DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ US Congress is on track to be the most polarized ever, data shows
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-06 | by ( Jason Lange | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

REUTERS/Kevin Wurm/File Photo/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsWASHINGTON, Nov 6 (Reuters) - The current U.S. Congress is on track to be the most polarized ever, according to a running analysis at voteview.com, a tool widely used by political scientists that sorts lawmakers based on how their voting records overlap with their peers. The complicated math behind the analysis transforms a lawmaker's entire voting record into one number, with negative numbers for liberals and positive readings for conservatives. The most liberal have the least in common with the most conservative, while moderates from each party have more overlap and are given scores in between. * Currently, the gap in the House sits at 0.90, beating the 0.89 gaps for lawmakers elected in 2016 and 2018. The current 0.88 gap in the U.S. Senate is also at a record high for that chamber.

Persons: Kevin Wurm, Ralph Norman, Pramila Jayapal, Joe Manchin, Jason Lange, Jonathan Oatis Organizations: U.S, Capitol, REUTERS, Rights, Caucus, Democrat, Congressional Progressive Caucus, Republican Party, Republicans, U.S . Senate, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S, U.S

Given the U.S. gives Israel $3.8 billion a year in military aid, Sanders said, "We have a right to say, 'Sorry, you need a new military strategy.'" Israeli officials say Hamas uses civilians and hospitals as cover and prevents civilians from leaving combat zones. Multiple U.S. officials say they have been able to influence its conduct in the war somewhat. At the time it was the most military aid the U.S. had given any country. U.S. lawmakers who back a ceasefire support Israel eradicating the Iranian-backed Hamas, but some say Israel's strategy will backfire.

Persons: Joe Biden, Leah Millis, Biden, Bernie Sanders, Israel, Sanders, CNN's, Joe Biden's, Antony Blinken, Blinken, ”, Barack Obama, Kamala Harris, Aaron David Miller, Raphael Cohen, ” Cohen, Pramila Jayapal, Obama, Simon Lewis, Humeyra Pamuk, Doina, Steve Holland, Heather Timmons, Howard Goller Organizations: Franciscan Action, Palestinian, REUTERS, United Nations, Independent U.S, Hamas, Union, Democratic, State Department, U.S, Republicans, Rand Corporation, Thomson Locations: Israel, Washington , U.S, Gaza, U.S, Washington, Baghdad, London, United States, Ukraine, Russia, Saudi Arabia, East, Iran

And his appeal among Black and Latino voters, groups that have been foundational within the Democratic Party, seemed to suffer the deepest loss of support, especially among younger voters. The survey results suggest that an unnamed, generic Democrat would fare better than Biden in 2024, leading Trump by 8 points while Biden trails by 4 – a formidable 12-point swing. Political Cartoons View All 1234 ImagesThe survey captures a moment in time – albeit not a very good moment for Biden. “If he continues to run, he will be the nominee of the Democratic Party,” Axelrod wrote. Though the poll surveyed how Kamala Harris would fare in a hypothetical matchup against Trump, who performed only slightly better than Biden, other possible Democratic nominees – like California Gov.

Persons: shockwaves, Donald Trump, Joe Biden, scatterer, Biden, Trump, it’s, –, hasn’t, Barack Obama, Mitt Romney, Obama, David Axelrod, ” Axelrod, Bill Kristol, ” “, ” Kristol, Dean Phillips, Biden’s, he’s, Pramila Jayapal, ”, Jasmine Crockett, Kamala Harris, Gavin Newsom, Gretchen Whitmer –, Harris, Pete Buttigieg, Phillips Organizations: The New York Times, White, Democratic Party, Trump, Democratic, Rep, Dean Phillips of, Congressional Progressive Caucus, MSNBC, Biden, Jasmine Crockett , Texas Democrat, CNN, Capitol Hill, Michigan Locations: Siena, Gaza, Dean Phillips of Minnesota, Jasmine Crockett , Texas, California, lockstep

Known for donning a bow tie and bicycle pin, Blumenauer, 75, has served roughly five decades in public office at the local, state and federal level. “I spent a career working to make Portland the most livable city in the country. He would go on to serve as a commissioner in Multnomah County, home to Portland, and on the Portland City Council before being elected to the U.S. House in 1996. His legacy remains visible today — a bike and pedestrian bridge that opened in the city last year bears his name. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.

Persons: Earl Blumenauer, We’ve, “, ” Blumenauer, Kevin McCarthy, that's, ”, Jonathan Maus, Blumenauer, Hakeem Jeffries, “ Earl, ” ___ Claire Rush Organizations: — U.S . Rep, Associated Press, Oregon House, Portland City Council, U.S . House, Congressional, Caucus, Rep, Washington D.C, Congress, quicken, Congressional Cannabis Caucus, Congressional Progressive Caucus, America Statehouse News Initiative, America Locations: PORTLAND, Oregon, Portland, City Hall, Multnomah County, Mount Hood, Columbia, America, ”, Washington

☆ Israel, It’s Time to Consider a Cease-fire - The New York Times
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-29 | by ( Thomas L. Friedman | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +12 min

I am watching the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza today and thinking about one of the world leaders I’ve most admired: Manmohan Singh. The cost of occupying Gaza could overstretch the Israeli military and economy for years to come. Israel should keep the door open for a humanitarian cease-fire and prisoner exchange that will also allow Israel to pause and reflect on exactly where it is going with its rushed Gaza military operation — and the price it could pay over the long haul. Israel built an impressive society and economy, even if flawed, and Hamas took nearly all of its resources and built attack tunnels. Follow The New York Times Opinion section on Facebook, Twitter (@NYTopinion) and Instagram.

Persons: I’ve, Manmohan Singh, Singh, Shivshankar Menon, “, ” Menon, ”, Menon, Israel’s, It’s, Israel —, —, Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu’s, Yoav Gallant, Netanyahu, ’ ’, Gaza —, Shin Bet, excusing, don’t Organizations: Pakistan Army, Abraham Accords, Economist, Hamas, United, West Bank, Shin Bet, European Union, Democratic Party, U.S . House, Bank, Gaza, New York, Facebook, Twitter Locations: Israel, Gaza, Pakistani, India, Mumbai, Pakistan, Abraham, United States, Mexico, European, U.S, Washington

☆ Humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians should be included in Biden's emergency funding package for Israel, over 50 Democratic lawmakers say
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-16 | by ( Ayelet Sheffey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

A group of Democratic lawmakers called for Biden to ensure humanitarian aid for both Israelis and Palestinians. Thousands of Israelis and Palestinians have been killed since Hamas' terrorist attacks and Israel's subsequent declaration of war against the militant group. AdvertisementAdvertisementAs the war between Israel and militant group Hamas continues, support is growing for the US to get humanitarian aid to Palestinian and Israeli civilians being harmed in the conflict. Israel formally declared war last week after Hamas attacked several towns in southern Israel, and since then, the death toll has been mounting. —Congresswoman Cori Bush (@RepCori) October 16, 2023The White House did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment on whether it will include humanitarian assistance for Palestinians in its emergency funding request.

Persons: Biden, Israel's, —, Joe Biden, Antony Blinken, Cori Bush, Janet Yellen, Yellen Organizations: Democratic, Service, Hamas, Palestinian Ministry of Health, United Nations, Congressional Progressive Caucus, West Bank, Ukraine, Sky News, CBS Locations: Israel, Ukraine, Palestinian, Gaza, Gazans, Palestine, Russia, United States, America

☆ Israel could eventually divide the left — while Ukraine divides the right
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-10 | by ( Bryan Metzger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

If the conflict in Israel drags on for weeks, Democrats in Congress may eventually split over it. It would showcase a divide that echoes — but doesn't exactly mirror — GOP discord over Ukraine. It's a divide that might echo — though not exactly mirror — Republicans' divisions over Ukraine. When the invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, lawmakers were relatively united in levying harsh sanctions against Russia and approving billions in aid to Ukraine. That arguments has in turn driven opposition to Ukraine aid among GOP voters; 71% of Republicans said that the US should not authorize any new funding for Ukraine in an August poll from CNN.

Persons: —, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Tucker Carlson, it's, Mohamed Zaanoun, Yoav Gallant, POLITICO, Benjamin Netanyahu, who've, Israel Organizations: Service, Democratic, Russia, Hamas, Christian, GOP, Israel Americans, US, Lawmakers, Republicans, Ukraine, Fox News, CNN, Washington Post, Getty, Israeli, Progressive Caucus, Gallup Locations: Israel, Ukraine, Gaza, Egypt, United States, combatting Russia, Russia, Palestine

☆ Rep. Rashida Tlaib speaks out on violence in Gaza, calling for an end to 'apartheid' and US funding of Israel
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-09 | by ( Hannah Getahun | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Rep. Rashida Tlaib released a statement mourning the loss of lives in Gaza and Israel. NEW LOOK Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementAdvertisementAmid an escalation of violence between Israel and Palestine , Representative Rashida Tlaib — the only Palestinian-American member of Congress — called for an end to US support for Israel. On Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu formally declared war on Palestinian militant group Hamas following a surprise attack on Saturday from Gaza.

Persons: Rashida Tlaib, —, Tlaib, Israel's, Bernie Sanders, Benjamin Netanyahu Organizations: The Palestinian, Service, Israel, Congressional Progressive Caucus, United Nations, Hamas, Palestinian Health Ministry Locations: Gaza, Israel, The, Palestine, Palestinian, United

☆ Come on, people: there's never going to be a bipartisan coalition running the House
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-04 | by ( Bryan Metzger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

The ousting of Kevin McCarthy has thrown the House back into chaos, and there's no clear successor. Some have speculated that a "compromise speaker" or "coalition government" could emerge. AdvertisementAdvertisementThe fall of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy at the hands of Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida has revived talk of something relatively uncommon in American politics — a "compromise speaker" or "bipartisan coalition" emerging to govern the increasingly ungovernable House of Representatives. As the dust settled after the vote to boot McCarthy on Tuesday, I spotted Republican Rep. Mike Lawler walking away from the Capitol. "The Texas example is that sometimes you vote for a Republican speaker, but then you get a third of the chairs," Casar told me on Tuesday.

Persons: Kevin McCarthy, There's, —, Matt Gaetz, Let's, it's, McCarthy, Hakeem Jeffries, Maxwell Frost of, Jeffries, Mike Lawler, Lawler, Joe Biden, he's, Biden, Tom Williams, ", We've, Jamie Raskin, Donald Trump, Greg Casar, Casar, didn't, materializing, they're, Wiley Nickel, ” Tom Williams, Nick LaLota, bode Organizations: Service, Representatives, Republican, Moderate Republicans, Democratic, Republicans, Capitol, MAGA Republicans, Getty, Maryland, Trump, Democratic Rep, Congressional Progressive Caucus, America, Wall Street Locations: Florida, Maxwell Frost of Florida, New York, Texas, North Carolina, Ukraine

☆ Laphonza Butler sworn in as California’s newest senator
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-03 | by ( Jack Forrest | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

Washington CNN —Democratic Sen. Laphonza Butler made history Tuesday when she was sworn in by Vice President Kamala Harris as the first out Black lesbian to enter Congress and the only Black woman presently serving in the Senate. Gavin Newsom to fill the seat left vacant by the death of Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein, becomes only the third Black woman to serve as a US senator. Harris, formerly the sole Black woman in the Senate, vacated her seat in 2021 after her election as vice president. Newsom was under intense pressure within California to choose a Black woman to succeed her, but instead appointed Alex Padilla, then California’s secretary of state, who became the first Latino senator from the state. Newsom later pledged to appoint a Black woman to Feinstein’s seat should the senator resign before her term’s end.

Persons: Washington CNN — Democratic Sen, Laphonza Butler, Kamala Harris, Butler, Gavin Newsom, Democratic Sen, Dianne Feinstein, Jersey Sen, Bob Menendez’s, Sen, Harris ’, Harris, Newsom, Alex Padilla, Adam Schiff, Nancy Pelosi, Katie Porter, Barbara Lee, Lexi Reese, Eric Early Organizations: Washington CNN — Democratic, California Gov, Democratic, House Democrats, Intelligence, Congressional Progressive Caucus, Congressional Black Caucus, House Democratic Locations: Jersey, California

CNN —House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s allies are scrambling to head off a right-wing revolt to oust the California Republican from his job and turning to the constituency that now suddenly holds the cards: House Democrats. One Democratic lawmaker who supports ousting McCarthy told CNN, “I have no trust in, nor respect for, McCarthy. But House Democrats also acknowledge that they don’t know another Republican who can get the 218 votes needed to clinch the speakership. “My advice to my fellow Democrats is simple: Follow the leader,” former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Sunday on CNN’s “State of the Union” with Jake Tapper. But while Jeffries has maintained a more cordial relationship with McCarthy than his predecessor, there have been recent signs of strain.

Persons: Kevin McCarthy’s, McCarthy, ” They’re, Brian Fitzpatrick, Jamie Raskin, “, Kevin, we’d, Matt Gaetz, Union ”, –, whiplash –, ”, Hakeem Jeffries, they’ll, Jeffries, don’t, Rashida, Eli Crane, Arizona –, doesn’t, Joe Biden, ” McCarthy, Biden, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Ukraine …, Nancy Pelosi, Jake Tapper Organizations: CNN —, California Republican, Democrats, Pennsylvania GOP, CNN, GOP, ”, Maryland Democrat, Trump Republicans, CNN’s, Union, Democrat, Democratic, Congressional Progressive Caucus, Republican – Rep, Trump, Capitol, National Defense, House Democratic Locations: California, Pennsylvania, Ukraine, Maryland, Florida, CNN’s “ State, Michigan, Arizona, Georgia, “ State

The Democrat told CNN there’s been internal discussions about a wide range of potential asks – from power-sharing agreements to policy ideas. I’m talking about like, the furthest left most progressive Democrats to moderates,” the House Democrat told CNN. But McCarthy’s critics aren’t the only ones privately courting House Democrats to play for their team in the ongoing speaker drama. On Friday, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries remained non-committal about how he would handle a potential vote to oust McCarthy. So timing is important,” Rep. Pramila Jayapal, the co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, told CNN.

Persons: Matt Gaetz, Kevin McCarthy’s speakership, ” Gaetz, Tom Cole of, Tom Emmer, McCarthy, CNN there’s, “, he’s, I’m, ”, Gaetz, it’s, Brian Fitzpatrick, McCarthy’s, Hakeem Jeffries, Matt, Pramila Jayapal, I’ve, – Organizations: CNN, Republican, Democratic, Democrat, GOP, House Democrat, Democrats, – House Democrats, ”, Congressional Progressive Caucus, White Locations: Minnesota

☆ Republican Party infighting is driving America toward a government shutdown
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-20 | by ( Stephen Collinson | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

More broadly, it could raise fresh doubts about the capacity of a polarized nation – featuring an ever more extreme and performative Republican Party in ex-President Donald Trump’s image – to govern itself. But the Republican majority is so thin – the speaker can lose only four votes with its current margin – and the party is so bitterly divided, that past experience may be a poor predictor of outcomes. So handing a win to the critical Republicans on whom the GOP majority depends may be a poor strategy. Rep. Mike Lawler talks on his way to a House Republican Conference meeting at the US Capitol on September 19, 2023 in Washington, DC. Rep. Matt Gaetz talks on his way to a House Republican Conference meeting at the Capitol on September 19, 2023 in Washington, DC.

Persons: Kevin McCarthy, Joe Biden, Donald Trump’s, Nancy Mace, McCarthy, Mike Simpson, it’s, ” Simpson, ”, Trump, Mike Lawler, ” Lawler, Chip Somodevilla, Hakeem Jeffries, they’ve, Matt Gaetz, “ It’ll, Mike Garcia, CNN’s Manu Raju, Don Bacon, Ukraine –, Biden, “, ” McCarthy Organizations: CNN, Republican, Chinese Communist Party, Capitol, GOP, Senate, Republicans, ” South Carolina GOP Rep, Trump, Democrats, Democrat, House Republican, Democratic Party, Congressional Progressive Caucus, ”, Democratic, ex, Navy, Nebraska Rep, Biden, United Nations Locations: America, ”, Idaho, Ukraine, New York, Washington ,, ” Florida, California, Nebraska, Washington

☆ Matt Gaetz can count on some progressives' support as he threatens to force a vote on ousting Kevin McCarthy
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-13 | by ( Bryan Metzger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz is threatening to force a vote on ousting House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. If that happens, Democrats will get a vote too — and some progressives say they would vote for it. "I mean, if that vote comes up, I'll vote to vacate," said Rep. Maxwell Frost of Florida. Gaetz, for his part, has suggested that Democrats would bail McCarthy out, and he's openly challenging Democrats to support his effort when the time comes. "I think Speaker McCarthy is horrific," said Rep. Robert Garcia of California.

Persons: Matt Gaetz, Kevin McCarthy, McCarthy, Kevin McCarthy's, Joe Biden, McCarthy's, We've, Hakeem Jeffries, Maxwell Frost of Florida, Ilhan Omar, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, Joaquin Castro, Joaquin Castro of Texas, Frost, Greg Casar of, hadn't, Casar, he's, weren't, Ro Khanna, California, Jeffries, Khanna, Jamaal Bowman, Bowman, Steve Cohen, Axios, it's, Robert Garcia of California, Omar Organizations: Service, Republican, Caucus, Republicans, Congressional Progressive Caucus, Democratic Party, Tennessee Locations: Wall, Silicon, Florida, Ilhan Omar of, Joaquin Castro of, —, Greg Casar of Texas, New York

☆ Democrats want to make the minimum wage $17 an hour and give nearly 28 million workers a raise
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-26 | by ( Juliana Kaplan | Eliza Relman | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Sen. Bernie Sanders, alongside other progressives, is again trying to raise the federal minimum wage. He's introducing legislation to bring the federal minimum to $17 by 2028; currently, it's $7.25. However, past attempts to raise the minimum wage have been stymied by Republicans and moderate Democrats. Under the latest version of the Raise the Wage Act, the federal minimum would climb to $17 by 2028. "The President shares Congressional Democrats' commitment to put workers first and supports increasing the minimum wage.

Persons: Sen, Bernie Sanders, Sanders, Michael Douglas, Gordon Gekko, Hakeem Jeffries, It's, Democrats —, Biden, Michael Kikukawa, Pramila Jayapal, Jayapal, Frances Holmes, Holmes Organizations: Republicans, Service, Democratic, Senate, Democrats, Institute, Workers, National Employment Law, Congress, White, Congressional Progressive Caucus, Oxfam America, Busch Locations: Wall, Silicon, St Louis , Missouri

☆ Powerful right-wing radicals are testing democratic checks and balance in both Israel and the US
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-25 | by ( Stephen Collinson | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

CNN —White House criticism of Israel after its right-wing coalition embarked on a plan to target judicial power is bringing a new kind of turbulence to one of America’s oldest friendships. It shows that Israel, like the United States, is experiencing an era of right-wing politicians seeking to aggressively flex power and test enshrined democratic constraints. The drama is likely to further worsen the long-standing but increasingly brittle relationship between President Joe Biden and Netanyahu. Yet there is deep concern in the White House about the implications of any successful attempt to subvert checks and balances in Israel. And Netanyahu appeared to align himself politically with Trump while he was in the White House.

Persons: CNN —, Israel, Biden, Benjamin Netanyahu’s, Joe Biden, Netanyahu, Donald Trump, Biden’s, ”, shockwaves, Jordan, –, Martin Indyk, “, ” Indyk, Lynda Kinkade, hasn’t, Thomas Friedman, ” Biden’s, Karine Jean, Pierre, Isaac Herzog, ” Aaron David Miller, Isa Soares, don’t, Mitch McConnell, “ Mr, Obama, Trump, Mike Pence, Hugh Hewitt, Ron DeSantis, “ Biden, Pramila Jayapal, didn’t Organizations: CNN, –, White House, Trump, Republicans, Democratic, House, West Bank, Biden, CNN International, “, New York Times, Republican, Israel, -, Republican Party, Netanyahu’s Likud Party, Florida Gov, Congressional, Democrat Locations: Iran, Israel, United States, Washington, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Florida

☆ Progressives dish on 'chilling effect' on Israel criticism after uproar over Pramila Jayapal's comments: 'We never do anything constructive on this issue'
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-22 | by ( Bryan Metzger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

Rep. Pramila Jayapal's comments on Israel caused an uproar this week in Congress. Even after Jayapal clarified her remarks about Israel, House Democratic leadership issued a statement rebuking her. Separately, 43 House Democrats said in a statement that they were "deeply concerned" about Jayapal's "unacceptable comments." "There's a few issues where any nuance is really discouraged," said another progressive House Democrat who insisted on anonymity to discuss the issue frankly. But Phillips held firm in his belief that it was important to firmly denounce criticism of Israel when it crosses a certain threshold.

Persons: Pramila, Israel, Jayapal, —, Mark Pocan, Alexandria Ocasio, Cortez, Jamaal Bowman, he’s, Leigh Vogel, Bowman, Isaac Herzog, I'm, Ilhan Omar, Minnesota, Rashida, Tlaib, Rashida Tlaib, Dean Phillips, Phillips, Dean Phillips of, Bill Clark, Israel — Organizations: Service, Democratic, Israel, House Democratic, Democrats, Republicans, West Bank, Congressional Progressive Caucus, Democrat, New, New York District, Rep, The Recording Academy, Reps, Dean Phillips of, Jewish Democrat, Michigan Democrats, Palestinian, Jewish, House Democrat, Dean Phillips of Minnesota, Getty, Progressives, Israel Democrats Locations: Israel, Wall, Silicon, Washington, Chicago, Gaza, Wisconsin, Alexandria, Cortez of New York, New York, Westchester County, Congress, Palestine, Michigan, Dean Phillips of Minnesota, Palestinian, Jewish Diaspora, Cortez, Africa

CNN —Israeli President Isaac Herzog is set to deliver an address to a joint meeting of Congress on Wednesday, in what is expected to mark a bipartisan show of support for a top strategic ally in the Middle East. There is widespread support for Israel on both sides of the aisle in Congress, but some House Democrats have said they’ll skip the address, citing concerns about human rights. Jayapal, a Washington state Democrat, said “Israel is a racist state” on Saturday while addressing pro-Palestine protesters who interrupted a panel discussion at the Netroots Nation conference in Chicago. “In May, I became the second Speaker of the US House of Representatives in history to address the Israeli Knesset, and now, it is my privilege to host Israeli President Isaac Herzog for a similar honor. The only other President of Israel to share this distinction is his father – President Chaim Herzog – more than 35 years ago,” McCarthy said in a statement at the time.

Persons: Isaac Herzog, Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer, Hakeem Jeffries, Herzog “, Pramila Jayapal, ” Jeffries, Katherine Clark, Pete Aguilar, Ted Lieu, “ Israel, who’s, ” Jayapal, “, Joe Biden, Herzog, Kevin McCarthy, McCarthy, Chaim Herzog –, ” McCarthy Organizations: CNN, Israel, Democrats, West Bank, Democratic, ”, Democratic Rep, Congressional Progressive Caucus, Top, Palestine, Netroots, White Locations: California, New York, Israel, Washington, Chicago, Palestine, America

☆ House Votes Resoundingly to Back Israel, Rebuking Democratic Critics
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-18 | by ( Karoun Demirjian | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Republican members raced to put the resolution on the floor this week after Representative Pramila Jayapal, Democrat of Washington and the head of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, called Israel “a racist state,” prompting condemnations from leaders of both parties. Ms. Jayapal later walked back her comments, saying that she had not meant to condemn the idea of Israel but only the policies of its current government, but the G.O.P. pushed ahead with the vote anyway, in a move Democrats denounced as politically opportunistic even as most lined up to support it. Ten Democrats declined to back the resolution, which passed by a vote of 412 to 9, with one voting “present.” Ms. Jayapal supported it. Just one lawmaker stood up on the House floor to argue against the measure, underscoring both the broad support for Israel in Congress and a belief among many of its critics that there is no tolerance on Capitol Hill for airing their views.

Persons: Pramila Jayapal, Israel “, Jayapal, Ms Organizations: Israel, Republican, Congressional Progressive Caucus, Capitol Locations: Washington, Israel

☆ These 9 House Democrats voted against a resolution declaring Israel is 'not a racist or apartheid state'
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-18 | by ( Bryan Metzger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

House Republicans teed up a vote on a resolution saying Israel is "not a racist or apartheid state." It came days after Rep. Pramila Jayapal, a top progressive, said Israel is a "racist state." Nine progressive House Democrats voted against the resolution. download the app Email address By clicking ‘Sign up’, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider as well as other partner offers and accept our Terms of Service and Privacy PolicyNine progressive House Democrats on Tuesday voted against a resolution declaring that Israel is neither a racist nor an apartheid state. In a floor speech earlier on Tuesday, Tlaib made clear she would vote against the resolution, stating that Congress was "re-affirming support for apartheid."

Persons: Republicans teed, Pramila, Jayapal, —, Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, Pfluger, Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib, Tlaib, Omar, Alexandria Ocasio, Cortez, Andre Carson, Ayanna Pressley, Cori Bush, Delia Ramirez, Jamaal Bowman, Rashida, Summer Lee of, Betty McCollum, Isaac Herzog, Robert F, Kennedy Jr Organizations: Republicans, House Democrats, Service, Democrats, House Republicans, Democratic Rep, Congressional Progressive Caucus, Democratic, New York Times, Israel, Republican Rep, Congress, Cortez of New York Rep, Indiana Rep, Massachusetts, Missouri Rep, Illinois Rep, Minnesota Rep, New York Rep, Michigan Rep, Summer Lee of Pennsylvania Democratic, Minnesota Locations: Israel, Wall, Silicon, Washington, Chicago, Congress, Texas, Palestinian Territories, South Africa, Alexandria, Cortez of, Missouri, Minnesota

☆ In Congress, Democrats’ Rift Over Israel Flares on Eve of Herzog Visit
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-17 | by ( Karoun Demirjian | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

An increasingly deep divide among Democrats in Congress about how strongly — or even whether — to support Israel has reared its head on the eve of a visit by the nation’s president to Washington, as progressives openly condemn the Jewish state and others toil to reconcile their backing for the country with disdain for its current government. The rift burst into public view over the weekend when Representative Pramila Jayapal, a Washington Democrat who leads the Congressional Progressive Caucus, said at a conference of the liberal Netroots Nation that Israel “is a racist state,” leading to a swift condemnation from House Democratic leaders that prompted her to walk back the comment. Now Republicans, working to exploit the discord roiling Democrats, plan to keep the infighting in the spotlight by holding a vote on Tuesday proclaiming that Israel is not a racist or apartheid state and condemning antisemitism. The resolution does not mention Ms. Jayapal by name, but it was inspired by her comment and is plainly drafted to drive a wedge among Democrats, putting critics of Israel on the left in the position of either disavowing their views about the government’s actions or refusing to condemn antisemitism. The divisions were already expected to be on vivid display this week, as a group of left-wing Democrats plans to boycott an address to a joint session of Congress by President Isaac Herzog of Israel in protest of Israel’s policies, and in the wake of President Biden’s invitation on Monday for Mr. Netanyahu to visit the United States.

Persons: Israel, Pramila Jayapal, Israel “, Isaac Herzog of Israel, Biden’s, Netanyahu Organizations: Washington Democrat, Congressional Progressive Caucus, House Democratic, Mr Locations: Washington, Nation, Israel, United States

☆ Progressive US Democrat Jayapal apologizes for calling Israel 'racist'
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-17 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

WASHINGTON, July 16 (Reuters) - Representative Pramila Jayapal, who heads a large group of progressive Democrats in the U.S. Congress, on Sunday apologized for calling Israel a racist state as Democratic leaders in the House of Representatives pushed back against her initial declaration. "I do not believe the idea of Israel as a nation is racist," Jayapal said in a statement. On Saturday, Jayapal made her initial remarks - labeling Israel a "racist state" - at a conference held in Chicago where pro-Palestine protesters were interrupting a panel discussion, according to media reports. In a separate statement on Sunday, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and three of his top leadership aides said that "Israel is not a racist state," in an apparent rebuke to Jayapal. Some members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus have signaled that they might not attend the event.

Persons: Pramila Jayapal, Israel, Jayapal, Benjamin, Netanyahu’s, Hakeem Jeffries, Jeffries, Isaac Herzog, Joe Biden, Israel's, Richard Cowan Organizations: U.S . Congress, Democratic, U.S . House Republican, U.S . House, Congressional Progressive Caucus, Jewish Diaspora, Thomson Locations: Israel, Chicago, Palestine

☆ DeSantis, Attacking Biden Policies, Seeks to Burnish Pro-Israel Credentials
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-17 | by ( Jazmine Ulloa | More About Jazmine Ulloa | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

Mr. DeSantis never once mentioned the progressive Democrats who have said they will boycott a speech by Mr. Herzog to a joint session of Congress on Wednesday. But he used his speech to emphasize his strong support for Israel and attack White House policies, as many conservatives have sought to portray Democrats who criticize Israel as anti-Zionist or even antisemitic. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a long-shot Democratic presidential candidate, has been invited by House Republicans to testify on Capitol Hill on censorship. And top House Democrats have been rushing to reject comments from Representative Rashida Tlaib, who described Israel as “a racist state” at a progressive conference over the weekend. And he denounced efforts that he argued used “the economy and business to impose a radical left-wing agenda” on Israeli policy.

Persons: DeSantis, Herzog, Israel, Robert F, Kennedy Jr, Rashida Tlaib, Tlaib, “, ” Organizations: Democratic, House Republicans, Democrats, Congressional Progressive Caucus, West Bank, Israel Locations: Israel, Palestinian

CNN —Longtime California Rep. Grace Napolitano announced Saturday that she is retiring from Congress at the end of her current term. Napolitano has made mental health care a priority over her tenure in Washington and serves as a co-chair of the Congressional Mental Health Caucus. We have made it acceptable for people to talk about their mental health and get treatment,” she said Saturday. Napolitano is the ninth Democrat and 12th House member so far to announce they won’t run for reelection in 2024. And she’s not the only California Democrat leaving the chamber at the end of the term.

Persons: CNN —, Grace Napolitano, Napolitano, . New Jersey Democrat Bill Pascrell, Joe Biden, ”, –, Adam Schiff, Katie Porter, Barbara Lee –, Democratic Sen, Dianne Feinstein Organizations: CNN, CNN — Longtime California Rep, California State Assembly, . New, . New Jersey Democrat, Congressional, Republicans, Congressional Mental Health Caucus, Natural Resources Committee, House Transportation, Congressional Progressive Caucus, Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Hispanic Caucus, California Democrat, Democratic Locations: San Gabriel Valley, Southeastern Los Angeles County, Texas, Los Angeles, California, Norwalk , California, ., . New Jersey, Washington

☆ Several top House Democrats want to get rid of the debt ceiling and economic 'hostage taking'
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-02 | by ( Ethan Dodd | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

House Republicans refused to raise the debt ceiling unless Democrats agreed to cut spending. Many progressive and moderate Democrats want to repeal the debt ceiling to prevent more brinkmanship. "For many, many, many years, people recognized that Republicans and Democrats worked together to pass a clean debt ceiling. "We need to pass the bill to eliminate the debt ceiling limit." Raskin reiterated an argument that the 14th Amendment could be used to eliminate the debt ceiling.

Persons: —, Pramila Jayapal, Kevin McCarthy, Joe Biden, shutdowns, we've, Rep, Teresa Leger Fernández, Jamie Raskin, Raskin, Lincoln, Shri Thanedar, Jayapal, Dan Kildee, Kildee, Jeff Jackson of Organizations: Service, House Republicans, Democrats, Senate, Republicans, Congressional Progressive Caucus, Washington State, Republican, US, Democrat, New, Maryland, Democratic, Rep, Michigan, New Democrat Coalition Locations: New Mexico, United States, California, Denmark, Jeff Jackson of North Carolina

Search resuls for: "Progressive Caucus"

25 mentions found