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Failure to question
A sequence of failed negotiations uncovered fissures amongst congressional Republicans over the previous week. That included embarrassing votes on the Home flooring that fizzled, creating complications and credibility issues for brand new Speaker Mike Johnson.
One got here as impeachment articles in opposition to Homeland Safety Alejandro Mayorkas failed. With many Republicans urgent issues about unlawful immigration as a central problem this yr, the bottom had lengthy pursued accountability for the Cupboard member overseeing border safety. Rep. Invoice Posey, a Rockledge Republican, had filed impeachment articles in opposition to each Mayorkas and President Joe Biden, with oversight of the border as the rationale. Totally different articles, introduced by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, finally landed on the ground.
Posey felt Republicans had a slam-dunk case.
“Below the Biden administration and Secretary Mayorkas’ tenure, over 7 million unlawful immigrants have crossed the border, in addition to an untold variety of people who’ve evaded (Customs and Border Safety) detection,” Posey stated.
“Secretary Mayorkas was additionally caught remarking that 85% of unlawful aliens who’re apprehended by CBP have been launched into the nation, persevering with the problematic ‘catch and launch’ coverage. It’s clear by the rising disaster infiltrating our cities and inflicting pressure on our sources that Secretary Mayorkas should be faraway from workplace and a significant overhaul of our border safety coverage is required.”
However the measure failed on a 216-214 vote. That included a procedural vote from management, which has promised to deliver the motion up once more for reconsideration when Republicans “have the votes.” In the end, 4 GOP lawmakers voted with a united Democratic caucus in opposition to impeachment.
Democrats within the delegation mocked the failed vote on articles that seem doomed in a Democrat-controlled Senate anyway. Rep. Jared Moskowitz, a Parkland Democrat, joked on-line that the Home Oversight Chair must decrease his sights on the White Home roster to keep away from additional embarrassment.
“It’s time to Impeach Commander the Canine,” Moskowitz posted. “With the failure to question Joe Biden and Mayorkas (no proof), our hero James Comer has simply uncovered that Commander the canine has been in command of the Biden Crime household this complete time.”
Failing Israel
On one other entrance, Johnson couldn’t get a spending package deal handed even with the assistance of many Florida Democrats.
After weeks of wavering, Johnson took a stand-alone invoice to a roll-call vote that will fund international assist to Israel amid a battle with Hamas. The invoice wanted a two-thirds vote to cross on the ground however failed on a 250-180 vote. Johnson wooed 46 Democrats to vote up on the invoice, together with most Florida Democrats.
“I stand proud to hitch my colleagues in voting to allocate sources to help Israel in combating terrorism within the Center East and to guard People within the area,” stated Rep. Frederica Wilson, a Hollywood Democrat. “It’s crucial that we stay steadfast in supporting certainly one of our strongest allies, particularly throughout such a essential interval, as a result of when Israel is robust, America is robust.”
The one Democrat from Florida who didn’t go alongside was Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost, an Orlando Democrat who opposed separating funding from assist to Ukraine and different worldwide issues. He’s additionally the only member of the delegation essential of Israel’s present navy response.
“The invoice that was introduced to the Home tonight included no humanitarian assist for the weak individuals of Gaza, included no point out of assist for our Ukrainian allies desperately in want of assist as they battle off communist Russia and Vladimir Putin, and it included no funding for the safety of locations of worship throughout our nation which can be below fixed risk of violence as antisemitic and anti-Muslim rhetoric dangerously proceed to rise,” he stated. “I proceed to consider in a two-state resolution for each the Israeli and Palestinian individuals and consider any assist package deal should assist this mission for lasting peace.”
However the invoice was additionally doomed by 14 Republicans who voted in opposition to it, together with Florida Reps. Aaron Bean, Matt Gaetz and Cory Mills. None issued explanations for his or her vote. However a Home Freedom Caucus statement criticized the invoice for having no funding mechanism, not like a measure handed by the Home in November.
Rep. Scott Franklin, a Lakeland Republican, stated Congress must assist Israel regardless. “Because the Center East inches nearer to all-out battle, America should ship a transparent and unequivocal message we stand with Israel in its battle to defend itself. I’m dissatisfied this invoice, which might have supplied wanted assist to Israel and our troops within the area, failed tonight.”
Rep. Kathy Castor, a Tampa Democrat, laid accountability for that at GOP management’s toes.
“President Biden proposed a complete safety package deal months in the past to guard America and stand with our democratic allies,” she stated. “He labored with a bipartisan group of lawmakers so as to add robust border safety measures to the package deal, however Republicans walked away. As an alternative, MAGA Republicans stalled assist to Israel, Ukraine and humanitarian pursuits — and doubled down on political charades within the hope that the American persons are fooled into pondering that Republicans are doing one thing.
“Republicans in Congress are mired in chaos.”
Storm assist
A sequence of tornadoes within the Panhandle has delegation members searching for federal help. Sen. Rick Scott led a letter to Biden, co-signed by Sen. Marco Rubio and 15 Home members representing the state, supporting Gov. Ron DeSantis’ request to declare a significant catastrophe in North Florida federally.
“The catastrophic energy of those tornadoes, in addition to the storm’s lightning, heavy rain and powerful winds, have left tens of 1000’s with out energy and displaced people from their properties,” Scott wrote.
“Preliminary harm assessments point out a whole lot of properties are broken or destroyed, a lot of which can be many years previous and constructed earlier than the implementation of contemporary constructing codes and mitigation measures.”
Along with searching for a declaration in Florida and statewide hazard mitigation help, the letter particularly seeks Particular person Help and Public Help for Bay, Jackson and Walton counties, together with hazard mitigation statewide.
The letter was bipartisan, with signatures from Republican Reps. Bean, Gus Bilirakis, Kat Cammack, Mario Díaz-Balart, Neal Dunn, Franklin, Carlos Giménez, Anna Paulina Luna, Mills, Posey, María Elvira Salazar, Michael Waltz and Daniel Webster, in addition to Democratic Reps. Moskowitz and Darren Soto.
“Making certain the state has entry to the federal sources it wants is crucial to guard Floridians, their property and their communities,” the letter reads.
At-home statement
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Facilities for Medicare & Medicaid Providers launched the Acute Hospital Care At-Home program, permitting many sufferers. Now, Rubio needs to see this system expanded for a wider vary of sufferers.
The Miami Republican launched the At Residence Statement and Medical Analysis Providers (At HOME Services) Act, which might set up a pilot program to permit statement standing sufferers.
“Addressing our well being care challenges requires modern options,” Rubio stated. “The At HOME Providers Act builds on the success of the hospital-at-home program to decrease prices and burdens and enhance affected person outcomes and satisfaction.”
He filed the bipartisan invoice with Sen. Tom Carper, a Delaware Democrat. The Senators say permitting extra sufferers to stay at dwelling whereas nonetheless being noticed would unlock hospital beds and employees.
“The pandemic taught us that assembly sufferers the place they’re at is feasible and infrequently most popular,” Carper stated. “That’s why I labored to extend and broaden entry to hospital-level care from the consolation of dwelling. These providers have seen super success for individuals throughout the nation.”
Discovering lacking youngsters
At a listening to on defending lacking and exploited youngsters, Bean provided a stark distinction between the world earlier than and after nationwide databases designed to seek out youngsters. He mentioned how high-profile kidnappings within the Nineteen Eighties reshaped parenting in America and led to the creation of the Nationwide Middle for Lacking and Exploited Youngsters (NCMEC).
“Within the ’70s, I keep in mind as a toddler we would go away the home after breakfast and return simply in meal time through the Summer time,” the Fernandina Seashore Republican recalled. “Mother and father have been comfortable as a result of unsupervised out of doors exercise was seen as a protected, integral a part of adolescence and we lived in a high-trust society.”
“Although, over time, that picture of society slowly light as communities got here aside and the world felt much less protected. Then, in response to this common development and a number of other high-profile little one abductions, such because the tragedy of Adam Walsh, President Ronald Reagan signed the Lacking Youngsters’s Help Act. The MCAA allowed NCMEC to change into the nationwide useful resource middle in 1984 with the objective of defending youngsters from abduction, exploitation and abuse and, in 2023 alone, NCMEC helped authorities with practically 30,000 instances.”
As Chair of the Home Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Training Subcommittee, Bean introduced management for the NCMEC to debate its work with Congress. He stated that work is as necessary as ever in a world the place new threats emerge in our on-line world.
“In an internet period, which brings with it new alternatives and challenges, NCMEC stands on the forefront of combating little one exploitation on social media. By partnerships with regulation enforcement and the non-public sector, NCMEC has developed modern options to deal with the evolving panorama of on-line threats in opposition to youngsters,” Bean stated.
“Simply final week, the nation watched as Huge Tech CEOs obtained sharp criticism for rampant little one exploitation on their platforms. NCMEC is extra necessary now than ever. NCMEC’s dedication extends past the homefront, collaborating with worldwide organizations to fight the worldwide problem of kid exploitation.”
Gold Star households
When a soldier dies serving the nation, Waltz says the federal government has an obligation to their households.
The St. Augustine Seashore Republican launched the Defending the Households of our Fallen Patriots Act this week with Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, a Pennsylvania Democrat. The bipartisan invoice would guarantee Gold Star households obtain all retirement advantages a fallen soldier could be entitled to if alive.
“The surviving spouses of our fallen patriots ought to be allowed to offer for his or her younger youngsters with out the fear of shedding a part of their advantages,” Waltz stated. “These struggling households have already made the most expensive of sacrifices for our freedoms, and we have now a sacred obligation to make sure they’re cared for.”
Each Waltz and Houlihan are veterans themselves.
The laws particularly would exempt “Mom’s and Father’s” advantages to care for youngsters of fallen service members from the Retired Earnings Checks.
“We should stand by those that have made the last word sacrifice for our nation, and a technique we fulfill that solemn obligation is by taking good care of their surviving spouses. Proper now, there’s a essential hole in our assist system for Gold Star households, and our bipartisan invoice will repair it,” Houlahan stated.
Affair consequence?
Revelations that the Georgia prosecutor bringing costs in opposition to former President Donald Trump had a private relationship with an worker has Mills responding with laws.
The Winter Park Republican filed the In opposition to Federal Funds for Permitting Inappropriate Relationships (AFFAIR) Act, which might prohibit any federal funding to the workplace of a prosecutor convicted of corruption.
The invoice was filed after Fulton County District Lawyer Fani Willis, in a court filing, acknowledged a private relationship with Nathan Wade, a particular prosecutor main the Trump prosecution. Notably, that submitting didn’t admit to any corruption and Wade stated he has separate funds from Willis, together with the $650,000 he has been paid for his work on the case.
“I’ve no monetary curiosity within the final result of the 2020 election interference case or within the conviction of any defendant,” Wade wrote in filings.
However Mills stated the private corruption proved alarming.
“Not solely was Fani Willis’ relationship with Nathan Wade extraordinarily inappropriate and creates issues round a battle of curiosity, however it additionally doubtlessly exhibits violations of bias in opposition to political opposition and lawfare for election interference,” Mills stated.
“Below no circumstance ought to federal funds be despatched to a state or native workplace if there’s illegal and unethical exercise happening. Our nation was based on the steadfast tenets that liberty and justice — together with the truthful and equal utility of the regulation — are essential to making sure the preservation of our constitutional republic. I’m proud to introduce the AFFAIR Act to make sure American taxpayer {dollars} is not going to be misappropriated or weaponized as a result of illegal and unethical actions.”
Subsequent stage
A brand new music room on the Dr. Phillips Middle in Orlando opened its doorways this week because of a $750,000 federal grant.
Frost, an Orlando Democrat, introduced the examine to the venue to assist open Judson’s Live. The primary time period Congressman credited his predecessor, former Rep. Val Demings, with securing the cash.
“Judson’s Stay just isn’t solely a efficiency venue; it’s a transformative house with the potential to empower and uplift our neighborhood by way of the common language of music,” Frost stated. “We’re so grateful to the Dr. Phillips Middle for persevering with to pioneer modern methods for our neighborhood to embrace the humanities whereas making them accessible to everybody. This funding is a testomony to the dedication and foresight of former Congresswoman Val Demings, whose management and imaginative and prescient have paved the way in which for this new neighborhood house.”
The venue, although, made certain to additionally supply reward to Frost for his continued assist of the humanities in Central Florida.
“We’re grateful to Congressman Frost for supporting our imaginative and prescient and mission and to Congresswoman Demings for together with the Dr. Phillips Middle in 2023 Group Challenge Funding for District 10,” stated Kathy Ramsberger, President and CEO of the Dr. Phillips Middle.
“These {dollars} supported the development of our fifth venue, Judson’s Stay, permitting us to supply distinctive experiences, showcase native and world-renowned artists, and full section two of the humanities middle.”
Caregiving accounts
An growing variety of People annually take care of an aged or impaired relative. Rep. Vern Buchanan stated the federal authorities can do extra to ease prices for caregivers.
Buchanan, Chair of the Home Methods and Means Well being Subcommittee, unveiled the Reducing Prices for Caregivers Act (HR 7222). The laws would enable people to make use of tax-free well being financial savings accounts and versatile spending accounts on medical bills for fogeys and different family members with out reclassifying them as dependents.
“As hundreds of thousands of People be taught yearly, caring for growing old mother and father or family members of their later years can change into a big monetary pressure for you and your loved ones,” Buchanan stated. “With practically 200,000 seniors in my district, caregiving help is essential for a lot of households to present their family members a dignified high quality of life of their golden years.”
The Longboat Key Republican filed the bipartisan invoice with Rep. Mike Thompson, a California Democrat. It additionally boasts endorsements from the AARP and Constancy Investments.
“Many households more and more flip to financial savings choices corresponding to HSAs and FSAs to save lots of for well being care, and this proposal will enable people to make use of these funds for medical bills referring to caregiving prices,” stated Karen Volo, head of Well being and Profit Accounts for Constancy Investments. “Because the ranks of these giving and receiving care proceed to develop, planning and monetary concerns will demand consideration and assist. This growth is a superb step towards bolstering that assist financially.”
Iran contraband
If Iran backs terrorist exercise across the globe, Moskowitz doesn’t need American-made merchandise out there to make use of. The Parkland Democrat filed the No Technology for Terror Act, a bipartisan invoice that will codify a prohibition on any U.S.-made navy tools ever being exported to Iran.
“We’d like a multifaceted method to weaken the Iranian regime. Whereas using navy power in opposition to Iranian proxies sends a powerful message, there are different steps we should take to undermine the regime and their terror,” Moskowitz stated. “By limiting the varieties of items that may enter Iran, we’re weakening their capacity to fund terror and develop weapons to wreak havoc all through the area.”
He launched the invoice with Republican Reps. Nathaniel Moran and Michael McCaul of Texas. McCaul chairs the Home Overseas Affairs Committee.
“I’m proud to co-lead this bipartisan invoice to codify and broaden export management sanctions on Iran,” McCaul stated.
“Critically, this invoice would assist prohibit the regime’s entry to the American items and expertise it must manufacture deadly missiles and drones, together with these getting used to assault our service members within the Center East in addition to by Putin to wage his unlawful battle in opposition to Ukraine. Extra should be achieved to counter Iran’s malign affect, starting with sturdy U.S. export controls. I urge my colleagues to assist this essential laws.”
Rallying for Machado
As controversy continues round Venezuela’s elections, members of the delegation hosted opposition candidate María Corina Machado remotely for a roundtable earlier than Congress.
The bipartisan occasion was organized by Salazar, the Home Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Chair, who confused the necessity for the U.S. to face with Machado as President Nicolás Maduro’s allies try to hold her off the ballot.
“I’ve despatched the message to the White Home: We’re right here to work with them, however we’d like to ensure there are free, truthful and clear elections the place they let you run and let the Venezuelan individuals resolve who they need their subsequent President to be,” Salazar stated. “There isn’t any Plan B. You have been chosen; you performed by the foundations, and we have now to respect that.”
Final yr, the Biden administration lifted oil sanctions on Venezuela in change for a dedication to run a clear election. For the reason that South American nation’s Supreme Court docket booted Machado from the poll, Florida lawmakers from each side of the aisle demanded sanctions be restored.
Díaz-Balart, a Hialeah Republican, advised Machado there’s robust bipartisan assist in Congress for her candidacy.
“I, for one, am very pissed off once I see an administration in the US that appears reluctant or sluggish to acknowledge simply the fact,” he advised Machado. “And the fact is that you’re the chief. You’re the one that is the candidate for President. That’s No. 1. No. 2 is that giving sanctions aid based mostly on faux guarantees after which even when these guarantees are damaged, nonetheless not snapping again these sanctions is one thing that’s unacceptable, however simply know that we’re engaged on that.”
Machado, for her half, stated she needs to revive the U.S.-Venezuela relations as soon as elected. “We’re decided to show Venezuela into that marvelous nation to which our kids may be coming again and can come again,” she stated.
On today
Feb. 9, 1950 — “Joseph McCarthy announces ‘enemies within’” — by way of A Folks’s Historical past of the US — Talking to a Ladies’s Republican Membership in West Virginia, the Senator from Wisconsin held up papers and shouted: “I’ve right here in my hand an inventory of 205 — an inventory of names that have been made identified to the Secretary of State as being members of the Communist Social gathering and who however are nonetheless working and shaping coverage within the State Division.” The subsequent day, talking in Salt Lake Metropolis, McCarthy claimed he had an inventory of 57 such Communists. Shortly afterward, he appeared on the ground of the Senate with photostatic copies of a few hundred dossiers from State Division loyalty recordsdata.
Feb. 9, 1987 — “Robert MacFarlane tried suicide, police believe” by way of the Los Angeles Occasions — McFarlane, President Ronald Reagan’s former Nationwide Safety Adviser and a key determine within the administration’s Iran arms sale operation, took an overdose of 25 to 30 Valium tablets. The overdose occurred about three hours earlier than McFarlane was to testify earlier than the Tower Fee investigating the operation of the Nationwide Safety Council employees in gentle of the arms sale scandal. McFarlane, 49, was rushed by ambulance to Bethesda Naval Medical Middle, minutes from his dwelling in suburban Bethesda, Maryland, simply after 7 a.m., based on Detective Lauren Acquaviva of the Montgomery County Police Division.
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Peter Schorsch publishes Delegation, compiled by Jacob Ogles, edited and assembled by Phil Ammann and Ryan Nicol.
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