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Washington CNN —The House voted swiftly Wednesday evening to kill Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s effort to oust Speaker Mike Johnson from his leadership post. Johnson spoke briefly with reporters following the vote, calling Greene’s campaign against him “misguided” and thanking colleagues for a “show of confidence” in his leadership. The House on Wednesday voted to table – or kill – Greene’s push to remove Johnson by a tally of 359 to 43. Eleven Republicans voted against tabling. House Republicans were completely caught off guard by Greene’s decision to trigger her motion, multiple Republican sources told CNN.

Persons: Marjorie Taylor, Mike Johnson, –, Johnson, “, ”, “ I’ve, ” Greene, Kevin McCarthy, Greene, Johnson –, Thomas Massie, Kentucky –, Austin Scott of, CNN’s Haley Talbot Organizations: Washington CNN, Republican, Louisiana Republican, GOP, tabling, House Democratic, Republicans, CNN Locations: Louisiana, Austin Scott of Georgia

Speaker Mike Johnson on Wednesday easily batted down an attempt by Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia to oust him from his post, after Democrats linked arms with most Republicans to fend off a second attempt by G.O.P. The vote to kill the effort was an overwhelming 359 to 43, with seven Democrats voting “present.”Democrats flocked to Mr. Johnson’s rescue, with all but 39 of them voting with Republicans to block the effort to oust him. In addition to the seven who voted “present,” registering no position, 32 Democrats voted against thwarting Ms. Greene’s motion. While for weeks Ms. Greene had appeared to be on a political island in her drive to jettison yet another G.O.P. speaker, 11 Republicans ultimately voted against blocking her motion.

Persons: Mike Johnson, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Johnson’s, “, Johnson, Kevin McCarthy, Greene, McCarthy Organizations: Democratic, Republicans, Democrats Locations: Georgia

☆ AI could drive a natural gas boom as power companies face surging electricity demand
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-05 | by ( Spencer Kimball | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +10 min

AI data centers alone are expected to add about 323 terawatt hours of electricity demand in the U.S. by 2030, according to Wells Fargo. The forecast power demand from AI alone is seven times greater than New York City's current annual electricity consumption of 48 terawatt hours. The natural gas industry is betting gas will serve as the preferred choice. Coal plant retirements and data centers could result in 6 bcf/d of new natural gas demand in EQT's backyard by 2030, the CEO said. The level of electricity demand could help lift natural gas prices out of the doldrums.

Persons: Kena, Goldman Sachs, Robert, Richard Kinder, Kinder Morgan, Kinder, Roger Read, Wells, Goldman, Toby Rice, Rice, CNBC's, Christopher Womack, Robert Blue, EQT, Jeremy Knop, Knop, Blue, Read, Lynn, Zack Van Everen, Robert Kinder Organizations: Linden, View Press, Getty, Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Meta, Rystad Energy, Robert Blue Dominion Energy, Gas, Holt, Co, EQT Corp, U.S ., Dominion Energy, Georgia Power, Southern Company, Dominion, Renewables, CNBC, Lynn Good, Energy Locations: Linden New Jersey, U.S, Wells, Wells Fargo, New York, Houston, Pickering, Northern Virginia, Georgia, Appalachian, Virginia, Gulf

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis attends a hearing on the Georgia election interference case, March 1, 2024, in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. A California man was indicted by a federal grand jury in Atlanta on charges of threatening Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia announced Friday. The indictment detailed more threats Schultz made, including, "FANI WILLIS WILL BE DEAD IN 2024," and other threats using racial slurs. In a statement released by Willis' office, she referenced GOP state Sen. Bill Cowsert, who is leading an investigation of Willis' office. In March, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee ruled Willis could continue prosecuting the case, but she and Wade could not work on it together.

Persons: Fani Willis, Willis, Nathan Wade, Donald Trump, Mark Schultz, Schultz, FANI WILLIS, Trump, Keri Farley, Sen, Bill Cowsert, Ryan Buchanan, Wade, Scott McAfee Organizations: U.S, Attorney's, Northern, Northern District of Georgia, Department of Justice, American, United States Attorney, FBI, African American, Trump Locations: Fulton County, Georgia, Atlanta , Georgia, U.S, California, Atlanta, Northern District, Chula Vista

☆ Georgia rocked by protests as government pushes Putin-style ‘foreign agent’ bill
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-03 | by ( Christian Edwards | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

CNN —After spending his days making wine in the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains, Tsotne Jafaridze returns home to Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital, and begins his new routine. Jafaridze, who also owns a travel business and says he receives 95% of his income from foreign sources, says he would “immediately” be listed as a foreign agent under the broadly-written law. But the government reintroduced the same bill in March and appears determined to force it through, despite protests that grow fiercer every week. Despite recent Russian aggression against Georgia, Georgian Dream has long been accused of harboring pro-Russian sympathies and its billionaire founder, Bidzina Ivanishvili, made his fortune in the Soviet Union. Bidzina Ivanishvili addresses a rally in support of the "foreign agent" law in Tbilisi, April 29, 2024.

Persons: Jafaridze, ”, Vladimir Putin, “, Giorgi Arjevanidze, isn’t, ” Natalie Sabanadze, –, Levan Khabeishvili, Khabeishvili, Bidzina Ivanishvili, ” Buziashvili, Ivanishvili, Bidzina, Shakh, Sabanandze, Irakli Kobakhidze, Kobakhidze, ” Sabanadze, Viktor Orban, Europe’s, Matthew Miller, Washington, Georgia “, Irakli Gedenidze, Viktor Yanukovych, doesn’t Organizations: CNN, European Union, Getty, EU, United National Movement, National Security Council, Soviet Army, Soviet Union, Belarus ’, Party, Georgian, Conservative Political, United, State Department, Protesters, Reuters Locations: Caucasus, Tbilisi, Georgia’s, Russia, Georgian, Russian, Soviet, AFP, Brussels, Georgia, Belarus, Ukraine, Soviet Union, Hungary, Hungarian, United States, stoke, ”

☆ Johnson looks to unify GOP with crack down on college campus protests
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-02 | by ( Annie Grayer | Melanie Zanona | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

“Anti-Israel protests on college campuses threaten Jewish students,” says the ad, which was shared first with CNN. While supporters of the legislation say it will help combat antisemitism on college campuses, opponents argue it overreaches and threatens to chill free speech. Some Democrats see the new investigative effort into college campuses and Johnson’s recent visit to Columbia University as a divisive political ploy. “Clearly it’s a very high priority for him,” GOP Rep. Frank Lucas of Oklahoma, the chairman of the House Science Committee, told CNN. House GOP Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik, who sits on the Education panel, is also expected to play a prominent role in the effort.

Persons: Mike Johnson, Johnson, speakership, ” Johnson, “, ”, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Donald Trump, Nick Fuentes, Pramila Jayapal, Joe Biden, James Comer, Lisa McClain, Biden, “ I’ve, Frank Lucas of Oklahoma, Virginia Foxx, Elise Stefanik, Jim Jordan, Comer, ” Comer, ” CNN’s Haley Talbot Organizations: CNN, Republican, House Democratic, GOP, Louisiana Republican, Columbia University, Democrats, White, Department, Education, International Holocaust, Alliance, Columbia, Michigan, House Education, Workforce Committee, House Science, North Carolina, Yale University, University of California, University of Michigan, House GOP, New York Republican, Science, Republicans, George Washington University, Kentucky Republican Locations: Louisiana, Israel, Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, Lago, Washington, Columbia, University of California Los Angeles, “, Ohio

☆ Scientists identify ‘degrees of Kevin Bacon’ gene
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-02 | by ( Katie Hunt | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Even humble fruit flies organize themselves into regularly spaced clusters, researchers have found. Within those social networks, certain individuals will often stand out as “gatekeepers,” playing an important role for cohesion and communication within that group. New research published Tuesday in the journal Nature Communications has identified a gene responsible for regulating the structure of social networks in fruit flies. The study opened up new opportunities for exploring the molecular evolution of social networks and collective behavior in other animals. FLPA/ShutterstockThe gene behind fruit fly social networksThe researchers investigated a number of gene candidates in fruit flies, a common lab organism used in the study of genetics.

Persons: ”, Kevin Bacon, Bacon, Joel Levine, Rebecca Rooke, ” Levine, Levine, “, ” Allen J, Moore, wasn’t, ” Moore Organizations: CNN, Nature Communications, University of Toronto, University of Georgia’s Locations: Philadelphia, University of Toronto Mississauga

☆ Greene Says She Will Demand Vote Next Week on Removing Johnson
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-01 | by ( Robert Jimison | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia said on Wednesday that she would demand a vote next week on a motion to remove Speaker Mike Johnson, moving forward in the face of all but certain defeat with a second attempt during this Congress to depose a Republican speaker. In a morning news conference at the Capitol, Ms. Greene excoriated Mr. Johnson for working with Democrats to push through major legislation and said it was time for lawmakers to go on the record about where they stood on his speakership. “I think every member of Congress needs to take that vote and let the chips fall where they may,” Ms. Greene said. “And so next week, I am going to be calling this motion to vacate.”The move comes just over a week after Mr. Johnson pushed through a long-stalled $95 billion package to aid Israel, Ukraine and other U.S. allies over the objections of Ms. Greene and other right-wing Republicans who staunchly opposed sending additional aid to Kyiv.

Persons: Marjorie Taylor Greene, Mike Johnson, Greene excoriated Mr, Johnson, “, ” Ms, Greene Organizations: Capitol, Republicans Locations: Georgia, Israel, Ukraine, Kyiv

☆ These 70 House Democrats and 21 Republicans voted against a bill to crack down on antisemitism on college campuses
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-01 | by ( Bryan Metzger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

70 House Democrats voted against it, including the longest-serving Jewish House Democrat. AdvertisementThe House of Representatives passed a bill on Wednesday designed to crack down on antisemitism on college campuses. The bill sailed through by a 320-91 bipartisan vote, with 70 House Democrats and 21 House Republicans voting against it. In December, Nadler also led 92 House Democrats in voting "present" on a GOP-sponsored resolution that equated anti-Zionism with antisemitism. 13 House Democrats voted against the resolution outright.

Persons: —, Mike Lawler, That's, Jerry Nadler —, Nadler, Hakeem Jeffries, Mike Johnson, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Jesus Christ, Jesus, Herod, Read, Y0eeOiVfnw —, Marjorie Taylor Greene 🇺🇸 ( Organizations: Jewish House Democrat, Service, Democrats, Republicans, Lawmakers, Republican Rep, of Education, International Holocaust, Alliance, State, Jewish House, Department of Education, Department, Education, GOP, Interagency, Force, House, Catholic Locations: York, Israel, Georgia

☆ A 2-Year-Old in Arizona Died When a Bounce House Blew Away. Can They Be Made Safer?
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-30 | by ( Victor Mather | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: 1 min

A 2-year-old boy was killed on Saturday when a bounce house in Casa Grande, Ariz., was picked up by a strong gust of wind and flew into a neighboring lot. The child was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Another child who had been in the bounce house was treated at a hospital with non-life-threatening injures. Whether called a bounce house, a bouncy castle or a moon bounce, those inflatable structures are a popular fixture at fairs and birthday parties. A 2022 University of Georgia study found 28 bounce house deaths worldwide since 2000 in wind-related incidents.

Organizations: of Georgia Locations: Casa Grande, Ariz, Spain, Australia

☆ Democrats Announce That They Will Rescue Johnson if He Faces Ouster Vote
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-30 | by ( Carl Hulse | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

House Democrats said on Tuesday that they would join with the G.O.P. to kill an effort to oust Speaker Mike Johnson if far-right House Republicans forced a vote to remove him from his post after he allowed a foreign aid package including assistance to Ukraine to be approved. In a joint statement after a closed-door party meeting, the three top Democrats said they would side with Republicans supportive of Mr. Johnson and vote to table any motion to vacate him from the speaker’s chair, blocking it from coming up. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, Republican of Georgia, has filed such a measure and threatened to call a snap vote on it, a threat she renewed on Tuesday after Democrats made clear their intentions. “At this moment, upon completion of our national security work, the time has come to turn the page on this chapter of Pro-Putin Republican obstruction,” the Democratic leaders said in a joint statement.

Persons: Mike Johnson, Johnson, Marjorie Taylor Greene, ” Organizations: Republicans, Republican, Putin, Democratic Locations: Ukraine, Georgia

☆ 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

☆ In 50-50 Georgia, unhappiness with the choices but urgency about voting
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-24 | by ( John King | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +12 min

Yet she couldn’t bring herself to vote for Biden and didn’t vote that year. In the 2000 election, Democrat Al Gore received 70% in DeKalb; in 2020, Biden won 83%. Massachusetts native Kim Cavaliere, who moved to Georgia over 20 years ago, is pictured at her home in Dacula, Georgia. She’s still inclined to vote third-party again but is perhaps open to reconsidering if Georgia could settle a close race. It is rural, and reliably red – Trump won 71% of the county vote in 2020.

Persons: Christine Nguyen’s, Nguyen, ” Nguyen, ” Decatur, Donald Trump, Joe Biden, –, Trump, Biden, Christine Nguyen, she’s, “, Celia Gardner, Jan Gardner, ”, ” Jan Gardner, Celia, ” Celia Gardner, Democrat Al Gore, Gwinnett, George W, Bush, “ I’ve, Kim Cavaliere, Cavaliere, ” Cavaliere, Count Cavaliere, She’s, – Biden, …, ” Carey Fulks, John King, CNN Carey Fulks, Fulks, ” Fulks, ” Biden, – Trump, Matt Vrahiotes, ” Vrahiotes, it’s, Vrahiotes, Ron DeSantis, “ I’m, Trumper, who’s, “ Kennedy, Robert F, Kennedy Jr, ” Vrahioties, Atlanta’s Organizations: Georgia CNN, White, CNN, Trump, DOJ, Justice Department, CIA, Schools, Democrat, Biden, Gwinnett County, “ Democrat, Republican, Sweet, Florida Gov, GOP Locations: Decatur, Georgia, ”, DeKalb County, Atlanta, Decatur , Georgia, Israel, DeKalb, Dunwoody, Dunwoody , Georgia, Neat, White DeKalb, Gwinnett County, Massachusetts, Dacula , Georgia, Grove, Covid, Fulton County, Gwinnett, Acre, Alto, Hall County, Alto , Georgia, York

☆ Indonesia volcano: How Ruang eruption could impact weather and climate
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-23 | by ( Mary Gilbert | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

And the day-to-day weather conditions near Mount Ruang – things like temperature, clouds and rain – probably won’t be influenced by the volcano for long, Huey told CNN. Mount Ruang, a 2,400-foot (725-meter) stratovolcano on Ruang Island in Indonesia’s North Sulawesi province, has erupted at least seven times since Tuesday night, the country’s volcanology agency said. Mount Ruang spewed lava and and ash on April 17, seen from Sitaro, North Sulawesi. Once in the stratosphere, sulfur dioxide and water vapor combine to form sulfuric acid aerosols that create a layer of hazy droplets, according to UCAR. In 1991, Mount Pinatubo – another stratovolcano – erupted in the Philippines and produced the largest sulfur dioxide cloud ever measured.

Persons: Greg Huey, Huey, Ruang, ” Huey, Mount Pinatubo, wouldn’t, CNN’s Kathleen Magramo Organizations: CNN, Georgia Tech’s School of, Atmospheric Sciences, NASA, Volcanology, Getty, United States Geological Survey Locations: Ruang, Indonesia, Mount, Indonesia’s North Sulawesi, Sitaro, North Sulawesi, Philippines

☆ McCaul commends Speaker Johnson’s transformation following foreign aid vote
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-21 | by ( Avery Lotz | Michelle Shen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul applauded House Speaker Mike Johnson Sunday for bringing foreign aid legislation to his chamber’s floor, characterizing the move as “a profile in courage.”“I am so proud of the speaker, Mike Johnson,” the Texas Republican, who has been a staunch supporter of passing additional foreign aid, said on ABC’s “This Week.” “He went through a transformation. At the end of the day, a profile in courage is putting the nation above yourself, and that’s what he did. Asked if he believes Johnson’s job is in jeopardy following the successful vote, McCaul argued “stock in Mike Johnson has gone way up” and that the speaker has “garnered a lot of respect” from both sides of the aisle. But Trump has not commented publicly about the package the House passed on Saturday and has previously expressed support for Johnson’s speakership. “What (Trump) wants is for a lifeline to be given to Ukraine,” McCaul contended, “so that when he gets into office … he can then negotiate and save it.”

Persons: Michael McCaul, Mike Johnson, ”, ‘, ’, Johnson, Marjorie Taylor Greene, —, ” McCaul, “, McCaul, Donald Trump, Trump Organizations: CNN — House Foreign, Texas Republican, Senate, Republicans, firebrand Rep, House, Louisiana Republican, CNN, House Republicans, Russia, NATO, Johnson’s Locations: Israel, Ukraine, Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, Louisiana, United States

I think providing aid to Ukraine right now is critically important,” the speaker added. House TVThe speaker’s embrace of Ukraine aid represents a remarkable evolution for Johnson, who voted against funding for the country as a rank-and-file member. Johnson drags his feetJohnson did not come to his decision on how to handle foreign aid quickly. “Slow,” New York Rep. Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said when asked how Johnson handled Ukraine aid. In recent weeks, allies counseled Johnson to keep the former president in the loop on his potential foreign aid plans.

Persons: Manu Raju ”, Johnson, Mike Johnson, Hakeem Jeffries, Jeffries, Taiwan –, Michael McCaul, “, ” Johnson, Derrick Van Orden, Matt Gaetz, ”, Johnson –, Kevin McCarthy, –, Joe Biden, Donald Trump’s, Mike Pompeo, Volodymyr Zelensky, Zelensky, Bill Burns, Marjorie Taylor Greene, ” Jeffries, Biden, Mitch McConnell, Gregory Meeks, Patrick McHenry of, Trump, Johnson’s, ” Trump, Eli Crane, McCarthy, Bob Good, Johnson “, Greene, Al Green, Van Orden, Gaetz, I’m, ” Van Orden, Chip Roy’s, Bob Good’s, Kent Nishimura, Paul Gosar, Johnson’s speakership, We’re, we’ve, Tom Cole of, ” Cole, “ There’s, Warren Davidson, CNN’s Haley Talbot, Morgan Rimmer Organizations: GOP, CNN, Democratic, Louisiana Republican, Foreign, ”, Florida Republican, Senate, Republican, Ukraine, CIA, Naval Academy, Israel, Internal Revenue Service, New York Rep, House Foreign Affairs, Patrick McHenry of North Carolina, Lago, Arizona, Democratic Rep, Navy, Navy Seals, Wisconsin Republican, Capitol, Democrats, Republicans, GOP Rep, ” Veteran GOP Locations: Iran, Israel, Ukraine, Washington, Louisiana, Taiwan, Florida, American, Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, Patrick McHenry of North, Iranian, Virginia, Texas, Wisconsin, House, Arizona, Tom Cole of Oklahoma, Ohio

☆ Trump’s first trial, Ukraine aid and other surprises from a major news week
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-20 | by ( Zachary B. Wolf | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

House Speaker Mike Johnson arrives to speak with reporters to discuss his proposal of sending aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan on April 17, 2024. Johnson, although a bona fide conservative and a skeptic at times of Ukraine aid, is finally on the cusp of getting the vote done in the House. This week, Iran responded to Israel’s strike on a Syrian diplomatic facility with its own strikes, which Israel responded to on Friday with a strike on Iran. Joe Biden is running hardWith all the Trump trial coverage, you might have missed that President Joe Biden is running a spirited presidential campaign. While Trump is spending most days at his trial, Biden is going all over the map.

Persons: Trump’s, you’ve, Donald Trump, Trump, Mike Johnson’s, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Paul Gosar, Arizona –, Johnson, Mike Johnson, J, Scott Applewhite, he’ll, It’s, Israel, Here’s Tamara Qiblawi, CNN’s Nic Robertson, Read, Joe Biden, Biden, Andrew CAballero, Reynolds, Pierre, Olivier Gourinchas Organizations: CNN, Trump, –, GOP, White, Getty, Monetary Fund, Federal Reserve Locations: Antarctica, New York, Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, Johnson, Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, Arizona, Iran, Syrian, CNN’s, Damascus, Qiblawi, Philadelphia, Wawa, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, AFP, Europe

☆ Democrats build financial edge in battle for the House
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-19 | by ( David Wright | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Meanwhile, a pair of super PACs aligned with the House leadership of both parties also announced their most recent quarterly fundraising totals this week, showing Democrats with another advantage. House Majority PAC, the Democratic super PAC, said that, along with its affiliated organization, House Majority Forward, it had raised $37 million in the quarter for Democrats’ House effort. Adding to the pressure, House Republicans are still dealing with the fallout from leadership fights as they seek to defend their razor-thin majority. Meanwhile, a conservative dark money group, American Prosperity Alliance, launched new ads this week targeting three House Republicans who had voted to oust McCarthy, slamming their voting records. House Majority PAC, the lead Democratic super PAC, announced earlier this month plans to spend $186 million on advertising campaigns targeting a series of key battleground races.

Persons: outraising, outraised, Mike Johnson, Kevin McCarthy, Johnson, McCarthy, – Johnson, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Greene Organizations: CNN, US, Representatives, GOP, Democrats ’, Democratic Congressional, Committee, Republican, National Republican Congressional Committee, PAC, Democratic, Congressional, Fund, American Action Network, Republicans, House Republicans, Capitol, Capitol Hill . Rep, Marjorie Taylor Greene of, American Prosperity Alliance Locations: California, New York, Capitol Hill, Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, Ukraine, Israel

☆ Georgia presses on with Putin-style ‘foreign agent’ bill despite huge protests
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-18 | by ( Christian Edwards | Niamh Kennedy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Georgia’s government is attempting to force through a controversial “foreign agent” law, despite international condemnation and huge protests from its citizens. Critics of the law say is it is a Kremlin-inspired effort to undermine democracy which will damage Georgia’s bid to join the European Union. The ruling Georgian Dream party first tried to pass the bill 13 months ago, but was forced into an embarrassing climbdown following a week of intense protests. Nearly 80% of Georgians support European integration, according to a poll conducted in December by the National Democratic Institute. Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, thousands of Russians – especially men of service age – have fled to Georgia to avoid conscription.

Persons: CNN —, ”, Vladimir Putin, Putin, ” Salome Zourabichvili, Zourabichvili, –, Irakli Gedenidze, ” Giorgi Bekurashvili Organizations: CNN, European Union, South Caucasus, “, Kremlin, EU, National Democratic Institute Locations: Soviet, Europe, United States, Tbilisi, Georgian, Russia, South, Russian, “ Russia, Georgia, Ukraine

☆ Some House Republicans need this reminder that Russia is not their friend
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-17 | by ( Zachary B. Wolf | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

CNN —There is a major disconnect between two CNN stories on Wednesday about Russia and the US. While it is mostly Republicans who oppose additional funding for Ukraine, they are still a minority, even within their own party. In February, 22 Republicans in the Senate joined all but three Democrats to form a 70-vote majority in favor of the funding. Asked about that propaganda comment by Tapper earlier this month, Rep. Mike Turner of Ohio, who chairs the House Intelligence Committee, agreed. The two appeared together at Mar-a-Lago last week, and Johnson has bought into Trump’s proposal to structure some Ukraine aid as a loan rather than direct aid.

Persons: Sean Lyngaas, ”, Mike Johnson, Johnson, “, ” Johnson, CNN’s Jake Tapper, “ We’re, Matt Gaetz, Chip Roy didn’t, he’s, it’s, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Defense Lloyd Austin, Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Tucker Carlson, Vladimir Putin, Ralph Norman, Thomas Massie, Chip Roy, Tom Williams, It’s, Liz Cheney, Donald Trump, Michael McCaul, Puck, Tapper, Mike Turner of Ohio, ” Turner, Greene, Ken Buck, Moscow Marjorie ”, Putin, Trump Organizations: CNN, Capitol Hill, GOP, White, Conservative, Ukraine, Republicans, Senate, Florida, ” Texas, Defense, Republican, Fox News, Putin, Texas Republican, Foreign Affairs, House Intelligence, Trump, Mar, Lago Locations: Russia, Texas, Russian, Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, Wyoming, Colorado

☆ Mike Johnson: Doing ‘the right thing’ may cost the speaker his gavel
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-17 | by ( Stephen Collinson | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

CNN —It took less than six months for Speaker Mike Johnson to reach his existential moment. His tiny majority means he can’t afford to lose more than one GOP vote to pass a bill on a party-line vote. But a GOP speaker dependent on Democratic votes will be seen by many Republicans as a tool of the minority party and would be on borrowed time. In this way, those who oppose Ukraine aid on principle could vote against it, allowing Democrats who support it to ensure its passage. These are important responsibilities,” Johnson told Tapper.

Persons: Mike Johnson, Kevin McCarthy, Paul Ryan, John Boehner –, Johnson, ” Johnson, CNN’s Jake Tapper, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Thomas Massie of, Donald Trump’s, Trump, Greene, Chip Roy, Roy, ”, –, CNN’s Manu Raju, ’ Johnson, he’s, Tapper, “, Dan Crenshaw, CNN’s Raju, Johnson “, ” Trump, hasn’t, bankrolling, Dwight Eisenhower, George W, Bush, Vladimir Putin doesn’t, We’re, Putin, Xi, Lloyd Austin, Biden, he’d Organizations: CNN, Louisiana Republican, Republicans, Texas Rep, Democratic, GOP, White, Texas GOP, Lago, Trump, Senate, “, ”, House Defense Locations: Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Mexico, Kyiv, Washington, Texas, Mar, Trumpism, Europe, Iran, North Korea, British, Jordanian, Russia, Russia’s, United States

☆ Senate Democrats unceremoniously kill Mayorkas impeachment trial
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-17 | by ( Brent D. Griffiths | Bryan Metzger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

On Wednesday, Senate Democrats voted to declare as unconstitutional both articles of impeachment against Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas — effectively ending the trial. It put a swift end to what had been a monthslong process by House Republicans, championed originally by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia. Democrats agreed with Schumer's move, effectively rendering the articles moot and the trial over before House Republicans could present their case. Senate Republicans were also unsuccessful in their effort to pressure vulnerable Democrats to back their push for a longer trial. Greene forced her colleagues to vote on moving forward with Mayorkas' impeachment last November.

Persons: —, Alejandro Mayorkas —, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Sen, Lisa Murkowski, Mitt Romney, he's, Chuck Schumer, Schumer's, Schumer, Eric Schmitt, Ted Cruz, Mitch McConnell, Jon Tester, Montana, Mayorkas, Mike Gallagher, Wisconsin —, Joe Biden's, Donald Trump, Greene, Mark Green of Organizations: Service, of Homeland, House Republicans, Business, Senators, Missouri Republican, Republicans, Texas Republican, Senate, GOP, White House, Homeland, Democrats, House Homeland Security, Homeland Security Locations: Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, Alaska, Utah, Missouri, Texas, Wisconsin, Southern, Mark Green of Tennessee

“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

Still, sources believe Emmer is working to improve his stock inside both the House GOP and MAGA world, and keeping his options open for the future. Others who could be waiting in the wings: House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, who also previously ran for speaker, and House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, a top Trump ally. During the press conference, Johnson got some key backup from the former president. And a large swath of the House GOP conference agrees. Louisiana GOP Rep. Garret Graves warned against the idea of ousting Johnson without another speaker candidate waiting in the wings.

Persons: Mike Johnson’s, Tom Emmer, Emmer, Donald Trump –, Trump, “ Tom, …, Dan Meuser, ”, Meuser, “, Neither, MAGA, Jim Jordan, Jordan, Johnson, Steve Scalise, Elise Stefanik, Kevin McCarthy, Thomas Massie of, Marjorie Taylor Greene, “ He’s, ” Greene, Greene, Emmer’s speakership, Johnson trekked, Marc Molinaro, Garret Graves, There’s, ” Graves, ” Jordan, ” Morgan Rimmer, Haley Talbot Organizations: CNN, GOP, Republican, Louisiana Republican, House Republicans, Minnesota Republican, Caucus, ”, Trump, House GOP, Ohio Republican, GOP Rep, Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Republicans, “, “ Republican, Mar, Lago, New, New York Republican, Louisiana GOP Rep Locations: Pennsylvania, Ohio, Georgia, –, Iowa, Minnesota, Louisiana, New York

☆ House sends Mayorkas impeachment articles to the Senate
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-16 | by ( Annie Grayer | Priscilla Alvarez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

CNN —House Republicans have sent to the Senate two articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, a step that launches a trial in the Senate as GOP lawmakers seek to highlight President Joe Biden’s handling of immigration policy. House Republicans do not have the votes or concrete evidence to impeach Biden given their razor-thin majority, leaving that separate impeachment inquiry stalled. GOP arguments for impeachment and pushback from constitutional expertsWhen Johnson originally informed Schumer he would be sending the impeachment articles over to the Senate, he laid out why he believed a Mayorkas impeachment was justified. “These articles lay out a clear, compelling, and irrefutable case for Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas’ impeachment,” Green said in a statement provided to CNN. “I think that what the House Republicans are asserting is that Secretary Mayorkas is guilty of maladministration,” Garber said.

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