THREAD: congressman staffer
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News Timeline
DEMOCRATS’ SHOCKING Letter: Israel’s Arms Sales Under Fire
— A group of left-wing Jewish Democrats, including Reps. Jan Schakowsky and Sara Jacobs, have signed a controversial letter about Israel’s military actions. The letter claims to support Israel’s right to self-defense but criticizes its compliance with international human rights laws. This suggests the U.S. might need to rethink arms sales to Israel amid ongoing conflicts with terrorists and Iran.
The Jewish News Syndicate reports that while the letter doesn’t directly request stopping aid, it mentions statutes that could lead to such actions if humanitarian aid is blocked. The signatories accuse Israel of restricting aid delivery, raising concerns about its adherence to U.S. arms sales laws.
Reps. Jason Crow, Madeleine Dean, and Chrissy Houlahan led this contentious effort. They urge the administration for a thorough review of Israel’s compliance with these laws due to unresolved issues like arbitrary restrictions on aid and inadequate delivery routes.
REPUBLICANS TRIUMPH: KEY Pennsylvania Seat Flipped
— 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.
TOP FEDERAL Prosecutor Caught In Shocking Drunken HIT-And-RUN
— A top federal narcotics prosecutor, Joseph Ruddy, violated ethics rules during a hit-and-run investigation last year. Ruddy, visibly intoxicated, handed his business card to Florida police officers after crashing into another vehicle and fleeing the scene. The Justice Department’s Office of Inspector General confirmed he misused his position as an assistant U.S. attorney in Tampa.
Body-camera footage from the Fourth of July incident shows Ruddy struggling to stand and slurring his words while leaning on his pickup truck for balance. Despite his condition, he presented his Justice Department credentials to officers from two jurisdictions investigating the crash. A Tampa police officer warned him that the footage would not look good when reviewed later.
The Justice Department’s report found that Ruddy engaged in conduct prejudicial to the government by driving drunk and leaving the scene of an accident. The case has been referred to the Professional Misconduct Review Unit for further action.
Although removed from several cases following inquiries about his status, Ruddy remains an assistant U.S. attorney as of Wednesday. Neither he nor his attorney has responded to requests for comment on this matter.
CONGRESS BLOCKED From Trump Rally Security Report
— Congress was blocked from accessing the crucial Ops Report detailing the protection plan for former President Trump’s rally, a lawmaker revealed to Fox News Digital. The report should explain who was responsible for securing the rooftop from which Thomas Matthew Crooks fired.
Paul Mauro, an attorney and retired NYPD inspector, stated that if the Ops Plan did not cover that rooftop or wasn’t done at all, it represents a significant failure by whoever approved it. Mauro confirmed that as of Thursday afternoon, the FBI held the detailed written plan based on information from a highly trusted source.
The FBI declined to comment on the matter. Despite several reported sightings of Crooks an hour before he opened fire in Butler, Pennsylvania, he managed to slip through security cracks. One of his bullets grazed Trump’s ear and could have been fatal if Trump hadn’t moved his head at that moment.
SENATOR Menendez CONVICTED: Corruption Verdict Shocks Nation
— U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez was convicted of accepting bribes and acting as a foreign agent for Egypt. Prosecutors said he abused his office to protect allies and enrich associates, including his wife.
Menendez, 70, vowed to appeal the verdict, claiming he never violated his public oath or acted as a foreign agent. He did not testify during the nine-week trial but insisted publicly that he was only doing his job as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
The conviction comes just four months before Election Day, likely ending Menendez’s chances of reelection as an independent. Prominent Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Rep. Andy Kim, have called for his resignation following the verdict.
DEMOCRAT Calls for BIDEN to Resign Over Health Concerns
— Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) called for President Biden to step down and resign on Thursday. She cited concerns from her constituents about the President’s age and health. “I doubt the President’s judgement about his health, his fitness to do the job, and whether he is the one making important decisions,” she stated.
Perez emphasized that Americans deserve a president who is fit enough to lead. She urged Biden to put national interest first by resigning. “The crisis of confidence in the President’s leadership needs to come to an end,” she added.
Later in the day, Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT) also called for Biden’s resignation after a NATO press conference. Despite praising Biden’s record and accomplishments, Himes joined Perez in suggesting it was time for him to step down.
CONGRESSMAN’S Staffer Attacked in DC Crime Surge
— Early this morning, three men tried to rob one of Rep. Mike Collins’s staffers and a friend at gunpoint in Navy Yard. The attackers took a watch, but one of them was punched in the face by the victims.
Collins criticized D.C.’s government for its “pro-criminal policies,” claiming they have turned the nation’s capital into a warzone. He expressed relief that both young men were safe after fending off the assailants.
ALDERMAN’S Anti-Israel Stance Sparks Outrage
— Chicago Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez was spotted at an anti-Israel gathering at the University of Chicago. This event comes after his participation in a March rally where the American flag was desecrated. Critics are now questioning his ability to uphold American values.
Sigcho-Lopez has received criticism from fellow aldermen and veterans, who are alarmed by his actions. Army veteran Marco Torres expressed dismay, questioning Sigcho-Lopez’s commitment to veterans given his recent behavior. These incidents have raised serious concerns about the alderman’s judgment and priorities as a public servant.
The alderman’s involvement in these events is particularly controversial as it precedes the Democratic National Convention in Chicago this August. His behavior has ignited discussions about whether it is appropriate for someone in his position, especially during such a critical time leading up to elections.
Observers are keenly watching how these controversies might affect both the DNC and Sigcho-Lopez’s political future. The stakes are high for party unity and public trust, with significant interest from local voters and national commentators.
MIKE JOHNSON’S Bipartisan Approach Sparks Debate Within His Own Party
— 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.
UK MP’S SHOCKING Scandal: Trapped in a Honeytrap
— William Wragg, a prominent figure in the UK Parliament, has confessed to leaking fellow members’ contact details following a blackmail scheme. He was ensnared by a scammer on a gay dating app after sharing personal photos with someone he thought was trustworthy. This ordeal left him feeling “scared” and “manipulated,” according to his own words.
Nigel Farage blasted Wragg’s actions as “unforgivable” on social media, underlining the serious breach of trust involved. The scandal has ignited debates over personal behavior and security protocols for public officials. Treasury minister Gareth Davies recommended that affected parties report to the police, acknowledging Wragg’s apology but emphasizing the seriousness of his error.
The tactic employed to blackmail Wragg is identified as “spear phishing,” an advanced form of cyber-attack designed to filch sensitive data by pretending to be reliable sources. This event highlights the escalating menace of cyber scams aimed at high-profile individuals and their potential risks to national safety.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities facing those in power and underscores the importance of stringent security measures and personal vigilance in safeguarding against such threats.
CYBERATTACKS Unleash CHAOS on UK Parliament: Lawmakers’ Privacy Invaded
— Conservative MP Luke Evans was hit by a cyberattack, receiving unwanted explicit messages. He described the attack as “cyber flashing and malicious communications.” Another member of Parliament, William Wragg, was tricked into giving out colleagues’ contact details after being approached on a dating app.
This is part of a wider phishing scam targeting politicians, their teams, and journalists. The attackers send flirty messages to get personal details. This method is called “spear phishing,” because it aims at specific people or groups.
The news outlet Politico revealed that several MPs and political figures got messages from someone pretending to be someone else. The scammers used fake profiles with names like “Charlie” or “Abi” to trick their victims.
These incidents show big security weaknesses in how British lawmakers communicate. There are growing worries about how well their sensitive information is protected against these threats.
GOP’S SELF-Destruction: Gowdy Slams Republican Candidate Choices and Election Failures
— In a thought-provoking exchange, host Rich Edson engaged in a debate with guest Trey Gowdy about the looming Senate budget. Edson raised doubts about whether Republicans had managed to negotiate an advantageous deal, despite not holding sway over the Senate or White House. In response, Gowdy didn’t hold back from critiquing his own party. He highlighted that the GOP’s subpar candidate selection and lackluster election performance were at the root of their current predicament. As evidence, he referenced recent electoral disappointments. These included last November’s midterms where House Republicans fell short of expectations, and the 2021 Georgia elections which saw two Republican Senators unseated. Looking ahead, Gowdy sounded an alarm about potential repercussions if Democrats seize control of all three branches — House, Senate, and White House. He warned that a detrimental budget bill would be unavoidable in such circumstances. The responsibility for this possible outcome? According to Gowdy, it rests squarely on GOP shoulders due to their poor candidate choices and failure to secure winnable elections.
Stay updated with more news by following Pam Key on Twitter @pamkeyNEN.
CONGRESS Holds the Key: The FUTURE of the Russia-Ukraine War in Year Three
— As we enter the third year of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, experts tell Fox News Digital that its future hangs on Congress. Will they overcome their hesitation to provide ongoing support? Kenneth J Braithwaite, a former Navy secretary under Trump and ex-ambassador to Norway, underscores America’s alliances’ crucial role in this worldwide challenge.
Communism is alive and well," warns Braithwaite. He emphasizes that as Russia battles Europe and China seeks greater global sway, Americans must prioritize self-defense against these threats. This protection comes through partnerships and unified resistance against authoritarian dangers.
Ukraine’s second invasion year witnessed significant turmoil with Russia initially facing major defeats when Wagner forces defected. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin managed to mount a successful counterattack against Ukraine’s counteroffensive. In a daring move, Putin rejected renewing a U.N.-backed deal for grain shipments via the Black Sea and instead launched an attack on Ukraine.
In response, Ukraine unleashed an impressive naval operation that obliterated twelve Russian vessels in the Black Sea — a strategic victory for Kyiv that enabled them to create their own grain corridor by driving out the Russian fleet from
GAME-CHANGER or Political Suicide? House Republicans Ponder Biden Impeachment
— 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.
SENATE SCANDAL: Staffer Dismissed After Shocking Footage Surfaces
— A scandal has erupted in the Senate. Breitbart News recently exposed footage of a staffer, Aidan Maese-Czeropski, involved in explicit sexual acts within a Senate hearing room. This room is typically used for significant events like Supreme Court nominations.
The implicated staffer was part of Sen. Ben Cardin’s (D-MD) office and has been let go since the incident. After his dismissal, Cardin’s office released a brief statement: “We will not comment further on this personnel issue.”
In reaction to the controversy, Maese-Czeropski posted a statement on LinkedIn blaming the backlash on homophobia. He admitted that some past actions may have shown poor judgment but insisted he would never disrespect his workplace.
Maese-Czeropski also stated that any attempts to distort his actions are false and declared intentions to explore legal avenues concerning these issues.
Bipartisan Committee CALLS for END of China’s Trade Status: A Potential Jolt to US Economy
— 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
ALARMING DHS Revelation: 670,000 Border 'Gotaways’ in FY2023 — The Shocking Truth Behind the Numbers
— 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.
URGENT: Biden DEMANDS Congress Approval for His Critical National Security Request
— 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.
California Democratic Convention GRINDS to a HALT: Protesters Stand UP for Palestinians
— The California Democratic Convention in Sacramento came to an unexpected standstill due to the actions of protesters. These individuals were voicing their support for Palestinians, who they argue are suffering from a genocide funded by U.S. taxpayers.
Within the convention center, scheduled speeches were interrupted. Outside the venue, a poignant display of hundreds of children’s shoes served as a grim reminder of young Gazans who lost their lives.
Protesters made their stance clear with Palestinian flags and placards calling for an end to U.S. financial support for what they labeled as “genocide”.
Around 5:40pm, the protest escalated as demonstrators stormed into the convention center. Brandishing flags and beating drums, they echoed chants of “Resistance is justified when people are occupied”, making their way up escalators towards now-deserted voting rooms.
NEW Speaker Johnson’s BOLD Pledge: Strong Support for Israel, Fierce Condemnation of Hamas
— In his inaugural public appearance as Speaker, Johnson made an impassioned pledge of unwavering support for Israel while denouncing the Palestinian terror group Hamas. The tales of survival from Israelis who endured Hamas attacks deeply affected him, leading him to label the group as “demonic”.
Johnson steps into the shoes of Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), a well-known ally of Israel, and promises to carry on this legacy. He highlighted that his first resolution was in favor of Israel and that he made it a point to meet with the Republican Jewish Coalition on his initial trip.
He expressed concern over anti-Israel sentiments within the House’s Democratic Party caucus, attributing these views to an alarming rise in antisemitism within Congress, universities, and even media outlets. Johnson had a stern message for the UN: peace will only be achieved when Hamas no longer poses a threat to Israel.
Deeply rooted in religious faith and guided by Biblical teachings that link blessings with support for Israel, Johnson emphasized the crucial role of U.S.-Israel alliance. He confidently declared his conviction that both America and Israel have yet more chapters to add to their storied histories.
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HIGH-RANKING North Korean Official Defects: Shocking Escape to South Korea
— Ri, a top North Korean official, defected to South Korea. This makes him the highest-ranking defector since 2016. Ri was an expert on Cuba for North Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He worked to block diplomatic ties between South Korea and Cuba.
In 2013, Ri negotiated the release of Chong Chon Gang, a North Korean ship seized by Panama for smuggling missiles and fighter jet parts hidden under brown sugar from Cuba. The ship had also been caught smuggling drugs before.
The seizure led to a five-day standoff with Panamanian marines, even though American and Panamanian officials called the cargo outdated junk. The Cuban regime provided a list of the military cargo after boarding the ship.
The incident caused major stress for the North Korean crew and led to severe consequences for those involved in the arms-for-sugar deal with Cuba. U.N. analysts believe losing the ship was a big blow to North Korea’s food situation and exposed their smuggling methods.
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