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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
That’s it from me today. My west coast colleague, Maanvi Singh, will take over the blog for the next few hours.
Here’s where the day stands so far:
Senate Democrats blocked the Republican police reform bill from advancing. Democratic senators successfully filibustered the Republican legislation, which they criticized as an insufficient response to police brutality. Congress now appears to be at a standstill on police reform, considering Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell has already said House Democrats’ bill is a non-starter.
A grand jury has indicted three men in connection to the killing of Ahmaud Arbery, a 25-year-old black man who was fatally shot while jogging in a Georgia neighborhood. The Cobb county district attorney announced that a grand jury has indicted Travis McMichael, Greg McMichael and William R. Bryan on malice and felony murder charges for the February 23 death of Arbery.
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.
Joe Biden is leading Trump in a series of newly released polls. A New York Times/Siena College national poll showed Biden leading Trump by 14 points, while a Marquette Law School poll of Wisconsin found Biden leading by 8 points in the battleground state. A Quinnipiac poll also showed the two candidates effectively tied in Ohio, which is considered a must-win state for Trump.
Maanvi will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
Trump just concluded his joint press conference with Polish President Andrzej Duda in the Rose Garden.
Before the event concluded, the president was asked about the Republican police reform bill, which was blocked by Senate Democrats today.
Trump said he hoped the legislation would be able to advance and accused Democrats of trying to “weaken the police,” pledging that his administration would not “do anything to hurt our police.”
The president then shifted his focus to monuments, bizarrely claiming activists are now trying to take down statues of Jesus Christ.
“Now they’re looking at Jesus Christ,” Trump said. “They’re looking at George Washington. They’re looking at Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson. Not going to happen, not going to happen. Not as long as I’m here.”
Trump also claimed protesters do not actually understand why they are trying to take down the statues. However, most of the statues that have been targeted in recent days are those representing leaders of the Confederacy, and protesters have repeatedly argued such monuments are a tribute to white supremacy.
The president said he would sign an executive order on protecting monuments later this week, describing the order as “very strong.”
Speaking at his joint press conference with Polish President Andrzej Duda, Trump confirmed he would be drawing down the US troop presence in Germany.Speaking at his joint press conference with Polish President Andrzej Duda, Trump confirmed he would be drawing down the US troop presence in Germany.
The US president told reporters gathered in the Rose Garden that his administration would reduce troop numbers in Germany from 52,000 to 25,000 and would probably then send some of those troops to Poland.The US president told reporters gathered in the Rose Garden that his administration would reduce troop numbers in Germany from 52,000 to 25,000 and would probably then send some of those troops to Poland.
Duda emphasized he was opposed to reducing the US troop presence in Europe, and he said he had made that clear during his meeting with Trump.Duda emphasized he was opposed to reducing the US troop presence in Europe, and he said he had made that clear during his meeting with Trump.
The Polish president cited Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea as an example of the threats European countries face, arguing the US troop presence remained very necessary.The Polish president cited Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea as an example of the threats European countries face, arguing the US troop presence remained very necessary.
Trump then blamed the 2014 annexation of Crimea on “President Obama and Sleepy Joe Biden,” his opponent in the presidential election.Trump then blamed the 2014 annexation of Crimea on “President Obama and Sleepy Joe Biden,” his opponent in the presidential election.
A grand jury has indicted three men on murder charges in connection to the killing of Ahmaud Arbery, who was fatally shot while jogging in a Georgia neighborhood.A grand jury has indicted three men on murder charges in connection to the killing of Ahmaud Arbery, who was fatally shot while jogging in a Georgia neighborhood.
Cobb district attorney Joyette M. Holmes announced that a Glynn county grand jury has indicted Travis McMichael, Greg McMichael and William R. Bryan on malice and felony murder charges in the February 23 death of Arbery. Cobb county district attorney Joyette M. Holmes announced that a grand jury has indicted Travis McMichael, Greg McMichael and William R. Bryan on malice and felony murder charges for the February 23 death of Arbery.
“This is another step forward in seeking justice for Ahmaud. Our team from the Cobb Judicial Circuit has been committed to effectively bringing forward the evidence in this case and today was no exception,” Holmes said in a statement.“This is another step forward in seeking justice for Ahmaud. Our team from the Cobb Judicial Circuit has been committed to effectively bringing forward the evidence in this case and today was no exception,” Holmes said in a statement.
“We will continue to be intentional in the pursuit of justice for this family and the community at large as the prosecution of this case continues.”“We will continue to be intentional in the pursuit of justice for this family and the community at large as the prosecution of this case continues.”
The shooting of Arbery, a 25-year-old black man, by two white men, Travis and Greg McMichael, sparked outrage across the country and inspired protests, which intensified after the police killing of George Floyd.The shooting of Arbery, a 25-year-old black man, by two white men, Travis and Greg McMichael, sparked outrage across the country and inspired protests, which intensified after the police killing of George Floyd.
Trump is now holding a joint press conference with Polish President Andrzej Duda in the Rose Garden.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.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.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.”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.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.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.“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.”“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.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.