GOP Sen. Cassidy questions RNC censure of Kinzinger, Cheney
Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) is questioning why the Republican National Committee (RNC) is moving to censure Reps. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) and Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.), prominent critics of former President Trump who are both serving on the House panel investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol."The RNC is censuring Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger because they are trying to find out what happened on January 6th," Cassidy wrote in a tweet. "HUH...
news.yahoo.comA Louisiana school board has asked a newly appointed board member who bragged about marching to the Capitol on January 6 last year to step down
"No one really had an opportunity to vet this individual prior to his appointment," the Jefferson teachers' union president told the Daily Beast.
news.yahoo.comEXPLAINER: Hit by Ida, New Orleans faces weeks without power
Hurricane Ida knocked out all eight transmission lines that deliver power to New Orleans, leaving the entire city without electricity as the powerful storm pushed through on Sunday and early Monday with winds that reached 150 miles per hour.
GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy clashes with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis over bans on mask mandates: 'The local officials should have control here'
Cassidy said local officials should make the call on mask mandates if their "hospitals are full, vaccination rate is low and infection rate is going crazy."
news.yahoo.comBipartisan group reaches agreement on $1.2 trillion "hard" infrastructure bill
After weeks of long nights and endless Zoom calls, a bipartisan group of senators finally reached a deal on "the major issues" in their $1.2 trillion "hard" infrastructure package, GOP senators involved in the talks announced Wednesday.Why it matters: It could be days before the group finishes writing the bill, but the Senate can begin debating the legislation in earnest now that they have resolved the outstanding issues. The bill needs 60 votes to advance in the Senate.Get market news worthy of
news.yahoo.comGroups worry about tapping COVID relief for infrastructure
Organizations representing long-term care facilities are urging lawmakers working on a bipartisan infrastructure plan to avoid dipping into COVID-relief funds to help pay for the roughly $600 billion in new spending sought for the public works buildout.
Climate activists hail Dem budget spending on clean energy
Environmental groups hailed a sweeping $3.5 trillion domestic spending plan announced by Democrats, saying it would make โtransformational investmentsโ in clean energy and put the nation on a path to cut greenhouse emissions by at least 50% by 2030.
Bipartisan infrastructure deal back on track after walk-back
A bipartisan deal to invest nearly $1 trillion in the nationโs infrastructure appears to be back on track after a stark walk-back by President Joe Biden to his earlier insistence that the bill be coupled with an even larger Democrat-backed measure in order to earn his signature.
GOP needs new health care target; 'Obamacare' survives again
The Supreme Courtโs latest rejection of a Republican effort to dismantle โObamacareโ is another sign that the GOP must look beyond repealing that law if it wants to hone the nationโs health care problems into a winning political issue.
Go green or go bipartisan? Biden's big infrastructure choice
President Joe Bidenโs hopes of channeling billions of dollars into green infrastructure investments to fight climate change are running into the political obstacle of winning over Republican lawmakers who oppose that approach as unnecessary, excessive spending. As negotiations unfold in Congress in search of a bipartisan deal, the White House's ability to ensure a climate focus in Biden's sweeping infrastructure package is becoming daunting โ so much so that key Democrats are warning the administration to quit negotiating with Republicans, calling it a waste of time that will produce no viable compromise. The debate is similar to the political and policy differences complicating Bidenโs broader talks over his ambitious infrastructure agenda, the sweeping $1.7 trillion American Jobs Plan making its way through Congress, as Democrats and Republicans argue over what, exactly, constitutes infrastructure and how much is needed.
news.yahoo.comRepublican senators claim โtentativeโ bipartisan infrastructure deal
Republican senators emerged from a series of closed-door, bipartisan talks Thursday boasting of reaching a "tentative" deal on infrastructure, yet their Democratic counterparts wouldn't go that far. Why it matters: Members of the s0-called G20 group of 20 senators appear to be the last, best hope for a bipartisan agreement, but the split in where the talks stand highlights the ongoing gulf between the parties on roads, bridges and more.Stay on top of the latest market trends and economic insight
news.yahoo.comGOP blocks Capitol riot probe, displaying loyalty to Trump
Senate Republicans blocked creation of a bipartisan panel to investigate the deadly Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, displaying continuing party loyalty to former President Donald Trump and firm determination to shift the political focus away from the violent insurrection by his GOP supporters. The Senate vote on Friday was 54-35 โ six short of the 60 needed โ to take up a House-passed bill that would have formed an independent 10-member commission evenly split between the two parties. It came a day after emotional appeals for the commission from police who fought the mob, the family of an officer who died and lawmakers in both parties who fled Capitol chambers in the worst attack on the building in two centuries.
news.yahoo.comDespite GOP outcry, Cassidy 'at peace' with impeachment vote
Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., talks with reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, Feb. 12, 2021, on the fourth day of the second impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump. โ Trashed on social media and censured by Louisiana Republicans, U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy described himself Wednesday as โat peaceโ with his vote to convict former President Donald Trump at his impeachment trial and dismissed the scorching GOP backlash he's received. AdโIโve received comments from folks who are Republican who object to the vote,โ Cassidy said. They've called for Republicans to ban Cassidy from their events, and several local Republican groups have joined the executive committee of the state GOP in condemning Cassidy's vote to convict Trump. Asked whether his vote to convict Trump could damage his chances of reelection in 2026, Cassidy replied: โIt is six years off, but that's immaterial.
Pelosi says bipartisan panel should investigate Capitol riot
But to ensure Republican support, Pelosi said Democrats sent the proposal to GOP leaders โto see what suggestions they may have because, for this to work, it really has to be strongly bipartisan." It is an open question whether the commission will be authorized to investigate Trump's actions. Still, some Republicans have said they think such a commission is necessary alongside other congressional efforts to investigate the attack. โThereโs still more evidence that the American people need and deserve to hear and a 9/11 commission is a way to make sure that we secure the Capitol going forward,โ said Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del. โOur country has been wounded,โ the former 9/11 commission chairmen said.
Impeachment over, Congress shifts focus to security failures
Two Senate committees have summoned top security officials to testify, the beginning of a comprehensive look at what went wrong. In her letter to Democratic colleagues, Pelosi said the House will also put forth supplemental spending to boost security at the Capitol. The hearing will begin a broad examination of the security failures that led to the breach. The security breakdown on Jan. 6, as the House and Senate met for a joint session to count electoral votes, was severe. With the diminished security presence, the rioters not only breached the Capitol but entered the Senate chamber minutes after senators had fled.
Murkowski says she can't fear fallout for impeachment vote
Alaska Republican U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski speaks to reporters during a visit to the state Capitol on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021, in Juneau, Alaska. Murkowski said she knows there could be political consequences for her vote to convict former President Donald Trump during his recent impeachment trial but says she can't be afraid of that. She also said that if the state Republican Party decides to censure her for her vote, โthey can make that statement. Other Republicans who voted to convict Trump, including Sens. She said the Republican Party โwas a pretty good party before Donald Trump, and I believe we can be a good party after Donald Trump.
Impeachment over, Congress shifts focus to security failures
Two Senate committees have summoned top security officials to testify, the beginning of a comprehensive look at what went wrong. In her letter to Democratic colleagues, Pelosi said the House will also put forth supplemental spending to boost security at the Capitol. The hearing will begin a broad examination of the security failures that led to the breach. The security breakdown on Jan. 6, as the House and Senate met for a joint session to count electoral votes, was severe. With the diminished security presence, the rioters not only breached the Capitol but entered the Senate chamber minutes after senators had fled.
Pelosi says independent commission will examine Capitol riot
(AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)WASHINGTON โ House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Monday that Congress will establish an independent, Sept. 11-style commission to look into the deadly insurrection that took place at the U.S. Capitol. In a letter to Democratic colleagues, Pelosi said the House will also put forth supplemental spending to boost security at the Capitol. After former President Donald Trumpโs acquittal at his second Senate impeachment trial, bipartisan support appeared to be growing for an independent commission to examine the deadly insurrection. AdInvestigations into the riot were already planned, with Senate hearings scheduled later this month in the Senate Rules Committee. An independent commission along the lines of the one that investigated the Sept. 11 attacks would probably require legislation to create.
GOP senators who voted to convict Trump are now facing backlash in their home states
The seven Republican senators who joined all 50 Democrats in voting to convict former President Donald Trump of inciting the Jan. 6 riot in the Capitol are now facing heat from conservatives in their home states. A meeting of the state GOP to formally censure the senator was postponed because of weather, the paper reported. Six of the seven Republicans will not be facing re-election next year, in the 2022 cycle. Each of the seven Republicans who voted to convict Trump has defended their decision to do so, in statements and in posts on social media. CNBC has reached out to each of the seven Republican lawmakers.
cnbc.comTrump looks to reassert himself after impeachment acquittal
One joked, "Weโre going to Disney World!โNow acquitted in his second Senate impeachment trial, Trump is preparing for the next phase of his post-presidency life. And he's confronting a Republican Party deeply divided over the legacy of his jarring final days in office, culminating in the Jan. 6 storming of the Capitol. Searing video images of the day played on loop during his impeachment trial, which ended Saturday. Sen. Lindsey Graham, who spoke with Trump on Saturday night, acknowledged that Trump is โmad at some folks,โ but also โready to move on and rebuild the Republican Partyโ and โexcited about 2022." That sharp rebuke from his once-loyal defender underscores how dramatically Trump's stock has fallen in Washington since his first impeachment trial just over a year ago.
Here are the 7 Republicans who voted to convict Trump
Seven Republican senators voted to convict former President Trump on the charge of incitement to insurrection, joining Democrats to make it it a far more bipartisan vote than Mr. Trump's first impeachment trial. But something distinguishes most of the Republicans who voted to convict Mr. Trump โ most of them aren't up for reelection soon. I voted to convict President Trump because he is guilty." I voted to convict President Trump because he is guilty. She added that Mr. Trump "had set the stage months" before Election Day and he "did everything in his power to stay in power."
cbsnews.comSupport grows for Capitol riot inquiry after Trump acquittal
Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., walks on Capitol Hill after the Senate acquitted former President Donald Trump in his second impeachment trial in the Senate at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Saturday, Feb. 13, 2021. Trump was accused of inciting the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, and the acquittal gives him a historic second victory in the court of impeachment. Investigations into the riot were already planned, with Senate hearings scheduled later this month in the Senate Rules Committee. We needed more senators with spines.โAdMcConnell told Republican senators shortly before the vote that he would vote to acquit Trump. Beutler's statement late Friday that Trump rebuffed a plea from House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy to call off the rioters was ultimately entered into the trial record.
After impeachment acquittal, Trump remains dominant in GOP
But in the end, only seven of 50 Senate Republicans voted to convict Trump in his historic second impeachment trial on Saturday, Feb. 13, 2021. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)NEW YORK โ The Republican Party still belongs to Donald Trump. But in the end, only seven of 50 Senate Republicans voted to convict Trump in his historic second impeachment trial on Saturday. Indeed, in Trump's Republican Party, there are very few willing to cross him if they harbor future political ambitions. โThe authoritarian side of the Republican Party is the dominant side,โ he said.
Here are the 7 Republicans who voted to convict Trump
Seven Republican senators voted to convict former President Trump on the charge of incitement to insurrection, joining Democrats to make it it a far more bipartisan vote than Mr. Trump's first impeachment trial. But something distinguishes most of the Republicans who voted to convict Mr. Trump โ most of them aren't up for reelection soon. Therefore, I have voted to convict," Burr wrote. I voted to convict President Trump because he is guilty." I voted to convict President Trump because he is guilty.
cbsnews.com7 Republicans explain their vote to convict Trump for Capitol attack
The Senate acquitted Trump in a 57-43 vote on the charge of inciting insurrection for his role in the deadly Jan. 6 Capitol riot. "President Trump also violated his oath of office by failing to protect the Capitol, the Vice President, and others in the Capitol. "Instead of preventing a dangerous situation, President Trump created one. "I was one of the 74 million Americans who voted for President Trump, in part because of the many accomplishments of his administration. The executive committee of the Louisiana Republican Party voted unanimously to censure Cassidy for his vote to convict Trump.
cnbc.com7 Republicans vote to convict Trump in impeachment trial
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, arrives at the start of the fifth day of the second impeachment trial of former President Trump, Saturday, Feb. 13, 2021 at the Capitol in Washington. (Stefani Reynolds/Pool via AP)WASHINGTON โ Seven Republicans voted Saturday to convict former President Donald Trump in his Senate trial, easily the largest number of lawmakers to ever vote to find a president of their own party guilty at impeachment proceedings. AdAlso striking was the โguiltyโ vote by Cassidy, who was reelected in November from a deep-red state where GOP support is widespread. I voted to convict President Trump because he is guilty,โ Cassidy said in a one-sentence statement issued after his vote to convict. He said he wouldn't vote against his own conscience โsimply because it is politically convenient.โRomneyโs โguiltyโ vote at Trumpโs initial impeachment trial last February made him the first senator to ever vote to convict a president of the same party.
Trump acquitted, denounced in historic impeachment trial
Most of them ultimately voted to acquit, doubting whether Trump was fully responsible or if impeachment is the appropriate response. In closing arguments, lead defender Michael van der Veen emphasized an argument that Republican senators also embraced: that it was all a โphony impeachment show trial.โโMr. Within a week Biden was inaugurated, Trump was gone and Pelosi sent the article of impeachment to the Senate days later, launching the proceedings. Several Republican senators voted to consider witnesses. At the same time, this year's trial carried similar warnings from the prosecutors that Trump must be held accountable because he has shown repeatedly he has no bounds.
Which GOP senators are seen as possible votes against Trump?
But that hope dimmed when word came Saturday before the trial resumed that Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell would vote to acquit Trump. If Trump were convicted, the Senate could take a second vote to ban him from running for office again. AdA look at the Republicans whom Democrats are eyeing as they make final arguments in the case:THE FREQUENT TRUMP CRITICSRepublican Sens. AdThree other GOP senators have said they will not run again in two years, potentially freeing them up to vote against Trump and anger base voters in the party. The Republican leaderโs views are closely watched and carry sway among GOP senators, and his decision on Trump is likely to influence others weighing their votes.
As impeachment trial ends, GOP senators face big decision
If Trump were convicted, the Senate could take a second vote to ban him from running for office again. While none of them are locks to vote for conviction, they have joined with Democrats twice to vote against GOP efforts to dismiss the trial. AdHEADED OUTPennsylvania Sen. Pat Toomey, who is retiring from the Senate in 2022, has also voted twice with Democrats to move forward with the trial. All three voted to dismiss the trial, but Portman says he still has an open mind about conviction. EYES ON McCONNELLSenate Republican leader Mitch McConnell has twice voted to dismiss the trial, indicating he will ultimately vote to acquit.
The Latest: Tuberville stands by account of Trump phone call
Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., walks on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, Feb. 12, 2021, after the fourth day of the second impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump. AdGoodman has been in the chamber for much of the impeachment trial, in which House Democrats are charging that former President Donald Trump incited the Jan. 6 insurrection. Senators are submitting written questions to the prosecution and the defense in the impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump. But he's made a comeback as one of Donald Trump's lawyers at the former president's impeachment trial. AdHe's getting a chance to make a different impression when he begins to present Trumpโs defense on Friday.
WATCH LIVE: Trumpโs lawyers to deliver impeachment defense as trial continues
WASHINGTON โ Donald Trumpโs lawyers have a simple objective as they open their defense at the former presidentโs impeachment trial: Donโt lose any Republican votes. Most Senate Republicans have indicated that they will vote to acquit Trump on the House charge of incitement of insurrection. Cassidy, who had voted with his party two weeks prior to stop the trial, switched his vote to side with Democrats. Here's what to watch for on Friday as the defense opens arguments in Trumpโs historic second impeachment:THE ARGUMENTSTrumpโs lawyers plan to argue their clientโs innocence on multiple fronts. Like the House prosecutors, Trump's lawyers have up to 16 hours over two days to plead their case.
GOP senators baffled by Trump's legal team after first day of impeachment trial
"President Trump's team was disorganized. In a rambling speech, Castor argued that it would violate Mr. Trump's right to free speech to hold an impeachment trial. Senate TV / Reuters"In fairness, I was really stunned at the first attorney who presented for former President Trump. Finally, the second lawyer got around to it and I thought he did an effective job," Senator John Cornyn told reporters. "I don't think the lawyers did the most effective job," Senator Ted Cruz acknowledged.
cbsnews.comGOP senators baffled by Trump's legal team after first day of impeachment trial
"President Trump's team was disorganized. In a rambling speech, Castor argued that it would violate Mr. Trump's right to free speech to hold an impeachment trial. Senate TV / Reuters"In fairness, I was really stunned at the first attorney who presented for former President Trump. Finally, the second lawyer got around to it and I thought he did an effective job," Senator John Cornyn told reporters. "I don't think the lawyers did the most effective job," Senator Ted Cruz acknowledged.
cbsnews.comSenator Bill Cassidy on COVID aid and why Marjorie Taylor Greene is "bad for the conservative movement"
Senator Bill Cassidy on COVID aid and why Marjorie Taylor Greene is "bad for the conservative movement" Senate Democrats are moving forward with steps to pass President Biden's $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package, even without Republican support, while the White House continues negotiating with GOP senators who favor a smaller package. Louisiana Republican Senator Bill Cassidy joins CBSN's "Red & Blue" anchor Elaine Quijano to discuss the negotiations, plus why he thinks Georgia Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene is "bad for the conservative movement."
cbsnews.comGOP senator on lawmakers' meeting with Biden about COVID-19 relief package
GOP senator on lawmakers' meeting with Biden about COVID-19 relief package Senator Bill Cassidy was one of 10 GOP lawmakers who met with President Biden Monday evening about their proposal to his $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package. Senator Cassidy joins "CBS This Morning" to discuss the meeting, the GOP counteroffer and reconciliation in the Senate.
cbsnews.comCongress aims to fund government for a week to buy time for spending, Covid relief deals
Congress aims to extend government funding for an additional week while lawmakers try to scrape together spending and coronavirus relief packages, Republican and Democratic leaders said Monday. Funding will lapse on Saturday if Congress cannot approve a spending bill. Congressional leaders previously signaled they wanted to tie aid provisions to a funding proposal. Kevin Lemarque | ReutersThe Senate and House lawmakers aim to release a more detailed outline of their $908 billion aid proposal on Monday as they prepare legislative text. Democratic leaders have backed the plan as the basis for an emergency relief bill.
cnbc.comU.S. senators propose $500 billion rescue for state, local governments
REUTERS/Aaron P. BernsteinWASHINGTON (Reuters) - A U.S. Senate Republican and a Democrat proposed a $500 billion rescue package for state and municipal governments on Monday, as it became increasingly clear that the next coronavirus relief bill will not include money for reeling local authorities. The current bill coming out will not have this aid, or any aid, for states and municipalities. Congressional leaders said they could vote on the latest bill, which would follow a $2.3 trillion aid package passed in March, as soon as this week. Cassidy and Menendez said they hoped their bipartisan bill could provide a framework for what they dubbed Covid 4, a subsequent tranche of coronavirus aid. Covid 3.5 (the current bill) is more focused on business and hospitals, primary, and testing, Menendez said.
feeds.reuters.comU.S. federal buildings put away the welcome mat as coronavirus hits
The Supreme Court and White House later announced their own closings. Senator Maria Cantwells U.S. capital office was closed after a staff member tested positive for COVID-19. A few lawmakers, including Senator Ted Cruz and Representative Don Beyer, have self-quarantined after coming in contact with someone who later tested positive for the coronavirus. Senator Rick Scott announced on Thursday that he was self-quarantining after being in the same room with an aide to Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro who tested positive. The White House said it was monitoring the situation closely.
feeds.reuters.comMillions of Americans aren't receiving Social Security statements in the mail. A new bill aims to change that
A new proposal in Congress aims to resurrect an old tradition: mailing Social Security statements to your home. Since 2011, the Social Security Administration has cut back on the number of paper statements it puts in the mail in order to save money. A new bill, called the Know Your Social Security Act, aims to reinstate those statements for all workers ages 25 and up. That's because just 2 out of 5 people with My Social Security accounts accessed their online statements in 2018. In addition to reinstating mailed statements, the Know Your Social Security Act also seeks to clarify the procedures the Social Security Administration should follow in the digital age.
cnbc.comRep. Bill Cassidy criticizes Sen. Mary Landrieu over Keystone pipeline
Rep. Bill Cassidy criticizes Sen. Mary Landrieu over Keystone pipeline Rep. Bill Cassidy, R-Louisiana, who's running for Senate, says his opponent, Democratic incumbent Mary Landrieu, has failed to advance an oil pipeline that would benefit Louisiana.
cbsnews.comRep. Bill Cassidy: Obama delaying Keystone pipeline to please his base
Rep. Bill Cassidy: Obama delaying Keystone pipeline to please his base Citing the repeated delays of the Keystone XL oil pipeline, Rep. Bill Cassidy, R-Fla., says President Obama is more concerned with placating environmentalists than he is with creating jobs.
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