contraception, family relationships, and child-rearing free from unwarranted governmental intrusion. The landmark case of Griswold v. Connecticut (1965) established a constitutional right to privacy in the realm of marital relations and reproductive choices, striking down a state law that prohibited the use of contraceptives. The Court reasoned that certain zones of privacy are protected from governmental interference by the Bill of Rights, even though not specifically mentioned.
Subsequent cases, such as Roe v. Wade (1973) and Lawrence v. Texas (2003), further expanded the scope of the right to privacy, recognizing it as a foundational principle underlying important personal decisions, including the right to abortion and the right to engage in consensual sexual conduct between adults. In essence, while the Constitution does not explicitly enumerate a right to privacy, the Supreme Court has interpreted various provisions to safeguard this fundamental aspect of individual liberty and autonomy, rooted in the concept of personal dignity and freedom from unwarranted government intrusion.
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14 hours ago, Starnes said:
Judge Jackson,
If you had to pick a historical predecessor on the Court you think most closely matches your personal views on jurisprudence, who would that be?
I yield.
Ketanji Brown Jackson: It's important for me to emphasize that my approach to jurisprudence is grounded in the principles of impartiality and fidelity to the Constitution. While I deeply respect the historical figures who have served on the Court, I believe each of them have made their mark on the Court, as I would hope to if confirmed, but it would not be appropriate for me to align myself too closely with any particular predecessor. With that said, Justice Scalia has been especially influential insofar as he is widely credited as a founder of the originalist approach to constitutional interpretation, which has become a primary tool for interpreting provisions of the Constitution. Similar to Justice Scalia, I work to discern words’ meaning as intended by the people who wrote them, an important part of a methodology that I use to ensure that I am ruling impartially and adhering to the limits on my judicial authority.
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POLITICO PLAYBOOK: Stewart-White House Deal on Jackson Turns Sour
By BARNABY ANTHONY and ELLA LANDRY | 05/19/2017 7:31AM
D.C. Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson was nominated to the Supreme Court by President Doug Murphy. CREDIT: NYT)
DON'T MISS IT: Uber CEO Travis Kalanick Resigns Amid Shareholder Revolt
FIRST IN: President DOUG MURPHY had a busy week after taking office following the resignation of former President Xiomara de la Cruz, who is now home being treated for cancer. His first big move was choosing KETANJI BROWN JACKSON, a Judge on the D.C. District Court, to fill the now year-long vacancy on the Supreme Court. Jackson, appointed by Barack Obama in 2013, has served on the court for four years, previously serving as Vice Chair of the U.S. Sentencing Commission. Jackson is the first African American woman to be nominated to serve on the Supreme Court.
A DAY OF DRAMA -- At the White House, flanked by Senate Minority Leader DAVID STEWART and Minority Whip JAMES CAMBRIDGE, the President announced Jackson's nomination to surprise from White House reporters. Her nomination to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in 2012 sailed through the Senate by a voice vote and had the support of the now-Speaker of the House Paul Ryan," the President boasted, before turning over the podium to Stewart, who echoed Ryan's support of Jackson during her confirmation for the district court. "If we cannot support a woman who has previously received unanimous support, and has the support of our current House Speaker, I don't know what to say," Stewart said, almost foreshadowing the days events ahead.
The announcement shocked and stunned Senate Republicans, many of whom admitted openly they were never consulted or told about Stewart and Cambridge's support of Jackson before they appeared at the White House. Sen. LLOYD BISHOP (R-AZ), who was name checked at the press conference by the President and thanked for his support, clarified on Twitter that he was not in support of Jackson's nomination to the Supreme Court. It was later revealed by sources within the White House that Stewart had directly told the President he could count on Bishop's support. Minority Whip James Cambridge later admitted on Twitter that Stewart had told him that he had the votes to confirm Jackson, and that it was "clearly not the case."
-- Stewart, already on shaky foundation, was immediately attacked by Republicans and Democrats alike. All day, leaks were coming in, with Republicans stating their dissatisfaction and frustration. Even staunch Stewart ally Sen. JASON ROY (R-SC) came out in opposition to Jackson's nomination, saying Stewart was "trying to appease too many people from the left and the right." Former Senate Minority Whip KYLE VAN HORN (R-KY) had harsher words, saying he told Stewart he wasn't ready to be Senate Minority Leader, calling him "more establishment than Paul Ryan." House Republicans loyal to Stewart, like Rep. MATT GAETZ (R-FL), jumped ship and called on Stewart to resign, calling his actions "a betrayal." RNC Chairman TOM DONELSON accused Stewart of blackmail and "bullying" fellow Republicans into voting to confirm Jackson, noting his opposition to her nomination, while saying Stewart "governs with a lens of power, manipulation, fear and blackmail."
-- The backlash was immediate with Republicans calling for new elections with Stewart's opponents using the same new charter rules that were leveraged to toss out former leader CLIFF FLEMING (R-AL) against him. Fleming, notably, is rumored to be running for the job for a third time. The motion to oust Stewart was reportedly initiated by Sen. BARAK MOFAZ (R-GA), who earlier in the day on Twitter publicly announced his displeasure with Stewart, confirming he was among the large number of Senate Republicans kept in the dark on the White House Press Conference announcing Jackson.
-- There is real hope this is rock bottom for the GOP among staffers and donors, after weeks of tumultuous infighting and chaos that has cost them dearly. Early reports for Q1 and Q2 fundraising for both parties shows Democrats with a likely large advantage as donors have watched in horror, staffers have resigned en masse from the NRSC and NRCC, and recent polling of a generic congressional ballot by NBC News shows Republicans with a jaw dropping six point deficit. "This has to be rock bottom, the end of the chaos, otherwise we're toast," a staffer admitted to POLITICO, "there needs to be a complete turnaround or we are risking everything in 2018."
-- Whoever the new leader is has a tall task ahead with a majority of Republicans opposed to a Supreme Court Justice nominee that just received a wholehearted endorsement from top Republican brass, and who has received support from Speaker PAUL RYAN in the past, making for an awkward situation. In addition to that, the new Senate Leader will have to deal with the divided factions within the Senate Conference. While it's clear Stewart's influence has been significantly damaged by his support of Jackson, it's clear to anyone observing that the party remains deeply fractured and in need of a unifying figure at the helm of leadership.
REPUBLICANS ON JACKSON:
VAN HORN: "She is the ultimate left-wing judicial activist."
ROY: "I never supported Watford and I do not support Jackson."
BISHOP: "I have not supported nor will I support Judge Brown for SCOTUS. Period."
MOFAZ: "I was not consulted by leadership. I will not support anything when left in the dark."
WHO'S THE NEXT VICE PRESIDENT? Nobody knows yet but that hasn't stopped rumors circulating around the beltway, with the names of many on the tip of every staffers tongue. A few we've heard include Sen. ANNEY IYAL (D-WA), Nat. Security Advisor CYNTHIA HARVEY, Sen. ANDREW CLARKE (D-MO), and Sen. CAMILO deSONIDO (I-CA). No official list has come from a White House source yet as anyone the President might be considering has been kept close to the vest. While many Democrats hope it is someone exciting to the base, others acknowledge the political reality that whoever it is will need to be confirmed by the Republican House majority.
Good Saturday morning and thanks for reading Playbook weekend edition. Drop us a line; Barnaby Anthony, Ella Landry.
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DRIVING THE DAY
On the Hill
RELIEF FOR SACRAMENTO: The I-5 Relief Act, spearheaded by California Sen. CAMILO deSONIDO, has been docketed by Sen. Majority Leader DIEGO EVERHART. The legislation would allocate $6 billion toward relief efforts for the I-5 bridge collapse, with $2 billion coming in the form of a loan. The money would be used to repair I-5 and surrounding areas, though the language of the bill was kept fairly vague, allowing funds to be used for emergency appropriations and other relief efforts. Sen. KIMBERLY ATKINS (R-AZ) has sought to amend the bill, making the entirety of the allocated funds a loan to be paid back in ten years.
Republicans are still reeling from their loss in the Wisconsin special election as DAN KIND (D-WI) was sworn in this morning by President Pro-tempore PATRICK LEAHY (D-VT) due to the vacancy of the Vice Presidency. Kind defeated Gov. SCOTT WALKER (R-WI) in a close election. Many pundits attributed Walker's loss with the public chaos in the GOP happening in split screen with the election and staffers on the ground believed the debacle tainted the party with Wisconsin voters. "It was embarrassing, it was humiliating," a staffer told POLITICO, asking to remain anonymous, acknowledging that many on the ground "remain furious at what happened here." It's a big victory for Democrats who were able to hold on to the seat once held now-President Doug Murphy.
A bill to enhance U.S. cyber security efforts was proposed by Sen. JAMES CAMBRIDGE (R-IA) and Sen. GEORGE FREEMAN (R-SC) during a press conference with Stewart. The press conference was largely overshadowed by the days events, however, and all three left without taking any questions from reporters. Cyber security has come to the forefront after a report came out that recent sophisticated cyber attacks against U.S. businesses was straining critical cyber infrastructure and aging systems were becoming more vulnerable.
ALL POLITICS
Republicans severely lagged behind Democrats in Q1 and Q2 fundraising with Dems raising $25,440,000 to the GOP's $10,250,000. The staggering lead by Democrats in 2017 is likely to serve as a wake up call to Republicans after a chaotic six months of instability and infighting. The top fundraisers for DEMS were: MURPHY, EVERHART, JAMES, and deSONIDO. The top fundraisers for the GOP were: VAN HORN, DONELSON, FLEMING, and STEWART.
KEEP AN EYE ON IT: Progressives, furious over the quick death of the $15 minimum wage bill in the Senate, have taken the fight to California, but this time they are asking for more. Activists behind the group 'FairWage Advocates' have called for a $20 minimum wage in the state by the year 2024. Director of the organization, PAU LUALI, said the fight for $15 has turned into a fight for fair wages for all, no matter where they live. "The fight for $15 started a movement, but that number doesn't mean the same thing here in California," Luali said, "we are going to fight for a fair living wage in every state across the country and it begins here." California Gov. JERRY BROWN has previously pledged support for a $15 minimum wage but the legislature has not yet acted on a minimum wage increase.
SUPREME COURT UPDATE: It is not known whether the court will return at full strength for the 2017 term in October but we do know the new term could be a blockbuster one with several cases likely to provoke conflict. One of them, on political gerrymandering, has the potential to reshape American politics. Another may settle the question of whether businesses can turn away patrons like gay couples in the name of religious freedom. The court will hear important workers’ rights cases, including one on employers’ power to prevent workers from banding together to sue them. In addition, the court will hear arguments in a case on immigration and due process for undocumented immigrants who have spent more than six months in detention without a hearing.
MORE HEADLINES
BBC: GLOBAL RANSOMWARE ATTACK CAUSES CHAOS
DRUDGE: CLEAN HOUSE OR LAY DOWN AND DIE: GOP IN CHAOS
MEDIAITE: INFIGHTING SEEPS INTO CONSERVATIVE MEDIA
NYT: WHO IS KETANJI BROWN JACKSON?
WSJ: PASS THE EL CHAPO ACT NOW
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- Senator, your extensive career in the Central Intelligence Agency is certainly impressive, but it also raises concerns about your limited experience in diplomacy and international relations, particularly at the State Department. How do you plan to transition from a career focused on intelligence gathering and covert operations to the nuanced diplomacy required of a Secretary of State?
- Senator, as the successor to Hillary Clinton as the Secretary of State, would you consider the actions of your predecessor when it comes to securing classified information was improper, if not illegal? Do you agree that FBI Director Comey should've proceeded with criminal charges against the former Secretary for this violation of national security laws?
- As a former CIA operative, you have undoubtedly developed valuable insights into national security threats and intelligence operations. Could you elaborate on the kinds of threats that could come to this nation from classified information falling into the wrong hands, for example the actions of former Secretary Clinton?
- Your brief tenure as a United States Senator from Virginia was marked by a lack of significant legislative accomplishments, raising questions about your ability to navigate the complexities of policymaking and consensus-building. How do you plan to leverage your experiences in the Senate, particularly in a highly partisan environment, to effectively represent America's interests on the global stage as Secretary of State?
Questions posed to the nominee for Secretary of State from the Foreign Affairs committee. @Mikey
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TRANSCRIPT OF ORSZAG COMMITTEE HEARINGS
Q. Mr. Orszag, your tenure as Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) during the Obama administration saw a significant increase in government spending and the national debt. How do you justify your role in advocating for policies that contributed to ballooning deficits and what specific measures would you implement to ensure fiscal responsibility if confirmed for this position again?
Orszag: During my tenure as Director of the Office of Management and Budget, we faced significant economic challenges, including the aftermath of the financial crisis. The policies we pursued were aimed at stabilizing the economy, preventing a deeper recession, and fostering long-term economic growth. While it's true that there was an increase in government spending and the national debt during that period, it's important to understand the context. The economic downturn necessitated substantial government intervention to prevent a complete collapse of the economy. The Recovery Act, for example, helped create or save millions of jobs and provided vital support to struggling families and businesses. However, I acknowledge the importance of fiscal responsibility and understand the need to address our long-term fiscal challenges. If confirmed for this position again, I would prioritize implementing measures to ensure fiscal responsibility. This includes looking at areas for efficiency and more accountability in spending and making sure we are abiding and following through on budgetary discipline.
Q. Your support for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) during your time as OMB Director has been heavily criticized for its costly implementation and failure to deliver on promised benefits. How do you plan to address the shortcomings of the ACA, particularly its impact on taxpayers and the affordability of healthcare for American families, if given another opportunity to serve in this capacity?
Orszag: The Affordable Care Act represented a significant step forward in expanding access to healthcare coverage for millions of Americans. While it has made notable achievements in reducing the uninsured rate and providing important consumer protections, I acknowledge that there have been challenges and criticisms regarding its implementation and affordability. One of the most important aspects here, as you mentioned, will be cost containment. We must promote market competition, we must continue to adjust and look at existing subsidies. I will say, it would help a lot if states that have not expanded Medicaid to do so, as it would make healthcare more affordable in those states, and provide more quality healthcare to individuals living there.
Q. Under your leadership at OMB, the federal government expanded its regulatory reach into various sectors of the economy, stifling innovation and burdening businesses with excessive red tape. How do you intend to strike a balance between regulatory oversight and promoting economic growth and job creation if confirmed for this position again?
Orszag: I recognize the critical importance of regulatory oversight in safeguarding public health, safety, and the environment, such as with the Clean Air Act, or the Americans With Disabilities Act. I also understand the concerns regarding the potential for regulations to impose unnecessary burdens on businesses and hinder economic growth and job creation. My approach to regulatory policy would be guided by the principle of achieving a balance between these competing interests. I would prioritize a regulatory framework that is geared toward ensuring that regulations are tailored to address specific risks and achieve desired outcomes without imposing undue burdens or stifling innovation. I believe we must emphasize the importance of stakeholder engagement in the regulatory process, seeking input from businesses, industry associations, advocacy groups, and other affected parties to ensure that regulations are informed by real-world experience and expertise, rather than just the Washington bureaucracy. Peoples lives are often effected by these regulations: they should have input and be collaborators in this. At the same time, Senator, I recognize the importance of the regulatory process and while promoting economic growth and job creation is important, it should not come at the expense of sacrificing essential regulatory safeguards on the environment, public health, and labor safety.
Q. Your advocacy for stimulus spending in response to the 2008 financial crisis has been questioned for its efficacy in stimulating long-term economic recovery and its potential to create a dependency on government intervention. But what has been more concerning to many people is how you joined the leadership of Citigroup after the United States government bailed them out to the tune of tens of billions of dollars. What do you have to say to those of us who are concerned that you saved Citigroup and then took on a lucrative job with them soon after?
Orszag: Thank you for raising this concern, Senator. I understand the importance of addressing questions regarding my transition from public service to the private sector and my association with Citigroup following the financial crisis. First and foremost, I want to emphasize that my decisions and actions throughout my career have always been guided by a commitment to public service and the pursuit of policies that I believe are in the best interest of the American people. Regarding my role in advocating for stimulus spending during the 2008 financial crisis, it's important to recognize the unprecedented nature of the crisis and the urgency of the situation at the time. The financial system was on the brink of collapse, and decisive action was needed to stabilize the economy and prevent a deeper recession. The stimulus measures implemented, including the Recovery Act, played a vital role in averting a complete economic meltdown and laying the groundwork for recovery.
As for my subsequent employment at Citigroup, it's essential to provide context. When I joined Citigroup in 2010, the financial system was still in a fragile state, and the banking industry faced significant challenges. My decision to join Citigroup was motivated by a desire to contribute my expertise and insights to help address these challenges and support the company's efforts to rebuild and strengthen its operations. I want to be clear that my role at Citigroup was focused on providing strategic advice and analysis on a broad range of issues, including economic and regulatory matters. I was not involved in day-to-day management or decision-making at the company, and I adhered to all ethical and legal standards throughout my tenure. Furthermore, I took steps to ensure transparency and avoid any conflicts of interest by complying with all relevant disclosure requirements and recusing myself from any matters involving my former government responsibilities. My decisions during the financial crisis and my subsequent employment at Citigroup were driven by a sincere desire to contribute to the stability and prosperity of our economy, and I stand by the integrity of my actions.
Open Secrets: 2017 Fundraising Numbers Revealed
in The Fourth Estate
Posted
TOTAL COMBINED RAISED BY DEMOCRATS (2017): $101,400,000
Senator Manu Garcia (D-VA)
FIRST ELECTION: 2016
NEXT ELECTION: 2022
TOTAL RAISED (2017): $5,500,000
TOP INDUSTRIES: Education/Unions, Retired, LGBT Groups
TOP CONTRIBUTOR: Emily's List
Senator Heather James (D-WA)
FIRST ELECTION: 2000
NEXT ELECTION: 2018
TOTAL RAISED (2017): $20,250,000
TOP INDUSTRIES: Securities and Investments, Lawyers/Law Firms, Silicon Valley
TOP CONTRIBUTOR: Blackstone Group
Senator Taylor Kennedy (D-CA)
FIRST ELECTION: 2016
NEXT ELECTION: 2022
TOTAL RAISED (2017): $1,000,000
TOP INDUSTRIES: LGBTQ Groups, Hollywood
TOP CONTRIBUTOR: Google Inc.
Senator Anney Iyal (D-WA)
FIRST ELECTION: 2016
NEXT ELECTION: 2022
TOTAL RAISED (2017): $2,150,000
TOP INDUSTRIES: Women's Groups, Liberal/Democrat, Retired
TOP CONTRIBUTOR: Microsoft Corp.
Senator John Carlsen (D-IN)
FIRST ELECTION: 2012
NEXT ELECTION: 2018
TOTAL RAISED (2017): $10,250,000
TOP INDUSTRIES: Securities and Investments, Defense Contractors, Lawyers/Law Firms
TOP CONTRIBUTOR: Goldman Sachs
Senator Diego Everhart (D-PA)
FIRST ELECTION: 2012
NEXT ELECTION: 2018
TOTAL RAISED (2017): $16,000,000
TOP INDUSTRIES: Unions, Women's Groups, Wall Street
TOP CONTRIBUTOR: Fred Eychaner
President Doug Murphy
FIRST ELECTION: 2016
NEXT ELECTION: 2020
TOTAL RAISED (2017): $25,500,000
TOP INDUSTRIES: Securities and Investments, Retired, Health Insurance
TOP CONTRIBUTOR: Blue Cross/Blue Shield
Senator Camilo deSonido (D-CA)
FIRST ELECTION: 2012
NEXT ELECTION: 2018
TOTAL RAISED (2017): $9,000,000
TOP INDUSTRIES: Construction, Unions, Hollywood
TOP CONTRIBUTOR: University of California/Los Angeles
Senator Andrew Clarke (D-MO)
FIRST ELECTION: 2012
NEXT ELECTION: 2018
TOTAL RAISED (2017): $11,750,000
TOP INDUSTRIES: Health Insurance, Manufacturing, Securities and Investments
TOP CONTRIBUTOR: Michael Bloomberg
TOTAL COMBINED RAISED BY REPUBLICANS (2017): $53,000,000
Senator James Cambridge (R-IA)
FIRST ELECTION: 2012
NEXT ELECTION: 2018
TOTAL RAISED (2017): $6,500,000
TOP INDUSTRIES: Agriculture, Retired, Health Insurance
TOP CONTRIBUTOR: Ethanol Industry
Senator George Scott Freeman (R-SC)
FIRST ELECTION: 2014
NEXT ELECTION: 2020
TOTAL RAISED (2017): $250,000
TOP INDUSTRIES: Retired, Misc.
TOP CONTRIBUTOR: Uline Inc.
Senator Kimberly Atkins (R-AZ)
FIRST ELECTION: 2016
NEXT ELECTION: 2022
TOTAL RAISED (2017): $2,000,000
TOP INDUSTRIES: Defense Contractors, Oil & Gas, Wall Street
TOP CONTRIBUTOR: Lockheed Martin
Senator Kyle Van Horn (R-KY)
FIRST ELECTION: 2016
NEXT ELECTION: 2022
TOTAL RAISED (2017): $12,000,000
TOP INDUSTRIES: Health Insurance, Securities and Investments, Retired
TOP CONTRIBUTOR: Robert Mercer
Senator David Powers (R-PA)
FIRST ELECTION: 2016
NEXT ELECTION: 2022
TOTAL RAISED (2017): $4,000,000
TOP INDUSTRIES: Oil & Gas, Retired, Pharmaceuticals
TOP CONTRIBUTOR: Chevron Corp.
Senator Jason Roy (R-SC)
FIRST ELECTION: 2016
NEXT ELECTION: 2022
TOTAL RAISED (2017): $1,300,000
TOP INDUSTRIES: Misc. Business, Oil & Gas
TOP CONTRIBUTOR: Tractor Supply Co.
Senator April Kelly (R-AL)
FIRST ELECTION: 2016
NEXT ELECTION: 2022
TOTAL RAISED (2017): $3,000,000
TOP INDUSTRIES: Single Issue, Oil & Gas, Defense Contractors
TOP CONTRIBUTOR: Farris Wilks
Senator Cliff Fleming (R-AL)
FIRST ELECTION: 2008
NEXT ELECTION: 2020
TOTAL RAISED (2017): $24,000,000
TOP INDUSTRIES: Securities and Investments, Misc. Business, Defense Contractors
TOP CONTRIBUTOR: Lockheed Martin