Following a video message by Senator Mark Kelly, the Trump administration initiated a review of his comments, potentially leading to a court-martial. This action has drawn criticism from Republican senators, who defended Kelly and emphasized the military’s right to refuse illegal orders. The FBI has also launched an inquiry, adding to the controversy. Kelly, who is protected by the speech and debate clause, has stated he is not backing down and has publicly criticized the Defense Secretary for what he feels is blind loyalty to Trump.
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The US Senate voted to nullify President Trump’s global tariffs, with four Republicans joining Democrats in a 51-47 vote, marking the third instance of Republican senators opposing Trump’s tariff policies this week. This resolution, intended to end tariffs implemented by executive order, stands as a rebuke to the tariffs themselves and challenges Trump’s bypassing of Congress. This action occurred while Trump was in Asia, where he negotiated a trade deal with China, which included lowering tariffs on goods entering the country. While the Senate has taken a stand, similar action in the House of Representatives is unlikely due to a rule blocking tariff resolutions from receiving a floor vote.
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In the latest development of the “Dude, What Law Did I Just Pass?” saga, Republicans were surprised to discover a provision within Donald Trump’s budget bill that alters gambling loss deductions. The new rule, implemented at the last minute by Senator Mike Crapo, limits gamblers’ ability to deduct losses, requiring them to pay taxes even when breaking even. Several Republican senators, caught off guard by the provision’s inclusion, expressed a lack of awareness regarding its details. Bipartisan efforts are now underway in both the House and Senate to repeal the rule, with concerns that it may drive bettors towards unregulated gambling.
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Ten Republican senators, influenced by Trump, enabled a strategy to bypass Democrats in government funding negotiations, mirroring a pattern Republicans believe can be repeated. This action reveals their cowardice, as they surrendered their ability to criticize Trump despite polling data indicating public blame would fall primarily on Republicans. Their decision was not only cowardly but also strategically foolish, given the pre-existing government shutdown and its consequences.
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Senate confirmation hearings for President-elect Trump’s cabinet nominees revealed a disturbing lack of scrutiny from Republican senators. The hearings showcased unqualified appointees, with one nominee admitting to heinous acts and expressing hostility towards the government, yet still receiving approval. Democratic senators’ attempts to raise concerns about nominees’ qualifications and troubling statements were largely ignored or dismissed. Republican senators prioritized loyalty to Trump over vetting candidates, highlighting a concerning disregard for governmental standards. The process ultimately demonstrated a prioritization of political allegiance over the fitness of nominees for their respective roles.
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Pete Hegseth’s nomination for Secretary of Defense faces significant challenges due to numerous allegations surrounding his past conduct, primarily involving excessive drinking and related incidents. These include a 2017 sexual assault allegation and reports of inappropriate behavior while leading veterans’ groups, prompting concern from several Republican senators. Hegseth has attempted to address these concerns by pledging to stop drinking, a condition seemingly desired by some senators for his confirmation. However, the situation remains uncertain, with reports suggesting President Trump may withdraw the nomination.
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Republican senators’ absences, notably Senators Vance and Rubio, due to a SpaceX launch with Donald Trump, hampered efforts to block President Biden’s judicial nominees. These absences, coupled with Democratic absences, prevented a potential defeat of the nominations. The missed votes fueled internal Republican frustration, highlighting the struggle to impede Biden’s judicial appointments before his term ends. Democrats aim to surpass the number of judicial confirmations achieved during the Trump administration, mirroring a similar Republican strategy in 2020.
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John Q. Hosedrinker