The Chicago Journal

Mike Pence joins Trump and Biden in holding documents

Jason Robinson Jason Robinson on March 20, 2023

Image source: The Hill

Mike Pence: Over a dozen pieces of classified documents were discovered at the former vice president’s Indiana home last week by a lawyer working on his behalf.

People familiar with the matter claim that the attorney gave the FBI the papers.

Since then, the National Security Division of the Justice Department and the FBI have taken it upon themselves to review the information.

They are also looking into how the files ended up at Mike Pence’s house in Indiana.

The news

The classified papers were found at Pence’s Carmel, Indiana, residence.

It comes after the discovery of confidential documents in President Joe Biden’s residence and office.

Mike Pence argued strenuously that he possessed any classified data before the information was discovered.

The contents of the documents and their level of confidentiality are not yet disclosed.

When Pence’s staff heard about the documents on Tuesday night, they immediately informed the appropriate congressional leaders and committees.

Out of a sense of prudence, the former vice president requested that his lawyer, who was familiar with confidential information, visit his home.

Lawyer Matt Morgan allegedly found a few papers marked “classified” last week while going through four boxes at Pence’s house.

They advised the National Archives of their discoveries, who subsequently informed the Justice Department.

The pickup

When the FBI sought to relocate the records that evening, Mike Pence reportedly consented, according to his attorney.

On Monday, his legal team returned the boxes to Washington, DC, and gave them to the Archives for examination in accordance with the Presidential Records Act.

According to a letter by Greg Jacob, Mike Pence’s representative at the Archives, a small collection of documents were unintentionally packaged and shipped to Pence’s residence.

“Vice President Pence was unaware of the existence of sensitive or classified documents at his personal residence,” wrote Jacobs.

“Vice President Pence understands the high importance of protecting sensitive and classified information and stands ready and willing to cooperate fully with the National Archives and any appropriate inquiry.”

The boxes

According to sources, Pence’s temporary house in Virginia is where the packages holding the sensitive documents were held before being shipped to Indiana.

The boxes were taped, even though they weren’t kept in a safe place.

According to Pence’s attorney, there was no sign that the things had been opened.

The documents were kept in a safe inside the residence when they were discovered.

The former Vice President’s advocacy organization’s Washington, DC, headquarters, according to the lawyer, are the subject of an investigation.

However, no additional records could be found.

Read also: Kevin McCarthy still short of votes to become speaker

Biden and Trump

The investigation on Joe Biden and Donald Trump was the same that resulted in the revelation of Mike Pence’s possession of sensitive documents.

Rumors that he is getting ready to seek the Republican presidential nomination in 2024 coincide with the statement.

In August 2022, the FBI filed a search warrant and examined Trump’s Florida home.

Vice President Mike Pence asserted that he didn’t have any classified information at that time.

“No, not to my knowledge,” said Pence.

He was again questioned about whether or not he had carried any documents home in November.

He claimed not to have.

“Well, there’d be no reason to have classified documents, particularly if they were in an unprotected area,” Pence explained.

“But I will tell you that I believe there had to be many better ways to resolve that issue than executive a search warrant at the personal residence of a former president of the United States.”

VP residence and White House boxes

When Mike Pence declared his departure as vice president, the process was drawn out.

They went through every single Presidential Records Act-covered document, both classified and unclassified, and turned it in.

The procedure was avoided since the vast bulk of the papers and Pence’s personal files were located apart from his home.

He maintains a secure area at his home near the US Naval Observatory in Washington where he processes sensitive information.

As the Trump administration drew to a close, some boxes at the Indiana residence were packed from the vice president’s residence, while others arrived from the White House.

Effect on Biden situation

The documents discovered at Mike Pence’s residence mark the third instance of a president or vice president hoarding classified material inappropriately after leaving office.

The mishandling of classified documents by Biden and Trump is currently under investigation by special counsels.

A source claims that Pence’s most recent discoveries point to a structural issue with the Presidential Records Act and classified materials.

The FBI searched Biden’s Wilmington home on Friday in search of further important documents..

When Biden’s attorneys discovered classified info in his private office in November 2022, they conducted the search.

The defense team for Biden highlighted that they are working with the Justice Department and attempting to distinguish their client’s position from that of Trump.

The news from Tuesday is good for Biden’s allies and government officials.

“It turns down the temperature on this being a Biden-only story,” said one official.

They expressed anticipation that the Mike Pence records would show that Biden’s staffers weren’t the only ones to improperly pack sensitive information.

Migrants delivered to Kamala Harris on Christmas

Claire Peterson Claire Peterson on March 6, 2023

Image source: Fox News

Migrants: Busloads of immigrants were transported to and dropped off in front of Vice President Kamala Harris’ home in Washington, DC, on Christmas Eve.

When the bus departed, the refugees were left outside in the 18 degree weather.

The event is the most recent in a line of heated talks between state authorities and the Biden administration concerning American immigration law.

The news

Three buses carrying refugees arrived at Kamala Harris’ home at the Naval Observatory on Saturday night.

Despite their lack of preparation for the extreme weather, the neighborhood grassroots organization Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid Network welcomed the refugees.

The conflict

The Biden administration sought to overturn the pandemic era policy earlier this year, which authorized the US to refuse entry to immigrants.

Then, state governors began transporting immigrants to Washington, DC.

In order to get refugees and immigrants to Washington, DC, the governors of Texas and Arizona started busing them there.

Both the local and federal governments were absent when they arrived at the location in August.

Greg Abbott, the governor of Texas, gave an explanation of why he dispatched the buses, saying that the Biden administration wanted to overturn the Title 42 ruling that allowed the US to refuse entrance to migrants.

In just one month, 6,100 migrants, according to Abbott’s government, were transported to Washington, DC, and a second bus later arrived in New York City.

“In addition to Washington, DC, New York is the ideal destination for these migrants, who can receive the abundance of city services and housing that Mayor Eric Adams has boasted about within the sanctuary city,” Abbott said.

“I hope he follows through on his promise of welcoming all migrants with open arms so that our overrun and overwhelmed border towns can find relief.”

Greg Abbott claimed that his state knowingly transfers migrants to sanctuary areas, where it is illegal to remove them forcibly.

Read also: Donald Trump slumps in voter standing based on recent poll

Criticism

Amy Fischer, a member of the Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid Network, criticized Abbott’s conduct in an interview with NPR’s All Things Considered on Sunday.

According to Fischer, the Texas governor’s actions “were rooted in racism and xenophobia.”

“At the end of the day, everybody who arrived here last night was able to get free transportation, on a charter bus, that got them closer to their final destination,” she said.

Chris Magnus, a member of the US Customs & Border Protection Commission, criticized Abbott’s plan to relocate migrants in April for lacking sufficient engagement with the federal government and the nearby border towns.

The border

Two busloads of migrants arrived at Kamala Harris’ home in September.

After Harris stated in an interview that the border was secure, the buses arrived.

“The border is secure, but we also have a broken immigration system, particularly over the last four years before we came in, and it needs to be fixed,” she said.

More than 8,700 people have been transported from the Texas border to Washington, DC, since December 22.

An additional 6,520 were sent to New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia, according to Greg Abbott’s office.

Read also: Sherrod Brown looking to have cryptocurrency banned in the US

Abbott’s letter

The following letter was sent by the governor of Texas to President Joe Biden on December 20:

“Dear President Biden: With cold temperatures gripping Texas, your inaction to secure the southern border is putting the lives of migrants at risk, particularly in the City of El Paso.”

“With thousands of men, women, and children illegally crossing into Texas every day, and with the expectation that those numbers will only increase if Title 42 expulsion end, the state is overburdened as we respond to this disaster caused by you and your administration.”

“Your policies will leave many people in the bitter, dangerous cold as a polar vortex moves into Texas.”

“This terrible crisis for border communities in Texas is a catastrophe of your own making.”

“These communities and the state are ill-equipped to do the job assigned to the federal government – house the thousands of migrants flooding into the country every day.”

“With perilous temperatures moving into the area, many of these migrants are at risk of freezing to death on city streets.”

“Texas has borne a lopsided burden caused by your open border policies. The need to address this crisis is not the job of border states like Texas.”

“Instead, the US Constitution dictates that it is your job, Mr. President, to defend the borders of our country, regulate our nation’s immigration, and manage those who seek refuge here.”

“While you must step up and perform your constitutional duties, I will continue my work with the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Division of Emergency Management, the Texas Military Department, and all other available state assets to protect Texas from the torrent of migrants and cartel activity streaming into our state.”

“You and your administration must stop the lie that the border is secure and, instead, immediately deploy federal assets to address the dire problems you have caused.”

“You must execute the duties that the US Constitution mandates you perform and secure the southern border before more innocent lives are lost.”

References:

Busloads of migrants dropped off at Kamala Harris’s home on Christmas Eve

GOP governors sent buses of migrants to DC and NYC – with no plan for what’s next

East Palestine is GOP’s next investigation

Claire Peterson Claire Peterson on February 27, 2023

East Palestine – A Norfolk Southern freight train derailed earlier this month in East Palestine, Ohio.

The train derailment caused a fire due to the toxic chemicals on board.

Also, because of the risk of an explosion, officials ordered an evacuation of the area within a mile of the incident, which occurred near James Street.

Dams stopped the flow of tainted water while the EPA community cleared floating garbage and monitored the air.

Despite the fact that people have returned, some have claimed health problems such as:

  • Breathing troubles
  • Nausea
  • Rashes

The company in charge of the hazardous material, Norfolk Southern, has actively participated in the monitoring by supplying bottled water to East Palestine locals.

Yet, some passengers have launched a class action suit against Norfolk Southern.

In addition, Republican senators have proposed an investigation into the train catastrophe.

The news

Several House Republican committees plan to examine the event in East Palestine, Ohio, according to committee chairmen.

Republican senators have pledged to examine the Biden administration’s “flawed” reaction to the tragedy.

On February 3, a Norfolk Southern train carrying hazardous chemicals derailed, threatening East Palestine inhabitants’ access to city air and public water.

Republicans, according to authorities, have left the door open for hearings, including calling Michael Regan and Pete Buttigieg to appear publicly.

Buttigieg is the Transportation Secretary, while Regan is the Director of the Environmental Protection Agency.

Sadly, no decisions have been made.

A fresh sense of urgency

The Republican Party is putting more focus on surveillance after multiple senators blasted President Joseph Biden for failing to visit East Palestine.

Biden stated last week that he had no intentions to visit the site, citing his administration’s stance.

“You know, we were there two hours after the train went down – two hours,” said the president.

“I’ve spoken with every single major figure in both Pennsylvania and in Ohia, and so the idea that we’re not engaged is just simply not there.”

“And initially, there was not a request for me to go out even before I was heading over to Kyiv, so I’m keeping very close tabs on it. We’re doing all we can.”

A committee has been formed to investigate what happened and hold the Biden administration and the railroad industry responsible for the catastrophe.

The committee consists of:

  • The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
  • The House Committee on Energy and Commerce
  • The House Committee on Oversight and Reform

Furthermore, some GOP committee members are considering holding a field hearing in East Palestine.

According to people participating in the discussions, formal arrangements have yet to be completed.

Read also: Joe Biden goes the extra mile in act of commitment to Ukraine

Reaching out

The Energy and Commerce Committee requested that the EPA appear before the panel’s Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials Subcommittee.

According to a committee staffer, the subcommittee is chaired by GOP Rep. Bill Johnson, who represents East Palestine.

Cathy McMorris Rodgers, the Energy and Commerce Committee Chair and a Republican from Washington state, joins Johnson.

On February 17, they tried to launch the investigation by writing to Regan and requesting information on the circumstances leading up to the train catastrophe.

They also asked for the following:

  • A list of the chemicals on the train
  • Materials relating to the EPA’s and local agencies’ response
  • Other information regarding the derailment

Johnson and McMorris Rodgers’ request must be responded to by March 3.

Meanwhile, the Energy and Commerce Committee asked EPA officials for an all-members briefing and a hearing date.

Insiders said they are still waiting for a response.

Close tabs

According to Transportation and Infrastructure Committee spokesperson Justin Harclerode, the committee intends to keep members updated as new information becomes available.

The committee is also closely monitoring the National Transportation Safety Board’s investigation.

“The important thing is to learn exactly what happened, what factors played a role in the accident, and what factors did not,” said Harclerode.

“The Committee is staying engaged on this issue, but no one should jump to any conclusions or act without all the facts. Which is exactly what the NTSB is working to provide through their investigation.”

House Oversight Chairman James Comer wrote to Pete Buttigieg on Friday, calling the situation an environmental and public health calamity affecting Citizens.

Comer asked Buttigieg to give over papers related to the incident, such as what the administration learned about the disaster and correspondence concerning the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s handling of the derailment paperwork.

“At this time, Chairman Comer is focused on acquiring the documents and information requested in his February 24 letter to Secretary Buttigieg,” said Austin Hacker, a spokesman for Comer.

Image source: King 5 News

Joe Biden goes the extra mile in act of commitment to Ukraine

Edward Anderson Edward Anderson on February 21, 2023

Joe Biden – Since more than a year ago, Washington has helped Ukraine thwart Russian assaults.

The United States’ support for Ukraine was demonstrated by President Joe Biden’s trip to Kiev on Monday.

Biden’s clandestine visit revealed his commitment to supporting the nation in its conflict with Russia.

The news

Due to his timing, Biden’s covert journey to Kyiv was extremely significant for the invasion.

Reports state that the invaders are getting ready for a spring offensive as Ukraine works to quickly recapture the area.

Air raid sirens were audible across Kyiv during the visit, and President Volodymyr Zelesnky and Biden were observed strolling through St. Michael’s Church.

The US President arrived at the Mariinsky Palace in Kyiv at 8 am local time after a lengthy journey from Washington.

Biden was greeted and praised for visiting by Zelensky.

President Joe Biden said that the US will give $500 million in help to Ukraine during the visit.

The package includes the following:

  • Artillery ammunition
  • More javelins
  • Howitzers

Moreover, Biden stated that this coming week, the US will penalize Russia once more.

“One year later, Kriv stands. And Ukraine stands. Democracy stands,” said the US President.

Support

In an effort to turn the tide of the war, Western nations other than the United States have sent tanks, guns, and ammunition to Ukraine.

With his personal visit, President Joe Biden clearly conveys US support for Zelensky and the Ukraine.

President Vladymyr Zelensky has been working to rally his country and enlist help for the past year.

American officials claim that the infusion of arms will provide Ukraine a tactical advantage against Russia and raise Zelensky’s negotiation power.

What conditions the Ukrainian president will be open to during future peace negotiations are as of yet unknown.

The US, like other nations, has decided not to comment on potential settlement terms, stating Zelensky will make the final decision.

High stakes

President Joe Biden made a symbolic trip to Kyiv the day before Russian President Vladimir Putin was supposed to deliver a speech to commemorate the conflict’s anniversary.

According to Biden, Putin’s invasion of Ukraine was failing.

“Putin thought Ukraine was weak and the West was divided,” said Biden as Zelensky stood beside him.

“He thought he could outlast us. I don’t think he’s thinking that right now. He’s just been plain wrong.”

“One year later, the evidence is right here in this room. We stand together.”

As the war reaches its second year, President Joseph Biden gave a justification for his trip to the Ukrainian capital at the presidential palace.

“I thought it was critical that there not be any doubt, none whatsoever, about US support for Ukraine in the war,” said Biden.

“The Ukrainian people have stepped up in a way that few people ever have in the past.”

Read also: Mike Pence joins Trump and Biden in holding documents

In order to show the wide, political support in Washington, the US president said:

“For all the disagreement we have in our Congress on some issues, there is significant agreement on support for Ukraine.”

“It’s not just about freedom in Ukraine,” he continued. “It’s about freedom of democracy at large.”

Planning for the upcoming months of hostilities was the main topic of Biden’s talk with Zelensky, according to national security advisor Jake Sullivan.

“The President was very focused on making sure that he made the most of his time on the ground, which he knew was going to be limited,” said Sullivan.

“So he was quite focused on how he was going to approach his conversation with President Zelensky and in part how the two of them were really going to look out over the course of 2023 and try to come to a common understanding of what the objectives are.”

Others visit Ukraine

Following the meeting between Zelensky and other European leaders in Kyiv, President Joseph Biden was keen to travel to Ukraine.

The following leaders visited Ukraine:

  • French President Emmanuel Macron
  • German Chancellor Olaf Scholz
  • Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
  • British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak
  • Former British Prime Minister

The respective secretaries of state and defense, Anthony Blinken and Lloyd Austin, also went to Ukraine to show their support.

Leading members of the White House, including CIA Director William Burns, visited the Ukrainian capital this month.

Also, on Mother’s Day in 2022, Dr. Jill Biden, Biden’s wife, traveled to Ukraine.

She met Zelensky at a school that had been transformed into a makeshift housing for displaced Ukrainians in a tiny village in the southwest of the nation.

Anniversary

President Joe Biden wants to show his support for Ukraine as the conflict’s anniversary on February 24 draws near.

The question of how long the West and the United States can survive is still open.

This was Biden’s eighth trip to the city, and each one had been more crucial than the last, he said.

Also, Vladymyr Zelensky was informed of the US’s “here to stay” stance by President Joe Biden, who made it clear that this was the purpose of his visit.

“We’re not leaving,” said Biden.

Image source: Time

Biden reassures 1 out of 4 flying objects was Chinese

Nicholas Alexander Nicholas Alexander on February 21, 2023

Biden – Over four unidentified flying objects were discovered during the course of the preceding week, which prompted instructions to strike them.

On Thursday, US President Joe Biden addressed the country in response to the downed aircraft.

He believed that three of the flying items were most likely made by enterprises, recreational areas, or university research institutions.

Furthermore, Biden seems to dismiss any connections to China’s surveillance balloon from February 4.

“We don’t yet know what these three objects were,” said the US President at the White House.

“But nothing right now suggests that they were related to China’s spy balloon program or that they were surveillance vehicles from any other country.”

Pressure

President Biden made his comments a few days after coming under criticism from Democratic and Republican members of Congress.

Congressmen assert that the American people have a right to hear directly from their president on the government’s knowledge of the surveillance balloon.

Also, the general public has a right to know what motivated Biden to order American fighter jets to shoot down three more flying objects.

After the Chinese balloon, US military defense radars spotted a number of slowly moving objects around the country and other regions of the globe, according to President Biden.

“In doing so, they tracked three unidentified objects in Alaska, Canada, and over Lake Huron in the Midwest,” said Biden.

“I gave the order to take down these three objects due to hazards to civilian commercial air traffic, and because we could not rule out the surveillance risk over sensitive facilities.”

The balloon

The critical monitoring equipment from the fallen Chinese balloon has been successfully removed, according to the White House, which announced this on Thursday.

“What we learn will strengthen our capabilities,” said Biden.

The duration of the search and the potential locations of the three flying objects’ debris are likewise unknown.

After the shooting down of the spy balloon, the United States last week imposed further restrictions on six Chinese military and aviation technology businesses.

Sanctions have been implemented due to their alleged involvement in China’s vast aerial espionage.

Read also: White House brush off aliens theories

Defusing tensions

On Thursday, China announced plans to impose sanctions on important US military businesses, using American sanctions as rationale.

In order to avoid raising the stakes with his remarks, President Joseph Biden attempted to defuse tensions between the two countries.

Analysts assert that there has never been a moment when US-China tensions have been higher.

“We seek competition, not conflict with China,” said Biden.

“We’re not looking for a new Cold War… we will compete and will we responsibly manage that competition so that it doesn’t veer into conflict.”

According to President Biden, the spy balloon episode emphasizes the need of maintaining open lines of communication between military personnel in Beijing and Washington, as well as between American and Chinese authorities.

Also, Biden wants to discuss what happened with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

A ‘consequence’

The Chinese spy balloon was only one of hundreds of personnel participating in the battle between the two powerful countries, according to President Joe Biden.

Both stand out on their own, but none suggests a change in policy.

“I think the last thing that Xi wants is to fundamentally rip the relationship with the United States that was made, in terms of success, to US markets,” said President Joe Biden.

Surveillance

A Chinese surveillance balloon traveling over Alaska was found in US airspace on January 28.

On February 4, after landing in US airspace off the coast of South Carolina, the balloon was finally shot down.

A surveillance balloon that was visible above North America for eight days alarmed many.

At that time, politicians and members of the public pressured Biden to offer an explanation for why he hadn’t ordered the balloon to be shot earlier.

Less than a week after the balloon’s demise, a flying object was shot down over the Arctic Ocean.

The aircraft was there and it was hovering at 40,000 feet. Compared to the Chinese balloon, it was smaller.

A similar-sized and -height aircraft was seen over the Canadian Yukon the next day and was shot down.

A third, slightly smaller object that was circling at 20,000 feet on Sunday was obliterated.

Image source: The Hill

White House brush off aliens theories

Edward Anderson Edward Anderson on February 14, 2023

White House – Over North American airspace, flying objects that appeared to belong in a movie have been sighted.

President Joe Biden gave the military three days (including the weekend) to shoot down three flying objects.

During a news briefing on Monday, the White House made it clear that they were still unaware of what the objects were.

The folks there were unable to confirm if the objects were surveillance drones.

It was unclear what the flying objects were since the fighter aircraft that was seeing them were moving so quickly.

As a consequence, many people have shared their opinions, and the majority of them have stated that alien involvement is present.

The briefing

In a briefing at noon on Monday, the White House made it clear that, while not understanding what they were, the flying objects did not originate from space.

“I just wanted to make sure we address this from the White House,” started Karine Jean-Pierre, the press secretary.

“I know there have been questions and concerns about this, but there is no – again, no – indication of aliens or extraterrestrial activity with these recent take-downs.”

“Wanted to make sure that the American people knew that, all of you knew that,” she added.

“And it was important for us to say that from here because we’ve been hearing a lot about it.”

The White House press corps chuckled a little at the statements regarding extraterrestrial activities.

Mysterious objects

A Chinese spy balloon was shot down by the US Air Force earlier in the month.

Three unidentified objects, however, have recently been spotted over Alaska, the Canadian Yukon Territory, and Lake Huron near Michigan.

Four in total were destroyed in February.

Timeline of the object sightings

On February 4, 2023, an F-22 fighter jet downed the first flying object.

Off the coast of South Carolina, it was initially spotted.

Another object was fired over Alaska on February 10.

It was around the size of a small automobile, per the White House.

Read also: Mike Pence joins Trump and Biden in holding documents

On the other hand, the Pentagon denied claims that the item was a balloon and said that it had disintegrated into smaller parts.

The next day, another flying object was fired above the Yukon Territory, according to Justin Trudeau, the president of Canada.

The most recent flying object was seen above Lake Huron in Michigan on Sunday after passing over Montana the day before.

Officials overwhelmed

Numerous questions regarding the aircrafts and Biden’s request for the military to shoot them down have been directed to the White House.

Authorities took the mystery surrounding the strange flying objects very seriously.

Conspiracy theories have been very prevalent in conversation as a result of how current events have developed.

One officer acknowledged that the lack of knowledge increased the likelihood that novel theories would emerge, saying:

“Everyone wants answers that no one has at the moment.”

Sources claim that officials decided it would be prudent to explicitly (and immediately) rule out the possibility of alien participation even if there isn’t enough qualitative data about the objects to disclose to the public.

Officials had to make a decision immediately since they knew it would take some time to gather and inspect the fallen debris.

Sharing information

Representatives of the administration claim that their objective is to disseminate all of their knowledge on the flying objects.

They did acknowledge that the current situation isn’t the best for a discussion, however.

President Joe Biden said he wants to be open and honest about the situation with Congress and the American people.

Biden acknowledged that his capacity to address the matter is constrained without a thorough understanding of the nature of the flying objects, according to sources.

The government is working to clarify the false information that surfaced over the weekend in the meantime.

In an effort to bring authorities together in light of the contradicting assertions made by the Pentagon and Congressmen, they chose to have John Kirby brief the White House on the situation on Monday.

The National Security Council’s coordinator for strategic communications, John Kirby, is the ideal candidate to carry out this effort.

Given the rise in conspiracy theories, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee suggested on Monday that it could be a good idea for the US President to address the nation.

“Ambiguity is fuel for conspiracy theorists,” said the lawmaker. “I hope information is shared expeditiously.”

Image source: The Hill

Kevin McCarthy and Biden strike mutual respect

Leah Cooper Leah Cooper on February 6, 2023

Kevin McCarthy: Political conflict between opposing forces nearly ever results in understanding; instead, it escalates into new confrontations.

The Wednesday meeting at the White House, however, was surprisingly fruitful.

The meeting between House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and President Joe Biden to discuss lifting the debt ceiling seemed to go seamlessly.

McCarthy also voiced optimism for a breakthrough.

A surprising optimism

As concerns about a US default grew on Wednesday, a number of officials met at the White House to discuss the debt ceiling.

Prior to their meeting, Joe Biden and Kevin McCarthy engaged in political sparring.

Their interactions drew boundaries, and the media was notified of them.

The newly elected House speaker, however, displayed positivity as he exited the West Wing, demonstrating his confidence that they can reach an agreement.

McCarthy steadfastly refused the strict demands of the White House, yet something unexpected did get through.

After the discussion, the House speaker reportedly told Biden that the House would accept a “clean” debt ceiling, but there would be constraints.

“The only thing I heard for the last month was, I’m not gonna negotiate with you,” said Kevin McCarthy on what he offered the president.

“I just spent an hour sitting with the President in the Oval Office talking about what we do on a debt ceiling.”

“So, the first start is, okay, that’s different than what the last month was.”

Debt ceiling

The present level of the national debt exceeds the cap established by Congress in January.

As a result, the Treasury Department was obligated to take drastic action to ensure that the government made its debt payments on time.

Additionally, it put more pressure on Capitol Hill to prevent a default at year’s end.

The newly elected House GOP majority and the White House couldn’t come to an agreement on how to lift the debt ceiling.

Although Kevin McCarthy admitted that the initial discussion went well, he also underlined that there were still disparities in the viewpoints of the two parties.

“I think that at the end of the day, we can find common ground,” he said.

The meeting

Kevin McCarthy briefed President Joe Biden that he wanted to negotiate a resolution before the deadline so they could concentrate on other problems.

Biden emphasized his wish to engage with McCarthy and collaborate “across the aisle in good faith,” according to a White House statement.

The statement claims that during the meeting, Biden made it plain to McCarthy that stopping a national debt default is a shared duty.

As speaker for the first time, Kevin McCarthy went to the White House meeting and expressed optimism that a financial agreement for the following two years could be reached.

Read also: Mike Pence joins Trump and Biden in holding documents

“You won’t see omnibuses anymore,” he added.

“You’ll see the Senate and the House actually do what the American public has elected them to do.”

Biden welcomes a small meeting with congressional leaders on how to lower the deficit and keep the national debt under control while fostering economic growth, according to the White House.

Republicans in the House think increasing the debt ceiling should come after spending reductions.

As previously said, the White House will not negotiate or make concessions to lift the debt ceiling.

An early hurdle

Since being elected House Speaker, Kevin McCarthy is facing his first leadership test in light of the debt limit problem.

He faces the challenging task of balancing competing demands from diverse factions while preserving a fragile majority.

The debt ceiling offers a chance to evaluate McCarthy and Biden’s cooperation.

Republicans in the Senate announced that they would postpone their participation until they had seen how the House GOP addressed the $31.4 trillion borrowing cap problem.

They will then determine if they need to get involved.

Republicans at risk

The GOP runs a political risk by endorsing a budget cut.

They can run into backlash if they suggest cutting funding for preferred government services and programs.

According to sources, Kevin McCarthy frequently spoke with allies on and off the Hill.

This week, the House speaker and his GOP allies worked out their initial demands and spoke about cutting spending on domestic and defense initiatives.

To prevent backlash from voters, they opted against opposing Social Security and Medicare.

By choosing a course of action, House Republicans intended to advance their negotiations with the White House.

It has proven challenging to get agreements on budget reduction during the meeting.

Republicans thought it was still early given that there are still months of debate before the meeting on Wednesday.

There would be more time for Kevin McCarthy to speak.

Leaders are conscious that they must start by laying the foundation inside their own ranks, though.

McCarthy and the White House both utilized the past week to limit the discussions, despite the fact that their public remarks in the wake of the meeting were more restrained.

Biden and McCarthy

President Joe Biden’s top economic advisers asked Kevin McCarthy two questions in a memo that was distributed to “interested parties” on Monday:

Does he guarantee that the United States won’t default on its debt? When will he and the Republicans in the House make their budget public?

According to statements made by Biden a day before the meeting, McCarthy purportedly approached the session from a weak position due to pledges made to an unruly GOP party.

McCarthy argued that as he rose to become speaker, he was forced to accommodate extremist Republicans, despite the President praising him as a decent man.

At a prestigious dinner in Manhattan, McCarthy reportedly had to make commitments that were improper for a House speaker to make.

Kevin McCarthy replied:

“Apparently, he doesn’t understand… I’m looking forward to sitting down with the president, negotiating for the American public, the people of America, on how we can find savings.”

“We’ve watched what the spending has done, we watched it brought us inflation, we watched the challenge that it happened.”

“We’re looking forward to changing the course.”

Image source: The New York Times

TikTok receives ban on government devices

Claire Peterson Claire Peterson on December 26, 2022

Image source: NY Times

TikTok: It’s a new step that the bipartisan spending agreement will forbid TikTok from being utilized on equipment used by the government.

On Friday, the legislation was approved by both Houses of Congress.

The decision highlights the growing anxiety surrounding the popular video-sharing app, which is owned by the Chinese corporation ByteDance.

The bill

President Joe Biden has not yet given his approval to the bipartisan spending plan.

It urges e-commerce retailers to conduct more research to halt the sale of counterfeit goods online.

The measure also increases the filing fees for companies seeking to merge with federal antitrust regulators.

However, Congress was unable to pass a number of strict measures aimed at the tech industry, including:

  • Antitrust legislation that requires Apple and Google app stores to give developers more payment options
  • A measure mandating new guardrails to protect children online

In spite of progress made by Congress in 2022 toward a compromise measure on national privacy standards, a patchwork of state laws continue to govern the protection of consumer data.

Reaction to the bill

The Chamber of Progress, a center-left-leaning organization in the tech sector, praised the rejection of many antitrust bills that would have targeted its donors which included:

  • Amazon
  • Apple
  • Google
  • Meta

Following the presentation of the package, Adam Kovacevich, CEO of the Chamber of Progress, made the following official statement:

“What you don’t see in this year’s omnibus are the more controversial measures that have raised red flags on issues like content moderation.”

The company has previously expressed worries about the American Innovation and Choice Online Act, a well-known antitrust statute.

NetChoice, another tech organization, praised Congress for refusing to include unrestrained extremist progressive ideas to alter American antitrust law.

However, the legislation that was enacted by lawmakers as part of the budget package would have an impact on the industry in a number of different ways.

Read also: Sam Bankman-Fried to receive bail for $250 million

TikTok ban

The removal of TikTok from devices provided by the government may have an influence on rival platforms like Snap, Facebook, and Instagram that are fighting for the attention of younger users.

Exemptions from the law are also provided for research, national security, and law enforcement purposes.

Lawmakers and FBI Director Christopher Wray are concerned that TikTok’s ownership structure may expose US user data to Chinese firms that may be required by law to turn over user information.

Although TikTok has often stated that the information it gathers from US users is not kept in China, these assertions have had little impact.

The company has been attempting to come to an agreement with the government through the US Committee on Foreign Investment to allay worries about national security.

A spokesperson for TikTok released the following statement after the announcement:

“We’re disappointed that Congress has moved to ban TikTok on government devices – a political gesture that will do nothing to advance national security interests – rather than encouraging the Administration to conclude its national security review.”

“The agreement under review by CFIUS will meaningfully address any security concerns that have been raised at both the federal and state level.”

“These plans have been developed under the oversight of our country’s top national security agencies – plans that we are well underway in implementing – to further secure our platform in the United States, and we will continue to brief lawmakers on them.”

Mergers

Even though other antitrust measures targeting digital platforms were not included in the end-of-year legislation, a bill that helps raise funds for the antitrust institutions that investigate mergers did.

The Merger Filing Fee Modernization Act raises the filing fee that companies pursuing significant mergers must pay to the antitrust agencies in order to comply with the law’s requirements.

Additionally, the bill lowers the cost of smaller fees and allows for yearly charge adjustments in accordance with the CPI.

The measure’s targeted beneficiaries are the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice Antitrust Division.

Both have seen a large increase in merger filings over the past few years without adequate budget increases.

Despite falling short of antitrust groups’ hopes, the measure incorporating the merger filing fee was praised.

According to Sarah Miller, executive director of the American Economic Liberties Project, the bill would strengthen antitrust law for the first time since 1976.

“This is a major milestone for the anti-monopoly movement,” said Miller.

“Big Tech, Big Ag, and Big Pharma spent extraordinary sums in an unprecedented effort to keep Congress from delivering on antitrust reform and undermine the ability of state and federal enforcers to uphold the law – and they lost.”

The bill’s proponent, Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, claimed that updating merger fees after decades is vital to provide antitrust enforcers with the resources they require to carry out their duties.

“This is clearly the beginning of this fight and not the end,” she said.

“I will continue to work across the aisle to protect consumers and strengthen competition.”

Read also: Twitter and Elon Musk sued by former workers

Tech impact on children

The bill contains the Children and Media Research Advancement (CAMRA) Act.

It authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services to do research on how media and technology affect young children, teenagers, and infants.

According to the law, the following technological advancements may have an effect on physical, mental, and cognitive health:

  • Social media
  • Artificial intelligence
  • Video games
  • Virtual reality

The director of the National Institutes of Health must provide a report to Congress on the organization’s operations within two years of the law’s adoption.

Reference:

TikTok banned on government devices under spending bill passed by Congress

Donald Trump slumps in voter standing based on recent poll

Leah Cooper Leah Cooper on December 19, 2022

Image source: CNN

Although he doesn’t have the same power as before, former president Donald Trump recently announced his bid for the presidency in 2024.

Trump’s support among voters has reportedly dropped to its lowest point in more than seven years, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released on Wednesday.

The poll

Only a tiny 31% of registered voters have a favorable opinion of the former US President, according to a Quinnipiac University survey.

An adverse opinion was held by 59% of poll respondents.

According to the university, Donald Trump’s rating in the study is at its lowest point since he declared his first presidential campaign in July 2015.

Independent voters believed that nothing was improving.

In contrast, only 25% of respondents endorsed Donald Trump, while 62% thought less favorably of him.

The evaluation was his lowest among the group ever since Quinnipiac published the survey in May 2015.

Trump saw a somewhat stronger showing from his fellow Republicans, who gave him 70% favorable and 20% negative votes.

Despite the significant difference, Trump’s approval rating was still at its lowest since March 2016.

One thousand four hundred fifty-six registered voters were questioned between last Thursday and this past Monday for the poll, which had a 2.6 percentage point margin of error.

“Former President Trump’s post-presidential announcement numbers are heading in the wrong direction,” said Tim Malloy, a polling analyst for Quinnipiac University.

“You would have to go back at least six years to find less support for him from Republican, independent, and American voters as a whole.”

Biden

A Quinnipiac University survey found that President Joe Biden’s job approval rating rose to its highest point since September 2021, despite being still below average.

The survey showed an improvement from the Quinnipiac poll in November, even though 43% of participants supported and 49% disapproved of Biden’s initiatives.

According to the poll, he had a 36% approval rating for his performance and a 55% disapproval rating.

President Joe Biden defeated Donald Trump in 2020 but hasn’t said whether he plans to run for politics again in 2024.

He did, however, promise to challenge Trump once again.

Despite his assertions, the majority of registered voters polled by Quinnipiac stated they would rather not see Trump or Biden nominated for President in 2024.

Read also: Donald McEachin died from cancer on Monday

Signs

The most recent poll, by Quinnipiac, shows that following the midterm elections in November, Trump’s support is either waning or falling.

Donald Trump has recently come under criticism from his fellow Republicans due to the failure of many of the candidates he personally supported in well-known elections.

As a result, the Democrats strengthened their Senate majority during a season many expected to be favorable to the GOP.

A rising power

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has been gaining support as Donald Trump’s standing is eroding.

DeSantis is a rising star in the Republican Party.

He won reelection with ease in November and built a sizable lead over Trump in the early 2024 Republican primary polls.

DeSantis held a double-digit lead over Trump among likely GOP primary voters in a Wall Street Journal poll published on Wednesday (52% to 38%).

The margin of error for the result was six percentage points, plus or minus.

DeSantis didn’t officially announce his candidacy for President, but the polls showed the outcome.

He chose to accept a second four-year term as governor.

The Florida governor was not mentioned as a potential presidential candidate in the Quinnipiac poll, either.

When questioned, a source with ties to Trump cited a recent Morning Consult poll showing Trump as the undisputed front-runner.

He received 49% of the support of potential GOP primary voters, compared to 31% for DeSantis.

Trump

So far, only Donald Trump has officially announced his bid for President in 2024.

Unfortunately, he still needs to put more effort into his campaign.

Instead, scandals and setbacks have damaged his presidential campaign.

For example, Trump posted on social media that the Constitution should be abolished to restore power.

He would later apologize for his comments.

Ye, a rapper who fell out of favor after making antisemitic remarks and identifying as a white supremacist, and Trump also had dinner together.

The former President’s first choice for the Georgia Senate, Herschel Walker, was defeated by Senator Raphael Warnock in a runoff vote in December.

In the end, two Trump Organization companies were found guilty of crimes.

This week, a New York jury found Trump’s businesses accountable for a number of infractions, including:

  • Tax fraud
  • Falsifying business records
  • Conspiracy

Trump was found guilty of 17 charges three weeks after announcing his bid for the presidency in 2024.

Trump said he would appeal the decision because he was unhappy with it.

“It is a continuation of the Greatest Political Witch Hunt in the History of our Country,” he wrote in a statement.

“New York City is a hard place to be ‘Trump.'”

Read also: Maxine Waters firm on having Sam Bankman-Fried attend hearing

Other notes

On Wednesday, Donal Trump hinted on social media that he would make a significant announcement on Thursday.

The article includes a video of Trump saying, “America needs a superhero.”

The movie also included a brief animation of a cartoon Trump shooting lasers out of his eyes in front of Trump Tower.

References:

Trump hits 7-year low in new national poll as Biden approval climbs

Trump Organization convicted in New York criminal tax fraud case

Sam Bankman-Fried says he donated to the Republican party

Leah Cooper Leah Cooper on December 5, 2022

Image source: ABC News

Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder and former CEO of bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange FTX, shared that he had donated to both political parties.

The revelation

Sitting down for an interview with Tiffany Fong, the FTX founder revealed that he donated to both parties, saying:

“I donated to both parties.”

“I donated about the same amount to both parties,” said Bankman-Fried.

Democratic donations

Since the crypto exchange’s 2019 launch, Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF) has been known to support Democratic candidates.

In 2020, SBF was one of Joe Biden’s most prominent campaign donors leading to his presidency.

He gave $5,220,000 from FTX US and $6,242,800 from Alameda Research.

Read also: Sam Bankman-Fried Faces Downfall with FTX Collapse

Republican donations

SBF cited the Citizens United Supreme Court case while talking about his donations to the Republican Party.

“All my Republican donations were dark,” said Bankman-Fried.

“In practice, no one can fathom the idea that someone actually gave dark [money].”

Dark money

Political finance tracking website Open Secrets refers to “dark money” as spending that influences political outcomes, where the source of the money is undisclosed.

Sam Bankman-Fried explained that he chose to donate dark money to avoid attention from the public.

He also explained that journalists “freak the **** out if you donate to Republicans.”

The former FTX CEP labeled journalists super-liberal and said he didn’t want to start a fight.

SBF explained and said they conceded in the primary because there were good and bad candidates compared to the general election.

However, Bankman-Fried didn’t expand on what he considers a good or bad candidate.

Ukraine rumors

Sam Bankman-Fried also cleared up rumors that he was helping Ukraine launder money for the Democratic Party.

FactCheck.org, a nonprofit, non-partisan election organization, also called the allegation false.

The group wrote an article dismissing the conspiracy theory, saying:

“There is no evidence to support the claim that Ukraine invested in or gave money to FTX.”

Sam Bankman-Fried says he can’t think of why Ukraine would launder funds for the Democratic Party or how anyone would launder funds.

“I wish I were a part of an international conspiracy that interesting,” said SBF.

Read also: Elon Musk says SBF didn’t contribute to Twitter buy

Other notes

After the company’s collapse, several US officials called for an investigation into Sam Bankman-Fried and FTX.

The US Financial Services Committee requested that SBF appear in Washington to testify on December 13.

Reference:

SBF hid Republican donations so media wouldn’t ‘freak the fuck out’