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House approves anti-Asian hate crimes bill, sending it to Biden’s desk – live House approves anti-Asian hate crimes bill, sending it to Biden’s desk – live
(32 minutes later)
Legislation would create a justice department point person to review hate crimes targeting Asian Americans – follow liveLegislation would create a justice department point person to review hate crimes targeting Asian Americans – follow live
Katie Porter, a Democratic representative of California, is getting praised for her takedown of AbbVie CEO Richard Gonzalez.
Porter, using her signature whiteboard, demonstrated that the pharmaceutical company spends much more on marketing, litigation, stock buybacks and dividends than it does on research and development.
“The Big Pharma fairytale is one of groundbreaking R&D that justifies astronomical prices, but the pharma reality is that you spent most of your company’s money-making money for yourself and your shareholders,” she said. “You’re feeding us lies that we must pay astronomical prices to get innovative products.”
AbbVie repeatedly raised the cost of its anti-inflammatory drug Humira – justifying the increases to lawmakers by saying the company needed more funding to invest in research and innovation. The company decreased the price of Humira in other countries even as it increased prices in the US.
Progressive lawmakers and supporters online have applauded her grilling of the phrama CEO. “If Katie Porter is chatting with you and whips out her white board, YOU KNOW WHAT YOU DID!” wrote writer Roxane Gay, on Twitter.
The group Stop AAPI Hate said the Covid-19 Hate Crimes Act was a positive in that it recognizes the “devastating impact of the pandemic-related racism and discrimination”, but lamented that it centers a law enforcement approach over community-led reform.
However, the group said in a statement: “because the act centers criminal law enforcement agencies in its solutions, it will not address the overwhelming majority of incidents reported to our site which are not hate crimes, but serious hate incidents”.
The act’s commitment to invest in community-centered solutions is good, Stop AAPI Hate said. But the group urged lawmakers to direct more funding toward community safety programs, mental health services, ethnic studies programs and education.
The AAPI Victory Alliance has applauded the House’s passage of the Covid-19 Hate Crimes Act.The AAPI Victory Alliance has applauded the House’s passage of the Covid-19 Hate Crimes Act.
“Ending Asian hate should never be a partisan issue. Passing this bill is just the first step in a long process for AAPI’s and communities of color to have the equity and opportunities we deserve,” said executive director Varun Nikore.“Ending Asian hate should never be a partisan issue. Passing this bill is just the first step in a long process for AAPI’s and communities of color to have the equity and opportunities we deserve,” said executive director Varun Nikore.
But, he said: “Still, 62 House Republicans voted against this common-sense piece of legislation. To those 62 members, the AAPI Victory Alliance says to watch your back.”But, he said: “Still, 62 House Republicans voted against this common-sense piece of legislation. To those 62 members, the AAPI Victory Alliance says to watch your back.”
The FBI is investigating whether a defense contractor illegally contributed $150,000 to a super PAC supporting Republican senator Susan Collins’ reelection campaign, Axios reports.The FBI is investigating whether a defense contractor illegally contributed $150,000 to a super PAC supporting Republican senator Susan Collins’ reelection campaign, Axios reports.
Per Axios:Per Axios:
The unsealed warrant reviewed by Axios indicates prosecutors believe that Kao funneled money to the PAC via an LLC called Society for Young Women Scientists and Engineers. The CEO also reimbursed family members who donated to Collins’ campaign, prosecutors said.The unsealed warrant reviewed by Axios indicates prosecutors believe that Kao funneled money to the PAC via an LLC called Society for Young Women Scientists and Engineers. The CEO also reimbursed family members who donated to Collins’ campaign, prosecutors said.
Read more on Axios.Read more on Axios.
Collins, a moderate Republican of Maine, was one of seven Republicans who voted to convict Donald Trump in the former president’s second impeachment trial. Her stance on holding Trump accountable for inciting the deadly 6 January attack on the US capitol has earned her the ire of Republicans in Congress and in her home state.Collins, a moderate Republican of Maine, was one of seven Republicans who voted to convict Donald Trump in the former president’s second impeachment trial. Her stance on holding Trump accountable for inciting the deadly 6 January attack on the US capitol has earned her the ire of Republicans in Congress and in her home state.
She won reelection in 2020 by 9 points.She won reelection in 2020 by 9 points.
Nancy Pelosi has called for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.Nancy Pelosi has called for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
“There must be a serious effort on the part of both parties to end the violence and respect the rights of both the Israeli and Palestinian people,” she said, after reiterating the US’ support for Israel. “It is with respect for Israeli and Palestinian lives that leaders must strive for peace through a negotiated two-state solution.”“There must be a serious effort on the part of both parties to end the violence and respect the rights of both the Israeli and Palestinian people,” she said, after reiterating the US’ support for Israel. “It is with respect for Israeli and Palestinian lives that leaders must strive for peace through a negotiated two-state solution.”
Pelosi’s statement is in line with Joe Biden’s stance – but the House Leader and president have drawn criticism from progressive lawmakers and activists for their meek stance, as the death toll from Israeli airstrikes ticks up. More than 200 people, including children, have been killed by Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza strip.Pelosi’s statement is in line with Joe Biden’s stance – but the House Leader and president have drawn criticism from progressive lawmakers and activists for their meek stance, as the death toll from Israeli airstrikes ticks up. More than 200 people, including children, have been killed by Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza strip.
“Hamas exploited a volatile situation to initiate hostilities against Israel, launching more than 3,000 rockets, and as always, Israel has a right to defend herself,” Pelosi said.“Hamas exploited a volatile situation to initiate hostilities against Israel, launching more than 3,000 rockets, and as always, Israel has a right to defend herself,” Pelosi said.
Hamas attacks have killed 10.Hamas attacks have killed 10.
Rashida Tlaib, a Democratic congresswoman of Michigan, has criticized Biden and his administration for blocking efforts toward a consensus UN security council resolution.Rashida Tlaib, a Democratic congresswoman of Michigan, has criticized Biden and his administration for blocking efforts toward a consensus UN security council resolution.
“If you support a ceasefire, then get out of the way of the UN Security Council and join other countries in demanding it,” she said on Twitter. “Apartheid-in-chief Netanyahu will not listen to anyone asking nicely. He commits war crimes and openly violates international law.”“If you support a ceasefire, then get out of the way of the UN Security Council and join other countries in demanding it,” she said on Twitter. “Apartheid-in-chief Netanyahu will not listen to anyone asking nicely. He commits war crimes and openly violates international law.”
When Brian Muhammad, a program manager at a gun violence prevention group in California, asked a 16-year-old boy in 2018 how young people were getting guns, he assumed the answer would be Nevada, the neighboring state with looser gun laws.When Brian Muhammad, a program manager at a gun violence prevention group in California, asked a 16-year-old boy in 2018 how young people were getting guns, he assumed the answer would be Nevada, the neighboring state with looser gun laws.
“Who would waste time going to Nevada when you can just get them in the mail and put it together?” the Stockton teen nonchalantly replied.“Who would waste time going to Nevada when you can just get them in the mail and put it together?” the Stockton teen nonchalantly replied.
Three years later, homemade weapons known as “ghost guns” have risen to the top of the Biden administration’s policy agenda. When Joe Biden announced executive actions targeting gun violence after the mass shootings in Georgia, California and Colorado, they included steps to regulate the sale of the devices – the first time the federal government took up such efforts.Three years later, homemade weapons known as “ghost guns” have risen to the top of the Biden administration’s policy agenda. When Joe Biden announced executive actions targeting gun violence after the mass shootings in Georgia, California and Colorado, they included steps to regulate the sale of the devices – the first time the federal government took up such efforts.
Warnings about do-it-yourself guns have steadily grown in recent years, spurred by ominous news stories describing the weapons’ use in a slew of mass shootings, domestic terrorism cases and gun trafficking busts. In California alone, homemade guns were used in a 2013 mass shooting in Santa Monica, a 2014 bank robbery in Stockton and a shooting spree in rural Tehama county that killed six in 2017. In 2019, a 16 year old killed two students and injured three others before killing himself with a ghost gun at a school in Santa Clarita. The next year, as protests over police violence filled city streets, Steven Carrillo used a homemade machine gun to shoot two security guards at a federal building in Oakland and a sheriff’s deputy in an ambush in Santa Cruz.Warnings about do-it-yourself guns have steadily grown in recent years, spurred by ominous news stories describing the weapons’ use in a slew of mass shootings, domestic terrorism cases and gun trafficking busts. In California alone, homemade guns were used in a 2013 mass shooting in Santa Monica, a 2014 bank robbery in Stockton and a shooting spree in rural Tehama county that killed six in 2017. In 2019, a 16 year old killed two students and injured three others before killing himself with a ghost gun at a school in Santa Clarita. The next year, as protests over police violence filled city streets, Steven Carrillo used a homemade machine gun to shoot two security guards at a federal building in Oakland and a sheriff’s deputy in an ambush in Santa Cruz.
But as the role of ghost guns in high profile criminal cases has grown, community violence reduction workers warn of the less visible toll ghost guns are taking : ghost guns, they say, have become a hot commodity in many vulnerable communities, a trend that has only intensified during the pandemic.But as the role of ghost guns in high profile criminal cases has grown, community violence reduction workers warn of the less visible toll ghost guns are taking : ghost guns, they say, have become a hot commodity in many vulnerable communities, a trend that has only intensified during the pandemic.
The ease with which these guns can be ordered and constructed, their low cost and the difficulties in tracing them have made them readily available in many California cities, the organizers say. Their rapid spread, combined with Covid-19 limitations to the in-person contact so many violence interrupters rely on, have created a dangerous combination that is contributing to the surge in gun deaths that began last year.The ease with which these guns can be ordered and constructed, their low cost and the difficulties in tracing them have made them readily available in many California cities, the organizers say. Their rapid spread, combined with Covid-19 limitations to the in-person contact so many violence interrupters rely on, have created a dangerous combination that is contributing to the surge in gun deaths that began last year.
“We have people buying guns on the street at a faster pace. We can’t keep up with the number of guns especially when they may be more accessible than social services for some,” said Muhammad, of the Advance Peace program, a gun violence prevention organization“We have people buying guns on the street at a faster pace. We can’t keep up with the number of guns especially when they may be more accessible than social services for some,” said Muhammad, of the Advance Peace program, a gun violence prevention organization
Read more:Read more:
That’s it from me today. My west coast colleague, Maanvi Singh, will take over the blog for the next few hours.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:Here’s where the day stands so far:
Joe Biden criticized the Trump administration’s handling of infrastructure during a tour of a Ford electric car plant in Dearborn, Michigan. “They announced infrastructure week,” Biden said of the Trump administration. “And they announced it, and announced it, and announced it, and announced it. Every week for four years, didn’t do a damn thing.” The president demanded that Congress take action to advance his $2.3tr American Jobs Plan, which includes a major investment in the electric car sector.Joe Biden criticized the Trump administration’s handling of infrastructure during a tour of a Ford electric car plant in Dearborn, Michigan. “They announced infrastructure week,” Biden said of the Trump administration. “And they announced it, and announced it, and announced it, and announced it. Every week for four years, didn’t do a damn thing.” The president demanded that Congress take action to advance his $2.3tr American Jobs Plan, which includes a major investment in the electric car sector.
Biden was greeted in Michigan with a series of pro-Palestinian demonstrations, as protesters criticized his administration’s response to the attacks launched by Israeli forces and Hamas in Gaza. More than 200 people, most of them Palestinian, have already died in the violence.Biden was greeted in Michigan with a series of pro-Palestinian demonstrations, as protesters criticized his administration’s response to the attacks launched by Israeli forces and Hamas in Gaza. More than 200 people, most of them Palestinian, have already died in the violence.
House minority leader Kevin McCarthy said he will oppose the bipartisan bill to form a September 11-style commission to study the Capitol insurrection. Republican congressman John Katko negotiated the bill and helped secure many of the party’s demands for the legislation, but McCarthy claimed the proposal was still insufficient. The bill is expected to pass the Democratic-controlled House tomorrow, but its fate in the evenly divided Senate remains unclear.House minority leader Kevin McCarthy said he will oppose the bipartisan bill to form a September 11-style commission to study the Capitol insurrection. Republican congressman John Katko negotiated the bill and helped secure many of the party’s demands for the legislation, but McCarthy claimed the proposal was still insufficient. The bill is expected to pass the Democratic-controlled House tomorrow, but its fate in the evenly divided Senate remains unclear.
The House passed the anti-Asian American hate crimes bill in a vote of 364-62. The legislation, which would create a justice department point person to expedite the review of coronavirus-related hate crimes targeting Asian Americans, already passed the Senate and will now head to Biden’s desk. The White House has said the president plans to sign the bill later this week.The House passed the anti-Asian American hate crimes bill in a vote of 364-62. The legislation, which would create a justice department point person to expedite the review of coronavirus-related hate crimes targeting Asian Americans, already passed the Senate and will now head to Biden’s desk. The White House has said the president plans to sign the bill later this week.
A North Carolina district attorney said sheriff’s deputies were justified in their fatal shooting of Andrew Brown Jr, a Black man. District attorney Andrew Womble said the deputies had to fire at Brown because he tried to drive his car at one of the officers. However, lawyers for Brown’s family have claimed the car was stationary when the deputies started shooting. Brown’s death last month sparked protests in North Carolina.A North Carolina district attorney said sheriff’s deputies were justified in their fatal shooting of Andrew Brown Jr, a Black man. District attorney Andrew Womble said the deputies had to fire at Brown because he tried to drive his car at one of the officers. However, lawyers for Brown’s family have claimed the car was stationary when the deputies started shooting. Brown’s death last month sparked protests in North Carolina.
Maanvi will have more coming up, so stay tuned.Maanvi will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
The House has just approved the anti-Asian American hate crimes bill that passed the Senate last month.The House has just approved the anti-Asian American hate crimes bill that passed the Senate last month.
The House approved the bill in a vote of 364-62, with all the opposing votes coming from Republicans. When the Senate passed the bill last month, only one Republican -- Josh Hawley of Missouri -- voted against the bill.The House approved the bill in a vote of 364-62, with all the opposing votes coming from Republicans. When the Senate passed the bill last month, only one Republican -- Josh Hawley of Missouri -- voted against the bill.
The bill will create a point person at the justice department to expedite the review of coronavirus-related hate crimes targeting Asian Americans and will direct federal agencies to work with community groups to raise awareness of such crimes.The bill will create a point person at the justice department to expedite the review of coronavirus-related hate crimes targeting Asian Americans and will direct federal agencies to work with community groups to raise awareness of such crimes.
The legislation was introduced following a spike in reported hate incidents against Asian Americans across the country. The text of the bill also notes that six of the eight victims in the Atlanta spa shootings were Asian women.The legislation was introduced following a spike in reported hate incidents against Asian Americans across the country. The text of the bill also notes that six of the eight victims in the Atlanta spa shootings were Asian women.
The bill’s passage in the House sends it to Joe Biden’s desk, and the White House press secretary, Jen Psaki, has already said the president will sign it later this week.The bill’s passage in the House sends it to Joe Biden’s desk, and the White House press secretary, Jen Psaki, has already said the president will sign it later this week.
The Guardian’s Daniel Strauss reports from Dearborn, Michigan:The Guardian’s Daniel Strauss reports from Dearborn, Michigan:
At one of the protests outside a police station here, hundreds gathered to decry the brutal treatment of Palestinians as Israeli forces and Hamas continue to exchange attacks in Gaza.At one of the protests outside a police station here, hundreds gathered to decry the brutal treatment of Palestinians as Israeli forces and Hamas continue to exchange attacks in Gaza.
Some of the attendees blamed Joe Biden himself and cited the weapons sales that his administration has approved to Israel.Some of the attendees blamed Joe Biden himself and cited the weapons sales that his administration has approved to Israel.
“We are a loving, welcoming people, but you are not welcome in Dearborn today,” Amer Zahr, president of the New Generation of Palestine group, said of Biden.“We are a loving, welcoming people, but you are not welcome in Dearborn today,” Amer Zahr, president of the New Generation of Palestine group, said of Biden.
Attendees waved Palestinian flags and brought signs, some of which called out Biden while others argued for better treatment of Palestinians.Attendees waved Palestinian flags and brought signs, some of which called out Biden while others argued for better treatment of Palestinians.
“I’m here to protest against the Israeli apartheid that’s happening currently, in Sheikh Jarrah, Gaza, Lid, and all over the West Bank. And Palestinians are being occupied and bombed, especially in Gaza right now,” said Zeyna Salloum, 37.“I’m here to protest against the Israeli apartheid that’s happening currently, in Sheikh Jarrah, Gaza, Lid, and all over the West Bank. And Palestinians are being occupied and bombed, especially in Gaza right now,” said Zeyna Salloum, 37.
Salloum said the demonstrations were meant to make Biden “hear our voices” and pressure him to “cut the funding that is happening right now”.Salloum said the demonstrations were meant to make Biden “hear our voices” and pressure him to “cut the funding that is happening right now”.
Salloum brought a sign that said Biden is a war criminal. “He’s supporting the bombing of civilians with American money,” she said.Salloum brought a sign that said Biden is a war criminal. “He’s supporting the bombing of civilians with American money,” she said.
The protest, which was one of multiple gatherings that happened as Biden toured the Ford plant, came a day after the US president expressed support for a ceasefire in Gaza during a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. But progressives criticized Biden for not demanding an immediate end to the violence.The protest, which was one of multiple gatherings that happened as Biden toured the Ford plant, came a day after the US president expressed support for a ceasefire in Gaza during a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. But progressives criticized Biden for not demanding an immediate end to the violence.
The Guardian’s Daniel Strauss reports from Dearborn, Michigan:The Guardian’s Daniel Strauss reports from Dearborn, Michigan:
As Joe Biden toured a Ford Motor Company facility to highlight his push for more electric vehicles on the road, protests erupted in parts of Michigan over the escalating violence in Gaza.As Joe Biden toured a Ford Motor Company facility to highlight his push for more electric vehicles on the road, protests erupted in parts of Michigan over the escalating violence in Gaza.
Biden toured Ford Motor Company Rouge Electric Vehicle Center on Tuesday to tout part of his American Jobs Plan that incentivizes Americans to use electric vehicles and proposes building a national network of charging stations.Biden toured Ford Motor Company Rouge Electric Vehicle Center on Tuesday to tout part of his American Jobs Plan that incentivizes Americans to use electric vehicles and proposes building a national network of charging stations.
Biden’s visit to the Ford plant here in Dearborn, Michigan, was no coincidence. The state and region have deep roots in the American auto industry and would be one of the primary locations for production of a new era of electric vehicles. Biden’s visit came ahead of Ford rolling out an electric version of its F-150 pickup truck, one of the company’s most iconic products.Biden’s visit to the Ford plant here in Dearborn, Michigan, was no coincidence. The state and region have deep roots in the American auto industry and would be one of the primary locations for production of a new era of electric vehicles. Biden’s visit came ahead of Ford rolling out an electric version of its F-150 pickup truck, one of the company’s most iconic products.
“I just got a tour of a groundbreaking electric vehicle center here alongside UAW workers,” Biden said at the Rouge center. “They showed me the technology they’re using to build the fully electric F150. … The future of the auto industry is electric. There’s no turning back.”“I just got a tour of a groundbreaking electric vehicle center here alongside UAW workers,” Biden said at the Rouge center. “They showed me the technology they’re using to build the fully electric F150. … The future of the auto industry is electric. There’s no turning back.”
But Biden’s visit to Michigan tout his domestic priorities came under the shadow of ongoing bombings in Gaza. Ten Israelis and 192 Palestinians have been killed as a result of the fighting.But Biden’s visit to Michigan tout his domestic priorities came under the shadow of ongoing bombings in Gaza. Ten Israelis and 192 Palestinians have been killed as a result of the fighting.
On Monday, the Washington Post reported that in the weeks ahead of the most recent fighting, the Biden administration had quietly approved selling $735m worth of precision-guided weapons to Israel.On Monday, the Washington Post reported that in the weeks ahead of the most recent fighting, the Biden administration had quietly approved selling $735m worth of precision-guided weapons to Israel.
That fact in particular came up repeatedly at the pro-Palestinian protests in Dearborn, which has one of the largest concentrated Arab communities in the country.That fact in particular came up repeatedly at the pro-Palestinian protests in Dearborn, which has one of the largest concentrated Arab communities in the country.
Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer pledged that the bill to establish a commission to study the Capitol insurrection will receive a vote on the Senate floor, despite Republican opposition.Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer pledged that the bill to establish a commission to study the Capitol insurrection will receive a vote on the Senate floor, despite Republican opposition.
“We’ll see what the House vote is like, but I want to be clear: I will put the January 6 commission legislation on the floor of the Senate for a vote. Period,” Schumer told reporters.“We’ll see what the House vote is like, but I want to be clear: I will put the January 6 commission legislation on the floor of the Senate for a vote. Period,” Schumer told reporters.
The Democratic leader’s comments came hours after House minority leader Kevin McCarthy announced he would oppose the bill when it comes up for a vote in the lower chamber tomorrow, even though Republican congressman John Katko helped craft the legislation.The Democratic leader’s comments came hours after House minority leader Kevin McCarthy announced he would oppose the bill when it comes up for a vote in the lower chamber tomorrow, even though Republican congressman John Katko helped craft the legislation.
“It shows how difficult it is to negotiate with Republicans if the Republican leaders are just going to throw their lead negotiators under the bus,” Schumer said of McCarthy’s opposition. “Why do they even participate in negotiations at all?”“It shows how difficult it is to negotiate with Republicans if the Republican leaders are just going to throw their lead negotiators under the bus,” Schumer said of McCarthy’s opposition. “Why do they even participate in negotiations at all?”
It remains unclear whether the bill can make it through the evenly divided Senate, given that it would need to attract the support of at least 10 Republican senators to overcome a filibuster.It remains unclear whether the bill can make it through the evenly divided Senate, given that it would need to attract the support of at least 10 Republican senators to overcome a filibuster.
Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell said today that Republican senators are “undecided” on whether to support the bill.Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell said today that Republican senators are “undecided” on whether to support the bill.
Joe Biden’s expression of support for a ceasefire between Israeli forces and Hamas has not quietened calls from progressive Democrats for more decisive intervention, but may have bought some time with the centre and right of his party.Joe Biden’s expression of support for a ceasefire between Israeli forces and Hamas has not quietened calls from progressive Democrats for more decisive intervention, but may have bought some time with the centre and right of his party.
Biden was left in little doubt about the strength of feeling on the issue on Tuesday when he visited Dearborn, Michigan, home to about 40,000 Arab Americans. The route taken by his motorcade was lined by protesting crowds waving Palestinian flags.Biden was left in little doubt about the strength of feeling on the issue on Tuesday when he visited Dearborn, Michigan, home to about 40,000 Arab Americans. The route taken by his motorcade was lined by protesting crowds waving Palestinian flags.
He was greeted there by the local congresswoman, Rashida Tlaib, who has been one of the sharpest critics within the party of his response to the new surge in bloodshed in the region, and has lambasted his administration for blocking three efforts to produce a consensus UN security council resolution in the past eight days.He was greeted there by the local congresswoman, Rashida Tlaib, who has been one of the sharpest critics within the party of his response to the new surge in bloodshed in the region, and has lambasted his administration for blocking three efforts to produce a consensus UN security council resolution in the past eight days.
Administration officials have said that the White House statement on Monday saying Biden “expressed his support for a ceasefire”, following a phone call with Benjamin Netanyahu did not amount to a demand for a truce but a pledge of support if a truce was agreed.Administration officials have said that the White House statement on Monday saying Biden “expressed his support for a ceasefire”, following a phone call with Benjamin Netanyahu did not amount to a demand for a truce but a pledge of support if a truce was agreed.
But Biden’s language did little to satisfy Democratic progressives, who believe administration policy is conferring impunity on Netanyahu.But Biden’s language did little to satisfy Democratic progressives, who believe administration policy is conferring impunity on Netanyahu.
Ro Khanna, a California congressman, told the Guardian: “It is not enough to express support for a ceasefire. President Biden should make an unequivocal public statement demanding a ceasefire and support the UN resolution calling for one.”Ro Khanna, a California congressman, told the Guardian: “It is not enough to express support for a ceasefire. President Biden should make an unequivocal public statement demanding a ceasefire and support the UN resolution calling for one.”
Joe Biden got the chance to test-drive the all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning after delivering remarks at the Michigan plant where the pick-up truck is manufactured.Joe Biden got the chance to test-drive the all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning after delivering remarks at the Michigan plant where the pick-up truck is manufactured.
White House pool reporters spotted the president behind the wheel as the trucker sped through the Ford testing site near the Dearborn facility.White House pool reporters spotted the president behind the wheel as the trucker sped through the Ford testing site near the Dearborn facility.
“This sucker’s quick,” Biden told reporters as he came to a stop near them.“This sucker’s quick,” Biden told reporters as he came to a stop near them.
The president noted the car can go from 0 to 60 mph in about 4.4 seconds. When Biden asked for clarification on the statistic from a Ford representative, the man said the exact number wasn’t supposed to be public until the official reveal tomorrow, but he laughed that off.The president noted the car can go from 0 to 60 mph in about 4.4 seconds. When Biden asked for clarification on the statistic from a Ford representative, the man said the exact number wasn’t supposed to be public until the official reveal tomorrow, but he laughed that off.
A reporter asked Biden if he could answer a question on Israel while he was stopped. The president replied, “No, you can’t. Not unless you get in front of the car as I step on it. I’m only teasing.”A reporter asked Biden if he could answer a question on Israel while he was stopped. The president replied, “No, you can’t. Not unless you get in front of the car as I step on it. I’m only teasing.”
House speaker Nancy Pelosi criticized minority leader Kevin McCarthy for his refusal to back the 6 January commission bill even though a Republican congressman helped craft it.House speaker Nancy Pelosi criticized minority leader Kevin McCarthy for his refusal to back the 6 January commission bill even though a Republican congressman helped craft it.
“Democrats made repeated efforts to seek a bipartisan compromise. But Leader McCarthy won’t take yes for an answer,” the Democratic speaker said in a statement today.“Democrats made repeated efforts to seek a bipartisan compromise. But Leader McCarthy won’t take yes for an answer,” the Democratic speaker said in a statement today.
“In his February 22 letter, he made three requests to be addressed in Democrats’ discussion draft. Every single one was granted by Democrats, yet he still says no.”“In his February 22 letter, he made three requests to be addressed in Democrats’ discussion draft. Every single one was granted by Democrats, yet he still says no.”
Pelosi added, “The American people expect and deserve the truth about what happened on January 6th in a manner that strengthens our Democracy and ensures that January 6th never happens again.”Pelosi added, “The American people expect and deserve the truth about what happened on January 6th in a manner that strengthens our Democracy and ensures that January 6th never happens again.”
The House is scheduled to vote on the bill tomorrow, and it is expected to pass the Democratic-controlled chamber, but it still faces many hurdles in the Senate.The House is scheduled to vote on the bill tomorrow, and it is expected to pass the Democratic-controlled chamber, but it still faces many hurdles in the Senate.
Back in Washington, Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell said Republicans are “undecided” on whether to support the bipartisan bill to form a September 11-style commission to study the Capitol insurrection.Back in Washington, Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell said Republicans are “undecided” on whether to support the bipartisan bill to form a September 11-style commission to study the Capitol insurrection.
“If it’s gonna go forward, it needs to be clearly balanced and not tilted one way or the other, so we have an objective evaluation,” McConnell said at a press conference on Capitol Hill.“If it’s gonna go forward, it needs to be clearly balanced and not tilted one way or the other, so we have an objective evaluation,” McConnell said at a press conference on Capitol Hill.
“So I think it’s safe for you to report that we are undecided about the way forward at this point. We want to read the fine print, and if the majority leader puts it on the floor, we’ll react accordingly.”“So I think it’s safe for you to report that we are undecided about the way forward at this point. We want to read the fine print, and if the majority leader puts it on the floor, we’ll react accordingly.”
House minority leader Kevin McCarthy announced earlier today that he will oppose the bill, even though Republican congressman John Katko helped negotiate it.House minority leader Kevin McCarthy announced earlier today that he will oppose the bill, even though Republican congressman John Katko helped negotiate it.
The bill is still expected to pass the Democratic-controlled House tomorrow, but it’s unclear whether it can make it through the evenly divided Senate, where Republicans will determine its fate.The bill is still expected to pass the Democratic-controlled House tomorrow, but it’s unclear whether it can make it through the evenly divided Senate, where Republicans will determine its fate.
Joe Biden chatted with employees of the Ford Rouge Electric Vehicle Center after wrapping up his remarks on the need to improve America’s infrastructure.Joe Biden chatted with employees of the Ford Rouge Electric Vehicle Center after wrapping up his remarks on the need to improve America’s infrastructure.
The president could be seen exchanging some laughs and fist bumps with the autoworkers at the plant, which is manufacturing the all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning.The president could be seen exchanging some laughs and fist bumps with the autoworkers at the plant, which is manufacturing the all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning.
Joe Biden concluded his remarks at the Ford plant by emphasizing that inaction is not an option when it comes to improving America’s infrastructure.Joe Biden concluded his remarks at the Ford plant by emphasizing that inaction is not an option when it comes to improving America’s infrastructure.
“The world is not waiting,” Biden said. “The future will be built right here in America.”“The world is not waiting,” Biden said. “The future will be built right here in America.”
The president said that he expects to hear more details about the Republican counterproposal on infrastructure either today or tomorrow.The president said that he expects to hear more details about the Republican counterproposal on infrastructure either today or tomorrow.
Biden has previously indicated he is willing to move forward on parts of his infrastructure plan with or without Republican support.Biden has previously indicated he is willing to move forward on parts of his infrastructure plan with or without Republican support.
He told MSNBC last week, “I want to know what can we agree on, and let’s see if we can get an agreement to kickstart this, and then fight over what’s left, and see if I can get it done without Republicans if need be.”He told MSNBC last week, “I want to know what can we agree on, and let’s see if we can get an agreement to kickstart this, and then fight over what’s left, and see if I can get it done without Republicans if need be.”