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Government shutdown looms as poll reveals most Americans oppose it – live Government shutdown looms as poll reveals most Americans oppose it – as it happened
(35 minutes later)
The Justice Department asked a federal court to throw out or halt a lawsuit accusing Donald Trump of illegally benefiting from his family’s business, the New York Times reports. We’re wrapping up with updates for now. Here’s a recap of key developments today:
A report prepared for the Senate detailed the scope of a Russian operation to spread disinformation online and influence the 2016 election. The fake pages created by Russians especially targeted African Americans, in an apparent effort to discourage them from voting, researchers found. And they found that “active and ongoing” Russian interference operations still exist on social media.
Former FBI director James Comey testified before two Congressional committees probing FBI actions during the 2016 election. Afterward, he ripped into Donald Trump for undermining the rule of law and lying constantly about the FBI.
Senator Lamar Alexander, a Tennessee Republican, announced he will not run for re-election.
The woman who climbed the Statue of Liberty in a Fourth of July immigration protest was convicted.
The clock ticked down with little progress toward averting a government shutdown over Donald Trump’s demand for money for his border wall, as a poll showed most Americans disagree with the shutdown.
The justice department asked a federal court to throw out or halt a lawsuit accusing Donald Trump of illegally benefiting from his family’s business, the New York Times reports.
The case deals with whether Trump has violated the so-called emoluments clause of the constitution, which bars the president from receiving gifts or certain other benefits from foreign governments.The case deals with whether Trump has violated the so-called emoluments clause of the constitution, which bars the president from receiving gifts or certain other benefits from foreign governments.
“The complaint rests on a host of novel and fundamentally flawed constitutional premises, and litigating the claims would entail intrusive discovery into the president’s personal financial affairs and the official actions of his administration,” the Justice Department said in a petition. “The complaint rests on a host of novel and fundamentally flawed constitutional premises, and litigating the claims would entail intrusive discovery into the president’s personal financial affairs and the official actions of his administration,” the justice department said in a petition.
Former FBI director James Comey, after testifying before Congressional committees, ripped Donald Trump for undermining the rule of law and Republican lawmakers for trying to “slink away into retirement” without standing up to him.Former FBI director James Comey, after testifying before Congressional committees, ripped Donald Trump for undermining the rule of law and Republican lawmakers for trying to “slink away into retirement” without standing up to him.
Comey answered questions behind closed doors for an inquiry into the FBI’s actions during the 2016 election, which he said focused on Hillary Clinton’s emails and the Steele dossier.Comey answered questions behind closed doors for an inquiry into the FBI’s actions during the 2016 election, which he said focused on Hillary Clinton’s emails and the Steele dossier.
“This while the President of the United States is lying about the FBI, attacking the FBI, and attacking the rule of law in this country. How does that make any sense at all?” Comey told reporters after the session. “At some point, someone has to stand up and in the face of fear of Fox News, fear of their base, fear of mean tweet, stand up for the values of this country and not slink away into retirement but stand up and speak the truth.”“This while the President of the United States is lying about the FBI, attacking the FBI, and attacking the rule of law in this country. How does that make any sense at all?” Comey told reporters after the session. “At some point, someone has to stand up and in the face of fear of Fox News, fear of their base, fear of mean tweet, stand up for the values of this country and not slink away into retirement but stand up and speak the truth.”
Comey was alarmed by Trump’s latest comments calling his former lawyer Michael Cohen a “rat” for cooperating with investigators.Comey was alarmed by Trump’s latest comments calling his former lawyer Michael Cohen a “rat” for cooperating with investigators.
“It undermines the rule of law. This is the president of the United States, calling a witness who has cooperated with his own Justice Department a rat. Say that again to yourself at home, and remind yourself where we have ended up,” he said.“It undermines the rule of law. This is the president of the United States, calling a witness who has cooperated with his own Justice Department a rat. Say that again to yourself at home, and remind yourself where we have ended up,” he said.
Comey, who was fired by Trump, said he did not take any blame for the declining reputation of the FBI.Comey, who was fired by Trump, said he did not take any blame for the declining reputation of the FBI.
“The FBI’s reputation has taken a big hit because the President of the United States, with his acolytes, has lied about it constantly,” he said. “And in the face of those lies, a whole lot of good people who watch your network believe that nonsense. That’s a tragedy. That will be undone eventually, but that damage has nothing to do with me.”“The FBI’s reputation has taken a big hit because the President of the United States, with his acolytes, has lied about it constantly,” he said. “And in the face of those lies, a whole lot of good people who watch your network believe that nonsense. That’s a tragedy. That will be undone eventually, but that damage has nothing to do with me.”
Comey closed the press conference with a question on whether he has confidence in Trump’s acting attorney general, Matthew Whitaker. “No comment,” he said.Comey closed the press conference with a question on whether he has confidence in Trump’s acting attorney general, Matthew Whitaker. “No comment,” he said.
Members of Congress are set to visit a border station where a 7-year-old Guatemalan girl was treated before she died. But the Department of Homeland Security has told the lawmakers they will not be allowed to speak with Customs and Border Protection agents involved in detaining the girl, Jakelin Caal, BuzzFeed reported. Members of Congress are set to visit a border station where a seven-year-old Guatemalan girl was treated before she died. But the Department of Homeland Security has told the lawmakers they will not be allowed to speak with Customs and Border Protection agents involved in detaining the girl, Jakelin Caal, BuzzFeed reported.
The refusal frustrated the lawmakers, and Rep. Joaquin Castro warned that if the agents do not speak to the group, they can expect to be called to testify when Democrats take control of the House next year.The refusal frustrated the lawmakers, and Rep. Joaquin Castro warned that if the agents do not speak to the group, they can expect to be called to testify when Democrats take control of the House next year.
On Tuesday, the @HispanicCaucus will lead a delegation to #Lordsburg Station in #Lordsburg, #NewMexico to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of #JakelinAmeiRosmeryCaalMaquin. Any Members of Congress interested in attending, please contact @HispanicCaucus.On Tuesday, the @HispanicCaucus will lead a delegation to #Lordsburg Station in #Lordsburg, #NewMexico to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of #JakelinAmeiRosmeryCaalMaquin. Any Members of Congress interested in attending, please contact @HispanicCaucus.
Another number from today’s NBC News/WSJ poll: 46% of Americans believe the guilty pleas and verdicts racking up against members of the Trump campaign indicate potential wrongdoing by Donald Trump himself.Another number from today’s NBC News/WSJ poll: 46% of Americans believe the guilty pleas and verdicts racking up against members of the Trump campaign indicate potential wrongdoing by Donald Trump himself.
The proportion of respondents saying yes to that question has increased each time the poll has asked it, from 36% a year ago to nearly half today.The proportion of respondents saying yes to that question has increased each time the poll has asked it, from 36% a year ago to nearly half today.
This is an ominous political trend for President Trump (highlighted below): pic.twitter.com/7t6u8Efin0This is an ominous political trend for President Trump (highlighted below): pic.twitter.com/7t6u8Efin0
Patricia Okoumou, the woman arrested climbing the Statue of Liberty on the Fourth of July in protest against Donald Trump’s immigration policies, has been convicted on three counts.Patricia Okoumou, the woman arrested climbing the Statue of Liberty on the Fourth of July in protest against Donald Trump’s immigration policies, has been convicted on three counts.
Statement from SDNY pic.twitter.com/6SQtEBZiZhStatement from SDNY pic.twitter.com/6SQtEBZiZh
In testimony before the verdict, Okoumou grew teary as she told a judge about how the treatment of children at the US-Mexico border prompted her to scale the Statue of Liberty in the high-profile protest.In testimony before the verdict, Okoumou grew teary as she told a judge about how the treatment of children at the US-Mexico border prompted her to scale the Statue of Liberty in the high-profile protest.
“I wanted to send a strong statement that children do not belong in cages,” she said.“I wanted to send a strong statement that children do not belong in cages,” she said.
Senator Kamala Harris will vote for a White House-backed criminal justice bill, she said Monday.Senator Kamala Harris will vote for a White House-backed criminal justice bill, she said Monday.
The prison and sentencing reform bill is expected to go up for a vote in the Senate this week.The prison and sentencing reform bill is expected to go up for a vote in the Senate this week.
Harris, a California Democrat, said it doesn’t go far enough, calling it a “compromise of a compromise,” according to the Hill.Harris, a California Democrat, said it doesn’t go far enough, calling it a “compromise of a compromise,” according to the Hill.
But she said it was a step in the right direction. “I have fought to improve our criminal justice system for the better part of my career. This is another step in that direction,” she said.But she said it was a step in the right direction. “I have fought to improve our criminal justice system for the better part of my career. This is another step in that direction,” she said.
With five days to go until a potential government shutdown, what will it mean for Americans if the deadline passes without a deal?With five days to go until a potential government shutdown, what will it mean for Americans if the deadline passes without a deal?
As NPR lays out, 75% of the government will be fine - those departments are already funded, so the country is facing at worst a partial government shutdown.As NPR lays out, 75% of the government will be fine - those departments are already funded, so the country is facing at worst a partial government shutdown.
But the departments set to shut down include some big ones: the Justice Department, Homeland Security, National Parks Service, Transportation, Commerce, Housing and Urban Development, and Interior.But the departments set to shut down include some big ones: the Justice Department, Homeland Security, National Parks Service, Transportation, Commerce, Housing and Urban Development, and Interior.
Independent agencies including NASA, the Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency would also be closed.Independent agencies including NASA, the Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency would also be closed.
Hundreds of thousands of government employees would be sent home without pay if a shutdown occurs. Vital everyday functions, like mail delivery and airport security screening, would still continue. But a number of national park facilities, along with other federal offices, could be closed.Hundreds of thousands of government employees would be sent home without pay if a shutdown occurs. Vital everyday functions, like mail delivery and airport security screening, would still continue. But a number of national park facilities, along with other federal offices, could be closed.
Donald Trump has threatened to shut down the government if $5 billion for his border wall is not included in spending bills.Donald Trump has threatened to shut down the government if $5 billion for his border wall is not included in spending bills.
A new poll today shows that Americans oppose a shutdown by a 54% to 29% margin.A new poll today shows that Americans oppose a shutdown by a 54% to 29% margin.
By a nearly 2-to-1 margin, voters in the USA TODAY/Suffolk University Poll say they would blame Trump and the Republicans for a shutdown - which stands to reason, since Trump himself publicly said, “I will shut down the government” and “I am proud to shutdown the government for border security” and “I will be the one to shut it down.”By a nearly 2-to-1 margin, voters in the USA TODAY/Suffolk University Poll say they would blame Trump and the Republicans for a shutdown - which stands to reason, since Trump himself publicly said, “I will shut down the government” and “I am proud to shutdown the government for border security” and “I will be the one to shut it down.”
Trump is still negotiating with Congress, Mercedes Schlapp, the White House director of strategic communications, told reporters on Monday, according to CNN. Congressional Republicans, meanwhile, are waiting for guidance from the White House on what to do next.Trump is still negotiating with Congress, Mercedes Schlapp, the White House director of strategic communications, told reporters on Monday, according to CNN. Congressional Republicans, meanwhile, are waiting for guidance from the White House on what to do next.
A doctor who helped draft Obamacare said he’s “not particularly worried” about a judge’s ruling striking down the landmark healthcare law, predicting it will be upheld by higher courts.A doctor who helped draft Obamacare said he’s “not particularly worried” about a judge’s ruling striking down the landmark healthcare law, predicting it will be upheld by higher courts.
“It was a silly ruling from the judge,” Dr Ezekiel Emanuel told CNN, noting the supreme court has already ruled Obamacare is constitutional. “I’m not particularly worried.”“It was a silly ruling from the judge,” Dr Ezekiel Emanuel told CNN, noting the supreme court has already ruled Obamacare is constitutional. “I’m not particularly worried.”
Republicans are not necessarily thrilled about the Texas court’s ruling, looking to move on from the healthcare fight after it helped Democrats in the midterm elections.Republicans are not necessarily thrilled about the Texas court’s ruling, looking to move on from the healthcare fight after it helped Democrats in the midterm elections.
“In this election, healthcare was the number one issue on voters’ minds, and they did not trust Republicans, they trusted Democrats,” Emanuel said.“In this election, healthcare was the number one issue on voters’ minds, and they did not trust Republicans, they trusted Democrats,” Emanuel said.
A Democratic congressman said Russian interference efforts swayed enough votes to change the outcome of the 2016 election.A Democratic congressman said Russian interference efforts swayed enough votes to change the outcome of the 2016 election.
“There’s no way that they didn’t influence enough voters to turn the election for Donald Trump,” Representative Steve Cohen of Tennessee said on CNN.“There’s no way that they didn’t influence enough voters to turn the election for Donald Trump,” Representative Steve Cohen of Tennessee said on CNN.
A pair of reports, expected to be released by the Senate intelligence committee today, document the scope of Russian disinformation efforts on social media during the 2016 election.A pair of reports, expected to be released by the Senate intelligence committee today, document the scope of Russian disinformation efforts on social media during the 2016 election.
Fake accounts created by the Russia-based Internet Research Agency especially targeted African Americans, spreading messages appeared designed to discourage them from voting.Fake accounts created by the Russia-based Internet Research Agency especially targeted African Americans, spreading messages appeared designed to discourage them from voting.
They created fake conservative pages boosting Trump, and fake left wing pages denigrating Hillary Clinton and promoting Green Party candidate Jill Stein.They created fake conservative pages boosting Trump, and fake left wing pages denigrating Hillary Clinton and promoting Green Party candidate Jill Stein.
“It’s just dirty tricks and efforts to suppress the vote,” he said. “What the Russians did was a very well thought out campaign to help Donald Trump win the presidency, to tamp down on Hillary Clinton’s number one support group, African Americans.”“It’s just dirty tricks and efforts to suppress the vote,” he said. “What the Russians did was a very well thought out campaign to help Donald Trump win the presidency, to tamp down on Hillary Clinton’s number one support group, African Americans.”
Cohen said that the Russian operation coupled with the FBI’s decision to reopen an investigation into Clinton’s emails were enough to sway the result.Cohen said that the Russian operation coupled with the FBI’s decision to reopen an investigation into Clinton’s emails were enough to sway the result.
Another sign Washington may be heading for a government shutdown: Donald Trump is not inclined to support a one- or two-week extension in government funding, Bloomberg reports.Another sign Washington may be heading for a government shutdown: Donald Trump is not inclined to support a one- or two-week extension in government funding, Bloomberg reports.
As it stands, the House is out of session until Wednesday evening, and a shutdown will occur if nothing is passed by the end of Friday.As it stands, the House is out of session until Wednesday evening, and a shutdown will occur if nothing is passed by the end of Friday.
Trump demands $5bn for his proposed border wall be included in a spending bill, and says he’s prepared to shut down the government if he doesn’t get it.Trump demands $5bn for his proposed border wall be included in a spending bill, and says he’s prepared to shut down the government if he doesn’t get it.
A temporary stopgap bill could keep the government running until after the holidays, but a source tells Bloomberg Trump is leaning against agreeing to that.A temporary stopgap bill could keep the government running until after the holidays, but a source tells Bloomberg Trump is leaning against agreeing to that.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo, who begins his third term in January, will mount a push to legalize marijuana in the state.New York governor Andrew Cuomo, who begins his third term in January, will mount a push to legalize marijuana in the state.
“Let’s legalize the adult use of recreational marijuana once and for all,” he said in a speech outlining his agenda, according to the New York Times.“Let’s legalize the adult use of recreational marijuana once and for all,” he said in a speech outlining his agenda, according to the New York Times.
Cuomo has not always supported legalizing pot, once calling it a “gateway drug”. But his stance has begun to shift as neighboring New Jersey legalized the drug, and he commissioned a Health Department report which recommended legalization.Cuomo has not always supported legalizing pot, once calling it a “gateway drug”. But his stance has begun to shift as neighboring New Jersey legalized the drug, and he commissioned a Health Department report which recommended legalization.
Senator Lamar Alexander, a Tennessee Republican, says he will not run for re-election in 2020.Senator Lamar Alexander, a Tennessee Republican, says he will not run for re-election in 2020.
My statement on the 2020 Senate election. https://t.co/RUv8Biqdgd pic.twitter.com/W9U6OvmH75My statement on the 2020 Senate election. https://t.co/RUv8Biqdgd pic.twitter.com/W9U6OvmH75