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☆ Why Jake Tapper made a new series about pre-Trump political scandals
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-18 | by ( Zachary Wolf | Analysis Zachary B. Wolf | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —There’s a funny, interesting and very sad new series on CNN featuring Jake Tapper. If you are encountering them for the first time, it will be an education in what Tapper calls his “Jar Jar Binks” theory. TAPPER: The scandals involving Trump are so vast and complex and ongoing. You revisit sex scandals, corruptions scandals and a spy scandal. TAPPER: I have a theory called the “Jar Jar Binks” theory, which is that every great person rises to a level where they can remove from their circle anyone telling them when they’re making a mistake.

Persons: CNN —, Jake Tapper, Rod, Carolina Sen, John Edwards, Tapper, Donald Trump, I’ve, they’d, –, Hunter Biden, Matt Gaetz, George Santos, TAPPER, Trump, Valerie Plame, Blagojevich, Scooter Libby, Libby, Trump –, Roger Stone, Mike Flynn, it’s Organizations: CNN, “, Trump, Illinois Gov, New, South, Senate, Democrats Locations: “ United States, Carolina, New Jersey, South Carolina, Northeast

☆ Why Alexey Navalny's death is unlikely to change Congress' Ukraine aid quagmire
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-16 | by ( Brent D. Griffiths | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Read previewLeaders in both parties vowed that Russian President Vladimir Putin must pay for the death of famed opposition leader Alexey Navalny. It's unclear though how their tributes will translate into tangible action, especially on Congress' long-delayed push to send more aid for Ukraine's defense. House Speaker Mike Johnson said in a statement that international leaders "must be clear that Putin will be met with united opposition." While it's true that the foreign aid bill could garner 218 votes, getting the bill on the floor is another matter entirely. Ukraine aid still hasn't passed.

Persons: —, Vladimir Putin, Alexey Navalny, Mike Johnson, Putin, Johnson, Donald Trump, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Kevin McCarthy, hasn't, McCarthy, Matt Gaetz, Trump, Matt Glassman, Glassman, It's, there's, Volodymyr Zelensky, Schumer, Churchill Organizations: Service, Business, Georgia Republican, Ukraine, GOP, California Republican, Florida Republican, Georgetown University's Government Affairs Institute, Republicans, Trump, Republican Locations: Ukraine, United States, Baltic, Georgia, California, Florida, Mexico, Mexican

☆ Rep. Matt Gaetz’s ex-girlfriend subpoenaed by House Ethics Committee and is expected to plead the Fifth later this month
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-16 | by ( Paula Reid | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —The House Ethics Committee investigating Rep. Matt Gaetz has subpoenaed his ex-girlfriend who was a key witness in the federal investigation into the Florida lawmaker, according to her lawyer Tim Jansen. A spokesperson for the House Ethics Committee declined to comment on the matter. The ex-girlfriend was granted immunity in the federal criminal probe and testified before a grand jury in January 2022. That federal probe concluded in 2023 with no charges brought against the congressman. Gaetz has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, including ever having sex with a minor or paying for sex.

Persons: Matt Gaetz, Tim Jansen, Jansen, Gaetz Organizations: CNN, Capitol Hill, ABC News Locations: Florida

☆ White House confirms US has intelligence on Russian anti-satellite capability
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-15 | by ( Michael Williams | Kevin Liptak | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Washington CNN —The White House on Thursday confirmed that the national security threat flagged by the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee the previous day is related to “an anti-satellite capability that Russia is developing,” but sought to soothe concerns about the danger it presents to the United States. “This is not an active capability that’s been deployed,” National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Thursday. “There was notifications from the intelligence community that made it just clearer now than before,” Crenshaw said. “This was just the time.”The post from Turner called on President Joe Biden to declassify “all information” related to the threat. Kirby said the US intelligence community had “serious concerns” about a broad declassification of intelligence related to the threat.

Persons: that’s, John Kirby, ” Kirby, Mike Turner of, Turner, Matt Gaetz, “, Andy Ogles, Ogles, Kirby, Donald Trump, Dan Crenshaw, Crenshaw, ” Crenshaw, Joe Biden, declassify, Biden, Hans Kristensen, CNN’s Morgan Rimmer, Oren Liebermann, Katie Bo Lillis Organizations: Washington CNN, House Intelligence, ” National Security, House Intelligence Committee, Republican, Turner, Ukraine, Russia, Reuters, GOP, Intelligence, Texas Rep, Federation of American, CNN, 2022 Defense Intelligence Agency Locations: Russia, United States, Mike Turner of Ohio, Florida, ”, Tennessee, Ukraine, Russian

☆ Opinion: How America became immune to scandal
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-15 | by ( Julian Zelizer | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

Editor’s note: CNN’s six-part series “United States of Scandal With Jake Tapper” will premiere at 9 p.m. ET/PT February 18. As president, Trump experienced more moments that would traditionally be defined as a scandal than almost any other high official in recent memory, arguably surpassing his notorious predecessor, Richard Nixon. In an era when most Americans are more concerned about the political party of their children’s future spouse than their religion, this calculation is dominant. One study even found that legislators often raise more money after a scandal, especially if the issue received media coverage. For all these reasons, scandal in 2024 isn’t your grandfather’s scandal.

Persons: Jake Tapper ”, Julian Zelizer, Webster, doesn’t, Donald Trump, Trump, Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, Trump’s, Matt Gaetz, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Pink Floyd, George Santos, Santos, Taylor Swift, Bill Clinton, Sen, Robert Menendez Organizations: CNN, Princeton University, The New York Times, America, Trump, Capitol, Republicans, GOP, Republican Party, Democratic Party, New York Republicans, Rep, Republican, Democrat, Robert Menendez of New Locations: United States, Merriam, Florida, Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, Vietnam, shrug, midstream, yesteryear, Robert Menendez of, Robert Menendez of New Jersey

☆ Ousting Kevin McCarthy has been a disaster for House Republicans
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-15 | by ( Madison Hall | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Read previewAfter four months of failed votes, retirements, and shrinking the party's already-narrow majority, House Republicans are feeling the harsh effects of ousting then-Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy from his leadership role in October 2023. Before obtaining the speakership, his highest leadership experience came from his nearly three years as the vice chair of the House Republican Conference, where he had scant experience raising money and campaigning for other Republicans. Because of this narrower majority, Johnson has an increasingly difficult job getting House Republicans to vote in lockstep — practically the only way the conference can pass legislation without relying on Democratic votes. McCarthy also had ample experience fundraising and propping up trailing candidates, attributes that could've helped New York special election candidate Mazi Pilip on Tuesday. AdvertisementOr as one House Republican put it bluntly earlier in February: "Getting rid of Speaker McCarthy has officially turned into an unmitigated disaster."

Persons: —, Kevin McCarthy, McCarthy's, Matt Gaetz, Mike Johnson, Johnson, George Santos, Santos, lockstep —, Donald Trump, McCarthy would've, It's, McCarthy, could've, Mazi Pilip, Johnson — would've Organizations: Service, Republicans, Republican, GOP, Business, House Republican Conference, Democratic Party, Democratic, Trump, House GOP Locations: New York

☆ McCarthy foes face blowback as primary threats grow and GOP donors shut wallets
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-11 | by ( Melanie Zanona | Manu Raju | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +12 min

CNN —Donors no longer want to contribute to their campaigns. So we obliged her,” one House Republican told CNN. Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee told CNN some “very wealthy folks” shut their wallets to him in the aftermath of his vote. “If you’ve watched, just her philosophy and the flip-flopping, I don’t believe she wins reelection,” McCarthy told CNN. “We are an incumbent-driven organization and support all House Republican incumbents call,” said a spokesman for the National Republican Campaign Committee.

Persons: Kevin McCarthy, Manu Raju ”, Nancy Mace, Bob Good, Matt Rosendale, McCarthy, Mace, “ I’m, Trump, Kevin McCarthy’s, ” Mace, “, ”, Ron DeSantis, Donald Trump, Good, Mace aren’t, Tim Burchett, “ They’ve, ” Burchett, I’m, Burchett —, —, “ He’s, I’d, Andy Biggs of, Biggs, Matt Gaetz, ” Biggs, Bob, Nancy, Mike Johnson, “ McCarthy couldn’t, ” Gaetz, he’s, Gaez, Drew Angerer, Brian O, Walsh, you’ve, Catherine Templeton, John McGuire, Jeff Miller, Marjorie Taylor Greene, McGuire, Tim Sheehy, Rosendale, McCarthy’s, Mark Lamb, Eli Crane, Lamb, Crane, hasn’t, ” Crane, “ Crane, there’s, Mace —, Mace doesn’t, ” McCarthy, Tom Williams, Johnson, Greg Steele, CNN’s David Wright, Sam Fossum, Morgan Rimmer Organizations: Republicans, CNN, Capitol, GOP, Senate, Good, Main Street Caucus, Republican Governance Group, Republican, 1st Congressional District, Freedom Caucus, Florida, ”, Politico, Navy SEAL, Montana Senate, Trump’s, Burchett, Tennessee Republican, Caucus, National Republican Campaign Locations: Washington, South Carolina, Virginia, Montana, Tennessee, Andy Biggs of Arizona, Florida, Washington ,, Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, Rosendale, California, Arizona, Crane, Trump’s Nevada, Las Vegas, Israel

A lawyer for the chief witness against Representative Matt Gaetz, Republican of Florida, said on Friday that the witness was cooperating with a House Ethics Committee investigation into whether Mr. Gaetz had sex with an underage girl while he was serving in Congress. Fritz Scheller, a lawyer for Mr. Gaetz’s former friend and political ally Joel Greenberg, said he provided documents to the committee that he said backed up his client’s claims that he witnessed Mr. Gaetz having sex with a 17-year-old girl. Greenberg has and will cooperate with any congressional request,” Mr. Scheller said in an email on Friday. Mr. Greenberg, who pleaded guilty in May 2021 to charges including sex trafficking, is serving an 11-year prison sentence. He had previously cooperated with a Justice Department investigation into whether Mr. Gaetz had engaged in sex trafficking of a minor, a federal offense that carries a minimum of 10 years in prison.

Persons: Matt Gaetz, Gaetz, Fritz Scheller, Gaetz’s, Joel Greenberg, “ Mr, Greenberg, ” Mr, Scheller, Mr Organizations: Republican, Justice Department Locations: Florida

☆ Matt Gaetz is trying to oust a GOP congressman who once screamed at him on the House floor
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-07 | by ( Bryan Metzger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

In January 2023, Rep. Mike Bost got up and screamed at Matt Gaetz as he trashed Kevin McCarthy. Now, Gaetz is backing Bost's primary challenger: failed GOP gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey. Gaetz called the Illinois congressman "lackluster" and compared him to Liz Cheney. AdvertisementRepublican Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida is seeking to end the career of a fellow GOP congressman who once screamed at him on the House floor. Gaetz is endorsing Darren Bailey — a former Illinois state representative who was the GOP's unsuccessful nominee for governor in 2022 — in his primary campaign against Rep. Mike Bost.

Persons: Mike Bost, Matt Gaetz, Kevin McCarthy, Darren Bailey, Gaetz, Liz Cheney, —, Darren Bailey —, Darren Organizations: Service, Republican, GOP, Rep, Business Locations: Illinois, Florida, Southern Illinois

☆ House Republicans are mourning the departures of George Santos and Kevin McCarthy after their failed vote to impeach Mayorkas
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-07 | by ( Bryan Metzger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

House Republicans narrowly failed to impeach DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Tuesday. That wouldn't have happened if George Santos hadn't been expelled or Kevin McCarthy hadn't resigned. AdvertisementOn Tuesday, House Republicans suffered an embarrassing setback — they narrowly failed to impeach DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas after 3 Republicans voted against it. But Tuesday's failed vote was the first time House Republicans have suffered at the hands of their slowly shrinking majority, which has been driven by retirements and expulsions in recent months. AdvertisementTwo prominent names who weren't around to vote on Tuesday: former Rep. George Santos of New York and former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

Persons: Alejandro Mayorkas, George Santos hadn't, Kevin McCarthy hadn't, I've, Santos, Matt Gaetz, —, Steve Scalise, Tuesday's, Marjorie Taylor Greene, George Santos, Kevin McCarthy, McCarthy, Mayorkas —, Gaetz, I’ve, oCtNPjIPdB, Anna Paulina Luna, Florida, Mayorkas, Thomas Massie of, Massie Organizations: Republicans, Service, GOP, George Santos of New, Twitter, Independent, New York Republicans Locations: Georgia, George Santos of, George Santos of New York, Florida, Santos, Thomas Massie of Kentucky

A spokesman for Mr. Rosendale declined to comment. In those seven campaigns over 12 years, Mr. Rosendale has won five contests and lost two. Mr. Rosendale finished three points behind Mr. Tester in that race after narrowly winning the primary with 34 percent of the vote. Mr. Rosendale has been a frequent guest on Mr. Bannon’s “War Room” podcast, which is popular with conservatives. A third super PAC supporting Mr. Sheehy, known as More Jobs, Less Government, has been underwritten by a few wealthy Wall Street executives.

Persons: Matt Rosendale, torching, Jon Tester, Tester, Donald J, Trump, Tim Sheehy, Tester’s, Steve Daines, Sheehy, Daines, John Barrasso of, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Trump’s, hasn’t, Rachel Leathe, Rosendale, Alex Bruesewitz, Chad F, Donald Trump Jr, Bruesewitz, “, Ted Cruz, “ I’ve, he’s, ”, Biden, Caroline Wren, Matt Gaetz, Gaetz, Kevin McCarthy, McCarthy, Greene, Stephen K, Bannon, Bannon’s, Mr, Mitch McConnell, Karl Rove —, Kenneth Griffin, Paul Singer, Stephen A, Schwarzman, Tony Fabrizio, Andy Surabian, Maggie Haberman Organizations: Senate, Montana Republicans, Republican, National Republican Senatorial Committee, Republicans, Trump, Bozeman Daily Chronicle, Associated Press, Montana Republican, U.S . House, Montana Senate, Mr, Trump White House, Navy SEAL, Republicans —, Fund, Wall Street, PAC, Democratic Locations: Montana, Rosendale, Helena, Washington, John Barrasso of Wyoming, Georgia, Iowa, Bozeman, MAGA, U.S, Ted Cruz of Texas, Arizona and Ohio

☆ GOP congressman blames the 'craze-os' and media for Trump being removed from ballots in connection with the January 6 riots
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-06 | by ( Madison Hall | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

download the appSign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. Read previewA House Republican blamed the media for former President Donald Trump being removed from ballots as members of the GOP plan to file a resolution absolving him of the crimes he's been charged with in connection to January 6. Speaking fifth in a long series of frustrated Republicans, Rep. Andy Biggs directly accused the news media of leading Colorado and Maine to remove Trump from their presidential ballots. Advertisement"It was not an insurrection, but the craze-o's on the left supported by their accomplices in the media continue to try to harass and have President Trump removed from ballots using this false narrative," he said. She also told reporters, "You're hurting your own careers and you're hurting your industry" by labeling the former president an "insurrectionist."

Persons: —, Donald Trump, Matt Gaetz, Gaetz, Sen, JD Vance, Andy Biggs, Trump, Lauren Boebert, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Jack Smith Organizations: Service, Republican, GOP, Rep, Business, Trump, Veritas, New York Times, firebrand, House Locations: United States, Colorado, Maine

☆ Michael Fanone says Matt Gaetz's efforts to clear Trump of committing insurrection are part of his 'endless ass-kissing campaign'
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-02 | by ( Madison Hall | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

As Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz continues to circulate a drafted resolution saying former President Donald Trump didn't "engage in insurrection or rebellion against the United States, or give aid or comfort to the enemies thereof," retired DC Metropolitan Police Officer Michael Fanone isn't surprised. "It's another example of Matt Gaetz's endless ass-kissing campaign to ingratiate himself with Donald Trump," he told Business Insider Friday morning. In late January, the Daily Mail reported Gaetz's office had begun sending emails of the resolution to members of the House who've endorsed Trump's reelection campaign. Gaetz has yet to file the resolution, but Politico reported that same day it would likely be coming soon. Ultimately, he said, "I feel betrayed" by Trump supporters and legislators he said are operating out of their self-interests.

Persons: Matt Gaetz, Donald Trump, Michael Fanone isn't, Matt Gaetz's, ingratiate, Gaetz's, who've, Trump's, Gaetz, Trump, Fanone Organizations: Republican, DC Metropolitan Police, Daily Mail, New, Capitol, Politico, Trump Locations: United States, New Republic, America

☆ House Ethics Committee reached out to Rep. Matt Gaetz’s ex-girlfriend amid ongoing investigation
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-01 | by ( Paula Reid | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

The House Ethics Committee investigating Rep. Matt Gaetz has reached out to an ex-girlfriend who was a key witness in the federal investigation into the Florida lawmaker, according to a source familiar with the ethics probe. Gaetz said in a statement to CNN that the Ethics Committee investigation is “payback” for Gaetz’s efforts to oust Kevin McCarthy, the former speaker of the house, and that he sees “through this sham and the American people will too.” The Ethics Committee declined to comment. That federal probe concluded in 2023 with no charges brought against the congressman. She is not expected to voluntarily cooperate with the Ethics probe. But McCarthy has repeatedly denounced those accusations and has said Gaetz worked to oust the former speaker because of the ethics probe.

Persons: Matt Gaetz, Gaetz, Kevin McCarthy, McCarthy, ” McCarthy, “, ”, Annie Grayer Organizations: GOP, Florida Republican, CNN, Capitol Hill, Justice Department Locations: Florida, California

☆ Trump Strengthens Grip on Capitol Hill as He Presses Toward Nomination
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-25 | by ( Annie Karni | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

As former President Donald J. Trump moves closer to becoming his party’s presidential nominee and Republican lawmakers consolidate behind him, he is wielding a heavier hand than any time since leaving office over his party’s agenda in Congress. His shadow has always loomed large over the Republican-controlled House, which has opened congressional investigations to defend him, launched an impeachment inquiry into his chief rival and approved legislation to reinstate the hard-line immigration policies he imposed. But as Mr. Trump barrels toward the party’s 2024 nomination, his influence on the legislative agenda on Capitol Hill is expanding. support for sending aid to Ukraine for its war against Russian aggression, placing the fate of that money in doubt. That led Republicans to demand a border crackdown in exchange for any further funding for Kyiv, a compromise that Mr. Trump has now repudiated.

Persons: Donald J, Trump, Mike Johnson, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Matt Gaetz Organizations: Republicans, Republican, Kyiv Locations: Ukraine, Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, Florida

☆ Exclusive: House ethics probe of Gaetz seeks information from DOJ and woman who allegedly had sex with congressman as a minor
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-24 | by ( Paula Reid | Annie Grayer | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

The House Ethics Committee investigating Rep. Matt Gaetz has reached out to the woman whom the congressman allegedly had sexual relations with when she was a 17-year-old minor, according to a source familiar with the committee’s work. The federal probe, which also included allegations he had sex with a minor, concluded in 2023 with no charges brought against the congressman. The increased activity under Republican leadership is notable given the committee probe was started by House Democrats in 2021. But McCarthy has repeatedly denounced those accusations and has said Gaetz worked to oust the former speaker because of the ethics probe. The probe expanded over the years before the Justice Department officially decided last year not to charge the congressman.

Persons: Matt Gaetz, Gaetz, ” Gaetz, Kevin McCarthy, McCarthy, ” McCarthy, “, Norman Eisen, Donald Trump’s, ” Eisen, Eisen, ”, Bill Barr, Joel Greenberg, Department’s, won’t Organizations: GOP, Florida Republican, Justice Department, CNN, Justice, Republican, House Democrats, Department of Justice, Democrats, DOJ, Trump, Gaetz Locations: Florida, California

☆ Analysis: Why DeSantis’ departure isn’t likely to change the dynamic between Trump and Haley
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-21 | by ( Ron Brownstein | Analysis Ronald Brownstein | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +17 min

The DeSantis and Haley camps each believed they would benefit if the other left the field and created an unambiguous one-on-one race with Trump. In fact, both the Trump and DeSantis campaigns believe that more of the Florida governor’s supporters will likely pick Trump. Any gain or loss for Haley among voters from DeSantis’ decision seems likely to affect the race only marginally, many GOP observers believe. Even at that point in the 2016 race, Trump had won only a cumulative 40% of the votes cast in the GOP primaries. His theory that he could peel away a meaningful number of previous Trump voters simply proved wrong.

Persons: New Hampshire CNN —, Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, Donald Trump, DeSantis, Haley, Trump, Joe Biden, Haley doesn’t, Biden, winnowing, Whit Ayres, ” Ayres, Texas Sen, Ted Cruz, George Conway, “ Trump, David Kochel, “, he’s, –, Trump’s, ”, Alex Stroman, Trump’s MAGA, MAGA, CNN DeSantis, “ DeSantis, Scott Reed, Bob Dole’s, John Connally, suburbanites, Vivek Ramaswamy, Donald Trump’s, ” Stroman, Jean Carroll, Mike Murphy, – Haley, Sen, Marco Rubio, she’s, Mike Dennehy, John McCain’s, Bill Kristol, Kristol, ” Kristol, Matt Gaetz, Ginger Heald, Ayres, Grover Cleveland, Republican Benjamin Harrison, Reed, Dole, Mike Pence, Pence, ” Reed, “ He’s Organizations: New Hampshire CNN, Florida Gov, GOP, South Carolina Gov, Republican, Trump, CNN, New Hampshire, Democratic, South, University of New Hampshire, Republicans, Texas, nonurban Whites, The, South Carolina Republican Party, Edison Research, Trump Trump, Biden, New Hampshire GOP, Florida Republican, Merrimack Republican, Committee, DeSantis Locations: Manchester, New Hampshire, Florida, South Carolina, New, Iowa, DeSantis, As, Hampshire, New York, Trump, The Florida, Trump’s, Texas, Charleston, Polk County, Trump’s Manchester , New Hampshire, Ukraine, Israel, ”

☆ High profile conservatives serve as surrogates as Trump looks to lock down GOP nomination
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-19 | by ( Daniel Strauss | Kristen Holmes | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Additionally, two former Republican presidential candidates have traveled to the early primary states alongside Trump almost immediately after they ended their respective campaigns to defeat him. Doug Burgum dropped out in December, he endorsed Trump and traveled with him in Iowa and to New Hampshire. Kari Lake speaks to reporters before Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks at a caucus night party in Des Moines, Iowa, on Monday. Pablo Martinez Monsivais/APIn Keokuk, Iowa, earlier this month, Greene panned the rest of the GOP field as knockoffs of Trump. Still, Republican strategists and campaign operatives often lament that surrogates and endorsements aren’t as influential as they used to be.

Persons: Matt Gaetz, ”, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Ronny Jackson, Donald Trump’s, Trump, Kari Lake, Byron Donalds, Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, Vivek Ramaswamy, Doug Burgum, Elise Stefanik, Kristi Noem, Ramaswamy, ’, –, he’s, Gregg Keller, Mitt Romney’s, “, Donald Trump, —, Stefanik, “ Trump, ” Terry Sullivan, Florida Sen, Marco Rubio’s, it’s, Lake, Bob Vander Plaats, Trump’s, Pablo Martinez Monsivais, Greene, Bush, ” Greene, aren’t, pollster, Trump’s surrogates, It’s Organizations: CNN, Florida, Georgia, Texas, Iowa, Center, Arizona, Florida Rep, Trump, Florida Gov, South Carolina Gov, Republican, North Dakota Gov, New, South Dakota Gov, Republicans, it’s, ”, AP, GOP Locations: Iowa, lockstep, Florida, New Hampshire, Trump’s, West Des Moines, Des Moines , Iowa, Keokuk , Iowa

☆ US Capitol Police investigated more than 8,000 threats against lawmakers in 2023, up from the previous year
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-19 | by ( Adrienne Winston | Rashard Rose | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —US Capitol Police said it investigated more than 8,000 threats against members of Congress last year – an increase of about 500 cases from the previous year, according to data released Thursday by the department. In 2023, the USCP’s Threat Assessment Section investigated 8,008 cases, Capitol Police said, an increase from the previous year’s 2022 assessment of 7,501 threats against lawmakers. The 2023 cases include investigations into concerning statements and direct threats, according to a release from Capitol Police. The number of threats against lawmakers typically surge in an election year, according to the USCP. “These are the people who keep this country going in the public spaces and protect us and keep us secure.

Persons: USCP, Matt Gaetz, Jim Jordan, Ashan Benedict, ”, Tom Manger, General Merrick Garland, ” Garland Organizations: CNN, US Capitol Police, Capitol Police, Democratic, Republican, ”, Republicans, Police, Protective and Intelligence, Capitol Locations: New Hampshire, Florida, Ohio

☆ For the 4th time in a year, more House Democrats than Republicans voted to avert a fiscal disaster — even though the GOP controls the chamber
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-18 | by ( Bryan Metzger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

The House passed a bill to avert a government shutdown for a few weeks, sending it to Biden's desk. AdvertisementThe House of Representatives passed a bill on Thursday evening that temporarily extends government funding — and way more Democrats than Republicans voted for it. The short-term funding bill, negotiated in part by House Speaker Mike Johnson, passed 314-108, with 207 Democrats and 107 Republicans voting for it. AdvertisementThe House passed that bill by a 314-117 margin, with 165 Democrats and 149 Republicans voting for it. That bill passed 336-95, with 209 Democrats and 127 Republicans voting for it.

Persons: —, Chip Roy, Mike Johnson, Joe Biden's, McCarthy, Kevin McCarthy, — McCarthy, Matt Gaetz, Johnson, we've, Eli Crane of Organizations: Republicans, GOP, Democratic, Service, Caucus, White, Louisiana Republican Locations: Texas, Johnson, Florida, Louisiana, Eli Crane of Arizona

☆ Lindsey Graham says the longer Haley campaigns against Trump, 'the less likely it is' she becomes his VP pick
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-18 | by ( Brent D. Griffiths | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Sen. Lindsey Graham said Nikki Haley may hurt her chances of being Trump's VP running mate. Graham said the longer his fellow South Carolinian challenged Trump, "the more scar tissue accumulates." "I think he would pick her if he thought it would help him win," Graham told Politico's Jonathan Martin. I do not want to be vice president, period," Haley told WMUR, a New Hampshire TV station, earlier this week, referring to former Gov. "Nikki Haley as VP would be an establishment neocon fantasy and a MAGA nightmare," Rep. Matt Gaetz, a Florida Republican, told Politico.

Persons: Sen, Lindsey Graham, Nikki Haley, Graham, Trump, Haley, —, Donald Trump's, Politico's Jonathan Martin, Ron DeSantis, I'm, Chris, WMUR, Chris Christie, assailing Haley, MAGA, Matt Gaetz, Politico Organizations: Service, UN, GOP, Trump, Gov, New Hampshire TV, Florida Republican, Naval Observatory Locations: Iowa, Florida, New Hampshire, New Jersey, MAGAworld

But Greene said she had a tougher time connecting with Speaker Mike Johnson, who doesn’t have a strong relationship with the congresswoman. “I haven’t heard much from him,” Greene told CNN earlier this week. Greene said Johnson heard her out and gave her assurances that her impeachment articles would move through committee and on to the floor. Taking a page from his predecessor’s playbook, Johnson has tried to dole out commitments and face-time to some of his potential critics. GOP Rep. Bob Good of Virginia said the Freedom Caucus made clear to the speaker on Thursday what their expectations are.

Persons: Marjorie Taylor Greene, Alejandro Mayorkas, Greene –, –, Kevin McCarthy’s, Greene, Mike Johnson, Johnson, ” Greene, George Santos, playbook, Max Miller, ”, He’s, I’m, ” Miller, he’d, I’ve, Chip Roy, Roy, “ We’re, McCarthy, Matt Gaetz, Hunter, James Biden, Scott Perry, Scott Perry of Pennsylvania, they’d, Kevin McCarthy, Dusty Johnson, “, McCarthy derangement, Tom Cole of, “ It’s, She’s, ” Rep, Don Bacon, Joe Biden, impeaching Mayorkas, Darrell Issa of, Issa, It’s, Tom McClintock of, bombast, ” McClintock, Rashida Tlaib, there’s, Santos, can’t, Bob Good, Virginia, ” Good, Mike Garcia, Mike, ” Roy Organizations: Georgia Republican, impeaching Homeland, Republican, CNN, Louisiana Republican, GOP, Ohio Republican, Texas, Freedom Caucus, White, Capitol, Republican Conference, South Dakota Republican, ” Veteran GOP, ”, GOP Rep, Caucus, Democratic Locations: Georgia, Louisiana, Israel, Florida, Scott Perry of, “, Tom Cole of Oklahoma, Nebraska, Darrell Issa of California, Tom McClintock of California, Ukraine, Taiwan, ” California

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House is making history this year in ways that Republicans could hardly have envisioned when the party took control. First, the Republicans voted to oust their speaker, Kevin McCarthy, and on Friday they voted to get rid of one of their own, indicted GOP Rep. George Santos of New York. The result has been a dizzying 11 months in a House majority riven by infighting, chiseling away at the powers of Congress and taking its toll on the actual business of governing. As the year comes to a close, the arc of power for House Republicans is at an inflection point, a new era of performance politics and chaotic governing that shows no signs of easing. A scathing House Ethics report found “overwhelming evidence” of lawbreaking by Santos, including questionable campaign expenditures on items like Botox.

Persons: Kevin McCarthy, George Santos, chiseling, Mike Lawler, Santos, you’re, ”, ” Santos, “, Donald Trump, Nick LaLota, Matt Gaetz, Mike Johnson, Johnson, Joe Biden, Hunter Organizations: WASHINGTON, House Republicans, Republican, New, Capitol, Yorkers, GOP, Trump, Republicans Locations: George Santos of New York, lawbreaking, Florida

☆ 112 House Republicans — and 2 Democrats — voted against expelling George Santos despite a damning House Ethics Committee report
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-01 | by ( Bryan Metzger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Rep. George Santos of New York was finally expelled from Congress on Friday. AdvertisementRep. George Santos of New York was finally expelled from Congress on Friday by a 311-114 vote, with 2 lawmakers voting present. But even as more than two-thirds of the chamber voted to kick Santos out, over 100 House Republicans voted against the measure, arguing that the vote set a bad precedent. "I rise not to defend George Santos, whoever he is," Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida said on the House floor on Thursday," but to defend the very precedent that my colleagues are willing to shatter." Gaetz: I rise not to defend George Santos, whoever he is… pic.twitter.com/pVi5rdeyj9 — Acyn (@Acyn) November 30, 2023Rep. Clay Higgins of Louisiana, meanwhile, argued that the ethics committee's investigation "appears weaponized to me," echoing conservative claims about the justice system writ large.

Persons: George Santos, —, Santos, Matt Gaetz, Clay Higgins, Jim Traficant of, Ozzie Myers, Michael Guest of Organizations: Service, Republicans, Representatives, Democratic, Republican Locations: George Santos of New York, Florida, Clay Higgins of Louisiana, Jim Traficant of Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michael Guest of Mississippi

☆ Ousted former Speaker Kevin McCarthy says fellow GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz 'belongs in jail'
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-30 | by ( Madison Hall | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Nearly two months ago, Matt Gaetz kicked off the process to oust McCarthy as speaker of the House. McCarthy said he now thinks Matt Gaetz "belongs in jail." AdvertisementIt's been nearly two months since former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy was ousted from his leadership role after fellow Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz forced a House vote on the matter, and there's clearly still bad blood between the two legislators. In an interview with Politico, McCarthy said he thinks Gaetz is more fit for a penitentiary than an office at the Capitol. AdvertisementWhile it's unclear exactly what specific allegations McCarthy was alluding to, Gaetz has a history of run-ins with police and investigators.

Persons: Matt Gaetz, McCarthy, —, It's, Kevin McCarthy, Gaetz, there's, Joel Greenberg, Axios Organizations: Service, Republican, Politico, Capitol, Sunshine State, House, GOP Locations: Florida, Washington ,

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