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Joe Biden responds to misconduct allegations: 'I will be more mindful' – live Joe Biden responds to misconduct allegations: 'I will be more mindful' – live
(32 minutes later)
Rep. Robert Aderholt will introduce legislation this week to raise the minimum age to buy tobacco nationwide form 18 to 21.
“It’s these enterprising 18-year-olds that are selling to minors, and increasing the age to 21 will make it harder for this type of activity,” the Alabama Republican said Wednesday, the Hill reported.
Senate Republicans used a tactic called the “nuclear option” and voted to change the body’s rules Wednesday to make it easier to confirm Donald Trump’s nominees.
Senators voted 51-48 to reduce the amount of debate required to two hours for executive branch nominees below the Cabinet level, from thirty hours currently. The vote was 51-48, according to the Hill.
Under traditional Senate rules, 60 votes are required to overcome a filibuster by the opposing party and approve a proposal. But Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell put though the rule change with only a simple majority, hence the “nuclear option” moniker.
Another vote was expected later Wednesday to make the same cut to debate time for district court judges.
Senator and presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren today introduced legislation that would make it easier to criminally prosecute and jail corporate executives.Senator and presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren today introduced legislation that would make it easier to criminally prosecute and jail corporate executives.
The Corporate Executive Accountability Act would allow the criminal prosecution of an executive found to be negligent while leading a company with more than $1 billion in annual revenue, if that company is found guilty of a crime or found liable for a civil violation that affects the health, safety, or finances of at least 1% of the population of a state.The Corporate Executive Accountability Act would allow the criminal prosecution of an executive found to be negligent while leading a company with more than $1 billion in annual revenue, if that company is found guilty of a crime or found liable for a civil violation that affects the health, safety, or finances of at least 1% of the population of a state.
The crime of executive negligence could be punished by up to a year in jail, or up to three years for a repeat violation.The crime of executive negligence could be punished by up to a year in jail, or up to three years for a repeat violation.
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, leaving a meeting with Donald Trump at the White House, said the “option remains on the table” to close the US-Mexico border, Newsday reports.Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, leaving a meeting with Donald Trump at the White House, said the “option remains on the table” to close the US-Mexico border, Newsday reports.
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, departs WH meeting with Trump, said the “option remains on the table” to close US/Mexico border as Trump has threatened. Ducey says: “Border security comes first.” pic.twitter.com/CLfdTqdzSWArizona Gov. Doug Ducey, departs WH meeting with Trump, said the “option remains on the table” to close US/Mexico border as Trump has threatened. Ducey says: “Border security comes first.” pic.twitter.com/CLfdTqdzSW
The House of Representatives passed a resolution calling on the Justice Department to drop its push to get Obamacare overturned in the courts.The House of Representatives passed a resolution calling on the Justice Department to drop its push to get Obamacare overturned in the courts.
The resolution passed by a vote of 240 to 186, with eight Republicans joining Democrats in voting for it, according to the Washington Post.The resolution passed by a vote of 240 to 186, with eight Republicans joining Democrats in voting for it, according to the Washington Post.
The measure is non-binding.The measure is non-binding.
Senate Democrats are asking the FBI to investigate potential security vulnerabilities at President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club in Florida after the arrest of a woman carrying two Chinese passports and a device containing computer malware. From the Associated Press:Senate Democrats are asking the FBI to investigate potential security vulnerabilities at President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club in Florida after the arrest of a woman carrying two Chinese passports and a device containing computer malware. From the Associated Press:
Chuck Schumer of New York and other Democrats wrote to FBI Director Christopher Wray on Wednesday. They said the incident, in their words, “raises very serious questions regarding security vulnerabilities at Mar-a-Lago, which foreign intelligence services have reportedly targeted.” The woman, Yujing Zhang, briefly gained access to the club after lying about why she was there.Chuck Schumer of New York and other Democrats wrote to FBI Director Christopher Wray on Wednesday. They said the incident, in their words, “raises very serious questions regarding security vulnerabilities at Mar-a-Lago, which foreign intelligence services have reportedly targeted.” The woman, Yujing Zhang, briefly gained access to the club after lying about why she was there.
The Democrats previously asked Wray to investigate a Trump campaign donor from Florida who is the founder and onetime owner of a spa that has been implicated in an alleged human-trafficking ring. They said the FBI hasn’t responded.The Democrats previously asked Wray to investigate a Trump campaign donor from Florida who is the founder and onetime owner of a spa that has been implicated in an alleged human-trafficking ring. They said the FBI hasn’t responded.
Former President Barack Obama congratulated Lori Lightfoot on her victory as Chicago mayor. “Chicago’s best days are still ahead,” he said.Former President Barack Obama congratulated Lori Lightfoot on her victory as Chicago mayor. “Chicago’s best days are still ahead,” he said.
Great to see Chicago’s historic mayoral race between two highly qualified candidates. Congrats to our next mayor, Lori Lightfoot—and Toni Preckwinkle campaigned hard and did us proud. I know that with our city’s heart and Lori’s leadership, Chicago’s best days are still ahead.Great to see Chicago’s historic mayoral race between two highly qualified candidates. Congrats to our next mayor, Lori Lightfoot—and Toni Preckwinkle campaigned hard and did us proud. I know that with our city’s heart and Lori’s leadership, Chicago’s best days are still ahead.
Former Vice President Joe Biden says he will “be more mindful about respecting personal space” in the future.Former Vice President Joe Biden says he will “be more mindful about respecting personal space” in the future.
Social norms are changing. I understand that, and I’ve heard what these women are saying. Politics to me has always been about making connections, but I will be more mindful about respecting personal space in the future. That’s my responsibility and I will meet it. pic.twitter.com/Ya2mf5ODtsSocial norms are changing. I understand that, and I’ve heard what these women are saying. Politics to me has always been about making connections, but I will be more mindful about respecting personal space in the future. That’s my responsibility and I will meet it. pic.twitter.com/Ya2mf5ODts
“I’ve always tried to make a human connection,” Biden said in a video posted on Twitter. “I shake hands, I hug people, I grab men and women by the shoulder and say, ‘You can do this.’”“I’ve always tried to make a human connection,” Biden said in a video posted on Twitter. “I shake hands, I hug people, I grab men and women by the shoulder and say, ‘You can do this.’”
But Biden said he would be more careful in the future, after several women said his touching made them uncomfortable.But Biden said he would be more careful in the future, after several women said his touching made them uncomfortable.
“Social norms have begun to change. They have shifted, and the boundaries of protecting personal space have been reset, and I get it,” he said. “I’ll be much more mindful. That’s my responsibility.”“Social norms have begun to change. They have shifted, and the boundaries of protecting personal space have been reset, and I get it,” he said. “I’ll be much more mindful. That’s my responsibility.”
In the video, Biden also said he expected to be talking to Americans about a host of issues in the coming weeks, a hint he does in fact intend to jump into the race for president.In the video, Biden also said he expected to be talking to Americans about a host of issues in the coming weeks, a hint he does in fact intend to jump into the race for president.
Senator Lindsey Graham defended former Vice President Joe Biden amid accusations of inappropriate touching.Senator Lindsey Graham defended former Vice President Joe Biden amid accusations of inappropriate touching.
The South Carolina Republican said Biden is a a “glad-handing politician” who meant no harm, according to the Huffington Post.The South Carolina Republican said Biden is a a “glad-handing politician” who meant no harm, according to the Huffington Post.
“Maybe at times he’s done some things that make people feel uncomfortable, but it matters to me that what his intent is,” he said. “I just think he’s a good guy. I think he means nothing bad by this.”“Maybe at times he’s done some things that make people feel uncomfortable, but it matters to me that what his intent is,” he said. “I just think he’s a good guy. I think he means nothing bad by this.”
The Secret Service will brief leaders of the House Oversight Committee Thursday on the recent security breach at Mar-a-Lago, chairman Elijah Cummings tells the Washington Post.The Secret Service will brief leaders of the House Oversight Committee Thursday on the recent security breach at Mar-a-Lago, chairman Elijah Cummings tells the Washington Post.
.@RepCummings says the Secret Service will brief the leaders of the House Oversight Committee on Thursday morning about the security breach in Mar-a-Lago.@RepCummings says the Secret Service will brief the leaders of the House Oversight Committee on Thursday morning about the security breach in Mar-a-Lago
A Chinese woman was arrested after gaining access to the reception area at Donald Trump’s Florida club carrying multiple cellphones and a computer thumb drive bearing malware.A Chinese woman was arrested after gaining access to the reception area at Donald Trump’s Florida club carrying multiple cellphones and a computer thumb drive bearing malware.
Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross has refused a request to testify before a House committee at a hearing on his department’s budget.
JUST IN: @SecretaryRoss is refusing to testify on @CommerceGov’s budget, writing: “My appearance...would unfortunately distract from the Department’s important business before the subcommittee.”Mr. Secretary, government funding IS the business of the Appropriations Committee. pic.twitter.com/OACWJxdE5w
So an empty chair has been left for him at the hearing.
#WheresWilbur pic.twitter.com/pCzGsFI9BN
White House adviser and first daughter Ivanka Trump is planning a trip to Africa to promote a global women’s initiative she’s leading. From the Associated Press:
President Donald Trump’s daughter will visit Ethiopia and Ivory Coast over four days this month. The White House says her schedule includes a women’s economic empowerment summit in Ivory Coast, as well as site visits and meetings with political leaders, executives and female entrepreneurs in both countries.
Joining her on the trip will be Mark Green, administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development.
It will be her first visit to the region since the White House launched the Women’s Global Development and Prosperity Initiative in February.
Beto O’Rourke raised $9.4 million for his presidential bid in the first three months of the year.
NEW: .@BetoORourke has raised $9.4 million from 218,000 contributions since launching his campaign 2.5 weeks ago. His campaign says 98% are donations under $200 and 99% came from online fundraising and that a “majority” of donors did not give to his senate race in 2018
Lots of dramatic language in an email sent to Department of Homeland Security staffers last night by Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen looking for volunteers to go to the southern border, obtained by BuzzFeed.
"If you haven't already done so, please consider volunteering to support our frontline agencies -- Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE -- during this critical time,' the email continues.
Two more women have said former Vice President Joe Biden touched them in a way that made them feel uncomfortable.
From the New York Times in a story published Tuesday night:
Caitlyn Caruso, a former college student and sexual assault survivor, said Mr. Biden rested his hand on her thigh — even as she squirmed in her seat to show her discomfort — and hugged her “just a little bit too long” at an event on sexual assault at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She was 19.
Ms. Caruso, now 22, said she chalked up the encounter at the time to how men act, and did not say anything publicly. But she said it was particularly uncomfortable because she had just shared her own story of sexual assault and had expected Mr. Biden — an architect of the 1994 Violence Against Women Act — to understand the importance of physical boundaries.
“It doesn’t even really cross your mind that such a person would dare perpetuate harm like that,” she said. “These are supposed to be people you can trust.”
D. J. Hill, 59, a writer who recalled meeting Mr. Biden in 2012 at a fund-raising event in Minneapolis, said that when she and her husband, Robert, stepped up to take their photograph with the vice president, he put his hand on her shoulder and then started dropping it down her back, which made her “very uncomfortable.”
Her husband, seeing the movement, put his hand on Mr. Biden’s shoulder and interrupted with a joke. Ms. Hill did not say anything at the time and acknowledged that she does not know what Mr. Biden’s intention was or whether he was aware of her discomfit.
Tech billionaire Mark Cuban calls current US immigration policy “really, really, really stupid.”
“Right now, we’re being really, really, really stupid by taking really, really, really educated people who could do a lot for our really, really important economy and sending them home,” he said at Dallas Startup Week, the Dallas Morning News reports.
Republican state lawmakers in Georgia are proposing to create a journalism “ethics board,” and force news organizations to give copies of photographs and audio and video recordings to subjects who request them, the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports.
Media outlets could be fined for not turning over the documents.
The proposal by Rep. Andy Welch appears to be motivated by his grudge against a TV reporter who asked him questions about legislation recently, per AJC.
“First I thought this was an April Fools joke, but this is clearly an effort to rein in those who have been scrutinizing what’s been happening at the Legislature. In this country there is a First Amendment which reads, in part: Congress shall make no law … abridging the freedom of speech or of the press. This applies even to the Georgia Legislature,” said Richard T. Griffiths, president of the Georgia First Amendment Foundation.
The White House has not explained why Donald Trump has falsely and repeatedly claimed his father was born in Germany.
But a Trump adviser suggested to CNN he was just confused. “Obama thought we had 57 states. Sometimes mistakes happen,” the person said.
President Donald Trump signed a presidential memorandum on Wednesday to rein in what the administration calls the “Wild West” of online trafficking in counterfeit goods. From the Associated Press:
The memorandum is aimed at stopping the sale of counterfeit products on sites like Amazon, Ebay and China’s e-commerce leader, Alibaba.
“This president has decided that it’s time to clean up this Wild West of counterfeiting and trafficking,” said Peter Navarro, director of the White House National Trade Council.
“The central core of the problem is that right now, third-party online marketplaces ... have zero liability when it comes to trafficking in these counterfeit goods. That simply has to stop. We are going to attack that on numerous fronts.”
But Navarro said discussion of possible actions the administration will take to deter online trafficking in counterfeit merchandise is premature. He says the directive orders the Department of Homeland Security to work with other agencies on a report identifying the scope of the problem. The report also is to identify the origin of the fake goods and recommend administrative, regulatory, legislative or policy changes to stem the problem.
Virginia lieutenant governor Justin Fairfax released the results of polygraph tests Wednesday which he says support his denials of sexual assault allegations by two women.
“I knew that the allegations made against me were false from the moment I first heard them,” he said, according to Politico. “That is why I denied them.”
He said he passed both polygraph exams “on the first try.”
He asked prosecutors in Boston and North Carolina, where the alleged incidents took place, to investigate the charges.