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On 1/13/2024 at 11:09 PM, Ollie said:
Name: Abel Burke
Date of Birth: 10/01/1955
Place of Birth: Eugene, Oregon
Places of Residence: Orlando, Florida
Party: Republican
Avatar: Brian Cox
Educational History
B.S., Political Science (1977)
J.D., Columbia (1980)
PhD, Asian Studies (1985)
Occupational History
Intelligence Analyst, CIA (1980 - 1982)
Staff, U.S. National Security Council (1984 - 1987)
Director, CIA Office of Strategic Research (1987 - 1989)
Deputy Director of Intelligence, CIA (1989 - 1991)
Director of Central Intelligence (1991 - 1993)
The Heritage Foundation (1993 - 2003)
U.S. Ambassador to Germany (2003 - 2005)
President, Texas A&M University (2005 - 2010)
U.S. Ambassador to China (2017 - 2020)
U.S. Secretary of State, nominated (2025)
Abel Burke, born on October 1, 1955, in Eugene, Oregon, was raised in a close-knit family. Abel's early years were marked by the influence of his father, Abel Sr., who served in the state assembly for the first 22 years of Abel's life. His father developed a number of connections during this his time in politics that opened the doors for a number of opportunities throughout Abel's life.
Abel's educational journey began with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science, which he earned in 1977. He pursued a Juris Doctorate from Columbia in 1980, followed by a Ph.D. in Asian Studies in 1985. In the early 1980s, Abel served as an Intelligence Analyst with the CIA, and quickly rose in the ranks, in part due to his established relationship with then White House Chief of Staff James Baker. This caused a natural progression for Abel to work in the White House as a staff member for the U.S. National Security Council from 1984 to 1987. This period marked the true beginning of Abel's ascent through the ranks of the intelligence community.
In 1987, Abel assumed the role of Director at the CIA Office of Strategic Research, showcasing his strategic acumen and leadership skills. His dedication and outstanding performance led to his appointment as Deputy Director of Intelligence at the CIA from 1989 to 1991. The pinnacle of Abel's intelligence career came when he became the Director of Central Intelligence from 1991 to 1993. Once again, Abel's close knit relationship with Baker enabled him to rise through the ranks of both the Reagan and Bush administrations.
When he was nominated as Director of Central Intelligence in 1991, questions arose about Abel's knowledge of the Iran-Contra Affair. Abel was an early subject of Independent Counsel's investigation, but the investigation of Abel intensified in the spring of 1991 as part of a larger inquiry into the Iran–Contra activities of CIA officials. Due to his nomination, the investigation was accelerated. Independent Counsel determined that Abel's Iran–Contra activities and testimony did not warrant prosecution.
Post his intelligence career, Abel shifted his focus to policy research and advocacy. Joining The Heritage Foundation in 1993, he contributed to shaping conservative policies for a decade until 2003. During this period, he continued to influence national discourse on critical issues. Abel supported the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq during this period.
In 2003, he was recruited by the Bush administration to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Germany. He stayed in the position for two years, departing following the reelection of Bush. Abel was offered the role of President of Texas A&M University and accepted. One notable act by Abel during his time as President was to eliminate tuition for A&M students whose parents earn less than $60,000 annually, utilizing federally provided funds to cover the costs.
In 2010, Abel exited his post as President of Texas A&M, and joined the Council on Foreign Relations, delivering lectures at various universities, and occasionally making appearances on cable news, and writing opinion editorials for The Washington Post.
In 2016, Abel endorsed Donald Trump for President and was a signatory on a letter supporting his candidacy and ability to lead after questions about his competence on foreign policy issues arose. Abel was recruited to the Trump transition team in 2017 and lobbied for the spot of Ambassador to China. Trump appointed Abel as Ambassador to China and Abel was later confirmed by the Senate. Abel resigned from the Trump administration in early 2020.
In 2024, Abel endorsed Leah Ross for President. In 2025, after the exit of Aaron Rabin, Leah Ross nominated Abel to become the next Secretary of State.
APPROVED.
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Q2, 2025
Department of Education Launches Investigations into 13 Universities and 2 School Districts
Today, Secretary of Education Larry Arnn (R-Michigan) announced investigations on the grounds of Title VI into 13 universities and two school districts across the United States. ((since we are in that weird IG timeline, this did not happen in 2023 IG))
(LINK to map and listing of universities and school districts. Listing is also at the bottom of this article.)
Per the Department of Justice, Title VI prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. Arnn spoke of the investigations at a news conference today.
"At the Department of Education, we recognize the growing concerns among students and school communities regarding the rise of hate incidents within our educational institutions," Arnn said. "Attacks on our Jewish students and communities are a form of disorderly and obscene speech that must be put to an end. Therefore, today, we will begin full-scale investigations into these schools to ensure that those students are being protected."
The investigations will be conducted by the Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights.
The investigation process begins with the potential step of mediation. However, as the Department of Education is acting as the complainant in this case, the Associated Press has learned that mediation will not be a step in this process. The complainant traditionally has the rights to decide whether to mediate or not before a full-scale investigation is launched.
Once the case proceeds to a full-scale investigation, it can span up to 180 days, potentially longer with extensions. A 90-day negotiation period follows for a proposed resolution agreement, with no extension allowances. Failure to reach an agreement within this timeframe prompts the Office of Civil Rights to issue an Impasse Letter, signaling imminent enforcement action.
Should the school fail to comply within 10 days of receiving the Impasse Letter, the Office of Civil Rights may take enforcement action, either through administrative proceedings or by referring the case to the Department of Justice for judicial proceedings.
In the event that a resolution agreement is not adhered to, the Office of Civil Rights issues a Letter of Impending Enforcement Action and initiates enforcement measures.
All of this comes with the previous context of the Stop Campus Hate Act being pulled from consideration by the United States Senate earlier this year. Political polling also found that Democrats were favored more heavily to handle issues of anti-semitism than Republicans.
When asked about the political implications, Arnn told reporters that the investigations "aren't about politics, but about doing is what is necessary to protect our Jewish students."
Spoiler- Columbia University
- Cornell University The
- University of Pennsylvania
- Wellesley College in Massachusetts
- Lafayette College in Pennsylvania
- Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art in New York
- Rutgers University
- Stanford University
- University of California Los Angeles
- University of California San Diego
- University of Washington — Seattle
- Whitman College in Washington State
- Harvard University
- Hillsborough County Schools
- Maize Unified School District in Kansas
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1
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On 12/28/2023 at 9:58 PM, Jack said:
List of schools to investigate:
- Columbia University
- Cornell University The
- University of Pennsylvania
- Wellesley College in Massachusetts
- Lafayette College in Pennsylvania
- Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art in New York
- Rutgers University
- Stanford University
- University of California Los Angeles
- University of California San Diego
- University of Washington — Seattle
- Whitman College in Washington State
- Harvard University
- Hillsborough County Schools
- Maize Unified School District in Kansas
Larry P. Arnn, Secretary of Education: While filing the complaint, do we want to give them the option to mediate with the Department first or go straight to full scale investigation?
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On 1/7/2024 at 6:18 AM, Steven Andrews said:
I'd like to set out a policy that those directly implicated with the murder of the officer are to be charged with death penalty-capable offenses (there's a fun mix there - about four sections show up - but basically anyone serving a life sentence can be hit for that, and there's also murder of a prison official). I'd like this to be a no-plea-deal item - you kill a prison guard, we execute you.
I also want to grab everyone we can and see if we can't put together criminal conspiracy charges and the like. Obviously there were ringleaders, but it doesn't strike me that everyone else "just took advantage of the situation". I'm happy to take plea deals with some of these folks if they'll roll on ringleaders/folks involved in the murders.
[In addition to the eight or so who were directly involved in the stabbing, do we think we can we get anyone else on conspiracy to commit murder?]((now that we are unpaused and I have some more admin help again, planning to roll this a little faster. I am sorry it took so long))
JD Rowell, Chief of the Criminal Division, Office of the US Attorney for the District of Colorado: Just an update: we will be making a filing against Victor Martinez and Dominic Russo later this month in the death of prison guard Donald Holt.
We are working on criminal conspiracy charges for Anthony Carter and Robert Thompson. In our investigation, we have found three other inmates who were not ringleaders, but may have provided support to Mr. Carter and Mr. Thompson. We are working on getting one of them to roll on the ringleaders and potentially the ones who provided material support. The other two are not cooperating though. Would you like to us to begin putting together charges against those two as well?
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6 minutes ago, Endia said:
I will make him Upper Class in order to be well known!
Also, I have no idea how to see or edit signatures on my phone! Is it just a desktop feature?
Will note that!You should be able to do it on phone by pressing the three lines at the top right, pressing on Account, then pressing on Account Settings, then pressing on the very lightly shaded blue box that says Settings Area, then pressing on Signature.
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1 hour ago, Endia said:
Roman Catholic
Middle Class Background
Masters at Columbia as well
I’d also like to double for being well known from my time at IU, particularly as President
Noted to the first three.
The only issue with doubling the points is that doubling the points for your time at IU (10 pts for public school admin.) would put you at 105 points when unfortunately the limit is 100. I should note that you would still be decently well-known in Indiana being a university president. You just would not be on the same level as Claudine Gay, Santa Ono or Michael Crow as really well known in your field.
I will go ahead and APPROVE your bio, since you have fulfilled the minimum requirements. I will let you consider what you can do, from what I can see, the only thing you could really change without changing it all would be changing your family's socioeconomic history to Upper Class. But I will let you make that decision.
Please don't forget to update your signature!
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The nomination has passed the Senate Domestic Affairs & Judiciary Committee on a party line vote. The business of the Senate Domestic Affairs & Judiciary Committee is concluded.
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The nomination has passed the Senate Domestic Affairs & Judiciary Committee on a party line vote. The business of the Senate Domestic Affairs & Judiciary Committee is concluded.
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The nomination has passed the Senate Domestic Affairs & Judiciary Committee on a party line vote. The business of the Senate Domestic Affairs & Judiciary Committee is concluded.
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16 hours ago, Endia said:
Gabriel Sydney Helman
NAME Gabriel Sydney Helman
DATE of BIRTH August 20, 1977
PLACE of BIRTH Evansville, Indiana
CURRENT PLACE of RESIDENCE Washington DC
POLITICAL PARTY Republican
CAUCUS: Freedom Caucus
AVATAR Norm Lewis
MYERS BRIGGS ENTP
FAMILY HISTORY
Wife: Tara Helman (b. 1980)
Eva Longoria
Son: Brandon Helman (b. 2004)
Jordan Calloway
Daughter: Sophia Helman (b. 2007)
Zendaya
Father: Syndney Helman
Frankie Faison
Mother: Janice Helman
Felicia Rashad
EDUCATIONAL HISTORY
Columbia University - Bachelor of Science in History Education (1999)
Harvard University - Doctor of Education (2004)
OCCUPATIONAL HISTORY
Gabriel Sydney Helman, born on August 20, 1977, in Evansville, Indiana, to Sydney and Janice Helman. Raised as the eldest of four siblings, he excelled academically and played quarterback in high school. Moving on to Columbia University, he studied History Education and met his future wife, Tara Grey. After completing his doctorate at Harvard, Gabe became a history professor at Indiana University, Bloomington.
In 2014, he took on the role of Dean of the School of Global Affairs at Notre Dame University, later becoming Vice President and Chief of Staff. Gabe's universal approach faced controversy but gained recognition. In 2021, he became the president of Indiana University, promoting state pride and community engagement.
Approached by the Republican Party in 2023, Gabe initially resisted but eventually decided to run for the Senate. In November 2024, he was elected to the United States Senate, marking the start of his political career.
ELECTORAL HISTORY
2024 Senate Primary Election
Gabriel Helman, President of Indiana University (R): 46%
Jim Banks, Congressman (R): 42
Others: 12%
2025 Senate General Election
Gabriel Helman, President of Indiana University (R): 51%
Marc Carmichael, Former State Representative (D): 44%
Others: 5%
Welcome back!
Before we can approve you, we just need a couple of things. Please see below for the highlighted sections. The three things we need are your religion, where you got your Masters, and your family's socioeconomic history. Keep in mind you only have 25 points left, so might need to be careful where you use them.
TOTAL POINTS RIGHT NOW: 75 points
GENDER:
Male: 0 Points
AGE:
45-49 years old: 5 Points
SEXUALITY:
Straight, married with < 3 children: -5 Points
RACE/ANCESTRY:
Black: 15 Points for Republicans
RELIGION:
Evangelical or Mainline Protestant: 0 Points
Roman Catholic: 0 Points
Jewish: 5 Points
Mormon: 15 Points (0 points in UT, ID, WY, AZ)
Greek or Russian Orthodox: 15 Points
Jehovah's Witness or Other Christians: 20 Points
Atheist: 25 Points for Republicans, 15 Points for Democrats
Muslim: 30 Points for Republicans 25 Points for Democrats
Buddhist: 20 Points for Republicans, 10 Points for Democrats
Hindu: 25 Points for Republicans, 20 Points for Democrats
Other Religion: 35 Points
EDUCATIONAL HISTORY:
College Degree at Top University (Columbia): 10 Points
Master's Degree (incl. JD): 10 Points (add 5 for Private University, 10 for Top)
Doctoral Degree at Top University: 25 Points (Harvard)
SOCIOECONOMIC HISTORY:
Super-Rich (Top 1%): 5 Points
Top 5%: -10 points
Upper Class: -5 points
Middle Class: 0 points
Working Class: 10 points
Child of Immigrant: 15 points
Immigrant: 20 points
CAREER HISTORY:
Private School Administration (Notre Dame): 15 points
Public School Professor (Indiana): 10 points
To become well-known in your field, double your points (I have not doubled them here, just FYI). -
12 hours ago, Dak said:
Name: Colton "Colt" Chester Buckley
Party: Republican
Seat: Wisconsin, Class III
Avatar: Jon Ossoff
Major Caucus: Freedom Caucus
Gender: Male (0 points)
Sexuality: Straight, married with 1 child (-5 points)
Race/Ethnicity: White (0 points)
Religious Affiliation: Mainline Protestant (0 points)
Date of Birth: August 8th, 1987 [age = 36] (20 points)
Place of Birth: Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Place of Residence: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Family History: Working Class (10 points)
Educational History
- B.A. in Political Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1996-2000 (5 points)
- M.A. in Public Administration, Marquette University, 2002-2004 (10 points)
Occupational History
- Staffer for Wisconsin State Senator Robert Cowles, 2000-2010 (5 points)
- Research Analyst, John K. MacIver Institute for Public Policy (2010-2018)
- Senator, Wisconsin State Senate, 2018-2022 (1 term = 2 points)
- U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, 2022-present
BIOGRAPHY
Colton "Colt" Chester Buckley (born August 8th, 1987) is an American politician and businesswoman serving as the junior U.S. Senator from Wisconsin. Buckley was first elected to the Senate in 2022. A member of the Republican Party, Buckley previously represented Wisconsin's 23rd State Senate district from 2018 to 2022.
On November 8th, 2022, Buckley defeated Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes in the general election to become the next senator from Wisconsin. This triumph marked a turning point in Buckley's political career as he succeeded Ron Johnson, who had earlier announced that he would not seek re-election in early 2021.
Early Life
Colton Buckley was born to Richard and Catherine Buckley on August 8, 1987, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Growing up with two older sisters, Cheyenne and Rebekah, Colt enjoyed a supportive family environment. His love for sports, particularly baseball, became evident during his high school years, where he not only played but excelled on the varsity baseball team. His outstanding performance earned him a full-ride scholarship to the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
While at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Colt's passion for politics began to flourish. He joined the university's Republican Party chapter and quickly became a notable figure, eventually being elected as the organization's president during his junior year. Known for challenging the system president's leadership and acumen, Colt fiercely opposed what he deemed "tyrannical and excessive student fees utilized to appease hungry bureaucratic greed." These early experiences in university politics laid the foundation for his future endeavors in public service.
Political Career
Colt's commitment to conservative principles and fiscal responsibility continued to shape his political journey. After graduating, he transitioned into the world of policy and politics. His tenure as a staffer for Wisconsin State Senator Robert Cowles (2000-2010) and later as a Research Analyst at the John K. MacIver Institute for Public Policy (2010-2018) showcased his dedication to efficient governance.
At the MacIver Institute, Colt utilized his background in public administration to aid local governments throughout the state. His research focused on identifying areas where best practices were not being followed and recommending cuts to lower expenditures. This earned him a reputation as a fiscal conservative dedicated to optimizing government resources.
Personal Life
Buckley married to his high school sweetheart, Ella Vittorio, on December 1st, 2012. Together, they have a son named Vance.Buckley is an outspoken fan of the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, and the Milwaukee Bucks. In 2020, he stated he enjoys frequenting home games with his family when possible, sometimes attending "nearly 100 games a year."
In 2012, Buckley supported Ron Paul for president, calling Obama "one of the biggest threats to our capitalist society since FDR and LBJ." In 2016, Buckley supported Donald Trump in the primaries and the general election, stating "[Trump] is the only Republican that has his head out of his ass and his sights set on the right issues." He is also an outspoken supporter of the Tea Party Movement.
KEY VOTES
118th Congress 2023-2025
Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023: NAY
Points = 47 points
APPROVED. Good to see you sticking around!
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150 Days In
The Almost Halfway Review of 2025
HIJINKS IN THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON — In what some are calling the most chaotic first 100 days of an Administration in recent memory, the new Ross and McKnight Administration has taken Washington D.C. like a runaway tornado. Described by the Wall Street Journal's editorial board as a "disorganized, radioactive, pulsating ball of yarn", the Ross presidency has faced intense criticism for its nominees for major cabinet and executive level positions, an overemphasis on executive action, and a shoot from the hip strategy that has consistently forced America's youngest Commander in Chief to backtrack.
The biggest headache and unforced error by the Administration is its cabinet list. To say there are numerous controversial choices would be the understatement of the year. "Some of these cabinet nominees sound like they came out of an Onion parody list," said NYU historian Timothy Naftali. "You would have thought the Allen West debacle was enough of a warning to this new president. But instead of correcting and dialing back the blatant appeals to the extremes of her party, she has doubled down with the likes of Mayra Flores and others."
Indeed, the Flores nomination has become a major storyline in Washington D.C., calling into question the seriousness of the Ross team's vetting process for significant government positions. "Is she slightly more qualified than Ben Carson was in 2016? I suppose," said Brit Hume of Fox News. "But why on earth would you waste public goodwill and political capital confirming someone as mediocre and raw as Mayra Flores? Someone needs to tell the White House not all publicity is good publicity."
Equally bizarre was the political whiplashing over DACA in recent days. While Senate Republicans waged a compelling press campaign on the border and immigration, the White House seemingly could not make up its mind on how the Obama-era program would fit into negotiations. Ultimately, the decision by Ross to rescind DACA and then backtrack to an extent with executive orders #14167 and #14168 under the pretense of giving Congress time to find a solution was met with guffaws and eye rolls. It also gave the Democrats their only moment of victory in the PR wars with Senate Minority Leader Starnes using the confusion to hold a presser and promote the FAIR Act. "Make no mistake, the current actions of the President and Vice President show that they do not understand the gravity of the situation they have set into motion."
Furthermore, it remains an open question as to whether her Republican colleagues were even aware of her plan to roll back and reinstate DACA in an attempt to create an artificial bargaining chip.
Finally, there was the inflation "talks" and messaging which bore similar marks to the border and immigration issue. Again, even as Senate Republicans deftly lambasted the approach of Democratic leadership to negotiations, the White House press team seemed more interested in playing peek-a-boo with their inflation ideas than making a compelling case. "One consistent trend here is that the Senate Republicans under Senator Ackerman are generally all on the same page while the Oval Office is on an improv bender," David Axelrod said. "If Ackerman is leading a well-rehearsed orchestra, Leah Ross and Cory McKnight are two drunk Jazz musicians who showed up to the wrong event."
Not all is bad with the new Administration. The effort put into public relations by Ross has been stellar. Utilizing podcasting and other forms of media to connect with voters is a unique and clever avenue to tap into the electorate. In terms of policy, for all of the chaos, the Ross Administration has softened its hardline stances and demonstrated a willingness to learn, adjust, and adapt to changing circumstances. "From Ukraine to immigration, albeit messy, the Ross team clearly cares about getting stuff done," said Josh Kraushaar of Axios. "They are far from unworkable or obstinate. They do seem eager to work with Democrats. It is beyond evident though that they need to both reorganize their operation and correct their compasses and clocks in the West Wing. Because if you keep shooting from the hip, you'll continue hitting yourself in the foot."
FROM THE BORDER TO DACA: THE DEBACLE
WASHINGTON — The signature first proposal of the Ross Administration and Republican Senate, S.66 Securing America's Borders, Communities, and Allies Act, has been stuck on the Senate floor for months now. And in many ways, it has become the primary gravitational force for all the debate and gridlock ravaging Washington D.C. The topic of border security and immigration reform has only increased in its importance over the last few years. With the migrant crisis impacting most American cities and shifting public perception in all voting blocs, it is no longer something that can be ignored.
Right off the bat, Republicans made numerous major policy changes/concessions in S.66 that surprised many in Washington D.C. The decision of the Ross Administration to abandon its Ukraineskeptic philosophy and back funding for America's Eastern European ally was a welcome change in many quarters, even if the White House and Senate Republicans remained steadfast in their demands for border security with any future appropriations for foreign wars. Also coming as a surprise was the willingness of Republicans to embrace some less draconian measures on undocumented immigrants, at least when it comes to workforce shortages.
From square one up until the Ross Administration's bizarre DACA dance, the Senate Republicans dominated the press war. Whatever criticisms Democrats may have concerning the how and when of Republicans proposing their border bill and then requesting negotiations, they have been overwhelmingly drowned out by both the highly effective messaging campaign and key concessions made by Republicans throughout the process. For all of the disorganization and confusing flip-flops by the White House, it is impossible to deny that Senate Republicans have gone out of their way to try and find common ground with Democrats on everything from Ukraine to DACA. And even with all their dysfunction, one of the few and brief moments that 1600 Pennsylvania appeared to be on script was the presser and spin zone onslaught by Republicans. Their press war, centered around the conduct and manner of Senate Minority Leader Starnes, was impactful and further elevated an issue that was already a growing liability for Democrats as far back as 2022.
To make matters worse, the Senate Democrats were relatively silent on the issue of the border in the spin zones and pressers outside of complaining about Republicans shifting positions on foreign assistance to Ukraine, DACA, etc. Up until his presser on the FAIR Act, the Starnes-Democratic approach was easily pilloried and maligned by Republicans as arrogant and obstructionist. "We all know Leah Ross gives off crazy cat lady vibes at times, but it is impossible to say that the Senate GOP has been unreasonable or even difficult in terms of their offerings," Joe Scarborough of MSNBC said. "More Americans than ever, even Democrats, want drastic action taken to secure the border. They support Ukraine and Israel. The fact Republicans aggressively pushed all three over the airwaves and still demonstrated an eagerness to negotiate made Senate Minority Leader Starnes' approach, frankly, childish and self-destructive. At the end of the day, when our cities are suffering from migrant crises and border officials are apprehending record levels of terror suspects, no one gives a damn about a senator's thoughts on proper procedure for setting up negotiations."
Where Senate Democrats may have caught a respite, however, is the Ross Administration's DACA debacle. To the credit of Democrats, their best and most consistent policy statement has been their support for DACA recipients. In each of his two pressers on the border and immigration, (the second one in particular) Senate Minority Leader Starnes made a moving case for defending the program and the millions of undocumented individuals who would be directly or indirectly impacted by its rescinsion. "Voters agree with Democrats that the White House should not be using DACA so cavalierly as a bargaining chip," Chris Matthews of MSNBC said. "They also just happen to think Democrats, Senator Starnes in particular, are being quite rich right now considering their seeming disinterest in actually trying to reach a deal. At least that is what they now think having heard the Republicans saturate the airwaves and propose a relatively moderate initial bill."
Senate Minority Whip Janice Kamaka in particular received praise from many on the left for putting on what Rachel Maddow described as a "tour de force" on the subject of DACA. "To hold a fancy Rose Garden affair to gleefully throw 600,000 people into legal limbo at the stroke of a pen is nothing short of disgraceful from President Ross and this administration," said Senator Kamaka on Noticias Telemundo.
Whether each side will find the courage to sit down and reach a bipartisan deal on the border is yet to be seen. But as for now, while Democrats have managed to stop the bleeding with the FAIR Act, they remain at a major disadvantage on the border and immigration due to both a strong and coordinated effort by Republicans and a seemingly obstinate approach from Democrats.
SNAPSHOT POLLING
Who do you trust more to manage the border and immigration?
Republicans: 61%
Democrats: 35%Do you support or oppose President Ross' executive order to rescind and partially reinstate DACA with a deadline for Congress?
Support: 38%
Oppose: 60%Do you approve or disapprove of how each of the following has handled the border and immigration this year?
Party - Approve - DisapproveRepublicans - 59% - 33%
Senate Democrats - 42% - 50%John Starnes - 32% - 58%
Owen Ackerman - 48% - 35%
President Leah Ross - 38% - 53%
INFLATION NEGOTIATIONS
WASHINGTON — The other major policy item of the Ross agenda is inflation. Unlike the border and immigration talks invitation that was met with an immediate "no", Democrats agreed to a sitdown. This has produced a far more nuanced result with some different discussions but a similar outcome: nothing was achieved.
According to both sides, a series of reforms involving Pentagon spending and Medicare were being presented. At the table were Democrats John Starnes and Whip Janice Kamaka and Republicans Butch Elroy, Ackerman, Ross, and McKnight. Democrats proposed reforms to Pentagon budgeting that allegedly began to take shape over the course of the talks. There also was reportedly cautious mutual interest in negotiating a compromise on Medicare that would reform pricing across the United States, modernize cost-sharing, expand benefits to cover dental and vision, and other structural changes to avoid Part A's Trust Fund going broke in 2026.
Yet in one of the more bizarre subplots of the entire year thus far, a dispute broke out during negotiations over sources for estimates and studies of policy proposals. What quickly devolved from a backroom point of inquiry to a nationally televised complaint, Senate Minority Leader Starnes requested the source for several Republican reform proposals on Medicare. When then-Senate Majority Leader Butch Elroy provided statistics from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB), the Democratic Leader demurred and waved them off, declaring the Republican proposal as based on a game. Based on the subsequent press conferences by both leaders, it appears this mere disagreement over a source has logjammed negotiations further.
Another strange angle of this entire story was the Ross Administration keeping its cards so close to the chest on the details of her inflation plan. Video of White House Press Secretary Dana White being grilled by reporter Darryl Dimmadome of the Texas Ledger about the Administration's plan on inflation went viral on social media. "Dana White gave the answers that every C student gives their teacher when they're asked how the group project is going," joked Stephen Colbert on Late Night. "It's perfect! All is well! I really support good stuff."
Meanwhile, Senate Republicans were far more aggressive and clear than the White House at laying out the inflation proposals. Through a series of pressers and spin zones, Republicans set forward their ideas while also pointing the blame for the talks fizzling again on Senate Minority Leader Starnes' issues with the CRFB sourcing. Democrats have countered with some of their own ideas on the Senate floor, including Senator Wolfe of California who appeared on MSNBC to promote prescription drug bargaining.
The White House has been cheeky, at minimum, when it comes to its messaging and transparency on inflation and the economy. Leah Ross and her comms team have done themselves no favors on inflation and the economy. On Capitol Hill, the Republicans hold a very narrow edge in the messaging war on inflation, though that may change in the coming days ahead. While Republicans face criticism from some in their base for pushing a more moderate economic agenda on everything from Medicare to spending, they have again made a better pitch for what ideas they have presented compared to the Democrats. To make matters worse, Senate Minority Leader Starnes seemingly validated Republican criticism of his pickiness on sources for studies and research by making it the headline item in his one press conference on the subject a month ago. Voters do not understand or show much interest for the argument against the Committee for a Responsible Budget. And immediately turning away from a Republican offer to expand Medicare benefits on the technical grounds of a disputed cost estimate is mystifying to even most Democrats. With overlapping interests in Pentagon and Medicare reform seemingly being there, there is still hope both parties may be able to work out a compromise.
Who do you trust more to manage the economy and inflation?
Republicans: 47%
Democrats: 45%
Voters' Word Association for Senate Democrats: "Caring", "Petty", "Partisan"
Voters' Word Association for Senate Republicans: "Unifying", "Flip-flop", "Uncertain"Do you support or oppose each of the following proposals?
Idea - Support - Oppose
Cutting Pentagon Waste - 81% - 8%
Expanding Medicare Benefits to Cover Dental and Vision - 80% - 14%
Raising Taxes on the Wealthiest Americans - 75% - 18%
Supporting Israel with military and humanitarian aid - 68% - 30%
Requiring proof of work for Medicaid, SNAP benefits - 66% - 29%
Cutting Defense Spending - 58% - 41%
Supporting Ukraine with military and humanitarian aid - 55% - 45%
Cutting Medicare or Social Security Benefits - 28% - 69%
Raising Retirement Age to 70 for Social Security - 15% - 79%
Do you approve or disapprove of how each of the following has handled inflation this year?
Party - Approve - DisapproveRepublicans - 49% - 43%
Senate Democrats - 47% - 45%John Starnes - 37% - 55%
Owen Ackerman - 44% - 40%
President Leah Ross - 37% - 51%
ADDITIONAL POLLING
President Leah Ross (national poll)
Approval: 41%
Disapproval: 51%Generic Congressional Ballot (national poll)
Republicans: 44%
Democrats: 43%Senate Minority Leader John Starnes (national poll)
Approval: 37%
Disapproval: 52%Senate Majority Leader Owen Ackerman (national poll)
Approval: 38%
Disapproval: 40% -
13 hours ago, Steven Andrews said:
I'd like to set out a policy that those directly implicated with the murder of the officer are to be charged with death penalty-capable offenses (there's a fun mix there - about four sections show up - but basically anyone serving a life sentence can be hit for that, and there's also murder of a prison official). I'd like this to be a no-plea-deal item - you kill a prison guard, we execute you.
I also want to grab everyone we can and see if we can't put together criminal conspiracy charges and the like. Obviously there were ringleaders, but it doesn't strike me that everyone else "just took advantage of the situation". I'm happy to take plea deals with some of these folks if they'll roll on ringleaders/folks involved in the murders.
[In addition to the eight or so who were directly involved in the stabbing, do we think we can we get anyone else on conspiracy to commit murder?]JD Rowell, Chief of the Criminal Division, Office of the US Attorney for the District of Colorado: So ordered. We will keep you updated. ((Should have an update for you hopefully by Tuesday or Wednesday how this will look))
(I think you might be a little confused there. There were two involved in the killing of the prison guard. Unless you're referring to something else?)
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Senate Committee Considers Mayra Flores Nomination for Head of EPA
The Senate Domestic Affairs and Judiciary Committee is currently considering the nomination of Mayra Flores to be Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The 38 year old Mexican native served as a member of the House of Representatives representing Texas's 34th district for 196 days in 2022 and early January 2023. She lost her bids to win a full term in both 2022 and 2024.
Before her term in Congress, she was the Chairwoman of Hispanic Outreach for the Hidalgo County, Texas Republican Party.
Her hearing before the committee, similar to Secretary of Labor nominee Carly Fiorina’s, was dominated by Senators Naomi Wolfe (D-Georgia) and Dylan Macmillan (R-Utah).
The most notable exchange during the confirmation hearing so far came when Wolfe asked Flores about her stance on climate change.
“The climate is undergoing changes, however it's essential to acknowledge that fluctuations in the Earth's climate have always been a natural and ongoing process throughout history,” Flores said when asked about the issue by Wolfe.
However, that was not a satisfactory enough answer for Wolfe as she then asked Flores if she thinks climate change is caused by human action.
“I'm not a scientist,” Flores responded. “The climate has always been changing. My policy to this question is that as Administrator of the EPA I will make sure that we don't continue the endless and wasteful spending by the Biden Administration on green new deals.”
This has led to the Environmental Defense Action Fund, a top environmental policy fundraising group, announcing opposition to her nomination and making it a priority to defeat the nomination.
"The Environmental Defense Action Fund expresses deep concern over Ms. Flores' response during the confirmation hearing, where she downplayed the human contribution to climate change,” the organization said in a statement. “Dismissing the consensus among scientists on this critical issue raises significant apprehensions about her commitment to addressing the urgent challenges of our changing climate. We believe it is crucial for the EPA Administrator to recognize the need for science-based policies in safeguarding our environment for future generations."
Flores was also asked about her campaign using QAnon associated hashtags in social media advertising, her experience and familiarity in environmental policy, and President Leah Ross (R-Florida)’s recent executive orders related to environmental issues.
The White House has defended Flores on several fronts, most recently during Ross’s Oval Uncensored Podcast.
“Mayra Flores's appointment as EPA Administrator is a forward-thinking move, highlighting a commitment to innovative, pragmatic, and effective environmental leadership,” Ross told host Jean Pierre. “It was a strategic decision that underscores the importance of bringing new perspectives and diverse experiences to the forefront of environmental policy. While Flores may have had a relatively brief tenure in a major political role, her unique background and approach to problem-solving make her a valuable asset to the EPA. Flores's experience outside of traditional political circles offers a fresh perspective that is crucial in addressing today's complex environmental challenges. Her understanding of real-world issues, garnered from her time in a more grassroots role, provides her with a practical and grounded approach to environmental policy.”
Wolfe, appearing on MSNBC’s Inside with Jen Psaki, called Flores “an outstandingly awful choice to head the EPA.”
The American Petroleum Institute, which is the primary representation for the oil and natural gas industry on K-Street, has endorsed Flores as EPA Administrator. The oil and natural gas industry donated $147,878 to Flores during the 2022 campaign cycle.
Polling suggests that Americans still overwhelmingly support policies to limit greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change, such as providing tax incentives to businesses to promote their use of wind, solar and nuclear power (75%-24%), setting higher fuel efficiency standards for cars, trucks and buses (71%-28%), and more.
However, the question of whether Americans prioritize environmental protection or economic growth generates closer results. 53% prioritize environmental protection and 42% prioritize economic growth. On this polling question generally, Americans tend to prioritize environmental protection more, except for in times of economic downturn.
The Senate Domestic Affairs and Judiciary Committee is currently considering whether to extend questioning on the nominations of Flores, Fiorina, and David Perdue (R-Georgia) to be Secretary of Treasury. If the hearings are not extended, all three will then be voted on by the committee as to whether they should be recommended to the full Senate for consideration.
Every President since Bill Clinton has had to withdraw cabinet nominees from consideration. However, the last President to have one outright denied by the full Senate was George H.W. Bush. That came when the nomination of John Tower to be Secretary of Defense was denied 47–53.
If Flores is confirmed, she would be unable to serve on the presidential line of succession as she is ineligible to serve as President due to being a naturalized citizen, rather than natural-born.
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LOA Tomorrow (1/8/2024). Maybe Tuesday as well, we will see.
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2 hours ago, Steven Andrews said:
So, are all of the above political appointments or are the lower set mostly career civil service folks?
Most of the lower folks are career.civil service people. Lothrop was a long time correctional officer and warden. Toomey has been a trial attorney and deputy director in the DOJ Civil Rights Division going back to at least 2001.
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Federal Bureau of Prisons Director Fired; DOJ, White House, and Congress Respond to FCI Florence Riot
Attorney General Shane Ewing (R-Texas) has fired the Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Colette S. Peters. This is in response to the prison riot at Federal Correctional Institution, Florence (FCI Florence) outside of Florence, Colorado.
As of this time, Deputy Director William Lothrop will serve as the Acting Director. However, the Attorney General has general hiring and firing power for the agency under 18 U.S. Code § 4041.
“The Bureau of Prisons shall be in charge of a director appointed by and serving directly under the Attorney General,” the statute reads. “The Attorney General may appoint such additional officers and employees as he deems necessary.”
Democratic Senators are expressing surprise at this move.
“It's troubling to hear that the Ross Administration is firing the BOP Director before any public investigation has been had by Congress or an official report has been given to the American people,” Senate Minority Leader John Starnes (D-Virginia) posted on X. “Let us not forget that it was President Ross who forced AI onto the BOP and now the Director is getting fired for its failings.”
Per the Associated Press, artificial intelligence had been explored by the agency going back to the Biden Administration. There have not been any reports suggesting that Ross personally forced the issue.
The riot at FCI Florence caused three deaths and 15 injuries. It also led to a suspension in AI use at their institutions until an internal review could be done. Additional details about the riot specifically can be read in our previous article.
Emergency repairs at FCI Florence have been completed and the prisoners who were temporarily being housed at USP Marion High, Bent County Correctional Facility, and Crowley County Correctional Facility have been returned to FCI Florence.
The Department of Justice, led by Ewing, is now exploring using federal death penalty statutes against inmates Victor Martinez and Dominic Russo. Those inmates were involved in the violent death of prison guard Donald Holt.
President Leah Ross (R-Florida) issued a memorandum to the agency after the riot lining out strategies to implement at the agency. Those included Enhanced Security Measures, Mental Health and Counseling Services, Inmate Communication Channels, and others.
Some in the AI field questioned whether parts of the memorandum itself was written by AI, but that could not and will not be able to be confirmed.
Congressional response to the riot has been widespread.
Former Senate Majority Leader Butch Elroy (R-West Virginia) officially established the Senate Special Committee on the Use and Governance of AI Technology. It will be chaired by Senator Sarah Milliken (R-Nebraska). The top Democrat on the committee will be Senator Edward O’Connor (D-Massachusetts). This committee is expected to commence work in the coming weeks.
Senator Donato Vinachelli (D-New Jersey) has introduced the Supporting Our Federal Correctional Officers Act. That legislation would allow the Bureau to use direct hire authority to hire employees until 96 percent of competitive service positions are filled, permanently set aside $1 billion per year for recruitment and retention bonuses for for correctional officers and staff at all federal correctional facilities, and make the Director of the Bureau of Prisons a presidential appointed position confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
“Regardless of what the special Committee on AI use in our prison system finds, the Supporting Our Federal Correctional Officers Act is long overdue for protecting our federal workers and keeping our communities safe,” Vinachelli told CNN’s Jake Tapper. “We already know a critical shortage of workers is continuing to put our federal prison system at risk and its long past time to hold BOP accountable to move forward with ideas that work, rather than gambling workers and communities safety on dangerous technology.”
New Senate Majority Leader Owen Ackerman (R-Maine) has made a motion to suspend the Senate rules and pass the AI Labeling Act of 2025 “as part of this Congress's ongoing efforts to answer the question of how artificial intelligence will present itself in the lives of Americans.”
That proposal from Senator Dennis Millhouse (R-Indiana) would require disclosures for AI-generated content. Those disclosures would “be permanent or unable to be easily removed by subsequent users.” The specifics of the disclosures would be enforced by the Federal Trade Commission. Additionally, an Ai-Generated Content Consumer Transparency Working Group would be established under the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
Alphabet, Inc. which has Google under its umbrella, is reportedly against Millhouse’s proposal since they consider the permanent disclosures “challenging to implement and overly restrictive”.
Additionally, Alphabet, Inc. thinks that such a piece of legislation could stifle innovation in the AI field. They say that imposing too many regulations could slow down the development and deployment of new AI technologies.
This issue is likely to continue to get the attention of Washington as well as the American public, especially as hearings commence. Opinions are far from settled on this issue.
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On 1/4/2024 at 8:19 AM, Steven Andrews said:
I'd like to remove the present head of the BoP over the riot, and I'd like to begin replacing any other political appointees in the Bureau.
I would also like to work up a study to see what it woud cost to develop a MWR-type program for federal prison staff located in rural areas. I know that pay is a big part of the personnel issues, but subsidizing something like a bowling alley or a movie theater in some of those rural towns would probably do something to help morale, and I'd like to be able to put something like that in for them.
[I'd also like to look at something similar for the Border Patrol folks. A lot of them are way out in the middle of nowhere, and that can suck if you're stuck in the middle of nowhere for a long period of time.]OOC:
Here's the BOP leadership:
We will consider the ones who have been fired to be the Director per 18 U.S. Code § 4041. You can fire others if you wish as well.
QuoteThe Bureau of Prisons shall be in charge of a director appointed by and serving directly under the Attorney General. The Attorney General may appoint such additional officers and employees as he deems necessary.
The Acting Director in this case would be William Lothrop, unless you have other ideas. Or would you like to just go ahead and appoint a new one right now?
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On 1/4/2024 at 8:19 AM, Steven Andrews said:
I'd like to remove the present head of the BoP over the riot, and I'd like to begin replacing any other political appointees in the Bureau.
I would also like to work up a study to see what it woud cost to develop a MWR-type program for federal prison staff located in rural areas. I know that pay is a big part of the personnel issues, but subsidizing something like a bowling alley or a movie theater in some of those rural towns would probably do something to help morale, and I'd like to be able to put something like that in for them.
[I'd also like to look at something similar for the Border Patrol folks. A lot of them are way out in the middle of nowhere, and that can suck if you're stuck in the middle of nowhere for a long period of time.]Lisa Monaco, Deputy Attorney General: Yes, sir. It will be done now. We can certainly work up that study as well.
Kevin McAleenan, Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection: In consultation with the Deputy Attorney General's office, we can work on something for this as well.
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33 minutes ago, jsg said:
Sign Out. This game is as dull as a person who ate a steady diet lead paint chips as a kid
24 hours to reconsider. But you can't change the thread name and wipe the bio, therefore I have restored it. It will just get moved to the lifeboat when the 24 hours passes anyway.
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Senate Confirmation Hearings for Carly Fiorina Stir Controversy and Opposition
Hearings continue within the Senate Domestic Affairs and Judiciary Committee on the nomination of Carly Fiorina to be Secretary of Labor.
Fiorina from 1999 to 2005 was the Chief Executive Officer of Hewlett-Packard, an information technology company, mostly known for its printers to many Americans.
Fiorina joined the political fray in 2010 when she unsuccessfully ran against Senator Barbara Boxer (D-California). She used that as a springboard to run for President in 2016. She was unsuccessful there as well, but was Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas)’s vice presidential running mate until he suspended his campaign.
Until now, she had kept out of the political scene since 2020, when she endorsed President Joe Biden (D-Delaware) in his campaign against then-incumbent President Donald Trump (R-Florida).
Senator Naomi Wolfe (D-Georgia) and Senator Dylan Macmillan (R-Utah) have been the primary questioners in the confirmation hearings.
One particularly notable exchange from the hearings so far has been when Wolfe asked Fiorina about steps she would take to increase pay equity as the Secretary of Labor. In her questioning, Wolfe had cited her past stances on pay equity being the fault of unions.
Fiorina, in her answer, called out Democrats for wanting to legislate equal pay and advanced her stance of equal pay for equal work.
“Despite it already being law, the left wants to further legislate equal pay,” Fiorina said. “And yet, the left also supports seniority systems, in government and unions that reward not merit, not performance, but time and grade... This is what is disproportionately impacting women. And these seniority systems have perverse consequences. I think the left needs to get its priorities straight on equal pay. Equal pay is already law.”
She also called out unions for forcing members to support their political agendas, even going so far as to say they should be “reigned in”; came out in support of right to work policies; and did not express a strong statement either way on the Brown-Wyden Rapid Response Mechanism in the United States–Mexico–Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA).
Senator Donato Vinachelli (D-New Jersey) wrote a 1,390 word editorial in the New York Times ripping Fiorina’s nomination.
“While small businesses have the Department of Commerce to represent their interests and Fortune 500 multinationals have the President looking out for them, the DOL is the only Cabinet-level Department charged with fighting for the cause of American workers first and foremost,” Vinachelli wrote. “There has rarely been a nominee so profoundly unfit and unqualified for defending America’s workers and their well-being than Carly Fiorina.”
Senator Nolan Stokes (D-Maryland) also ripped the nomination on CNN, calling Fiorina “a person who has always put workers last”.
Similar to many of the President’s other nominees, Congressional Republicans have not simply been running to the presses to support her.
POLITICO’s Sarah Ferris asked newly elected Senate Majority Leader Owen Ackerman (R-Maine) about the nomination. Ferris had not heard back as of press time.
“With the lack of positive press or softball questions for Fiorina in her confirmation hearing, I truly question if even Congressional Republicans are particularly ecstatic about this nomination,” political analyst Rosanne Huffman said. “There are other priorities of course, but not that long ago in this Republican party, someone who supports right-to-work policies and reigning in unions would get Republicans jazzed up.”
The Laborers' International Union of North America, a major fundraising group for labor related issues, has officially come out against the nomination and is planning to put forward financial support towards Republicans and Democrats who oppose the nomination.
Some supporters of former President Trump have also opposed the nomination due to her support of Biden in 2020.
“My father was so right, who would want to elect that persona,” Donald Trump, Jr, posted on X. “Can't believe President Ross would nominate someone who was against my father in 2020! Just another example of the mainstream #RINOs in action”
It is unknown if the hearings will continue in the coming days or if they will be extended. That decision will likely be up to the Chairman of the Senate Domestic Affairs and Judiciary Committee, Daniel Hunt (R-Alabama).-
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1 minute ago, Hannah said:
((OOC: Thanks. I think we're out of time anyway. Probably fairest to leave it at her expressing no strong statement either way?))
Yeah, that's no problem. I'll put it in the article I am writing now that's how she responded!
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On 12/29/2023 at 3:54 PM, Hannah said:
Mr. Chairman,
I am referring to the facility-specific Rapid Response Mechanism.
((OOC: My apologies for not coming back around to this. I cannot find a single stance from Fiorina on this mechanism. If you have anything though, please let me know. If it was a general issue, we could come up with something. Without any general direction towards how Fiorina feels, I'm not gonna make something up.))
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((Still on LOA, but want to acknowledge this and say this will be done and announced tomorrow))
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James McAllister (R-NV)
in R17 Character Archive
Posted
What will be your faction? Also, can I get your religion, sexuality, and family history? I do NOT need your social security number or address though
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