This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2019/jul/23/trump-news-today-live-mueller-hearing-testimony-latest-updates
The article has changed 22 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 17 | Version 18 |
|---|---|
| Trump sues House panel and state officials to block release of tax returns – live | Trump sues House panel and state officials to block release of tax returns – live |
| (32 minutes later) | |
| If you were hoping for an advance peek at the opening statements that special counsel Robert Mueller will deliver tomorrow, you may be out of luck. | |
| According to sleuthing reporters, Mueller won’t be sharing his prepared statements with lawmakers prior to his appearance. | |
| DOJ does not have any advance copies of Mueller’s opening statements scheduled for Wednesday, according to a government official familiar with the situation.A source close to Mueller says there are two opening statements, one for each committee. | |
| Are you looking for Robert Mueller’s opening statement to leak tonight? Don’t count on it — I’m told he’s not submitting it to the committees ahead of time. | |
| Extinction Rebellion demonstrators are blocking doorways at a Congress building | Extinction Rebellion demonstrators are blocking doorways at a Congress building |
| From The Guardian’s David Smith: | From The Guardian’s David Smith: |
| Protesters from the climate crisis group Extinction Rebellion are causing havoc at the US Capitol in Washington, confronting politicians and gluing themselves to doorways in order to block them. | Protesters from the climate crisis group Extinction Rebellion are causing havoc at the US Capitol in Washington, confronting politicians and gluing themselves to doorways in order to block them. |
| The group targeted underground passages in the Cannon House Office Building in an attempt to stop members of Congress from attending an evening vote. | The group targeted underground passages in the Cannon House Office Building in an attempt to stop members of Congress from attending an evening vote. |
| Kaela Bamberger, a spokesperson for the group, which has staged attention-grabbing events elsewhere in the US and abroad, said a House and Senate concurrent resolution on the climate emergency – currently on hold – deserves immediate attention. Extinction Rebellion’s intention is to disrupt “business as usual” she added. | Kaela Bamberger, a spokesperson for the group, which has staged attention-grabbing events elsewhere in the US and abroad, said a House and Senate concurrent resolution on the climate emergency – currently on hold – deserves immediate attention. Extinction Rebellion’s intention is to disrupt “business as usual” she added. |
| “We believe the issue is so urgent it should be treated as a top priority,” she added. “Petitioning and lobbying have been shown to be ineffective in the past, so we are taking extreme action to reflect the extreme nature of the crisis. The climate emergency should be treated with the gravity it deserves. | “We believe the issue is so urgent it should be treated as a top priority,” she added. “Petitioning and lobbying have been shown to be ineffective in the past, so we are taking extreme action to reflect the extreme nature of the crisis. The climate emergency should be treated with the gravity it deserves. |
| Extinction Rebellion protesters confront politicians at US Capitol | Extinction Rebellion protesters confront politicians at US Capitol |
| As protests rage on in Puerto Rico, a judge issued search warrants for the cellphones of government officials who exchanged crude messages mocking victims of Hurricane Maria. | As protests rage on in Puerto Rico, a judge issued search warrants for the cellphones of government officials who exchanged crude messages mocking victims of Hurricane Maria. |
| The leaked messages are what triggered days of demonstrations, with thousands calling for the resignation of Ricardo Rosselló, the governor of the US island territory, who participated in the obscenity-filled chat with top advisers. | The leaked messages are what triggered days of demonstrations, with thousands calling for the resignation of Ricardo Rosselló, the governor of the US island territory, who participated in the obscenity-filled chat with top advisers. |
| From AP: | From AP: |
| One of the search warrants said that government officials used the chat to transmit official and confidential information to private citizens in potential violation of ethics laws. | One of the search warrants said that government officials used the chat to transmit official and confidential information to private citizens in potential violation of ethics laws. |
| Kelvin Carrasco, a spokesman for the island’s Justice Department, said Tuesday that the warrants were approved overnight and issued to those who had yet to turn over their phones. He did not identify the officials and would not comment further. | Kelvin Carrasco, a spokesman for the island’s Justice Department, said Tuesday that the warrants were approved overnight and issued to those who had yet to turn over their phones. He did not identify the officials and would not comment further. |
| From The Guardian’s breaking coverage: | From The Guardian’s breaking coverage: |
| The US justice department is opening a broad antitrust review into whether dominant technology firms are unlawfully stifling competition. | The US justice department is opening a broad antitrust review into whether dominant technology firms are unlawfully stifling competition. |
| “The Department’s review will consider the widespread concerns that consumers, businesses and entrepreneurs have expressed about search, social media, and some retail services online,” DOJ said in a statement. | “The Department’s review will consider the widespread concerns that consumers, businesses and entrepreneurs have expressed about search, social media, and some retail services online,” DOJ said in a statement. |
| “Without the discipline of meaningful market-based competition, digital platforms may act in ways that are not responsive to consumer demands,” added the assistant attorney general Makan Delrahim, of the antitrust division. | “Without the discipline of meaningful market-based competition, digital platforms may act in ways that are not responsive to consumer demands,” added the assistant attorney general Makan Delrahim, of the antitrust division. |
| The review will investigate practices of online platforms including Facebook, Alphabet’s Google, Amazon and Apple. | The review will investigate practices of online platforms including Facebook, Alphabet’s Google, Amazon and Apple. |
| US justice department targets big tech firms in antitrust review | US justice department targets big tech firms in antitrust review |
| NAACP leaders have voted in support of impeaching Donald Trump. | NAACP leaders have voted in support of impeaching Donald Trump. |
| From The Guardian’s Lauren Gambino: | From The Guardian’s Lauren Gambino: |
| The leaders of the NAACP, the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization, unanimously voted to impeach Donald Trump, accusing the president of leading “one of the most racist and xenophobic administrations since the Jim Crow era.” | The leaders of the NAACP, the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization, unanimously voted to impeach Donald Trump, accusing the president of leading “one of the most racist and xenophobic administrations since the Jim Crow era.” |
| “The pattern of Trump’s misconduct is unmistakable and has proven time and time again, that he is unfit to serve as the president of this country,” NAACP president Derrick Johnson said in a statement after the vote. While the resolution is unlike to have a legislative impact in Congress, it sends a clear message about from a legacy civil rights organization about where it stands on this president. Johnson said he would press leaders in Congress to launch impeachment proceedings. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who addressed the conference earlier this week, has been wary of impeachment calls, warning that it could play into Trump’s hands in 2020. | “The pattern of Trump’s misconduct is unmistakable and has proven time and time again, that he is unfit to serve as the president of this country,” NAACP president Derrick Johnson said in a statement after the vote. While the resolution is unlike to have a legislative impact in Congress, it sends a clear message about from a legacy civil rights organization about where it stands on this president. Johnson said he would press leaders in Congress to launch impeachment proceedings. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who addressed the conference earlier this week, has been wary of impeachment calls, warning that it could play into Trump’s hands in 2020. |
| The NAACP’s resolution committee, which meets annually at the group’s conference, held this year in Detroit, unanimously passed the resolution on Tuesday afternoon. It was introduced by Texas Congressman Al Green, who has brought articles of impeachment in Congress against the president. | The NAACP’s resolution committee, which meets annually at the group’s conference, held this year in Detroit, unanimously passed the resolution on Tuesday afternoon. It was introduced by Texas Congressman Al Green, who has brought articles of impeachment in Congress against the president. |
| “If you pass this resolution,” Green said in a rousing speech that drew cheers and chants, “you will be on record letting those who look through the vista of time know that at this time when others did not take a stand, the NAACAP took a stand.” | “If you pass this resolution,” Green said in a rousing speech that drew cheers and chants, “you will be on record letting those who look through the vista of time know that at this time when others did not take a stand, the NAACAP took a stand.” |
| As Green spoke, the crowd chanted: “Get him out”. | As Green spoke, the crowd chanted: “Get him out”. |
| The vote comes after Trump told four Congresswomen of color to “go back” to their countries and accused them of hating the US. The resolution also made reference to the administration’s ban on immigrants from majority-Muslim countries; its ban on transgender people in the military; Trump’s equivocation in the aftermath of the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville; Trump calling Haiti and African nations “shithole countries”; the detention of children and separation of family at the US-Mexico border; and Trump’s most recent comments about the members of Congress. | The vote comes after Trump told four Congresswomen of color to “go back” to their countries and accused them of hating the US. The resolution also made reference to the administration’s ban on immigrants from majority-Muslim countries; its ban on transgender people in the military; Trump’s equivocation in the aftermath of the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville; Trump calling Haiti and African nations “shithole countries”; the detention of children and separation of family at the US-Mexico border; and Trump’s most recent comments about the members of Congress. |
| One of the lawmakers targeted, congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, represents Detroit, where the conference is being held this year. | One of the lawmakers targeted, congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, represents Detroit, where the conference is being held this year. |
| Tlaib, one of the first Muslim women to serve in Congress who has long called for Trump’s impeachment, received a standing ovation when she addressed the conference. | Tlaib, one of the first Muslim women to serve in Congress who has long called for Trump’s impeachment, received a standing ovation when she addressed the conference. |
| “I’m not going nowhere,” she told the conference on Monday.” Not until I impeach this president.” | “I’m not going nowhere,” she told the conference on Monday.” Not until I impeach this president.” |
| That’s it from me on this eventful Tuesday! I’ll be handing it off to Maanvi Singh on the West Coast. | That’s it from me on this eventful Tuesday! I’ll be handing it off to Maanvi Singh on the West Coast. |
| Here are some of the most important points from today’s news so far: | Here are some of the most important points from today’s news so far: |
| Robert Mueller will appear alongside his longtime deputy, Aaron Zebley, when he testifies before Congress tomorrow. The last-minute announcement has led to claims from Republican lawmakers that they were blindsided, but a Mueller spokesperson said the arrangement was made more than a week ago. | Robert Mueller will appear alongside his longtime deputy, Aaron Zebley, when he testifies before Congress tomorrow. The last-minute announcement has led to claims from Republican lawmakers that they were blindsided, but a Mueller spokesperson said the arrangement was made more than a week ago. |
| Trump is suing the House ways and means committee, as well as New York state officials, to prevent the disclosure of his state tax returns. The legal battle is separate from House Democrats’ lawsuit against the Treasury Department and the IRS to obtain the president’s federal tax returns. | Trump is suing the House ways and means committee, as well as New York state officials, to prevent the disclosure of his state tax returns. The legal battle is separate from House Democrats’ lawsuit against the Treasury Department and the IRS to obtain the president’s federal tax returns. |
| The Senate overwhelmingly passed the extension of the 9/11 victims fund, following activism from first responders and comedian Jon Stewart. Trump is expected to sign it. | The Senate overwhelmingly passed the extension of the 9/11 victims fund, following activism from first responders and comedian Jon Stewart. Trump is expected to sign it. |
| Mark Esper was confirmed as the next defense secretary. He will take over the Defense Department several months after the resignation of Jim Mattis. | Mark Esper was confirmed as the next defense secretary. He will take over the Defense Department several months after the resignation of Jim Mattis. |
| Trump praised incoming British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and slammed “the Squad” in a nearly 90-minute speech to the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA. | Trump praised incoming British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and slammed “the Squad” in a nearly 90-minute speech to the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA. |
| I’ll be back on the blog earlier than usual tomorrow to prepare for all of the drama surrounding Mueller’s testimony. And his opening statement may still be leaked tonight. Stay tuned. | I’ll be back on the blog earlier than usual tomorrow to prepare for all of the drama surrounding Mueller’s testimony. And his opening statement may still be leaked tonight. Stay tuned. |
| Mueller spokesperson weighs in on deputy’s expected appearance | Mueller spokesperson weighs in on deputy’s expected appearance |
| A spokesperson for Robert Mueller has weighed in on the special counsel’s decision to appear alongside his longtime deputy, Aaron Zebley. | A spokesperson for Robert Mueller has weighed in on the special counsel’s decision to appear alongside his longtime deputy, Aaron Zebley. |
| “Aaron Zebley was the Deputy Special Counsel and had day-to-day oversight of the investigations conducted by the Office,” the spokesperson said, per a CNN reporter. “He will accompany Special Counsel Mueller to the Wednesday hearings, as was discussed with the committees more than a week ago.” | “Aaron Zebley was the Deputy Special Counsel and had day-to-day oversight of the investigations conducted by the Office,” the spokesperson said, per a CNN reporter. “He will accompany Special Counsel Mueller to the Wednesday hearings, as was discussed with the committees more than a week ago.” |
| But Adam Schiff, the Democratic chair of the House intelligence committee, said he hopes Zebley will only participate in “technical issues or other matters.” He added, “We don’t want him as a substitute for Mueller’s voice.” | But Adam Schiff, the Democratic chair of the House intelligence committee, said he hopes Zebley will only participate in “technical issues or other matters.” He added, “We don’t want him as a substitute for Mueller’s voice.” |
| Durbin regrets calling for Franken’s resignation | Durbin regrets calling for Franken’s resignation |
| Dick Durbin of Illinois, the No2 Democrat in the Senate, has said he regrets calling for the resignation of Al Franken over allegations of sexual misconduct. | Dick Durbin of Illinois, the No2 Democrat in the Senate, has said he regrets calling for the resignation of Al Franken over allegations of sexual misconduct. |
| Franken resigned in December 2017, under pressure from fellow senators. | Franken resigned in December 2017, under pressure from fellow senators. |
| On Monday, a New Yorker article examined Franken’s departure and conservative radio host Leeann Tweeden’s accusation that he forcibly kissed her during a 2006 USO tour in the Middle East. | On Monday, a New Yorker article examined Franken’s departure and conservative radio host Leeann Tweeden’s accusation that he forcibly kissed her during a 2006 USO tour in the Middle East. |
| Pat Leahy, a Vermont senator, told reporter Jane Meyer calling for Franken’s resignation was “one of the biggest mistakes I’ve made”. | Pat Leahy, a Vermont senator, told reporter Jane Meyer calling for Franken’s resignation was “one of the biggest mistakes I’ve made”. |
| Senators Angus King, Jeff Merkley, Tom Udall and Tammy Duckworth, former senators Bill Nelson and Heidi Heitkamp and former Senate majority leader Harry Reid also expressed regret. | Senators Angus King, Jeff Merkley, Tom Udall and Tammy Duckworth, former senators Bill Nelson and Heidi Heitkamp and former Senate majority leader Harry Reid also expressed regret. |
| Speaking to the Washington Post on Tuesday, Durbin said he would now prefer that Franken had been given the opportunity to respond the accusation before the Senate ethics committee. | Speaking to the Washington Post on Tuesday, Durbin said he would now prefer that Franken had been given the opportunity to respond the accusation before the Senate ethics committee. |
| “I certainly would have said that we should turn to due process,” Durbin said. “He deserved his day before the ethics committee, and his accuser the same. I think that would’ve been a more thoughtful outcome.” | “I certainly would have said that we should turn to due process,” Durbin said. “He deserved his day before the ethics committee, and his accuser the same. I think that would’ve been a more thoughtful outcome.” |
| Durbin said fellow Democrats had been “pressed to make a quick decision and unfortunately did it at the expense of due process”. Pressure to force Franken out, he said, came against the backdrop of “very, very serious” allegations against Roy Moore, a Republican nominee for Senate in Alabama. | Durbin said fellow Democrats had been “pressed to make a quick decision and unfortunately did it at the expense of due process”. Pressure to force Franken out, he said, came against the backdrop of “very, very serious” allegations against Roy Moore, a Republican nominee for Senate in Alabama. |
| Moore was accused of sexual misconduct involving underaged girls, which he denied. The Democrat Doug Jones subsequently won the seat. | Moore was accused of sexual misconduct involving underaged girls, which he denied. The Democrat Doug Jones subsequently won the seat. |
| Al Franken: senators say they regret calling for his resignation | Al Franken: senators say they regret calling for his resignation |
| In December 2017, Durbin referred to the accusations against Franken – eight women said he had behaved inappropriately – as a “pattern of conduct” and said “charges, credible charges, continued to keep coming”. | In December 2017, Durbin referred to the accusations against Franken – eight women said he had behaved inappropriately – as a “pattern of conduct” and said “charges, credible charges, continued to keep coming”. |
| He also said: “This is painful. Al Franken’s my friend.” | He also said: “This is painful. Al Franken’s my friend.” |
| Not all of Durbin’s Democratic colleagues have expressed regret over Franken’s fate. | Not all of Durbin’s Democratic colleagues have expressed regret over Franken’s fate. |
| Kirsten Gillibrand, who was among a majority of the female members of the Senate Democratic caucus to call for Franken’s resignation, said on Monday she had no regrets about her role in forcing that outcome. | Kirsten Gillibrand, who was among a majority of the female members of the Senate Democratic caucus to call for Franken’s resignation, said on Monday she had no regrets about her role in forcing that outcome. |
| Jon Stewart embraces 9/11 first responder after successful vote | Jon Stewart embraces 9/11 first responder after successful vote |
| An NBC News reporter shared this photo from Capitol Hill after the Senate overwhelmingly voted to expand the 9/11 victims fund, providing lifelong compensation for first responders who developed health issues after spending time at Ground Zero. | An NBC News reporter shared this photo from Capitol Hill after the Senate overwhelmingly voted to expand the 9/11 victims fund, providing lifelong compensation for first responders who developed health issues after spending time at Ground Zero. |
| Awesome moment: Jon Stewart embraces a crying John Feal, the 9/11 first responder who led the organization pushing for the full extension of the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund, just after the bill passed in the Senate 97-2: pic.twitter.com/ombosZSxr0 | Awesome moment: Jon Stewart embraces a crying John Feal, the 9/11 first responder who led the organization pushing for the full extension of the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund, just after the bill passed in the Senate 97-2: pic.twitter.com/ombosZSxr0 |
| Deutsche Bank tied to Jeffrey Epstein | Deutsche Bank tied to Jeffrey Epstein |
| Another bad headline for Deutsche Bank: it turns out that the German financial giant did significant business with wealthy financier Jeffrey Epstein, who is facing sex-trafficking charges in New York. | Another bad headline for Deutsche Bank: it turns out that the German financial giant did significant business with wealthy financier Jeffrey Epstein, who is facing sex-trafficking charges in New York. |
| Epstein used the bank’s private-wealth division to hold and manage his assets, as well as those of clients and others connected to him, the Wall Street Journal reports. | Epstein used the bank’s private-wealth division to hold and manage his assets, as well as those of clients and others connected to him, the Wall Street Journal reports. |
| Deutsche Bank’s business relationship with Epstein appeared to pick up around the time JPMorgan Chase dropped him as a client in 2013 over reputation concerns. Sources told the Journal that Deutsche Bank began to shut down some of Epstein’s accounts in late 2018 as news outlets, most prominently the Miami Herald, started resurfacing the sexual misconduct allegations against him. | Deutsche Bank’s business relationship with Epstein appeared to pick up around the time JPMorgan Chase dropped him as a client in 2013 over reputation concerns. Sources told the Journal that Deutsche Bank began to shut down some of Epstein’s accounts in late 2018 as news outlets, most prominently the Miami Herald, started resurfacing the sexual misconduct allegations against him. |
| This is only the latest blow for Deutsche, which is under investigation for criminal money-laundering and facing congressional scrutiny of its longstanding relationship with Trump. The bank also launched a reorganization this month that will involve cutting 18,000 jobs. | This is only the latest blow for Deutsche, which is under investigation for criminal money-laundering and facing congressional scrutiny of its longstanding relationship with Trump. The bank also launched a reorganization this month that will involve cutting 18,000 jobs. |
| FBI clarifies Wray’s comments on domestic terrorism and white supremacy | FBI clarifies Wray’s comments on domestic terrorism and white supremacy |
| Christopher Wray, the FBI director, testified earlier today that the bureau had made roughly 100 domestic terrorism arrests so far this year, telling lawmakers, “A majority of the domestic terrorism cases that we’ve investigated are motivated by some version of what you might call white supremacist violence.” | Christopher Wray, the FBI director, testified earlier today that the bureau had made roughly 100 domestic terrorism arrests so far this year, telling lawmakers, “A majority of the domestic terrorism cases that we’ve investigated are motivated by some version of what you might call white supremacist violence.” |
| "A majority of the domestic terrorism cases we've investigated are motivated by some version of what you might call white supremacist violence," FBI Dir. Chris Wray tells Sen. Dick Durbin, "but it includes other things as well."Watch their full exchange: https://t.co/NkJuIoyFEp pic.twitter.com/eevIlAuinD | "A majority of the domestic terrorism cases we've investigated are motivated by some version of what you might call white supremacist violence," FBI Dir. Chris Wray tells Sen. Dick Durbin, "but it includes other things as well."Watch their full exchange: https://t.co/NkJuIoyFEp pic.twitter.com/eevIlAuinD |
| The claim has gotten significant attention, especially considering that Republican lawmakers and Trump have focused on alleged threats by leftwing groups. | The claim has gotten significant attention, especially considering that Republican lawmakers and Trump have focused on alleged threats by leftwing groups. |
| But asked for clarification on the data, FBI spokesperson Kelsey Pietranton told the Guardian this afternoon that it appeared Wray misspoke when he suggested a majority of the investigations were white supremacists. | But asked for clarification on the data, FBI spokesperson Kelsey Pietranton told the Guardian this afternoon that it appeared Wray misspoke when he suggested a majority of the investigations were white supremacists. |
| She declined to provide a breakdown on the people arrested, but said Wray’s “majority” comment was likely a reference to the data disclosed in May by Michael McGarrity, the FBI’s assistant director for counterterrorism. McGarrity said at the time that out of 850 domestic terrorism cases under investigation, 40% were “racially motivated”. Of those 40%, a “significant majority” were “extremists who support the superiority of the white race”. Pietranton said those statistics were still accurate. | She declined to provide a breakdown on the people arrested, but said Wray’s “majority” comment was likely a reference to the data disclosed in May by Michael McGarrity, the FBI’s assistant director for counterterrorism. McGarrity said at the time that out of 850 domestic terrorism cases under investigation, 40% were “racially motivated”. Of those 40%, a “significant majority” were “extremists who support the superiority of the white race”. Pietranton said those statistics were still accurate. |
| The spokesperson also clarified that over the last nine months, there have been roughly 90 domestic terrorism arrests, and roughly 100 “international terrorist” arrests. | The spokesperson also clarified that over the last nine months, there have been roughly 90 domestic terrorism arrests, and roughly 100 “international terrorist” arrests. |
| Dick Durbin, the Democratic senator who questioned Wray, was pointing to the broader concerns that US law enforcement has failed to address rising threats from white supremacists and neo-Nazis. | Dick Durbin, the Democratic senator who questioned Wray, was pointing to the broader concerns that US law enforcement has failed to address rising threats from white supremacists and neo-Nazis. |
| Last week, GOP senators Ted Cruz and Bill Cassidy introduced a resolution to label “antifa” as “domestic terrorists”, even though antifa is a broad term referring to anti-fascists and not an organized group. Documents disclosed over the last two years have also revealed that the FBI has focused on so-called “black identity extremists” and on civil rights activists protesting the KKK. | Last week, GOP senators Ted Cruz and Bill Cassidy introduced a resolution to label “antifa” as “domestic terrorists”, even though antifa is a broad term referring to anti-fascists and not an organized group. Documents disclosed over the last two years have also revealed that the FBI has focused on so-called “black identity extremists” and on civil rights activists protesting the KKK. |
| Wray told Durbin, “We take domestic terrorism or hate crime, regardless of ideology, extremely seriously.” But the director added, “We use the term ‘domestic terrorism’ to refer to a broader array of threats, ranging from anarchist extremism to different kinds of racially motivated violent extremism, to different kinds of environmental extremism.” | Wray told Durbin, “We take domestic terrorism or hate crime, regardless of ideology, extremely seriously.” But the director added, “We use the term ‘domestic terrorism’ to refer to a broader array of threats, ranging from anarchist extremism to different kinds of racially motivated violent extremism, to different kinds of environmental extremism.” |
| White supremacists have a record of deadly violence across the US, while anarchist groups and environmental activists do not. | White supremacists have a record of deadly violence across the US, while anarchist groups and environmental activists do not. |
| The Senate has passed a bipartisan bill to permanently extend the 9/11 victims fund. | The Senate has passed a bipartisan bill to permanently extend the 9/11 victims fund. |
| The fund to provide compensation to first responders who became ill after their time at Ground Zero was quickly running out of money, forcing severe cuts in payouts to the victims. Activists, including comedian Jon Stewart and first responder Luis Alvarez, passionately spoke before Congress last month about extending the fund. | The fund to provide compensation to first responders who became ill after their time at Ground Zero was quickly running out of money, forcing severe cuts in payouts to the victims. Activists, including comedian Jon Stewart and first responder Luis Alvarez, passionately spoke before Congress last month about extending the fund. |
| The proposal, which is expected to be signed by Trump, will provide lifetime compensation to the victims. Stewart was on Capitol Hill today in anticipation of the bill’s expected passage. Unfortunately, Alvarez was not. He died late last month of colorectal cancer that he blamed on his time spent at Ground Zero. | The proposal, which is expected to be signed by Trump, will provide lifetime compensation to the victims. Stewart was on Capitol Hill today in anticipation of the bill’s expected passage. Unfortunately, Alvarez was not. He died late last month of colorectal cancer that he blamed on his time spent at Ground Zero. |
| Nigel Farage admits he missed Trump’s shoutout | Nigel Farage admits he missed Trump’s shoutout |
| Nigel Farage shared with listeners of his radio show a message from Trump about what the US president hopes to see from incoming British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. | Nigel Farage shared with listeners of his radio show a message from Trump about what the US president hopes to see from incoming British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. |
| “I think Boris will make a great prime minister,” Trump said, according to Farage. “He brings much-needed energy to the job. The last three years have been pathetic. I want him to work with you, Nigel, to get the Brexit deal done.” | “I think Boris will make a great prime minister,” Trump said, according to Farage. “He brings much-needed energy to the job. The last three years have been pathetic. I want him to work with you, Nigel, to get the Brexit deal done.” |
| Farage also admitted that he had already left Trump’s event for the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA when the president offered the prominent Brexit supporter a shoutout. “[Farage] is going to work well with Boris,” Trump said at the event, looking around for Farage. “They’re going to do tremendous things.” | Farage also admitted that he had already left Trump’s event for the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA when the president offered the prominent Brexit supporter a shoutout. “[Farage] is going to work well with Boris,” Trump said at the event, looking around for Farage. “They’re going to do tremendous things.” |
| Farage admitted that he left Trump’s speech early to get across town to film his radio show. “So I kind of wasn’t there when he called my name out,” Farage told listeners. “But you can hear the message coming from the president: he thinks that Boris and the Brexit party need to work together.” | Farage admitted that he left Trump’s speech early to get across town to film his radio show. “So I kind of wasn’t there when he called my name out,” Farage told listeners. “But you can hear the message coming from the president: he thinks that Boris and the Brexit party need to work together.” |
| Multiple outlets are now reporting that Aaron Zebley, who served as Robert Mueller’s chief of staff while he was FBI director and later took on a similar role in the special counsel’s office, will appear with him during his congressional testimony tomorrow. | Multiple outlets are now reporting that Aaron Zebley, who served as Robert Mueller’s chief of staff while he was FBI director and later took on a similar role in the special counsel’s office, will appear with him during his congressional testimony tomorrow. |
| Zebley will be sworn in for the hearings before the House judiciary and intelligence committees, but he will not answer any committee questions, according to CNN. That duty will be left up to Mueller. | Zebley will be sworn in for the hearings before the House judiciary and intelligence committees, but he will not answer any committee questions, according to CNN. That duty will be left up to Mueller. |
| Mueller made the last-minute decision to have Zebley present in case the committee asked any questions he could not fully address himself. But Republican members of the committees quickly accused the special counsel of “outsourcing” his testimony. | Mueller made the last-minute decision to have Zebley present in case the committee asked any questions he could not fully address himself. But Republican members of the committees quickly accused the special counsel of “outsourcing” his testimony. |
| A last-minute witness would jeopardize whether tomorrow's hearing complies with House Rules.If Dems believe it's the special counsel’s responsibility to testify to his report, they have no ground for outsourcing that duty at the expense of our committee’s integrity.Statement: pic.twitter.com/oCOSHDTnMK | A last-minute witness would jeopardize whether tomorrow's hearing complies with House Rules.If Dems believe it's the special counsel’s responsibility to testify to his report, they have no ground for outsourcing that duty at the expense of our committee’s integrity.Statement: pic.twitter.com/oCOSHDTnMK |
| The Department of Justice also raised concerns about Zebley’s appearance. But given his status now as a private citizen, there is little action the department can take to prevent Zebley from testifying. | The Department of Justice also raised concerns about Zebley’s appearance. But given his status now as a private citizen, there is little action the department can take to prevent Zebley from testifying. |
| Trump is suing the House ways and means committee, as well as New York state officials, to block the disclosure of his state tax returns. | Trump is suing the House ways and means committee, as well as New York state officials, to block the disclosure of his state tax returns. |
| Trump is seeking an injunction in federal court of a state law that would allow New York officials to hand over his state tax returns to the House committee. | Trump is seeking an injunction in federal court of a state law that would allow New York officials to hand over his state tax returns to the House committee. |
| The new lawsuit is separate from Trump’s efforts to block access to his federal tax returns. The House ways and means committee has sued the Treasury Department and the IRS in an attempt to force government officials to comply with a federal law allowing the panel access to any taxpayer’s returns. | The new lawsuit is separate from Trump’s efforts to block access to his federal tax returns. The House ways and means committee has sued the Treasury Department and the IRS in an attempt to force government officials to comply with a federal law allowing the panel access to any taxpayer’s returns. |
| McConnell walks past Jon Stewart at the Capitol | McConnell walks past Jon Stewart at the Capitol |
| A photographer for Roll Call captured this incredible picture of Mitch McConnell, the Senate majority leader, walking past comedian and activist Jon Stewart at the Capitol. | A photographer for Roll Call captured this incredible picture of Mitch McConnell, the Senate majority leader, walking past comedian and activist Jon Stewart at the Capitol. |
| .@McConnellPress walks past Jon Stewart at the Ohio Clock Corridor in the Capitol. The Senate will be voting later today on HR 1327: Never Forget the Heroes: Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act. pic.twitter.com/bZ0FaOhTSl | .@McConnellPress walks past Jon Stewart at the Ohio Clock Corridor in the Capitol. The Senate will be voting later today on HR 1327: Never Forget the Heroes: Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act. pic.twitter.com/bZ0FaOhTSl |
| Stewart was on Capitol Hill to attend the Senate Democratic Caucus lunch as the chamber looked ready to permanently authorize the 9/11 victims fund. The former “Daily Show” host appeared before the House judiciary committee last month and emphatically denounced lawmakers’ “shameful” inaction on the victims fund as “an embarrassment to the country”. | Stewart was on Capitol Hill to attend the Senate Democratic Caucus lunch as the chamber looked ready to permanently authorize the 9/11 victims fund. The former “Daily Show” host appeared before the House judiciary committee last month and emphatically denounced lawmakers’ “shameful” inaction on the victims fund as “an embarrassment to the country”. |
| McConnell later claimed that Stewart was needlessly “bent out of shape” about lawmakers missing the hearing. The comedian responded with a funny diatribe on Stephen Colbert’s show. “I didn’t know that they were busy. I’m so sorry,” Stewart sarcastically said. “I didn’t mean to interrupt them with their JOBS!” | McConnell later claimed that Stewart was needlessly “bent out of shape” about lawmakers missing the hearing. The comedian responded with a funny diatribe on Stephen Colbert’s show. “I didn’t know that they were busy. I’m so sorry,” Stewart sarcastically said. “I didn’t mean to interrupt them with their JOBS!” |
| Booker says Biden “not the right person” to handle criminal justice reform | Booker says Biden “not the right person” to handle criminal justice reform |
| Cory Booker went after fellow presidential candidate Joe Biden over the former vice president’s plan to overhaul the criminal justice system. | Cory Booker went after fellow presidential candidate Joe Biden over the former vice president’s plan to overhaul the criminal justice system. |
| The New Jersey senator said in a statement that Biden, who helped craft the 1994 crime bill that many blame for an explosion in US incarceration numbers, was “not the right person to fix” the “failed” system. | The New Jersey senator said in a statement that Biden, who helped craft the 1994 crime bill that many blame for an explosion in US incarceration numbers, was “not the right person to fix” the “failed” system. |
| It’s not enough to tell us what you’re going to do for our communities, show us what you’ve done for the last 40 years. You created this system. We’ll dismantle it. | It’s not enough to tell us what you’re going to do for our communities, show us what you’ve done for the last 40 years. You created this system. We’ll dismantle it. |
| Biden’s team said his plan would reduce mass incarceration and address “racial, gender and income-based disparities in the system.” But Booker said the proposal fell short of the “transformative change” needed to overhaul the criminal justice system. | Biden’s team said his plan would reduce mass incarceration and address “racial, gender and income-based disparities in the system.” But Booker said the proposal fell short of the “transformative change” needed to overhaul the criminal justice system. |
| “The 1994 crime bill accelerated mass incarceration and inflicted immeasurable harm on Black, Brown, and low-income communities,” Booker added in his full statement. “While it’s encouraging to see Vice President Biden finally come around to supporting many of the ideas I and others have proposed, his plan falls short of the transformative change our broken criminal justice system needs.” | “The 1994 crime bill accelerated mass incarceration and inflicted immeasurable harm on Black, Brown, and low-income communities,” Booker added in his full statement. “While it’s encouraging to see Vice President Biden finally come around to supporting many of the ideas I and others have proposed, his plan falls short of the transformative change our broken criminal justice system needs.” |
| Booker will have the chance to directly confront Biden on the issue when they appear alongside each other at next week’s debates in Detroit. Biden will stand between Booker and Kamala Harris on the second night of the debates. Given the plaudits Harris generated after the first debates for confronting Biden about his past opposition to busing to integrate schools, Booker may be looking to follow in her footsteps. | Booker will have the chance to directly confront Biden on the issue when they appear alongside each other at next week’s debates in Detroit. Biden will stand between Booker and Kamala Harris on the second night of the debates. Given the plaudits Harris generated after the first debates for confronting Biden about his past opposition to busing to integrate schools, Booker may be looking to follow in her footsteps. |
| FBI director Christopher Wray told the Senate judicary committee that the bureau has made about 100 arrests in domestic terrorism cases in the past nine months. He also said that “a majority” of those cases involved some form of white supremacy. But an FBI spokesperson later clarified to the Guardian that the director meant the majority of “racially motivated” cases. | FBI director Christopher Wray told the Senate judicary committee that the bureau has made about 100 arrests in domestic terrorism cases in the past nine months. He also said that “a majority” of those cases involved some form of white supremacy. But an FBI spokesperson later clarified to the Guardian that the director meant the majority of “racially motivated” cases. |
| "A majority of the domestic terrorism cases we've investigated are motivated by some version of what you might call white supremacist violence," FBI Dir. Chris Wray tells Sen. Dick Durbin, "but it includes other things as well."Watch their full exchange: https://t.co/NkJuIoyFEp pic.twitter.com/eevIlAuinD | "A majority of the domestic terrorism cases we've investigated are motivated by some version of what you might call white supremacist violence," FBI Dir. Chris Wray tells Sen. Dick Durbin, "but it includes other things as well."Watch their full exchange: https://t.co/NkJuIoyFEp pic.twitter.com/eevIlAuinD |
| The imprecise figure, which represents an uptick from last year, was cited by Wray as evidence of how the FBI is trying to address racially motivated violence. He noted that the bureau has also made about 100 arrests connected to international terrorism cases. | The imprecise figure, which represents an uptick from last year, was cited by Wray as evidence of how the FBI is trying to address racially motivated violence. He noted that the bureau has also made about 100 arrests connected to international terrorism cases. |
| “Needless to say, we take domestic terrorism or hate crime, regardless of ideology, extremely seriously,” the director said. | “Needless to say, we take domestic terrorism or hate crime, regardless of ideology, extremely seriously,” the director said. |
| This post has been updated with a comment from the FBI clarifying Wray’s remarks. | This post has been updated with a comment from the FBI clarifying Wray’s remarks. |