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US Senate hears testimony on Capitol riot: 'These criminals came prepared for war' – live US Senate hears testimony on Capitol riot: 'These criminals came prepared for war' – live
(32 minutes later)
Senate hears witness testimony from law enforcement officers in what’s likely to be a contentious hearingSenate hears witness testimony from law enforcement officers in what’s likely to be a contentious hearing
Deb Haaland, seeking to make history as the first Native American to hold a cabinet secretary position in the US, weathered a torrent of hostile questioning from Republicans during her confirmation hearing as secretary of the interior.
In a striking opening statement, Haaland, a member of Congress for New Mexico, said “the historic nature of my confirmation is not lost on me, but I will say that it is not about me”, adding that she hoped her elevation would “be an inspiration for Americans, moving forward together as one nation and creating opportunities for all of us”.
Haaland is considered a progressive on the climate crisis and has previously spoken out on the impact of fossil fuel development upon the environment and Native American tribes, positions that Senate Republicans were keen to attack during a sometimes contentious confirmation hearing.
John Barrasso, a Wyoming Republican, criticized Haaland for a tweet from October 2020 in which she stated that “Republicans don’t believe in science”. Barrasso, who has previously incorrectly said the role of human activity in climate change is “not known” and that ambitious climate action in the form of the Green New Deal would mean “cheeseburgers and milkshake would become a thing of the past”, said the tweet was “concerning to those of us who have gone through training, believe in science, and yet with a broad brush, we’re all disbelievers”.
Haaland responded to Barrasso, a surgeon, saying that “if you’re a doctor, I would assume that you believe in science”. Scientists have repeatedly said that the US, and the rest of the world, needs to rapidly reduce planet-heating emissions from fossil fuels in order to prevent disastrous heatwaves, flooding and societal unrest associated with runaway climate change.
The early exchange set the tone for more than two hours of questioning where Republicans repeatedly assailed Joe Biden’s decision to pause oil and gas drilling on federal lands as calamitous for jobs. As interior secretary, Haaland would oversee the management of lands that make up nearly a third of America’s landmass, including tribal lands.
At the roundtable with Black essential workers, Joe Biden was asked about Neera Tanden’s nomination to lead the office of management and budget.
Tanden’s path to confirmation is unclear, now that Democratic Senator Joe Manchin has said he will not support her nomination over some of her past tweets.
But the president said he still believed there was a chance that Tanden could be confirmed as OMB director.
“We’re going to push,” Biden said. “We still think there’s a shot, a good shot.”
Joe Biden held a roundtable with African American essential workers this afternoon and discussed the need to pass his coronavirus relief package.
The president told the frontline workers, “You’re basically holding the country together. I’m not being facetious, I’m being earnest.”
Domestic policy adviser Susan Rice, who moderated the roundtable, similarly applauded the essential workers, calling them “heroes”.
Biden promised the workers that the federal government would deliver aid to them, in the form of his coronavirus relief package, which is expected to pass the House later this week.
“We’re going to make sure you get that extra $1,400 check during the pandemic,” Biden told the workers. “Even the past president said he strongly supported it. We just got to get it done now.”
Biden also explicitly mocked Donald Trump’s infamous claim that Americans could protect themselves from coronavirus by ingesting disinfectants.
“I think there’s a growing awareness that injecting bleach into your system doesn’t do it for you,” the president said.
A man who surrendered to the FBI in New York yesterday in connection with the deadly insurrection at the US Capitol and attacking Capitol Police with a piece of pipe is reportedly a retired New York Police Department officer.A man who surrendered to the FBI in New York yesterday in connection with the deadly insurrection at the US Capitol and attacking Capitol Police with a piece of pipe is reportedly a retired New York Police Department officer.
NBC reported that the man, Thomas Webster, has previously been assigned to security teams guarding New York’s council headquarters at City Hall, downtown, and the city mayor’s official resident, uptown, Gracie Mansion, law enforcement officials with direct knowledge of the investigation told News 4 today.NBC reported that the man, Thomas Webster, has previously been assigned to security teams guarding New York’s council headquarters at City Hall, downtown, and the city mayor’s official resident, uptown, Gracie Mansion, law enforcement officials with direct knowledge of the investigation told News 4 today.
The FBI had issued a public notice after the January 6 mass attack.The FBI had issued a public notice after the January 6 mass attack.
NBC further reports that Webster is expected to appear in federal court in White Plains today, is accused of using a pipe to attack Capitol Police that day, the officials said. Webster’s attorney, James Monroe, declined to comment.NBC further reports that Webster is expected to appear in federal court in White Plains today, is accused of using a pipe to attack Capitol Police that day, the officials said. Webster’s attorney, James Monroe, declined to comment.
The federal authorities are still full steam ahead on a huge, nationwide investigation to apprehend those taking part in the Capitol breach.The federal authorities are still full steam ahead on a huge, nationwide investigation to apprehend those taking part in the Capitol breach.
Read more from our Ed Pilkington, here.Read more from our Ed Pilkington, here.
South Dakota’s Republican and staunchly pro-Trump governor, Kristi Noem, has today called on the state’s attorney general to resign as he faces misdemeanor charges for striking and killing a man with his car last year.South Dakota’s Republican and staunchly pro-Trump governor, Kristi Noem, has today called on the state’s attorney general to resign as he faces misdemeanor charges for striking and killing a man with his car last year.
The Associated Press further reports:The Associated Press further reports:
Here’s where the day stands so far:Here’s where the day stands so far:
Two Senate committees are holding a joint hearing on the security failures that occurred during the Capitol insurrection. Several law enforcement officials, including the former chief of the US Capitol Police and the acting chief of the Metropolitan Police Department of Washington, are testifying before the Senate homeland security committee and the Senate rules committee. Former USCP chief Steven Sund said of the insurrectionists, “These criminals came prepared for war.”Two Senate committees are holding a joint hearing on the security failures that occurred during the Capitol insurrection. Several law enforcement officials, including the former chief of the US Capitol Police and the acting chief of the Metropolitan Police Department of Washington, are testifying before the Senate homeland security committee and the Senate rules committee. Former USCP chief Steven Sund said of the insurrectionists, “These criminals came prepared for war.”
A Capitol Police captain recounted the horror of January 6 and described the injuries she sustained. Captain Carneysha Mendoza said Capitol Police officers were outnumbered by the insurrectionists, who deployed dangerous weapons against the officers. “I received chemical burns to my face that still have not healed to this day,” Mendoza said.A Capitol Police captain recounted the horror of January 6 and described the injuries she sustained. Captain Carneysha Mendoza said Capitol Police officers were outnumbered by the insurrectionists, who deployed dangerous weapons against the officers. “I received chemical burns to my face that still have not healed to this day,” Mendoza said.
Joe and Jill Biden will travel to Texas on Friday, as the state grapples with the fallout from last week’s winter storm that left dozens dead. Millions of Texans still do not have access to clean water.Joe and Jill Biden will travel to Texas on Friday, as the state grapples with the fallout from last week’s winter storm that left dozens dead. Millions of Texans still do not have access to clean water.
The Senate confirmed Linda Thomas-Greenfield as the next US ambassador to the United Nations. The Senate voted 78-20 to approve the nomination of Thomas-Greenfield, a longtime diplomat who served in the Obama administration.The Senate confirmed Linda Thomas-Greenfield as the next US ambassador to the United Nations. The Senate voted 78-20 to approve the nomination of Thomas-Greenfield, a longtime diplomat who served in the Obama administration.
The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
Senator Josh Hawley, a Republican who led Senate efforts to object to the certification of Joe Biden’s victory on January 6, is now asking questions at the hearing on the Capitol insurrection.Senator Josh Hawley, a Republican who led Senate efforts to object to the certification of Joe Biden’s victory on January 6, is now asking questions at the hearing on the Capitol insurrection.
Hawley began his remarks by thanking US Capitol Police captain Carneysha Mendoza, who testified this morning, for her service to her country. Hawley noted that Mendoza is a native of his home state of Missouri.Hawley began his remarks by thanking US Capitol Police captain Carneysha Mendoza, who testified this morning, for her service to her country. Hawley noted that Mendoza is a native of his home state of Missouri.
Hawley has been widely criticized for echoing Donald Trump’s baseless claims of widespread fraud in the presidential election, and some senators have called on him to resign for encouraging the Trump supporters who later stormed the Capitol.Hawley has been widely criticized for echoing Donald Trump’s baseless claims of widespread fraud in the presidential election, and some senators have called on him to resign for encouraging the Trump supporters who later stormed the Capitol.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki received a question about today’s Senate hearing on the security failures that led to the Capitol insurrection.White House press secretary Jen Psaki received a question about today’s Senate hearing on the security failures that led to the Capitol insurrection.
PBS reporter Yamiche Alcindor recounted how US Capitol Police captain Carneysha Mendoza testified that she received chemical burns during the insurrection, and those wounds have still not healed.PBS reporter Yamiche Alcindor recounted how US Capitol Police captain Carneysha Mendoza testified that she received chemical burns during the insurrection, and those wounds have still not healed.
Asked what the White House is doing to help USCP officers who continue to suffer effects from the insurrection, Psaki said Joe Biden was ready and willing to work with Congress to provide aid to those law enforcement officers who responded to the Capitol attack.Asked what the White House is doing to help USCP officers who continue to suffer effects from the insurrection, Psaki said Joe Biden was ready and willing to work with Congress to provide aid to those law enforcement officers who responded to the Capitol attack.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters at her briefing that Joe Biden did not plan to provide Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau with a timeline for US facilities providing Canada with coronavirus vaccines.White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters at her briefing that Joe Biden did not plan to provide Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau with a timeline for US facilities providing Canada with coronavirus vaccines.
The two leaders also do not plan to hold a virtual press conference after their virtual meeting today. They will instead release statements about the meeting.The two leaders also do not plan to hold a virtual press conference after their virtual meeting today. They will instead release statements about the meeting.
At her daily briefing, White House press secretary Jen Psaki was asked what the Biden administration thinks of Donald Trump’s planned appearance at the Conservative Political Action Conference later this week.At her daily briefing, White House press secretary Jen Psaki was asked what the Biden administration thinks of Donald Trump’s planned appearance at the Conservative Political Action Conference later this week.
“We’re not going to spend too much time here focused on or talking about former President Trump,” Psaki replied.“We’re not going to spend too much time here focused on or talking about former President Trump,” Psaki replied.
A reporter followed up to ask whether the Biden White House intended to simply ignore Trump and whether that was possible, given that it seems quite likely the former president will level attacks against his successor.A reporter followed up to ask whether the Biden White House intended to simply ignore Trump and whether that was possible, given that it seems quite likely the former president will level attacks against his successor.
“I’ll guess we’ll have to watch and see,” Psaki said, adding that she wanted to keep the focus on “the American people”.“I’ll guess we’ll have to watch and see,” Psaki said, adding that she wanted to keep the focus on “the American people”.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki defended the Biden administration’s decision to open a temporary emergency facility for migrant children in Texas.White House press secretary Jen Psaki defended the Biden administration’s decision to open a temporary emergency facility for migrant children in Texas.
Psaki said the administration’s policy was not to expel unaccompanied children who arrive at the border, and additional facilities were needed to comply with public health guidelines amid the coronavirus pandemic.Psaki said the administration’s policy was not to expel unaccompanied children who arrive at the border, and additional facilities were needed to comply with public health guidelines amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The press secretary sharply rejected any comparison between Joe Biden’s immigration agenda and that of Donald Trump, whose administration infamously separated migrant children from their parents as part of its “zero tolerance” policy on illegal immigration.The press secretary sharply rejected any comparison between Joe Biden’s immigration agenda and that of Donald Trump, whose administration infamously separated migrant children from their parents as part of its “zero tolerance” policy on illegal immigration.
“This is not kids being kept in cages,” Psaki said.“This is not kids being kept in cages,” Psaki said.
The Senate has confirmed Linda Thomas-Greenfield as the next US ambassador to the United Nations.The Senate has confirmed Linda Thomas-Greenfield as the next US ambassador to the United Nations.
The chamber voted 78-20 to approve Thomas-Greenfield’s nomination.The chamber voted 78-20 to approve Thomas-Greenfield’s nomination.
Thomas-Greenfield was widely expected to be confirmed, given her extensive background in diplomacy.Thomas-Greenfield was widely expected to be confirmed, given her extensive background in diplomacy.
The Guardian’s Julian Borger detailed the longtime diplomat’s qualifications when Joe Biden announced her nomination in November:The Guardian’s Julian Borger detailed the longtime diplomat’s qualifications when Joe Biden announced her nomination in November:
White House press secretary Jen Psaki was asked whether there was a “Plan B” if Neera Tanden cannot be confirmed as the director of the office of management and budget.
A reporter noted some names have already been circulating in the media about potential replacements for Tanden.
“There’s one candidate to lead the budget department. Her name is Neera Tanden,” Psaki said.
The press secretary noted that Tanden has had 44 meetings with senators of both parties, 15 of which have happened since Friday.
Joe and Jill Biden will travel to Texas on Friday, the White House just announced.
The president and the first lady’s visit comes as the state continues to grapple with the effects of last week’s winter storm that caused widespread power outages. Millions of Texans still do not have access to clean water because of the storm.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki, who is now holding a briefing, said Biden would go to Houston to “meet with local leaders to discuss the winter storm” and “relief efforts” to help their community members.
Psaki noted Biden would also visit a coronavirus vaccination site while in Texas.
Senator Ron Johnson, a Republican of Wisconsin, used his questioning period at the hearing on the Capitol attack to raise baseless doubts about who carried out the insurrection.
Johnson read from this Federalist piece, which argues that “agents-provocateurs” and “fake Trump protesters” were responsible for the insurrection.
Those claims are completely at odds with the evidence from January 6. Trump supporters carried out the insurrection after the then-president encouraged them to march to the Capitol as lawmakers certified the victory of Joe Biden.
Reporters who were on the Capitol grounds on January 6 said the Federalist piece did not reflect what they saw unfold that day.
Here’s what one BuzzFeed News reporter said about those claims:
The main lesson from the scandal over his flight to Cancún while Texas froze, Senator Ted Cruz said on Tuesday, is that people should not be “assholes”, and should treat each other with respect.
The Texas Republican, who ran for the presidential nomination in 2016, is known for his caustic and brutal attacks on Democrats and willingness to buck even the appearance of bipartisan cooperation in the Senate in order to achieve his own goals, even by causing a government shutdown.
He was speaking, without discernible irony, today on Ruthless, a podcast which offers “next-generation conservative talk”.
The subject at hand was Cruz’s decision to take his family to warmer climes while his state shivered, and the decision thereafter of an unknown friend to leak the senator’s wife’s text messages to the press.
Cruz landed in political hot water while at least 30 Texans died in the cold. Temperatures have now risen but water supplies are still affected by power outages which hit millions because the state energy grid was not prepared for the freeze. Many Texans also face exorbitant bills as power companies seek to profit from the disaster.
Cruz’s most passionate complaint was about how the press treated him and his family in an affair in which he first blamed his young daughters for wanting to go to Cancún, then flew home solo and admitted his mistake.
“Here’s a suggestion,” he said. “Just don’t be assholes. Just, you know, treat each other as human beings, have to some degree some modicum of respect.”
The former USCP chief Steven Sund and the former House sergeant at arms Paul Irving offered conflicting accounts of when National Guard assistance was first requested.
According to Sund, he called Irving at 1:09 pm on January 6 to tell him that National Guard troops were urgently needed at the Capitol.
But Irving claimed that Sund’s request did not come until after 2 pm. The exact timing is crucial, given that Vice-President Mike Pence was escorted out of the Senate chamber at approximately 2:14 pm, just minutes before the rioters reached the room.
Senator Rob Portman, the top Republican on the Senate homeland security committee, said the panel would request the officials’ phone records to clear up the discrepancy.
An AstraZeneca executive told a House subcommittee that he believes his company could receive emergency authorization to distribute 300 million Covid-19 vaccine doses by early April. This week, drug regulators are expected to consider authorizing a one-shot vaccine from Johnson & Johnson.
These vaccines would be in addition to the more than 600 million doses (enough to vaccinate 300 million people) that the US government has already purchased from Moderna and Pfizer. These are the only two vaccines currently authorized in the US.
“It appears by mid-summer we may have a surplus of vaccines,” said Representative Morgan Griffith, a Republican representative from Virginia, at a House subcommittee hearing on vaccine availability.
“By July, we may have enough that we have a surplus in the US, because there only about 260 million people are vaccine eligible,” in the US, said Griffith. Griffith asked whether surplus doses in the US could be donated to other countries.
“I truly hope and believe there will be a surplus if everyone is available,” said Dr. Ruud Dobber, an executive with AstraZeneca. “There’s a huge need” in low- and middle-income countries, said Dobber.
Robert Contee, the acting chief of the Metropolitan Police Department of Washington, recounted a call that occurred on January 6 with Steven Sund, then the US Capitol Police chief, and Pentagon officials.
Contee said Sund was “literally pleading” with defense department leaders to deploy National Guard troops to the Capitol.
The MPD chief recalled that the Pentagon officials did not formally decline the request, but there was “not an immediate yes”.
“I was just stunned,” Contee said. “I have officers who are out there literally fighting for their lives.”
A subcommittee of the US House Committee on Energy and Commerce heard from executives of Covid-19 vaccine manufacturers Tuesday morning.
The committee members said the hearing was part of an effort to more quickly vaccinate Americans. One day prior, the US marked the death of more than 500,000 Americans from the Covid-19 pandemic.
One of the most notable appearances at the committee was from Dr. Richard Nettles, vice president of medical affairs at Johnson & Johnson subsidiary Janssen. The company’s single-dose vaccine is being considered for authorization by drug regulators this week.
“We believe that our single-dose vaccine will be a critical tool for fighting this global pandemic,” said Nettles. If authorized, Janssen’s vaccine would be the only single-dose vaccine available in the US. Both Moderna and Pfizer vaccines require two doses.
Janssen’s vaccine would also be significantly easier for medical personnel to handle. It only requires storage at common refrigeration temperatures, rather than the sub-zero temperatures required for Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.
“Assuming necessary regulatory approvals, we are ready to begin shipping it immediately,” said Nettles. He said the company expects to deliver enough doses to vaccinate “more than 20 million Americans” by March.
An advisory committee of the US Food and Drug Administration is considering whether to recommend approval of the vaccine Friday. While the agency will ultimately decide whether to authorize the vaccine on an emergency basis, it often takes the recommendations of its advisory panels.
“We must vaccinate the majority of the population,” said Representative Frank Pallone, Democratic chairman of the committee from New Jersey. “Unfortunately, the initial vaccine rollout under the Trump administration was marred by poor planning.”
The former chief of the US Capitol Police, Steven Sund, said he did not see an FBI report warning about potential right-wing violence at the Capitol before the insurrection occurred.
Sund said the FBI report made it to the USCP headquarters on January 5, but it did not get into the hands of agency leaders before the violence on January 6.
The Washington Post reported on the existence of the report last month:
Senator Amy Klobuchar, the Democratic chairwoman of the Senate rules committee, asked former USCP chief Steven Sund whether he believed there were issues at the Pentagon that resulted in the delayed deployment of the National Guard on January 6.
Sund said he could not speak to specific issues at the Pentagon, but he added, “I was certainly surprised at the delays that I was hearing and seeing.”
Pentagon leaders are expected to testify at a separate Senate hearing on the Capitol insurrection next week.