rollcall--2020-01-10--Photos of the week

Photos of the week

Sen. Kelly Loeffler , R-Ga. , and her husband Jeffrey Sprecher wait for Vice President Mike Pence to arrive for @ @ @ @ @ cameras in the Capitol on Monday .
Loeffler was appointed by Gov .
Kemp to @ @ @ @ @ 's seat .
( Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call ) We hope everyone got some rest @ @ @ @ @ is back .
The new session of Congress kicked off with a new senator , @ @ @ @ @ and fears of a possible war with Iran .
Get breaking news alerts and more @ @ @ @ @ iPhone .

We hope everyone got some rest over the holidays because Congress is back. The new session of Congress kicked off with a new senator, a little bit of snow and fears of a possible war with Iran.
A work crew vacuums the peak of Alexander Calder'’s "Mountains and Clouds" installation in the atrium of the Hart Senate Office Building on Monday evening. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., walks back to his office after the Senate Republicans leadership weekly press conference in the Capitol on Tuesday. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
Sen. Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., covers up with a scarf as he takes a walk in the snow outside the Capitol on Tuesday. A brief snowstorm passed through Washington in the afternoon forcing the federal government to close early. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., left, jokes with Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, as Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa., looks on, after a meeting of the House Republican Conference in the Capitol on Wednesday. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
A photojournalist takes photos of the monitor in the Rayburn subway as President Donald Trump speaks about Iran on Wednesday. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
Rep. Bill Johnson, R-Ohio, stands in his Capitol Hill office watching President Donald Trump speak about Iran on Wednesday. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo (upper left) waits to speak at the microphones as Senate Foreign Relations ranking member Bob Menendez, D-N.J., (right) speaks to the cameras following a briefing for senators on Iran on Wednesday. Pompeo left the Capitol as Menendez kept speaking. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
Secretary of Defense Mark Esper leaves the Capitol after a briefing on Iran with senators on Wednesday. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, checks his watch while waiting for Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., to wrap up a press conference which was running late in the Senate Radio/TV studio on Thursday. Risch, with Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, was waiting to hold a press conference on USMCA. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
A protester dressed as President Donald Trump holds a sign which reads "“I can start a war if I want to"” participates in the “No War With Iran” rally outside the Capitol as Congress prepares to vote on the war powers resolution on Thursday evening. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)


rollcall--2020-01-10--Reapportionment could force a Rhode Island showdown

Rhode Island Reps. David Cicilline , left , and Jim Langevin may have to duke it in a primary in 2022 with their state projected to lose a seat after the next census .
( Tom Williams/Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photos ) This year ’ s census will likely prompt a political showdown between longtime members of Congress in the nation ’ s smallest state .
An analysis based on Census Bureau population projections has Rhode Island losing its second congressional seat in 2022 , one of 10 states that could lose representation in Congress .
The projections show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ congressional seats , according to an analysis from Election Data Services .
The Ocean State stands 14,000 residents shy of the seat , or about one percent of its population .
Rhode Island would be the latest state to have at-large representation , which would force a decision for its two current House members : Democrats David Cicilline and Jim Langevin .
The last time a state went at-large , in 1992 , incumbent Montana Reps. Pat Williams and Ron Marlenee duked it out at the ballot box .
Williams , a Democrat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been coy about their plans come 2022 — there ’ s an election this year after all — but some in the state said Cicilline may have the edge in a primary .
Over the last several years , the former Providence mayor has taken a more prominent role in the House , frequently defending Democratic priorities in national media and becoming chairman of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee .
“ It would be a competitive race , and it could go either way , ” Democratic strategist Rob Horowitz told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be the favorite .
He has far more visibility , fits in better with a far younger , and more liberal , primary electorate.
” Cicilline , who was first elected in 2010 , has staked out a base in the more densely populated eastern half of the state .
He plays a prominent role in the House majority ’ s legislation on LGBTQ issues and election security , as well as oversight of the Trump administration .
Langevin took office in 2001 representing the slightly more Republican western portion of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voice on defense issues in the House , and chairs the Armed Services Intelligence , Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee .
Langevin ’ s position on abortion — he ’ s stated he ’ s opposed to it , but has also come out in favor of exceptions for rape and incest and backs contraceptive access — has given him a mixed record among anti-abortion and abortion rights groups .
Much of his tenure has been focused on local issues , according to political science professor Wendy Schiller of Brown University .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a very locally known person who has focused on issues like mental health and gun control in Langevin versus Cicilline , who has taken on a lot of national issues as well as local appropriations , trying to bring money back for Rhode Island , ” Schiller said .
Schiller pointed out that by 2022 , Cicilline could have a more prominent role in House leadership , setting up a sharper contrast with the locally focused Langevin .
“ Voters aren ’ t just going to be thinking , ‘ Nationally , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because he is so prominent.
’ They are going to be thinking about who has done the most for Rhode Island , ” she said .
For their part , Langevin and Cicilline said they won ’ t worry about 2022 until after getting through 2020 .
“ It ’ s too early , I haven ’ t thought about it yet , ” Langevin told CQ Roll Call .
“ Right now , I ’ m focused on doing my job and getting reelected in 2020.
” Analyses by EDS and others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gaining the 435th seat in Congress with margins of a few thousand residents either way .
Kim Brace , the president of EDS , said it will come down to how well the census is conducted “ and that will dictate how the final apportionment happens .
If there are undercounts in some places , that may cause things to change.
” That ’ s driven many states on the bubble for losing seats to invest heavily in census outreach efforts .
Rhode Island ’ s governor last year devoted more than $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committee to coordinate census efforts .
One of the state ’ s two Democratic senators , Jack Reed , currently ranking member on Armed Services , said the loss of a seat would push the remaining three Ocean State members to closely coordinate on issues for the state .
“ My hope frankly is , because we are very , very close , our first effort is to get everyone counted , ” Reed said .
Reed and the state ’ s junior senator , Sheldon Whitehouse , have helped the state punch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , the loss of any congressional seat comes with a corresponding loss in federal funding and votes to secure projects in the House .
“ Every representative secures some benefit for their district and in a small state , a grant like $ 50,000 or $ 100,000 can make a huge difference , ” Schiller said .
Cicilline put it another way to CQ Roll Call .
“ My focus really is on getting everyone in Rhode Island counted , ” he said .
“ Mr .
Langevin and I will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Rhode Island that matters .
”

This year’s census will likely prompt a political showdown between longtime members of Congress in the nation’s smallest state.
An analysis based on Census Bureau population projections has Rhode Island losing its second congressional seat in 2022, one of 10 states that could lose representation in Congress. The projections show a tight margin for the last few congressional seats, according to an analysis from Election Data Services. The Ocean State stands 14,000 residents shy of the seat, or about 1 percent of its population.
Rhode Island would be the latest state to have at-large representation, which would force a decision for its two current House members: Democrats David Cicilline and Jim Langevin. The last time a state went at-large, in 1992, incumbent Montana Reps. Pat Williams and Ron Marlenee duked it out at the ballot box. Williams, a Democrat, won.
Both Cicilline and Langevin have been coy about their plans come 2022 — there’s an election this year after all — but some in the state said Cicilline may have the edge in a primary. Over the last several years, the former Providence mayor has taken a more prominent role in the House, frequently defending Democratic priorities in national media and becoming chairman of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee.
“It would be a competitive race, and it could go either way,” Democratic strategist Rob Horowitz told CQ Roll Call. “But Cicilline would be the favorite. He has far more visibility, fits in better with a far younger, and more liberal, primary electorate.”


rollcall--2020-01-10--Even after the Senate trial begins, the House could still add more impeachment articles

House Judiciary Chairman Hatton W. Sumners , left , confers with Speaker William Bankhead .
Sumners sought to amend articles of impeachment in 1936 against Judge Halsted L. Ritter , establishing a precedent .
( Courtesy Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division ) House Democrats are preparing to send two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump to the Senate , but they still could add more — even after the Senate trial begins .
If the House managers appointed next week found evidence to support additional articles of impeachment against the president , whether from potential witness testimony @ @ @ @ @ @ @ means , they could march back across the Capitol and seek an amended impeachment article resolution on the House floor .
While there is no reason to suspect House Democrats would add new charges , a precedent referenced in Jefferson ’ s Manual from the 1936 judicial impeachment of Halsted L. Ritter , who had been a federal judge based in Palm Beach County , Florida , appears to give them that power .
On March 2 , 1936 , the House adopted four articles of impeachment against Ritter , including on allegations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law after joining the federal bench .
The House worked through procedural steps to prepare for the impeachment trial for the rest of the week , and the Senate received the House impeachment managers the following Tuesday .
But , as outlined in the Congressional Record , that was not the end of the House ’ s work .
Having discovered additional evidence , including more clarity about the scope of Ritter ’ s continued private legal work ( as well as evidence of income tax evasion ) , the House managers sought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ judge .
House Judiciary Chairman Hatton W. Sumners , D-Texas , brought a new privileged impeachment resolution to the House floor on March 30 .
The resolution proposed amending some of the original articles .
It also proposed three new articles ( one regarding his legal practice and two about the tax issues ) .
Sumners said during the floor debate that the proposed amendments came from the House managers , rather than from the Judiciary Committee .
Asked by House Minority Leader Bertrand Snell of New York whether it would be “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up the new articles , Sumners said that wasn ’ t the case .
“ I do not think it is at all necessary , for this reason : The managers are now acting as the agents of the House , and not as the agents of the Committee on the Judiciary , ” Sumners said .
During the same floor debate , he explained that the changes were not all prompted by facts not previously in evidence , but that appeared to be the source of most of the updates in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Perhaps it would not be true to answer that entirely in the affirmative , but the changes are made largely by reason of new evidence which has come to the attention of the committee , and some of the changes , more or less changes in form , have resulted from further examination of the question , ” he said .
“ This is somewhat as lawyers do in their pleadings .
They often ask the privilege of making an amendment.
” The resolution to amend the articles of impeachment was ultimately adopted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resolution directing the House clerk to notify the Senate of the amended charges , as well as of the House ’ s grant of authority of managers to present exhibits about the new material .
The record of the Ritter case shows that House members did not intend to introduce entirely new crimes into the Senate trial after it had already started , but the precedent set would not seem to preclude that either .
“ I intend to let this go through , but I do not want a practice established here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that this House informally , without notice , and without consideration , vote on new specific charges on which a man is to be tried in the Senate , ” said Michigan GOP Rep. Earl Michener .
Ritter was ultimately convicted by the Senate on only one of the seven counts presented against him , but that was enough to remove him from office on April 16 , 1936 .
Get breaking news alerts and more from Roll Call on your iPhone .

House Democrats are preparing to send two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump to the Senate, but they still could add more — even after the Senate trial begins.
If the House managers appointed next week found evidence to support additional articles of impeachment against the president, whether from potential witness testimony on the Senate floor or through other means, they could march back across the Capitol and seek an amended impeachment article resolution on the House floor.
While there is no reason to suspect House Democrats would add new charges, a precedent referenced in Jefferson’s Manual from the 1936 judicial impeachment of Halsted L. Ritter, who had been a federal judge based in Palm Beach County, Florida, appears to give them that power.
On March 2, 1936, the House adopted four articles of impeachment against Ritter, including on allegations that he had continued the practice of law after joining the federal bench. The House worked through procedural steps to prepare for the impeachment trial for the rest of the week, and the Senate received the House impeachment managers the following Tuesday.
But, as outlined in the Congressional Record, that was not the end of the House’s work.


rollcall--2020-01-10--Chris Allen, Senate Finance Committee GOP tax aide, has died

Chris Allen , right , with Sen. Pat Roberts , R-Kan. , in an undated photo .
( Courtesy Sen. Pat Roberts ) Chris Allen , a Senate Finance Committee GOP tax aide , has died , according to his former boss , Sen. Pat Roberts , R-Kan. “ Chris was beloved by everyone who had the privilege of meeting him , ” Roberts said in a statement .
“ He had a brilliant mind , a generosity of spirit and a passion for serving the country in the United States Senate .
His gentle soul made him an amazing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and friend.
” Allen died Thursday night , according to Roberts ’ office .
A cause of death was not immediately available .
Allen served as legislative assistant for tax issues under Roberts from 2011 to 2018 , before he moved to the Finance Committee staff .
Allen handled pensions and tax-exempt organizations issues under Finance Chairman Charles E. Grassley , R-Iowa .
“ Chris was a public servant who brought a deep well of knowledge to his work , and he will leave behind a legacy of impact on so many lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his expertise , competence and hard work , ” Grassley said in a statement .
Allen also served as senior economic policy adviser for Roberts .
Prior to working on Roberts ’ staff , Allen worked as a consultant , as director of government relations for the Financial Accounting Foundation and as director of federal relations for the National Association of State Treasurers , according to a January 2019 Finance Committee press release on Grassley ’ s policy team for the 116th Congress .
Allen was a top committee aide dealing with overhauling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plans serving mostly union members short of cash and in danger of insolvency in the coming years .
Grassley has been working on a plan to shore up the federal pension insurer , the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation , with Senate Health , Education , Labor and Pensions Chairman Lamar Alexander , R-Tenn .
It wasn ’ t yet clear who would fill Allen ’ s shoes in working on that effort .
Allen received a bachelor ’ s degree in political science in 1984 from Loyola College in Maryland and a master @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hopkins University .
He was 58 years old , according to Roberts ’ office .
Get breaking news alerts and more from Roll Call on your iPhone .

Chris Allen, a Senate Finance Committee GOP tax aide, has died, according to his former boss, Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan.
“Chris was beloved by everyone who had the privilege of meeting him,” Roberts said in a statement. “He had a brilliant mind, a generosity of spirit and a passion for serving the country in the United States Senate. His gentle soul made him an amazing husband, father, son, brother and friend.”
Allen died Thursday night, according to Roberts’ office. A cause of death was not immediately available.
Allen served as legislative assistant for tax issues under Roberts from 2011 to 2018, before he moved to the Finance Committee staff. Allen handled pensions and tax-exempt organizations issues under Finance Chairman Charles E. Grassley, R-Iowa.
“Chris was a public servant who brought a deep well of knowledge to his work, and he will leave behind a legacy of impact on so many lives that he was able to improve with his expertise, competence and hard work,” Grassley said in a statement.


rollcall--2020-01-10--Watch: Capitol Police are ‘West Wing’ fans, too

Even Capitol Police are fans of “ The West Wing.
” Actor Martin Sheen , best known in D.C. for @ @ @ @ @ Aaron Sorkin ’ s classic NBC drama , was on the Hill on Friday for @ @ @ @ @ ’ s weekly climate protests .
Sheen and actor Joaquin Phoenix were apprehended by Capitol @ @ @ @ @ protesters moved to the Capitol steps .
According to a spokesperson for Capitol Police , @ @ @ @ @ unlawful demonstration .

Even Capitol Police are fans of “The West Wing.”
Actor Martin Sheen, best known in D.C. for playing President Jed Bartlet in Aaron Sorkin’s classic NBC drama, was on the Hill on Friday for the last of Jane Fonda’s weekly climate protests. Sheen and actor Joaquin Phoenix were apprehended by Capitol Police after the crowd of protesters moved to the Capitol steps. According to a spokesperson for Capitol Police, 147 people were arrested for unlawful demonstration.


rollcall--2020-01-10--John Boehner among GOP allies urging leniency for Chris Collins

Former Speaker John A. Boehner is among a robust contingent of Republicans who want a judge to give convicted former Rep. Chris Collins ’ a break on prison time .
The requests for leniency say the New York Republican is a dedicated public servant , father and friend .
But the attempt from current and former GOP lawmakers runs contrary to calls from Collins ’ former constituents in the 27th Congressional District of New York who say he deserves the maximum penalty for an egregious breach of the public ’ s trust .
Collins will be sentenced Jan. 17 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on an insider trading charge and for making false statements to the FBI .
Although sentencing guidelines call for Collins to serve anywhere from 46-to-57 months in federal prison , his lawyers argue the 69-year-old should not go to jail , but instead be subject to probation with conditions of a significant house arrest term and extensive community service , along with a substantial fine .
The U.S .
Probation Office recommended Collins spend one year and one day in jail , a supervised release term and a $ 200,000 fine .
Judge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of New York will ultimately decide how much time Collins spends in prison .
Along with his family , several members of Congress wrote supportive letters addressed to Broderick , lauding Collins ’ integrity and character .
Boehner wrote that Collins is not only a former colleague , but a friend and neighbor .
The two have kept in contact since the Ohio Republican left Congress in 2015 and are neighbors on Marco Island in Florida .
Boehner noted that Collins supported his speakership at a time when it wasn ’ t popular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Boehner also describes Collins as a person of loyalty and courage .
“ As human beings , we make mistakes and errors of judgment , and we have to accept the consequences that come with our mistakes and our errors of judgment , ” Boehner wrote .
“ Chris , I believe , would be the first to agree with this .
I write today simply in hopes of sharing my experience with Chris as a fellow American and friend.
” Collins served on the board of an Australian biotechnology company , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the company ’ s multiple sclerosis drug , MIS416 , failed a critical drug trial .
Collins was notified of the drug ’ s failure through an email when he was attending the Congressional Picnic at the White House .
Collins subsequently notified his son , Cameron , of the confidential test results so he and others could unload their shares in Innate before the news became public and the stock plummeted .
This allowed those Collins tipped off to avoid $ 768,000 in losses .
Collins did not dump his own Innate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
When Collins was indicted in August of 2018 he called the charges against him “ meritless ” and said he would put forth a “ vigorous defense ” to clear his name .
Rep. Billy Long described Collins as a friend who cared deeply for his constituents .
Long also included a unique anecdote about Collins .
“ My Great Uncle Paul Pickering lived in Kansas City and worked for the Kansas City Star for years .
When Paul would run across someone who talked to excess , he would surmise that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been vaccinated with a Victrola needle , ” the Missouri Republican wrote .
“ When I met Chris Collins , the first thing I thought of was Uncle Paul .
I thought Paul would have said , ‘ this guy must have been vaccinated with a Victrola needle.
’ It was like he had Tourette Syndrome minus the cuss words.
” Reps. Peter T. King of New York , Brian Babin of Texas , Richard Hudson of North Carolina , Roger Williams of Texas , Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma , and Tom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in support of Collins .
Others Republicans who wrote in on Collins ’ behalf include former Reps. Jack Kingston of Georgia , Todd Rokita of Indiana , Renee Ellmers of North Carolina and Luke Messer of Indiana .
“ Chris has a big personality .
Without question , he is a talker .
But , in my seven plus years of knowing Chris , my overriding impression of him was this : Chris is a good man , who loves his family and wants to make a difference for his country , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a loyal friend .
And , Chris Collins has experienced an extraordinary career of service as both a businessman and an elected office holder.
” Collins ’ wife , Mary , penned a lengthy plea for mercy to Broderick , noting that Collins has always been an “ awesome ” father , grandfather , husband , brother and son to his family who makes them feel safe and secure .
“ Our family has suffered terribly since the beginning of this ordeal .
It has impacted all of us to an extent that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Mary wrote .
“ As a mother and wife , I find myself reduced often to uncontrollable tears .
Chris has been so devastated and ashamed of his actions that he finds it hard to go back home to Buffalo , where my whole world is.
” “ He has resigned from Congress and will always be known as the disgraced former Congressman who plead guilty to a felony , ” she later wrote .
Innate ’ s CEO at the time of Collins ’ crime , Simon Wilkinson , also wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was shocked to learn of the allegations made against Mr. Collins last year , ” Wilkinson wrote .
“ Given Mr. Collins personal wealth , I can only think that he had something akin to a ‘ brain explosion ’ upon learning of the completely unexpected clinical trial result.
” Many who were represented by Collins in Congress don ’ t think he should get off easy for his criminal actions .
Eric and Virginia Baker say they feel betrayed by Collins and want him to repay his salary and relinquish his pension @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sentencing , you recognize and consider this egregious fraud on the people of the NY 27th Congressional District and the American taxpayers , ” the Bakers wrote .
“ ... we suggest that he also be required to repay his salary from the date of his indictment until his resignation and to forfeit his taxpayer pension .
An example needs to be set that he is not above the law.
” Nathan McMurray , a Democrat who unsuccessfully challenged Collins for his congressional seat in 2018 , also called for Collins to pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indicted and forfeit his pension .
“ A district has been denied its due representation in Congress ; an individual of great promise , a fellow Eagle Scout no less , betrayed his constituents and will forever have his name tainted , ” McMurray wrote of Collins .
Another constituent , Linda Stevens , wrote in opposition to leniency and that Collins lied to his district .
“ I have never written a letter like this but I find it appalling on so many levels on what Mr. Collins has done to my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I feel duped and angry !
” Anna Burakowski , who lives in the 27th Congressional District , asked Broderick to impose the “ stiffest sentence possible ” on Collins .
“ There were people who had money invested in this stock and lost their money , ” Burakowski wrote .
“ His insider trading is a crime , period !
”

Former Speaker John A. Boehner is among a robust contingent of Republicans who want a judge to give convicted former Rep. Chris Collins a break on prison time.
The requests for leniency say the New York Republican is a dedicated public servant, father and friend. But the attempt from current and former GOP lawmakers runs contrary to calls from Collins’ former constituents in the 27th Congressional District of New York who say he deserves the maximum penalty for an egregious breach of the public’s trust.
Collins will be sentenced Jan. 17 in New York City for his guilty pleas on an insider trading charge and for making false statements to the FBI. Although sentencing guidelines call for Collins to serve anywhere from 46-to-57 months in federal prison, his lawyers argue the 69-year-old should not go to jail, but instead be subject to probation with conditions of a significant house arrest term and extensive community service, along with a substantial fine.
The U.S. Probation Office recommended Collins spend one year and one day in jail, a supervised release term and a $200,000 fine. Judge Vernon S. Broderick of the Southern District of New York will ultimately decide how much time Collins spends in prison.
Along with his family, several members of Congress wrote supportive letters addressed to Broderick, lauding Collins’ integrity and character.


rollcall--2020-01-10--Forgive our lawmakers for falling short: Congressional Hits and Misses

A photojournalist takes photos of the TV monitor in the Capitol ’ s Rayburn subway stop as President Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ .
( Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call ) In closing out the first session of the @ @ @ @ @ of 2020 , House Chaplain Patrick J. Conroy asked for “ forgiveness ” when “ @ @ @ @ @ have fallen short.
” If that ’ s any indication of what ’ s to @ @ @ @ @ 2020 , we ’ re in for a long year .
Get breaking news alerts @ @ @ @ @ on your iPhone .

In closing out the first session of the 116th Congress at the beginning of 2020, House Chaplain Patrick J. Conroy asked for “forgiveness” when “the efforts of this Congress have fallen short.” If that’s any indication of what’s to come for the rest of 2020, we’re in for a long year.


rollcall--2020-01-10--Money flows to Kansas Senate campaign with Pompeo out of the race

Kansas Rep. Roger Marshall is vying for front-liner status in the Republican primary for Senate after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo bowed out .
( Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call file photo ) Kansas Rep. Roger Marshall on Friday reported a surge of money into his campaign for Senate in the three days since Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he would not enter the race .
The $ 250,000 the Marshall campaign said it raised since Pompeo made his decision Tuesday is more than two of his top challengers for the Republican nomination — former Kansas City Chiefs defensive end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State Kris Kobach — raised in the third quarter , which ended in September .
Disclosures for fourth-quarter activity are due Jan. 31 .
“ I am honored by the support and momentum we ’ ve gained this week , ” Marshall said in a statement .
“ We ’ re ready to keep this seat red .
Game on.
” Lindstrom , Kobach and state Senate President Susan Wagle , another leading Republican contender , have not released data from the same three-day period .
But Lindstrom ’ s campaign manager , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up .
“ Some folks who were sitting on the sidelines are definitely starting to engage now that the Pompeo question has been eliminated , ” he said .
Marshall ’ s disclosure , through a campaign press release , provides the first clue to how the race for the GOP nomination could shake out now that Pompeo has taken himself out of consideration , potentially attracting a flood of money from national Republicans worried that the remaining candidates will not be able to keep the seat of retiring Sen. Pat Roberts in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ L. Gonzales changed its rating of the race this week from Solid Republican to Leans Republican .
Pompeo , who won four terms in the House before joining the Trump administration , had been seen as the GOP ’ s best hope of holding the seat and was courted for months by national Republicans .
His recent meetings with potential donors fueled speculation that he was about to launch a bid — and made it difficult for other candidates to raise money .
Marshall , currently in his second term representing the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far led the field in fundraising .
He entered the race with more than $ 1 million on hand from his House campaign and ended the third quarter with $ 1.9 million in the bank , compared to $ 494,000 for Wagle , $ 240,000 for Lindstrom and $ 198,000 for Kobach .
But it is unclear how the field will shift in the coming months .
National Republicans have made no secret of their dislike of Kobach , a polarizing figure who they fear could win the primary but would be unable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the general .
Kobach was the GOP nominee for governor in 2018 but lost the election to moderate Democrat Laura Kelly by 5 points .
Kobach told CQ Roll Call that such assessments failed to take into account the different dynamics at play in a Senate race , when voters are typically more concerned about the national issues .
The former secretary of state has built a national brand in recent years with hard-line positions on immigration and voter fraud that made him an ally of President Donald Trump .
“ All too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to micromanage , and they often get it wrong , ” Kobach said .
“ It is a little bit presumptuous for Washington establishment leaders to declare to Kansas voters who should represent the Kansas Republican Party.
” Kobach said he was not concerned about Marshall 's fundraising advantage , pointing out that he had won campaigns against better-funded opponents before .
Wagle ’ s campaign could not be reached for comment .
Republican strategists have raised concerns about Marshall ’ s conservative bona fides and his ability to match Kobach ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winning his first term in the House in 2016 , Marshall unseated tea party hard-liner Tim Huelskamp in a GOP primary .
The Senate Leadership Fund , a super PAC aligned with Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell , is “ monitoring ” the race but has not made any determination beyond declaring that Kobach should not be the nominee , spokesman Jack Pandol said .
“ Nothing is off the table but also no decisions have been made about whether or how we get involved , ” he added .
The Democrats ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a former Republican , announced this week that she had raised $ 1.1 million in the last three months of the year .
Get breaking news alerts and more from Roll Call on your iPhone .

Kansas Rep. Roger Marshall on Friday reported a surge of money into his campaign for Senate in the three days since Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he would not enter the race.
The $250,000 the Marshall campaign said it raised since Pompeo made his decision Tuesday is more than two of his top challengers for the Republican nomination — former Kansas City Chiefs defensive end David Lindstrom and former Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach — raised in the third quarter, which ended in September. Disclosures for fourth-quarter activity are due Jan. 31.
“I am honored by the support and momentum we’ve gained this week,” Marshall said in a statement. “We’re ready to keep this seat red. Game on.”
Lindstrom, Kobach and state Senate President Susan Wagle, another leading Republican contender, have not released data from the same three-day period. But Lindstrom’s campaign manager, Karl Hansen, said fundraising had picked up.
“Some folks who were sitting on the sidelines are definitely starting to engage now that the Pompeo question has been eliminated,” he said.


rollcall--2020-01-10--‘Eliminated’ Soleimani and ‘booming’ economy: Takeaways from Trump’s first 2020 rally

ANALYSIS — “ Hello , Toledo , ” President Donald Trump told an arena full of supporters Thursday night as he made clear he believes the Buckeye State is now solidly GOP territory .
“ We love Toledo , you remember , I was here a lot , ” Trump said at the top of another raucous campaign rally .
“ You remember 2016 — what a year that was , right ?
” He then sold the event as if he was giving his Ohio supporters a gift rather than asking for their votes again .
“ And 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no doubt , ” the president said less than 10 months from Election Day .
“ But I ’ m thrilled to hold the first rally of 2020 right here in the great state of Ohio ... as we begin the new year.
” His backers , many waving “ Keep America Great ” and “ Trump-Pence ” signs , roared their approval .
The president hit House Democrats hard , mocked some of the leading Democratic candidates who want to take his job and offered no evidence to support some new claims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Here are three takeaways from his first reelection rally of this election year .
The commander in chief did not shy away from discussing and defending his decision to kill Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani , who had led Iran ’ s lethal Quds Force .
It is part of the Revolutionary Guard Corps that Trump in April dubbed a terrorist organization .
“ These sadistic mass murderer Qassem Soleimani planned and executed attacks against American targets , killing and wounding thousands of U.S. servicemembers and many many thousands and even hundreds of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ Soleimani was actively planning new attacks and he was looking very seriously at our embassies — and not just the embassy in Baghdad , but we stopped him and we stopped him quickly and we stopped him cold , ” Trump said , flashing his signature bravado a day after inviting Tehran back to the nuclear negotiating table .
“ So at my direction , the United States military eliminated Qassem Soleimani and ended his rampage through not only that part of the world , but much bigger parts of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” A senior administration official told CQ Roll Call on Friday that “ the intelligence we had , which was very strong , showed that Soleimani and those he was plotting with were looking to kill American diplomats and soldiers in significant numbers.
” Secretary of State Mike Pompeo echoed that during a rare White House briefing a few hours later , during which he echoed Trump by saying additional Soleimani-planned attacks on U.S. embassies and other American targets were “ imminent.
” But National Security Action , an organization founded by former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that claim in a list of alleged administration “ lies ” it blasted out Friday morning .
“ So far , the administration has been unwilling or unable to offer any evidence publicly or even in classified Congressional briefings to suggest that Soleimani was planning an imminent strike — a necessity for the attack to be legal under U.S. and international law , ” the Democratic group said in a statement .
“ Even senior Members of the Intelligence Committees , which are able to access even the most sensitive intelligence , have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case.
” The president and his campaign aides have proven adept at analyzing polling data , so it likely wasn ’ t a coincidence that he focused his Toledo attacks on Democratic presidential candidates on Sens .
Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren .
After all , Sanders has been surging .
And Trump often uses rallies to go after the Democratic candidate he sees as , on that night , his likely general election foe .
The Vermont independent , according to a RealClearPolitics average of several polls , has taken the lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iowa and New Hampshire .
Those leads are thin , but political strategists have long said if a candidate not named Joe Biden can win one or both of those states , the nomination race could become a two-candidate fight between that individual and the former vice president .
Biden holds a nearly double-digit national lead , according to RealClear ’ s average of a list of polls .
Trump on Sanders : “ He ( Soleimani ) loved planting the roadside bomb so now he ’ s gone and that ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ Crazy Bernie ’ — has condemned the U.S. military strike on Soleimani , the world ’ s top terrorist.
” Trump on Warren ( and Biden ) : “ It 's like my job .
I try and watch the competition , but it 's like watching death .
Those debates are boring .
… I mean , you have some real beauties .
You see where ‘ Pocahontas ’ is slipping badly and Bernie … is going up .
He 's surging , Bernie is .
‘ Crazy Bernie , ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know the difference between Iran and Iraq.
” The president could have further fired up the crowd in Toledo by going straight into his Soleimani targeted killing sales pitch , which they later bathed in loud cheers .
But , instead , he led with what his campaign aides say will be his top selling point for the next 10 months .
“ Our economy is booming , ” the president said minutes after taking the stage .
“ Wages are soaring , workers are thriving and America ’ s future has never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , calling America the economic “ envy of the world.
” His Democratic rivals , however , disagree .
While they have differences on how they , if elected , would implement economic policies , Democrats say the U.S. economy benefits mostly those at the top of the wealth scale and large corporations .
They are betting that enough suburban and urban voters are feeling the squeeze of what they call a major income inequality crisis to offset Trump ’ s popularity in rural areas .
Still , polls show voters give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handling of the economy .
“ As has remained the case during his term in office , Trump receives higher approval on his management of the economy than he does on his job rating overall as president , ” the Gallup organization wrote in a summary of a recent poll .
“ The 57 percent approving of Trump ’ s handling of the economy is , by 1 percentage point , his best as president .
It is also improved from his prior two readings — 50 percent in May and 53 percent @ @ @ @

ANALYSIS — “Hello, Toledo,” President Donald Trump told an arena full of supporters Thursday night as he made clear he believes the Buckeye State is now solidly GOP territory.
“We love Toledo, you remember, I was here a lot,” Trump said at the top of another raucous campaign rally. “You remember 2016 — what a year that was, right?”
He then sold the event as if he was giving his Ohio supporters a gift rather than asking for their votes again.
“And 2020 is going to be even better, no doubt,” the president said less than 10 months from Election Day. “But I’m thrilled to hold the first rally of 2020 right here in the great state of Ohio … as we begin the new year.” His backers, many waving “Keep America Great” and “Trump-Pence” signs, roared their approval.
The president hit House Democrats hard, mocked some of the leading Democratic candidates who want to take his job and offered no evidence to support some new claims about the Iranian general he ordered killed.


rollcall--2020-01-10--Pelosi plans to send impeachment articles to Senate next week

A lone protester holds a sign reading “ let the witnesses speak ” at the House steps on Friday , Jan. 10 , 2020 .
Speaker Nancy Pelosi indicated the House will transmit the two impeachment articles next week .
( Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call ) Speaker Nancy Pelosi indicated Friday that the House will name impeachment managers and transmit the two articles of impeachment to the Senate next week — but first , she wants to gather input from her caucus Tuesday .
“ I have asked Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler to be prepared to bring to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ managers and transmit articles of impeachment to the Senate , ” Pelosi said in a “ Dear Colleague ” letter .
“ I will be consulting with you at our Tuesday House Democratic Caucus meeting on how we proceed further.
” The impeachment articles , which the House approved in December , charge President Donald Trump with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress .
House Democrats have largely backed Pelosi ’ s decision to hold the impeachment articles in the House as she attempted to leverage the Senate into agreeing to procedures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The hold , however , did not convince Senate Republicans to agree to Democrats ’ demands to subpoena documents and four key administration witnesses .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Tuesday he has the votes among his members to pass procedures allowing the trial to start without an agreement on calling witnesses — a decision the Kentucky Republican said would be made after opening arguments .
In her letter , Pelosi bashed McConnell for “ tactics of delay in presenting transparency , disregard for the American people ’ s interest for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” “ Yesterday , he showed his true colors and made his intentions to stonewall a fair trial even clearer by signing on to a resolution that would dismiss the charges , ” the California Democrat added .
“ A dismissal is a cover-up and deprives the American people of the truth.
” Pelosi ’ s decision to consult her caucus before scheduling a vote to name impeachment managers , a step needed before the House can transmit the articles to the Senate , is contrary to other top-down decisions she ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Pelosi kept them in the dark about when she would transmit the articles but most also said they were fine with whatever decision she made .
The speaker has provided regular updates on some concessions she sought from the Senate , most recently telling her caucus Tuesday that she wanted to see the Senate resolution outlining procedures Republicans plan to adopt for the trial .
Pelosi , speaking with reporters Friday morning just before her letter hit inboxes , said she ’ s had “ absolutely total cooperation ” from her Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ articles .
“ It cracks me up to see on TV , ‘ Oh the pressure.
’ Where ’ s the pressure ?
” she said .
“ I have news for them : You don ’ t have a story .
”

Speaker Nancy Pelosi indicated Friday that the House will name impeachment managers and transmit the two articles of impeachment to the Senate next week — but first, she wants to gather input from her caucus Tuesday.
“I have asked Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler to be prepared to bring to the floor next week a resolution to appoint managers and transmit articles of impeachment to the Senate,” Pelosi said in a “Dear Colleague” letter. “I will be consulting with you at our Tuesday House Democratic Caucus meeting on how we proceed further.”
The impeachment articles, which the House approved in December, charge President Donald Trump with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.
House Democrats have largely backed Pelosi’s decision to hold the impeachment articles in the House as she attempted to leverage the Senate into agreeing to procedures for a “fair” trial. The hold, however, did not convince Senate Republicans to agree to Democrats’ demands to subpoena documents and four key administration witnesses.


rollcall--2020-01-10--Authorizing conflict: AUMF and Congress explained

A protester dressed as President Donald Trump participates in the No War With Iran rally outside the U.S. Capitol on @ @ @ @ @ Roll Call ) The United States hasn ’ t officially declared war since World War @ @ @ @ @ such as the Vietnam War , The Gulf War and the War on Terror are @ @ @ @ @ for Use of Military Force , or AUMF Watch as CQ Roll Call ’ s @ @ @ @ @ explains AUMF , how it ’ s used and the implications behind President Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ against Iran .
Get breaking news alerts and more from Roll Call on your iPhone @

The United States hasn’t officially declared war since World War II. Instead, conflicts such as the Vietnam War, The Gulf War and the War on Terror are initiated courtesy of an Authorization for Use of Military Force, or AUMF
Watch as CQ Roll Call’s Foreign Policy reporter Rachel Oswald explains AUMF, how it’s used and the implications behind President Donald Trump’s recent military actions against Iran.


rollcall--2020-01-10--Pompeo walks back comments that appeared to contradict Trump on embassy attacks

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrives at the Capitol on Wednesday to brief members of the House on the situation with Iran .
( Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call ) Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tried Friday to clean up comments from the night before that appeared to contradict President Trump ’ s claim that the Iranian general he had killed was targeting multiple U.S. embassies .
Pompeo told reporters U.S. officials acted on “ specific information on an imminent threat , ” and that the “ threat stream included attacks on U.S. embassies .
… Full stop.
” American officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” but he claimed Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani was planning “ broad , large-scale attacks ” on American targets .
Trump made the claim Thursday night during a campaign rally in Toledo , Ohio .
White House officials have yet , however , to provide information to lawmakers or the public to support that claim .
But in an interview with Fox News aired Thursday night , Pompeo said , “ There was no doubt that there were a series of imminent attacks that were being plotted by Qassem Soleimani .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we don ” t know precisely where , but it was real.
” When pressed for his definition of the word “ imminent , ” Pompeo said , “ This was going to happen.
” He said Trump and other American officials would have been derelict had they not taken out the Quds Force commander .
Treasury Secretary Mnuchin announced at the top of the same White House briefing that new sanctions on Iran that target several of the country ’ s top economic sectors , including mining , textiles , construction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manufacturing .
Collectively , the new economic penalties are meant to “ cut off billion in support ” to Iran ’ s top leaders .
The sanctions are meant to , in part , punish senior Iranian officials who participated in Tuesday night ’ s missile strikes on U.S. military targets inside Iraq , the Treasury secretary said , as well as senior leaders who orchestrate Iran ’ s “ destabilizing actions ” in the region .
Pompeo also said Iran ’ s intent was to “ kill people ” with those Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. have said intelligence information suggests they aimed their missiles away from parts of the bases where U.S. and Iraqi personnel would have been at that time .
Pompeo also said that U.S. officials have determined a Ukrainian airliner that crashed near Tehran ’ s airport a few hours after that strike was downed by an Iranian missile , but he declined to say whether the Trump administration is planning a response .
First , an investigation into the alleged shootdown must be completed , he said .
Once that investigation has produced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world will take appropriate response .
”

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tried Friday to clean up comments from the night before that appeared to contradict President Trump’s claim that the Iranian general he had killed was targeting multiple U.S. embassies.
Pompeo told reporters U.S. officials acted on “specific information on an imminent threat,” and that the “threat stream included attacks on U.S. embassies. … Full stop.”
American officials did not know “exactly which minute,” but he claimed Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani was planning “broad, large-scale attacks” on American targets.
Trump made the claim Thursday night during a campaign rally in Toledo, Ohio. White House officials have yet, however, to provide information to lawmakers or the public to support that claim.
But in an interview with Fox News aired Thursday night, Pompeo said, “There was no doubt that there were a series of imminent attacks that were being plotted by Qassem Soleimani. And we don’t know precisely when and we don”t know precisely where, but it was real.”


rollcall--2020-01-10--Freshman national security Democrats seize political moment

In the hours after the targeted killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani and with concern rapidly mounting about the potential for a direct military confrontation with Iran , several high-profile House liberals announced plans to constrain President Donald Trump ’ s ability to wage war .
But it was a lesser-known and more moderate freshman — Rep. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan , a former CIA analyst who did three tours in Iraq focusing on the country ’ s Iranian-backed Shiite militias — whom Speaker Nancy Pelosi ultimately tapped as the face of Democrats ’ arguments for putting guardrails on Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Slotkin demonstrates the growing influence of a handful of freshman Democrats with experience in the military , Pentagon , State Department , CIA , National Security Council and the like .
As House Democrats grow more emboldened in checking Trump — from war with Iran , to impeachment over the withholding of critical security assistance to Ukraine — they are increasingly relying on these freshmen to make their case .
They bring a credibility to national security issues that can be hard to challenge .
They ’ ve carried rifles in combat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve been on the bridge of ships of war underway at sea ; they ’ ve been in the Situation Room during international crises .
This cohort first attracted serious national attention when seven members penned an op-ed in The Washington Post in September , arguing that withholding security funding from Ukraine while pressuring its president to launch an investigation into a political rival was an impeachable offense .
Since then , their clout has only grown , even in an institution that prioritizes tenure and paying one ’ s dues .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moment , where national security seems to touch every aspect of Trump ’ s agenda .
Want to improve the economy ?
Enter a trade war with China , which the Pentagon identified as America ’ s top military competitor .
Want to alter the flow of immigrants into the country ?
Build a wall , using money from the Defense Department ’ s budget .
But the op-ed , signed by Slotkin , Gil Cisneros of California , Jason Crow of Colorado , Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania , Elaine Luria of Virginia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Abigail Spanberger of Virginia , stands out as a watershed moment of Trump ’ s first term .
“ We thought that a joint effort would send a very strong message , that this was something that went to the core of our national security and defense backgrounds , something that we all share and that has been the basis for our relationship and our time in Congress so far , ” said Crow , a former Army Ranger who served in Iraq and Afghanistan .
The op-ed ’ s outsize influence — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ launched the House ’ s impeachment inquiry — came as a surprise to the authors , Crow said .
“ I don ’ t think any of us thought that it would have a large impact , ” he said .
Some of these freshmen met while campaigning , while others had worked together in security roles for years .
Once elected , they quickly bonded over their shared experiences and started meeting for potlucks , drinks and the occasional morning jog .
They began to communicate via a group text chain .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ national security committees and their sharply focused questions , even coming at the end of long hearings because of their freshman status , have drawn notice for their policy specificity and general incisiveness .
Yet it was another group of first-term Democrats — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York , Ilhan Omar of Minnesota , Ayanna S. Pressley of Massachusetts and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan , known collectively as the “ squad ” — that drew national headlines , an enormous social media following and verbal attacks from Trump and his base .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to open impeachment proceedings over the special counsel report into Russian interference in the 2016 election , the speaker demurred .
And for their part , the national security freshmen were also skeptical .
“ A lot of us had concluded that we had not moved forward in a way after the Mueller report that was compelling enough to bring to our district , ” said Sherrill , a former Navy helicopter pilot .
But that all changed with Ukraine .
“ Immediately , a bright line had been crossed , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pentagon as a Russia nuclear policy officer .
Given that most of the authors had won by modest margins in red districts , their willingness to put their fledgling political careers at risk gave the op-ed even greater significance .
“ If you can say one thing about our group , it ’ s that we are comfortable putting our skin in the game on any issue .
We started doing that at a very young age when we raised our right hands and swore an oath to protect the country , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not going to change now that we are members of Congress.
” Beyond those who signed the op-ed , freshmen with national security experience include Afghanistan veteran Max Rose of New York , former State Department assistant secretary Tom Malinowski of New Jersey and Andy Kim of New Jersey , whose résumé includes stints at Foggy Bottom , the Pentagon and the National Security Council .
These Democrats have pushed for a more thoughtful strategy for responding to Tehran after last fall ’ s Iranian attacks on major Saudi oil facilities .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ misguided and catastrophic ” decision to order the abrupt withdrawal of U.S. troops from northern Syria , exposing Kurdish allies there to attacks by the Turkish army .
The Syria statement was written by Spanberger and Crow after a trip to Turkey , Afghanistan and the Syria-Jordan border with Houlahan , Kim and New York Republican Elise Stefanik .
“ Literally , we sat in the airport and wrote that piece , ” Spanberger said , adding that she and Crow were “ texting back and forth with Houlahan ” who had left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stefanik to the statement edits .
Kim said he looks for common ground and consciously tries to avoid bomb-throwing in policymaking .
“ I don ’ t want people in the Situation Room making decisions about war and sending our armed services men and women into harm ’ s way thinking about what ’ s going to be good for an election or what ’ s going to be good in party politics , ” said Kim , who co-chairs the House Democratic Caucus National Security Task Force along with Crow and Xochitl @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a recent briefing on questions surrounding the administration ’ s decision to kill Soleimani , Crow said he had firsthand knowledge of the general ’ s bloody history .
“ I know what it ’ s like to load wounded American soldiers into the back of trucks in Baghdad in the summer of 2003 that were wounded during IED attacks , ” many that were orchestrated or resulted from training provided by Soleimani , Crow said .
“ But I also know that a shoot-first , ask-questions-later approach rarely turns out well.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most part , been eagerly seized upon by their House colleagues , many of whom have spent their legislative careers focusing on Democrats ’ traditional strengths in domestic policy areas like health care and the environment .
“ When coming up in the military and being a Democrat , you kind of always feel a little bit like an outsider in the national security space , ” said Houlahan , a former Air Force officer .
But with Trump ’ s 2016 election and his radical departure from U.S. foreign policy norms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alliances and opposing authoritarianism , Houlahan , Slotkin , Spanberger and other national security veterans felt a call to a new kind of public service .
“ It ’ s important that people understand that national security voices come from all different parts of the political spectrum , ” Houlahan said .
“ None of us owns patriotism , owns the flag.
” All of this no doubt informed Pelosi ’ s decision to choose Slotkin to offer the war powers resolution ordering an end to unauthorized hostilities with Iran .
The House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ For me , this is not a theoretical exercise , ” said Slotkin , whose son-in-law ’ s military unit was stationed at Ain al-Asad air base in Iraq when it came under Iranian ballistic missile attack this week .
“ I have followed Iran ’ s destabilizing activity in Iraq up close for my entire professional career .
I have watched friends and colleagues hurt or killed by Iranian rockets , mortars and explosive devices.
” Having Slotkin lead the effort sent “ a powerful message that this is something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said Spanberger , a former undercover CIA officer .
“ There is no room to make this a partisan thing with Elissa .
Her motivation is to protect U.S. forces , her motivation is to protect the U.S. homeland because that ’ s what she ’ s always been doing.
” But even as they amass influence , this group of Democrats isn ’ t always in lockstep , even on matters of war .
Rose , for one , opposed the Slotkin measure , arguing that it was merely a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ message that war is imminent.
” Luria also voted against it , saying she would prefer to debate an actual authorization for use of military force .
Still , Rose joined with Crow , Slotkin and over 30 other House Democrats on a letter to Trump demanding more information on the Iran strategy .
“ As you send our nation ’ s sons and daughters far from home to secure our embassies and interests in the region , it is only right that you provide the American people with a detailed explanation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote .

In the hours after the targeted killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani and with concern rapidly mounting about the potential for a direct military confrontation with Iran, several high-profile House liberals announced plans to constrain President Donald Trump’s ability to wage war.
But it was a lesser-known and more moderate freshman — Rep. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, a former CIA analyst who did three tours in Iraq focusing on the country’s Iranian-backed Shiite militias — whom Speaker Nancy Pelosi ultimately tapped as the face of Democrats’ arguments for putting guardrails on Trump’s Iran strategy.
The choice of Slotkin demonstrates the growing influence of a handful of freshman Democrats with experience in the military, Pentagon, State Department, CIA, National Security Council and the like. As House Democrats grow more emboldened in checking Trump — from war with Iran, to impeachment over the withholding of critical security assistance to Ukraine — they are increasingly relying on these freshmen to make their case.
They bring a credibility to national security issues that can be hard to challenge. They’ve carried rifles in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan; they’ve been on the bridge of ships of war underway at sea; they’ve been in the Situation Room during international crises.
This cohort first attracted serious national attention when seven members penned an op-ed in The Washington Post in September, arguing that withholding security funding from Ukraine while pressuring its president to launch an investigation into a political rival was an impeachable offense. Since then, their clout has only grown, even in an institution that prioritizes tenure and paying one’s dues.


rollcall--2020-01-10--Impeachment news roundup: Jan. 10

Impeachment news roundup: Jan. 10

House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer told reporters the House won ’ t take floor action Friday on appointing its impeachment managers for a Senate trial .
( Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call file photo ) Republican Sen. Susan Collins told reporters in Maine that she ’ s been working all week with a “ fairly small group ” of Republican senators and party leaders to ensure trial rules would allow House impeachment managers and President Donald Trump ’ s lawyers to call witnesses .
The Bangor Daily News reports Collins declined to detail how large the group was , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ completely open to calling witnesses.
” “ I am hopeful that we can reach an agreement on how to proceed with the trial that will allow the opportunity for both the House and the president ’ s counsel if they choose to do so , ” she said .
Dear Colleague : Speaker Nancy Pelosi indicated Friday that the House will name impeachment managers and transmit the two articles charging the president with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress to the Senate next week — but first she wants to gather input @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have asked Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler to be prepared to bring to the floor next week a resolution to appoint managers and transmit articles of impeachment to the Senate , ” Pelosi wrote in a “ Dear Colleague ” letter .
“ I will be consulting with you at our Tuesday House Democratic Caucus meeting on how we proceed further.
” Earlier Friday , House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer said there would not be action on the floor today to name impeachment managers , a measure needed before the House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Maryland Democrat otherwise declined to comment on when the articles would be sent to the Senate , saying that ’ s Pelosi ’ s decision to make .
Hoyer said Pelosi has communicated with him about her thinking on the matter but he would not share details of those conversations .
Stay loose : Republican senators were told by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Thursday to keep their schedules flexible for the end of next week when they might take up impeachment .
Congress is scheduled to leave Washington for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next week that includes the MLK Day holiday Jan. 20 .
An attendee at Thursday ’ s lunch said McConnell told GOP senators that with the possibility that Pelosi could soon send over the impeachment articles from the House , senators should be prepared to be at the Capitol for Saturday sessions starting Jan. 18 .
Pelosi said Thursday she would send the articles over when she is ready , and that might be in the coming days .
McConnell on Thursday signed on to a resolution by Sen. Josh Hawley , R-Mo.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ allow a motion to dismiss articles of impeachment after 25 calendar days if they haven ’ t arrived from the House .
When she ’ s ready : At her weekly news conference Thursday , Pelosi suggested her hold on the articles of impeachment did not specify the circumstances that would lead to her releasing the articles to the Senate .
“ No , I ’ m not holding them indefinitely , ” Pelosi said answering questions from reporters .
“ I ’ ll send them over when I 'm ready .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reiterated she wants to see the Senate resolution specifying procedures for the impeachment trial before she releases her hold on the articles , although she also acknowledged that McConnell has declined to do so .
“ At some point we hope that we would see from them what the terms of the engagement would be , ” she said .
“ We are ready.
” Although she had little leverage in trying to force the Senate to call witnesses in its trial of Trump , Pelosi cited former national security adviser John Bolton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate and new information on the Ukraine aid package at the center of the inquiry since she put her hold on the articles .
“ In the past few weeks since we ’ ve had , shall we say , this impasse since they won ’ t reveal the terms of engagement , many things have been accomplished , ” she said .
Rudy ’ s take : Trump ’ s personal attorney Rudy Giuliani made the argument in a column in The Daily Caller that called for the Supreme Court to step @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unconstitutional .
“ House Democrats have put our constitutional government in grave danger by attempting to rewrite the carefully calibrated separation of powers under our Constitution and usurping powers not granted to the House , ” Giuliani wrote .
The former New York mayor , who has been implicated in the investigation as running a shadow foreign policy operation in Ukraine , tweeted his assertion , which was roundly shot down and mocked .

Republican Sen. Susan Collins told reporters in Maine that she’s been working all week with a “fairly small group” of Republican senators and party leaders to ensure trial rules would allow House impeachment managers and President Donald Trump’s lawyers to call witnesses.
The Bangor Daily News reports Collins declined to detail how large the group was, but she said, “we should be completely open to calling witnesses.”
“I am hopeful that we can reach an agreement on how to proceed with the trial that will allow the opportunity for both the House and the president’s counsel if they choose to do so,” she said.
Here’s the latest on impeachment:
Dear Colleague: Speaker Nancy Pelosi indicated Friday that the House will name impeachment managers and transmit the two articles charging the president with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress to the Senate next week — but first she wants to gather input from her caucus on Tuesday.


rollcall--2020-01-13--Climate-focused Democrats hope for November reward

Jane Fonda , center , and Susan Sarandon , red scarf , march toward the Capitol on Friday during a weekly rally to call for action on climate change .
( Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call ) House Democrats know that their “ comprehensive ” climate plans are unlikely to see the light of day in Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ’ s Senate and face vetoes by a president who has at times rejected the scientific consensus on global warming .
But there ’ s a strategy afoot to solidify Democrats ’ election-year banner as the party of climate action and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voters disgruntled with the Trump administration ’ s retreat on environmental issues , analysts say .
While environmental concerns still trail economic and health care worries among voters , polls show green issues rising in importance , especially among Democrats and young voters .
A comprehensive climate bill is unlikely to become law in this Congress — or until Democrats control both chambers and the White House — but their actions now afford the party the opportunity to tout the efforts among voters for whom it ’ s a decisive issue , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deniers.
” “ They ’ ve got to get it on the record , ” said Ross Baker , a professor of political science at Rutgers University .
“ There are some votes to be won by the Democrats from independents and Republicans — with a strong statement on climate change.
” House Democrats ’ latest effort is a broad blueprint released Jan. 8 to decarbonize the economy , led by House Energy and Commerce leaders Frank Pallone Jr. , D-N.J. , and Paul Tonko , D-N.Y. A draft bill is expected by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the certain Senate GOP blockade , Tonko said public sentiment favors urgent climate action and that lawmakers will try to find consensus around their latest plan , which includes some GOP priorities .
“ We ’ ve been communicating with both sides of the aisle in both houses , ” Tonko told CQ Roll Call last week .
“ We ’ ve been sharing our thinking and we ’ re open to their thinking.
” [ Pelosi : Climate panel is not just ‘ an academic endeavor ’ ] The framework , dubbed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contains prescriptions its authors say would put the U.S. on the path to achieve a 100 percent clean economy by 2050 , a less urgent timeline than more progressive Democrats demand — and that at least one environmental group , Friends of the Earth , snubbed as a reckless delay and a “ half hearted ” approach .
Authors of the plan say it ’ s a “ bold ” approach to restructuring the U.S. economy to control Earth-warming greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for the effects of a hotter planet : more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , rising seas , threats to public health and the economy , and new demands on federal spending .
“ We can ’ t hesitate ; every month , every year that passes means a deeper problem , a more difficult problem and perhaps … a more expensive problem , ” Tonko said .
Their plan would establish a national Clean Electricity Standard , requiring utilities to generate 100 percent of their electricity from clean energy sources by 2050 .
States would have the flexibility to devise strategies for reaching the 2050 targets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approve those plans .
States would be allowed to work individually or partner with the government or other states .
To help ease the high cost of transitioning to cleaner operations , the proposal would create a “ National Climate Bank , ” akin to some that already exist in states such as New York and Connecticut .
The plan , which incorporates aspects of other legislation , would also establish a “ Buy Clean Program ” to drive the use of low-carbon construction materials and products for federal-backed projects .
These are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to indicate to the rest of Congress , stakeholders , NGOs and the public where the Democrats are headed ” if they win a majority in the Senate and the White House , said Paul Bledsoe , a lecturer at American University ’ s Center for Environmental Policy .
Their latest plan signals Democrats are trying to put forward aggressive but politically popular ideas , while staying away from more contentious proposals , such as a carbon tax or banning hydraulic fracturing .
“ They believe that would be less helpful in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While the framework doesn ’ t directly prescribe a carbon price , it doesn ’ t preclude states from seeking to do so as part of their plans .
It does , however , propose the use of tradable clean energy credits to coax companies to reduce their emissions .
There are enough Democrats in the House to pass such a bill and send it to the Senate — where McConnell is unlikely to bring it to the floor .
A spokesman for the majority leader said he couldn ’ t comment on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House-passed bills , including a measure ( HR 9 ) that Democrats passed last year to compel the U.S. to meet the goals it committed to in the Paris climate accord .
Pallone on Wednesday said his party will continue to seek GOP support for some proposals on which they usually agree , such as energy efficiency , carbon capture and sequestration , and pipeline safety .
“ There ’ s a fundamental problem here that I ’ d be crazy not to acknowledge ; most of them are climate-deniers , ” Pallone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So that ’ s a huge problem in trying to get them to participate … so it ’ s going to be very difficult to get Republicans to positively respond to most of this.
” Energy and Commerce Republicans , meanwhile , have rebuked most of the Democrats ’ bills , calling them unrealistic products of a process that excluded GOP lawmakers .
Ranking member Greg Walden , R-Ore. , described the Democrats ’ efforts as “ partisan messaging exercises.
” Environment and Climate Change Subcommittee ranking member John Shimkus , R-Ill. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ climate deniers.
” “ I have great respect for my friend Frank Pallone , but the chairman has fallen behind on the news if he still believes that ‘ most ’ Republicans in Congress are ‘ climate deniers ’ who ‘ won ’ t admit there ’ s a human element ’ to climate change , ” Shimkus said , through an aide .
“ It ’ s a shame too because there are more than a dozen bipartisan bills we could pass next week — bills that could actually be signed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help ensure we are being good stewards of both our environment and our economy.
” Those bills Shimkus cited include legislation to encourage carbon capture technology , nuclear energy deployment , forest management and energy and water efficiency in federal buildings .
Tonko said the Democrats ’ latest plan incorporates several of the proposals Shimkus referenced .
Both Tonko and Pallone left open the possibility of moving the package as individual bills , which would make some of them easier to pass .
“ We ’ re going to do whatever we can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get President Trump to sign on to things , ” Pallone said .
“ This is not a messaging bill .
We ’ re going to try to move this bill or certainly pieces of this bill when we can.
” Scientists say drastically cutting carbon emissions is key to controlling the pace of global warming .
The carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere reached nearly 412 parts per million in October , according to NASA , up 48 percent from the beginning of the Industrial Age , and 11 percent above the @ @ @ @ @

House Democrats know that their “comprehensive” climate plans are unlikely to see the light of day in Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s Senate and face vetoes by a president who has at times rejected the scientific consensus on global warming.
But there’s a strategy afoot to solidify Democrats’ election-year banner as the party of climate action and lure young, independent and even Republican voters disgruntled with the Trump administration’s retreat on environmental issues, analysts say.
While environmental concerns still trail economic and health care worries among voters, polls show green issues rising in importance, especially among Democrats and young voters.
A comprehensive climate bill is unlikely to become law in this Congress — or until Democrats control both chambers and the White House — but their actions now afford the party the opportunity to tout the efforts among voters for whom it’s a decisive issue, while casting their GOP opponents as “climate deniers.”
[Trump administration proposal would ease environmental impact reviews for federal projects]


rollcall--2020-01-13--The last time the Senate impeached, they got their man

To see how a Senate trial would work under nonpartisan circustances Murphy suggests the 2010 case of Judge Thomas Porteous Jr. , center , in which Jonathan Turley , right , acted as lead defense counsel .
( Tom Williams/Roll Call file photo ) OPINION — Once upon a time , there was a Senate impeachment trial , where Rep. Adam Schiff was the lead House impeachment manager , courtly law professor Jonathan Turley made an impassioned argument against impeachment , multiple Senate witnesses testified , and the verdict was not only bipartisan , it was a unanimous decision .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ happened , and it wasn ’ t very long ago .
The year was 2010 , and the case was that of Thomas Porteous Jr. , a berry-faced and bulbous federal judge from Louisiana , who had the misfortune of being a man who looked as guilty as he probably was .
Porteous had been appointed to the bench by President Bill Clinton in 1994 , but by 2009 , he found himself squarely in the sights of House and Senate Democrats , many of whom had supported his appointment , after a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and corruption in Porteous ’ court , including possible quid pro quos — sound familiar ?
With Speaker Nancy Pelosi ’ s announcement that the House will send articles of impeachment to the Senate imminently , it ’ s instructive to look at how a Senate trial would work outside of the partisan stew we ’ re all boiling in right now .
How should it work ?
What would it look like if the questions of managers , witnesses , process and propriety didn ’ t come down to overnight polling and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” ?
One man at the center of the Porteous trial really was Jonathan Turley , who was also the sole witness for House Judiciary Republicans in December on a panel of legal experts evaluating whether President Donald Trump had committed impeachable offenses .
( Turley was a hard “ no.
” ) Back in 2010 , Turley acted as Porteous ’ lead defense counsel for the Senate trial after the House voted unanimously to impeach him .
Turley faced off against Schiff , who led the prosecution for the House impeachment managers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prosecution , the managers against Porteous included Republicans like former Rep. Bob Goodlatte , along with other familiar Democratic faces , Reps. Zoe Lofgren and Hank Johnson .
What to watch for I reached out to Turley to ask him what lessons he took away from the Porteous experience that the rest of us could learn from going forward .
He had several worth your consideration , including an especially golden nugget for whomever Trump chooses to defend him in front of the Senate , if a full trial materializes .
“ For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ impeachment trials are curiosities bordering on the grotesque .
They look and sound like a trial but lack key elements.
” First and foremost , Turley pointed to the peculiar jury any defense is going to have to face .
“ You have a jury that you would strike for cause en masse , ” he said of the Senate .
“ This trial will be particularly odd in having 100 politicians sit in judgment on a question of using public office for personal advantage .
It is like having the Pirates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ salvage law.
” Although the Senate doesn ’ t get high marks , Turley was a lot more impressed by Schiff , whom he called an “ able opposing counsel ” then and a “ skilled prosecutor ” today .
Unlike some of Schiff ’ s made-for-TV satire that he offered up during the House Intelligence hearings on Trump and Ukraine , the congressman showed up to his role as a Porteous impeachment manager to deliver a methodical , toast-dry takedown of the judge .
His approach worked .
After the Senate Impeachment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ witnesses who shared firsthand accounts of the judge ’ s conduct ) , Schiff and Goodlatte made their case to the full Senate chamber .
They told senators that the facts were not in dispute , that even Porteous had admitted to taking money from lawyers with cases before him to fund his son ’ s wedding .
They told of other schemes , like taking a portion of the bonds paid by defendants to bondsmen whom Porteous had chosen , or of the judge asking lawyers who appeared before him for cash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5,000 .
Finally , the managers argued , Porteous had lied to the Senate in 1994 when he swore he knew of no reason he could not administer fair and thorough justice on the federal bench , even though he had failed to do so as a state judge .
Turley then took his turn in the well of the Senate .
Those people giving Porteous cash weren ’ t “ cronies.
” They were friends !
And the “ bribery ” he committed wasn ’ t bribery at all .
In fact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against Porteous .
How could the Senate remove him for a crime that wasn ’ t a crime in the eyes of the DOJ ?
In the end , the Senate ’ s standard was not whether or not the judge had committed a crime beyond a reasonable doubt .
It was whether he had “ misdemeaned ” himself and made it impossible to remain in his federal position of trust and authority .
Like the House , the Senate voted unanimously against Porteous and removed him from office .
But you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for that .
“ Even in a real trial , ” he said , “ no lawyer can transcend the facts of a case .
You can not make a sow ’ s ear into a silk purse .
The most you can do is make a sow ’ s ear into keepsake for a jury.
” Among those voting to convict Porteous was Sen. Mitch McConnell , who will take the lead next week in setting the rules for the Trump impeachment , including on the questions of witnesses , procedures and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raw politics will or won ’ t play in the possible removal of President Donald J. Trump .

OPINION — Once upon a time, there was a Senate impeachment trial, where Rep. Adam Schiff was the lead House impeachment manager, courtly law professor Jonathan Turley made an impassioned argument against impeachment, multiple Senate witnesses testified, and the verdict was not only bipartisan, it was a unanimous decision. The most unbelievable part? It really happened, and it wasn’t very long ago.
The year was 2010, and the case was that of Thomas Porteous Jr., a berry-faced and bulbous federal judge from Louisiana, who had the misfortune of being a man who looked as guilty as he probably was. Porteous had been appointed to the bench by President Bill Clinton in 1994, but by 2009, he found himself squarely in the sights of House and Senate Democrats, many of whom had supported his appointment, after a federal grand jury found evidence of bribery and corruption in Porteous’ court, including possible quid pro quos — sound familiar?
With Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s announcement that the House will send articles of impeachment to the Senate imminently, it’s instructive to look at how a Senate trial would work outside of the partisan stew we’re all boiling in right now. How should it work? What would it look like if the questions of managers, witnesses, process and propriety didn’t come down to overnight polling and a thumbs-up-or-down on “Fox & Friends”?
One man at the center of the Porteous trial really was Jonathan Turley, who was also the sole witness for House Judiciary Republicans in December on a panel of legal experts evaluating whether President Donald Trump had committed impeachable offenses. (Turley was a hard “no.”)
Back in 2010, Turley acted as Porteous’ lead defense counsel for the Senate trial after the House voted unanimously to impeach him. Turley faced off against Schiff, who led the prosecution for the House impeachment managers. But unlike the sure-to-be Democratic Trump prosecution, the managers against Porteous included Republicans like former Rep. Bob Goodlatte, along with other familiar Democratic faces, Reps. Zoe Lofgren and Hank Johnson.


rollcall--2020-01-13--Road Ahead: Impeachment trial imminent and war powers debate continues

Impeachment action is bound for the Senate this week , ending the long standoff between Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell over the framework of President Donald Trump ’ s trial .
Pelosi intends to send the House ’ s articles of impeachment to the Senate and name impeachment managers , launching a trial that could begin before the week is out .
The impeachment articles , which the House approved in December , charge the president with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress .
Pelosi will meet Tuesday morning with her caucus before scheduling a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — lawmakers who would act as prosecutors in the Senate impeachment trial — and authorize them to spend specific funds on the trial .
After the resolution ’ s adoption , the articles will be formally sent to the Senate , a process involving pomp and a procession from the House .
Pelosi has not yet indicated which House members will serve as impeachment managers .
Some names floated in recent weeks include familiar characters in the impeachment inquiry , including House Intelligence Chairman Adam B. Schiff , Judiciary Chairman Jerrold Nadler and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected timeline means Sens .
Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota , Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts would be able to participate in Tuesday ’ s Democratic presidential debate in Iowa , instead of having to be in Washington for an impeachment trial .
Sens .
Michael Bennet of Colorado and Cory Booker of New Jersey are also running for president but didn ’ t qualify for the debate .
The Senate trial could still sideline the presidential hopefuls from the campaign trail in the crucial weeks leading up to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In an impeachment trial , every Senator takes an oath to ‘ do impartial justice according to the Constitution and laws.
’ Every Senator now faces a choice : to be loyal to the President or the Constitution , ” Pelosi wrote in a “ Dear Colleague ” letter last week .
Once the Senate receives the impeachment articles and list of House managers , the chamber will notify the president that he is invited to come and respond , Sen. Roy Blunt said , when asked how long it will take for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate .
“ I think that ’ s at least two days of notice , and he could probably demand more , but I doubt he would , ” the Missouri Republican said .
A trial will trigger an unusual Senate schedule , with the chamber in session six days a week starting at 1 p.m. , excluding Sundays , unless senators vote to institute a different schedule .
The Senate will have to approve a resolution detailing a framework for the impeachment trial before it gets under way .
Pelosi originally withheld @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be able to call in new witnesses during the trial .
McConnell has not agreed .
The Kentucky Republican is holding firm in his stance that any decisions on witnesses should come after an initial phase of the trial .
He maintains that he intends to use the precedent of the Clinton impeachment trial , in two phases with opening arguments , a written question period and then a decision point on whether to call witnesses or not .
But GOP Sen. Susan Collins told reporters in Maine on Friday that she ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ fairly small group ” of Republican senators to ensure trial rules would allow House impeachment managers and Trump ’ s lawyers to call witnesses .
“ I am hopeful that we can reach an agreement on how to proceed with the trial that will allow the opportunity for both the House and the president ’ s counsel if they choose to do so , ” Collins said , according to The Bangor Daily News .
As of late last week , senators had not yet seen a final draft of the resolution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the House doesn ’ t vote until later in the week on the impeachment managers , that could give Virginia Democrat Tim Kaine enough time to force a Senate floor vote on his version of a war powers resolution before the chamber ’ s calendar becomes consumed with the Trump impeachment trial .
Kaine ’ s war powers resolution will ripen early in the week , setting up action on the measure that would “ remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran or any part of its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he said , to prevent further escalation in the region .
The resolution needs 51 votes to pass , and a vote could come as early as Tuesday .
Last week , GOP Sens .
Mike Lee of Utah and Rand Paul of Kentucky said they would vote for Kaine ’ s measure , and Kaine has been in conversations with a number of other Republicans to see if he can drum up more supporters .
Kaine has agreed to remove specific references to Trump and make other changes to bring more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adopted its own war powers resolution last week but could take more action in the coming days .
House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer said Friday that while not yet on the schedule , it is possible that the chamber could take up a repeal of the 2002 authorization for the use of military force against Iraq from Rep. Barbara Lee and legislation from another Californian , Rep. Ro Khanna , that would bar funding for military action against Iran not authorized by legislators .
Khanna said Friday that the reason his measure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that leadership is still working to ensure the caucus is comfortable with the language .
He said he is pushing for the text to be the same as the amendment he offered to the fiscal 2020 National Defense Authorization Act in the House in July .
His proposal was adopted 251-170 but was stripped out in negotiations with the Senate .
“ We want to move fast but we also want to move [ on language ] which will have the biggest majority , ” Khanna said .
“ Steny Hoyer has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some of the Frontline members and moderate members to bring them on board with the language in the bill and make sure that we are unified as caucus.
” Already on the House schedule this week is a measure aimed at protecting older workers from discrimination and a resolution disapproving of an Education Department rule related to borrowers .
The Senate will vote Monday evening to limit debate on the nomination of Peter Gaynor to be administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency , with a confirmation vote expected later in the week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to this report .

Impeachment action is bound for the Senate this week, ending the long standoff between Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell over the framework of President Donald Trump’s trial. Pelosi intends to send the House’s articles of impeachment to the Senate and name impeachment managers, launching a trial that could begin before the week is out.
The impeachment articles, which the House approved in December, charge the president with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.
Pelosi will meet Tuesday morning with her caucus before scheduling a vote on a resolution to name managers — lawmakers who would act as prosecutors in the Senate impeachment trial — and authorize them to spend specific funds on the trial. After the resolution’s adoption, the articles will be formally sent to the Senate, a process involving pomp and a procession from the House.
Pelosi has not yet indicated which House members will serve as impeachment managers. Some names floated in recent weeks include familiar characters in the impeachment inquiry, including House Intelligence Chairman Adam B. Schiff, Judiciary Chairman Jerrold Nadler and other members of their committees.


rollcall--2020-01-13--Capitol Ink | Opening Gavel

Capitol Ink | Opening Gavel

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