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Barr faces Senate panel as Mueller report expected within a week – live William Barr claims Trump campaign was 'spied' on under Obama – live
(32 minutes later)
Attorney General William Barr declined to say whether he believes, as Donald Trump does, that the Mueller investigation was illegal or a witch hunt.
“I’m not going to characterize. It is what it is,” he said.
Senator Elizabeth Warren released her 2018 tax return today.
It showed more than $900,000 in family income, the Washington Post reports. She and her husband, Bruce Mann, reported earning $905,742 in total income, including $176,280 from her Senate salary and $324,687 from her books. They paid $230,965 in taxes and donated $50,138 to charity.
Warren had already released ten prior years of her taxes, according to the Post. Other Democratic presidential candidates including Kirsten Gillibrand, Amy Klobuchar and Jay Inslee have already released their taxes.
Robert Mueller did not indicate whether he wanted Attorney General William Barr to make a judgment about Donald Trump’s culpability for obstruction of justice.
Mueller’s report did not make a conclusion on whether Trump was guilty of obstruction of justice, instead laying out evidence on both sides. Barr, in his own summary, said he believes Trump did not commit obstruction.
Senator Patrick Leahy asked Barr whether Mueller told him that he wanted to let Congress decide about obstruction. “He didn’t say that to me, no,” Barr said. Leahy then asked if Mueller said that Barr should decide. “He didn’t say that either. But that’s generally how the Department of Justice works,” he said.
Barr said he would explain his conclusion that Trump was not guilty of obstruction, but not yet. “I don’t feel I can do it until the report is out. I think the report contains a lot of the information that would give meaning and content to the decision,” he said.
Attorney General William Barr is defending the Justice Department’s decision to argue in court that Obamacare should be thrown out in its entirety.
Reversing course, the Justice Department backed a judge’s ruling that the healthcare rule is unconstitutional. The Supreme Court had previously upheld it.
“It is a defensible and reasonable legal position,” Barr said.
Attorney General William Barr elaborated on his statement yesterday that he is putting together a team to review the origins of the FBI’s investigation into Trump’s campaign.
He said he believes there was “spying” on Trump’s campaign, a claim the president has frequently made, and he wants to determine whether that surveillance was justified.
Barr on why he wants to investigate the origins of the Mueller probe: "I think spying did occur" on the Trump campaign, but "the question is whether it was adequately predicated. I'm not saying it wasn't."
Barr says "I think spying did occur" in the Obama administration during the 2016 election. The question is whether it was "predicated." "I have an obligation to make sure government power is not abused."
Attorney General William Barr said he would not redact information from the Mueller report to protect Donald Trump’s reputation.
One of the categories of redactions he plans to make is to protect the privacy and reputational interest of third parties not charged with a crime. But when asked in Senate testimony, he said those parties do not include Trump.
“I’m talking about people in private life, not public office holders,” Barr said.
Donald Trump congratulated Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu on his likely election victory.
“It may be a little early, but I’m hearing he’s won it,” Trump said Wednesday morning outside the White House, according to footage aired by CNN. “He’s been a great ally, and he’s a friend. I’d like to congratulate him.”
Trump went on to say he believes the Israeli hardliner’s victory makes peace in the Middle East more likely.
“Everybody said you can’t have peace in the Middle East,” he said. “I think we have a chance and I think we have now a better chance with Bibi having won.”
Attorney General William Barr tells the Senate he intends to release a redacted version of the Mueller report itself, as oppose to his own summary of the report.Attorney General William Barr tells the Senate he intends to release a redacted version of the Mueller report itself, as oppose to his own summary of the report.
He plans to make redactions in four categories, the most controversial of which may be protecting the privacy of people who have not been charged with crimes.He plans to make redactions in four categories, the most controversial of which may be protecting the privacy of people who have not been charged with crimes.
On the day of the deadline House Democrats gave the IRS to turn over Donald Trump’s taxes, Trump again refused to release them.On the day of the deadline House Democrats gave the IRS to turn over Donald Trump’s taxes, Trump again refused to release them.
“I would love to give them, but I’m not going to do it while I’m under audit. It’s very simple,” Trump said outside the White House.“I would love to give them, but I’m not going to do it while I’m under audit. It’s very simple,” Trump said outside the White House.
The House Ways and Means committee has requested the returns from the IRS under a law that allows them to obtain the taxes of any citizen.The House Ways and Means committee has requested the returns from the IRS under a law that allows them to obtain the taxes of any citizen.
Trump noted he won the election despite breaking with the practice of all nominees in recent history and refusing to release them. “Frankly the people don’t care,” he said.Trump noted he won the election despite breaking with the practice of all nominees in recent history and refusing to release them. “Frankly the people don’t care,” he said.
Every president's taxes are audited automatically under IRS policy and yet every president over the last four decades has released their returns anyway. https://t.co/ypgC3afchx
Attorney General William Barr is now before a Senate appropriations subcommittee.Attorney General William Barr is now before a Senate appropriations subcommittee.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the ranking Democrat on the committee, tells him she is concerned about reports that Robert Mueller’s investigators were not satisfied with his summary of the Mueller report, which they felt left out damaging information. “The American people should be allowed to see the report in its entirely so they can make their own judgments,” she said.Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the ranking Democrat on the committee, tells him she is concerned about reports that Robert Mueller’s investigators were not satisfied with his summary of the Mueller report, which they felt left out damaging information. “The American people should be allowed to see the report in its entirely so they can make their own judgments,” she said.
Donald Trump is again attacking the Mueller investigation, claiming “everything about it was crooked” and calling it an attempted coup.Donald Trump is again attacking the Mueller investigation, claiming “everything about it was crooked” and calling it an attempted coup.
“It was an illegal investigation,” Trump told reporters outside the White House, according to footage aired on CNN. “It was started illegally. Everything about it was crooked. Every single thing about it.”“It was an illegal investigation,” Trump told reporters outside the White House, according to footage aired on CNN. “It was started illegally. Everything about it was crooked. Every single thing about it.”
Trump has repeatedly claimed the investigation was illegal, although it was launched by the Justice Department according to legal procedures.Trump has repeatedly claimed the investigation was illegal, although it was launched by the Justice Department according to legal procedures.
Trump called Mueller’s investigators “dirty cops.” “There were very bad people,” he added.Trump called Mueller’s investigators “dirty cops.” “There were very bad people,” he added.
“This was an attempted coup. This was an attempted takedown of a president. And we beat them. We beat them,” Trump said. “What they did was treason. What they did was terrible.”“This was an attempted coup. This was an attempted takedown of a president. And we beat them. We beat them,” Trump said. “What they did was treason. What they did was terrible.”
Trump said he had not seen or read the report.Trump said he had not seen or read the report.
“I have not read the Mueller report. I haven’t seen the Mueller report. As far as I’m concerned, I don’t care about the Mueller report. I’ve been totally exonerated,” he said.“I have not read the Mueller report. I haven’t seen the Mueller report. As far as I’m concerned, I don’t care about the Mueller report. I’ve been totally exonerated,” he said.
White House adviser Kellyanne Conway makes a new pledge about the yet-to-exist GOP healthcare plan: “People who like their Obamacare can keep their Obamacare,” she said on CNN.White House adviser Kellyanne Conway makes a new pledge about the yet-to-exist GOP healthcare plan: “People who like their Obamacare can keep their Obamacare,” she said on CNN.
It’s an echo of former President Barack Obama’s pledge that “if you like your health plan, you will be able to keep your health plan,” which, as Conway noted, was not accurate.It’s an echo of former President Barack Obama’s pledge that “if you like your health plan, you will be able to keep your health plan,” which, as Conway noted, was not accurate.
Past proposals from the GOP would have repealed Obamacare, making Conway’s pledge also untrue. But it’s unclear what a new plan may look like, and Trump has now said it won’t come until the 2020 election. She said protections for people with pre-existing conditions would be “non-negotiable.”Past proposals from the GOP would have repealed Obamacare, making Conway’s pledge also untrue. But it’s unclear what a new plan may look like, and Trump has now said it won’t come until the 2020 election. She said protections for people with pre-existing conditions would be “non-negotiable.”
Jeffrey Rosen, Donald Trump’s pick to be deputy attorney general, faces a Senate confirmation hearing today.Jeffrey Rosen, Donald Trump’s pick to be deputy attorney general, faces a Senate confirmation hearing today.
Rosen is currently the deputy secretary of transportation and has not previously worked in the Justice Department, the Washington Post reports.Rosen is currently the deputy secretary of transportation and has not previously worked in the Justice Department, the Washington Post reports.
He would replace Rod Rosenstein, who as deputy AG oversaw the Mueller investigation because former AG Jeff Sessions recused himself.He would replace Rod Rosenstein, who as deputy AG oversaw the Mueller investigation because former AG Jeff Sessions recused himself.
Rosen is likely to be pressed on his views on the Mueller probe as well as his qualifications, according to the Post.Rosen is likely to be pressed on his views on the Mueller probe as well as his qualifications, according to the Post.
Under pressure to show they have solutions, Democrats are honing proposals to address the surge of families entering the U.S. at the southern border, a problem they say President Donald Trump’s restrictive immigration policies are enflaming. AP reports:Under pressure to show they have solutions, Democrats are honing proposals to address the surge of families entering the U.S. at the southern border, a problem they say President Donald Trump’s restrictive immigration policies are enflaming. AP reports:
House Democrats plan to introduce legislation soon addressing the recent waves of Central American migrants reaching the border. Senate Democrats are pursuing multiple tracks, including exploring whether talks with the White House might be feasible.House Democrats plan to introduce legislation soon addressing the recent waves of Central American migrants reaching the border. Senate Democrats are pursuing multiple tracks, including exploring whether talks with the White House might be feasible.
The House measure, described by lawmakers...is expected to increase federal resources at border entry points for processing refugees, counseling children and treating people needing medical care. It would create centers in Central America where asylum applications could be processed and provide aid to reduce poverty and violence in the region so fewer people would flee.The House measure, described by lawmakers...is expected to increase federal resources at border entry points for processing refugees, counseling children and treating people needing medical care. It would create centers in Central America where asylum applications could be processed and provide aid to reduce poverty and violence in the region so fewer people would flee.
“You don’t just wait for people to show up at the border. It’s the worst way to deal with it,” said Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif., who’s working on the legislation with House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., and party leaders.“You don’t just wait for people to show up at the border. It’s the worst way to deal with it,” said Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif., who’s working on the legislation with House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., and party leaders.
In the Senate, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., a senior member of the Judiciary committee, said she plans to introduce a bill that would beef up immigration courts to reduce a huge backlog of cases and prohibit separations of migrant families. The measure would face an uphill climbIn the Senate, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., a senior member of the Judiciary committee, said she plans to introduce a bill that would beef up immigration courts to reduce a huge backlog of cases and prohibit separations of migrant families. The measure would face an uphill climb
Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell is telling Republicans alarmed by Donald Trump’s controversial Federal Reserve picks that they should speak up.Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell is telling Republicans alarmed by Donald Trump’s controversial Federal Reserve picks that they should speak up.
CNN reports that during Tuesday’s Senate Republican lunch, McConnell told senators concerned about the picks of pizza CEO Herman Cain and conservative commenter Stephen Moore that they should express their objections to the White House now, before the nominations are made official.CNN reports that during Tuesday’s Senate Republican lunch, McConnell told senators concerned about the picks of pizza CEO Herman Cain and conservative commenter Stephen Moore that they should express their objections to the White House now, before the nominations are made official.
Cain’s 2012 campaign for the Republican presidential nomination was derailed by sexual harassment allegations. Moore’s pick is also controversial because critics believe he is poorly qualified and overly partisan.Cain’s 2012 campaign for the Republican presidential nomination was derailed by sexual harassment allegations. Moore’s pick is also controversial because critics believe he is poorly qualified and overly partisan.
The Wall Street Journal reported yesterday that Republicans are increasingly doubtful Cain would be confirmed.The Wall Street Journal reported yesterday that Republicans are increasingly doubtful Cain would be confirmed.
The Manhattan US Attorney’s office has gathered evidence from members of Donald Trump’s inner circle in its investigation into hush money payments to women who say they had sexual encounters with him, the Wall Street Journal reports.The Manhattan US Attorney’s office has gathered evidence from members of Donald Trump’s inner circle in its investigation into hush money payments to women who say they had sexual encounters with him, the Wall Street Journal reports.
Prosecutors interviewed Hope Hicks, the former White House communications director, and Keith Schiller, Trump’s former security chief. Investigators also have a recorded phone call between Trump’s former lawyer Michael Cohen and a lawyer who represented the two women who got payouts, according to WSJ.Prosecutors interviewed Hope Hicks, the former White House communications director, and Keith Schiller, Trump’s former security chief. Investigators also have a recorded phone call between Trump’s former lawyer Michael Cohen and a lawyer who represented the two women who got payouts, according to WSJ.
The prosecutors had evidence that Trump ordered the illegal payments even before Cohen made that claim in court, the paper reports.The prosecutors had evidence that Trump ordered the illegal payments even before Cohen made that claim in court, the paper reports.
Cohen pled guilty to campaign finance crimes for arranging the payments to porn star Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal, in exchange for their silence about alleged affairs with Trump. Those payments, for $150,000 and $130,000 respectively, were considered illegal campaign contributions.Cohen pled guilty to campaign finance crimes for arranging the payments to porn star Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal, in exchange for their silence about alleged affairs with Trump. Those payments, for $150,000 and $130,000 respectively, were considered illegal campaign contributions.
Donald Trump doesn’t think much of George Washington’s real estate skills.Donald Trump doesn’t think much of George Washington’s real estate skills.
Politico reports that during a tour of Mount Vernon, the first US president’s Virginia estate, Trump remarked: “If he was smart, he would’ve put his name on it.”Politico reports that during a tour of Mount Vernon, the first US president’s Virginia estate, Trump remarked: “If he was smart, he would’ve put his name on it.”
“You’ve got to put your name on stuff or no one remembers you,” he said.“You’ve got to put your name on stuff or no one remembers you,” he said.
“If he was smart, he would’ve put his name on it,” Trump said of Mount Vernon. “You’ve got to put your name on stuff or no one remembers you.”He was speaking about a little-recalled Virginian named George Washington. https://t.co/ruuHZWHzRx“If he was smart, he would’ve put his name on it,” Trump said of Mount Vernon. “You’ve got to put your name on stuff or no one remembers you.”He was speaking about a little-recalled Virginian named George Washington. https://t.co/ruuHZWHzRx
As the Mount Vernon president correctly pointed out, Washington did manage to get the nation’s capital named after him, as well as a state, a massive monument, and countless streets and institutions around the country.As the Mount Vernon president correctly pointed out, Washington did manage to get the nation’s capital named after him, as well as a state, a massive monument, and countless streets and institutions around the country.
Senator and presidential candidate Bernie Sanders of Vermont will unveil a new version of his “Medicare for All” plan on Wednesday. AP reports:Senator and presidential candidate Bernie Sanders of Vermont will unveil a new version of his “Medicare for All” plan on Wednesday. AP reports:
Four of Sanders’ fellow senators and rivals for the Democratic nomination are set to sign onto the updated single-payer health care proposal. The bill’s reintroduction promises to shine a bright light on Democratic presidential candidates’ disparate visions for the long-term future of American health care.Four of Sanders’ fellow senators and rivals for the Democratic nomination are set to sign onto the updated single-payer health care proposal. The bill’s reintroduction promises to shine a bright light on Democratic presidential candidates’ disparate visions for the long-term future of American health care.
Under fire from President Donald Trump and Republicans for the astronomical price tag of Medicare for All, some candidates who support the plan tout it as one of several ways to achieve more affordable coverage and lower the number of uninsured. And others who don’t back it are instead focusing on safeguarding popular provisions of the Affordable Care Act, such as the one that protects coverage of pre-existing conditions.Under fire from President Donald Trump and Republicans for the astronomical price tag of Medicare for All, some candidates who support the plan tout it as one of several ways to achieve more affordable coverage and lower the number of uninsured. And others who don’t back it are instead focusing on safeguarding popular provisions of the Affordable Care Act, such as the one that protects coverage of pre-existing conditions.
“Of course, our No. 1 goal should be to make sure we keep in place those protections so people don’t get kicked off their insurance,” Sen. Amy Klobuchar , a Minnesota Democrat who isn’t signed onto Sanders’ bill, told reporters Tuesday. “Then we also have to see the Affordable Care Act as a beginning and not an end.”“Of course, our No. 1 goal should be to make sure we keep in place those protections so people don’t get kicked off their insurance,” Sen. Amy Klobuchar , a Minnesota Democrat who isn’t signed onto Sanders’ bill, told reporters Tuesday. “Then we also have to see the Affordable Care Act as a beginning and not an end.”
Klobuchar supports a so-called public option, versions of which would allow Americans to buy into Medicare or Medicaid. Four other Democratic senators also running for president Elizabeth Warren , Cory Booker , Kamala Harris and Kirsten Gillibrand back Sanders’ single-payer plan, which would replace the current mix of private and government health insurance in the U.S. with a new system run by the government. But they have also signed onto at least one version of a public option.Klobuchar supports a so-called public option, versions of which would allow Americans to buy into Medicare or Medicaid. Four other Democratic senators also running for president Elizabeth Warren , Cory Booker , Kamala Harris and Kirsten Gillibrand back Sanders’ single-payer plan, which would replace the current mix of private and government health insurance in the U.S. with a new system run by the government. But they have also signed onto at least one version of a public option.
Warren pointed to “a lot of different pathways” to universal coverage during a televised CNN town hall last month. “What we’re all looking for is the lowest cost way to make sure that everybody gets covered.”Warren pointed to “a lot of different pathways” to universal coverage during a televised CNN town hall last month. “What we’re all looking for is the lowest cost way to make sure that everybody gets covered.”
The debate is unfolding in the early stages of a Democratic primary in which some candidates have pointed to their support of Medicare for All to prove their progressive bona fides. But other Democratic contenders, including former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper , have criticized Sanders’ measure as politically infeasible.The debate is unfolding in the early stages of a Democratic primary in which some candidates have pointed to their support of Medicare for All to prove their progressive bona fides. But other Democratic contenders, including former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper , have criticized Sanders’ measure as politically infeasible.
Under Medicare for All, Americans would no longer pay premiums or face insurance deductibles as the government-run system replaced private health insurance offered through employers, the mainstay of coverage for more than 160 million Americans.Under Medicare for All, Americans would no longer pay premiums or face insurance deductibles as the government-run system replaced private health insurance offered through employers, the mainstay of coverage for more than 160 million Americans.
Big tax increases would be needed to finance such a system. The transition is likely to be complicated, dismantling the private health insurance industry and making major changes for hospitals, doctors, drug companies and other medical providers.Big tax increases would be needed to finance such a system. The transition is likely to be complicated, dismantling the private health insurance industry and making major changes for hospitals, doctors, drug companies and other medical providers.
“What our system does is get rid of insurance companies and drug companies making billions of dollars in profit every single year,” Sanders told CBS News for an interview set to air Wednesday, adding that private insurance would largely exist solely for elective medical care such as cosmetic surgery.“What our system does is get rid of insurance companies and drug companies making billions of dollars in profit every single year,” Sanders told CBS News for an interview set to air Wednesday, adding that private insurance would largely exist solely for elective medical care such as cosmetic surgery.
Attorney General William Barr will return to Capitol Hill today, testifying before a Senate appropriations subcommittee.Attorney General William Barr will return to Capitol Hill today, testifying before a Senate appropriations subcommittee.
On Tuesday, testifying before the House, Barr said he would be ready to release a redacted version of special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia report within a week.On Tuesday, testifying before the House, Barr said he would be ready to release a redacted version of special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia report within a week.
Today’s hearing, like yesterday’s, is ostensibly about the justice department budget but lawmakers are expected to grill the attorney general about the Mueller report.Today’s hearing, like yesterday’s, is ostensibly about the justice department budget but lawmakers are expected to grill the attorney general about the Mueller report.
More from the Associated Press:More from the Associated Press:
Justice department officials are scouring the report to remove grand jury information and details relating to pending investigations, among other materials. Democrats have escalated criticism over Barr’s handling of the document and say they will not accept any redactions. The House judiciary committee has approved, but not sent, subpoenas for the report , and top Democrats have said they are willing to take the battle to court.Justice department officials are scouring the report to remove grand jury information and details relating to pending investigations, among other materials. Democrats have escalated criticism over Barr’s handling of the document and say they will not accept any redactions. The House judiciary committee has approved, but not sent, subpoenas for the report , and top Democrats have said they are willing to take the battle to court.
At the House hearing, Barr bluntly defended himself, arguing that portions of the document need to be redacted to comply with the law. He said he’s open to eventually releasing some of the redacted material after consulting with congressional leaders, but he drew a line at releasing grand jury material, which would require court approval. He said Democrats are “free to go to court” themselves and ask for the grand jury information.At the House hearing, Barr bluntly defended himself, arguing that portions of the document need to be redacted to comply with the law. He said he’s open to eventually releasing some of the redacted material after consulting with congressional leaders, but he drew a line at releasing grand jury material, which would require court approval. He said Democrats are “free to go to court” themselves and ask for the grand jury information.
Barr wouldn’t discuss the substance of Mueller’s findings but did explain some of his process for receiving and reviewing the report and what to expect when it is released: he said the redactions will be color-coded and accompanied by notes explaining the decision to withhold information.Barr wouldn’t discuss the substance of Mueller’s findings but did explain some of his process for receiving and reviewing the report and what to expect when it is released: he said the redactions will be color-coded and accompanied by notes explaining the decision to withhold information.