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Senate Democrats block Republican police reform bill – live Senate Democrats block Republican police reform bill – live
(32 minutes later)
Vote leaves Senate path forward on police reform unclear, while New York, New Jersey and Connecticut to quarantine travelers – follow the latest liveVote leaves Senate path forward on police reform unclear, while New York, New Jersey and Connecticut to quarantine travelers – follow the latest live
Trump is now holding a joint press conference with Polish President Andrzej Duda in the Rose Garden.
Duda is the first foreign leader to visit the White House since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
The US president said he and Duda reaffirmed the “vital alliance between our nations” during their White House meeting.
While touting that vital alliance, Trump applauded Duda for his country’s financial contribution to Nato and once again accused other member countries of falling short on their contributions, describing them as “delinquent.”
In case you missed it: Democratic congressional candidate Jamaal Bowman has declared victory in his primary race against longtime congressman Eliot Engel.
The AP has not yet officially called the race because of the high number of outstanding absentee ballots, but Bowman currently leads Engel by 27 points.
“Many doubted that we could overcome the power and money of a 31-year incumbent. But the results show that the people of NY-16 aren’t just ready for change - they’re demanding it,” Bowman said in a statement earlier today.
“I’m a Black man who was raised by a single mother in a housing project. That story doesn’t usually end in Congress. But today, that 11-year old boy who was beaten by police is about to be your next Representative. “I cannot wait to get to Washington and cause problems for the people maintaining the status quo.”
Engel’s likely loss will be a major blow for establishment Democrats. The New York congressman leads the House foreign affairs committee and has been endorsed by House speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Senator Mitt Romney encouraged Utah his constituents to wear masks, as more than half of US states report rises in new coronavirus cases.Senator Mitt Romney encouraged Utah his constituents to wear masks, as more than half of US states report rises in new coronavirus cases.
“Wearing a mask can help protect you and others from #COVID19—it’s a simple step we can all take together to slow the spread,” the Republican senator said in a tweet.“Wearing a mask can help protect you and others from #COVID19—it’s a simple step we can all take together to slow the spread,” the Republican senator said in a tweet.
Another Republican senator, Marco Rubio of Florida, offered a similar (although more stern) message while leaving a meeting with Vice President Mike Pence on Capitol Hill.Another Republican senator, Marco Rubio of Florida, offered a similar (although more stern) message while leaving a meeting with Vice President Mike Pence on Capitol Hill.
“Everyone should just wear a damn mask, like you guys are, like I am right now,” Rubio said, motioning to the congressional reporters near him.“Everyone should just wear a damn mask, like you guys are, like I am right now,” Rubio said, motioning to the congressional reporters near him.
That comment came as Florida reported a record high of new coronavirus cases in a single day, confirming more than 5,500 new cases.That comment came as Florida reported a record high of new coronavirus cases in a single day, confirming more than 5,500 new cases.
A separate poll from Wisconsin shows Joe Biden leading by 8 points in the battleground state, which narrowly went for Trump in 2016.A separate poll from Wisconsin shows Joe Biden leading by 8 points in the battleground state, which narrowly went for Trump in 2016.
According to the Marquette Law School poll, Biden is at 49% with registered voters in Wisconsin, while Trump is at 41%. Just a month ago, Biden was leading Trump 46%-43%.According to the Marquette Law School poll, Biden is at 49% with registered voters in Wisconsin, while Trump is at 41%. Just a month ago, Biden was leading Trump 46%-43%.
Wisconsin is a key focus for both parties in the presidential election because Trump won the state by less than one point in 2016.Wisconsin is a key focus for both parties in the presidential election because Trump won the state by less than one point in 2016.
Wisconsin voters also gave Trump low ratings for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic and the protests against police brutality since the killing of George Floyd, indicating criticism of the president’s leadership is dragging down his polling numbers.Wisconsin voters also gave Trump low ratings for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic and the protests against police brutality since the killing of George Floyd, indicating criticism of the president’s leadership is dragging down his polling numbers.
According to the poll, 44% of Wisconsin voters approve of his handling of the pandemic, while 52% disapprove. On the protests, 30% approve of Trump’s reponse, while 58% disapprove.According to the poll, 44% of Wisconsin voters approve of his handling of the pandemic, while 52% disapprove. On the protests, 30% approve of Trump’s reponse, while 58% disapprove.
A new poll shows the president and Joe Biden effectively tied in Ohio, which Trump carried by 8 points in 2016.A new poll shows the president and Joe Biden effectively tied in Ohio, which Trump carried by 8 points in 2016.
According to the new Quinnipiac poll, Biden is attracting the support of 46% of Ohio’s registered voters, while Trump is at 45%. Wih a margin of error of 2.9 points, the poll indicates the two candidates are effectively tied in the state.According to the new Quinnipiac poll, Biden is attracting the support of 46% of Ohio’s registered voters, while Trump is at 45%. Wih a margin of error of 2.9 points, the poll indicates the two candidates are effectively tied in the state.
Ohio has long been considered a bellweather state in presidential elections, but it has been viewed as less of a battleground in recent years, as the state’s electorate grew increasingly conservative.Ohio has long been considered a bellweather state in presidential elections, but it has been viewed as less of a battleground in recent years, as the state’s electorate grew increasingly conservative.
Biden does not necessarily need to win Ohio in order to win the electoral college, if he can carry states like Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania, which Trump also won in 2016.Biden does not necessarily need to win Ohio in order to win the electoral college, if he can carry states like Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania, which Trump also won in 2016.
However, this poll is a major warning sign for Trump, who almost certainly needs to win Ohio if he wants to have a chance at a second term.However, this poll is a major warning sign for Trump, who almost certainly needs to win Ohio if he wants to have a chance at a second term.
More to the point, if Trump is struggling in Ohio, it signals he is generally in a precarious position with voters and could be at risk of giving Biden a landslide victory.More to the point, if Trump is struggling in Ohio, it signals he is generally in a precarious position with voters and could be at risk of giving Biden a landslide victory.
The House judiciary committee hearing on oversight of the justice department quickly went off the rails, as a Republican member of the committee sought to disrupt the proceedings.The House judiciary committee hearing on oversight of the justice department quickly went off the rails, as a Republican member of the committee sought to disrupt the proceedings.
Former deputy attorney general Donald Ayer was concluding his opening statement when Republican congressman Louie Gohmert started banging on the table in the hearing room.Former deputy attorney general Donald Ayer was concluding his opening statement when Republican congressman Louie Gohmert started banging on the table in the hearing room.
Gohmert criticized Ayer, who was delivering a stinging rebuke of attorney general William Barr, for going over his five-minute time limit to deliver his opening statement.Gohmert criticized Ayer, who was delivering a stinging rebuke of attorney general William Barr, for going over his five-minute time limit to deliver his opening statement.
Democratic congressman Hank Johnson then called on the sergeant-at-arms to remove Gohmert from the hearing room, but committee chairman Jerry Nadler instead smply asked Ayer to conclude.Democratic congressman Hank Johnson then called on the sergeant-at-arms to remove Gohmert from the hearing room, but committee chairman Jerry Nadler instead smply asked Ayer to conclude.
“If there are no rules about when people can talk, there’s no rules about when you can make noise,” Gohmert said.“If there are no rules about when people can talk, there’s no rules about when you can make noise,” Gohmert said.
After Ayer wrapped up, Republican congressman Doug Collins jumped into the fray to accuse Nadler of “arbitrarily deciding when the five-minute rule will apply.”After Ayer wrapped up, Republican congressman Doug Collins jumped into the fray to accuse Nadler of “arbitrarily deciding when the five-minute rule will apply.”
The whole scene was reminiscent of the divisive hearings during the House impeachment inquiry, when Republican members repeatedly tried to used procedural motions to derail the proceedings.The whole scene was reminiscent of the divisive hearings during the House impeachment inquiry, when Republican members repeatedly tried to used procedural motions to derail the proceedings.
Democratic senator Mark Warner criticized Trump for winding down federal funding for 13 coronavirus testing sites, even as many states report increases in new cases.Democratic senator Mark Warner criticized Trump for winding down federal funding for 13 coronavirus testing sites, even as many states report increases in new cases.
“When the President said ‘slow down the testing,’ he meant it,” the Virginia Democrat said in a tweet. “This is absolutely insane.”“When the President said ‘slow down the testing,’ he meant it,” the Virginia Democrat said in a tweet. “This is absolutely insane.”
Trump said over the weekend that he had asked administration officials to slow down coronavirus testing because it was revealing too many new cases.Trump said over the weekend that he had asked administration officials to slow down coronavirus testing because it was revealing too many new cases.
Some of Trump’s advisers were quick to claim the comment, made during the president’s Tulsa rally, was a joke. Asked yesterday if he was kidding about slowing down testing, Trump told reporters, “I don’t kid.”Some of Trump’s advisers were quick to claim the comment, made during the president’s Tulsa rally, was a joke. Asked yesterday if he was kidding about slowing down testing, Trump told reporters, “I don’t kid.”
The Trump administration is winding down federal funding and support for more than a dozen coronavirus testing sites, including in states that are seeing a surge in new cases, according to reports.The Trump administration is winding down federal funding and support for more than a dozen coronavirus testing sites, including in states that are seeing a surge in new cases, according to reports.
The Trump administration is ending funding and support for 13 testing sites in states including Texas this month, local officials told Talking Points Memo.The Trump administration is ending funding and support for 13 testing sites in states including Texas this month, local officials told Talking Points Memo.
The federal funding had been expected to come to an end, but a Dallas official said the city had requested an extension due to a surge in new cases and was refused.The federal funding had been expected to come to an end, but a Dallas official said the city had requested an extension due to a surge in new cases and was refused.
Rocky Vaz, the director of emergency management for the city of Dallas, told TPM, “Cases are continuing to rise in Dallas County, and we want to continue with the testing. ... We are not expecting it to continue beyond June 30, but things change.”Rocky Vaz, the director of emergency management for the city of Dallas, told TPM, “Cases are continuing to rise in Dallas County, and we want to continue with the testing. ... We are not expecting it to continue beyond June 30, but things change.”
The decision will almost certain attract intense scrutiny, considering Trump claimed over the weekend that he had asked his administration to slow down coronavirus testing in order to report a lower number of new cases.The decision will almost certain attract intense scrutiny, considering Trump claimed over the weekend that he had asked his administration to slow down coronavirus testing in order to report a lower number of new cases.
Here’s where the day stands so far:Here’s where the day stands so far:
A Senate procedural vote on the Republican police reform bill failed. Senate Democrats successfully filibustered the bill after complaining that the legislation did not go far enough to address police brutality. Considering Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell has already said the Democratic bill is a non-starter, Congress appears to be at a standstill on police reform.A Senate procedural vote on the Republican police reform bill failed. Senate Democrats successfully filibustered the bill after complaining that the legislation did not go far enough to address police brutality. Considering Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell has already said the Democratic bill is a non-starter, Congress appears to be at a standstill on police reform.
The governors of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut announced new coronavirus travel restrictions. Starting at midnight tonight, anyone traveling to the three states from a state with a high level of community spread of coronavirus will have to quarantine for 14 days.The governors of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut announced new coronavirus travel restrictions. Starting at midnight tonight, anyone traveling to the three states from a state with a high level of community spread of coronavirus will have to quarantine for 14 days.
A federal appeals court ordered a judge to dismiss the criminal charges against Michael Flynn. A three-judge panel of the DC circuit court of appeals issued a 2-1 decision overruling judge Emmet Sullivan and ordering him to dismiss the criminal charges against Flynn, Trump’s former national security adviser. The ruling comes a month after the justice department filed a motion to dismiss the case, prompting allegations of political bias.A federal appeals court ordered a judge to dismiss the criminal charges against Michael Flynn. A three-judge panel of the DC circuit court of appeals issued a 2-1 decision overruling judge Emmet Sullivan and ordering him to dismiss the criminal charges against Flynn, Trump’s former national security adviser. The ruling comes a month after the justice department filed a motion to dismiss the case, prompting allegations of political bias.
The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
In a press conference after the Republican police reform bill failed to advance, Senate Democrats urged their supporters to keep up the fight for change.In a press conference after the Republican police reform bill failed to advance, Senate Democrats urged their supporters to keep up the fight for change.
“This does not mark the end of the road,” Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer told reporters.“This does not mark the end of the road,” Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer told reporters.
Senator Cory Booker, who helped craft the Democratic police reform bill, specifically addressed supporters, saying, “Stay at it. ... Let’s keep pushing.”Senator Cory Booker, who helped craft the Democratic police reform bill, specifically addressed supporters, saying, “Stay at it. ... Let’s keep pushing.”
But Republicans were much more pessimistic about the path forward, blaming Democrats for blocking the bill over their complaints that the legislation did not go far enough to address police brutality.But Republicans were much more pessimistic about the path forward, blaming Democrats for blocking the bill over their complaints that the legislation did not go far enough to address police brutality.
“I hope that the American people see how the Democrats blocked solutions from coming to their communities for the sake of partisan politics,” said Republican senator Tim Scott, who led the group in charge of crafting the bill.“I hope that the American people see how the Democrats blocked solutions from coming to their communities for the sake of partisan politics,” said Republican senator Tim Scott, who led the group in charge of crafting the bill.
Republican senator Lindsey Graham added, “All I can say is, I don’t see a way forward.”Republican senator Lindsey Graham added, “All I can say is, I don’t see a way forward.”
As expected, the procedural vote on Republican senator Tim Scott’s police reform bill has failed.As expected, the procedural vote on Republican senator Tim Scott’s police reform bill has failed.
Republicans needed 60 “yea” votes for the Scott bill to be taken up for debate, but Democrats successfully blocked the legislation from advancing.Republicans needed 60 “yea” votes for the Scott bill to be taken up for debate, but Democrats successfully blocked the legislation from advancing.
The motion failed in a vote of 55-45, with only three Democratic senators -- Joe Manchin, Doug Jones and Angus King -- supporting advancing the legislation.The motion failed in a vote of 55-45, with only three Democratic senators -- Joe Manchin, Doug Jones and Angus King -- supporting advancing the legislation.
The vote leaves the Senate’s path forward on police reform very unclear. Majority leader Mitch McConnell has said House Democrats’ police reform bill, which is expected to pass, is a non-starter in the Senate, and minority leader Chuck Schumer has said the Scott bill is “not salvageable.”The vote leaves the Senate’s path forward on police reform very unclear. Majority leader Mitch McConnell has said House Democrats’ police reform bill, which is expected to pass, is a non-starter in the Senate, and minority leader Chuck Schumer has said the Scott bill is “not salvageable.”
McConnell switched his vote from “yea” to “nay” in order to allow the bill to be taken up again if something changes, but it appears increasingly likely that police reform will not pass Congress.McConnell switched his vote from “yea” to “nay” in order to allow the bill to be taken up again if something changes, but it appears increasingly likely that police reform will not pass Congress.
The justice department has announced the attorney general will testify before the House judiciary commitee next month.The justice department has announced the attorney general will testify before the House judiciary commitee next month.
A spokesperson for the department, Kerri Kupec, said William Barr would appear before the panel for a general oversight hearing on July 28.A spokesperson for the department, Kerri Kupec, said William Barr would appear before the panel for a general oversight hearing on July 28.
House judiciary committee chairman Jerry Nadler said on Monday that he was in the process of issuing a subpoena to compel Barr to testify on July 2, but the attorney general was expected to ignore that subpoena.House judiciary committee chairman Jerry Nadler said on Monday that he was in the process of issuing a subpoena to compel Barr to testify on July 2, but the attorney general was expected to ignore that subpoena.
Nadler’s announcement came two days after Trump fired Geoffrey Berman, the US attorney for the southern district of New York, prompting outcry from Democrats.Nadler’s announcement came two days after Trump fired Geoffrey Berman, the US attorney for the southern district of New York, prompting outcry from Democrats.
Barr will almost certainly face questions about Berman’s firing, as well as his role in the forceful removal of peaceful protesters near the White House earlier this month, when he testifies.Barr will almost certainly face questions about Berman’s firing, as well as his role in the forceful removal of peaceful protesters near the White House earlier this month, when he testifies.
The attorney general was originally scheduled to testify before the panel in March, but the hearing was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic.The attorney general was originally scheduled to testify before the panel in March, but the hearing was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Senate has just voted to confirm Cory Wilson to the US court of appeals for the fifth circuit, marking Trump’s 200th judicial confirmation since taking office.The Senate has just voted to confirm Cory Wilson to the US court of appeals for the fifth circuit, marking Trump’s 200th judicial confirmation since taking office.
The 52-48 vote, which fell largely along party lines, is a victory for Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell, who has made confirming conservative judges a key focus of his tenure.The 52-48 vote, which fell largely along party lines, is a victory for Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell, who has made confirming conservative judges a key focus of his tenure.
The Washington Post has more on the confirmation:The Washington Post has more on the confirmation:
In Mississippi, a top health official is warning that state residents should be prepared for the hospital system to be overrun this fall because of coronavirus.In Mississippi, a top health official is warning that state residents should be prepared for the hospital system to be overrun this fall because of coronavirus.
State health officer Dr Thomas Dobbs told the Jackson Free Press that officials are preparing for “an absolute disaster coming into the fall.”State health officer Dr Thomas Dobbs told the Jackson Free Press that officials are preparing for “an absolute disaster coming into the fall.”
Dobbs expressed exasperation that state residents are largely abandoning the social distancing recommendations issued by the state.Dobbs expressed exasperation that state residents are largely abandoning the social distancing recommendations issued by the state.
“Prepare for not being able to get into the hospital if you have a car wreck, (to) have a heart attack and there not be a ventilator to put you on,” Dobbs said.“Prepare for not being able to get into the hospital if you have a car wreck, (to) have a heart attack and there not be a ventilator to put you on,” Dobbs said.
Mississippi has already lost nearly 1,000 residents to the virus, and doctors in the state have warned the number of new coronavirus cases could quickly overwhelm intensive care units.Mississippi has already lost nearly 1,000 residents to the virus, and doctors in the state have warned the number of new coronavirus cases could quickly overwhelm intensive care units.
The new restrictions for those traveling to New York, New Jersey and Connecticut come a day after the country reported its highest single-day number of new coronavirus cases in two months.The new restrictions for those traveling to New York, New Jersey and Connecticut come a day after the country reported its highest single-day number of new coronavirus cases in two months.
Seven US states -- Arizona, Arkansas, California, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas -- also reported record-high levels of coronavirus hospitalizations yesterday.Seven US states -- Arizona, Arkansas, California, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas -- also reported record-high levels of coronavirus hospitalizations yesterday.
And Florida has just announced it hit a new record for the number of new coronavirus cases in a single day, with more than 5,500 new cases confirmed.And Florida has just announced it hit a new record for the number of new coronavirus cases in a single day, with more than 5,500 new cases confirmed.
Those traveling to New York, New Jersey or Connecticut from Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Washington, Utah and Texas will be required to quarantine for 14 days.Those traveling to New York, New Jersey or Connecticut from Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Washington, Utah and Texas will be required to quarantine for 14 days.
“This is a smart thing to do,” New Jersey governor Phil Murphy said of the new policy, noting how much the three states have already suffered because of the virus. “The last thing we need to do is subject our folks to another round.”“This is a smart thing to do,” New Jersey governor Phil Murphy said of the new policy, noting how much the three states have already suffered because of the virus. “The last thing we need to do is subject our folks to another round.”
Connecticut governor Ned Lamont added, “We reluctantly came to the decision that this is what we need to do.”Connecticut governor Ned Lamont added, “We reluctantly came to the decision that this is what we need to do.”
The policy marks quite the reversal from New York governor Andrew Cuomo, who previously threatened to sue Rhode Island over an executive order requiring those traveling from New York to quarantine. The order was rescinded after Cuomo issued the threat.The policy marks quite the reversal from New York governor Andrew Cuomo, who previously threatened to sue Rhode Island over an executive order requiring those traveling from New York to quarantine. The order was rescinded after Cuomo issued the threat.
The governors of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut have announced they are enforcing new restrictions on those traveling from states with high levels of community spread of coronavirus.The governors of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut have announced they are enforcing new restrictions on those traveling from states with high levels of community spread of coronavirus.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo said starting at midnight tonight, anyone traveling from a state with a high level of community spread would have to quarantine for 14 days.New York governor Andrew Cuomo said starting at midnight tonight, anyone traveling from a state with a high level of community spread would have to quarantine for 14 days.
“A lot of people come into the region, and they could, literally, bring the infection with them,” Cuomo said at a briefing alongside Connecticut governor Ned Lamont and New Jersey governor Phil Murphy.“A lot of people come into the region, and they could, literally, bring the infection with them,” Cuomo said at a briefing alongside Connecticut governor Ned Lamont and New Jersey governor Phil Murphy.
“I think it’s right, and I think it’s smart, and I’m glad we’re doing it together,” Cuomo added.“I think it’s right, and I think it’s smart, and I’m glad we’re doing it together,” Cuomo added.
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany celebrated today’s ruling in Michael Flynn’s case as a “victory for justice and truth.”White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany celebrated today’s ruling in Michael Flynn’s case as a “victory for justice and truth.”
“All Americans are entitled to equal justice under the law and due process,” McEnany said in a tweet. “No American should ever be unjustly targeted by their government.”“All Americans are entitled to equal justice under the law and due process,” McEnany said in a tweet. “No American should ever be unjustly targeted by their government.”
As the blog has noted, Flynn pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI, and the former national security adviser then cooperated with special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation to receive a more lenient sentence.As the blog has noted, Flynn pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI, and the former national security adviser then cooperated with special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation to receive a more lenient sentence.
An appeals court issued a ruling today ordering judge Emmet Sullivan to dismiss the criminal charges against Flynn, as the justice department has requested.An appeals court issued a ruling today ordering judge Emmet Sullivan to dismiss the criminal charges against Flynn, as the justice department has requested.
House speaker Nancy Pelosi said she would not apologize for saying Senate Republicans are “trying to get away with murder” with their police reform bill, which now seems unlikely to advance.House speaker Nancy Pelosi said she would not apologize for saying Senate Republicans are “trying to get away with murder” with their police reform bill, which now seems unlikely to advance.
“Absolutely, positively not,” Pelosi told NBC News’ Peter Alexander when he asked if she intended to apologize.“Absolutely, positively not,” Pelosi told NBC News’ Peter Alexander when he asked if she intended to apologize.
“The fact is -- I think you in the press have given them far too much credit for a bill that does nothing. You’re saying, you have their bill, they have theirs. Their bill does nothing.”“The fact is -- I think you in the press have given them far too much credit for a bill that does nothing. You’re saying, you have their bill, they have theirs. Their bill does nothing.”
Pelosi told CBS News Radio yesterday that Republican senators were “trying to get away with murder, actually -- the murder of George Floyd” with their police reform bill.Pelosi told CBS News Radio yesterday that Republican senators were “trying to get away with murder, actually -- the murder of George Floyd” with their police reform bill.
While House Democrats’ bill explicitly bans police chokeholds, like the one that killed Floyd, the Republican bill incentivizes police departments to ban the practice by withholding federal funds.While House Democrats’ bill explicitly bans police chokeholds, like the one that killed Floyd, the Republican bill incentivizes police departments to ban the practice by withholding federal funds.
Senate Republicans called on Pelosi to apologize to senator Tim Scott, who crafted the Republican bill, after her comments were published.Senate Republicans called on Pelosi to apologize to senator Tim Scott, who crafted the Republican bill, after her comments were published.