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Trump returns to attacking the Squad while praising Boris Johnson during address – live Trump returns to attacking the Squad while praising Boris Johnson during address – live
(32 minutes later)
McConnell walks past Jon Stewart at the Capitol
A photographer for Roll Call captured this incredible picture of Mitch McConnell, the Senate majority leader, walking past comedian and activist Jon Stewart at the Capitol.
.@McConnellPress walks past Jon Stewart at the Ohio Clock Corridor in the Capitol. The Senate will be voting later today on HR 1327: Never Forget the Heroes: Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act. pic.twitter.com/bZ0FaOhTSl
Stewart was on Capitol Hill to attend the Senate Democratic Caucus lunch as the chamber looked ready to permanently authorize the 9/11 victims fund. The former “Daily Show” host appeared before the House Judiciary Committee last month and emphatically denounced lawmakers’ “shameful” inaction on the victims fund as “an embarrassment to the country”.
McConnell later claimed that Stewart was needlessly “bent out of shape” about lawmakers missing the hearing. The comedian responded with a funny diatribe on Stephen Colbert’s show. “I didn’t know that they were busy. I’m so sorry,” Stewart sarcastically said. “I didn’t mean to interrupt them with their JOBS!”
Booker says Biden “not the right person” to handle criminal justice reform
Cory Booker went after fellow presidential candidate Joe Biden over the former vice president’s plan to overhaul the criminal justice system.
The New Jersey senator said in a statement that Biden, who helped craft the 1994 crime bill that many blame for an explosion in US incarceration numbers, was “not the right person to fix” the “failed” system.
It’s not enough to tell us what you’re going to do for our communities, show us what you’ve done for the last 40 years. You created this system. We’ll dismantle it.
Biden’s team said his plan would reduce mass incarceration and address “racial, gender and income-based disparities in the system.” But Booker said the proposal fell short of the “transformative change” needed to overhaul the criminal justice system.
“The 1994 crime bill accelerated mass incarceration and inflicted immeasurable harm on Black, Brown, and low-income communities,” Booker added in his full statement. “While it’s encouraging to see Vice President Biden finally come around to supporting many of the ideas I and others have proposed, his plan falls short of the transformative change our broken criminal justice system needs.”
Booker will have the chance to directly confront Biden on the issue when they appear alongside each other at next week’s debates in Detroit. Biden will stand between Booker and Kamala Harris on the second night of the debates. Given the plaudits Harris generated after the first debates for confronting Biden about his past opposition to busing to integrate schools, Booker may be looking to follow in her footsteps.
FBI director Christopher Wray told the Senate judicary committee that the bureau has made about 100 arrests in domestic terrorism cases in the past nine months. He also acknowledged that “a majority” of those cases involved some form of white supremacy.FBI director Christopher Wray told the Senate judicary committee that the bureau has made about 100 arrests in domestic terrorism cases in the past nine months. He also acknowledged that “a majority” of those cases involved some form of white supremacy.
"A majority of the domestic terrorism cases we've investigated are motivated by some version of what you might call white supremacist violence," FBI Dir. Chris Wray tells Sen. Dick Durbin, "but it includes other things as well."Watch their full exchange: https://t.co/NkJuIoyFEp pic.twitter.com/eevIlAuinD"A majority of the domestic terrorism cases we've investigated are motivated by some version of what you might call white supremacist violence," FBI Dir. Chris Wray tells Sen. Dick Durbin, "but it includes other things as well."Watch their full exchange: https://t.co/NkJuIoyFEp pic.twitter.com/eevIlAuinD
The imprecise figure, which represents an uptick from last year, was cited by Wray as evidence of how the FBI is trying to address racially motivated violence. He noted that the bureau has also made about 100 arrests connected to international terrorism cases.The imprecise figure, which represents an uptick from last year, was cited by Wray as evidence of how the FBI is trying to address racially motivated violence. He noted that the bureau has also made about 100 arrests connected to international terrorism cases.
“Needless to say, we take domestic terrorism or hate crime, regardless of ideology, extremely seriously,” the director said.“Needless to say, we take domestic terrorism or hate crime, regardless of ideology, extremely seriously,” the director said.
Majority of Republicans say Mueller’s investigation was fair, poll showsMajority of Republicans say Mueller’s investigation was fair, poll shows
A new poll found that nearly two-thirds of Americans -- including a majority of Republicans -- now believe that special counsel Robert Mueller conducted a fair investigation.A new poll found that nearly two-thirds of Americans -- including a majority of Republicans -- now believe that special counsel Robert Mueller conducted a fair investigation.
The Pew Research Center reports:The Pew Research Center reports:
Republicans’ views of Mueller’s investigation, which were generally negative over the probe’s two-year course, are much more positive now that it has been completed. Six-in-ten Republicans and Republican-leaning independents now say they are confident in the fairness of the investigation. In January, just 39% of Republicans said they were confident Mueller was conducting a fair inquiry.Republicans’ views of Mueller’s investigation, which were generally negative over the probe’s two-year course, are much more positive now that it has been completed. Six-in-ten Republicans and Republican-leaning independents now say they are confident in the fairness of the investigation. In January, just 39% of Republicans said they were confident Mueller was conducting a fair inquiry.
Democrats’ attitudes about Mueller’s fairness have remained generally consistent throughout the course of his investigation. In the new survey conducted July 10-15 among 1,502 adults, about seven-in-ten Democrats and Democratic leaners (71%) say they are very or somewhat confident that Mueller conducted a fair investigation.Democrats’ attitudes about Mueller’s fairness have remained generally consistent throughout the course of his investigation. In the new survey conducted July 10-15 among 1,502 adults, about seven-in-ten Democrats and Democratic leaners (71%) say they are very or somewhat confident that Mueller conducted a fair investigation.
Overall, public confidence in Mueller’s investigation has increased 10 percentage points – from 55% to 65% – since January. Today, only about a third of Americans say they are not too (14%) or not at all (17%) confident that Mueller conducted a fair investigation.Overall, public confidence in Mueller’s investigation has increased 10 percentage points – from 55% to 65% – since January. Today, only about a third of Americans say they are not too (14%) or not at all (17%) confident that Mueller conducted a fair investigation.
Ice announces 35 arrests out of 2,000 immigrants targeted in raidsIce announces 35 arrests out of 2,000 immigrants targeted in raids
Immigration and Customs Enforcement acting director Matt Albence announced this morning that Ice made 35 arrests, of a reported 2,000 that were targeted, during its raids in 9 cities that started on Sunday, July 14 and ended later that week.Immigration and Customs Enforcement acting director Matt Albence announced this morning that Ice made 35 arrests, of a reported 2,000 that were targeted, during its raids in 9 cities that started on Sunday, July 14 and ended later that week.
Of those arrested in the operation, nicknamed “Operation Border Resolve”, 18 were a part of family units and 17 were “collateral arrests” of individuals who weren’t specifically targeted, but were in the area when Ice was conducting the raids. Ice has not released information about where the arrests took place.Of those arrested in the operation, nicknamed “Operation Border Resolve”, 18 were a part of family units and 17 were “collateral arrests” of individuals who weren’t specifically targeted, but were in the area when Ice was conducting the raids. Ice has not released information about where the arrests took place.
Trump first announced the raids would take place in June. During the three weeks before the raids took place, immigrant advocates and local lawmakers distributed information on legal rights during Ice raids, including the right to not answer the door.Trump first announced the raids would take place in June. During the three weeks before the raids took place, immigrant advocates and local lawmakers distributed information on legal rights during Ice raids, including the right to not answer the door.
During a call with press this morning, Albence admitted that the number of arrests was lower than they expected. Past operations had been more successful because they didn’t come with “fanfare and media attention”, Albence said.During a call with press this morning, Albence admitted that the number of arrests was lower than they expected. Past operations had been more successful because they didn’t come with “fanfare and media attention”, Albence said.
But when asked whether it was a problem that Trump tweeted about the raids during a call with press this morning, Albence said, “No, it’s been out in the media… this wasn’t a secret”.But when asked whether it was a problem that Trump tweeted about the raids during a call with press this morning, Albence said, “No, it’s been out in the media… this wasn’t a secret”.
Albence also pointed to the “surveillance” of Ice officers in some cities that led the agency to call off some parts of the operation. “We’ve seen some very disturbing activity over the past couple of weeks targeting our officers and targeting out detention facilities,” he said and declined to provide details. Earlier this week, Albence criticized protests at an Ice detention facility in Colorado, calling the demonstrations “fairly despicable”.Albence also pointed to the “surveillance” of Ice officers in some cities that led the agency to call off some parts of the operation. “We’ve seen some very disturbing activity over the past couple of weeks targeting our officers and targeting out detention facilities,” he said and declined to provide details. Earlier this week, Albence criticized protests at an Ice detention facility in Colorado, calling the demonstrations “fairly despicable”.
Trump speaks for nearly an hour and a half to Turning Point USATrump speaks for nearly an hour and a half to Turning Point USA
The president has wrapped up his remarks to the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA after nearly 90 minutes.The president has wrapped up his remarks to the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA after nearly 90 minutes.
Here are some more quotes from his speech, per a pool reporter there:Here are some more quotes from his speech, per a pool reporter there:
“They have no collusion,” Trump said of Robert Mueller’s report, even though the special counsel actually concluded that there wasn’t enough evidence to bring conspiracy charges. “They did a report, and there was no obstruction,” even though the report appeared to outline several instances of potential obstruction of justice by Trump and left the decision on what to do with the evidence to Congress.“They have no collusion,” Trump said of Robert Mueller’s report, even though the special counsel actually concluded that there wasn’t enough evidence to bring conspiracy charges. “They did a report, and there was no obstruction,” even though the report appeared to outline several instances of potential obstruction of justice by Trump and left the decision on what to do with the evidence to Congress.
Trump said he doesn’t care that Barack Obama is more popular than him in places like Germany. “If I start getting good poll numbers over there, I’m not doing my job,” Trump said.Trump said he doesn’t care that Barack Obama is more popular than him in places like Germany. “If I start getting good poll numbers over there, I’m not doing my job,” Trump said.
“I believe they hate our country,” Trump said of Democrats. Specifically addressing the four minority congresswomen known as “the Squad,” he said, “We don’t like when they talk about ‘evil Jews.’ We don’t like when they say horrible things about Israel.”“I believe they hate our country,” Trump said of Democrats. Specifically addressing the four minority congresswomen known as “the Squad,” he said, “We don’t like when they talk about ‘evil Jews.’ We don’t like when they say horrible things about Israel.”
And Trump also attacked the media as “really dishonest” and “totally unhinged.”And Trump also attacked the media as “really dishonest” and “totally unhinged.”
Robert Mueller’s chief of staff is expected to be sworn in alongside the special counsel tomorrow when he testifies before Congress, according to a Politico reporter.Robert Mueller’s chief of staff is expected to be sworn in alongside the special counsel tomorrow when he testifies before Congress, according to a Politico reporter.
Although the details are still fluid, Aaron Zebley, who served as chief of staff while Mueller was FBI director and held a similar role in the special counsel’s office, could testify alongside him tomorrow. The possibility has sparked the ire of at least one congressional Republican, Representative Jim Jordan of Ohio.Although the details are still fluid, Aaron Zebley, who served as chief of staff while Mueller was FBI director and held a similar role in the special counsel’s office, could testify alongside him tomorrow. The possibility has sparked the ire of at least one congressional Republican, Representative Jim Jordan of Ohio.
Rumor is that Aaron Zebley (Mueller’s Chief of Staff) will be on the witness panel with Mueller.You don’t get to change the rules right before kickoff, especially after a 22 month, $30 million investigation.Rumor is that Aaron Zebley (Mueller’s Chief of Staff) will be on the witness panel with Mueller.You don’t get to change the rules right before kickoff, especially after a 22 month, $30 million investigation.
The New York Times reported earlier this month that the Justice Department had tried to prevent Zebley and another one of Mueller’s deputies, James L. Quarles III, from privately testifying to Congress. That closed-door testimony was part of the original agreement struck between lawmakers and Mueller’s team about the special counsel’s appearance.The New York Times reported earlier this month that the Justice Department had tried to prevent Zebley and another one of Mueller’s deputies, James L. Quarles III, from privately testifying to Congress. That closed-door testimony was part of the original agreement struck between lawmakers and Mueller’s team about the special counsel’s appearance.
Trump used his comments to the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA to more fully attack the four minority congresswomen known as “the Squad.” The president specifically targeted Representative Rashida Tlaib of Michigan.Trump used his comments to the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA to more fully attack the four minority congresswomen known as “the Squad.” The president specifically targeted Representative Rashida Tlaib of Michigan.
Trump repeatedly pointed to his 2016 victory in Michigan, where he won by just 0.2 points, to argue that Tlaib doesn’t represent “the values of the people of Michigan.” “She’s vicious, she’s like a crazed lunatic,” Trump said of Tlaib, pointing to her protesting at one of his 2016 rallies.Trump repeatedly pointed to his 2016 victory in Michigan, where he won by just 0.2 points, to argue that Tlaib doesn’t represent “the values of the people of Michigan.” “She’s vicious, she’s like a crazed lunatic,” Trump said of Tlaib, pointing to her protesting at one of his 2016 rallies.
“This is what we’re up against,” the president added, once again dismissing the Squad as “AOC plus three” in reference to Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.“This is what we’re up against,” the president added, once again dismissing the Squad as “AOC plus three” in reference to Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
While addressing the NAACP’s annual convention in Detroit yesterday, Tlaib said she would hold her ground until Trump was removed from office. “I’m not going nowhere, not until I impeach this President,” the congresswoman said. She went on, “The Squad is all of you. I can tell you, you are all the squad, trust me. If you support equity, you support justice, you are one of us.”While addressing the NAACP’s annual convention in Detroit yesterday, Tlaib said she would hold her ground until Trump was removed from office. “I’m not going nowhere, not until I impeach this President,” the congresswoman said. She went on, “The Squad is all of you. I can tell you, you are all the squad, trust me. If you support equity, you support justice, you are one of us.”
Army Secretary Mark Esper has secured enough Senate votes to be confirmed as the next secretary of defense.Army Secretary Mark Esper has secured enough Senate votes to be confirmed as the next secretary of defense.
The confirmation of Esper, a former lobbyist and Republican staffer, comes several months after former defense secretary Jim Mattis resigned over policy disagreements with Trump. It also comes a month after former acting secretary Patrick Shanahan left the Pentagon over revelations about turmoil within his family.The confirmation of Esper, a former lobbyist and Republican staffer, comes several months after former defense secretary Jim Mattis resigned over policy disagreements with Trump. It also comes a month after former acting secretary Patrick Shanahan left the Pentagon over revelations about turmoil within his family.
Despite concerns from some Democrats about Esper’s lobbyist past, many on Capitol Hill hope that his leadership will allow the Defense Department to more effectively respond to pressing national security issues.Despite concerns from some Democrats about Esper’s lobbyist past, many on Capitol Hill hope that his leadership will allow the Defense Department to more effectively respond to pressing national security issues.
Here’s where things stand:Here’s where things stand:
Trump is still speaking to the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA. So far, he has lauded the incoming British prime minister, Boris Johnson, and slammed Representative Rashida Tlaib as a “crazed lunatic.” (Watch it live here.)Trump is still speaking to the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA. So far, he has lauded the incoming British prime minister, Boris Johnson, and slammed Representative Rashida Tlaib as a “crazed lunatic.” (Watch it live here.)
The Department of Homeland Security is closing the facility for unaccompanied migrant children that it recently showcased to journalists and politicians. The shelter opened less than a month ago.The Department of Homeland Security is closing the facility for unaccompanied migrant children that it recently showcased to journalists and politicians. The shelter opened less than a month ago.
The Department of Agriculture is proposing a rule change that could cut more than 3 million people from the food stamps program.The Department of Agriculture is proposing a rule change that could cut more than 3 million people from the food stamps program.
All of Washington is still keeping an eye out for special counsel Robert Mueller’s opening statement, which he will deliver at the beginning of his highly anticipated appearance on Capitol Hill tomorrow.All of Washington is still keeping an eye out for special counsel Robert Mueller’s opening statement, which he will deliver at the beginning of his highly anticipated appearance on Capitol Hill tomorrow.
Stay tuned for more from Trump’s speech and the buzz over Mueller’s testimony.Stay tuned for more from Trump’s speech and the buzz over Mueller’s testimony.
In his comments to the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, Trump praised the incoming British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage.In his comments to the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, Trump praised the incoming British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage.
Trump notes that Nigel Farage is in the crowd for his speech to Turning Point USA. "I said 'what's Nigel doing here?' He's a little older than you folks. He's going to work well with Boris. They're going to do tremendous things." He adds: "Boris is good. he'll do a good job."Trump notes that Nigel Farage is in the crowd for his speech to Turning Point USA. "I said 'what's Nigel doing here?' He's a little older than you folks. He's going to work well with Boris. They're going to do tremendous things." He adds: "Boris is good. he'll do a good job."
Trump praised Johnson and Farage, both of whom were prominent backers of Brexit. “[Farage] is going to work well with Boris,” Trump said, per a Wall Street Journal reporter at the event. “They’re going to do tremendous things.”Trump praised Johnson and Farage, both of whom were prominent backers of Brexit. “[Farage] is going to work well with Boris,” Trump said, per a Wall Street Journal reporter at the event. “They’re going to do tremendous things.”
Trump said last week, when Johnson’s election appeared likely, that he thought he would get along well with the new leader. “He’s a different kind of a guy but they say I’m a different kind of a guy, too,” Trump told reporters. “We get along well. I think we’ll have a very good relationship.”Trump said last week, when Johnson’s election appeared likely, that he thought he would get along well with the new leader. “He’s a different kind of a guy but they say I’m a different kind of a guy, too,” Trump told reporters. “We get along well. I think we’ll have a very good relationship.”
The Department of Homeland Security is shutting down the facility it opened on June 30 to hold unaccompanied migrant children and showcased to the public.The Department of Homeland Security is shutting down the facility it opened on June 30 to hold unaccompanied migrant children and showcased to the public.
The federal government established the emergency shelter less than a month ago to move children out of crowded and often inhumane Border Patrol facilities. Officials then showed off the new shelter to journalists and politicians, pointing to the soccer fields and classrooms as evidence of how well the minors were being treated.The federal government established the emergency shelter less than a month ago to move children out of crowded and often inhumane Border Patrol facilities. Officials then showed off the new shelter to journalists and politicians, pointing to the soccer fields and classrooms as evidence of how well the minors were being treated.
Our colleagues Christine Bolaños and Adam Gabbatt reported from Carrizo Springs earlier this month:Our colleagues Christine Bolaños and Adam Gabbatt reported from Carrizo Springs earlier this month:
There were telephones for the children to call relatives or immigration lawyers. Also medical and mental health services and English lessons; there was easy access to showers, soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes, beds and real blankets.There were telephones for the children to call relatives or immigration lawyers. Also medical and mental health services and English lessons; there was easy access to showers, soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes, beds and real blankets.
This was all in sharp contrast to the border patrol stations that have failed to cater for an influx of families, including children and babies.This was all in sharp contrast to the border patrol stations that have failed to cater for an influx of families, including children and babies.
But that facility is now closing down, Vice News reports. “It was too much too late,” said Kevin Dinnin, head of the nonprofit operating the shelter. “By this weekend, we should have discharged all the children.”But that facility is now closing down, Vice News reports. “It was too much too late,” said Kevin Dinnin, head of the nonprofit operating the shelter. “By this weekend, we should have discharged all the children.”
The Office of Refugee Resettlement, which monitors the care of unaccompanied migrant children, acknowledged “there were issues regarding mold and air-conditioning” at the facility. But the agency claimed those problems were addressed before children arrived.The Office of Refugee Resettlement, which monitors the care of unaccompanied migrant children, acknowledged “there were issues regarding mold and air-conditioning” at the facility. But the agency claimed those problems were addressed before children arrived.
Sanders will pay his campaign workers more than $15 an hourSanders will pay his campaign workers more than $15 an hour
Bernie Sanders told CNN that his presidential campaign has struck a deal with the union representing his staffers to pay them at least $15 an hour, which the Vermont senator has said for years should be the federal minimum wage.Bernie Sanders told CNN that his presidential campaign has struck a deal with the union representing his staffers to pay them at least $15 an hour, which the Vermont senator has said for years should be the federal minimum wage.
BREAKING: @BernieSanders just told me his campaign *has* struck a deal with the union representing his staffers & now *WILL* pay them "more than $15 per hour" @cnnnewsroom @cnnpolitics pic.twitter.com/MzimUyVfIkBREAKING: @BernieSanders just told me his campaign *has* struck a deal with the union representing his staffers & now *WILL* pay them "more than $15 per hour" @cnnnewsroom @cnnpolitics pic.twitter.com/MzimUyVfIk
The news comes after a Washington Post report last week that Sanders’s staffers had gone back and forth with campaign manager Faiz Shakir on the issue. The union representing the staffers argued that the candidate should apply his rhetoric to his own employees, particularly given that the Sanders campaign has bragged about being the first to unionize its workers.The news comes after a Washington Post report last week that Sanders’s staffers had gone back and forth with campaign manager Faiz Shakir on the issue. The union representing the staffers argued that the candidate should apply his rhetoric to his own employees, particularly given that the Sanders campaign has bragged about being the first to unionize its workers.
A draft letter from the staffers to Shakir reads, “Given our campaign’s commitment to fighting for a living wage of at least $15.00 an hour, we believe it is only fair that the campaign would carry through this commitment to its own field team.”A draft letter from the staffers to Shakir reads, “Given our campaign’s commitment to fighting for a living wage of at least $15.00 an hour, we believe it is only fair that the campaign would carry through this commitment to its own field team.”
Sanders told CNN today that an agreement between the campaign and the union, which he said was first offered months ago, has now been accepted. He added that he believed the deal would allow staffers to be paid “more than” $15 an hour.Sanders told CNN today that an agreement between the campaign and the union, which he said was first offered months ago, has now been accepted. He added that he believed the deal would allow staffers to be paid “more than” $15 an hour.