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House to vote on resolution on next steps in impeachment inquiry – live House to vote on resolution on next steps in impeachment inquiry – live
(32 minutes later)
A state court in North Carolina ruled that the congressional map is so severely gerrymandered to benefit Republicans that it can’t be used in 2020.
This ruling comes a month after the same three-judge panel ruled that the state’s legislative maps are also unconstitutional.
Republicans currently control 1o of the state’s 13 seats in the House of Representatives. In 2016, when the current maps were made, Republicans admitted in writing that they wanted to use partisan data to give their party a 10-3 advantage. GOP mapmaker Thomas Hofeller, after receiving his cancer diagnosis in May 2016, wrote in an email reviewed by The New Yorker: “I still have time to bedevil the Democrats with more redistricting plans before I exit.
The ruling today is a preliminary injunction that orders the state not to use the current congressional maps for the 2020 elections as the lawsuit challenging the districts proceeds. Judges said that advocacy groups are poised to show “beyond a reasonable doubt” that the maps violate the state constitution.
“This victory was not due to Donald Trump’s leadership,” said former vice president Joe Biden. “It happened despite his ineptitude.”“This victory was not due to Donald Trump’s leadership,” said former vice president Joe Biden. “It happened despite his ineptitude.”
Senator Amy Klobuchar told CBS that the killing of al-Baghdadi doesn’t mean Trump’s “foreign policy overall has not been a disaster.”Senator Amy Klobuchar told CBS that the killing of al-Baghdadi doesn’t mean Trump’s “foreign policy overall has not been a disaster.”
Democrats have praised the military, the intelligence community, the Kurds for the Baghdadi raid - everyone except Trump. https://t.co/c8O9Yl8D9oDemocrats have praised the military, the intelligence community, the Kurds for the Baghdadi raid - everyone except Trump. https://t.co/c8O9Yl8D9o
From the AP:From the AP:
Trump is eager to turn al-Baghdadi’s death into a defining moment of his administration, one that could remind waffling Republicans why they support him. And Democrats, who have largely been focused issues such as health care and combating rising college debt, must now decry Trump’s foreign policy without appearing to disparage U.S. forces.Trump is eager to turn al-Baghdadi’s death into a defining moment of his administration, one that could remind waffling Republicans why they support him. And Democrats, who have largely been focused issues such as health care and combating rising college debt, must now decry Trump’s foreign policy without appearing to disparage U.S. forces.
It’s a balance that could be tough for the White House hopefuls to pull off.It’s a balance that could be tough for the White House hopefuls to pull off.
Meanwhile, Donald and Melania Trump are celebrating Halloween at the White House. They appear to be dressed up as... themselves.Meanwhile, Donald and Melania Trump are celebrating Halloween at the White House. They appear to be dressed up as... themselves.
pic.twitter.com/kjczyYzPCApic.twitter.com/kjczyYzPCA
Spooky.Spooky.
US regulators will vote next month on whether to bar companies from using federal subsidies for equipment from Chinese firms Huawei and ZTE.US regulators will vote next month on whether to bar companies from using federal subsidies for equipment from Chinese firms Huawei and ZTE.
The FCC chair, Ajit Pai, has called Huawei and ZTE “untrusted vendors”. The regulating agency will vote on whether to block companies that receive money from the $8.5bn Universal Service Fund from purchasing equipment or services from firms that pose a national security risk.The FCC chair, Ajit Pai, has called Huawei and ZTE “untrusted vendors”. The regulating agency will vote on whether to block companies that receive money from the $8.5bn Universal Service Fund from purchasing equipment or services from firms that pose a national security risk.
The House leaders’ decision to hold its first vote on the impeachment inquiry this week is “clearly an admission that we’ve been right all along about the need to have a more transparent process”, said Greg Walden, a Republican representative from Oregon who announced his retirement today.The House leaders’ decision to hold its first vote on the impeachment inquiry this week is “clearly an admission that we’ve been right all along about the need to have a more transparent process”, said Greg Walden, a Republican representative from Oregon who announced his retirement today.
The House minority leader, Kevin McCarthy, echoed: “Today’s backtracking is an admission that this process has been botched from the start.”The House minority leader, Kevin McCarthy, echoed: “Today’s backtracking is an admission that this process has been botched from the start.”
It’s been 34 days since Nancy Pelosi unilaterally declared her impeachment inquiry. Today’s backtracking is an admission that this process has been botched from the start.We will not legitimize the Schiff/Pelosi sham impeachment.It’s been 34 days since Nancy Pelosi unilaterally declared her impeachment inquiry. Today’s backtracking is an admission that this process has been botched from the start.We will not legitimize the Schiff/Pelosi sham impeachment.
Republicans have largely avoided commenting on the substance of allegations that Trump abused his power by pressuring Ukraine to investigate his political rivals, instead criticizing the House Democrats’ process.Republicans have largely avoided commenting on the substance of allegations that Trump abused his power by pressuring Ukraine to investigate his political rivals, instead criticizing the House Democrats’ process.
But if the Democratic leaders imagined that holding a full vote on the inquiry would quell criticism that the inquiry is illegitimate, they’ll be disappointed.But if the Democratic leaders imagined that holding a full vote on the inquiry would quell criticism that the inquiry is illegitimate, they’ll be disappointed.
According to the White House press secretary, Stephanie Grisham, “secret, shady, closed door depositions are completely and irreversibly illegitimate”.According to the White House press secretary, Stephanie Grisham, “secret, shady, closed door depositions are completely and irreversibly illegitimate”.
Despite Charles Kupperman’s refusal to testify in the impeachment inquiry this morning, it’s been a busy day for US politics so far. My colleague on the west coast, Maanvi Singh, will now take over the blog and continue our coverage of live news.Despite Charles Kupperman’s refusal to testify in the impeachment inquiry this morning, it’s been a busy day for US politics so far. My colleague on the west coast, Maanvi Singh, will now take over the blog and continue our coverage of live news.
Today so far:Today so far:
The full House of Representatives will get its first vote on the impeachment inquiry. On Thursday there will be a procedural vote on the next steps in the process. It’s not required but Democrats see it as a good counter to Republican attempts to tear down the process as illegitimate.The full House of Representatives will get its first vote on the impeachment inquiry. On Thursday there will be a procedural vote on the next steps in the process. It’s not required but Democrats see it as a good counter to Republican attempts to tear down the process as illegitimate.
A California state assemblywoman, Christy Smith, has announced she’ll run to try to put another Democrat in the seat to be vacated by US congresswoman Katie Hill, who flipped her district from the Republicans last year.A California state assemblywoman, Christy Smith, has announced she’ll run to try to put another Democrat in the seat to be vacated by US congresswoman Katie Hill, who flipped her district from the Republicans last year.
Departing congresswoman Katie Hill, who resigned yesterday, issued a video statement earlier today that decried an alleged smear campaign against her, while also apologizing for being obliged to leave the House.Departing congresswoman Katie Hill, who resigned yesterday, issued a video statement earlier today that decried an alleged smear campaign against her, while also apologizing for being obliged to leave the House.
Former Senator Kay Hagan has died.Former Senator Kay Hagan has died.
Donald Trump railed against the impeachment inquiry, on a visit to Chicago, where he was addressing a police convention and holding a fund-raiser, amid protests.Donald Trump railed against the impeachment inquiry, on a visit to Chicago, where he was addressing a police convention and holding a fund-raiser, amid protests.
Kupperman case goes to next stageKupperman case goes to next stage
Deputy national security adviser Charles Kupperman, who was ousted-national security adviser John Bolton’s deputy, did not turn up to testify in the impeachment inquiry this morning, defying a congressional subpoena.Deputy national security adviser Charles Kupperman, who was ousted-national security adviser John Bolton’s deputy, did not turn up to testify in the impeachment inquiry this morning, defying a congressional subpoena.
He said he was waiting for a court to rule on which would prevail - the subpoena or a White House gag order, attempting to block administration officials from cooperating with the inquiry.He said he was waiting for a court to rule on which would prevail - the subpoena or a White House gag order, attempting to block administration officials from cooperating with the inquiry.
He filed a lawsuit in the matter, which Democratic leaders said was a legally invalid avenue to take. A judge has now been assigned to the case.He filed a lawsuit in the matter, which Democratic leaders said was a legally invalid avenue to take. A judge has now been assigned to the case.
UPDATE: The Charles Kupperman case has been assigned to Judge Richard Leon. No hearing has been scheduled yet. https://t.co/WlhMz951lZUPDATE: The Charles Kupperman case has been assigned to Judge Richard Leon. No hearing has been scheduled yet. https://t.co/WlhMz951lZ
Adam Schiff, the Democratic chairman of the House intelligence committee, has reportedly pushed for the resolution outlining impeachment procedures.Adam Schiff, the Democratic chairman of the House intelligence committee, has reportedly pushed for the resolution outlining impeachment procedures.
Schiff was pushing for this resolution, sources tell me & @heatherscope. The text of the resolution hasn’t yet been finalized, per sources.Schiff was pushing for this resolution, sources tell me & @heatherscope. The text of the resolution hasn’t yet been finalized, per sources.
Several witnesses have refused to appear before the committees leading the inquiry, deferring to the White House’s opinion that the investigation is illegitimate because no formal vote was held to launch the proceedings.Several witnesses have refused to appear before the committees leading the inquiry, deferring to the White House’s opinion that the investigation is illegitimate because no formal vote was held to launch the proceedings.
Schiff may believe that this vote will help to invalidate those arguments and compel the witnesses to testify.Schiff may believe that this vote will help to invalidate those arguments and compel the witnesses to testify.
The blog has another update on the US military dog that played a key role in the Baghdadi raid: his name is reportedly Conan.The blog has another update on the US military dog that played a key role in the Baghdadi raid: his name is reportedly Conan.
Multiple Defense Department sources have told me the dog’s name is Conan. https://t.co/efDmAsCbXbMultiple Defense Department sources have told me the dog’s name is Conan. https://t.co/efDmAsCbXb
Meanwhile, Trump has tweeted a photo of the “wonderful dog” that played a crucial role in the raid of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi’s Syrian compound.Meanwhile, Trump has tweeted a photo of the “wonderful dog” that played a crucial role in the raid of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi’s Syrian compound.
We have declassified a picture of the wonderful dog (name not declassified) that did such a GREAT JOB in capturing and killing the Leader of ISIS, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi! pic.twitter.com/PDMx9nZWvwWe have declassified a picture of the wonderful dog (name not declassified) that did such a GREAT JOB in capturing and killing the Leader of ISIS, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi! pic.twitter.com/PDMx9nZWvw
The name of the dog, who is reportedly back on the job after Trump said it was injured in the attack on the Isis leader, remains classified.The name of the dog, who is reportedly back on the job after Trump said it was injured in the attack on the Isis leader, remains classified.
Even though the House resolution appears meant to discredit the Trump administration’s argument that the impeachment inquiry is illegitimate, it is unclear whether the White House would comply with the investigation even if a formal vote were held.
Asked by @benstracy whether the WH would cooperate with the impeachment inquiry if Dems agreed to hold public hearings, @hogangidley45 demurred."Well, again, that all depends on the parameters on which they are willing to open up hearings," Gidley said.
It appears that even some senior House Democrats are questioning why Nancy Pelosi is now asking her caucus to vote on a resolution solidifying impeachment procedures.
Still unclear what's prompting Dems to hold vote now, especially after significant court ruling on Friday affirming that House doesn't need to vote to enter into an impeachment inquiry. Several senior Dems said they had no idea this was coming, are also questioning rationale
The announcement comes hours after Charles Kupperman, a former deputy to John Bolton, failed to appear for his testimony in the inquiry because he is seeking a court ruling on whether to comply with the congressional subpoena or the White House’s order not to participate.
If the House votes to formalize impeachment procedures, it could potentially nullify those legal questions.
The House resolution outlining impeachment procedures specifically calls out the Trump administration for dismissing the inquiry as illegitimate.
It reads: “For weeks, the President, his Counsel in the White House, and his allies in Congress have made the baseless claim that the House of Representatives’ impeachment inquiry ‘lacks the necessary authorization for a valid impeachment proceeding.’ They argue that, because the House has not taken a vote, they may simply pretend the impeachment inquiry does not exist. Of course, this argument has no merit.”
However, a Politico reporter noted the oddness of Nancy Pelosi choosing to confront this argument just days after a federal judge said that the inquiry was legitimate.
Hmmm... Here’s @SpeakerPelosi on the impeachment procedures resolution.Very curious that they are voting on something as basic as this, especially after Judge Howell already ruled last week that the impeachment inquiry is valid. pic.twitter.com/R8Z6GHHOaq
The House will vote on the resolution outlining the procedure to move the impeachment inquiry to the public hearing phase on Thursday.
One paragraph in the resolution reads: “This resolution establishes the procedure for hearings that are open to the American people, authorizes the disclosure of deposition transcripts, outlines procedures to transfer evidence to the Judiciary Committee as it considers potential articles of impeachment, and sets forth due process rights for the President and his Counsel.”
Senior House Democrats hope the vote will invalidate the Trump administration’s argument that the inquiry is illegitimate because no formal vote has been held to launch the proceedings.
Republicans and the White House had argued the impeachment inquiry was not valid without a vote and therefore the administration did not have to comply with subpoenas or other requests. Pelosi says that argument has no merit but Dems will take the vote anyway. https://t.co/BUDF2RwBfh
Nancy Pelosi’s office is releasing a “Dear Colleague” letter today outlining House Democrats’ next steps in the impeachment inquiry, including public hearings.
NEW — Here is Pelosi’s Dear Colleague letter announcing vote on continuing impeachment proceedings and moving them to the public phase pic.twitter.com/OJVWUqR3tQ
The House rules committee will also reportedly mark up a resolution on Wednesday directing various committees to continue their own investigations into Trump under the broader umbrella of the impeachment inquiry.
The resolution is titled, “Directing certain committees to continue their ongoing investigations as part of the existing House of Representatives inquiry into whether sufficient grounds exist for the House of Representatives to exercise its Constitutional power to impeach Donald John Trump, President of the United States of America, and for other purposes.”
The terribly sad death of Maryland congressman Elijah Cummings earlier this month will prompt a special election next year.
He was mourned by the people of Baltimore and eulogized by Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton at his funeral last Friday, after becoming the first African-American lawmaker to lie in state at the Capitol.
It was announced today that the primary will be in February and the main election in April.
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan has announced the dates of the special election to succeed the late Rep. Elijah Cummings: Special primary election will be held on February 4, 2020 with a special general election occurring on April 28. - h/t @CarrieNBCNews
The congressman was the chair of the House oversight committee, one of the three panels leading the impeachment inquiry into Donald Trump’s questionable dealings with Ukraine and its prime minister Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
California state assembly Democrat Christy Smith announced today that she will run for the seat that’s being vacated by Katie Hill, who announced yesterday that she will resign.
A date has not yet been set for the special election to decide the seat - a crucial flip from Republican to the Democratic party last year, Joanna Walters writes.
I would like to commend Congresswoman @KatieHill4CA for her service on behalf of #CA25 as well as her willingness to put country first by stepping down from office. After much encouragement from community members, today I am proud to announce that I am running for Congress pic.twitter.com/p0Gl6jwc76
Departing congresswoman Katie Hill in her video statement calls out “revenge porn”, which she alleges her husband has engaged in against her, and said: “As the victim of it, I call it one of the worst things you can do.”
She begins the video starkly saying of her resignation announcement:“I made this decision so my supporters, my family, my staff and my community will no longer be subjected to the pain inflicted by my abusive husband and the brutality of hateful political operatives.”
She blames a coordinated campaign against her by “the right-wing media and Republican opponents” to “weaponize” her imperfections and perpetuate an alleged smear campaign by her husband, which she describes as “disgusting and unforgivable” and notes: “They will be held accountable.”
Hill goes on to say she does not want her situation to put other women and girls off pursuing a career in politics.
“But I will allow myself to be a distraction from the constitutional crisis we are faced with, and the critical work of my colleagues,” she says, referring to the Trump-Ukraine impeachment inquiry now being conducted by the US House of Representatives.
She is clearly then trying to hold in her emotions as she says: “I never claimed to be perfect but I never thought my imperfections would be weaponized and used to try to destroy me and the community that I have loved for my entire life. And for that I am truly sorry,” she said.
Hill had been seen as a rising star in Washington since being arriving in Congress as a freshman this year.
She said: “I grew up riding horses and the most important thing I learned is that when you fall off you get right back up in the saddle. So I’m going to do that and I hope I can count on you to do the same - and join me on the next ride.”
Hill flipped a vital California seat from Republican to Democrat in the 2018 midterm elections.
Hill calls alleged smear campaign against her “unforgivable”, also says she is “truly sorry” for having to resign
Democratic congresswoman Katie Hill’s video statement issued on Monday is a tortured critique of her brutal downfall so soon into her promising congressional career.
Her apology comes towards the end of the 3.49 minute video, where she also offers an oblique promise that, career-wise, she’s down but not out for good, although she doesn’t mention if she sees a future in politics.
She’s previously acknowledged that it was inappropriate for her to have a sexual relationship with someone employed by her on her campaign team when she was running for Congress.
That’s not against any rules but she expressed regret and it caused a scandal when intimate pictures of Hill and the female staffer were apparently leaked and posted online by a conservative website, then spread, with the prospect of more images and pieces of digital correspondence coming into the public domain.
And last week the House ethics committee opened an investigation into separate allegations that Hill had engaged in a sexual relationship with her legislative director, Graham Kelly, in possible violation of a House rule forged last year in response to the era of the #MeToo movement against sexual assault, sexual harassment and abuse of power.
Hill denied having such a relationship with him, in a letter to constituents, but resigned yesterday, alleging her husband and “hateful political operatives” have coordinated a “smear campaign” against her.
She refers in today’s video statement to “electronic assault” or “revenge porn” in the issuing of intimate images as a way of embarrassing her. She said she was hurt and angry.
Hill apologized for her “imperfections” in a new video statement issued today, a day after she announced her resignation amid allegations, now being investigated, that she violated rules by conducting a sexual relationship with a member of her congressional staff, Joanna Walters writes.
But she also hinted that she will not disappear from public life and will “get right back up in the saddle”, although she did not give details of what she plans to do next.
This development followed the California Democrat acknowledging that she had previously had, separately, a sexual relationship with a member of her campaign team.
In the lengthy video on Monday, Hill became emotional and alleged a smear campaign by her husband, whom she is in the process of divorcing, and said her personal “imperfections” had been used as a weapon unfairly to turn opinion against her.