bonginoreport--2020-01-17--Reminder: The GAO Found That Obama Violated Federal Law Seven Times

Democrats and journalists were excited Thursday when the Government Accountability Office ( GAO ) released a legal opinion that the White House Office of Management and Budget ( OMB ) had violated the Impoundment Control Act by withholding congressionally appropriated aid to Ukraine last summer .
The non-binding opinion was disputed by the OMB , which released a memo last month arguing that the “ programmatic ” delay sought to fulfill , not oppose , congressional intent .
The GAO decision , which had been requested by Democrat Senator Chris van Hollen of Maryland , disagreed , concluding that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” not “ programmatic delay.
” Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi ( D-CA ) cited the decision in her morning press conference — though she had trouble pronouncing the word “ impoundment ” — and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer ( D-NY ) likewise trumpeted the GAO decision as a vindication of the House impeachment .
Though the GAO works for Congress , it is not the finder of fact in impeachment cases .
Moreover , it is not even clear that the Impoundment Control Act is constitution .
Nevertheless , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to justify impeachment , then President Barack Obama ought to have been impeached at least seven times over for each of the following cases in which the GAO found that the Obama administration had violated federal law .
• The Department of Homeland Security ( DHS ) and United States Secret Service ( USSS ) were found to have violated section 503 of the Consolidated Security , Disaster Assistance , and Continuing Appropriations Act , and the Antideficiency Act , in 2009 after the Secret Service reported that it had overspent on candidate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and used money from another program to cover the shortfall .
DHS failed to notify Congress 15 days in advance of the “ reprogramming.
” • The Department of the Treasury was found to have violated the Antideficiency Act in 2014 when it used the voluntary services of four individuals .
“ Treasury did not appoint any of the individuals to federal employment , nor did any individual qualify as a student who may , under certain circumstances , perform voluntary service , ” the GAO found , adding that there was no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individuals to perform several months of work without receiving pay .
• The Department of Defense was found to have violated the Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2014 and the Antideficiency Act in the infamous Bowe Bergdahl swap , when President Barack Obama traded five high-level Taliban detainees for a U.S. Army deserter .
The administration transferred the five Taliban from Guantanamo Bay without notifying relevant congressional committees 30 days in advance , as required by law .
Republicans complained ; Democrats were silent .
• The Department of Housing and Urban @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act , the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act , and the Antideficiency Act in 2014 when the deputy secretary of the department sent an email to “ friends and colleagues ” asking them to lobby the Senate in favor of a bill appropriating money to the department , and against amendments offered by Republican Senators .
• The Environmental Protection Agency was found to have violated “ publicity or propaganda and anti-lobbying provisions ” in the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act and the Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Related Agencies Appropriations Act in 2015 by using some of the department ’ s social media accounts in rule-making for the “ Waters of the United States ” ( WOTUS ) regulations ( which have since been repealed under the Trump administration ) .
• Two officials in the Department of Housing and Urban Development were found in 2016 to have violated Section 713 of the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act by attempting to prevent a regional director within the agency from being interviewed by the Committee on Oversight and Government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reversed its earlier decision that the department ’ s general counsel had not violated the law once it was presented with more evidence . )
• The Federal Maritime Commission was found to have violated Section 711 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act , as well as the Antideficiency Act , in 2016 when it failed to notify the relevant Senate and House committees that it had spent more than $ 5,000 to furnish and redecorate the office of its former director in 2010 .
( The total amount spent was $ 12,084 over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GAO in a footnote reference to an inspector general ’ s report on the excessive expenditures . )
Needless to say , Obama was never impeached .
Joel B. Pollak is Senior Editor-at-Large at Breitbart News .
He earned an A.B .
in Social Studies and Environmental Science and Public Policy from Harvard College , and a J.D .
from Harvard Law School .
He is a winner of the 2018 Robert Novak Journalism Alumni Fellowship .
He is also the co-author of How Trump Won : The Inside Story of a Revolution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Follow him on Twitter at @ joelpollak .

Democrats and journalists were excited Thursday when the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a legal opinion that the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) had violated the Impoundment Control Act by withholding congressionally appropriated aid to Ukraine last summer.
The non-binding opinion was disputed by the OMB, which released a memo last month arguing that the “programmatic” delay sought to fulfill, not oppose, congressional intent.
The GAO decision, which had been requested by Democrat Senator Chris van Hollen of Maryland, disagreed, concluding that the delay had been for “policy reasons,” not “programmatic delay.” Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) cited the decision in her morning press conference — though she had trouble pronouncing the word “impoundment” — and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) likewise trumpeted the GAO decision as a vindication of the House impeachment.
Though the GAO works for Congress, it is not the finder of fact in impeachment cases. Moreover, it is not even clear that the Impoundment Control Act is constitution.
Nevertheless, if a mere GAO finding is sufficient to justify impeachment, then President Barack Obama ought to have been impeached at least seven times over for each of the following cases in which the GAO found that the Obama administration had violated federal law.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and United States Secret Service (USSS) were found to have violated section 503 of the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, and the Antideficiency Act, in 2009 after the Secret Service reported that it had overspent on candidate protection in 2008 by $5,100,000, and used money from another program to cover the shortfall. DHS failed to notify Congress 15 days in advance of the “reprogramming.”
The Department of the Treasury was found to have violated the Antideficiency Act in 2014 when it used the voluntary services of four individuals. “Treasury did not appoint any of the individuals to federal employment, nor did any individual qualify as a student who may, under certain circumstances, perform voluntary service,” the GAO found, adding that there was no emergency that might have justified using the individuals to perform several months of work without receiving pay.
The Department of Defense was found to have violated the Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2014 and the Antideficiency Act in the infamous Bowe Bergdahl swap, when President Barack Obama traded five high-level Taliban detainees for a U.S. Army deserter. The administration transferred the five Taliban from Guantanamo Bay without notifying relevant congressional committees 30 days in advance, as required by law. Republicans complained; Democrats were silent.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development was found to have violated the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, and the Antideficiency Act in 2014 when the deputy secretary of the department sent an email to “friends and colleagues” asking them to lobby the Senate in favor of a bill appropriating money to the department, and against amendments offered by Republican Senators.
The Environmental Protection Agency was found to have violated “publicity or propaganda and anti-lobbying provisions” in the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act and the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act in 2015 by using some of the department’s social media accounts in rule-making for the “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) regulations (which have since been repealed under the Trump administration).
Two officials in the Department of Housing and Urban Development were found in 2016 to have violated Section 713 of the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act by attempting to prevent a regional director within the agency from being interviewed by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. (Notably, the GAO reversed its earlier decision that the department’s general counsel had not violated the law once it was presented with more evidence.)
The Federal Maritime Commission was found to have violated Section 711 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, as well as the Antideficiency Act, in 2016 when it failed to notify the relevant Senate and House committees that it had spent more than $5,000 to furnish and redecorate the office of its former director in 2010. (The total amount spent was $12,084 over three years, as noted by the GAO in a footnote reference to an inspector general’s report on the excessive expenditures.)
Needless to say, Obama was never impeached.
Joel B. Pollak is Senior Editor-at-Large at Breitbart News. He earned an A.B. in Social Studies and Environmental Science and Public Policy from Harvard College, and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. He is a winner of the 2018 Robert Novak Journalism Alumni Fellowship. He is also the co-author of How Trump Won: The Inside Story of a Revolution, which is available from Regnery. Follow him on Twitter at @joelpollak.


bonginoreport--2020-01-17--Only Ten Senators Voted Against USMCA

Only Ten Senators Voted Against USMCA

The Senate approved the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement , also known as `` new NAFTA , '' 89-10 on Thursday , giving the Trump administration a big win as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says her fellow Democrats perfected the deal .
Here are the eight Democrats , one Republican and one independent who voted against the USMCA : Sen. Jim Inhofe , R-Okla. , who has supported USMCA in the past , did not vote because he was in Oklahoma to be with a family member with a medical issue , his office said .
Toomey , a free-trade advocate , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'm convinced that USMCA is the first trade agreement the U.S. has ever entered into ... in which the intent was to diminish trade , '' Toomey said on the Brookings Institution 's `` Dollar & Sense '' podcast .
`` We have a trade deficit with Mexico , '' Toomey said .
`` Every credible and reputable economist I know thinks that does n't matter a bit in terms of measuring economic health .
But that 's not the view of the administration .
I believe that they set out to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade with Mexico . ''
USMCA passed the House of Representatives in December after both the Trump administration and House Democrats took credit for the $ 1.2 trillion deal they say will be better for Americans than NAFTA , which President Trump has referred to in the past as `` NAFTA the disaster . ''
WILBUR ROSS : USMCA , US-CHINA PHASE ONE DEAL WILL EQUATE TO $ 2T IN TRADE Trade negotiators from the U.S. , Mexico and Canada finalized USMCA in December after coming to an agreement on how enforcement of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TO READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS The USMCA , which overhauls the Clinton-era NAFTA , requires 75 percent of automobile components be manufactured in the U.S. , Canada and Mexico in order to avoid tariffs , and that 40 to 45 percent of automobile parts be made by workers who earn at least $ 16 an hour by 2023 .
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE The Associated Press contributed to this report .

The Senate approved the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, also known as "new NAFTA," 89-10 on Thursday, giving the Trump administration a big win as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says her fellow Democrats perfected the deal.
Here are the eight Democrats, one Republican and one independent who voted against the USMCA:
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y.
Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J.
Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif.
Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass.
Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I.
Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I.
Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii
Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa.
Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.
Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., who has supported USMCA in the past, did not vote because he was in Oklahoma to be with a family member with a medical issue, his office said.
Toomey, a free-trade advocate, has long been critical of USMCA.
"I'm convinced that USMCA is the first trade agreement the U.S. has ever entered into ... in which the intent was to diminish trade," Toomey said on the Brookings Institution's "Dollar & Sense" podcast.
READ THE FULL USMCA TRADE DEAL
"We have a trade deficit with Mexico," Toomey said. "Every credible and reputable economist I know thinks that doesn't matter a bit in terms of measuring economic health. But that's not the view of the administration. I believe that they set out to renegotiate NAFTA for the purpose of diminishing trade with Mexico."
USMCA passed the House of Representatives in December after both the Trump administration and House Democrats took credit for the $1.2 trillion deal they say will be better for Americans than NAFTA, which President Trump has referred to in the past as "NAFTA the disaster."
WILBUR ROSS: USMCA, US-CHINA PHASE ONE DEAL WILL EQUATE TO $2T IN TRADE
Trade negotiators from the U.S., Mexico and Canada finalized USMCA in December after coming to an agreement on how enforcement of its provisions would work.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS
The USMCA, which overhauls the Clinton-era NAFTA, requires 75 percent of automobile components be manufactured in the U.S., Canada and Mexico in order to avoid tariffs, and that 40 to 45 percent of automobile parts be made by workers who earn at least $16 an hour by 2023.
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
The Associated Press contributed to this report.


bonginoreport--2020-01-17--Consumer Confidence Hits Highest Level in Nearly Two-Decades

• US consumers are the most comfortable with the economy since October 2000 , according to new Bloomberg survey data .
• A metric tracking respondents ' economic sentiment notched its best reading since early 2001 .
• The more than 19-year consumer-comfort high arrives amid new records for the US stock market and a historically low unemployment rate .
• Visit the Business Insider homepage for more stories .
US consumers are the most comfortable they 've been with the economy since 2000 , according to Bloomberg survey data .
The company 's index of consumer comfort hit 66 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up from 65.1 the week prior .
The latest reading is the highest since October 2000 , and marks the figure 's eighth weekly gain in the last nine weeks .
Americans ' economic sentiment climbed to the highest since early 2001 , Bloomberg reported .
The more than 19-year high comes amid new records for the US stock market and continued strength in the nation 's labor force .
The economy added 145,00 nonfarm payrolls in December , bringing total gains for 2019 to 2.1 million .
The additional jobs kept the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 3.5 % .
Wage growth fell short of the highs seen earlier in 2019 , but continued to outpace inflation through December .
Average hourly earnings rose 2.9 % from the year-ago period , slowing from its November pace and likely supporting the Federal Reserve 's stance to hold off on additional interest rate shifts .
Record stock prices are also fueling increased positivity and income gains , as companies continue to post new highs after surging through 2019 .
All three major indexes reached record highs Thursday , boosted by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between the US and China .
The Bloomberg index tracks a weekly survey of 1,000 randomly selected Americans and measures sentiment toward the economy , personal finances , and spending habits .
Now read more markets coverage from Markets Insider and Business Insider : US green energy investment climbed to record highs in 2019 - despite the Trump administration 's stance on climate change Elon Musk keeps traveling to Texas to work on SpaceX 's new Starship rocket .
A local thinks the CEO now uses a historic home as a crash-pad - @ @ @ @ @

US consumers are the most comfortable with the economy since October 2000, according to new Bloomberg survey data.
A metric tracking respondents' economic sentiment notched its best reading since early 2001.
The more than 19-year consumer-comfort high arrives amid new records for the US stock market and a historically low unemployment rate.
Visit the Business Insider homepage for more stories.
Get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in business, from Wall Street to Silicon Valley — delivered daily. Loading Something is loading. Thanks for signing up! Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. download the app Email address By clicking ‘Sign up’, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider as well as other partner offers and accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
US consumers are the most comfortable they've been with the economy since 2000, according to Bloomberg survey data.
The company's index of consumer comfort hit 66 in the week ending January 12, up from 65.1 the week prior. The latest reading is the highest since October 2000, and marks the figure's eighth weekly gain in the last nine weeks.
Americans' economic sentiment climbed to the highest since early 2001, Bloomberg reported.
The more than 19-year high comes amid new records for the US stock market and continued strength in the nation's labor force. The economy added 145,00 nonfarm payrolls in December, bringing total gains for 2019 to 2.1 million. The additional jobs kept the US unemployment rate at a half-century low of 3.5%.
Wage growth fell short of the highs seen earlier in 2019, but continued to outpace inflation through December. Average hourly earnings rose 2.9% from the year-ago period, slowing from its November pace and likely supporting the Federal Reserve's stance to hold off on additional interest rate shifts.
Record stock prices are also fueling increased positivity and income gains, as companies continue to post new highs after surging through 2019. All three major indexes reached record highs Thursday, boosted by the Wednesday signing of the phase-one trade deal between the US and China.
The Bloomberg index tracks a weekly survey of 1,000 randomly selected Americans and measures sentiment toward the economy, personal finances, and spending habits.
Now read more markets coverage from Markets Insider and Business Insider:
Charles Schwab touts record-high $4 trillion in client assets after erasing trading fees
US green energy investment climbed to record highs in 2019 — despite the Trump administration's stance on climate change
Elon Musk keeps traveling to Texas to work on SpaceX's new Starship rocket. A local thinks the CEO now uses a historic home as a crash-pad — take a look inside.


bonginoreport--2020-01-17--John Solomon Launches New Media Outlet “Just the News”

WASHINGTON , Jan. 16 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Today , award-winning journalist , media commentator , and digital media innovator John Solomon announced the creation of a new media outlet called Just the News , that will address the growing need for fact-based , impartial news and compelling digital content .
JusttheNews.com will deliver exclusive news , podcasts , books , polling and video content showcasing some of the most respected and trusted journalists and editors in news media today .
Solomon , who has worked as a journalist and executive for the last quarter century at The Hill , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , The Washington Post , Newsweek and The Daily Beast , has built a reputation on sound investigative journalism that has led to major news exclusives and exposés addressing some of the biggest national stories in history , from the Clinton impeachment and Sept. 11 , 2001 terror attacks to the most recent Russia and Ukraine scandals .
Solomon announced that Daniel Wattenberg has been named the news outlet 's Managing Editor .
Wattenberg worked for years as a senior editor at The Washington Times , where his team routinely produced award-winning work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Single Decatur 's Wake for Amazon , and written for a wide-array of news publications that include George magazine , Atlantic.com , Reason and National Review .
In addition , Just the News has announced an initial team of senior contributing writers that includes David Brody , the long-time correspondent from the Christian Broadcasting Network ; former CNN political director Christine Dolan , whose investigative work on sex trafficking and child exploitation has generated worldwide attention ; and Lee Smith , author of the best-selling book The Plot Against The President .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a wide-range of national journalists who include Sharyl Attkisson , an Emmy Award-winning investigative journalist formerly at CBS and CNN who currently hosts the weekly show `` Full Measure '' on Sinclair Broadcast Group ; and Peter Schweizer , the best-selling author of such books as Clinton Cash and Secret Empires .
More hires and partnerships are expected to be announced in the next few weeks , and the JusttheNews.com website is slated to launch within the next month , Solomon said .
`` True journalism has been on the decline for years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ models that push agenda-driven news , click-bait content and opinion masquerading as fact , fueling mistrust and contempt from the American people , '' Solomon said .
`` As the fallout from the recent Russia collusion narrative exposed , journalists today too often rush to get their stories first and then are left to hope they are right . ''
`` Just the News will return to an era when journalists got stories first , but first got them right .
We 'll deliver fact-based news without an agenda , with a neutral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trust the readers , viewers and listeners to make up their own minds . ''
Just the News will aim , Solomon said , to be a `` back-to-the-future initiative '' where old-fashioned , honest and exclusive reporting is delivered in a neutral voice but through the modern distribution channels of YouTube , podcasting , e-books and social media .
And in a twist of old and new , Just the News journalists will offer a Dig Deeper tool on their Web site that allows consumers to see the underlying core materials and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Just the News will be headquartered in Washington D.C. and consist of four divisions dedicated to web-based reporting , video journalism , podcasting , and long-form nonfiction book publishing .
Its mission can be succinctly summarized by four brand promises : • The News .
Not the Noise Watch for additional announcements soon by visiting www.JustTheNews.com , or get updates via social media @ JTNReports on Twitter and @ JustTheNewsReports on Facebook .

WASHINGTON, Jan. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, award-winning journalist, media commentator, and digital media innovator John Solomon announced the creation of a new media outlet called Just the News, that will address the growing need for fact-based, impartial news and compelling digital content. JusttheNews.com will deliver exclusive news, podcasts, books, polling and video content showcasing some of the most respected and trusted journalists and editors in news media today.
Solomon, who has worked as a journalist and executive for the last quarter century at The Hill, The Washington Times, The Associated Press, The Washington Post, Newsweek and The Daily Beast, has built a reputation on sound investigative journalism that has led to major news exclusives and exposés addressing some of the biggest national stories in history, from the Clinton impeachment and Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks to the most recent Russia and Ukraine scandals.
Solomon announced that Daniel Wattenberg has been named the news outlet's Managing Editor. Wattenberg worked for years as a senior editor at The Washington Times, where his team routinely produced award-winning work. He also has authored the Kindle Single Decatur's Wake for Amazon, and written for a wide-array of news publications that include George magazine, Atlantic.com, Reason and National Review.
In addition, Just the News has announced an initial team of senior contributing writers that includes David Brody, the long-time correspondent from the Christian Broadcasting Network; former CNN political director Christine Dolan, whose investigative work on sex trafficking and child exploitation has generated worldwide attention; and Lee Smith, author of the best-selling book The Plot Against The President. The site also expects to commission content from a wide-range of national journalists who include Sharyl Attkisson, an Emmy Award-winning investigative journalist formerly at CBS and CNN who currently hosts the weekly show "Full Measure" on Sinclair Broadcast Group; and Peter Schweizer, the best-selling author of such books as Clinton Cash and Secret Empires.
More hires and partnerships are expected to be announced in the next few weeks, and the JusttheNews.com website is slated to launch within the next month, Solomon said.
"True journalism has been on the decline for years as major media companies have built business models that push agenda-driven news, click-bait content and opinion masquerading as fact, fueling mistrust and contempt from the American people," Solomon said. "As the fallout from the recent Russia collusion narrative exposed, journalists today too often rush to get their stories first and then are left to hope they are right."
"Just the News will return to an era when journalists got stories first, but first got them right. We'll deliver fact-based news without an agenda, with a neutral voice and with unprecedented transparency, and trust the readers, viewers and listeners to make up their own minds."
Just the News will aim, Solomon said, to be a "back-to-the-future initiative" where old-fashioned, honest and exclusive reporting is delivered in a neutral voice but through the modern distribution channels of YouTube, podcasting, e-books and social media. And in a twist of old and new, Just the News journalists will offer a Dig Deeper tool on their Web site that allows consumers to see the underlying core materials and evidence that substantiate each of their stories.
Just the News will be headquartered in Washington D.C. and consist of four divisions dedicated to web-based reporting, video journalism, podcasting, and long-form nonfiction book publishing. Its mission can be succinctly summarized by four brand promises:
Honest Journalism, Trusted Reporters
Information Without Indoctrination
Rising Above Rhetoric
The News. Not the Noise
Watch for additional announcements soon by visiting www.JustTheNews.com, or get updates via social media @JTNReports on Twitter and @JustTheNewsReports on Facebook.
SOURCE Just the News
Related Links
http://www.JustTheNews.com


bonginoreport--2020-01-17--POLITICO Changes Headline Initially Congratulatory of Trump

The United States Mexico Canada Agreement passed the Senate on Thursday , 89-10 , replacing the 26-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement .
U.S. trade representative Robert Lighthizer praised the strong bipartisan support the trade deal received in both chambers , saying “ a new chapter in U.S. trade policy has begun.
” “ The USMCA is the first trade agreement that will result in more manufacturing jobs , not fewer .
It is the first agreement that contains strong , enforceable labor and environmental standards that will help to level the playing field for American workers , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade agreement that embraces the promise of the digital economy and enhances America ’ s competitive advantage in technology and innovation .
It is the first agreement with strong , enforceable disciplines against unfair , market distorting subsidies and currency manipulation .
And it is the first trade agreement that contains a ‘ sunset ’ provision that will give future administrations leverage to ensure that , unlike the disaster that was NAFTA , USMCA will never become outdated and out of balance .
USMCA is now the new gold standard against which all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In addition to its overwhelming supported in Congress , labor unions also welcomed the deal , with AFL-CIO president Richard Trumka endorsing the agreement he said `` working people can proudly support.
” While many in the media acknowledged USMCA was a big win for Trump , not all media outlets could stomach giving any praise to the president , it seems .
Politico changed its original headline about the bill 's passage from `` Senate passes USMCA in major win for Trump '' to `` Senate passes USMCA , but much work @ @ @

The United States Mexico Canada Agreement passed the Senate on Thursday, 89-10, replacing the 26-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement.
U.S. trade representative Robert Lighthizer praised the strong bipartisan support the trade deal received in both chambers, saying “a new chapter in U.S. trade policy has begun.”
“The USMCA is the first trade agreement that will result in more manufacturing jobs, not fewer. It is the first agreement that contains strong, enforceable labor and environmental standards that will help to level the playing field for American workers,” he continued. “ It is the first trade agreement that embraces the promise of the digital economy and enhances America’s competitive advantage in technology and innovation. It is the first agreement with strong, enforceable disciplines against unfair, market distorting subsidies and currency manipulation. And it is the first trade agreement that contains a ‘sunset’ provision that will give future administrations leverage to ensure that, unlike the disaster that was NAFTA, USMCA will never become outdated and out of balance. USMCA is now the new gold standard against which all future trade agreements will be judged.”
In addition to its overwhelming supported in Congress, labor unions also welcomed the deal, with AFL-CIO president Richard Trumka endorsing the agreement he said "working people can proudly support.”
While many in the media acknowledged USMCA was a big win for Trump, not all media outlets could stomach giving any praise to the president, it seems.
Politico changed its original headline about the bill's passage from "Senate passes USMCA in major win for Trump" to "Senate passes USMCA, but much work remains."
Critics were quick to notice.
Heaven forbid the media give President @realDonaldTrump credit for any of the great things he’s done to #MAGA.
Same article. Different headline. 40 minutes later. #PromisesMadePromisesKept #KAG pic.twitter.com/56PtIRDEad — Austin Stukins (Text FIGHT to 88022) (@austinstukins) January 16, 2020
Didn't fit the narrative. — Daniel (@GarandThumb87) January 16, 2020


bonginoreport--2020-01-18--Trump Directs Tweet to Ayatollah in Farsi: “Iran’s Leaders Must Put Aside the Terrorists”

President Trump used Farsi , the language of Iran , to blast Ayatollah Ali Khamenei for killing his own people .
Trump responded to a tweet Khamenei sent out on Friday , the same day that he gave his first public sermon in eight years .
The 80-year-old leader tweeted that America was “ villainous ” and accused the United States of wanting to stab the Iranian people “ in the heart.
” Trump , writing in Farsi , responded , “ The noble people of Iran , who love America , deserve a government that will help them achieve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ killing them for revenge .
Instead of dragging Iran to ruin , Iran 's leaders must put aside the terrorists and magnify Iran again !
” Trump previously tweeted in Farsi , which became the most-liked tweet in that language .
The tweet racked up more than 370,000 likes .
“ To the brave and suffering Iranian people : I have stood with you since the beginning of my presidency , and my government will continue to stand with you .
We are following your protests closely .
Your courage is inspiring , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s tweet earned more than 15,000 likes less than 30 minutes after it was posted .
The messages come as Iranians across the country have taken to the streets to demand the Khamenei regime step aside .
The protests swelled in response to the admission that the Iranian government shot down a commercial airliner , killing all 176 people on board , 82 of whom were Iranians .
The downing of the jet came just hours after Iran responded to the killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani by firing more than a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. troops .
Dozens of people have been arrested for protesting the regime .
In at least nine cities on Friday , demonstrators tore down and burned images of Soleimani in anger over the escalation and abuse by Khamenei ’ s government .

President Trump used Farsi, the language of Iran, to blast Ayatollah Ali Khamenei for killing his own people.
Trump responded to a tweet Khamenei sent out on Friday, the same day that he gave his first public sermon in eight years. The 80-year-old leader tweeted that America was “villainous” and accused the United States of wanting to stab the Iranian people “in the heart.”
Trump, writing in Farsi, responded, “The noble people of Iran, who love America, deserve a government that will help them achieve their dreams, rather than focusing on killing them for revenge. Instead of dragging Iran to ruin, Iran's leaders must put aside the terrorists and magnify Iran again!”
مردم نجیب ایران، که آمریکا را دوست می دارند، سزاوار دولتی هستند که بیش از تمرکز بر کشتن آنها به جرم احترام خواهی، به آنها کمک کند تا به رؤیاهایشان دست یابند. رهبران ایران به جای آن که ایران را به سمت ویرانی بکشانند، باید هراس افکنی را کنار بنهند و ایران را دوباره باعظمت کنند! https://t.co/RLjGsC5WLc — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 17, 2020
Trump previously tweeted in Farsi, which became the most-liked tweet in that language. The tweet racked up more than 370,000 likes.
“To the brave and suffering Iranian people: I have stood with you since the beginning of my presidency, and my government will continue to stand with you. We are following your protests closely. Your courage is inspiring,” he said last week.
Friday’s tweet earned more than 15,000 likes less than 30 minutes after it was posted.
The messages come as Iranians across the country have taken to the streets to demand the Khamenei regime step aside. The protests swelled in response to the admission that the Iranian government shot down a commercial airliner, killing all 176 people on board, 82 of whom were Iranians.
The downing of the jet came just hours after Iran responded to the killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani by firing more than a dozen missiles at bases in Iraq housing U.S. troops.
Dozens of people have been arrested for protesting the regime. In at least nine cities on Friday, demonstrators tore down and burned images of Soleimani in anger over the escalation and abuse by Khamenei’s government.


bonginoreport--2020-01-17--White House Reviewing Tax Cuts 2.0

White House Reviewing Tax Cuts 2.0

The Trump administration has begun reviewing ways to carry out its goal of cutting taxes for the middle class .
While lowering the payroll tax is n't high on the White House 's list , adjusting the earned income tax credit for low to moderate earners is something that 's being examined , Larry Kudlow , director of the National Economic Council , told FOX Business ’ Stuart Varney .
“ We want to aim this at even faster economic growth going out in the president ’ s second term , ” Kudlow said .
The U.S. economy grew at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarter of 2019 , the most recent period for which data was available .
Its growth reached a Trump-era peak of 4.2 percent in the second quarter of 2018 , following the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act , which lowered the top corporate rate from 35 percent to 21 percent and reduced personal income taxes for many Americans .
Kudlow said the administration wants to keep the child tax credit , which was doubled to $ 2,000 in 2018 , and that it 's considering making `` some things permanent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the corporate side that would have expired under the 2017 tax overhaul .
Another option is allowing for immediate expensing , which Kudlow called a `` very powerful tonic '' for business investment .
A tax-cut proposal may be part of the White House budget that is submitted in February , three people familiar with the matter told FOX Business .
Passing major legislation such as tax-code changes is typically difficult in a presidential election year , however , especially one roiled by impeachment .
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get lower tax rates and lower tax burdens , '' Kudlow said .

The Trump administration has begun reviewing ways to carry out its goal of cutting taxes for the middle class.
While lowering the payroll tax isn't high on the White House's list, adjusting the earned income tax credit for low to moderate earners is something that's being examined, Larry Kudlow, director of the National Economic Council, told FOX Business’ Stuart Varney.
WHITE HOUSE OFFICIALS CONFIRM ELECTION YEAR STIMULUS PLAN FOCUSING ON TAX CUTS
“We want to aim this at even faster economic growth going out in the president’s second term,” Kudlow said.
The U.S. economy grew at a 2.1 percent pace in the third quarter of 2019, the most recent period for which data was available. Its growth reached a Trump-era peak of 4.2 percent in the second quarter of 2018, following the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which lowered the top corporate rate from 35 percent to 21 percent and reduced personal income taxes for many Americans.
Kudlow said the administration wants to keep the child tax credit, which was doubled to $2,000 in 2018, and that it's considering making "some things permanent" on both the individual side and the corporate side that would have expired under the 2017 tax overhaul. Another option is allowing for immediate expensing, which Kudlow called a "very powerful tonic" for business investment.
A tax-cut proposal may be part of the White House budget that is submitted in February, three people familiar with the matter told FOX Business. Passing major legislation such as tax-code changes is typically difficult in a presidential election year, however, especially one roiled by impeachment.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS
"Reelect President Trump and you'll get lower tax rates and lower tax burdens," Kudlow said.


bonginoreport--2020-01-17--Ilhan Omar Challenger Releases Debut Campaign Ad

Dalia al-Aqidi , a refugee who escaped from Saddam Hussein ’ s tyrannical Iraqi regime in 1988 , announced on Thursday that she has launched a Republican congressional bid for Minnesota ’ s 5th Congressional District against far-left Rep. Ilhan Omar ( D-MN ) , who has faced scandal after scandal in just her first year in Congress .
Al-Aqidi , a former White House correspondent , told The Daily Wire in an exclusive interview that she decided to run because Omar was “ doing irreparable harm to both Minnesota and the U.S.—she must be stopped.
” In the interview @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his foreign policy agenda in the region , including the recent decision to kill Iranian terrorist Qassem Soleimani .
Al-Aqidi made the announcement in a video that she posted to Twitter where she highlighted her background and how living under a tyrannical big government shaped her political views .
Below is The Daily Wire ’ s exclusive interview with Dalia al-Aqidi on her decision to run against Ilhan Omar : 1 .
What inspired you to get into politics ?
Al-Aqidi : I chose to run for Congress because I believe Ilhan Omar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the U.S.—she must be stopped .
Her consistent anti-Semitism and hateful rhetoric are toxic and serve only to gain attention for herself and position herself as a celebrity—she ’ s not fighting for us ; she is fighting for herself , even if that means fighting against us .
I was inspired to launch my campaign because I believe the residents of this district need someone fighting for them , not DC insiders and foreign influences , and our country needs leaders who believe in America , not condone it at every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think about what the Trump administration is doing in Iraq ?
Al-Aqidi : When I was just a little girl , my family was forced to flee Iraq and leave everything behind because of the brutal dictatorship of Saddam Hussein , so this issue is very personal for me .
I have tried to expose atrocities happening across the Middle East .
I believe the Trump Administration is taking action to do the same while protecting Americans both home and abroad .
3 .
Do you agree with the administration ’ s decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think about how Trump is handling Iran ?
Al-Aqidi : I was proud of President Trump and his Administration for ending the reign of Qasem Soleimani , who was a vicious terrorist and thug .
I was absolutely disgusted with how Democrats cheered on a terrorist .
In times like this our country needs to rally together , not push each other apart .
4 .
You are running against far-left Democrat Ilhan Omar in Minnesota ’ s 5th Congressional District .
What makes you uniquely qualified to take on Omar ?
Al-Aqidi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take her on because we come from similar backgrounds—we ’ re both Muslims , women , and refugees .
That being said , we couldn ’ t be more different .
I have used my life experience to expose oppression and boost the U.S. while Omar has done the opposite—stoking fear , inspiring hatred , inciting violence , and embarrassing the U.S. 5 .
Did being a refugee from Iraq play a role in the life experiences that shaped your political views ?
If so , how ?
Al-Aqidi : Absolutely .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ behind because of a brutal dictatorship .
As a journalist overseas trying to expose the atrocities happening in the Middle East , I gained a unique perspective on how the two parties viewed what was happening over there .
However , the left-wing is much worse today than it has ever been .
They ’ re inspired by hatred , self-interest , and a desire to fundamentally change the American way of life .
I ’ ve seen this world once and was lucky enough to escape it .
I will not let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am so grateful to the U.S. for the life and opportunities it has given me .
6 .
In what ways do you think Omar has let down the people of your district ?
Al-Aqidi : Omar has spent her entire time in Washington sowing seeds of division and actively supporting our enemies , while also doing everything she can to prop up her own celebrity status instead of fighting for her constituents .
Even when President Trump has taken action to help her constituents , Omar condemns him simply out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and corruption flood out of her office every week .
Minnesota ’ s 5th district deserves someone who is fighting for them , not the radical left in DC .
7 .
What are the top three issues for voters in your district and how do you plan on addressing those issues ?
a .
National Security—I believe that there are many dangerous individuals , both Islamists and others , who wish to do harm to the U.S. President Trump is making efforts to make America safer by taking action on the border @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Omar is for open borders and supports those we are fighting in the Middle East .
She is actively making life dangerous for not only our district , but for America at large .
b. Immigration—I believe those wishing to do harm to the U.S. are attempting to gain access to the U.S. every day .
I support President Trump ’ s efforts to secure the border and fix our legal immigration system .
Meanwhile , Omar wants to open up our borders and allow those same dangerous individuals to freely enter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ struggling in Minnesota and are going to struggle even more under the socialistic policies that Omar is fighting for .
With her in power , more businesses will close and more people will become unemployed , all so that the federal government can seize more power and become larger .
8 .
Why should minorities , women , and young people vote Republican and how do you plan to reach them ?
Al-Aqidi : Our campaign is going to take our message to every voter in the district , not just those who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to show that with Omar as their representative in Congress , they ’ re being ignored .
She is not fighting for their interests and they are suffering because of it .
The hardworking families of this district need and deserve better , and we ’ re going to show them that there is a better alternative .
9 .
How should the GOP respond to some of the issues , like healthcare and student debt , that Democrats propose addressing with socialist policies ?
Al-Aqidi : When it comes to healthcare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going on and as Republicans , we know that we ’ re on the right side .
The price of healthcare can be lowered while also improving access not by handing more power to the government , but by giving people more control .
When it comes to student debt , I do not believe we should cancel all student debt or make college free like Omar and many other socialists have advocated for .
Instead , I believe we should be focusing on reducing the price of secondary education in the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ young people to build a better life for themselves instead of pushing them to go to college and finish in worse shape than when they started .
10 .
How should Republicans respond to the Democrats becoming the party of identity politics ?
Al-Aqidi : By ignoring their politics of hate and uplifting candidates like me who don ’ t fit the typical mold .
There are so many women , minorities , unique candidates running in districts across the country .
I hope I can help give them a voice and encourage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
What do you view as the greatest threat the United States both from a foreign and a domestic standpoint ?
Al-Aqidi : I believe the greatest threat before us is a combination of illegal immigration and those wishing to do us harm in the Middle East .
As I ’ ve mentioned , we must secure our border if we hope to stop the flood of these dangerous individuals from entering the U.S. We must also combat the groups in the Middle East who are brazenly making threats against Americans .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both of these fronts in order to make America safer and I look forward to work with him in Congress to continue these efforts .
12 .
If elected , what do you hope to accomplish with respect to policy ?
Al-Aqidi : I believe first and foremost that we need to make America safe for our citizens .
Terrorist organizations are growing stronger by the day , due partially to the veiled support they ’ re getting from people like Ilhan Omar .
I also believe that something absolutely must be done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here in Minneapolis .
Housing is becoming much more expensive , as is healthcare , our schools are becoming run-down , and residents are having to work harder and harder to bring home the same pay .
These are issues Ilhan Omar doesn ’ t care about—since she ’ s taken office , she ’ s done nothing to actually aid our struggling community other than offer soundbites that solely benefit her .
13 .
A lot of the narrative surrounding the climate has come from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ( D-NY ) and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” which her former chief-of-staff even admitted was about implementing socialism .
The “ Green New Deal ” is a socialist vision that the Democrat Party is trying to sell to America .
How do you counter that ?
What is your vision for America ?
Al-Aqidi : Protecting the environment should be taken seriously , but socialists like Omar and Ocasio-Cortez would rather use the issue as an opportunity to implement their agenda .
Their “ Green New Deal ” is less about protecting the environment than it is making a massive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Its cost to American families alone proves this .
I believe that by exposing their plan to voters in both Minnesota and across the U.S. , voters will see it for what it is—a socialistic power grab .
14 .
What are your thoughts on Reps. Ilhan Omar ( D-MN ) and Rashida Tlaib ( D-MI ) and the rise of anti-Semitism in the Democrat Party ?
Al-Aqidi : To put it simply , I think it ’ s disgusting .
The nerve of Omar to claim that she is speaking for all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for me .
I believe we need to do everything in our power to protect Israel and combat the groups and nations who wish to erase it from the map .
15 .
What areas of the Republican Party ’ s platform do you think needs to be addressed , and/or changed ?
Al-Aqidi : The President receives a lot of backlash because of his style of politics , but look at what he ’ s actually done—cut regulation , created jobs , bolstered the economy , and made America safer .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s way from reaching its true potential are the members of Congress like Omar .
By kicking these kinds of members out of Congress , I believe the Republican platform can truly be accomplished .
16 .
What do you hope to inspire in other elected officials and future leaders to help make America a better place ?
Al-Aqidi : I hope to show that we can succeed if we come together , not by widening the already existing rift between us .
Omar has done nothing but spread conflict , division @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have suffered because of it .
I hope to inspire other elected officials to unite , not divide .
17 .
When you are not working , what do you do for fun ?
Al-Aqidi : I enjoy running , going to dinner with friends , and volunteering with some of the faith leaders in Minnesota ’ s 5th Congressional District !

Dalia al-Aqidi, a refugee who escaped from Saddam Hussein’s tyrannical Iraqi regime in 1988, announced on Thursday that she has launched a Republican congressional bid for Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District against far-left Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), who has faced scandal after scandal in just her first year in Congress.
Al-Aqidi, a former White House correspondent, told The Daily Wire in an exclusive interview that she decided to run because Omar was “doing irreparable harm to both Minnesota and the U.S.—she must be stopped.”
In the interview, Al-Aqidi praised President Donald Trump for his foreign policy agenda in the region, including the recent decision to kill Iranian terrorist Qassem Soleimani.
Al-Aqidi made the announcement in a video that she posted to Twitter where she highlighted her background and how living under a tyrannical big government shaped her political views.
WATCH:
It's time to defend America! I'm running for Congress because we're not as divided as Ilhan Omar and the far-left would have us believe. I'm running to bring us closer together. https://t.co/sa9dsHHTeO — Dalia al-Aqidi (@Dalia4Congress) January 16, 2020
Below is The Daily Wire’s exclusive interview with Dalia al-Aqidi on her decision to run against Ilhan Omar:
1. What inspired you to get into politics?
Al-Aqidi: I chose to run for Congress because I believe Ilhan Omar is doing irreparable harm to both Minnesota and the U.S.—she must be stopped. Her consistent anti-Semitism and hateful rhetoric are toxic and serve only to gain attention for herself and position herself as a celebrity—she’s not fighting for us; she is fighting for herself, even if that means fighting against us. I was inspired to launch my campaign because I believe the residents of this district need someone fighting for them, not DC insiders and foreign influences, and our country needs leaders who believe in America, not condone it at every step.
2. What do you think about what the Trump administration is doing in Iraq?
Al-Aqidi: When I was just a little girl, my family was forced to flee Iraq and leave everything behind because of the brutal dictatorship of Saddam Hussein, so this issue is very personal for me. I have tried to expose atrocities happening across the Middle East. I believe the Trump Administration is taking action to do the same while protecting Americans both home and abroad.
3. Do you agree with the administration’s decision to kill Soleimani? What do you think about how Trump is handling Iran?
Al-Aqidi: I was proud of President Trump and his Administration for ending the reign of Qasem Soleimani, who was a vicious terrorist and thug. I was absolutely disgusted with how Democrats cheered on a terrorist. In times like this our country needs to rally together, not push each other apart.
4. You are running against far-left Democrat Ilhan Omar in Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District. What makes you uniquely qualified to take on Omar?
Al-Aqidi: I believe I am uniquely qualified to take her on because we come from similar backgrounds—we’re both Muslims, women, and refugees. That being said, we couldn’t be more different. I have used my life experience to expose oppression and boost the U.S. while Omar has done the opposite—stoking fear, inspiring hatred, inciting violence, and embarrassing the U.S.
5. Did being a refugee from Iraq play a role in the life experiences that shaped your political views? If so, how?
Al-Aqidi: Absolutely. My family was forced to leave everything behind because of a brutal dictatorship. As a journalist overseas trying to expose the atrocities happening in the Middle East, I gained a unique perspective on how the two parties viewed what was happening over there. However, the left-wing is much worse today than it has ever been. They’re inspired by hatred, self-interest, and a desire to fundamentally change the American way of life. I’ve seen this world once and was lucky enough to escape it. I will not let it happen here in the U.S. I am so grateful to the U.S. for the life and opportunities it has given me.
6. In what ways do you think Omar has let down the people of your district?
Al-Aqidi: Omar has spent her entire time in Washington sowing seeds of division and actively supporting our enemies, while also doing everything she can to prop up her own celebrity status instead of fighting for her constituents. Even when President Trump has taken action to help her constituents, Omar condemns him simply out of personal hatred. Meanwhile, more scandal and corruption flood out of her office every week. Minnesota’s 5th district deserves someone who is fighting for them, not the radical left in DC.
7. What are the top three issues for voters in your district and how do you plan on addressing those issues?
Al-Aqidi:
a. National Security—I believe that there are many dangerous individuals, both Islamists and others, who wish to do harm to the U.S. President Trump is making efforts to make America safer by taking action on the border and in the Middle East. Meanwhile, Omar is for open borders and supports those we are fighting in the Middle East. She is actively making life dangerous for not only our district, but for America at large.
b. Immigration—I believe those wishing to do harm to the U.S. are attempting to gain access to the U.S. every day. I support President Trump’s efforts to secure the border and fix our legal immigration system. Meanwhile, Omar wants to open up our borders and allow those same dangerous individuals to freely enter the country.
c. Economy—Small businesses are struggling in Minnesota and are going to struggle even more under the socialistic policies that Omar is fighting for. With her in power, more businesses will close and more people will become unemployed, all so that the federal government can seize more power and become larger.
8. Why should minorities, women, and young people vote Republican and how do you plan to reach them?
Al-Aqidi: Our campaign is going to take our message to every voter in the district, not just those who are young or minorities. We are going to show that with Omar as their representative in Congress, they’re being ignored. She is not fighting for their interests and they are suffering because of it. The hardworking families of this district need and deserve better, and we’re going to show them that there is a better alternative.
9. How should the GOP respond to some of the issues, like healthcare and student debt, that Democrats propose addressing with socialist policies?
Al-Aqidi: When it comes to healthcare, there is a war of ideas going on and as Republicans, we know that we’re on the right side. The price of healthcare can be lowered while also improving access not by handing more power to the government, but by giving people more control. When it comes to student debt, I do not believe we should cancel all student debt or make college free like Omar and many other socialists have advocated for. Instead, I believe we should be focusing on reducing the price of secondary education in the first place while also providing other options to young people to build a better life for themselves instead of pushing them to go to college and finish in worse shape than when they started.
10. How should Republicans respond to the Democrats becoming the party of identity politics?
Al-Aqidi: By ignoring their politics of hate and uplifting candidates like me who don’t fit the typical mold. There are so many women, minorities, unique candidates running in districts across the country. I hope I can help give them a voice and encourage them to fight and win.
11. What do you view as the greatest threat the United States both from a foreign and a domestic standpoint?
Al-Aqidi: I believe the greatest threat before us is a combination of illegal immigration and those wishing to do us harm in the Middle East. As I’ve mentioned, we must secure our border if we hope to stop the flood of these dangerous individuals from entering the U.S. We must also combat the groups in the Middle East who are brazenly making threats against Americans. The Trump Administration is making incredible progress on both of these fronts in order to make America safer and I look forward to work with him in Congress to continue these efforts.
12. If elected, what do you hope to accomplish with respect to policy?
Al-Aqidi: I believe first and foremost that we need to make America safe for our citizens. Terrorist organizations are growing stronger by the day, due partially to the veiled support they’re getting from people like Ilhan Omar. I also believe that something absolutely must be done about the economy and quality of life here in Minneapolis. Housing is becoming much more expensive, as is healthcare, our schools are becoming run-down, and residents are having to work harder and harder to bring home the same pay. These are issues Ilhan Omar doesn’t care about—since she’s taken office, she’s done nothing to actually aid our struggling community other than offer soundbites that solely benefit her.
13. A lot of the narrative surrounding the climate has come from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and her proposed “Green New Deal,” which her former chief-of-staff even admitted was about implementing socialism. The “Green New Deal” is a socialist vision that the Democrat Party is trying to sell to America. How do you counter that? What is your vision for America?
Al-Aqidi: Protecting the environment should be taken seriously, but socialists like Omar and Ocasio-Cortez would rather use the issue as an opportunity to implement their agenda. Their “Green New Deal” is less about protecting the environment than it is making a massive power grab for the federal government. Its cost to American families alone proves this. I believe that by exposing their plan to voters in both Minnesota and across the U.S., voters will see it for what it is—a socialistic power grab.
14. What are your thoughts on Reps. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) and the rise of anti-Semitism in the Democrat Party?
Al-Aqidi: To put it simply, I think it’s disgusting. The nerve of Omar to claim that she is speaking for all Muslims is stunning—she certainly does not speak for me. I believe we need to do everything in our power to protect Israel and combat the groups and nations who wish to erase it from the map.
15. What areas of the Republican Party’s platform do you think needs to be addressed, and/or changed?
Al-Aqidi: The President receives a lot of backlash because of his style of politics, but look at what he’s actually done—cut regulation, created jobs, bolstered the economy, and made America safer. The only thing standing in the Trump Administration’s way from reaching its true potential are the members of Congress like Omar. By kicking these kinds of members out of Congress, I believe the Republican platform can truly be accomplished.
16. What do you hope to inspire in other elected officials and future leaders to help make America a better place?
Al-Aqidi: I hope to show that we can succeed if we come together, not by widening the already existing rift between us. Omar has done nothing but spread conflict, division, and oppression, and her constituents have suffered because of it. I hope to inspire other elected officials to unite, not divide.
17. When you are not working, what do you do for fun?
Al-Aqidi: I enjoy running, going to dinner with friends, and volunteering with some of the faith leaders in Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District!


bonginoreport--2020-01-17--Canada Will Pay $25k Per Victim to Families of Victims on Downed Ukrainian Flight

OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Canada will give $ 25,000 to families of victims of flight 752 to help cover expenses , while also continuing to press Iran for full compensation for shooting down the civilian jet .
At a press conference on Friday morning , Trudeau announced the government would offer the financial support of $ 25,000 per victim to families , including both the 57 Canadians and the 29 permanent residents .
He said the families need support to arrange travel and cover financial costs .
“ This is a unique and unprecedented situation , because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the difficulties that imposes on these families , ” he said .
“ We expect Iran to compensate these families , but they can ’ t wait weeks .
They need support now.
” The outlay will cost just over $ 2 million to the government .
Trudeau said he does not expect families to repay these funds with any compensation they may receive from the Iranian government .
The prime minister said families of approximately 20 of the victims want their loved ones remains returned to be buried in Canada , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ returned to Canada within days .
• Ontario creates scholarships to honour of victims of Iran plane crash • 'Iran must take full responsibility ' Trudeau says after Iran denied fault for days • Iran knew day of crash their missile was to blame for Ukraine plane crash He said the Canadian government would also expedite visas and waive fees to make it easier for families to travel .
Ukraine International Airlines flight 752 took off from Tehran ’ s airport on Jan. 8 and was only minutes into the flight when it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ missile .
All 176 people on board were killed and 138 of those passengers were ultimately bound for Canada .
For days following the crash , Iranian authorities blamed a mechanical issue , but in a stunning admission last week they admitted they had accidentally shot down the plane .
Foreign Affairs Minister François-Philippe Champagne met with his Iranian counterpart on Friday as well .
Trudeau said Champagne would make the direct case for a full international investigation into the incident and for the Iranian government to compensate families .
Two Canadian investigators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been on the ground this week , examining wreckage and visiting the crash site .
Trudeau said there were still ongoing negotiations about the black boxes and where the data from the crash will be downloaded , with France a likely location , because of the country ’ s technical expertise .
He said the Iranian government has cooperated with Canadian investigators , but he made it clear there needs to be an independent international investigation of the incident .
“ We have been assured by Iran , but we are also ensuring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a full rigorous investigation.
” The jet was shot down shortly after Iran fired missiles at American bases in Iraq .
Those missiles were fired as a response to an American drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani .
Trudeau said earlier in the week that without the heightened tensions , the jet would have had a safe flight , but he made it clear who he believes is ultimately to blame .
“ The Iranians bear full responsibility for having shot down a civilian airliner.
” POPULAR ON NP RIGHT @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Panama cult kills seven , including pregnant mother and kids , in exorcism ritual Conrad Black : Ontario families deserve better than their so-called education system The eye drops killer : How a South Carolina woman used Visine to poison her husband

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Ontario mayor who lives with her parents says she can't afford to buy a home in her municipality
U.S. Customs and Border Protection silent on operation that rounded up 124 people along the Canada-U.S. border
Frank Stronach: Canadians need to rise up and fight for their prosperity
Brawling at Barbie and the rise of movie theatre misbehaviour
Trudeau: Government will give Iran crash victim families $25,000 each for funeral expenses, travel Trudeau made it clear that Canada expects Iran to fully compensate the victims Photo by Chris Helgren/Reuters
Article content OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Canada will give $25,000 to families of victims of flight 752 to help cover expenses, while also continuing to press Iran for full compensation for shooting down the civilian jet. At a press conference on Friday morning, Trudeau announced the government would offer the financial support of $25,000 per victim to families, including both the 57 Canadians and the 29 permanent residents. He said the families need support to arrange travel and cover financial costs. We apologize, but this video has failed to load.
tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Trudeau: Government will give Iran crash victim families $25,000 each for funeral expenses, travel Back to video We apologize, but this video has failed to load.
tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Play Video
Advertisement 2 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS Enjoy the latest local, national and international news. Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay, Rex Murphy and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.
Unlimited online access to National Post and 15 news sites with one account.
National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE ARTICLES Enjoy the latest local, national and international news. Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay, Rex Murphy and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events
Unlimited online access to National Post and 15 news sites with one account.
National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
Support local journalism. REGISTER FOR MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account.
Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
Enjoy additional articles per month.
Get email updates from your favourite authors. Don't have an account? Create Account or View more offers
Article content “This is a unique and unprecedented situation, because of the international sanctions placed on Iran and the difficulties that imposes on these families,” he said. “We expect Iran to compensate these families, but they can’t wait weeks. They need support now.”
Article content The outlay will cost just over $2 million to the government. Trudeau said he does not expect families to repay these funds with any compensation they may receive from the Iranian government. The prime minister said families of approximately 20 of the victims want their loved ones remains returned to be buried in Canada, and he expected some remains would be returned to Canada within days. Recommended from Editorial Ontario creates scholarships to honour of victims of Iran plane crash 'Iran must take full responsibility' Trudeau says after Iran denied fault for days Iran knew day of crash their missile was to blame for Ukraine plane crash He said the Canadian government would also expedite visas and waive fees to make it easier for families to travel. Ukraine International Airlines flight 752 took off from Tehran’s airport on Jan. 8 and was only minutes into the flight when it was hit by an Iranian air defence missile. All 176 people on board were killed and 138 of those passengers were ultimately bound for Canada.
Advertisement 3 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content For days following the crash, Iranian authorities blamed a mechanical issue, but in a stunning admission last week they admitted they had accidentally shot down the plane. Foreign Affairs Minister François-Philippe Champagne met with his Iranian counterpart on Friday as well. Trudeau said Champagne would make the direct case for a full international investigation into the incident and for the Iranian government to compensate families. Photo by THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods Two Canadian investigators from the Transportation Safety Board have also been on the ground this week, examining wreckage and visiting the crash site. Trudeau said there were still ongoing negotiations about the black boxes and where the data from the crash will be downloaded, with France a likely location, because of the country’s technical expertise. He said the Iranian government has cooperated with Canadian investigators, but he made it clear there needs to be an independent international investigation of the incident. “We have been assured by Iran, but we are also ensuring through the international community that there will be a full rigorous investigation.”
Advertisement 4 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
Share this article in your social network
Read Next Advertisement 2 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.


bonginoreport--2020-01-17--Hulu to Release Docuseries About Life of Hillary Clinton

Hulu shared a trailer for a docuseries starring former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton .
The docuseries titled “ Hillary ” will premiere on March 6 , according to a tweet posted by the streaming service .
The film will also premiere at Sundance Film Festival in January .
“ Executive produced by Burstein , Howard T. Owens and Ben Silverman for Propagate , the series gives viewers an up-close view of the woman who has permeated American culture for more than 30 years and her historic presidential run , ” the synopsis for the docuseries read .
The series @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Hillary ’ s life during her time as Secretary of State , First Lady and a presidential candidate .
Hulu conducted interviews with Hillary , Bill Clinton , journalists and friends of the family .
( RELATED : Hillary Clinton Claims Meghan Markle Targeted By Tabloids Because She ’ s Biracial ) Never-before-seen campaign footage from the 2016 election will also be shown in the documentary .
Hillary said that “ nothing was off limits ” while filming the docuseries during an appearance at the Winter TCA press tour with Hulu , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out focused on Hillary ’ s 2016 campaign , but evolved into something else as filming went on .
Nannett Burstein , who directed the docuseries , said she wanted to create a “ bigger story ” that was “ part of the arc of women ’ s history .
”

Hulu shared a trailer for a docuseries starring former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
The docuseries titled “Hillary” will premiere on March 6, according to a tweet posted by the streaming service. The film will also premiere at Sundance Film Festival in January.
“Executive produced by Burstein, Howard T. Owens and Ben Silverman for Propagate, the series gives viewers an up-close view of the woman who has permeated American culture for more than 30 years and her historic presidential run,” the synopsis for the docuseries read.
The series will have four parts and will focus on Hillary’s life during her time as Secretary of State, First Lady and a presidential candidate. Hulu conducted interviews with Hillary, Bill Clinton, journalists and friends of the family. (RELATED: Hillary Clinton Claims Meghan Markle Targeted By Tabloids Because She’s Biracial)
Never-before-seen campaign footage from the 2016 election will also be shown in the documentary.
Hillary said that “nothing was off limits” while filming the docuseries during an appearance at the Winter TCA press tour with Hulu, Deadline reported.
The documentary originally started out focused on Hillary’s 2016 campaign, but evolved into something else as filming went on. Nannett Burstein, who directed the docuseries, said she wanted to create a “bigger story” that was “part of the arc of women’s history.”


bonginoreport--2020-01-18--Alcohol Related Deaths Have More Than Doubled Since 1999

Next time you toast to your health , you might want to make it a water .
American drinkers are boozing more , according to two new studies this month , and that ’ s leading to more alcohol-related deaths .
Thanks to our ballooning benders , 73,000 Americans died from liver disease and other alcohol-related illnesses in 2017 — more than double in 1999 when that number was 36,000 , according to data from the National Center for Health Statistics .
While men died at higher rates overall , the study , published last week in the journal “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” reported the largest increases in alcohol-induced deaths were among middle-aged individuals and women , especially white women .
“ With the increases in alcohol use among women , there ’ s been increases in harms for women including ER visits , hospitalization and deaths , ” Aaron White , lead study author , told NPR .
Their research indicates that alcohol is even deadlier than illicit drugs , including opioids , which claimed the lives of about 70,000 in 2017 , according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
Cigarettes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No .
1 killer with more than 480,000 dying each year due to smoking-related illness .
That study wasn ’ t the only sobering evidence of America ’ s growing problem .
Researchers at the CDC revealed this week a 12 % increase in binge drinking over a six year period ending in 2017 , according to data pulled from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System .
The CDC totaled the annual number of drinks consumed by adult binge drinkers — meaning those who regularly have four or more alcoholic beverages during one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had jumped from 472 in 2011 to 529 in 2017 .
For men , the average number escalated from 587 to 666 during the study period , compared to women whose binge drinking rose from 256 to 290 — a differential of 79 versus 34 .
They also found that those who had not completed high school saw a jump of 45.8 % .
For individuals with family incomes of less than $ 25,000 per year , the yearly average leaped from 543 to 673 .
The CDC ’ s report also revealed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ showed that nine states are drinking more than they did in 2011 , including New Jersey and New York .
In 2017 , the state with the lowest average number of drinks during a binge was Massachusetts with 320 ; the highest was Wyoming with 1,219 .
The CDC reminds that binge drinking and alcoholism can lead to risky behaviors , such as drunk driving , domestic violence , unprotected sex resulting in pregnancy and STDs , as well as stroke , heart and liver disease , among other illnesses .

Next time you toast to your health, you might want to make it a water.
American drinkers are boozing more, according to two new studies this month, and that’s leading to more alcohol-related deaths.
Thanks to our ballooning benders, 73,000 Americans died from liver disease and other alcohol-related illnesses in 2017 — more than double in 1999 when that number was 36,000, according to data from the National Center for Health Statistics.
While men died at higher rates overall, the study, published last week in the journal “Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research,” reported the largest increases in alcohol-induced deaths were among middle-aged individuals and women, especially white women.
“With the increases in alcohol use among women, there’s been increases in harms for women including ER visits, hospitalization and deaths,” Aaron White, lead study author, told NPR.
Their research indicates that alcohol is even deadlier than illicit drugs, including opioids, which claimed the lives of about 70,000 in 2017, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cigarettes, however, remain America’s No. 1 killer with more than 480,000 dying each year due to smoking-related illness.
That study wasn’t the only sobering evidence of America’s growing problem.
Researchers at the CDC revealed this week a 12% increase in binge drinking over a six year period ending in 2017, according to data pulled from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.
The CDC totaled the annual number of drinks consumed by adult binge drinkers — meaning those who regularly have four or more alcoholic beverages during one occasion — and found the average number had jumped from 472 in 2011 to 529 in 2017.
For men, the average number escalated from 587 to 666 during the study period, compared to women whose binge drinking rose from 256 to 290 — a differential of 79 versus 34. They also found that those who had not completed high school saw a jump of 45.8%. For individuals with family incomes of less than $25,000 per year, the yearly average leaped from 543 to 673.
The CDC’s report also revealed binge drinking averages by state, and showed that nine states are drinking more than they did in 2011, including New Jersey and New York. In 2017, the state with the lowest average number of drinks during a binge was Massachusetts with 320; the highest was Wyoming with 1,219.
The CDC reminds that binge drinking and alcoholism can lead to risky behaviors, such as drunk driving, domestic violence, unprotected sex resulting in pregnancy and STDs, as well as stroke, heart and liver disease, among other illnesses.


bonginoreport--2020-01-18--Goldman Sachs Client Survey Finds 87% Believe Trump Will Win Reelection

• Goldman Sachs surveyed dozens of its clients and found that 87 % expected President Donald Trump to win the 2020 election .
• The bank 's strategists polled attendees at a conference this week and received an average of 160 responses to their questions .
• Only 5 % of respondents expected a US recession this year , 45 % expected a bear market in 2021 , and 67 % expected the Federal Reserve to hold interest rates steady this year .
Goldman Sachs surveyed dozens of its clients and found that the vast majority expected President Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The banking titan 's investment researchers polled attendees of its Global Strategy Conference in London this week , garnering an average of 160 responses to each of their questions .
Asked whether Trump — who was recently impeached by the House of Representatives and now faces a Senate trial — would win the 2020 election , 87 % of respondents said they expected him to triumph .
The bank published its results in a research note Thursday .
Of course , Goldman 's clientele is definitely not representative of the American electorate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slimmer odds of a Trump victory , at 4/5 .
Goldman 's US strategists have n't predicted who will win the election but have warned that if one party holds the House and the Senate and Trump 's 2017 tax cuts are rolled back , corporate earnings per share could drop by 7 % next year — a sharp deviation from the strategists ' baseline estimate of a 5 % rise .
The strategists also surveyed conference attendees on when the next US recession would hit .
Only 5 % said this year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one in 2021 , and 38 % expected it in 2022 .
Similarly , Goldman 's economists put the odds of a recession in the next 12 months at under 20 % .
Goldman also polled the crowd on the stock market and the Federal Reserve .
About 60 % of respondents expected US equities to return 0 % to 10 % this year , but 45 % predicted a bear market in 2021 .
Goldman 's strategists expected positive returns on equities in the coming months .
More than two-thirds of respondents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rates steady this year , after the central bank cut them three times last year .
Only 4 % expected it to raise rates .

Goldman Sachs surveyed dozens of its clients and found that 87% expected President Donald Trump to win the 2020 election.
The bank's strategists polled attendees at a conference this week and received an average of 160 responses to their questions.
Only 5% of respondents expected a US recession this year, 45% expected a bear market in 2021, and 67% expected the Federal Reserve to hold interest rates steady this year.
View Business Insider's homepage for more stories.
Get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in business, from Wall Street to Silicon Valley — delivered daily. Loading Something is loading. Thanks for signing up! Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. download the app Email address By clicking ‘Sign up’, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider as well as other partner offers and accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Goldman Sachs surveyed dozens of its clients and found that the vast majority expected President Donald Trump to win a second term in office.
The banking titan's investment researchers polled attendees of its Global Strategy Conference in London this week, garnering an average of 160 responses to each of their questions. Asked whether Trump — who was recently impeached by the House of Representatives and now faces a Senate trial — would win the 2020 election, 87% of respondents said they expected him to triumph. The bank published its results in a research note Thursday.
Of course, Goldman's clientele is definitely not representative of the American electorate, and the betting site Oddschecker gives slimmer odds of a Trump victory, at 4/5.
Goldman's US strategists haven't predicted who will win the election but have warned that if one party holds the House and the Senate and Trump's 2017 tax cuts are rolled back, corporate earnings per share could drop by 7% next year — a sharp deviation from the strategists' baseline estimate of a 5% rise.
The strategists also surveyed conference attendees on when the next US recession would hit. Only 5% said this year, while 35% were bracing for one in 2021, and 38% expected it in 2022. Similarly, Goldman's economists put the odds of a recession in the next 12 months at under 20%.
Goldman also polled the crowd on the stock market and the Federal Reserve.
About 60% of respondents expected US equities to return 0% to 10% this year, but 45% predicted a bear market in 2021. Goldman's strategists expected positive returns on equities in the coming months.
More than two-thirds of respondents predicted the Federal Reserve would hold interest rates steady this year, after the central bank cut them three times last year. Only 4% expected it to raise rates.


bonginoreport--2020-01-18--Bernie Sanders and AOC Upset That USMCA Doesn’t Mention Climate Change

Sen. Bernie Sanders ( I-VT ) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ( D-NY ) are upset that the U.S.-Mexico-Canada ( USMCA ) agreement , which passed in the U.S. Senate on Thursday , does not contain “ a single damn mention of ‘ climate change . '
” Sanders wrote on Twitter , “ 250 pages .
37,500 words .
Not a single damn mention of ‘ climate change , ' ” then proclaimed that “ Trump ’ s NAFTA is a giveaway to the fossil fuel industry.
” “ I voted NO because the future of our planet is more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mobil and Chevron , ” he asserted alongside a video detailing his decision .
He stated in the video : So here you have an existential threat to the future of America , to the future of our entire planet , and what the scientists are telling us , we have very few years to get our act together to take on the fossil fuel industry , to transform our energy system away from fossil fuel to energy efficiency and sustainable energy .
And here you have a major trade agreement , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easier for the large oil companies to destroy our planet from Mexico .
Sanders has suggested on the campaign trail that fossil fuel executives are “ probably criminally liable ” for climate change , and he has expressed interest in potentially prosecuting them .
“ Socialist Bernie Sanders just proudly voted AGAINST new jobs and higher wages for Americans workers , ” the Trump campaign wrote in an email to supporters in reaction to Sanders ’ position .
“ Sanders is willing to sacrifice blue-collar jobs and better wages , even as he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on an almost daily basis , ” it continued .
Ocasio-Cortez , who endorsed Sanders ’ presidential bid , concurred with Sanders ’ sentiments about the USMCA , calling it a “ carbon emissions nightmare.
” “ Trump ’ s NAFTA 2.0 is an enormous , multinational prize for climate deniers and the fossil fuel industry , ” she claimed .
“ It ’ s a carbon emissions nightmare that locks the US in for YEARS & blocks whoever wins the presidency in 2020 from negotiating a better deal , ” she continued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ idea , folks ” : The Senate passed the USMCA on Thursday , voting 89 to 10 , thereby sending the tremendous legislative achievement to President Trump ’ s desk .
Even the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the agreement on bipartisan lines , 358-41 , last month .
The USMCA maintains much of the North American Free Trade Agreement ( NAFTA ) , but will usher in new trade considerations , such as 75 percent of vehicle parts must be made in the three countries to be tariff-free .
Additionally , 45 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by workers earning a $ 16 hourly wage .
Further , the deal will expand U.S. farmers ’ access to Canada ’ s dairy market .
Vice President Mike Pence told Breitbart News ’ s Washington Political Editor Matthew Boyle in an exclusive interview that the passage of the USMCA is a “ huge win ” for “ American workers and American farmers.
” “ It is a historic achievement following decades of shuttered factories and lost jobs in the wake of NAFTA , ” the vice president told Breitbart News .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would renegotiate our trading agreement with Canada and Mexico , ” Pence continued .
“ I think the vote you saw in the House of Representatives , the vote you saw in the United States Senate , gave evidence to the fact that even Democrats in Washington recognize that this is a win for the American people and would not have been possible except for the leadership and determination of President Donald Trump , ” he added .

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) are upset that the U.S.-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) agreement, which passed in the U.S. Senate on Thursday, does not contain “a single damn mention of ‘climate change.'”
Sanders wrote on Twitter, “250 pages. 37,500 words. Not a single damn mention of ‘climate change,'” then proclaimed that “Trump’s NAFTA is a giveaway to the fossil fuel industry.”
“I voted NO because the future of our planet is more important than the short-term profits of Exxon Mobil and Chevron,” he asserted alongside a video detailing his decision.
He stated in the video:
So here you have an existential threat to the future of America, to the future of our entire planet, and what the scientists are telling us, we have very few years to get our act together to take on the fossil fuel industry, to transform our energy system away from fossil fuel to energy efficiency and sustainable energy. And here you have a major trade agreement, which, in fact, will make it easier for the large oil companies to destroy our planet from Mexico.
250 pages. 37,500 words. Not a single damn mention of “climate change.” Trump’s NAFTA is a giveaway to the fossil fuel industry. I voted NO because the future of our planet is more important than the short-term profits of Exxon Mobil and Chevron. pic.twitter.com/YgSZcigjjX — Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) January 17, 2020
Sanders has suggested on the campaign trail that fossil fuel executives are “probably criminally liable” for climate change, and he has expressed interest in potentially prosecuting them.
“Socialist Bernie Sanders just proudly voted AGAINST new jobs and higher wages for Americans workers,” the Trump campaign wrote in an email to supporters in reaction to Sanders’ position.
“Sanders is willing to sacrifice blue-collar jobs and better wages, even as he enjoys flying fossil fuel burning private jets on an almost daily basis,” it continued.
Ocasio-Cortez, who endorsed Sanders’ presidential bid, concurred with Sanders’ sentiments about the USMCA, calling it a “carbon emissions nightmare.”
“Trump’s NAFTA 2.0 is an enormous, multinational prize for climate deniers and the fossil fuel industry,” she claimed.
“It’s a carbon emissions nightmare that locks the US in for YEARS & blocks whoever wins the presidency in 2020 from negotiating a better deal,” she continued. “It’s a bad idea, folks”:
Trump’s NAFTA 2.0 is an enormous, multinational prize for climate deniers and the fossil fuel industry. It’s a carbon emissions nightmare that locks the US in for YEARS & blocks whoever wins the presidency in 2020 from negotiating a better deal. It’s a bad idea, folks. https://t.co/tL3gmh0pv3 — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) January 17, 2020
The Senate passed the USMCA on Thursday, voting 89 to 10, thereby sending the tremendous legislative achievement to President Trump’s desk. Even the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the agreement on bipartisan lines, 358-41, last month.
As Breitbart News reported:
The USMCA maintains much of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), but will usher in new trade considerations, such as 75 percent of vehicle parts must be made in the three countries to be tariff-free. Additionally, 45 percent of car parts must be made by workers earning a $16 hourly wage. Further, the deal will expand U.S. farmers’ access to Canada’s dairy market.
Vice President Mike Pence told Breitbart News’s Washington Political Editor Matthew Boyle in an exclusive interview that the passage of the USMCA is a “huge win” for “American workers and American farmers.”
“It is a historic achievement following decades of shuttered factories and lost jobs in the wake of NAFTA,” the vice president told Breitbart News.
“President Trump as a candidate promised we would renegotiate our trading agreement with Canada and Mexico,” Pence continued.
“I think the vote you saw in the House of Representatives, the vote you saw in the United States Senate, gave evidence to the fact that even Democrats in Washington recognize that this is a win for the American people and would not have been possible except for the leadership and determination of President Donald Trump,” he added.


bonginoreport--2020-01-18--Nancy Pelosi Reiterates that She Wants Trump To “Know That He Is Impeached Forever”

On Friday ’ s broadcast of HBO ’ s “ Real Time , ” Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi @ @ @ @ @ if President Trump is listening to her , she would “ want him to know @ @ @ @ @ ” Pelosi said , “ [ I ] f the president is listening , I @ @ @ @ @ that he is impeached forever .
And he is impeached forever because he used the @ @ @ @ @ to influence a foreign country for his personal and political benefit .
In doing so @ @ @ @ @ security .
He was disloyal to his oath of office to protect the Constitution , @ @ @ @ @ the integrity of our election , and that , I mean , really he gave @ @ @ @ @

On Friday’s broadcast of HBO’s “Real Time,” Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) stated that if President Trump is listening to her, she would “want him to know that he is impeached forever.”
Pelosi said, “[I]f the president is listening, I would want him to know that he is impeached forever. And he is impeached forever because he used the office of president to try to influence a foreign country for his personal and political benefit. In doing so, he undermined our national security. He was disloyal to his oath of office to protect the Constitution, and he placed in jeopardy the integrity of our election, and that, I mean, really he gave us no choice.”
Follow Ian Hanchett on Twitter @IanHanchett