THREAD: bipartisan committee

REPUBLICANS TRIUMPH: KEY Pennsylvania Seat Flipped

07 November 2024 — Rob Bresnahan flipped Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District, unseating Democrat Matt Cartwright, who held the seat since 2013. The race was tight, with Bresnahan winning by about 7,000 votes. A bomb threat in Luzerne County added to the election night tension.

Bresnahan credited his grassroots campaign for the win. “We shook every hand,” he said, showing his commitment to engaging voters directly instead of relying on media ads. His team logged over 50,000 miles on their pickup truck during the campaign.

Host Mike Slater highlighted this win’s importance in Scranton, a traditionally Democratic area linked with President Joe Biden. This victory aids Republican efforts to keep control of the House amid ongoing battles nationwide.

Bresnahan had marked this race as vital for securing a Republican majority in the House. He noted that capturing Pennsylvania’s 8th District was crucial for GOP success and expressed satisfaction with reaching that goal through dedicated campaigning efforts.

SENATE PASSES Bill To Reform Troubled Federal Prisons

11 July 2024 — The Senate passed the Federal Prison Oversight Act on Wednesday, aiming to bring transparency and accountability to the troubled Bureau of Prisons. The House approved the bill in May, and it now awaits President Biden’s signature. This legislation introduces an independent ombudsman to investigate complaints and mandates risk-based inspections by the Justice Department’s Inspector General.

Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., introduced the bill in 2022 during his investigation into the Bureau of Prisons as chair of a Senate subcommittee. He collaborated with Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., and Sen. Mike Braun, R-Ind., forming a bipartisan group to address prison issues exposed by AP reporting. Reps. Kelly Armstrong, R-N.D., and Lucy McBath, D-Ga., supported the House version of this critical reform measure.

Ossoff called Wednesday’s passage “a major milestone,” emphasizing that his investigation highlighted an urgent need for better oversight in federal prisons.

Advocates for incarcerated individuals also praised this legislative achievement as a significant step forward in addressing systemic corruption and misconduct within the prison system.

BIDEN’S Border Chaos: Record Crossings Spark Outrage

30 June 2024 — President Biden’s border policy is facing intense scrutiny as illegal crossings hit record highs. Critics argue that the administration’s approach has led to chaos and insecurity at the southern border. Republican lawmakers are calling for immediate action to restore order.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has deployed additional state resources to manage the surge. He stated, “The federal government’s failure leaves us no choice but to protect our own borders.” Local communities are feeling the strain, with many residents expressing concerns over safety and resources.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas defended the administration’s strategy, claiming it aims for a “humane” approach. However, many believe this leniency only encourages more illegal immigration.

With midterm elections approaching, border security remains a hot-button issue. Republicans see this as an opportunity to highlight what they view as Biden’s failed policies and push for stricter enforcement measures.

DEMOCRATIC CHAOS in New Jersey Politics: What It Means for November

18 June 2024 — The indictment of Democratic power broker George E. Norcross III on racketeering charges marks a significant blow to New Jersey’s dominant political party. State Attorney General Matt Platkin accused Norcross of orchestrating tax benefits for entities he controlled, which Norcross vehemently denied. This comes amid ongoing federal bribery charges against Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez, who has pleaded not guilty.

These legal troubles add to the turbulence in New Jersey politics just months before the November general election. Democrats are now scrambling to hold onto a U.S. Senate seat they didn’t expect to fight for, as their thin majority is already at risk. Republicans see new opportunities to gain a seat they haven’t held in over fifty years, buoyed by the chaos within the Democratic Party.

Some progressives view this upheaval as an overdue cleanup of New Jersey’s messy political landscape, long dominated by Democrats. Others draw parallels with national Republican dynamics, where establishment power has given way to populism championed by figures like former President Donald Trump. They see it as a potential shift towards restoring power to the people across the political spectrum.;

MIKE JOHNSON’S Bipartisan Approach Sparks Debate Within His Own Party

20 April 2024 — Mike Johnson upholds his commitment to bipartisan leadership, despite facing backlash from some party members. In a recent interview, Buck highlighted Johnson’s focus on evaluating legislative packages solely on their merits, not party lines. This method demonstrates the unique leadership necessary in today’s divided political climate at Capitol Hill.

During the conversation, concerns emerged about possible compromises made with Democrats to gain their support. Marjorie Taylor Greene voiced doubts about these agreements, questioning what Johnson had to give up in exchange for Democratic backing. Despite these concerns, Buck remains hopeful about the longevity of such bipartisan efforts based on the specific legislation involved.

Buck is confident that Mike Johnson will navigate through internal party disputes and maintain his role as a leader who collaborates across party boundaries for effective governance. “I think Mike survives,” he declared, underscoring Johnson’s persistence and commitment to advancing important legislation despite facing criticism.

NPR BIAS Scandal: Calls for Defunding Surge as Political Imbalance Revealed**

18 April 2024 — Senator Marsha Blackburn aligns with former President Trump, advocating for the defunding of NPR due to perceived bias. This push gains momentum following the resignation of NPR editor Uri Berliner, who exposed a stark political imbalance within the organization’s Washington, DC office. Berliner disclosed that among 87 registered voters at NPR, not one is a registered Republican.

NPR’s chief news executive Edith Chapin contested these allegations, asserting the network’s dedication to nuanced and inclusive reporting. Despite this defense, Senator Blackburn condemned NPR for its lack of conservative representation and scrutinized the justification for funding it with taxpayer dollars.

Uri Berliner, while opposing defunding efforts and commending his colleagues’ integrity, resigned amid concerns over media impartiality. He expressed his hope that NPR would maintain its commitment to significant journalism amidst ongoing debates about its political orientation.

This controversy spotlights broader issues regarding media bias and taxpayer funding in public broadcasting sectors, questioning whether public funds should support organizations perceived as politically skewed.

SENATE Triumphs: $953 Billion AID Package Passed Despite GOP Divisions

13 February 2024 — The Senate, in a significant move early Tuesday, passed a $95.3 billion aid package. This substantial financial support is destined for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The decision comes despite challenging negotiations that have lasted months and growing political divisions within the Republican Party over America’s international role.

A select group of Republicans held the Senate floor throughout the night in opposition to the $60 billion earmarked for Ukraine. Their argument? The U.S. should first address its domestic issues before allocating more funds overseas.

However, 22 Republicans joined nearly all Democrats to pass the package with a 70-29 vote count. Supporters argued that ignoring Ukraine could potentially strengthen Russian President Vladimir Putin’s position and pose threats to global national security.

Despite this victory in Senate with strong GOP backing, uncertainty hangs over the bill’s future in House where hardline Republicans aligned with former President Donald Trump are opposing it.

Denver’s MAYOR ATTACKS Republicans, Declares Service Cutbacks Amid Migrant Crisis

12 February 2024 — Mayor Mike Johnston (D-CO) has openly chastised Republican leadership for obstructing a migration deal proposed by Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY). This agreement would have permitted a large influx of migrants and allocated $5 billion for their resettlement across various cities and towns. Having already assisted 35,000 undocumented migrants, Johnston labeled the blocked deal as a “plan for shared sacrifice”.

Following the failure of this deal, Johnston declared that Denver will need to implement budget cuts to cover the costs associated with incoming migrants. He pointed fingers at Republicans for these reductions, asserting that their refusal to approve regime change will strain city budgets and services offered to newcomers. The mayor cautioned that more cutbacks are on the horizon.

The Congressional Budget Office highlighted in February that such migration policies redirect family wages and workplace investment towards Wall Street and government sectors while shifting attention away from American communities. In Denver specifically, an influx of impoverished migrants resulted in 20,000 hospital visits which led to a partial shutdown of a city hospital earlier this year.

Johnston’s announcement included service reductions at the DMV and Park & Recs departments with the aim of freeing up resources for undocumented immigrants. This decision has sparked criticism as it directly affects services available to Denver residents.

GAME-CHANGER or Political Suicide? House Republicans Ponder Biden Impeachment

30 December 2023 — Under the guidance of Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), House Republicans are contemplating the impeachment of President Joe Biden. This idea stems from numerous 2023 investigations into both Biden and his son, Hunter, who are accused of exploiting their family name for personal gain.

The decision to impeach could be a tricky one for Republicans. On one hand, it could resonate with their core supporters as payback against Democrats’ previous attempts to impeach ex-President Donald Trump. On the other hand, it might push away independent voters and undecided Democrats.

Calls for Biden’s impeachment aren’t recent developments. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) has advocated for investigations into the president since he took office. With an ongoing inquiry and years worth of evidence gathered, Speaker Johnson might sanction an impeachment vote as soon as February 2024.

Nevertheless, this strategy carries significant risk. The evidence put forth by House Republicans against Biden seems vague at best, and initiating an inquiry doesn’t necessarily imply backing for impeachment itself — a point that 17 Republican House members from districts won by Biden in 2020 are eager to emphasize to their voters.

Biden INKS $8863 Billion Defense Act, SLAMS Congressional Oversight

25 December 2023 — President Joe Biden has put his signature on the National Defense Authorization Act, green-lighting a hefty $886.3 billion in spending. This act aims to equip our military with the means to deter future conflicts and provide support for service members and their families.

Despite giving his approval, Biden raised eyebrows with concerns over certain provisions. He argues these clauses excessively limit executive power in national security matters by calling for more congressional oversight.

According to Biden, these provisions could force the disclosure of highly sensitive classified information to Congress. There’s a risk this could expose crucial intelligence sources or military operational plans.

The extensive bill, which covers over 3,000 pages, sets out a policy agenda for the Department of Defense and U.S military but doesn’t earmark funding for specific initiatives or operations. Additionally, Biden voiced his ongoing concern about clauses barring Guantanamo Bay detainees from setting foot on U.S soil.

Bipartisan Committee CALLS for END of China’s Trade Status: A Potential Jolt to US Economy

12 December 2023 — A bipartisan committee, led by Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), has been studying the economic effects of China on the US for a year. The investigation centered on job market changes, manufacturing shifts, and national security concerns since China joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001.

The committee released a report this Tuesday recommending President Joe Biden’s administration and Congress to implement nearly 150 policies to counteract China’s economic influence. One significant suggestion is to cancel China’s permanent normal trade relations status (PNTR) with the U.S., a status endorsed by former President George W. Bush in 2001.

The report argues that granting PNTR to China did not bring anticipated benefits for the US or trigger expected reforms in China. It asserts that this has led to a loss of vital U.S. economic leverage and inflicted damage on U.S industry, workers, and manufacturers due to unfair trade practices.

The committee proposes shifting China into a new tariff category that reinstates U.S economic leverage while reducing dependence on Chinese

US-CHINA Economic Reset PROPOSED: Will Higher Tariffs Be the New Norm?

12 December 2023 — A bipartisan committee in the House has put forth a proposal for a complete overhaul of US economic ties with China. This includes the suggestion of implementing higher tariffs. The pivotal recommendations were released in an extensive report by the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition Between the United States and Chinese Communist Party, chaired by Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL).

The report posits that since its induction into the World Trade Organization in 2001, Beijing has been engaged in an economic conflict against both the US and its allies. It outlines three key strategies: revamping America’s economic relationship with China, limiting U.S. capital and technological inflow into China, and strengthening U.S. economic resilience with allied support.

One notable recommendation is to shift China to a new tariff column to enforce more robust tariffs. The committee also suggests imposing tariffs on essential semiconductor chips used in everyday devices like phones and cars. This move aims to prevent Chinese domination in this sector from granting Beijing undue control over global economy.

ALARMING DHS Revelation: 670,000 Border 'Gotaways’ in FY2023 — The Shocking Truth Behind the Numbers

11 December 2023 — Fox News recently uncovered a startling revelation from officials at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). They disclosed to Arizona’s congressional delegation and House and Senate Judiciary and Homeland Security committees that an astounding 670,000 known “gotaways” slipped through the border in FY2023.

In addition to this alarming figure, lawmakers were made aware of a daily influx of approximately 5,000 illegal immigrants into the U.S. These individuals are handed off to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that aid them in reaching their final destinations. This rate could equate to nearly 1.8 million illegal migrants entering the country each year.

The DHS report also shed light on a record-breaking number of daily encounters by Border Patrol with migrants — over 12,000 in one day alone. This follows a record-setting year with more than 2.4 million encounters in FY23 and an unprecedented monthly high exceeding 260,000 last September.

When questioned about collaboration efforts with Mexico to control migrant flow at the southern border, DHS officials expressed concern for the “safety and security of noncitizens”. They highlighted risks these individuals often face due to dangerous travel methods like illicit train rides.

IGNORING the Call: BIDEN Snubs GOP’S Plea for Immigration Reform Discussion

07 December 2023 — On Thursday, the White House confirmed that President Joe Biden has turned down Republican requests for a meeting to discuss immigration reform. The refusal comes amid a Senate deadlock over a spending deal for Ukraine and Israel aid. The deal is currently on hold due to disagreements over border funding. Numerous Republicans have called on Biden to intervene and help break the impasse.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre defended Biden’s decision, noting that an immigration reform package was introduced on his first day in office. She argued that lawmakers can review this legislation without needing further discussion with the President. Jean-Pierre also highlighted that the administration has already had several discussions with Congress members about this issue.

Despite these justifications, Republican senators held a press conference on Thursday afternoon urging Biden’s involvement in passing national security funding. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) insisted that resolution is impossible without presidential intervention. Jean-Pierre dismissed these calls as “missing the point” and accused Republicans of proposing “extreme” bills.

The standoff continues with both sides firmly holding their ground, leaving crucial aid for Ukraine and Israel in limbo. President Biden’s refusal to engage directly with Republicans over immigration reform could spark more criticism from conservatives who argue he is unwilling to negotiate on key issues.

URGENT: Biden DEMANDS Congress Approval for His Critical National Security Request

06 December 2023 — President Joe Biden is pushing Congress to approve his vital national security supplemental request. The White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, and National Security Council spokesman, John Kirby, are addressing inquiries concerning this issue.

The press briefing was scheduled to begin at 2:45 p.m. EST. It came after Biden’s speech at the White House Tribal Nations Summit and virtual meetings with G7 leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Biden’s urgent call for action comes amidst a packed day filled with international diplomacy and domestic affairs. Stay connected for more updates straight from the White House.

BIDEN-XI Summit: A Bold Leap or a Blunder in US-China Diplomacy?

16 November 2023 — President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping have committed to keeping direct lines of communication open. This decision follows their lengthy four-hour discussion at the 2023 APEC summit in San Francisco. The leaders unveiled an initial agreement aimed at halting the influx of fentanyl precursors into the U.S. They also plan to restore military communications, which were cut off after China’s disagreement with the Pentagon following Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan in 2022.

Despite rising tensions, Biden made efforts during Wednesday’s meeting to strengthen U.S.-China relations. He also vowed to persistently challenge Xi on human rights issues, arguing that frank discussions are “critical” for successful diplomacy.

Biden voiced positivity about his rapport with Xi, a relationship that began during their vice-presidential terms. However, uncertainty looms as a congressional investigation into COVID-19 origins threatens US-China relations.

It is unclear whether this renewed dialogue will result in substantial progress or further complications.

UK Parliament SHUNS Cease-Fire Call Amid Israel-Hamas CONFLICT: A Blow to Labour Party Unity

16 November 2023 — The UK House of Commons has recently dismissed a proposed amendment that urged the government to demand a cease-fire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The Scottish National Party presented this amendment, but it was turned down by 290 Parliament members, while only 183 voted in favor.

This decision is perceived as a significant blow to Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party. Despite his efforts to display unity within his party ahead of next year’s national election, fifty-six members from his own party backed the amendment.

Following this setback, Starmer expressed disappointment over his colleagues’ lack of support for his stance. He said, “I wanted my position on this matter to be clear and consistent,” after the vote.

JEFFRIES’ JUDGEMENT: Praises Biden, Condemns ‘Irresponsible’ Maga Republicans

01 November 2023 — Jeffries recently commended President Biden’s leadership, emphasizing his efforts to uphold the special bond between the United States and Israel. He also underscored Biden’s commitment to Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression and his provision of humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza.

The House and Senate are ready to proceed under Biden’s guidance, Jeffries stated. However, he lambasted extreme MAGA Republicans for their alleged attempts to tie aid to Israel during its conflict. Jeffries branded this move as “irresponsible,” accusing them of political isolation.

Jeffries called for a comprehensive review of President Biden’s proposed package, citing the current perilous global climate. He criticized what he perceives as partisan games played by extreme MAGA Republicans. Jeffries characterized their actions as “unfortunate” during these challenging times.