#Senator Richard Durbin

[minnesotafollower]

Introduction of New Proposed Afghan Adjustment Act 

On July 13, 2023, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (Dem, MN) with five co-sponsoring Democrat Senators and six co-sponsoring Republican Senators introduced a new proposed Afghan Adjustment Act (S.2327). The Democrat co-sponsors are Senators Coon (DE), Blumenthal (CT), Shaheen (NH), Durban (IL) and Menendez (NJ), and the Republican co-sponsors are Senators Graham  (SC), Moran (KS), Mullin (OK),…

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#Afghan Adjustment Act #Afghanistan #Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks #Senator Amy Klobuchar #Senator Christopher Coons #Senator Chuck Grassley #Senator Jeanne Shaheen #Senator Jerry Moran #Senator Lindsey Graham #Senator Lisa Murkowski #Senator Markwayne Mullin #Senator Richard Blumenthal #Senator Richard Durbin #Senator Robert Menendez #Senator Roger Wicker #Senator Thom Tillis

[kp777]

By Jordan Rubin

MSNBC

April 27, 2023

By now, the Senate Judiciary Committee has seen that taking a soft approach to the Supreme Court's ethics crisis won't work. The committee didn't even invite testimony from the man at the center of the crisis, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, and Chief Justice John Roberts just pathetically declined to testify on the subject in response to the committee's invitation.

Committee Chair Dick Durbin, D-Ill., scheduled an ethics hearing for Tuesday, May 2. But it's unclear what will come of it, or whether the committee will use whatever muscle it has to shed real light on the court's ethical failings or impose meaningful solutions on a reluctant court.

Yet, strong words on the show Wednesday from one of Durbin's committee colleagues, Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., suggest there's a desire from at least some corners of the committee to be more aggressive. Blumenthal told Nicolle that the committee should consider subpoenas not only for justices but for other potential evidence and witnesses, including Harlan Crow, the GOP megadonor whose years of lavish gifts to Thomas weren't disclosed by the justice.

Indeed, Blumenthal called Thomas’ failure to disclose gifts “potentially criminal” and said the Justice Department should investigate as well. He said Thomas created the appearance that the Supreme Court is "open to the highest bidder."

Read more.

#u.s. supreme court #clarence thomas #u.s. senate #richard blumenthal #dick durbin

[wilwheaton]

“We have a very problematic system in which we have a court that can assert these incredible powers that affect all of our lives and they’re not of momentary import, but they can affect generations,” she said. “It’s a very radical approach to governing, to have a court that can act like a monarchy. It does destabilize our democracy quite a bit.” Even before the most controversial decisions, the Supreme Court faced intense scrutiny in recent weeks after revelations by ProPublica that Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito had accepted luxury trips from prominent Republican donors over the years. Neither justice disclosed the trips, saying they were advised they did not need to. But Democrats, who have been infuriated by the lax rules for the Supreme Court, have vowed to try to tighten ethics rules for the justices, vowing to push legislation if the justices do not adopt an ethics code on their own. “The highest court in the land should not have the lowest ethical standards. But for too long that has been the case with the United States Supreme Court. That needs to change,” Sen. Richard J. Durbin (D-Ill.), who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee, said in a joint statement with Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), who chairs a subcommittee with jurisdiction over the federal judiciary.

Biden faces renewed pressure to embrace Supreme Court overhaul

Every one of the Trump appointees committed perjury during their confirmation hearings. Every member of the stolen majority is a politician, cosplaying as a Justice, making law outside of Congress.

They must all be removed and replaced.

[saydams]

the usa senate passed the budget that banned all aid to UNRWA and Biden signed it.

the senators who voted for this budget (preventing usa from funding UNRWA) are under the readmore. if your senator is on this list, call [phone] and demand they find another way of funding relief to palestine.

Tammy Baldwin Wis.

Richard Blumenthal Conn.

Cory Booker N.J.

John Boozman Ark.

Katie Britt Ala.

Sherrod Brown Ohio

Laphonza Butler Calif.

Maria Cantwell Wash.

S. Capito W.Va.

Benjamin L. Cardin Md.

Tom Carper Del.

Bob Casey Pa.

Bill Cassidy La.

Susan Collins Maine

Chris Coons Del.

John Cornyn Tex.

C. Cortez Masto Nev.

Tom Cotton Ark.

Kevin Cramer N.D.

Tammy Duckworth Ill.

Dick Durbin Ill.

Joni Ernst Iowa

John Fetterman Pa.

Deb Fischer Neb.

Kirsten Gillibrand N.Y.

Lindsey Graham S.C.

Chuck Grassley Iowa

M. Hassan N.H.

Martin Heinrich N.M.

John Hickenlooper Colo.

Mazie Hirono Hawaii

John Hoeven N.D.

Cindy Hyde-Smith Miss.

Tim Kaine Va.

Mark Kelly Ariz.

Angus King Maine

Amy Klobuchar Minn.

Ben Ray Luján N.M.

Joe Manchin III W.Va.

Edward J. Markey Mass.

Mitch McConnell Ky.

Robert Menendez N.J.

Jeff Merkley Ore.

Jerry Moran Kan.

Markwayne Mullin Okla.

Lisa Murkowski Alaska

Chris Murphy Conn.

Patty Murray Wash.

Jon Ossoff Ga.

Alex Padilla Calif.

Gary Peters Mich.

Jack Reed R.I.

Mitt Romney Utah

Jacky Rosen Nev.

Mike Rounds S.D.

Brian Schatz Hawaii

Charles E. Schumer N.Y.

Jeanne Shaheen N.H.

Kyrsten Sinema Ariz.

Tina Smith Minn.

Debbie Stabenow Mich.

Dan Sullivan Alaska

Jon Tester Mont.

John Thune S.D.

Thom Tillis N.C.

Chris Van Hollen Md.

Mark R. Warner Va.

Raphael G. Warnock Ga

Elizabeth Warren Mass.

Peter Welch Vt.

Sheldon Whitehouse R.I.

Roger Wicker Miss.

Ron Wyden Ore.

Todd Young Ind.

#usa politics #unwra #palestine #gaza #us politics

[titleknown]

Do you think Section 230 is pretty much going to be passed? I've been thinking about leaving the internet completely over this.

...Well, like many things, the answer is "It's Complicated,"

Firstly, for the most part, efforts to screw up Section 230 aren't direct repealing all of it so much as carve-outs that majorly weaken it, in ways that could still deeply screw up free speech.

The recent Kids Online Safety Act/EARN IT Act is being pushed for, and while it's not in committee, given the former was sent to the Commerce Committee last time and the latter to the Judiciary Committee, they're probably gonna send it next time, and you're probably going to want to call your senators if they're in said committee to tell them to kill those bills.

The membership of the Commerce Committee:

Maria Cantwell, Washington, Chair

Amy Klobuchar, Minnesota

Brian Schatz, Hawaii

Ed Markey, Massachusetts

Gary Peters, Michigan

Tammy Baldwin, Wisconsin

Tammy Duckworth, Illinois

Jon Tester, Montana

Kyrsten Sinema, Arizona[a]

Jacky Rosen, Nevada

Ben Ray Luján, New Mexico

John Hickenlooper, Colorado

Raphael Warnock, Georgia

Peter Welch, Vermont

Ted Cruz, Texas, Ranking Member

John Thune, South Dakota

Roger Wicker, Mississippi

Deb Fischer, Nebraska

Jerry Moran, Kansas

Dan Sullivan, Alaska

Marsha Blackburn, Tennessee

Todd Young, Indiana

Ted Budd, North Carolina

Eric Schmitt, Missouri

J.D. Vance, Ohio

Shelley Moore Capito, West Virginia

Cynthia Lummis, Wyoming

The membership of the Judiciary Committee:

Dick Durbin, Illinois, Chairman

Dianne Feinstein, California

Sheldon Whitehouse, Rhode Island

Amy Klobuchar, Minnesota

Chris Coons, Delaware

Richard Blumenthal, Connecticut

Mazie Hirono, Hawaii

Cory Booker, New Jersey

Alex Padilla, California

Jon Ossoff, Georgia

Peter Welch, Vermont

Lindsey Graham, South Carolina, Ranking Member

Chuck Grassley, Iowa

John Cornyn, Texas

Mike Lee, Utah

Ted Cruz, Texas

Josh Hawley, Missouri

Tom Cotton, Arkansas

John Kennedy, Louisiana

Thom Tillis, North Carolina

Marsha Blackburn, Tennessee

So yeah.

I may as well add, If you've got the misfortune to be calling a Republican, be sure to bring up how KOSA will be used as a way for Big Government to spy on people via mandated age verification, and how EARN IT will be used to censor conservative speech.

That'll get the bastards attention. And no matter what you do, don't shut up about it, because silence means the fuckers win, just look at FOSTA/SESTA...

...Tho, in better news, the questioning in those Supreme Court suits tackling Section 230 seem to show that the justices are at least reluctant to try and do much to 230, very specifically because of how much it could fuck up.

Which begs the question, if even these fucking demons know why fucking with Section 230 is a godawful idea, what excuse do these senators have?

Point is, the efforts to undermine it aren't all at once so much as gradual and insidious. Call your senators folks, and stay vigilant.

#kosa #earn it #section 230 #internet freedom #important #signal boost

[mariacallous]

The senator tasked with overseeing federal antitrust enforcement is urging the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate whether a Texas-based company’s price-setting software is undermining competition and pushing up rents.

Amy Klobuchar, the Minnesota Democrat who chairs the Senate Subcommittee on Competition Policy, Antitrust and Consumer Rights, sent a letter to the DOJ’s Antitrust Division this month. It was also signed by two other Democrats, Sen. Richard Durbin of Illinois and Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey.

“We are concerned that the use of this rate setting software essentially amounts to a cartel to artificially inflate rental rates in multifamily residential buildings,” the letter said. It encouraged the DOJ to “take appropriate action to protect renters and competition in the residential rental markets.”

In mid-October, a ProPublica investigation documented how real estate tech company RealPage’s price-setting software uses nearby competitors’ nonpublic rent data to feed an algorithm that suggests what landlords should charge for available apartments each day. Legal experts said the algorithm may be enabling violations of antitrust laws.

ProPublica detailed how RealPage’s User Group, a forum that includes landlords who adopt the company’s software, had grown to more than 1,000 members, who meet in private at an annual conference and take part in quarterly phone calls. The senators raised specific questions about the group, saying, “We are concerned about potential anticompetitive coordination taking place through the RealPage User Group.”

RealPage did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

RealPage has said that the company “uses aggregated market data from a variety of sources in a legally compliant manner” and that its software prioritizes a property’s own internal supply and demand dynamics over external factors such as competitors’ rents. The company has said its software helps reduce the risk of collusion that would occur if landlords relied on phone surveys of competitors to manually price their units.

The DOJ declined to comment on the letter.

The department five years ago reviewed RealPage’s plan to acquire its biggest competitor in pricing software, but federal prosecutors declined to seek to block the merger, which doubled the number of apartments RealPage was pricing.

The senators noted that transaction, saying RealPage has made more than 10 acquisitions since 2016. They said in data-intensive industries, “the ability to acquire more data can result in the algorithms suggesting higher prices and can also increase the barriers to entry” for other competitors. The lawmakers encouraged the department “to consider looking back at RealPage’s past behavior to determine whether any of it was anticompetitive.”

The letter follows two others sent by lawmakers urging the DOJ or Federal Trade Commission to investigate RealPage. Since ProPublica’s investigation was published, three lawsuits have been filed on behalf of renters alleging that the software is artificially inflating rents and facilitating collusion. RealPage has denied allegations in a lawsuit filed in San Diego, and it has not responded to calls for comment about the other two legal actions, filed in federal district court in Seattle.

[dontmeantobepoliticalbut]

U.S. Sen. Ed Markey on Thursday introduced legislation to outlaw the marketing of firearms to children amid growing outrage from federal lawmakers, gun violence prevention advocates, and parents over a weapon for kids inspired by the AR-15.

The Massachusetts Democrat's Protecting Kids From Gun Marketing Act would direct the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to create rules to "prohibit any manufacturer, dealer, or importer, or agent thereof, from marketing or advertising a firearm or any firearm-related product to a minor in a manner that is designed, intended, or reasonably appears to be attractive to a minor."

The bill would also empower state attorneys general and private individuals to take legal action for violations of the rules.

The proposal follows recently renewed criticism of Illinois-based WEE1 Tactical for its JR-15. After coming under fire last year for branding that featured pacifier-sucking baby skulls with gun sights for eye sockets, the gunmaker scrapped the images and now says the firearm represents "a great American tradition," a "small piece of American freedom," and "American family values."

Markey led a May 2022 letter calling on the FTC to investigate WEE1 Tactical for unfair or deceptive marketing tactics and last week, in the wake of a series of mass shootings, he joined a press conference during which Senators repeated that demand.

"I am once again calling on the FTC to step up and use its authority to crack down on gunmakers who market their deadly weapons to America's youth," he said last week. "The deceptive and deadly marketing behind the 'JR-15' is grotesque and reflects the depth of the gun industry's moral depravity."

Markey also took aim at WEE1 Tactical's gun on Thursday, declaring that "a junior version of the AR-15 has no place in a kid's toy box."

"America's gun violence epidemic is claiming tens of thousands of lives each year as gunmakers, dealers, and vendors alike continue to put sales over safety by targeting kids with advertising of a deadly weapon," he said. "It's shameful, irresponsible, and dangerous. The FTC must act immediately to prohibit the marketing of these weapons to children, a step that could save lives."

The legislation is co-sponsored by Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.).

The bill is also supported by the organizations Brady, Everytown, Giffords, March For Our Lives, and the Violence Policy Center—whose executive director, Josh Sugarmann, said that "few Americans are aware that there is an ongoing, coordinated effort by the gun lobby and firearms industry targeting America's children and teens. Imagine the public outcry if the alcohol or tobacco industries introduced child-friendly versions of their adult products."

Giffords federal affairs director Adzi Vokhiwa stressed that "the gun industry's deceptive and reckless marketing practices have real consequences: Our nation's gun violence epidemic is worsening while the gun industry's profits soar. Promoting weapons to young people is especially heinous considering that guns are now the number one cause of death for children."

Just over a month into 2023, at least 154 children across the United States have been killed by gun violence and another 364 have been injured so far, according to the Gun Violence Archive. Last year, the totals were 1,675 and 4,479, respectively.

"There's no world in which deadly firearms manufacturers should advertise guns to children," said Zeenat Yahya, policy director for March for Our Lives, which was formed by students after the 2018 high school shooting in Parkland, Florida.

"Unsecured access to guns has killed far too many children and young people over the years," Yahya continued. "The very idea that gun manufacturers want to take advantage of young people by targeting young people who aren't even old enough to drive with ads that sell deadly weapons is sickening."

"It's time for Congress to take a stand and defend young peoples' lives against an immoral industry practice," she added, "and we're pleased to stand with Sen. Markey and our congressional partners in the introduction of this bill."

#us politics #news #2023 #common dreams #Sen. Ed Markey #gun violence #gun rights #gun control #mass shootings #Protecting Kids From Gun Marketing Act #federal trade commission #outlaw the marketing of firearms to children #WEE1 Tactical #JR-15 #democrats #us senate #brady #everytown #March For Our Lives #Giffords #Violence Policy Center #Josh Sugarmann #Adzi Vokhiwa #Zeenat Yahya

[cultml]

[prettyhennytea]

The recent Senate Judiciary Committee hearing brought together the CEOs of major social media companies, including Meta, TikTok, and X, to address concerns about the detrimental effects their platforms have on young people. From sexual predators and addictive features to unrealistic beauty standards and cyberbullying, parents and children's advocates worry that these businesses are not doing enough to protect their users. The hearing witnessed emotional testimonies from affected families, challenging the CEOs to take responsibility for the dangers their platforms pose to the younger generation.

Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin wasted no time in holding the CEOs accountable, emphasizing that they bear responsibility for the perils children face online. In a fiery exchange with Mark Zuckerberg, Durbin accused the CEOs of prioritizing engagement and profit over user safety. While Zuckerberg disagreed with Durbin's assertions, he was pressured to apologize to the families affected by Meta's platforms and emphasized ongoing efforts to enhance child protection industry wide. However, parents and child advocates remain skeptical, believing that the CEO's commitments fall short of their expectations.

Neveen Radwan, a parent who attended the hearing, shared the harrowing experience of her child being exposed to harmful content on TikTok and Instagram. Radwan's daughter developed Anorexia and nearly lost her life after being consumed by dangerous content related to healthy eating during the hearing, Radwan felt that actions speak louder than words, emphasizing the need for genuine accountability from the CEOs.

On a bipartisan note, Senate Judiciary panel member Lindsay Graham recognized the severity of the issue and expressed his willingness to collaborate with both parties to find solutions. The executives of social media companies defended themselves by pointing out the existing safety tools available on their platforms. Snapchat, for instance, supports a federal bill that would hold apps and social platforms liable for recommending harmful content to minors. TikTok's CEO, Shou Zi Chew, highlighted their enforcement of policies regarding underage users, while X's owner, Linda Yaccarino, affirmed that their services do not target children and expressed support for the Stop CSAM Act. Advocates called for independent regulation, emphasizing that profits should not take precedence over safety and privacy concerns.

Although Republican and Democratic senators acknowledged the urgency to address the issue, the passage of comprehensive legislation, such as the Kids Online Safety Act proposed by Sen. Richard Blumenthal in 2022, remains uncertain. With 41 states suing Meta, alleging that its platforms intentionally addict children, internal emails further revealed concerns about youth mental health. However, there are no reasons from Mark Zuckerberg regarding these worries. The CEO's closing argument about building better tools met with skepticism from Arturo Bejar, who accused Meta and its CEO of disregarding the harm teens experience on their platforms, urging transparency and a true commitment to reducing harm.

The Senate hearing unveiled the deep-seated concerns regarding the impact of social media on young people's lives. As parents, children's advocates, politicians, and social media executives grapple with the challenges, the call for change grows louder. Striking a balance between innovation and user safety remains more crucial than ever. The hope lies in collaborative efforts among stakeholders, including lawmakers, industry leaders, and concerned individuals, to shape meaningful regulations that protect the well-being of the younger generation in the digital age.

[ailtrahq]

Senator Elizabeth Warren’s bipartisan crypto anti-money laundering bill has gained backing from 9 more senators, including notable committee chairs. According to the press release on Warren’s official webpage on Sept. 15, the bill has won the support of key political figures such as the chair of homeland security, Gary Peters, and judiciary chair, Dick Durbin, alongside senators Tina Smith, Angus King, Michael Bennet, Bob Casey, Catherine Cortez Masto, Jeanne Shaheen, and Richard Blumenthal. This development takes the total count of senators backing the bill to twelve, with senator Roger Marshall leading as the co-sponsor. Senators Joe Manchin and Lindsey Graham are also among the lawmakers supporting this initiative. Warren expressed her gratitude towards the growing group of supporters, noting: “The increasing support indicates that the Congress is prepared to act. Our cross-party bill is currently the sternest proposal, aiming to curb the unlawful use of cryptocurrencies and equipping regulators with additional resources.” Senator Elizabeth Warren The proposed Digital Asset Anti-Money Laundering Act intends to bolster regulatory supervision in the burgeoning industry. It plans to address the existing gaps and bring the digital asset sector more in line with the prevalent anti-money laundering and counter-financing of terrorism frameworks that oversee the wider financial system. A document released by the lawmakers underscored the notable increase in unlawful digital asset transactions, which amounted to $20 billion recently. Alarmingly, 44% of these transactions were associated with entities facing sanctions in the last year. To counter this, senator Warren and her colleagues propose to broaden the Bank Secrecy Act’s scope. They aim to introduce know-your-customer requirements for digital asset wallet providers, miners, and other entities in the cryptocurrency networks. Senator Manchin stressed that this legislation aims to reduce the security risks tied to cryptocurrency platforms, urging them to comply with the same regulations as conventional banks. This legislative move has received backing from several organizations, including Transparency International U.S., Global Financial Integrity, and the National District Attorneys Association. However, it’s worth noting that senator Warren has consistently advocated for stricter crypto regulations. She has previously labeled cryptocurrencies as the preferred method for sanctioned countries like Iraq and Russia. Furthermore, she has voiced concerns over a potential “$50 billion crypto tax gap,” warning that the IRS and Treasury could lose approximately $1.5 billion in tax revenues for the 2024 fiscal year if policy updates are postponed. Moreover, during her re-election campaign in March, she proposed the creation of a group to counter the crypto industry in the U.S. Source

[newsaljazeera]

[msclaritea]

33 Senate Democrats join Republicans to block DC crime bill | The Hill

Senators on Wednesday overwhelmingly voted to block the District of Columbia’s updated criminal code from becoming law, marking the first time in more than three decades that a D.C.-passed bill has been nixed by Congress and the White House. 

The Senate advanced the resolution, 81-14, with 33 Democrats voting alongside every Republican and Independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (Ariz.). 

Senate Democrats of all stripes joined with the GOP, including some of the party’s leadership. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) and Sen. Debbie Stabenow (Mich.) both backed the resolution.

Sen. Dick Durbin (Ill.), the No. 2 Democrat in the upper chamber, however, split with Schumer to vote “no.”

Unsurprisingly, the most vulnerable Senate Democrats up for reelection in 2024, headlined by Sens. Joe Manchin (W.Va.), Jon Tester (Mont.) and Sherrod Brown (Ohio), all supported the resolution.

Fourteen senators who caucus with the Democrats voted against the measure: Sens. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Durbin. 

Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) voted present. Sens. John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Tom Carper (D-Del.) and James Risch (R-Idaho) were absent.

The Senate Democrats had political cover to vote “yes” after President Biden told them last week he would not veto the resolution if it reached his desk — reversing a statement of administration policy backing Washington, D.C., home rule prior to the House vote last month.

The House passed the resolution to block the crime bill on a 250 to 173 vote, with 31 Democrats voting with all Republicans.

The D.C. City Council passed its crime bill unanimously in January and overrode a veto by Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) in February, 12-1. 

It has been the subject of intense criticism from Republicans and some Democrats for some provisions, such as the lower penalties for a number of violent crimes, including robberies and carjackings. 

“Carjackings and car thefts have become a daily routine. Homicides are racking up at a rate of four per week,” Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said during a speech on the Senate floor on Wednesday. “This is our capital city. But local politicians have let its streets become a danger and an embarrassment.”

In his tweet last week announcing his decision, Biden specifically mentioned sentences for carjackings as a reason. According to the Metropolitan Police Department, there have been 101 carjackings across the District this year alone, roughly the same as the 106 reported by this point last year. Half have involved juveniles. Twenty-two of this calendar year’s cases have been closed, and 14 people have been arrested on related charges. 

“I just think it needs more work,” Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) told reporters of the D.C. bill, citing the mayor’s veto of the bill earlier this year. 

But the 180-degree turn by the administration has infuriated some House Democrats who have complained that the White House put them in a bad spot. 

It also handed House Republicans a gift on the messaging side, as the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) launched an ad campaign against 15 Democrats who voted against doing away with the crime bill. 

“Forget safe streets and neighborhoods — House Democrats remain more concerned with promoting policies that appease violent criminals,” Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.), the NRCC’s chairman, said in a statement. “This is just a preview of how these extremist House Democrats will be held accountable for coddling criminals all cycle long.”

The crime bill has also been criticized for other reasons, including that it would increase the number of jury trials for misdemeanor offenses. Sen. Angus King (I-Maine.) who voted for the resolution blocking the bill, told The Hill earlier in the week that there’s not “enough jurors in the world to do that.”

D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson on Monday attempted to withdraw the bill and keep it from being brought up for a vote. However, the Home Rule Act, which governs the District, does not allow for the withdrawal of legislation. 

A number of Senate Democrats, however, stood by the District and opposed the resolution. Cardin told reporters earlier in the week that the matter is “a D.C. issue.”

“The Senate shouldn’t be voting on that,” Cardin said. “To me, it’s a fundamental issue of home rule.”

So-called Progressives at it again. This is the same action that's keeping San Francisco filled with crime; Socialists deliberately letting crime go wild to hurt Democrats. It's not just random juveniles committing these carjackings. It's just one of the easiest crimes to pull. Everyone should remember the ones who voted against protecting citizens and all of them, Booker and Dick Durbin should be challenged for their seats. Booker plays the Righteous Brother well but he's not with Dems and Durbin tried to pull a sleazy move months ago, by throwing Senator Fienstein under the bus, causing the drama on the judicial committee. I'm guessing the D.C. Council are a bunch who got in on a sympathetic wave post George Floyd. To vote against the Mayor is huge red flag.

[sethshead]

“One of the unwritten rules of the place is you don’t take advantage of a person’s absence,” said Senator Richard Durbin, Democrat of Illinois, defending an indefensible Senate tradition that lets a single member defeat the will of the majority and hold up virtually any issue for any reason. Senators could abolish this practice with a majority vote, but have locked themselves into so many hoary old-boy logrolling traditions that they can no longer see why voters are increasingly repulsed by their inaction. In theory, holds and other obstructive privileges are all about personal courtesy to other senators, but they are the height of discourtesy to the voters who elected a majority of the chamber and expect something other than endless procedural delays.

Republican senators are blocking military promotions and DOJ promotions, leaving the basic organs of defense and governance dysfunctional. Too often it seems that paralyzing the country is the only thing the Senate can do anymore. Its traditions have been so corrupted, largely by Republicans, that legislation has to be twisted into budget reconciliation, creating badly written and overly complex laws, and the normal business of approving or rejecting nominations torturous. Our agencies are understaffed, the voters dissatisfied, and the executive forced to take on an ever-expanding role at the expense of the legislature.

This is no way to run a democracy. Clean up the Senate and its arcane procedures, before it is no longer in the country's best interest to have an upper house of congress.

[captainmdhridoyhossain-blog]

[ad_1] WASHINGTON — Republicans at the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday unanimously adversarial Pass judgement on Ketanji Brown Jackson’s nomination as they endured to assail the primary Black girl to be put ahead for the Ultimate Courtroom, forcing Democrats to take additional steps to stay her affirmation this week heading in the right direction.G.O.P. opposition deadlocked the calmly cut up committee 11 to 11, successfully stalling Pass judgement on Jackson’s nomination after Republicans spent hours vehemently reiterating their opposition to her elevation, which is all however sure. Democrats moved in an instant to discharge the topic from the judiciary panel with a vote of the overall Senate. That might pave the way in which for a affirmation vote as early as Thursday.The partisan cut up got here after a contentious Judiciary Committee assembly the place Republicans rehashed their primary assault strains towards the pass judgement on that ruled a combative set of affirmation hearings, calling her a modern activist who used to be comfortable on crime, whilst Democrats praised her qualifications and demeanor and stated President Biden’s nominee deserved to be showed.“This can be a historical second for the committee and The united states,” stated Senator Richard J. Durbin, Democrat of Illinois and the chairman of the panel.Whilst they didn't dispute the import of Pass judgement on Jackson’s nomination nor her prison qualifications, Republicans endured to rail towards her on quite a few fronts, whilst some outstanding conservatives known as their criticisms baseless. They criticized the sentences she passed down in kid intercourse abuse circumstances, her refusal to state a private judicial philosophy, her previous illustration of terrorism detainees as a public defender and her deep toughen amongst modern advocacy teams.“This collection of Pass judgement on Jackson used to be actually embraced through essentially the most radical other people within the Democratic motion to the exclusion of everybody else,” stated Senator Lindsey Graham, Republican of South Carolina and a former supporter of Pass judgement on Jackson who has grow to be a fierce opponent.The instantly party-line vote supposed Democrats must make use of a distinct maneuver to get Pass judgement on Jackson’s nomination to the ground in a vote of the overall Senate anticipated later Monday. It used to be a mark of the way bitterly divided the chamber has grown over approving Ultimate Courtroom nominees, as soon as seemed through individuals of each events as a question of permitting the president his selected candidate to serve at the court docket.Regardless that Republicans complained about previous Democratic remedy of Ultimate Courtroom nominees named through Republicans, Monday’s assembly used to be a long way other from the only Democrats held once they regarded as the nomination of Clarence Thomas in 1991, when Mr. Biden led the panel. On the time, reasonably than uniting towards him en masse, Democrats agreed to ship his nomination to the ground with no advice, in spite of their deep misgivings amid allegations of sexual harassment towards the nominee. On Monday, Republicans refused to take a an identical step, mentioning their view that Pass judgement on Jackson used to be too liberal.“We are meant to be skilled seals over right here clapping while you nominated a liberal,” Mr. Graham stated. “That’s no longer going to paintings.”He warned that once Republicans subsequent keep an eye on the Senate, they might robotically deny Democratic judicial nominees they regarded as too liberal a listening to earlier than the judiciary panel.The committee’s vote on Pass judgement on Jackson’s nomination used to be postponed for a lot of the afternoon Monday after Senator Alex Padilla, Democrat of California, had air commute issues coming back from his house state, denying his get together its complete supplement of eleven individuals to take your next step.The

transient postponement of the vote used to be some other mirrored image of the way starkly the strains are drawn within the calmly divided Senate, leaving no margin of error for Democrats desperate to win her approval.Only one Republican, Senator Susan Collins of Maine, has thus far stated she would vote in toughen of the nomination at the ground, but when Democrats stay solidly united at the back of Pass judgement on Jackson, they've the votes to put in her because the successor to the retiring Justice Stephen G. Breyer.Republicans endured to query her credibility, mentioning her resistance to calls to stipulate her philosophical method, with Senator John Cornyn, Republican of Texas, pronouncing the reaction confirmed a loss of candor.“Somebody of her spectacular caliber indisputably has a judicial philosophy, however possibly she simply doesn’t wish to discuss it,” Mr. Cornyn stated.In reaction, Senator Cory Booker, Democrat of New Jersey, accused Republicans of constructing a cool animated film of Pass judgement on Jackson this is “thus far out of the strains” of truth making an allowance for her deep credentials and revel in. He stated he had heard from individuals who requested: “How may just they devise those exaggerations? How may just they disrespect an individual like her, who has achieved the entirety proper in her lifestyles and in her adventure?”Democrats defended Pass judgement on Jackson’s file, noting — in step with a number of impartial analysts — that her sentencing file has fallen smartly throughout the mainstream of the federal judiciary, and accusing Republicans and conservative teams of distorting her file. They pointed to her robust toughen from legislation enforcement teams and stated that many Trump management nominees had issued an identical sentences however have been uniformly licensed through the similar Republicans lining up towards Pass judgement on Jackson.3 Issues to Know About Pass judgement on Ketanji Brown Jackson’s NominationCard 1 of three1. Her affirmation is just about ensured. After a bruising set of hearings, Democrats are united at the back of Pass judgement on Jackson. The backing of Senator Joe Manchin III signaled that each one 50 Senate Democrats would toughen her nomination, which Republicans could be not able to forestall.2. Republicans display deep — however no longer overall — opposition. G.O.P. senators attacked Pass judgement on Jackson for her file and grilled her on a number of divisive problems all over the contentious hearings. Senator Susan Collins stated she would toughen the pass judgement on’s nomination. It's unclear if different Republicans will sign up for her.3. The impending vote. With the affirmation hearings entire, the Senate Judiciary Committee is anticipated to vote on Pass judgement on Jackson’s nomination on April 4. Democrats plan to transport it briefly to the Senate ground for a last vote earlier than the beginning of a two-week recess.“They might have all been dragged during the dust and known as names,” stated Senator Amy Klobuchar, Democrat of Minnesota, who known as the committee vote disappointing however no longer sudden.Democrats stated the Republican attack used to be as a lot in regards to the coming midterm elections because it used to be about Pass judgement on Jackson herself.“The primary function right here is set stirring up political department and scoring political issues,” stated Senator Chris Coons, Democrat of Delaware.Regardless that some Republican individuals of the panel as soon as pondered boycotting the committee vote to erect a procedural roadblock to Pass judgement on Jackson, they briefly deserted that tactic. However none would toughen shifting the nomination out of committee to expedite her attention at the ground.At the same time as Republicans at the panel uniformly stated they might oppose her, many presented her non-public and professional reward.Senator Ted Cruz, the Texas Republican who on Monday stated that Pass judgement

on Jackson will be the maximum excessive liberal ever to sit down at the court docket, known as her fascinating and proficient.“I’ve identified her for 30 years and all the time preferred her in my opinion,” he stated.J. Michael Luttig, a former federal appeals court docket pass judgement on respected through conservatives, who helps Pass judgement on Jackson, stated the Texas senator used to be badly distorting her file.“I might no longer hesitate to retract my endorsement of Pass judgement on Jackson for the Ultimate Courtroom if there have been anything else in any respect to Senator Cruz’s commentary, however there isn't,” he wrote on Twitter. “In truth, slightly the other is the case.”Senator Thom Tillis, Republican of North Carolina and some other vote towards her, stated: “This isn't in regards to the content material of her personality.” [ad_2] #Republicans #Oppose #Jackson #Masse #Deadlocking #Judiciary #Panel

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Proiect de lege care recomandă includerea României în programul Visa Waiver

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