#senate democrats

[iwriteaboutfeminism]

#free palestine #ceasefire now #senate democrats #us politics

[dontmeantobepoliticalbut]

Full Senate Will Get A Classified Briefing On China Threat February 15

Senator Says GOP Criticism To Shoot Balloon Moment We Saw Was Premature & Political; Recovery Effort Is More Worthwhile With Balloon Landing In Atlantic; With Chance Its Recovered Largely Intact

Schumer: Shooting Balloon Down Over Water Wasn’t Just Safest Option—It Maximized The Potential Intel Gains For America

New York, NY – At a press conference in New York City today, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that the full United States Senate will receive a China briefing on February 15 after the U.S military shot down a balloon over U.S. waters in the Atlantic that China sent to surveil the U.S., Sen. Schumer also outlined facts from the operation that show the Biden administration made the right call and that GOP criticism, given the facts, was premature and political.

“We sent a clear message to China that this is unacceptable,” said Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. “We protected civilians. We gained more intel while protecting our own sensitive information. The bottom line here is that shooting down the balloon over water wasn’t just the safest option, but it was the one that maximized our intel gain.”

“And as I said yesterday, I strongly condemn President Xi’s brazen incursion into American airspace and I commend President Biden’s leadership in taking down the Chinese balloon over water to ensure safety for all Americans. Now we can collect the equipment and analyze the technology used by the Chinese military,” Schumer added.

Leader Schumer added that while we have not recovered the balloon and its payload yet, because it fell in shallow water, there’s a reasonable chance we can recover it largely intact, and we can learn a great deal about China’s capabilities and intent. Sen. Schumer said that the idea to shoot it down after it was off shore made eminent sense because:

1. we ensured no civilian causalities

2. since we knew where it was, we had no exposure and we collected valuable intel on it at the same time.

3. a water recovery allows us to recover even more information.

At the press conference, Sen. Schumer said knowledge of how these balloons operate has grown in the past year, and that once we get this device we will learn a lot more.

Leader Schumer announced an all-Senators classified briefing on China on February 15th.

“At the all-Senators classified briefing the Department of Defense will brief us on how the US military stacks up against China and the latest about the surveillance balloon. While I haven’t received the briefing yet, the parameters usually involve where we stand with respect to China on everything from surveillance capabilities, research and development, advance weapons systems, and other critical platforms that would allow for either side to have an upper hand in a conflict. This will be a useful and bipartisan briefing,” Schumer said.

Also at the press conference, Leader Schumer said that at least 3 of these balloons that we know of went over portions of U.S. during the Trump presidency and that the Biden administration is considering other action against China for their brazen activities. Schumer revealed that we do know that once the balloon was exposed to the public, China attempted to maneuver the balloon to leave the U.S. as soon as they could.

Finally, on GOP criticism to shoot the balloon, given the facts, Schumer is calling that out, saying the rhetoric on the other side of aisle was politically motivated, premature, and not based on facts of the situation.

“Republican critics were breathless, political, and premature. President Biden and his team were calm, calculating, and effective,” Schumer concluded.

#us politics #news #senate democrats #2023 #118th congress #us senate #president joe biden #biden administration #china #people's republic of china #surveillance balloon #trump administration #classified briefings #us military #department of defense

[gwydionmisha]

#Senate Democrats #Subpoena #Harlan Crow #Leonard Leo Supreme Court #Clarence Thomas #Corruption #News

[leveragecreditrecovery]

The Media and Trump: A Dangerous Symbiotic Relationship

The media and Trump have undeniably played significant roles in shaping the political landscape and the state of democracy. However, their relationship has been far from constructive. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind Trump's reluctance to join debates and the media's failure to challenge him effectively. Both parties have contributed to the erosion of democracy, and it is crucial to address these issues head-on.

The Media's Love for Sensationalism:

The media, like a train wreck, thrives on chaos and sensationalism. Unfortunately, this has resulted in a focus on the negative aspects of humanity, neglecting the importance of highlighting the good. This trend has been decades in the making, with the media capitalizing on the ideal time in history to sow doubt in the minds of the vulnerable and neglected. Government, business, industry, and individuals have all played a role in perpetuating this cycle in the pursuit of power, money, and control.

Wealth Disparity and Questionable Leadership:

It is disheartening to witness the immense wealth disparity in our society, with a small percentage of the population holding more wealth than 90% of Americans. This raises questions about how unqualified, unpatriotic, and questionable individuals have been placed in positions of authority and influence by governments. Both sides of the political spectrum are to blame for this, as Trump himself acknowledged the Republican party's susceptibility to manipulation.

The Power of Ratings:

Trump has tapped into the power of ratings, which has become the lifeblood of media and the root of all evil. While money may be the driving force, it needs the soil of ratings to thrive. The media has inadvertently fueled the rise of Trump and those who aspire to be like him. As long as his antics bring in ratings, the media will continue to air them, perpetuating the cycle of train wrecks. This symbiotic relationship has allowed Trump to make a mockery of everything he touches, further endangering democracy and our way of life.

The Need for Media Course Correction:

The media, in all its forms, could have been a true ally for democracy. However, it has chosen chaos, misinformation, propaganda, disinformation, deception, and manipulation over truth, justice, the rule of law, ethics, and morality. It is disheartening to see that the media has nearly given up on humanity. The urgent question now is whether the media can course correct. Can it challenge those who have declared war on our democracy? Can it stop the ship from sinking, a ship for which it has drilled holes?

A Call for Serious and Adult Conversations:

While getting Trump to the debate stage may provide some entertainment, it is essential to challenge all those who are destroying our country and democracy. Blame falls on both sides, and it is time for a no-nonsense, in-your-face conversation about implementing real change and improving the lives of all citizens. Foolishness will not be tolerated. The media and the American people are ready to meet any challenges head-on. It is time to act, and the choice is yours, America.

Conclusion:

The media and Trump have had a detrimental impact on democracy. Their symbiotic relationship, fueled by sensationalism and ratings, has contributed to the erosion of truth, justice, and ethical journalism. It is crucial for the media to course correct and prioritize the values that underpin a healthy democracy. Only through serious and adult conversations can we address the issues at hand, challenge destructive forces, and implement real change for the betterment of all citizens. The time for action is now.

#democratic #democracy #rule of law #yonkers #day trading #whitehouse #biden administration #senate democrats #house democrats #we the people #election #new york #middleclass #workingpoor #full time working homeless #governing

[chucksrus84]

Ketanji Onyika Brown Jackson became the FIRST Black woman to be sworn in as a Supreme Court Judge on June 30, 2022...at 12:00 P.M.

We need more Supreme Court judges like Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson.

Expand Democrats majority in the Senate and in the House. Then expand the Supreme Court. Democrats have a slim majority in the legislative branch (Senate/House) with 50/50 in the Senate and they lead by 5 seats in the House. That's how close it is. They do NOT have enough votes in the Senate to pass laws that would protect us from what's happening now. They need more seats. Vote.

Check your registration status to see if you are still eligible to vote.

Ignore all attempts to pass along misinformation and FOCUS on getting people registered to VOTE. Biden is setting the stage to help protect people in the lower courts. Keep your eyes open. He knows where to hit.

Be prepared to VOTE like your life depends upon it. Republicans and conservative-leaning Supreme court judges are going to cheat their way into power. Don't let them. FIGHT BACK.

A Conservative majority in the Supreme court will inflict a lot of damage to our society. I ask that you stand up and FIGHT back.

Keep VOTING in every election. FIGHT. Vote for Democratic candidates and tell every single Republican to go FUCK themselves. Protest outside Republican legislators doors. Do. NOT. Give. Up.

FIGHT BACK.

#Fuck Republicans #senate democrats #house democrats #blacklivesmatter #roe vs. wade #politics and civics

[lifewithchronicpain]

Bernie Sanders harshly criticized prominent fellow Democrats on Sunday, accusing his Senate colleague Joe Manchin of sabotaging the president’s agenda and rebuking Joe Biden for traveling to Saudi Arabia last week.

During an appearance on ABC’s This Week, Sanders interrupted host Martha Raddatz when she said Manchin had “abruptly pulled the plug” on supporting a scaled-back version of a spending bill that is crucial to Biden’s agenda. Manchin said he would not support provisions in the bill that increase spending to combat climate change and close tax loopholes. Democrats cannot pass the bill without Manchin’s support in a US Senate that is divided 50-50, with vice-president Kamala Harris serving as a tiebreaker in the event one is needed.

“He didn’t abruptly do anything – he has sabotaged the president’s agenda,” Sanders said. “If you check the record, six months ago, I made it clear that you have people like Manchin, Sinema to a lesser degree, who are intentionally sabotaging the president’s agenda, what the American people want, what a majority of us in the Democratic caucus want.”

“Nothing new about this,” he added. “The problem was that we continued to talk to Manchin like he was serious. He was not,” noting how the West Virginia senator and coal baron has benefited from campaign contributions from fossil fuel companies.

Manchin said last week that he wants to delay any major decisions on the bill because of high inflation. Sanders said Sunday he wasn’t buying that justification, saying the people of West Virginia would support the provisions in the bill.

“It’s the same nonsense Manchin has been talking about for a year,” he said. “In my humble opinion, Manchin represents the very wealthiest people in this country, not working families in West Virginia or America.” (Read more at link)

#bernie sanders #joe manchin #climate change #biden agenda #senate democrats

[cannabisnewstoday]

#senate #senate democrats #banking #cannabis banking #marijuana banking #cannabis #marijuana #weed #pot #legalization #medical marijuana #mmj #medical cannabis #legalize

[kp777]

By Igor Bobic

Huffington Post

July 18, 2022

WASHINGTON ― Democratic lawmakers are urging President Joe Biden to take a more aggressive approach to address the threat of global warming now that the bulk of his “Build Back Better” agenda has stalled in Congress.

“This unchains the president from waiting to act. This frees up the president to use the full powers of the executive branch, and those full powers certainly include a climate emergency,” Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) said Monday after it became clear Democrats lacked the support to revive their economic agenda.

With Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and all Senate Republicans opposed to more spending aimed at combating climate change, hopes for robust climate legislation are fading once again in Congress.

The setback is occurring at a time when extreme drought and extreme heat are breaking records around the world, including most recently in Texas and even in the United Kingdom. More than 1,100 people have died in Spain and Portugal from heat-related causes over the past week.

Biden vowed last week, after Manchin informed Democratic leaders of his opposition to more spending, to take “strong” executive action on climate change. Advocates are waiting to see whether he follows through.

One action the president could take is to declare a national climate emergency, which would allow him to redirect congressional spending to boost renewable energy. Former President Donald Trump declared a national emergency on the U.S.-Mexico border and used congressional funding to build border barriers.

Biden’s administration could also impose stronger limits on pollutants and enact more regulations of emissions that contribute to global warming, such as carbon dioxide.

Environmental groups say Biden should go even further by halting federal fossil-fuel leasing and stopping approvals of new pipelines and other oil and gas projects, though such steps seem unlikely for now with the administration focused on reducing high gas prices ahead of the November election.

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), who tweeted last week that Biden should go “beast mode” on unilateral climate action, urged the president to use the power of the bully pulpit to draw national attention to the issue. The president could visit parched Lake Mead, which has receded to a record low, and meet with firefighters who are on the front lines of the climate change fight, the senator added.

“The consequences of fossil emissions in our oceans and in our atmosphere alter fundamental conditions of those natural operating systems, and when you alter them, that cascades into consequences that you cannot renegotiate. You cannot negotiate with the laws of physics,” Whitehouse said.

It’s unclear which of these actions, if any, Biden will follow suit on. Although the president has shown a willingness to take executive action, including by signing orders on guns and on abortion, he has resisted more expansive measures sought by progressives, including the cancellation of student debt and the declaration of a national emergency over abortion access following the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

Read more.

#joe biden #climate change #executive orders #senate democrats

[pressnewsagencyllc]

Biden faces bipartisan backlash over UN Gaza ceasefire vote

President Biden is facing blowback from pro-Israel lawmakers in both parties for allowing the U.N. Security Council to pass a resolution calling for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages. Why it matters: The U.S. abstention appears to have had damaging ripple effects on the U.S.-Israel relationship, with Israel cancelling a delegation to the U.S. and pulling out of…

View On WordPress

#Axios Explains: Israel-Hamas war #House Democrats #Israel #israeli-palestinian conflict #senate democrats #united nations security council

[notyouraveragebozo]

Questions that have not been answered.

From Business Insider: Senators struggle without their phones at Trump's impeachment trial, where all electronics are banned

Rosie Perper 

Jan 23, 2020, 3:14 PM EST...

[picture of cellphone bin] A storage unit for phone stands next to the entrance of the Senate chamber on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020.Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

Some US senators seemed to have a hard time following the strict no-phone policy while listening in on 12-hour days of arguments during the impeachment trial.

The Senate prohibits members from bringing cell phones into the chamber, and the decorum guidelines for the trial specifically said all electronic devices were banned.

It was previously reported that Sen. Ted Cruz had his phone on the Senate floor, but his communications director later clarified that he did not.

_____________________ The following video clip was made in the minutes before the Vote to Impeach Trump was taken in the Senate, on February 5th, 2020. The cellphone ban was in place - the trial had not been taken to its conclusion, when, as Senate Majority leader McConnell was talking,... Senator Richard C. Shelby, of Alabama, seated behind McConnell, pulls a phone out from his shirt pocket on the floor of the Senate,... makes 5, rapid, sideways swipes on his phone, puts phone back in his shirt, then presses his palms together as if praying, then quickly rubbing palms, presses his fingers into his chin. He then looks across isle in front of him, as he palms one fist, then after a seeming knuckle-crack gesture, he raises his right hand, assisted by his left, raises up, to point his index finger, with an upward, moving fashion, along the right side of his nose,... then palms a fist again, and then lightly adjusts the collar of his shirt at his tie, (with a slight sideways index finger gesture at his throat) as he displays a wry smile, and a sideways face-pull,... palms his fist again, and follows it with both hands fingers pressing on his lower lip, as he forms a scowl, and scans the room, after which he seems 'resigned', then, makes to close up his jacket so the cloth covers his shirt pocket which contains the illegal cell phone. This happened, here is the clip. @arimelber and @msnbc adding your names because you are the news folk I have shared most. I think this was forgotten, on that day.

#senate #breaking rules #impeachment #us government #secret code #hand gestures #psychology #political science #brutus #government corruption #government #senate republicans #save democracy #democracy #trump impeachment #senate democrats #msnbc #msnbc tv #msnbc news #us news

[thenewdemocratus]

USA Today: Susan Page Interviewing Howard Dean on the State of the Democratic Party

. Source:The New Democrat  I’ve been somewhat reluctant to write about why the Democratic Party lost so badly, because it was an election where I don’t know how they could’ve done better considering the state of the country and with all the issues that President Obama was having to deal with and not looking good on really any of them other than perhaps Ebola. I think they could’ve used the…

View On WordPress

#113th Congress #114th Congress #2014 #2014 Congressional Elections #2014 Mid-Term Elections #America #Barack Obama #Congressional Democrats #Democratic Party #Democrats #House Democrats #Howard Dean #President Barack Obama #Senate Democrats #Susan Page #United States #Washington #Washington DC

[govtshutdown]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/07/26/patty-murray-senate-appropriations-funding/

Some hope from the other side (The Senate and/or the Democrats)

#government shutdown? #Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) #Senate appropriations committee #Senate #Senate Democrats #FY2024 #two months left #prove them wrong

[chucksrus84]

El** Musty just bought twitter a few hours ago. You know what, f**k him. We have 11 days to go. I'll keep fighting until the wheels come off. If anyone is registered to vote, VOTE as early as possible. We have 11 days to vote Democrats in Senate, House and in Gubernatorial races. The last day to vote for the midterms is on election day, November 8, 2022. Get out there and VOTE. You, the people, are stronger than you know. You all can do this and always remember, your VOTE is your VOICE. Vote.

P.S.: Make sure to drop your ballots off directly at the post office.

This is our last chance.

If Republicans gain power in the Senate and House, I'm not sure what's going to happen afterwards or if we (women, senior citizens, people of color and especially Black people) will be safe. I don't even think the news organizations who are helping Republicans by blocking every Democratic message out there, fully understand that they won't be safe either.

So please, vote early. Vote now. Vote in-person or vote by mail. Get your friends and family members to vote for Democrats. Vote until the last day of voting on election day, November 8.

Vote. Vote. Vote.

#midterms #early in-person voting #mail-in ballots #November 8 #politics and civics #black twitter #senate democrats #house democrats #joe biden #vice president kamala harris #black women matter #black lives matter #abortion rights #reproductive rights #civil rights #equal rights #vote

[themfp1]

'What Is She Doing Here?': Report on Feinstein's Health Details Senator's Confusion Over VP Harris

By: Leah Barkoukis Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)’s physical and mental impairments are increasingly upsetting members of her own party who want the 89-year-old to resign immediately. According to The New York Times, the California Democrat only manages to carry out her responsibilities with the assistance of a large number of aides who orchestrate her every move and are there to explain to the…

View On WordPress

#DIANNE FEINSTEIN #KAMALA HARRIS #Senate Democrats

[calilili]

#icymi #save democracy #SaveDemocracy #votebluedowntheballot #senate democrats