Today, threats seemingly abound, from China’s rise to Russia’s return; from the growing number of bumptious regional powers, such as Iran and North Korea; and from a range of insurgent and terrorist networks. How will the Pole Star of Donald Trump’s foreign policy, “America First,” fare? Will such a policy court disaster as did its isolationist predecessor 80 years ago in the run-up to World War II? Consider first military intervention.
Category: US Politics
Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak at the center of the political moment
WASHINGTON Sergey Kislyak, Russia’s long-serving ambassador to the United States, has a habit noticed by many U.S. officials who have known the envoy. “He doesn’t get as much credit as he should, in my view, for being savvy about developing relationships with people all over the city,” said Michael McFaul, who knew the diplomat well while serving in the Obama administration as senior adviser on Russia and then as U.S. ambassador to Russia.
Ex-VP Al Gore drives resurgent climate activism in Denver as Trump…
Former vice president and climate change specialist Al Gore speaks to an audience of almost 1,000 people during his Climate Reality Leadership Corps training at the Colorado Convention Center March 2, 2017 in Denver. T A pushback against President Donald Trump’s attacks on rules to protect the environment gained momentum in Denver Thursday as former vice president and climate-change sentinel Al Gore launched a three-day mobilization of activists.
Sessions recuses himself from Russia investigations
Attorney General Jeff Sessions says he will recuse himself from a federal investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 White House election. Facing growing criticism following revelations that he did not disclose speaking with on two occasions Russia’s ambassador to the United States, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said Thursday that he would recuse himself from any investigations related to the 2016 campaign.
Conspire With Russia to Swing Presidential Election? It’s Been Done
The Democrats’ allegations against Jeff Sessions, one of the most upright men in Washington, are ludicrous. I don’t understand how anyone can think they amount to anything.
Jeff Sessions Slams Russia Storm: ‘A Big Brouhaha’
Attorney General Jeff Sessions Thursday slammed the controversy over his two meetings with the Russian ambassador last year as “a big brouhaha” and said that he recused himself of any possible investigations involving the Trump administration in order to “clear the air.” “It was a sad thing to be attacked like that – but I think we’ve explained it and we intend to move forward,” the former Alabama senator told Tucker Carlson on Fox News.
Pols More Focused on Election Hack Than Cyber Defense
The Pentagon is pushing for a cyber “tiger team” to help the military arm itself for cyberwar but Congress is more interested in how to respond to foreign interference in the nation’s political structure, Defense One reported. The competing interests were in full view Thursday when the Senate’s Armed Services Committee held a hearing with members of the Defense Science Board a group of civilian experts who advise the Department of Defense on technical matters, the outlet reported.
Gizzi: House Conservatives Split Over Sessions
The major news Thursday from Washington, D.C., was U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ late afternoon announcement he would recuse himself from oversight of the FBI’s investigation into Russian influence in the 2016 election. But there was also a little-reported side to the Sessions saga: How many Republicans in the House – who are considered decidedly more conservative than their GOP counterparts in the Senate – were critical of the then-senator from Alabama meeting twice with the Russian ambassador last year and then failing to acknowledge the meetings at his confirmation hearings to be attorney general.
The Sessions Controversyby The EditorsCongressional Democrats,…
Pointing to Sessions’s failure to disclose these contacts during his recent confirmation hearings, House minority leader Nancy Pelosi, among others, is accusing him of lying under oath. The available facts suggest otherwise.
Sessions Had 2 Conversations With Russian Ambassador During 2016 Campaign, DOJ Says
In light of the claims, several congressional Republicans called on Mr Sessions to remove himself from investigations into alleged Russian meddling in the USA presidential election. “I thought those guys [the Ku Klux Klan] were OK until I learned they smoked pot”, he said.
See ‘Grace and Frankie’ Pitch Sex Toys in Funny New Trailer
With Sheen and Waterston as the said husbands, the Emmy- and Golden Globe-nominated series has followed the couples in the sudden new state of their lives at a time when at least Grace and Frankie themselves thought things were going to be smooth sailing – which they have proved to distinctly not be. Unfortunately for them – and fortunately for us – Grace and Frankie weren’t as financially well off: at the end of the second season, Grace and Frankie made a decision to come together and form a company that specializes in sex toys for older women, and if the trailer is any indication, additional hijinx will ensue.
Sessions story takes different shape on different outlets
Attorney General Jeff Sessions speaks during a news conference at the Justice Department in Washington, Thursday, March 2, 2017. Sessions said he will recuse himself from a federal investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 White House election.
The bump isn’t just Trump: What’s driving the stock rally
The stock market is hitting new heights, and yes, excitement about President Trump’s policies is part of the reason for it. But it’s not the only one, analysts say.
Sunday liquor sales bill heads to Dayton’s desk
A bill allowing Minnesota liquor sales to open on Sundays is on its way to Gov. Mark Dayton’s desk. The push to legalize Sunday liquor sales goes back years but it has regularly failed at the Legislature by wide margins.
Sessions Recuses
A helpful WaPo timeline is here. The second in command, Dana Boente is presumably in charge of deciding whether to appoint a Special Counsel.
Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy asks Health and Human Services…
Secretary of Health and Human Services Tom Price isn’t a month into his new job and House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., is already asking him to take a weed-whacker to President Barack Obama’s abortion legacy. Specifically, the majority leader wants Price to enforce what’s known as the Weldon Amendment to kill an abortion-related government mandate in California.
Rep. Fred Upton supports Russia probe, Obamacare repeal in phone forum
U.S. Rep. Fred Upton supported investigations into Russia’s alleged influence on the 2016 election, replacing the Affordable Care Act and immigration reform in a conversation with constituents this week. Upton, R-St.
Kaine, others question immigrations arrests
Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine is joining activists and fellow Democrats in decrying the recent arrests of immigrants outside a church shelter in Virginia. Democratic officials held a news conference Thursday at the Rising Hope Mission Church outside of Alexandria.
Activist Demonstrate Against High Cost Of College Education In U.S.
A bipartisan coalition of legislators is making a move on a bill that would enable companies to offer tax-free tuition assistance benefits to their employees in return for tax breaks. in Washington on Thursday regarding the proposal, which has garnered support from 30 of his Republican and Democrat colleagues.
Hundreds chant ‘Coward!’ amid Paul Ryan’s Rhode Island visit
Around 200 people chanted “Coward!” and booed as Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan was attending an event in heavily Democratic Rhode Island FILE – In this Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2017, file photo, House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., meets with reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington before President Donald Trump’s speech to the nation. Ryan is scheduled to visit Democratic-leaning Rhode Island.
Watch: ‘Lofty Language & Empty Promises:’ Democrats Respond To Donald Trump
On Wednesday, Clyburn was joined by U.S. Representatives Rosa DeLauro , Barbara Lee , Thomas Suozzi , Emanuel Cleaver , and Juan Vargas in a dramatic response to President Donald Trump ‘s first State of the Union address. ” We believe very strongly in our working group ,” Clyburn says at the beginning of the message.
No Resignation, but Pressure Forces Jeff Sessions to Recuse Himself
Responding to growing pressure both from his colleagues and the public at large, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced Thursday that he is recusing himself from federal investigations into possible Russian interference in the 2016 election. Though he continued to deny the accusation that he lied under oath as “totally false,” he said he spoke with his staff and they recommended recusal.
Partisanship rift continues in House panel probing Russia
House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Calif., right, and the committee’s ranking member Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., leave after talking to reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, March 2, 2017, following a briefing with FBI Director Jim Comey about Russian influence on the American presidential election. less House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Calif., right, and the committee’s ranking member Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., leave after talking to reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, … more House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Calif.
Libertarian Party earns political party status in Iowa
Pate says the status began effective Wednesday after state election officials determined the party’s presidential nominee, Gary Johnson , received 59,186 votes – or 3.8 percent of the vote – in the November 2016 general election. The new status gives the Libertarian Party the ability to participate in primary elections in 2018.
The Latest: Kansas AG urges focus on struggling students
In this Sept. 21, 2016 file photo, school district attorney Alan Rupe, left, presents his arguments in a school funding case at the Kansas Supreme Court in Topeka, Kan.
Senators want $20 million for JCCs and other faith-based community centers
The “Faith-Based Community Center Protection Act” could help Jewish Community Centers and other houses of worship offset the cost of increased security. This enhanced security – already in place at many JCCs in the wake of scores of bomb threats in recent weeks – will tax nonprofits budgets and divert funds that could be used for the preschools, gyms and programs for the elderly offered to Jews and non-Jews alike.
Graham to meet with FBI Director Comey about Russia investigation
Sen. Lindsey Graham is scheduled to meet Thursday with FBI Director James Comey to discuss recent news related to Russia, though the location of the meeting has not been made public. Graham complained about reading news reports based on leaks about what the FBI is doing regarding Russia and wants to hear from the director about what his bureau is doing.
Read a Transcript of Paul Ryan’s Press Conference on Jeff Sessions
House Speaker Paul Ryan said that Attorney General Jeff Sessions should only recuse himself from investigations into Russia if “he himself” is the subject of the investigation. Speaking at a brief press conference on Capitol Hill, the Wisconsin Republican said he “hadn't read” the transcripts of what Sessions told the Senate Judiciary Committee at his confirmation hearing about whether he met with Russia and could not speak to whether it was accurate.
Trump Today: Sessions calls Russian contact claims – false’
House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi accused Sessions of “lying under oath” and demanded that he resign. Other Democrats called on him to step aside from the investigation.
Calls grow for Sessions to withdraw from Russia probe
A growing number of Republicans joined Democratic leaders Thursday in calling for Attorney General Jeff Sessions to step aside from an investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 White House election. Top Democrats demanded that Sessions go further and resign as the nation’s top law enforcement officer after the revelation that he had twice talked with Moscow’s U.S. envoy during the campaign.
6 weeks later, senators question delay on agriculture pick
In this Feb. 1, 2017, file photo, Agriculture Secretary-designate, former Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue attends a meeting on Capitol Hill in Washington. President Donald Trump tapped Perdue to be his agriculture secretary six weeks ago, but the administration still hasn’t formally provided the Senate with the paperwork for the nomination.
Ex-Indianapolis Mayor Peterson leaving Lilly executive post
The Indianapolis-based drugmaker announced Thursday that Peterson was stepping down at the end of March to pursue personal business interests and volunteer activities. Peterson has been Lilly’s senior vice president of corporate affairs and communications since mid-2009.
U.S. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, other GOP leaders discuss ‘Obamacare’ plans with President Donald Trump
President Donald Trump dines with several Republican congressional leaders, including U.S. Majority Whip Steve Scalise on Wednesday, March 1. U.S. Majority Whip Steve Scalise, R-Jefferson, was one of several Republican Congressional leaders who met over lunch with President Donald Trump on Wednesday to discuss plans for the repeal and replacement of the federal Affordable Care Act. “We are here to start the process.
Russia: The problem Trump can’t escape
The first weeks of a US presidency are usually filled with optimism — a fresh face with a clean slate settles into the White House and maps out a vision for the next four years. A scandal over communications between key Trump aides and Russian officials ahead of the President’s inauguration has widened yet again — this time to include Attorney General Jeff Sessions.
Federal judge tosses SEC suit against Texas attorney general
In this July 29, 2015 file photo, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks during a hearing in Austin, Texas. A federal judge on Thursday, March 2, 2017, dismissed the U.S. government’s securities fraud lawsuit against Paxton, though the Republican still faces criminal charges of duping wealthy investors.
Lindsey Graham: Sessions should recusehimself from Trump-Russia investigation
Sen. Lindsey Graham said Wednesday that Attorney General Jeff Sessions should recuse himself from any federal government investigation into the possible links between the Trump administration and Russia. The South Carolina Republican also said there should be a special prosecutor if there is any evidence of something criminal.
Sessions spoke with Russian envoy in 2016, Justice Dept says
Attorney General Jeff Sessions talked twice with Russia’s ambassador to the United States during the presidential campaign, the Justice Department confirmed, a seeming contradiction to sworn statements he gave to Congress. The revelation spurred growing calls in Congress in both parties for him to recuse himself from an investigation into Russian interference in the U.S. election.
White House defends Jeff Sessions from partisan Democrats
White House defends Jeff Sessions from ‘partisan Democrats’ who demand special prosecutor into Moscow’s election meddling – following claim he lied to senators after he twice met Russian ambassador during Trump campaign Attorney General Jeff Sessions failed to disclose during his confirmation hearing that he spoke with Russia’s ambassador twice last year A September meeting with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak came at the height of the Russian cyber campaign to influence the presidential race Some Democrats have requested a special prosecutor but Sessions claimed on Monday he could ‘recuse myself from anything that I should recuse myself on’ The White House is defending him, saying the senator who asked him the question during the January hearing is playing politics Former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn was fired for lying to VP Mike Pence about his own contacts with Kislyak … (more)
Sessions denies wrongdoing in 2016 meetings with Russian ambassador
At his confirmation hearings, the attorney general denied he had communications with the Russians as part of Trump’s campaign. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reportedly met twice last year with a Russian diplomat despite denying having contact with the Russians at his Senate confirmation hearings.
Nissan faces safety fine in Mississippi as union rally looms
A federal workplace safety agency wants to fine Nissan Motor Co. more than $21,000, saying the company’s Mississippi plant should have better trained a maintenance worker who lost three fingers in July.