DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ Mitch McConnell says both Biden and Trump have an 'age issue' that will be 'front and center' in 2024
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-15 | by ( Bryan Metzger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

The recent special counsel report raised questions about Biden's memory and age. "The age issue is obviously front and center for both candidates," said McConnell. AdvertisementAfter a special counsel report spelled out concerns about President Joe Biden's age and memory, many Republicans immediately moved to make it an issue. "The age issue is obviously front and center for both candidates," McConnell told CNN. AdvertisementOn Friday, the special counsel release a report that did not recommend charges against Biden for mishandling classified documents.

Persons: McConnell, who's, Biden, isn't, —, Joe Biden's, Mike Johnson, Mitch McConnell, Donald Trump, Beau, Trump, Nikki Haley, Nancy Pelosi, Alexandria Ocasio, Cortez, Cortez of New York Organizations: Service, Republicans, GOP, Oval, CNN, Biden, Democratic Locations: Alexandria, Cortez of New, Cortez

The House Judiciary Committee, chaired by conservative firebrand Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, will hold a hearing with special counsel Robert Hur on March 12, according to two people familiar with the plans who spoke anonymously to discuss the yet-to-be-announced hearing. The committee has spearheaded much of the House GOP's investigations into Biden, including the effort to impeach him. While that effort has floundered, Republicans want to hear from Hur after his report last week offered an unflattering assessment of Biden's competency and age. The hearing is sure to spill into a political spectacle as House Republicans have consistently sought to use hearings to punch holes in Biden's political weaknesses. Trump has bragged about his own memory, but at certain times in legal proceedings said he does not recall certain events.

Persons: Joe Biden's, Jim Jordan, Robert Hur, Biden, Hur, Donald Trump, Mike Johnson, ” Trump, Trump Organizations: WASHINGTON, Republicans, Justice Department, firebrand Rep, Republican, Trump, Oval Locations: Ohio, U.S, Maryland

☆ 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

☆ The GOP could be about to cost Ukraine the war
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-14 | by ( Thibault Spirlet | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

But House Republicans under Speaker Mike Johnson have no plans to take up the deal, effectively blocking the $60 billion in Ukraine aid it includes. AdvertisementThe war has reached a stalemate even with this support, and a sudden shortage as could come this year drastically weakens Ukraine’s war effort against Russia, analysts told Business Insider. Without US arms support, Ukraine will simply be outgunned and more of its troops will die, experts warn. Other aid will save Ukraine just for monthsA Ukrainian defeat would not be immediate, as Europe could step up its military aid, Herbst said. Losing Ukraine would come at a devastating cost for NATO and the USThese dynamics are perilous for Ukraine and its backers.

Persons: —, Mike Johnson, John Herbst, Herbst, Ukraine’s, Gustav Gressel, Stringer Mark Cancian, they'd, Cancian, Vladimir Putin, Johnson, Hakeem Jeffries Organizations: Service, Business, Patriot, Council’s Eurasia Center, Archer Artillery, Roman, Getty, American Enterprise Institute, Martens, European Council, Foreign Relations, REUTERS, US Marine Corps, Center for Strategic, International Studies, NATO, Russia, Democrats, House Republicans Locations: Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, Russia, Ukrainian, Iran, North Korea, Donetsk Oblast, Europe, Zaporizhzhia region, Russian, Soviet Union, Belarus, Africa, Balkans, America

☆ House Speaker Mike Johnson in no rush to address foreign aid request while others weigh rewriting Senate-passed plan
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-14 | by ( Melanie Zanona | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

But some conservatives say they won’t support any Ukraine aid, even if it’s just narrow military aid. “There’s the possibility that the Republican majority would support Ukraine aid paid for, with real border security attached to it,” Good said. Rep. Chip Roy of Texas, also a Freedom Caucus member, laid out a number of conditions he would need in order to support Ukraine aid. One option that was discussed during the meeting was stripping the aid package of its humanitarian assistance for Ukraine and only including military aid for Ukraine. And I think we should have been focused on military aid,” Rep. Don Bacon, a swing district Republican from Nebraska, told CNN.

Persons: Mike Johnson, Johnson, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Brian Fitzpatrick, “, ” Fitzpatrick, Fitzpatrick, Joe Biden, Dan Crenshaw, Bob Good, ”, Chip Roy, ” Roy, ” Rep, Don Bacon, Ann Wagner, ” Johnson, Hakeem Jeffries, “ Mike Johnson, Jeffries, ” “, Vladimir Putin, Wagner, Bacon, ” Wagner, ” Bacon, CNN’s Manu Raju, Mario Diaz, “ I’ll, we’re, CNN’s Annie Grayer, Manu Raju, Sam Fossum Organizations: Republican Conference, GOP, Republican, Pentagon, Virginia Republican, Freedom Caucus, Caucus, ”, Republicans, CNN, “, Missouri Republican, Democrat Locations: Ukraine, Israel, Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, Taiwan, Dan Crenshaw of Texas, Texas, United States, Nebraska, Missouri, Florida

☆ ICE draft plan would release thousands of immigrants in order to cover budget shortfall
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-14 | by ( Priscilla Alvarez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Washington CNN —Immigration and Customs Enforcement has drafted contingency plans to cut detention capacity and release thousands of immigrants as a result, according to a source familiar with the plan. The draft plan comes as ICE faces a dire budget shortfall amid stalled congressional action on the White House supplemental request. President Joe Biden has repeatedly implored Congress to give him more resources to deal with the situation at the US-Mexico border, assigning blame on Republicans for not doing more. Over recent years, ICE has assisted Customs and Border Protection in its border mission as that agency is also overwhelmed. Homeland Security officials have attributed the decline to ongoing high-level talks between the US and Mexico, which has doubled down on enforcement, but caution that encounters historically drop in January before ticking up again.

Persons: Joe Biden, Mayorkas, ” Biden, Alejandro Mayorkas, Troy Miller Organizations: Washington CNN — Immigration, Enforcement, ICE, White, Department of Homeland Security, GOP, impeaching, DHS –, The Washington Post, Administration, Homeland Security, CBP, Protection, Coast Guard, Transportation Security Administration, US Border Patrol, DHS Locations: Mexico, Congress, Venezuela

☆ Democrat Tom Suozzi wins New York special election, flips Santos' old seat
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-14 | by ( Brent D. Griffiths | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Democrat Tom Suozzi will be returning to Congress after winning George Santos' old seat. He defeated Republican Mazi Pilip, a relative political newcomer. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementNew Yorkers have narrowed the House GOP's razor-thin majority, handing a major special election win to Democrats in the race to replace ousted Congressman George Santos. He defeated Mazi Pilip, a relative political newcomer, who despite holding local office as a Republican is a registered Democrat.

Persons: Tom Suozzi, George Santos, Republican Mazi Pilip, —, Mazi Pilip Organizations: Republicans, Republican, Service, Democrats, Associated Press, New, Congressional, Business Locations: Queens, Long

☆ McConnell defends push for Ukraine aid amid attacks from Trump wing of GOP: ‘Every argument against this is wrong’
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-14 | by ( Manu Raju | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

“I feel strongly this is in our best interest, America’s best interest and the world’s best interests to do this. Meantime, the House GOP has aligned itself closely with Trump and taken steps that have made some Republican senators uneasy – including impeaching Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas over the problems at the border. But McConnell didn’t think the flap would have much of an impact on Senate races. “I think that every one of these races will hash that out one way or another,” McConnell said. “The age issue is obviously front and center for both candidates,” McConnell said when asked about the matter.

Persons: Mitch McConnell, Donald Trump, McConnell, –, “ It’s, ” McConnell, Trump, Mike Johnson, McConnell harkened, – we’ve, Johnson, “, ” Johnson, I’ve, we’ve, Alejandro Mayorkas, hadn’t, Oklahoma GOP Sen, James Lankford, ”, Tom Suozzi, Biden, Robert Hur’s, ” CNN’s Clare Foran, Morgan Rimmer Organizations: GOP, CNN, Trump, Republican, “, Kentucky Republican, Homeland, Oklahoma GOP, Wall Street, Washington Post, Republicans, Democrats, New, Democrat Locations: Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, Oklahoma, New York

☆ Democrats pivot on immigration as Republicans take a stand against Biden
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-14 | by ( Zachary Wolf | Analysis Zachary B. Wolf | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

CNN —The immigration and border crisis is quickly morphing into the dominant issue of American politics – and Democrats are pivoting faster than Republicans at the moment. It took two tries, but House Republicans made their point and voted by the narrowest possible margin to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, the first impeachment of a Cabinet secretary since the 1870s. He tacked to the middle specifically on the issue of immigration, hammering Republicans for refusing to work with Democrats on an immigration compromise. Except voters concerned about immigration told CNN reporters that it was also dysfunction on Capitol Hill – Republicans rejected even the idea of a bipartisan immigration deal last week – that drove their votes. Democrats and Republicans in the Senate joined together to pass a foreign aid package this week after it was decoupled from the border compromise.

Persons: –, Joe Biden, Donald Trump’s, Biden, Mayorkas, Alejandro Mayorkas, George Santos, Tom Suozzi, “ Let’s, ” Suozzi, Timothy A, Clary, Santos, Eric Adams, Greg Abbott, Mike Johnson, Johnson, Suozzi, “, ”, ” Johnson, bipartisanship, Hakeem Jeffries, ” Jeffries, Mike Gallagher of, impeaching Mayorkas, ” Gallagher, Larry Hogan, Hogan, CNN’s Dana, ” Hogan, “ I’m, it’s Organizations: CNN, York House, Republicans, Homeland, Democrats, Immigration, Customs, GOP, Trump, Getty, Texas Gov, Republican, Capitol Hill, Hill, “, Capitol, Capitol Hill ., Maryland Gov, Trump Republican Locations: York, New York, midtown Manhattan, AFP, New York City, Texas, Ukraine, Israel, Capitol Hill, Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin, America, Washington

☆ Takeaways from New York’s high-stakes special election
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-14 | by ( Gregory Krieg | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

CNN —Democrat Tom Suozzi is heading back to Congress after defeating Republican Mazi Pilip in the special election to replace serial fabulist and expelled former GOP Rep. George Santos. The result will further narrow the GOP’s already thin House majority and hand President Joe Biden’s party a boost as the general election campaign comes into focus. If not redemption, the New York Democratic Party in this special election earned a reprieve. As the storm swept through Queens and Long Island on Tuesday, Republican groups and the Pilip campaign scrambled to drive – literally in some cases – their voters to the polls. (Democratic Rep. Grace Meng from the neighboring 6th congressional district, and the area’s Asian American voters, delivered above and beyond for Suozzi.)

Persons: Tom Suozzi, Republican Mazi Pilip, George Santos, Joe Biden’s, Donald Trump, Biden, he’s, –, Santos, Trump, Pilip, Suozzi, ”, George Santos’s, Rick Lazio, didn’t, Hakeem Jeffries, Kathy Hochul, Jay Jacobs, thrall, Israel –, Grace Meng Organizations: CNN, Republican, GOP Rep, Biden, Democrats, New York’s, ’, GOP, Trump, Santos, George Santos’s volleyball, New, Democratic, New York Democrats Suozzi’s, New York Democratic Party, – Gov, GOP House, Israel Defense Forces, Republicans, Democrat, Queens Locations: Long, dissing, Israel, New York City, New York, Queens, Gaza, Nassau County, Queens –, Suozzi

☆ We really shouldn't have expelled George Santos, House Republican says
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-14 | by ( Bryan Metzger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Rep. Mike Collins is pointing fingers at the more than 100 Republicans who voted to expel Santos. AdvertisementRep. Mike Collins is taking one lesson from Tuesday night's special election in New York: Republicans shouldn't have joined with Democrats to expel George Santos from Congress. the Georgia Republican wrote shortly after former Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi was declared the winner of the special election in New York's 3rd congressional district. — Rep. Mike Collins (@RepMikeCollins) February 14, 2024Collins isn't alone in lamenting the loss of Santos recently. In reality, the special election loss on Tuesday may have come down to the GOP's aversion to early voting.

Persons: George Santos's, Mike Collins, Santos, —, Republicans shouldn't, George Santos, Tom Suozzi, Collins isn't, Alejandro Mayorkas, Mazi Pilip Organizations: Service, Republicans, Congress, Democrats, Georgia Republican, Democratic Rep, Republican, —, GOP Locations: New York, New York's

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate early Tuesday passed a $95.3 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, pushing ahead after months of difficult negotiations and amid growing political divisions in the Republican Party over the role of the United States abroad. But a bipartisan deal on border security struck by Republican Sen. James Lankford fell apart just days after its unveiling, a head-spinning development that left negotiators deeply frustrated. After the border bill collapsed, the two leaders abandoned the border provisions and pushed forward with passing the foreign aid package alone — as Democrats had originally intended. In an unusually raw back-and-forth, GOP senators who support the aid challenged some of the opponents directly on the floor. Turner posted on X, formerly Twitter, after the trip that “I reiterated America’s commitment to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia.”But Speaker Johnson is in a tough position.

Persons: Vladimir Putin, It’s, ”, Chuck Schumer, Mitch McConnell, Jeff Merkley, Peter Welch of, Sen, Bernie Sanders, Donald Trump, Mike Johnson, Joe Biden's, Schumer, McConnell, “, ” McConnell, Republican Sen, James Lankford, J.D, Vance, Russia's Putin, Putin, Kentucky Sen, Rand Paul, Carolina Sen, Thom Tillis, ” Tillis, ” Sen, Jerry Moran, Moran, Trump, Russia “, Mike Turner, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Turner, Johnson, Kevin McCarthy, ” Johnson, Abigail Spanberger, Zelenskyy, ” Spanberger, Lisa Mascaro, Kevin Freking Organizations: WASHINGTON, —, Republican Party, Ukraine, Republican, Republicans, Sens, Ukraine —, GOP, U.S . Senate, Trump, Ohio Republican, Kentucky, NATO, House Republicans, House Intelligence, Russia, ”, Senate, Virginia Democrat, Associated Press Locations: Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, United States, U.S, Oregon, Peter Welch of Vermont, Russia, Kyiv, China, Gaza, Ohio, Carolina, Europe, America, Virginia

House lawmakers on Tuesday voted to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in Republicans’ second attempt to hold the official accountable for what they allege is a willful failure to handle the migrant crisis on the southern border. The House vote Tuesday coincided with a special election in New York to replace disgraced former Republican congressman George Santos. President Joe Biden also blasted House Republicans in a statement after the impeachment vote. “History will not look kindly on House Republicans for their blatant act of unconstitutional partisanship that has targeted an honorable public servant in order to play petty political games,” the president said. If the chamber does reach that threshold, Mayorkas would no longer be Homeland Security secretary.

Persons: Alejandro Mayorkas, Republicans ’, George Santos, Mayorkas, Mike Johnson, “, ”, Joe Biden, haven’t, Biden, Donald Trump Organizations: Homeland, Republicans, Republican, GOP, Louisiana Republican, Department of Homeland Security, House Republicans, Democrat, Senate, Associated Press Locations: New York, Mexico, Louisiana

The Senate early Tuesday passed a bill that includes billions of dollars for Ukraine and Israel in their wartime efforts, though its final approval is far from certain amid opposition from House GOP leadership. Twenty-two Republicans voted in favor of the measure, which also includes funds for humanitarian aid in conflict zones like Gaza. Supporters of the package have emphasized the aid is desperately needed as Ukraine continues to battle Russian forces nearly two years after the country’s invasion. Republicans certainly aren’t united behind the standalone foreign aid package, either. Still, Schumer remained optimistic about the package’s future, hoping the bipartisan support in the Senate will pressure the House to act.

Persons: Vladimir Putin, America’s, Chuck Schumer, Donald Trump, Mitch McConnell’s, “, ” McConnell, ”, Trump, hadn’t, Sen, Lindsey Graham of, ” Graham, Mike Johnson, ” Johnson, sidestep Johnson, Schumer Organizations: House GOP, “, NATO, ”, United States Senate, GOP, Senate Locations: Ukraine, Israel, Gaza, U.S, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, America

☆ Opinion: Tom Suozzi wins New York election in a vote for normalcy
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-13 | by ( Opinion Max Burns | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Suozzi struck a tough tone on immigration, while Pilip seemed to drag her feet in acknowledging she had voted for Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump. Suozzi continued that theme into his victory speech on Tuesday night, emphasizing that voters want politicians who will fix problems. Progressive Democrats laid the blame for Santos’ election and Republicans’ strong 2022 performance squarely at the feet of New York state Democratic Party chair Jay Jacobs. As a first-time congressional candidate facing a Democratic funding juggernaut, Pilip was outmatched by Suozzi at the debate and in field operations. After an eventful year and a half of Santos, voters were justifiably afraid of gambling on yet another political newcomer.

Persons: Max Burns, ’, Joe Biden’s, Donald Trump, Max Burns Adrian Letechipia, Republican George Santos, George Santos, Santos, That’s, Tom Suozzi, Mazi Pilip, Pilip, Suozzi, Alejandro Mayorkas, They’ve, ”, Johnson, he’s, Suozzi’s, Biden, Jay Jacobs, Alexandria Ocasio, Cortez, Jacobs, Joe Biden, Pilip couldn’t Organizations: Democratic, Twitter, CNN, Democrats, Republican, Republicans, GOP, Progressive Democrats, Santos ’, Democratic Party, Jay Jacobs . New York Democratic Rep, House, Facebook, Biden Locations: New York, New York’s, Suozzi, waffling, Long Island, Queens, Pilip, Jay Jacobs ., Alexandria, Santos

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

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

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

☆ 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

☆ Why the race for the House is the one to watch in 2024
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-10 | by ( Simone Pathe | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +16 min

CNN —It won’t suck up anywhere near the oxygen of the presidential election, but the race for the US House of Representatives may be the most exciting campaign to watch in 2024. But in the House, Republicans’ shrinking majority has underscored the importance of the balance of power in Washington. House Republicans currently control 219 seats to Democrats’ 212, with four vacancies. Santos was expelled from the House last year, but he’s not absent from the race. Seats Republicans are targetingThe House GOP campaign arm releases a similar target list, which includes 37 offensive seats this year.

Persons: they’re, Democratic Sen, Joe Manchin’s, –, George Santos ’, Santos, he’s, Joe Biden, Biden, ”, “, Cam Savage, Nathan L, Gonzales, Nick LaLota, Anthony D’Esposito, Mike Lawler, Marc Molinaro, Brandon Williams, John Duarte, David Valadao, Mike Garcia, Young Kim, Michelle Steel, David Schweikert, Juan Ciscomani, Don Bacon of Nebraska, Tom Kean of, Lori Chavez, Brian Fitzpatrick, Jen Kiggans, Tom Suozzi, Donald Trump, Mary Peltola of, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, Jared Golden of, Matt Cartwright of, Marcy Kaptur, Kaptur, Elissa Slotkin –, Dan Kildee, Kildee –, don’t, Dale Kildee, Abigail Spanberger, Susan Wild, Emilia Sykes, Yadira, there’s, There’s, Ron DeSantis, Savage, Ron Brownstein, Trump, he’ll, Suozzi, Achim Bergmann, Bergmann, Gavin Newsom, Kathy Hochul, Eric Adams, Roe, Wade, Meredith Kelly Organizations: CNN, US, Democratic, House, Washington . House Republicans, ’, GOP, Santos, PAC, House Democratic, Republican, Congressional, Fund, Blue States Project, Republicans, Biden, New, Democratic Congressional, National Republican, Washington . Rep, –, Democrats, Rep, Independent, GOP Gov, Trump, Democrat, White, California Gov, New York Gov, New York City Locations: West Virginia, Washington, New York, Tuesday’s, York, California, “ California, Republican, Blue States, Michigan, New Mexico , Colorado, North Carolina, Arizona, Tom Kean of New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Iowa, Arizona , Colorado , Montana , Nebraska , Oregon , Texas, Arizona , California, Florida , Michigan, Wisconsin, Mary Peltola of Alaska, Jared Golden of Maine, Matt Cartwright of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan’s 8th, –, Texas, Alabama, It’s, Louisiana, Florida, South Carolina, Charleston, Biden, Long, New

☆ GOP Rep. Mike Gallagher won’t seek reelection
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-10 | by ( Melanie Zanona | Kaanita Iyer | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Wisconsin GOP Rep. Mike Gallagher said Saturday he will not seek reelection, making him the latest Republican to announce an exit from Congress as the House GOP looks to save its shrinking majority in November. The House is expected to hold another vote on impeaching Mayorkas as soon as next week, when Majority Leader Steve Scalise returns from receiving cancer treatments. Former President Donald Trump carried the solidly Republican district over Joe Biden by about 15 points in the 2020 presidential election. Over a dozen House Republicans have stated that they will leave Congress at the end of their term. House Republicans currently control 219 seats to Democrats’ 212, with four vacancies.

Persons: Mike Gallagher, Gallagher, Alejandro Mayorkas, ” Gallagher, ”, impeaching Mayorkas, Steve Scalise, Wisconsin’s, Donald Trump, Joe Biden, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, George Santos ’, CNN’s Simone Pathe, Molly English Annie Grayer, Manu Raju Organizations: CNN, Wisconsin GOP, GOP, impeaching Homeland, Wisconsin Republican, Congressional, Republican, House Energy, Washington, Republicans, House Republicans, ’ Locations: Green, China, New York, Tuesday’s

There's broad agreement that some kind of public comment time management is necessary in Virginia's sessions, which generally run no longer than 60 days. When the opponents' six minutes ran out after only three speakers, Watts attempted to cut the group off. Gilbert also suggested the limited public comment could have been by design in this instance. By the end of the public comment, then-sponsor Sen. Chap Petersen, a Democrat, threw up his hands and said: “Do what you want with the bill. She also questioned why the Senate is not taking online public comment in subcommittees or allowing the submission of written public comments.

Persons: —, “, ”, Sally Hudson, Del, Vivian Watts, Watts, Michael Grey, Melinda Wallin, Ryan Mehaffey, I'd, Wallin, We've, ” Watts, ” Wallin, legislates, capitols, can’t, Todd Gilbert, Gilbert, Sen, Chap Petersen, Megan Rhyne, Joan Porte, she’s, Creigh Deeds, Deeds, “ there's Organizations: Capitol, University of Virginia, GOP, Democrat, Delegates, Virginia Coalition, Open Government, League of Women Voters, Democratic Locations: RICHMOND, Va, Spotsylvania County, Richmond, Virginia

The special counsel report found that Biden willfully retained classified information, including top secret documents, and knew he was in possession of some documents as far back as 2017. House Oversight Committee Republicans, who have separately investigated Biden’s handling of classified documents, criticized Hur’s report before it was even released or delivered to Congress. “Most notably, after being given multiple chances to return classified documents and avoid prosecution, Mr. Trump allegedly did the opposite.” Hur wrote. “Among the places Mr. Biden’s lawyers found classified documents in the garage was a damaged, opened box containing numerous hanging folders, file folders, and binders,” the report said. The photos included in Trump’s charging documents showed how he allegedly stored classified documents in various places at his Mar-a-Lago estate, including a ballroom, bathroom shower and his bedroom.

Persons: Robert Hur’s, Joe Biden, Biden, Hur, ”, Donald Trump, Biden Hur, Biden’s, “, ” Hur, “ Mr, Tom Emmer, ” Emmer, X, Biden “, Hur’s, – Biden, Trump, Jack Smith, Smith, ’, Richard Sauber, Bob Bauer, Bauer, ” Bauer, CNN’s Hannah Rabinowitz, Evan Perez, Melanie Zanona, Annie Grayer Organizations: Washington CNN, flouting, Department, FBI, Trump, Republicans, GOP, Investigators, Biden, ”, Capitol, Judiciary, Department of Justice, Mar, White, National Archives, ” Sauber, flouted Locations: Biden’s Wilmington , Delaware, Afghanistan, Virginia, Delaware, Biden’s, Lago

The Senate on Wednesday rejected a bipartisan border deal that took months of negotiations, leaving billions of dollars in proposed foreign aid in limbo. It’s unclear what shape the final foreign aid bill could take and whether House Republicans will support it. “There are other parts of this supplemental that are extremely important as well: Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan,” McConnell said. “First Republicans said they would only do Ukraine and Israel, humanitarian aid with border. The Biden administration this week indicated its support for a standalone foreign aid bill – a position they’ve held for months.

Persons: Biden, Chuck Schumer, Sen, Rand Paul of Kentucky, ” Paul, “, ” Sen, Brian Schatz, ”, Alejandro Mayorkas, Mike Johnson, Mitch McConnell, ” McConnell, ” Schumer, Andrew Bates, John Kirby Organizations: Republican, Democratic, Hawaii, The Washington Post, GOP, Homeland, Republicans, “, White House Locations: Ukraine, Israel, Russia, Taiwan, Gaza

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

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

☆ Democrats have become way more comfortable putting Israel aid on hold amid the ongoing war in Gaza
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-07 | by ( Bryan Metzger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Democrats believe it will be essentially impossible to get that aid through both chambers of Congress without attaching it to Israel aid. AdvertisementYet despite AIPAC's endorsement of a $11.7 billion Israel aid package on Tuesday, all but 46 House Democrats voted against it. Democratic Rep. Don Beyer, a former diplomat, said he sees little urgency in approving more Israel aid. Another factor in Democrats' rejection of the Israel aid bill was its exclusion of humanitarian aid for Palestinians, which is included in the Senate's foreign aid bill. And there are some progressive Democrats who are likely to spurn further Israel aid altogether.

Persons: —, That's, it's, Israel, Don Beyer of Virginia, Beyer, I'm, Joe Biden, Chuck Schumer, Don Beyer, Bill Clark, Greg Landsman, Jeremy Ben, Ami, Landsman, Sen, Bernie Sanders of, Rep, Alexandria Ocasio, Cortez Organizations: Service, Business, Democratic Rep, Republicans, Internal Revenue Service, GOP, Democratic, Jewish, Democrats Locations: Israel, Ukraine, Gaza, Ohio, Bernie Sanders of Vermont, Alexandria, Cortez of New York

☆ Federal budget deficit expected to soar to $2.6 trillion in 2034, CBO says
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-07 | by ( Tami Luhby | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —The federal budget deficit will balloon from $1.6 trillion this fiscal year to $2.6 trillion in fiscal year 2034, according to the latest Congressional Budget Office outlook released Wednesday. A major reason for the widening gap between revenue and spending: a spike in net interest payments on the federal debt due to higher interest rates. The nation’s debt held by the public is expected to rise to a record 116% of the economy by 2034. CBO’s deficit projection will likely add pressure to congressional lawmakers who have yet to agree on funding for federal agencies for fiscal year 2024. Budget experts called on Congress to take action to address the nation’s worsening fiscal situation.

Persons: MacGuineas, they’ve, Mike Johnson, ” Michael Peterson, Peter G Organizations: CNN, Congressional, Social Security, Medicare, CBO, GOP, Capitol, Federal, House Republicans, Peterson Foundation

Search resuls for: "House GOP"

25 mentions found