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House Democrats and Republicans strike deal to investigate deadly Capitol insurrection – live Matt Gaetz associate pleads guilty to sex trafficking crimes – US politics live
(32 minutes later)
Members of Congress agree to establish 10-person commission, while pro-Trump Elise Stefanik replaces ousted Liz Cheney – follow the latest news Joel Greenberg pleads guilty and agrees to cooperate with justice department officials – follow the day’s politics news
Along with the 10-person commission that will investigate the January 6 insurrection on the US Capitol, House Democrats also introduced a $1.9bn emergency funding bill to pay the National Guard, DC police and Capitol Police forces for securing the Capitol in the months after the insurrection and damages that were caused by the attack.
Over $500m in the bill will go toward measures to improve security on the Hill, including new fencing, security sensors and cameras in Capitol buildings and offices. The bill also allocates funding for a “Quick Reaction Force” and body cameras for capitol police officers.
“The needs are urgent, so it is imperative we swiftly pass this legislation to protect the Capitol and those who work and visit here,” said House appropriations chair Rosa DeLauro, who introduced the bill.
The justice department now has the cooperation of a key witness in its investigation into whether Republican representative Matt Gaetz violated federal sex trafficking laws by allegedly having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl and paying for her to travel with him, according to court documents released Friday.The justice department now has the cooperation of a key witness in its investigation into whether Republican representative Matt Gaetz violated federal sex trafficking laws by allegedly having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl and paying for her to travel with him, according to court documents released Friday.
Joel Greenberg, a Florida tax collector, has pleaded guilty to paying a 17-year-old girl for sex, introducing her to others who also “engaged in commercial sex acts” and providing her with drugs. Other people involved were not specified in the documents, though Gaetz is allegedly one of the people who was involved with the girl. Gaetz has denied the allegations and said that people are trying to “recategorize my generosity to ex-girlfriends”.Joel Greenberg, a Florida tax collector, has pleaded guilty to paying a 17-year-old girl for sex, introducing her to others who also “engaged in commercial sex acts” and providing her with drugs. Other people involved were not specified in the documents, though Gaetz is allegedly one of the people who was involved with the girl. Gaetz has denied the allegations and said that people are trying to “recategorize my generosity to ex-girlfriends”.
Greenberg also admitted to other crimes, including identity theft and defrauding the federal government. He faces 12 years in prison, though the justice department could file a motion for a shorter sentence if his cooperation results in the prosecution of others involved.Greenberg also admitted to other crimes, including identity theft and defrauding the federal government. He faces 12 years in prison, though the justice department could file a motion for a shorter sentence if his cooperation results in the prosecution of others involved.
Lawmakers are negotiating Joe Biden’s $2.3tn infrastructure package, particularly how the White House plans to pay for the bill. At a press conference today, White House press secretary Jen Psaki reiterated that Biden will not support a bill that raising taxes for anyone earning less than $400,000 a year. The White House has also said that it will not be proposing a “gas tax” that would tax people based off the number of miles they drive in a vehicle.Lawmakers are negotiating Joe Biden’s $2.3tn infrastructure package, particularly how the White House plans to pay for the bill. At a press conference today, White House press secretary Jen Psaki reiterated that Biden will not support a bill that raising taxes for anyone earning less than $400,000 a year. The White House has also said that it will not be proposing a “gas tax” that would tax people based off the number of miles they drive in a vehicle.
Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell said he believes an infrastructure should cost between $600bn and $800bn at most, meaning Republicans and Democrats have a lot to negotiate over in the coming weeks. Republicans are expected to offer up a counter proposal next week.Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell said he believes an infrastructure should cost between $600bn and $800bn at most, meaning Republicans and Democrats have a lot to negotiate over in the coming weeks. Republicans are expected to offer up a counter proposal next week.
Here’s a quick summary of what’s happened so far today:Here’s a quick summary of what’s happened so far today:
House Republicans elected Elise Stefanik of New York to replace Liz Cheney as the party’s conference chair. In a speech after her election, Stefanik thanked Donald Trump and said Republican voters are “unified” in their support of the former president.House Republicans elected Elise Stefanik of New York to replace Liz Cheney as the party’s conference chair. In a speech after her election, Stefanik thanked Donald Trump and said Republican voters are “unified” in their support of the former president.
The House’s homeland security committee announced that a bipartisan commission will create a report of the definitive facts of what happened during the January 6 insurrection at the US Capitol.The House’s homeland security committee announced that a bipartisan commission will create a report of the definitive facts of what happened during the January 6 insurrection at the US Capitol.
CNN uncovered footage of Republican extremist Marjorie Taylor Greene provoking representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in February 2019 by speaking through the mail slot of Ocasio-Cortez’s office. In response to the footage, Ocasio-Cortez said it is clear Greene is “deeply unwell”.CNN uncovered footage of Republican extremist Marjorie Taylor Greene provoking representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in February 2019 by speaking through the mail slot of Ocasio-Cortez’s office. In response to the footage, Ocasio-Cortez said it is clear Greene is “deeply unwell”.
Stay tuned for more live updates.Stay tuned for more live updates.
A new New York Times story points out just how influential Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s logo, with its bold, slanted text, was to future progressive candidates who emulated her poster’s style. It’s now seen all over the country in races big and small and was even used by a communist candidate in France.A new New York Times story points out just how influential Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s logo, with its bold, slanted text, was to future progressive candidates who emulated her poster’s style. It’s now seen all over the country in races big and small and was even used by a communist candidate in France.
Gavan Fitzsimons, a business professor at Duke University, told the Times that copycat posters are likely trying to get potential voters to subconsciously associate the candidate with Ocasio-Cortez.Gavan Fitzsimons, a business professor at Duke University, told the Times that copycat posters are likely trying to get potential voters to subconsciously associate the candidate with Ocasio-Cortez.
“What happens cognitively is it shines a light in your head,” she said. “Essentially what they are doing is borrowing from all the work she has done on the progressive side of the Democratic Party”.“What happens cognitively is it shines a light in your head,” she said. “Essentially what they are doing is borrowing from all the work she has done on the progressive side of the Democratic Party”.
A reporter from The Hill tweeted about an incident he saw between a staffer of Majorie Taylor Greene and Democratic representative Eric Swalwell.A reporter from The Hill tweeted about an incident he saw between a staffer of Majorie Taylor Greene and Democratic representative Eric Swalwell.
Scott Wong, the reporter, said that Nick Dyer, a spokesperson for Green, approached Swalwell and said, “Biden says you can take off your mask”. Swalwell apparently responding, “You don’t tell me what to fucking do!”Scott Wong, the reporter, said that Nick Dyer, a spokesperson for Green, approached Swalwell and said, “Biden says you can take off your mask”. Swalwell apparently responding, “You don’t tell me what to fucking do!”
Commenting on the confrontation, Swalwell said he “told the bully what I thought of his order” and “I regret I wasn’t more explicit”.Commenting on the confrontation, Swalwell said he “told the bully what I thought of his order” and “I regret I wasn’t more explicit”.
The incident speaks to the tension between House Republican and Democrats that have been taking place of the last few days as Republicans criticize the Democrats for keeping mask requirements, while Democrats point out that many Republican members have not been vaccinated.The incident speaks to the tension between House Republican and Democrats that have been taking place of the last few days as Republicans criticize the Democrats for keeping mask requirements, while Democrats point out that many Republican members have not been vaccinated.
Republican extremist Marjorie Taylor Greene is causing a bit of a stir on Capitol Hill as the representative and her team appear to be taking a provocateur’s approach to talking to her fellow Congress members across the aisle.Republican extremist Marjorie Taylor Greene is causing a bit of a stir on Capitol Hill as the representative and her team appear to be taking a provocateur’s approach to talking to her fellow Congress members across the aisle.
Greene confronted representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Wednesday, shouting questions at Ocasio-Cortez about why she supports antifa and Black Lives Matter, which she called “terrorist” groups.Greene confronted representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Wednesday, shouting questions at Ocasio-Cortez about why she supports antifa and Black Lives Matter, which she called “terrorist” groups.
“You don’t care about the American people,” Green reportedly shouted. “Why do you support terrorists and antifa?”“You don’t care about the American people,” Green reportedly shouted. “Why do you support terrorists and antifa?”
Reports say Ocasio-Cortez, who was walking when confronted by Greene, turned around once and threw up her hands in an exasperated motion in response.Reports say Ocasio-Cortez, who was walking when confronted by Greene, turned around once and threw up her hands in an exasperated motion in response.
CNN also uncovered a since-deleted video of Greene taunting Ocasio-Cortez in February 2019, talking through a mail slot on the representative’s door.CNN also uncovered a since-deleted video of Greene taunting Ocasio-Cortez in February 2019, talking through a mail slot on the representative’s door.
“You need to stop being a baby and stop locking your door and come out and face the American citizens that you serve,” Greene said through the slot as associates around her, which included a conservative livestreamer who took part in the Capitol insurrection, laughed.“You need to stop being a baby and stop locking your door and come out and face the American citizens that you serve,” Greene said through the slot as associates around her, which included a conservative livestreamer who took part in the Capitol insurrection, laughed.
At one point in the video, Greene calls Ocasio-Cortez “crazy eyes. Crazy eyes. Nutty. Cortez,” and mispronounces her last name.At one point in the video, Greene calls Ocasio-Cortez “crazy eyes. Crazy eyes. Nutty. Cortez,” and mispronounces her last name.
In response to the provocations, Ocasio-Cortez told CNN that Greene is “deeply unwell”.In response to the provocations, Ocasio-Cortez told CNN that Greene is “deeply unwell”.
“[She] clearly needs help. And her kind of fixation has lasted for several years now,” she said, adding that Greene’s behavior has “raised concerns for other members as well”.“[She] clearly needs help. And her kind of fixation has lasted for several years now,” she said, adding that Greene’s behavior has “raised concerns for other members as well”.
Ocasio-Cortez’s office said that she has asked House leadership to take steps to ensure that Congress is “a safe, civil place for all members”.Ocasio-Cortez’s office said that she has asked House leadership to take steps to ensure that Congress is “a safe, civil place for all members”.
The Republican party is starting to see a split between older and younger members of the party on climate change. The issue is not on the radar of many older Republicans, while younger conservatives say it’s one of their top priorities.The Republican party is starting to see a split between older and younger members of the party on climate change. The issue is not on the radar of many older Republicans, while younger conservatives say it’s one of their top priorities.
The Guardian’s Oliver Milman has more in a new report on a young Republican congressman who’s telling his party that the issue is nonpartisan.The Guardian’s Oliver Milman has more in a new report on a young Republican congressman who’s telling his party that the issue is nonpartisan.
Though the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced yesterday that vaccinated Americans can go without masks indoors, House speaker Nancy Pelosi told CNN that she plans on keeping the House’s mask mandate.Though the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced yesterday that vaccinated Americans can go without masks indoors, House speaker Nancy Pelosi told CNN that she plans on keeping the House’s mask mandate.
The move has already upset Republicans in the House. Thirty-four House Republicans wrote an open letter to Pelosi yesterday urging her to lift the House’s mask mandate after the CDC changed its guidelines, but that has not appeared to sway Pelosi. Brian Mast, a Republican representative, tweeted Friday that Pelosi is ignoring guidelines for the sake of “power”.The move has already upset Republicans in the House. Thirty-four House Republicans wrote an open letter to Pelosi yesterday urging her to lift the House’s mask mandate after the CDC changed its guidelines, but that has not appeared to sway Pelosi. Brian Mast, a Republican representative, tweeted Friday that Pelosi is ignoring guidelines for the sake of “power”.
When CNN asked Pelosi whether she would remove the mandate, she posed a question: “Are they all vaccinated?”, implying the decision had to do with the lack of vaccinations among Republican representatives.When CNN asked Pelosi whether she would remove the mandate, she posed a question: “Are they all vaccinated?”, implying the decision had to do with the lack of vaccinations among Republican representatives.
According to CNN, all 219 House Democrats said they have been vaccinated while only 95 of 212 House Republicans said the same. Some Republican members, like Tom Massie of Kentucky and Guy Reschenthaler of Pennsylvania, said they have not gotten the vaccine since they previously contracted Covid-19. Other Republicans declined to share “private medical information” with the news outlet, as representative Republican Greg Steube told CNN.According to CNN, all 219 House Democrats said they have been vaccinated while only 95 of 212 House Republicans said the same. Some Republican members, like Tom Massie of Kentucky and Guy Reschenthaler of Pennsylvania, said they have not gotten the vaccine since they previously contracted Covid-19. Other Republicans declined to share “private medical information” with the news outlet, as representative Republican Greg Steube told CNN.
House Democrats and Republicans have made a deal to establish a commission that will investigate the January 6 insurrection on the US Capitol, the House Committee on Homeland Security announced Friday.House Democrats and Republicans have made a deal to establish a commission that will investigate the January 6 insurrection on the US Capitol, the House Committee on Homeland Security announced Friday.
The 10-person bipartisan commission will study the insurrection and “the influencing factors that may have provoked the attack on our democracy”, according to a committee press release. Members of the commission will be people with expertise in law enforcement, civil rights and liberties and cybersecurity. The commission will have the authority to subpoena information related to their investigation, though subpoenas would require bipartisan agreement.The 10-person bipartisan commission will study the insurrection and “the influencing factors that may have provoked the attack on our democracy”, according to a committee press release. Members of the commission will be people with expertise in law enforcement, civil rights and liberties and cybersecurity. The commission will have the authority to subpoena information related to their investigation, though subpoenas would require bipartisan agreement.
“I am pleased that after many months of intensive discussion, Ranking Member Katko and I were able to reach a bipartisan agreement,” said homeland security chairman Bennie Thompson said in a statement. “The creation of this commission is our way of taking responsibility for protecting the US Capitol.”“I am pleased that after many months of intensive discussion, Ranking Member Katko and I were able to reach a bipartisan agreement,” said homeland security chairman Bennie Thompson said in a statement. “The creation of this commission is our way of taking responsibility for protecting the US Capitol.”
Quick note that John Katko, the top Republican on the House’s homeland security committee, also nominated Elise Stefanik to replace Liz Cheney. He was also one of the 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach Donald Trump.Quick note that John Katko, the top Republican on the House’s homeland security committee, also nominated Elise Stefanik to replace Liz Cheney. He was also one of the 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach Donald Trump.
The ultimate goal of the commission will be to issue a report by December 21 containing the definitive facts of the insurrection along with recommendations to prevent future attacks.The ultimate goal of the commission will be to issue a report by December 21 containing the definitive facts of the insurrection along with recommendations to prevent future attacks.
This is Lauren Aratani taking over for Jo Walters. Speaking for the first time after her election as the new Republican conference chair, Elise Stefanik railed against the “far-left, radical, socialist” policies under Joe Biden, saying that Biden has caused an economic and border crisis. She also said that America “is seeing our strongest ally, Israel, under attack” and criticized the Biden administration for not responding appropriately.This is Lauren Aratani taking over for Jo Walters. Speaking for the first time after her election as the new Republican conference chair, Elise Stefanik railed against the “far-left, radical, socialist” policies under Joe Biden, saying that Biden has caused an economic and border crisis. She also said that America “is seeing our strongest ally, Israel, under attack” and criticized the Biden administration for not responding appropriately.
Perhaps most notably, Stefanik specifically thanked Donald Trump, saying “he is a critical part of our Republican team”.Perhaps most notably, Stefanik specifically thanked Donald Trump, saying “he is a critical part of our Republican team”.
“Republican voters are unified in our support and their desire to work with president Trump,” she said. She said that her district in upstate New York, which voted for Barack Obama in his presidential elections, “is the story of the growth of the Republican party”.“Republican voters are unified in our support and their desire to work with president Trump,” she said. She said that her district in upstate New York, which voted for Barack Obama in his presidential elections, “is the story of the growth of the Republican party”.
It’s official. Elise Stefanik has it.It’s official. Elise Stefanik has it.
Looks like we have the result.Looks like we have the result.
Shouldn’t be long now then. Votes being tallied on GOP House members’ choice to replace the ousted Liz Cheney in the No.3 spot in the chamber. The position of conference chair.Shouldn’t be long now then. Votes being tallied on GOP House members’ choice to replace the ousted Liz Cheney in the No.3 spot in the chamber. The position of conference chair.
Here’s a sliver of gossip from CNN.Here’s a sliver of gossip from CNN.
Katko, a fellow New York member to Stefanik, supported convicting Donald Trump for inciting the insurrection by his extremist supporters at the US Capitol on January 6.Katko, a fellow New York member to Stefanik, supported convicting Donald Trump for inciting the insurrection by his extremist supporters at the US Capitol on January 6.
Wyoming congresswoman Liz Cheney, booted from her post as GOP House conference chair two days ago, has just been on New Hampshire Today live radio show, moments before her colleagues gathered to vote on her successor for the House GOP No. 3 post.Wyoming congresswoman Liz Cheney, booted from her post as GOP House conference chair two days ago, has just been on New Hampshire Today live radio show, moments before her colleagues gathered to vote on her successor for the House GOP No. 3 post.
Following on from the news from an NBC interview with her that aired on Thursday morning, where she signaled - ie didn’t deny - that she would run for president if that was what it took to keep Donald Trump out of the Oval Office in future, she’s commented further.Following on from the news from an NBC interview with her that aired on Thursday morning, where she signaled - ie didn’t deny - that she would run for president if that was what it took to keep Donald Trump out of the Oval Office in future, she’s commented further.
The vote to oust Liz Cheney two days ago was over so quickly some House Republicans hadn’t even arrived in the room where it was happening by the time it was over.The vote to oust Liz Cheney two days ago was over so quickly some House Republicans hadn’t even arrived in the room where it was happening by the time it was over.
GOP huddle should be going on now on the Hill.GOP huddle should be going on now on the Hill.
Here’s an excerpt from the New York Times on Texan Chip Roy who is challenging frontrunner Elise Stefanik for the conference chair.Here’s an excerpt from the New York Times on Texan Chip Roy who is challenging frontrunner Elise Stefanik for the conference chair.
Good morning, live blog readers – it’s a hot Friday on the Hill and that’s nothing to do with the weather. It’s going to be a lively day, so buckle up.Good morning, live blog readers – it’s a hot Friday on the Hill and that’s nothing to do with the weather. It’s going to be a lively day, so buckle up.
Here’s what’s afoot in Washington and beyond.Here’s what’s afoot in Washington and beyond.
In less than 30 minutes, House Republicans are expected to vote behind closed doors for their choice to succeed the ousted Liz Cheney as House GOP conference chair.In less than 30 minutes, House Republicans are expected to vote behind closed doors for their choice to succeed the ousted Liz Cheney as House GOP conference chair.
It’s no secret that the likely choice is New York Republican congresswoman Elise Stefanik, who although being less conservative than Wyoming’s Cheney has cut a groove for herself as a loyalist of/apologist for Donald Trump.It’s no secret that the likely choice is New York Republican congresswoman Elise Stefanik, who although being less conservative than Wyoming’s Cheney has cut a groove for herself as a loyalist of/apologist for Donald Trump.
After Joe Biden and the CDC announced Thursday that the fully-vaccinated don’t need to wear masks in many places indoors or outdoors, there is a sense of tentative, growing relief that the pandemic is tamed in the US - at least for now, and we’ll bring you news on Covid-19.After Joe Biden and the CDC announced Thursday that the fully-vaccinated don’t need to wear masks in many places indoors or outdoors, there is a sense of tentative, growing relief that the pandemic is tamed in the US - at least for now, and we’ll bring you news on Covid-19.
The US president will meet Dreamers – undocumented youth protected from deportation by Obama-era rules – in the Oval Office this afternoon.The US president will meet Dreamers – undocumented youth protected from deportation by Obama-era rules – in the Oval Office this afternoon.