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☆ Johnson’s speakership hangs in the balance as ouster threat looms
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-29 | by ( Clare Foran | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —House Speaker Mike Johnson pushed to pass a major foreign aid package over the objections of hardline conservatives. Looming over Johnson as lawmakers come back to Washington is the question of whether he will face a vote over his ouster. A number of conservatives, however, opposed the legislation — and sending further aid to Ukraine in particular. So far, two other House Republicans have publicly backed the effort — Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Paul Gosar of Arizona. Over the recess, Johnson appeared to be trying to quell conservative opposition by highlighting his support for causes and positions that motivate the GOP base.

Persons: Mike Johnson, Johnson, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Johnson “, doesn’t, I’ve, ” Johnson, ” Greene, Kevin McCarthy, Marjorie Taylor Greene gaggles, Greene, Kent Nishimura, Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Paul Gosar, Chip Roy, Texas, @SpeakerJohnson, ” CNN’s Kit Maher, Lauren Fox Organizations: CNN —, Louisiana Republican, Republicans, GOP, ” Republican, CNN, Getty, Columbia University Locations: Louisiana, Ukraine, Israel, Washington, Georgia, Washington ,, Taiwan, Paul Gosar of Arizona, Johnson, Columbia

Right-wing lawmakers are ramping up their threats to remove Speaker Mike Johnson from his role after Johnson’s supporters pushed him to make it harder to oust him from the speakership. The House is finished with floor action for the day, which means that the earliest that Greene could make a motion to oust Johnson would be on Friday. At one point, Johnson was surrounded on the House floor by a number of far-right lawmakers in a heated discussion. Democrats weigh how to proceedThe House Rules Committee is meeting Thursday morning to begin considering the foreign aid bills. One thing that is hanging over discussions is that many Democrats view Johnson as a more honest broker than McCarthy.

Persons: Mike Johnson, Johnson’s, Johnson, Kevin McCarthy, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Greene, “, Matt Gaetz, Derrick Van Orden, Gaetz “ tubby, ”, Van Orden, ” Greene, “ Mike Johnson, CNN’s Manu Raju, “, it’s, Anna Paulina Luna, ’, Luna, Dan Kildee, Pramila, ” Jayapal, Mike Quigley, ” Quigley, Jared Moskowitz, McCarthy, he’s, CNN’s Haley Talbot Organizations: CNN, Louisiana Republican, Georgia Rep, Republicans, Punchbowl News, GOP, Republican, Conservative, House Democratic Caucus, ” Democratic, Democrat, Democratic Locations: Louisiana, Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, Washington, “

Washington CNN —Speaker Mike Johnson announced Wednesday he is sticking with his plan to put a series of foreign aid bills on the floor, including funding for Ukraine, after facing significant pressure from hardliners. The loan structure around aid comes after a meeting and news conference with Johnson and former President Donald Trump, who said in February that the US should stop providing foreign aid unless it is structured as a loan. The speaker has been facing mounting pressure to make tweaks to the foreign aid package proposed earlier this week – and not just from his most right-wing members. Other Republicans also expressed anger and wouldn’t rule out voting against Johnson on procedural motions that could upend the bill. “Let’s just hope that that does not happen, and that we can do our responsibilities, protect and defend our own democracy as we protect theirs,” former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said.

Persons: Mike Johnson, Johnson, ” Johnson, Donald Trump, Nicole Malliotakis, “, Schumer, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Thomas Massie of, Chip Roy, Texas, ”, ” Roy, Matt Gaetz, Hakeem Jeffries, institutionalists, Tom Suozzi, Jared Moskowitz, Johnson –, “ Let’s, Nancy Pelosi Organizations: Washington CNN, Ukraine, Trump, Republican, Senate, GOP, Moderate New York Republican, Wednesday, Biden, Republicans, Conservative, CNN, Firebrand, Democrats, Democratic Locations: Israel, Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, Haiti

☆ Here’s what aid the House would provide Israel, Ukraine
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-17 | by ( Katie Lobosco | Tami Luhby | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —House Republicans released the text of three bills Wednesday that would provide aid for Ukraine, Israel and the Indo-Pacific region, with the latter intended to help deter Chinese aggression in the area. Taken together, the House bills add up to about $95 billion in aid – the same amount the Senate bill included – with an adjustment that $10 billion in Ukraine economic assistance is in the form of a repayable loan, CNN has reported. Nearly $14 billion included in the bill would help Ukraine buy advanced weapons systems and other defense equipment. The Senate bill, by comparison, would provide $14.1 billion in assistance to Israel, including funds for missile defense systems and foreign military financing to help Israel reestablish territorial security and deterrence, and $9.2 billion in humanitarian aid. The Senate bill contained very similar provisions to bolster security in the region.

Persons: Joe Biden, Here’s what’s, Russia –, Israel, CNN’s Lauren Fox, Haley Talbot, Melanie Zanona Organizations: CNN — House Republicans, CNN, House Republicans, Ukraine, Israel, House, Foreign, United Nations Relief, Works Agency, Senate Locations: Ukraine, Israel, Russia, Iran, Taiwan

“I am not resigning,” Johnson told reporters. Massie told Republican colleagues behind closed doors Tuesday morning that he will cosponsor the motion to vacate Johnson from his position. And then I said, ‘Well, you’re the one who’s going to put us into this,’ because the motion is going to get called up. In making his announcement Monday, the Louisiana Republican predicted the House will vote Friday evening on the separate bills. The Senate passed its bill in February – a $95.3 billion foreign aid bill with assistance for Ukraine, Israel and other priorities.

Persons: Mike Johnson, Johnson, Thomas Massie, “, ” Johnson, Massie, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Trent Kelly, Mississippi, it’s, ” Massie, Kevin McCarthy, –, Republicans “, Republican – Greene –, ”, CNN’s Morgan Rimmer Organizations: Republican, Republican Rep, Louisiana Republican, CNN, Democratic, GOP, Republicans, Democrats, Senate, Internal Revenue Service Locations: Ukraine, Israel, Louisiana, Taiwan, Georgia

☆ House Democrats keep options open as effort to oust Johnson grows
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-16 | by ( Lauren Fox | Kristin Wilson | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

He’d let Putin take all of Europe,” Florida Rep. Jared Moskowitz said on CNN after Massie announced Tuesday he’d join Greene in her effort to oust Johnson. “Let’s just hope that that does not happen, and that we can do our responsibilities, protect and defend our own democracy as we protect theirs,” former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said. “If Speaker Johnson wants to talk to Hakeem Jeffries, I think we’d be open to something like that. If only a handful of Republicans vote to oust Johnson, only a handful of Democrats would be needed to step in and help him keep his job. And that is where Democrats would have to decide if they’d help Johnson.

Persons: Mike Johnson, institutionalists, Johnson, Hakeem Jeffries, Kevin McCarthy, Israel, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Thomas Massie, He’d, Putin, Jared Moskowitz, Massie, he’d, Greene, Tom Suozzi, Johnson –, “ Let’s, Nancy Pelosi, “, Johnson’s, Sara Jacobs, ”, Jeffries, hypotheticals, McCarthy, Matt Gaetz, –, Chuck Schumer, ’ –, Alejandro Mayorkas –, wouldn’t, Ann Kuster, Mike Gallagher, they’d, ‘, ’ Jeffries, Gerry Connolly, “ It’s, Rosa DeLauro, We’ve, can’t, “ We’ve, Jamie Raskin, Jim Himes, “ Gerry, ” Himes Organizations: CNN — House, Democratic, Union, ”, CNN, New York Democratic, Republicans, California Democratic, Florida Rep, White, Foreign Intelligence, of Homeland, GOP, ” New Hampshire Democratic, Republican Rep, Louisiana Republican, Republican, Maryland Democratic, House Intelligence Locations: Israel, Europe, ” Florida, California, Ukraine, Louisiana, Haiti, Sudan, Gaza, “, Connecticut

☆ Congressional leaders at odds over Israel aid next steps as conservatives warn Johnson against including Ukraine funding
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-14 | by ( Michelle Shen | Melanie Zanona | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Johnson has vowed to put some sort of Israel aid bill on the floor this week, but said the details are still being finalized. The House previously struggled to pass a standalone Israel aid bill, but Johnson could draw ire from the right if he ties it to Ukraine or puts the Senate bill on the floor. How Congress reached this pointWhile the Senate passed its foreign aid bill in February, Johnson said he never planned to bring the bill to the floor. The House, in turn, tried but failed to pass a standalone package for $17.6 billion in Israel aid amid opposition from both Republicans and Democratic leaders. At a closed caucus meeting prior to the vote, House Democratic leadership made a forceful case against supporting the standalone Israel aid package to members.

Persons: Mike Johnson, We’re, ” Johnson, Maria Bartiromo, Johnson, Warren Davidson, Mitch McConnell —, Donald Trump’s, Trump, Chuck Schumer, “, ”, imploring Johnson, Schumer, McConnell, Republican Sen, Marco Rubio sidestepped, ” Rubio, CNN’s Jake Tapper, ” Democratic Sen, Chris Coons, ” Coons, Tapper, CNN’s Haley Talbot, Lauren Fox, Manu Raju, Aileen Graef, Avery Lotz Organizations: CNN, Congressional, House Republicans, Republican Party, Israel, Fox News, GOP, Senate, Democrat, Republican, Union, ” Democratic, Republicans, Democratic, Freedom Caucus, House Democratic Locations: Israel, Ukraine, Iran, Taiwan, Mar, Lago, Washington, “ State

The House has put a modified surveillance bill on track for final passage as soon as Friday, just days after an earlier version failed to advance in a public rebuke to GOP leadership. The House voted Friday morning to approve the rule governing debate surrounding the modified bill behind Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act reauthorization, a key step before final passage. Greene was seen on the House floor speaking to Johnson, who later told reporters the two spoke about “all sorts of things.”“Marjorie and I agree on our conservative philosophy,” Johnson said. Johnson organized a classified reading room off the House floor for members to view classified information ahead of Friday’s vote, according to a GOP leadership aide. White House National Security communications adviser John Kirby reiterated the White House’s support for the reauthorization ahead of the final House floor vote expected later Friday.

Persons: Mike Johnson –, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Johnson, Greene, ” “ Marjorie, ” Johnson, “, Donald Trump, ”, Joe Biden, John Kirby, ” Kirby, Kirby, CNN’s Aileen Graef Organizations: Foreign Intelligence, GOP, Louisiana Republican, FISA, Trump, House, FBI, Senate, reauthorization, White, National Security Locations: Louisiana, Georgia, Ukraine, Florida, Iran

CNN —House conservatives revolted against GOP leadership and defeated a FISA rule vote on the floor Wednesday, the latest blow to Speaker Mike Johnson that comes after former President Donald Trump called on Republicans to kill the bill. “KILL FISA,” Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social. Johnson told members at a closed-door conference meeting Wednesday morning that he spoke with Trump Tuesday night. But, according to members, Johnson told them they didn’t discuss FISA. In his call to “kill FISA,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, “IT WAS ILLEGALLY USED AGAINST ME, AND MANY OTHERS.

Persons: Mike Johnson, Donald Trump, Trump, “, ” Trump, Johnson, Matt Gaetz, Anna Paulina Luna, Tim Burchett, ”, Marjorie Taylor Greene, surveil Trump, Carter Page, ” Johnson, ” CNN’s Lauren Fox Organizations: CNN, GOP, FISA, Republicans, Foreign Intelligence, Reforming Intelligence, Republican, Florida GOP, Tennessee GOP, Trump, The Georgia Republican, Authority, National Defense, FBI, House Republicans, Truth Locations: Louisiana, Florida, Trump’s

☆ House Speaker Mike Johnson remains undecided on best path ahead on Ukraine aid
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-02 | by ( Lauren Fox | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

CNN —House Speaker Mike Johnson is pledging to act on Ukraine aid when lawmakers return to Washington next week, but behind the scenes the Louisiana Republican is still undecided on the best path forward and keenly aware of his narrow majority and the threat to his speakership that looms. “He’s got a gun to his head right now,” Rep. Don Bacon, a swing-district Republican, said of the speaker. Greene and Johnson are expected to talk later this week, but the Georgia Republican has remained steadfast in her opposition to Ukraine aid. Given fierce conservative opposition and a narrow margin, it’s possible Johnson could need to bring any Ukraine aid bill to the floor under a suspension of the rules. In recent days, Johnson has also floated the idea of easing natural gas exports, but it’s not clear that would do much to assuage conservative backlash against Ukraine aid.

Persons: Mike Johnson, Johnson, “ He’s, ” Rep, Don Bacon, Churchill, ” Johnson, Mitch McConnell, –, Mike McCaul, “, Mike, Chip Roy, Matt Gaetz, I’ve, he’s, they’d, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Greene, ” Greene, ”, Brian Fitzpatrick, Fitzpatrick, It’s, John Kirby, CNN’s Haley Talbot, Manu Raju Organizations: CNN —, Louisiana Republican, ”, Republican, GOP, Republican Rep, Fox News, CNN, Georgia Republican, Democratic, House, White, National Security Communications Locations: Ukraine, Washington, Louisiana, Russia, Israel, Taiwan, Texas, Pennsylvania, Gaza

☆ In Kansas City, a Festive Yet Cautious St. Patrick’s Day Parade
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-17 | by ( Colbi Edmonds | Lauren Fox Kanan | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Irish dancers, Gaelic football players, green everything: Thousands of spectators gathered for the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Kansas City, Mo., on Sunday, the first citywide parade since a deadly shooting last month roiled the city’s Super Bowl celebration. The St. Patrick’s Day parade, the city’s 50th this year, is regarded as one of the country’s largest, with crowds known to reach hundreds of thousands. On Sunday, a sizable — but notably smaller — crowd sporting green beanies, vests, cowboy hats and sweatshirts came together, even under high winds and chilly temperatures. The parade showcased Gaelic Athletic Club members demonstrating their hurling skills, bagpipe players, antique fire trucks and lots of green items, including cotton candy, plaid hats and stuffed animals. There was a stand with T-shirts that read “Kansas City has our own St. Patrick,” with a photo of the Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes — which at one point were almost blown away by the fierce winds.

Persons: Patrick’s, sweatshirts, Patrick, Patrick Mahomes — Organizations: Gaelic, St, Gaelic Athletic Club, Chiefs Locations: Kansas City, Mo

Speaker Mike Johnson told Republican senators during their closed-door retreat Wednesday that he was committed to finding a path ahead for Ukraine aid in the House of Representatives, a sign GOP senators took to mean that aid to the embattled country isn’t yet dead in Congress. McCaul said Johnson will put such a House foreign aid bill on the floor after the appropriations process is done. McCaul dismissed the concept of sending Ukraine aid through a discharge petition, saying he is “worried” about that approach, highlighting instead the REPO Act and formatting aid as a loan. “You know, it feels like Speaker Johnson makes up his strategy one or two days at a time. “Speaker Johnson doesn’t need to make up a new plan.

Persons: Mike Johnson, Sen, Markwayne Mullin, Johnson, wouldn’t, Michael McCaul, Ukraine –, Donald Trump, McCaul, ” McCaul, “ I’ve, Republican Sen, Lindsey Graham, ”, Roger Wicker of, “, ” “, Joni Ernst of Iowa, Thom Tillis, we’ve, Mitch McConnell, ” McConnell, “ We’ve, Democratic Sen, Chris Murphy, Johnson doesn’t, that’s, CNN’s Morgan Rimmer Organizations: Republican, CNN, Republicans, House Foreign, Texas Republican, GOP, Senate Armed Services Committee, Kentucky Republican, Democratic, “, Senate, ” Republican Locations: Ukraine, Oklahoma, Texas, West Virginia, Roger Wicker of Mississippi, Israel, Taiwan, North Carolina, Russia, Connecticut, Arkansas

☆ House expected to vote on bill that could ban TikTok amid Trump resistance
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-13 | by ( Clare Foran | Brian Fung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

The House is expected to vote Wednesday on a bill that could lead to a nationwide ban against TikTok, a major challenge to one of the world’s most popular social media apps. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle who support the bill have argued that it is not a ban. In recent comments to reporters, Wisconsin Republican Rep. Mike Gallagher, who chairs a House select committee on China, rejected characterizations of the bill as a TikTok ban. “This legislation has a predetermined outcome: a total ban of TikTok in the United States,” the company wrote in a post on X. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on Tuesday would not commit to holding a vote on the House’s TikTok bill, underscoring the uncertainty over what will happen if the House passes the bill as expected.

Persons: Donald Trump, equivocated, TikTok, It’s, Joe Biden, Trump, Mark Zuckerberg, ” Trump, “, Mike Gallagher, “ It’s, ”, Shou Chew, Chuck Schumer, CNN’s Kate Sullivan, Morgan Rimmer, Lauren Fox Organizations: TikTok, ByteDance, Apple, Google, House Energy, Commerce Committee, Facebook, CNBC, Lawmakers, Wisconsin Republican, Chinese Communist Party Locations: China, Beijing, Washington, United States

☆ House GOP pushes ahead with TikTok bill despite Trump opposition
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-11 | by ( Melanie Zanona | Haley Talbot | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

And he recognized that TikTok was a national security threat, and we are proceeding, because that threat continues today,” she said. Nowhere in the bill does it say Tiktok,” Pence told CNN. The measure’s fate, however, is less certain in the Senate, but Scalise told CNN he’s had conversations with senators who are “interested” in the legislation. While many senators told CNN they were still reviewing the legislation Monday night, there is a core group of senators who have expressed support or openness to the House bill. “He’s wrong,” Roy, a House Freedom Caucus member, told CNN.

Persons: Donald Trump, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, TikTok, ”, “ I’m, there’s, McMorris Rodgers, “, Morgan Griffith, doesn’t, Jeff Duncan, CNN he’s, we’ve, ByteDance, ” Duncan, “ We’ve, Greg Pence, Bill, can’t, ’, ” Pence, Steve Scalise, Scalise, Shou Chew, Chew, Mariannette Miller, Meeks, Chip Roy, ” Roy, it’s, Tik Tok, Bob Good, Troy Nehls, Trump, ” Nehls, CNN’s Sam Fossum, Manu Raju, Lauren Fox Organizations: CNN — House Republicans, House Energy, Republican, GOP, of Justice, Energy, Commerce, ”, Caucus, CNN, Chinese Communist Party, South Carolina Republican, Republicans, Punchbowl News, Trump, Rep, Iowa Republican, Texas Republican, Communist, Texas Rep Locations: United States, Virginia, Indiana, Texas, China

☆ Kyrsten Sinema’s exit puts the spotlight on the Senate’s shrinking pool of dealmakers
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-08 | by ( Lauren Fox | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

For months, the two of them had worked tirelessly alongside Republican Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma to craft a bipartisan deal on immigration. “The base of each party wants individuals who will fight, but not individuals who will reach across the aisle to get things done,” Republican Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah said. “I’ve seen a shift towards basically really not wanting to do anything,” West Virginia Republican Sen. Shelley Moore Capito said. Last cycle alone saw the retirement of Ohio Republican Sen. Missouri Republican Sen. Roy Blunt, another GOP pragmatist, retired after the 2022 election, replaced by Sen. Eric Schmitt.

Persons: Sen, Kyrsten, Democratic Sen, Chris Murphy, Republican Sen, James Lankford of, Sinema, Murphy, ” Murphy, “, ” Sinema, Donald Trump, Mitt Romney, Joe Manchin, he’d, Romney, Trump, ” Romney, I’ve, ” West Virginia Republican Sen, Shelley Moore Capito, Ohio Republican Sen, Rob Portman, J.D, Vance, Trump . Missouri Republican Sen, Roy Blunt, GOP pragmatist, Eric Schmitt, appropriator Sen, Richard Shelby of, Richard Burr of, Bob Corker, Marsha Blackburn, Anna Moneymaker, we’ve, Lamar Alexander, ”, Tim Kaine, “ We’re, Kari Lake, –, Mark Kelly, ” Corker, Kaine, Todd Young, Thom Tillis, It’s, Brian Schatz, ” Sen, Mark Warner, Nathan Howard, Manchin, John Cornyn of, John Thune of, isn’t Organizations: Democratic, Connecticut, Republican, CNN, Senate, ” West Virginia Republican, Ohio Republican, GOP, Trump . Missouri Republican, Intelligence, Senate Foreign Relations, 118th, Democrat, North Carolina Republican, Getty, America Locations: Arizona, James Lankford of Oklahoma, Utah, Virginia, Ohio, Richard Shelby of Alabama, Richard Burr of North Carolina, Tennessee, Indiana, Hawaii, Washington , DC, John Cornyn of Texas, John Thune of South Dakota, America

☆ Congress passes stopgap bill to avert government shutdown
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-29 | by ( Clare Foran | Ted | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

The House and Senate both passed a stopgap bill on Thursday to avert a partial government shutdown at the end of the week. The House vote was 320 to 99 with 113 Republicans voting in favor and 97 Republicans voting against. “The appropriations process is ugly,” Johnson told reporters on Thursday. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, who will vote against the stopgap bill, swiped at the speaker over cutting a deal with Democrats on government funding. Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee, who was one of the eight Republicans who voted to oust McCarthy, said he opposed the stopgap bill and broader funding deal but was sympathetic to Johnson’s circumstances.

Persons: Joe Biden, Mike Johnson, ” Johnson, –, we’ve, We’re, Johnson, Marjorie Taylor Greene, swiped, CNN’s Manu Raju, Rep, Byron Donalds of, it’s, ”, Kevin McCarthy, Tim Burchett, McCarthy, CNN’s Lauren Fox, Manu Raju Organizations: GOP, CNN, Louisiana Republican, Agriculture, FDA, Commerce, Justice, Science, Energy, Water, Veterans Affairs and Transportation, Housing, Urban Development, Defense, Financial Services, General Government, Homeland Security, Labor, Health, Human Services, Legislative Branch, State, Foreign Locations: Washington, Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, Byron Donalds of Florida, Louisiana, Tennessee

CNN —There is still no clear path to avert a partial government shutdown at the end of the week, with just four days until Congress runs into a key funding deadline. Lawmakers had hoped to release the text of a bipartisan spending deal Sunday evening, but the bill has yet to be unveiled. As the clock ticks down to the deadline, Senate Democrats expressed anger and frustration Monday at the growing risk of a shutdown as many criticized House Republicans over the impasse. “Right now, the Republicans can’t seem to get themselves organized just to sign off on the basic work they’re supposed to do. In the Senate, agreement would need to be reached with the consent of all 100 senators to swiftly move any legislation before the deadline to avert a partial shutdown.

Persons: Mike Johnson, ” Sen, Elizabeth Warren of, CNN’s Manu Raju, “, Republicans can’t, Jon Tester, ”, Raju, Joe Manchin, Chuck Schumer, Johnson, Schumer, ” Johnson, Mitch McConnell, McConnell, We’re, Joe Biden, Alejandro Mayorkas, It’s, Kevin McCarthy, Manu Raju, Sam Fossum, Melanie Zanona, Haley Talbot, Betsy Klein, Tami Luhby, Priscilla Alvarez Organizations: CNN, Lawmakers, Louisiana Republican, House Republicans, Republicans, Montana Democrat, West, West Virginia Democrat, House Republican, GOP, Senate, Capitol, White, Senators, Homeland, Schumer, Agriculture, Energy, Transportation, Veterans Affairs, Urban, and Drug Administration, Justice, Commerce, Defense, Homeland Security, State, Education, Human Services, Environmental Protection Agency Locations: Louisiana, Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Montana, West Virginia, New York, Ukraine, Washington, Housing

☆ Republicans under scrutiny for supporting conception bill in wake of Alabama IVF ruling
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-26 | by ( Melanie Zanona | Lauren Fox | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

But Democrats say that is incongruous with the House GOP legislation defining life as beginning at conception. But Steel is also a co-sponsor of the Life at Conception Act — which Democrats have been quick to point out. Steel’s office has not yet returned a request for comment on how she squares those two positions, nor have other House Republicans who expressed support for IVF while being co-sponsors of the House bill. And on Monday, the House Democrats’ campaign arm convened a press call with Reproductive Freedom for All to further hammer House Republicans over the issue. Still, Bacon argued the purpose of the bill is not to ban IVF, despite Democrats claiming otherwise.

Persons: Alex Mooney, Mike Johnson –, —, GOP Sen, Rand Paul of Kentucky, Michelle Steel, Harris, Suzan DelBene, Don Bacon of Nebraska, Bacon, Mooney, ” Bacon, ” Organizations: GOP, Alabama Supreme, Biden, Republicans, PAC, House Democrats, Democrats, “, Alabama, ”, Democratic Congressional, Republican, CNN Locations: Alabama, West Virginia, California

☆ No. 2 Senate Republican endorses Trump for president
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-25 | by ( Lauren Fox | Sam Fossum | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —GOP Sen. John Thune, the No. 2 Republican in the Senate, is endorsing former President Donald Trump as the party’s nominee, his office confirmed to CNN. The backing from the South Dakota Republican, who has been critical of Trump, is the latest indication of the former president’s grip on the party as he barrels toward the nomination. Thune, who is Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s top deputy and is seen as a potential successor to the Kentucky Republican, had backed Sen. Tim Scott for president before the South Carolina senator dropped out of the race in November. “All that has repercussions for Senate races, too.

Persons: GOP Sen, John Thune, Donald Trump, Trump’s, Thune, Mitch McConnell’s, Sen, Tim Scott, “ I’ve, ” Organizations: CNN, GOP, Republican, South Dakota Republican, Trump, Fox News, Kentucky Republican, South, eventual GOP Locations: Saturday’s South Carolina, South Carolina

☆ GOP lawmakers and candidates race to distance themselves from Alabama court decision
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-23 | by ( Lauren Fox | Melanie Zanona | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

A number of congressional Republicans running in 2024 are swiftly distancing themselves from a controversial Alabama Supreme Court ruling seen as infringing on IVF, the latest obstacle for GOP candidates in the post-Roe era. IVF allowed me, as it has so many others, to start my family,” California Republican Rep. Michelle Steel, who represents a district carried by Biden, said on X. On the campaign trail though, the National Republican Congressional Committee is trying to help candidates navigate what is emerging as a tricky political moment. The memo tells candidates to “express support for IVF” and “oppose restrictions” on the procedure. Even some conservatives are going out of their way to express support for IVF and distance themselves from the Alabama ruling.

Persons: Michelle Steel, Biden, “, Don Bacon, Republicans ’, Roe, Wade, Mike Berg, Larry Hogan, Dave McCormick, ”, Sen, Tommy Tuberville, Mike Lawler, Nick LaLota, Nancy Mace, Matt Gaetz, CNN’s Abby Phillip, Kat Cammack, ” Cammack Organizations: Democratic, GOP, ” California Republican, ” Republican, Republicans, National Republican, National Republican Senatorial Campaign, CNN, Republican Senate, Maryland Gov, US, NBC, ”, Republican, New York Republican, Biden, Republican Party, Women’s Caucus, Florida Republican Locations: Alabama, ” California, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, New York, South Carolina, Florida

☆ Republicans are panicking about IVF treatment being restricted in Alabama
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-23 | by ( Brent D. Griffiths | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

The former president's statement came as Republicans try to distance themselves from an Alabama ruling. The Alabama Supreme Court controversially found that frozen embryos are children. AdvertisementFormer President Donald Trump on Friday broke his silence on a controversial Alabama Supreme Court ruling that has threatened the future of access to in vitro fertilization. Trump's comments come after the White House and Democrats have torn into Republicans over the Alabama ruling. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall's office said that he "has no intention of using the recent Alabama Supreme Court decision as a basis for prosecuting IVF families or providers."

Persons: Trump, —, Donald Trump, Roe, Wade, Joe Biden's, Kellyanne Conway, NRSC, Jason Thielman, kZR5LqRt5p — Lauren Fox, Zev Williams, Kevin Stitt, Stitt, Politico, Jay Mitchell, Mitchell, Steve Marshall's, Kay Ivey Organizations: Alabama Supreme, Service, White House, Democrats, The New York Times, Senate Republican, Republican, Trump White House, National Republican, CNN, Pew Research Center, Columbia University Fertility Center, Oklahoma Gov, GOP, US, Alabama Republicans, Alabama Locations: Alabama, America, Oklahoma

☆ Speaker Mike Johnson once again stuck in the middle as funding deadline looms
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-22 | by ( Lauren Fox | Melanie Zanona | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

“Now, we are in a fully Johnson-run House, and he’s got to own all the decision making in the 12 appropriations bills. Probably not best for public policy either,” Republican Rep. Patrick McHenry of North Carolina, the chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, said. Johnson is facing pressure from members of the House Freedom Caucus to include dozens of policy riders that would never pass in the Democratic-controlled Senate. Just a week later, funding for the rest of the government will also lapse. I think we will see another omnibus appropriation bill.”Asked if that causes a problem for Johnson, Bishop argued, “The speaker didn’t create those problems.”

Persons: Mike Johnson, Senate appropriators, Johnson, he’s, That’s, Patrick McHenry of, “, imploring, Alejandro Mayorkas’s, they’ll, can’t, Chuck Schumer, –, Kevin McCarthy, ” Rep, Don Bacon, “ It’s, Mayorkas, Warren Davidson, ’ ”, Davidson, Andy Biggs, “ We’ve, ” Biggs, Dan Bishop, ”, Bishop Organizations: Republicans, Senate, ” Republican, Financial Services, Caucus, Democratic, Homeland, FBI, HFC, Department of Agriculture, Veteran’s Affairs, Transportation, Housing, Energy, Water, CNN, Congress, ”, Republican, Defense Department, Foreign Intelligence, GOP, “ Locations: Patrick McHenry of North Carolina, Florida, Nebraska, Ukraine, Ohio, North Carolina

☆ Navalny’s death puts a new spotlight on key dividing line between Trump and Biden
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-16 | by ( Kevin Liptak | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

“Make no mistake: Putin is responsible for Navalny’s death. A few moments earlier, Secretary of State Antony Blinken linked Navalny’s death directly to Russia’s president. Asked whether Navalny’s death might spur Congress to act in providing more Ukraine aid, Biden was hopeful. Even so, Johnson said in a statement Friday that Putin “is likely directly responsible” for Navalny’s death. “I made it clear to him that I believe the consequences of that would be devastating for Russia,” Biden said in Geneva, where the summit was held.

Persons: Alexey Navalny’s, Vladimir Putin, Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Putin, ” Biden, Roosevelt, “ Putin, ” Trump, Nikki Haley, Fani Willis ’, Trump, Putin’s, Biden, “ It’s, Kamala Harris, Antony Blinken, “, ”, Mike Johnson, Johnson, Putin “, Tucker Carlson, Carlson, Trump’s, ” Haley, Truman, “ Trump, he’d, Navalny, we’re, ” Harris, Harris, Navalny’s, CNN’s Haley Britzky, Lauren Fox, Kate Sullivan Organizations: CNN, White, GOP, Fulton, NATO, Biden, Munich Security Conference, Republican, Republicans, Ukraine, Fox News, South Carolina Gov, South, Putin, Super, Ukraine wavers, “, Trump Locations: Washington, Russia, Fulton County, Georgia, Europe, Moscow, Ukraine, Munich, United States, South Carolina, Michigan , Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Latvian, Lithuanian, Polish, Geneva, Asia, transatlanticism

☆ McConnell’s GOP critics grow louder as party descends into feud over Ukraine and immigration
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-11 | by ( Manu Raju | Lauren Fox | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

Mitch McConnell had long prided himself on maintaining GOP unity during his 17-year tenure as Senate GOP leader. Now they’ve spilled into public view as the Kentucky Republican heads into what could be his final year as leader. “We did what Donald Trump wanted.”With McConnell’s backing, the Senate is now taking a different approach. “Sen Cruz talks every day with his colleagues, and his conversations with fellow senators are confidential,” the Cruz spokesperson said. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, a Republican from Alabama and close Trump ally, said that “everybody” has concerns about McConnell’s handling of the talks.

Persons: Mitch McConnell, That’s, Donald Trump, McConnell, “, Mitch, ”, Sen, Kevin Cramer, “ Mitch, he’s, Cramer, Larry Hogan, ” McConnell, Trump, Alex Brandon, …, I’ve, Josh Hawley, Republican Sen, Rand Paul, what’s, McConnell’s, GOP Sen, James Lankford of, –, Trump –, “ Donald Trump, Mitt Romney, John Cornyn of, John Thune of, John Barrasso of, ” Sen, Ron Johnson of, “ He’s, Florida Sen, Rick Scott, ” “, Ted Cruz, “ McConnell, Chip Somodevilla, Cruz, nodded, “ Cruz, “ Sen Cruz, Mike Rounds, Rounds, ” McConnell’s, Tucker Carlson, ” Romney, Tommy Tuberville, Tuberville, ” CNN’s Morgan Rimmer Organizations: GOP, Kentucky Republican, North Dakota Republican, Republican, Democratic, Senate, 436th Aerial Port Squadron, Dover Air Force Base, Missouri Republican, Republicans, Lankford, Committee, Texas Republican, CNN, Trump, Capitol Locations: Ukraine, Kentucky, Maryland, Delaware, Missouri, James Lankford of Oklahoma, Utah, Israel, Taiwan, Sens, John Cornyn of Texas, John Thune of South Dakota, John Barrasso of Wyoming, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, Florida, Texas, Washington ,, South Dakota, Alabama

“I was embarrassed for our conference, for our party, because we can do better than we did last night,” said GOP Rep. Lance Gooden of Texas. It was a huge mistake,” said GOP Rep. Patrick McHenry of North Carolina, an ally to former Speaker Kevin McCarthy. And the stunning defeat, which prompted a chaotic scene on the House floor, completely overshadowed the Democratic opposition to the Israel bill. “The Democrats played hide and seek with us,” GOP Rep. Carlos Gimenez of Florida told CNN. We’ll put it back up.”For their part, Democrats took a victory lap in their maneuvering that led to a nail-biter vote and embarrassment for House Republicans.

Persons: Alejandro Mayorkas, Troy Nehls, “, we’re, ”, Lance Gooden, GOP Sen, Lisa Murkowski, I’ve, I’m, Nancy Pelosi, George Santos, Pelosi, Ralph Norman of, Patrick McHenry of, Kevin McCarthy, Mike Johnson, “ He’s, Jen Kiggans, Johnson, speakership, ” Johnson, Donald Trump, Mitch McConnell’s, James Lankford of, Kevin Dietsch, Mayorkas, Mike Gallagher of, impeaching Mayorkas, ” Gallagher, Hugh Hewitt, Dan Bishop of, Steve Womack, ” Womack, Mitch McConnell, Chip Somodevilla, they’re, ’, Steve Scalise, Tom Cole of, Al Green of, Carlos Gimenez, “ It’s, Scalise, We’ll, ” Pelosi, ” CNN’s Haley Talbot, Lauren Fox, Sam Fossum Organizations: Homeland, GOP, CNN, Texas, Republican, ”, Republicans, House Democrats, GOP Rep, Caucus, Congress, Navy, Capitol, Getty, Democratic, Democrat, Arkansas Republican, House Republicans Locations: “, Texas, Israel, Alaska, Ralph Norman of South Carolina, Patrick McHenry of North Carolina, Virginia, James Lankford of Oklahoma, Washington , DC, Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin, Dan Bishop of North Carolina, Arkansas, ”, Washington ,, Tom Cole of Oklahoma, Al Green of Texas, Florida

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