rollcall--2020-01-08--Roberts would hold the gavel, but not the power, at Trump impeachment trial

Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. will preside over any impeachment trial of President Donald Trump as the Constitution requires , but don ’ t expect him to make decisions that substantively reshape the action .
Although there is speculation about how active a role Roberts will take in an impeachment trial and whether key witnesses testify , the Senate under past rules has given relatively little authority to the nation ’ s top judicial figure .
And in the areas Roberts might have authority to make rulings , such as questions about whether evidence is relevant , the rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a vote to overrule him anyway .
Also , past impeachment trial rules , such as those for President Bill Clinton in 1999 , give the chief justice the ability to defer making a ruling on his own and instead put a question to a Senate vote .
“ All he has to do is look straight at the senators and say , ‘ What do you think , boys and girls ?
’ ” said Frank O .
Bowman III , a law professor at the University of Missouri and author of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ History of Impeachment for the Age of Trump.
” “ I think there ’ s substantial likelihood that in any matter of any probable consequence , he ’ ll do that , ” Bowman said .
House impeachment managers who present the case , along with Democratic senators , are almost certain to raise issues that will put Roberts in a tough spot if he were to rule .
For example , Democrats are calling for the Senate to hear testimony from former national security adviser John Bolton and other Trump administration officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowing that .
That highlights the potential pitfalls for Roberts , a George W. Bush appointee whose instincts as chief justice have been to try to keep the Supreme Court from appearing political or stepping into the role of the political branches .
A ruling that sided with Democrats would risk eroding Roberts ’ reputation among conservatives , and could be overruled by the Republican majority .
A ruling that sided with Republicans would invite criticism that it was politically motivated .
That makes the third path an attractive option : Just stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contentious questions to the politicians .
In that way , Roberts might be wearing a robe , but his role will be different from a trial judge who is overseeing a criminal case .
In a criminal case , there is an extensive history of legal decisions that guide a judge to decide whether a witness could testify or not , Bowman said .
In an impeachment trial , “ the problem is there isn ’ t any ” such history for Roberts to apply .
The Constitution states only that the chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the United States is tried , ” but gives the Senate “ sole power ” to try all impeachments .
The senators themselves somewhat take on the role of the judge in an impeachment trial , something underscored by a ruling that then-Chief Justice William Rehnquist made during Clinton ’ s five-week impeachment trial .
At one point , Sen. Tom Harkin , D-Iowa , had made a motion that House impeachment managers who were presenting their case against Clinton should not refer to the senators as “ jurors , ” as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday in an op-ed published by Fox News .
Rehnquist decided “ that the Senate is not simply a jury ; it is a court in this case , ” and there were no objections , Lee wrote .
“ By its very nature , the Senate ’ s role in the impeachment process clearly indicates that senators are not passive observers of the trial , ” Lee wrote , citing how senators decide the evidence that should be heard , how it should be presented and what witnesses to call or not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presiding officer , who in the case of a presidential impeachment is the chief justice , ” Lee wrote .
“ No jury can do that.
” That turned out to be one of the more memorable rulings Rehnquist made during the five-week Clinton trial , when he otherwise had little substantive role .
Rehnquist would later tell television interviewer Charlie Rose that “ I did nothing in particular , and I did it very well ” — a line from a Gilbert and Sullivan operetta that made it into the chief justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the impeachment trial of President Andrew Johnson , then-Chief Justice Salmon Chase had to rule on motions and issues about live witnesses and more , Bowman said .
Chase would often say something like , “ it would appear to me under the standing rule that would be out of order , ” but then would automatically turn to senators and invite a contrary view and potential Senate vote , Bowman said .
The most extraordinary power that Roberts may wield during the impeachment trial would be in the event of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appeal .
Because the chief justice is the presiding officer for the purposes of presidential impeachments , Chase believed he had the authority to cast tiebreaking votes ( as the vice president would during normal Senate business ) .
In at least one case , Chase actually broke a tie on a procedural vote .
Sen. Charles Sumner of Massachusetts made a motion that Chase ’ s tiebreaking vote was “ without authority under the Constitution of the United States , ” but the motion failed .
There are other potential situations that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ross Garber , who teaches political investigations and impeachment at Tulane Law School , brought up a possibility related to potential Bolton testimony .
If the Senate subpoenaed Bolton , and if he showed up , and if Trump ’ s lawyers tried to block answers based on the president ’ s executive privilege , the trial could raise questions for Roberts about the scope and extent of executive privilege that could have lasting implications for the future of congressional oversight , Garber said .
Roberts would not be inclined to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t appear inclined to let Roberts take control of the Senate process .
“ The chief justice is not the judge .
He ’ s the presiding officer .
There are no standards of proof .
There are no rules of evidence , ” Sen. John Kennedy , R-La.
, a former law professor , said last month on CNN .
“ And every senator , unless we pass a new rule by 51 votes in the Senate , is entitled to approach it his own way .
”

In a criminal case, there is an extensive history of legal decisions that guide a judge to decide whether a witness could testify or not, Bowman said. In an impeachment trial, “the problem is there isn’t any” such history for Roberts to apply. The Constitution states only that the chief justice shall preside “when the President of the United States is tried,” but gives the Senate “sole power” to try all impeachments.
The senators themselves somewhat take on the role of the judge in an impeachment trial, something underscored by a ruling that then-Chief Justice William Rehnquist made during Clinton’s five-week impeachment trial.
At one point, Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, had made a motion that House impeachment managers who were presenting their case against Clinton should not refer to the senators as “jurors,” as Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, wrote Tuesday in an op-ed published by Fox News. Rehnquist decided “that the Senate is not simply a jury; it is a court in this case,” and there were no objections, Lee wrote.
“By its very nature, the Senate’s role in the impeachment process clearly indicates that senators are not passive observers of the trial,” Lee wrote, citing how senators decide the evidence that should be heard, how it should be presented and what witnesses to call or not.
“They can even override the presiding officer, who in the case of a presidential impeachment is the chief justice,” Lee wrote. “No jury can do that.”


rollcall--2020-01-07--Weather cam: D.C.’s first snowfall of 2020

Sen. Mike Enzi takes a walk in the snow outside the Capitol on Tuesday , Jan. 7 , 2020 .
@ @ @ @ @ ) Washington had its first snowfall of the year Tuesday .
Although the Office of @ @ @ @ @ employees in the district to leave work by 1 p.m. , Congress remained in session @ @ @ @ @ look at the Capitol as the snow fell .
Get breaking news alerts and more @ @ @ @ @ iPhone .

Washington had its first snowfall of the year Tuesday. Although the Office of Personnel Management ordered federal government employees in the district to leave work by 1 p.m., Congress remained in session. Here’s a look at the Capitol as the snow fell.


rollcall--2020-01-07--Fintech Beat sits down with the former chief of the Federal Reserve��s open banking unit

Open banking ’ s benefits involve using customer consent to develop new financial products to revolutionize financial services .
But @ @ @ @ @ at times bypass customer consent by using digital avatars and other online tools to infiltrate @ @ @ @ @ Fintech Beat sits down with the former chief of the Federal Reserve ’ s open @ @ @ @ @ .
• Fintech Beat sits down for a one-on-one with Maxine Waters • The transfer @ @ @ @ @ how blockchain technology can help capital markets Get breaking news alerts and more from Roll @ @ @ @ @

Open banking’s benefits involve using customer consent to develop new financial products to revolutionize financial services. But critics claim open banking can at times bypass customer consent by using digital avatars and other online tools to infiltrate and collect customer data. Fintech Beat sits down with the former chief of the Federal Reserve’s open banking unit to get answers.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-01-08--California governor declines to call a special election to replace Duncan Hunter

California Rep. Duncan Hunter is resigning Jan. 13 and his seat will remain vacant until 2021 .
( Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photo ) California Democratic Gov .
Gavin Newsom announced Wednesday he would not call a special election to replace Republican Rep. Duncan Hunter , who is resigning next week after pleading guilty to misusing campaign funds .
“ The governor ’ s office received Rep. Hunter ’ s resignation letter .
Based on the timing of the resignation , a special election will not be called , ” Newsom spokeswoman Vicky Waters said .
With Hunter resigning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Newsom had to decide whether to call a special election for his 50th District seat , according to a spokesperson for the California secretary of state .
His decision Wednesday means the seat will remain vacant until 2021 .
Hunter pleaded guilty in federal court on Dec. 3 to using hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign funds for his own enrichment .
Hunter and his wife , Margaret , who pleaded guilty in June , illegally converted over $ 150,000 in campaign funds from 2010 through 2016 to buy goods and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the plea agreement .
Hunter ’ s sentencing is scheduled for March 17 , and he faces between eight and 14 months in jail .
Several Republicans and Democrats were already running in the jungle primary for the 50th District , even before Hunter announced his resignation .
They include former GOP Rep. Darrell Issa , who represented the neighboring 49th District for nine terms , Republican Carl DeMaio , a former San Diego City Council member , and 2018 Democratic nominee Ammar Campa-Najjar .

California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Wednesday he would not call a special election to replace Republican Rep. Duncan Hunter, who is resigning next week after pleading guilty to misusing campaign funds.
“The governor’s office received Rep. Hunter’s resignation letter. Based on the timing of the resignation, a special election will not be called,” Newsom spokeswoman Vicky Waters said.
With Hunter resigning after the candidate filing deadline had passed, Newsom had to decide whether to call a special election for his 50th District seat, according to a spokesperson for the California secretary of state.
His decision Wednesday means the seat will remain vacant until 2021.


rollcall--2020-01-08--House to vote on war powers Thursday following Iran strikes

Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , arrives at the Capitol Visitor Center for a briefing by administration officials for members of the House on the latest developments on Iranian airstrikes in Iraq on Wednesday , January 8 , 2020 .
( Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call ) The House will vote Thursday on a resolution that would limit President Donald Trump ’ s authority to take future military action against Iran without congressional authorization , Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced Wednesday .
House lawmakers received a briefing from key administration officials following the Tuesday night attack on two bases in Iraq that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani .
“ Today , to honor our duty to keep the American people safe , the House will move forward with a War Powers Resolution to limit the President ’ s military actions regarding Iran , ” Pelosi said .
The resolution , introduced Wednesday by Michigan freshman Elissa Slotkin , directs the president to end the use of U.S. military forces to engage Iran unless Congress has formally authorized action or if there is an “ imminent armed attack upon the United States.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ served three tours in Iraq and represents a competitive district .
House Democrats exited their briefing unsatisfied with the administration ’ s threat rationale for the Soleimani strike and legal justification , the 2002 authorization for use of military force against Iraq .
“ Members of Congress have serious , urgent concerns about the Administration ’ s decision to engage in hostilities against Iran and about its lack of strategy moving forward .
Our concerns were not addressed by the President ’ s insufficient War Powers Act notification and by the Administration ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The announcement comes as grumbling about the administration ’ s justification for the strike on Soleimani is picking up steam across the Capitol .
Members were briefed by the administration on Wednesday , and some of the reaction was not kind .
After the briefing , Republican Sens .
Mike Lee of Utah and Rand Paul of Kentucky were firmly supporting the resolution offered by Virginia Democrat Tim Kaine , subject to some small amendments .
Lee called the Wednesday afternoon session , `` probably the worst briefing I 've seen , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the nine years I 've served in the United States Senate . ''
`` One of the messages we received from the briefers was : do not debate , do not discuss the issue of the appropriateness of further military intervention against Iran , and that if you do , you 'll be emboldening Iran , '' Lee said .
`` I find this insulting and demeaning – not personally , but to the office that each of the 100 senators in this building happens to hold .
I find it insulting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Constitution of the United States to which we 've all sworn an oath . ''
Paul said he and Lee were `` stepping up and saying we are not abdicating our duty . ''
Paul took particular umbrage with public statements indicating that the targeting killing Friday could be justified using the 2002 Iraq AUMF , since the strike took place on Iraqi soil .
`` They have justified the killing of an Iranian general as being something that Congress gave them permission to do in 2002 , '' Paul said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insult . ''
Lawmakers were still working out earlier in the day a process that would ensure the resolution will have a “ privileged ” status in the Senate and therefore will require action by the other chamber .
“ The issue — if you look at what happened with the Yemen war powers , we passed it in the House , there was [ a motion to recommit ] , the MTR passed and that de-privileged it in the Senate .
And of course if it ’ s de-privileged McConnell won ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rep. Ro Khanna explained to reporters .
Khanna 's own House-passed war powers resolution on Yemen faced trouble in the Senate last year because the parliamentarian ruled that it was not privileged because of language added to the measure through a Republican motion to recommit , or MTR .
The parliamentarian determined that the MTR language was too unrelated to the content of the underlying resolution for the measure to retain its privilege .
Democrats were concerned about a similar situation happening with the Iran war powers measure , so instead of filing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ requires an MTR vote , they filed it as a concurrent resolution , which does not .
The downside of a concurrent resolution is that it 's only a message from Congress and does not go to the president 's desk to be signed into law , as a joint resolution would .
But since Trump likely would veto any war powers resolution that reaches his desk , a concurrent resolution accomplishes the goal Democrats are seeking , which is to show bipartisan support for asserting Congress 's power to authorize war .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that some of the Republican senators who supported the Yemen war powers resolution last year would also support this new iteration .
The resolution will see action in the House Rules Committee Wednesday evening before a vote slated for Thursday .
The measure includes a repeal of the 2002 Iraq AUMF from Rep. Barbara Lee and legislation from Khanna that would bar funding for military action against Iran not authorized by legislators .
Bridget Bowman , Lindsey McPherson and Niels Lesniewski contributed to this story .

Corrected 7:53 p.m. | The House will vote Thursday on a resolution that would limit President Donald Trump’s authority to take future military action against Iran without congressional authorization, Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced Wednesday.
House lawmakers received a briefing from key administration officials following the Tuesday night attack on two bases in Iraq that house U.S. troops and the preceding U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani.
“Today, to honor our duty to keep the American people safe, the House will move forward with a War Powers Resolution to limit the President’s military actions regarding Iran,” Pelosi said.
The resolution, introduced Wednesday by Michigan freshman Elissa Slotkin, directs the president to end the use of U.S. military forces to engage Iran unless Congress has formally authorized action or if there is an “imminent armed attack upon the United States.” Slotkin is a former CIA analyst who served three tours in Iraq and represents a competitive district.
House Democrats exited their briefing unsatisfied with the administration’s threat rationale for the Soleimani strike and legal justification, the 2002 authorization for use of military force against Iraq.


rollcall--2020-01-08--Rating Change: Pompeo decision makes Kansas seat more vulnerable

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo before briefing House members on Iran .
Seen as his party ’ s best option for an open Kansas Senate seat , he has told Majority Leader Mitch McConnell he will not run .
( Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call photo ) Secretary of State Mike Pompeo ’ s decision not to run for Senate in Kansas creates a legitimate scenario for Democrats to win a seat in a Republican state and increases the chances Democrats win control of the chamber in November .
Pompeo has long been viewed as the Republicans ’ easiest path to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in GOP hands .
Now , there ’ s significant concern that polarizing former Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach will win the GOP nomination and lose the 2020 Senate race in the same way he lost the 2018 race for governor ( which was by 5 points ) .
Kobach is currently leading the GOP primary field that includes 1st District Rep. Roger Marshall , state Senate President Susan Wagle , and others .
Republican strategists are divided on Marshall ’ s ability to overcome the deficit and win the nomination .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s financial and geographic advantage ( he represents rural , primary-voter-rich western Kansas ) , combined with resentment toward Kobach ’ s gubernatorial loss and comical demands ( i.e .
access to a private jet ) before he would join the Trump administration , will boost Marshall .
Other Republicans are more skeptical and fear Kobach ’ s following is more resilient .
Meanwhile , former Republican/state Sen. Barbara Bollier is the likely Democratic nominee .
Her campaign announced she raised $ 1.1 million in the last three months of the year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if Republicans nominate Kobach .
If Republicans nominate Marshall or Wagle , Democrats don ’ t stand much of a chance .
With Pompeo ’ s apparently official decline and thus the increased likelihood of Kobach winning the nomination , Inside Elections is changing its rating of the Kansas Senate race from Solid Republican to Lean Republican .
A Democratic win in Kansas would have a significant impact on the path to Democratic control of the Senate because winning in Kansas would decrease the need for Democrats to defeat GOP incumbents in Maine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gain of four seats for a Senate majority or a net gain of three seats in addition to a White House victory to control the Senate ( because a Democratic vice president would break tie votes ) .
The filing deadline in Kansas isn ’ t until June 1 , so there ’ s still time for Pompeo to change his mind .
The primary is Aug. 4 .

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s decision not to run for Senate in Kansas creates a legitimate scenario for Democrats to win a seat in a Republican state and increases the chances Democrats win control of the chamber in November.
Pompeo has long been viewed as the Republicans’ easiest path to keeping retiring Sen. Pat Roberts’ seat in GOP hands. Now, there’s significant concern that polarizing former Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach will win the GOP nomination and lose the 2020 Senate race in the same way he lost the 2018 race for governor (which was by 5 points).
Kobach is currently leading the GOP primary field that includes 1st District Rep. Roger Marshall, state Senate President Susan Wagle, and others. Republican strategists are divided on Marshall’s ability to overcome the deficit and win the nomination.
A majority of GOP sources believe Marshall’s financial and geographic advantage (he represents rural, primary-voter-rich western Kansas), combined with resentment toward Kobach’s gubernatorial loss and comical demands (i.e. access to a private jet) before he would join the Trump administration, will boost Marshall. Other Republicans are more skeptical and fear Kobach’s following is more resilient.
Meanwhile, former Republican/state Sen. Barbara Bollier is the likely Democratic nominee. Her campaign announced she raised $1.1 million in the last three months of the year and she should be a credible candidate if Republicans nominate Kobach. If Republicans nominate Marshall or Wagle, Democrats don’t stand much of a chance.


rollcall--2020-01-08--Democrats wanted an Iran strategy. Trump offered disjointed goals instead

Iraqi security forces find and collect the pieces of missiles as they gather to inspect the site after Iran 's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps targeted Ain al-Asad Air Base in Iraq , a facility jointly operated by U.S. and Iraqi forces .
( Azad Muhammed/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images ) ANALYSIS — Democratic lawmakers and presidential candidates wanted President Donald Trump to explain his Iran strategy Wednesday .
What they got was a hodgepodge of policy whims and a few unexpected twists as the drums of war faded .
On the one hand , the commander in chief told the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. military .
But on the other , he all but threatened to use America ’ s combat arsenal to take out Tehran ’ s nuclear infrastructure if the government there ramps up its atomic program .
“ The American military has been completely rebuilt under my administration , at a cost of $ 2.5 trillion .
[ The ] U.S. armed forces are stronger than ever before .
Our missiles are big , powerful , accurate , lethal and fast .
Under construction are many hypersonic missiles , ” Trump said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after Iran hit U.S. military facilities .
But then , in the next breath , the president who frustrated most members of his party by running in 2016 as an “ America first ” isolationist sheathed his sword .
“ The fact that we have this great military and equipment , however , does not mean we have to use it .
We do not want to use it , ” he said in a shift from his warnings in recent days that led Democratic members and foreign policy experts to warn the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another Middle East War .
[ U.S. military won ’ t leave Iraq anytime soon , Trump says amid tensions ] “ American strength , both military and economic , is the best deterrent , ” Trump said just four days after threatening to hit Iran hard if it did exactly what it did Tuesday night when it launched missile strikes on U.S. military facilities inside Iraq .
“ We are the biggest and by far the BEST in the World !
If Iran attacks an American Base , or any American , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brand new beautiful equipment their way ... and without hesitation !
” he tweeted Saturday .
“ They attacked us , & we hit back .
If they attack again , which I would strongly advise them not to do , we will hit them harder than they have ever been hit before !
” Even before he said “ good morning ” Wednesday to the staff and media in the White House ’ s grand foyer , Trump sounded hawkish .
“ As long as I am president of the United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a nuclear weapon , ” he said in a not-so-veiled threat .
But late in his 9-minute speech , the president essentially offered to help build an Iranian utopia as he called on America ’ s allies to follow him and Iranian leaders out of the Obama administration ’ s nuclear accord .
“ They must now break away from the remnants of the Iran deal , or JCPOA , and we must all work together toward making a deal with Iran that makes the world a safer and more peaceful place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must also make a deal that allows Iran to thrive and prosper , and take advantage of its enormous untapped potential .
Iran can be a great country.
” But in the next breath , he again vacillated back to sounding more like a hawk .
“ Peace and stability can not prevail in the Middle East as long as Iran continues to foment violence , unrest , hatred and war , ” he said , flanked by several of the men he has called “ my generals.
” “ The civilized world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Iranian regime : Your campaign of terror , murder , mayhem will not be tolerated any longer .
It will not be allowed to go forward , ” he said .
Before the president spoke , Democratic members had a collective message that perhaps could be summarized this way : Where ’ s the strategy , Mr. President ?
Rep. Eliot Engel , Foreign Affairs chairman , said Iran ’ s Tuesday evening strikes could be seen as an opening for deescalation with Iran and he hoped it will be used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on it , '' he said the next day .
Just what Trump is trying to grab , however , is murky at best .
[ Roberts would hold the gavel , but not the power , at Trump impeachment trial ] One major reason is his announcement that he intends to slap new sanctions on Tehran .
Regional experts say economic penalties he has applied since taking office have squeezed the government there , caused domestic unrest , and pushed Iranian officials to lash out with attacks like one on a U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It was that death that prompted Trump to launch missile strikes on Iranian targets inside Iraq , which prompted a violent protest that damaged the U.S. embassy in Baghdad , which appeared to motivate Trump to order the targeted killing of Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani , commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard ’ s Quds Force .
William Ruger , a Charles Koch Institute analyst and U.S. Navy Reserve officer , said Wednesday that Trump ’ s “ maximum pressure campaign , championed by some of his advisers , has increased hostilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unnecessary war.
” “ We implore President Trump to continue to show appropriate military restraint in response to the Iranian attacks last night and to pursue the diplomatic path that he suggested in his remarks today , ” Ruger said .
The diplomat in chief walked into the Grand Foyer on Wednesday .
But which Trump shows up Wednesday evening , after he settles in for an evening of Fox News reaction to his speech , is anyone ’ s guess .
“ I ’ m encouraged that President Trump spoke of reducing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan , a member of the sanctions-overseeing Finance Committee .
“ However , it remains a very dangerous and volatile situation , and it is critical that the Administration continues working to deescalate the conflict.
” Get breaking news alerts and more from Roll Call on your iPhone .

ANALYSIS — Democratic lawmakers and presidential candidates wanted President Donald Trump to explain his Iran strategy Wednesday. What they got was a hodgepodge of policy whims and a few unexpected twists as the drums of war faded.
On the one hand, the commander in chief told the world he had no interest in using the U.S. military. But on the other, he all but threatened to use America’s combat arsenal to take out Tehran’s nuclear infrastructure if the government there ramps up its atomic program.
“The American military has been completely rebuilt under my administration, at a cost of $2.5 trillion. [The] U.S. armed forces are stronger than ever before. Our missiles are big, powerful, accurate, lethal and fast. Under construction are many hypersonic missiles,” Trump said during one saber-rattling portion of remarks hours after Iran hit U.S. military facilities.
But then, in the next breath, the president who frustrated most members of his party by running in 2016 as an “America first” isolationist sheathed his sword.


rollcall--2020-01-08--Watch President Trump's full statement on Iran

President Donald Trump speaks about Iran in the Grand Foyer of the White House on Wednesday .
( Saul Loeb/AFP @ @ @ @ @ Trump threatened new sanctions against Iran and called on several countries to leave the international @ @ @ @ @ or “ Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action ” Wednesday morning in a televised address from @ @ @ @ @ comes less than 24 hours after Tehran struck U.S. military targets inside Iraq .
The @ @ @ @ @ caused “ minimal damage ” and no loss of life .
[ READ MORE - @ @ @ @ @ to be standing down ’ ]

President Trump threatened new sanctions against Iran and called on several countries to leave the international agreement known as the JCPOA or “Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action” Wednesday morning in a televised address from the White House. It comes less than 24 hours after Tehran struck U.S. military targets inside Iraq. The president said that those attacks caused “minimal damage” and no loss of life.


rollcall--2020-01-08--Trump Iran address comes as congressional plans on War Powers in flux

President Donald Trump is seen on a television in the House Subway tunnel below the U.S. Capitol as he speaks to the nation about tensions with Iran .
( Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call ) President Donald Trump on Wednesday signaled a cooling of tensions with Tehran after it struck U.S. military targets inside Iraq , saying in a national address that “ Iran appears to be standing down.
” He called that “ a good thing for all parties concerned and for the world.
” He reported only “ minimal damage ” and no casualties at the military bases struck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government in Tehran that the U.S. military remains “ ready for anything.
” After trading military strikes with Iran , Trump called on its government to return to the negotiating table with the U.S. in pursuit of a new deal that “ makes the world ’ s a far and more peaceful place.
” “ We must also make a deal that allows Iran to thrive and prosper , and take advantage of its enormous untapped potential , ” Trump said , sounding a rare diplomatic tone .
“ Iran can be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a time it is unclear of the status of various congressional attempts to more clearly delineate the legislative branch ’ s role in a conflict with Iran .
House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer said Democrats are having ongoing discussions about the language of a war powers resolution and declined to say whether a vote on the measure was still anticipated this week .
The House will act “ as soon as we believe it is prepared to move forward , ” the Maryland Democrat said , noting he expects that will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are also still discussing the Progressive Caucus ’ s request to bring up two other measures along with the war powers resolution : legislation from California Rep. Ro Khanna to prohibit funding for offensive military force in or against Iran without congressional authorization and a measure from Lee repealing the 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force .
“ They ’ ve already been fully vetted by the House and supported by the House , ” Hoyer said , referring to those proposals being passed as amendments to the House version of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will certainly bring those measures forward “ at some point ” given that they had already passed with bipartisan majorities , Hoyer said , but he did not specifically commit to or rule out packaging them with or moving them alongside the war powers resolution .
Trump began his remarks about 30 minutes late and started by saying he would take steps to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon even as he tried to deescalate the volatile situation .
Minutes before he spoke came a preview of his message from Senate Majority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spoke with Trump on Tuesday evening after the Iranian attack .
“ These strikes thankfully did not kill or wound Americans , but they demonstrate the significant progress Iran has made over the last decade in building a large , long-range , and accurate ballistic missile force , ” the Kentucky Republican said on the Senate floor .
“ I believe the president wants to avoid conflict or needless loss of life , but is rightly prepared to protect American lives and interests , ” McConnell added .
Both sides in the conflict @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they want to cool tensions and avoid war .
“ Iran took & concluded proportionate measures in self-defense under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior officials were launched , ” Foreign Minister Javad Zarif tweeted .
“ We do not seek escalation or war , but will defend ourselves against any aggression.
” Iran struck at two U.S. military facilities in Iraq overnight as cable television networks in the United States played footage throughout Tuesday evening of Iranian missiles on their way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which Senate Judiciary Chairman and Trump ally Lindsey Graham of South Carolina called an “ act of war , ” were Tehran ’ s response to a Trump-ordered strike that killed Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani , the former commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard ’ s lethal Quds Force .
The president , flanked by uniformed military commanders and members of his Cabinet in the White House ’ s Grand Foyer on Wednesday , called Soleimani a “ ruthless terrorist ” as he continued his administration ’ s argument that he had ample @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats disagree , and the House could vote soon on a measure meant to limit his war-making powers vis a vis Iran .
Trump said the Quds commander was responsible for many attacks “ across the region , ” including ones on U.S. military personnel and other Americans .
“ In recent days , he was planning new attacks on American targets , ” Trump said .
“ But we stopped him .
Trump pinned a violent protest that caused damage to the U.S. embassy in Baghdad squarely on the Quds leader , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were drenched in both American and Iranian blood.
” “ He should have been terminated long ago .
By removing Soleimani , we have sent a valuable message to terrorists : If you value your life , you will not threaten the lives of our people , ” Trump said , adding his team continues to examine options to punish Iran for its behavior .
One is additional sanctions , which he says will be slapped on Tehran for things like ship seizures and other moves .
“ Iran must end its nuclear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Notably , he called on America ’ s European allies to “ break away ” from the nuclear accord with Iran that was mostly negotiated by the Obama administration and from which he withdrew the United States .
The president also urged NATO to take a larger role in trying to foster peace in the always turbulent and bloody Middle East .
Asked Tuesday if Trump felt responsible for U.S. military personnel being put at risk after the Soleimani assassination , a senior White House official responded “ That ’ s petty ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic lawmakers and the party ’ s presidential candidates continue to express concern about the situation with Tehran , warning the two countries could be on the brink of a major shooting war — just the kind of protracted Middle East conflict candidate Trump vowed to end and avoid .
Senate Minority Whip Richard J. Durbin of Illinois on Wednesday accused Trump of entering office “ hellbent on a confrontation with Iran.
” “ He has it now , ” Durbin told CNN .
“ And the question is whether he wants to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is time for us to step back and measure exactly what our goal is at this moment .
If we are looking for stability in the Middle East , if we are trying to reduce terrorism by Iran and other countries , let us do it thoughtfully , not impulsively.
” The president — who tweeted after the Iranian strikes that “ All is well !
” —and his top aides have said he possessed ample legal authority to take out what they have collectively dubbed a “ terrorist ringleader ” and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our case it was retaliation , ” Trump said in the Oval Office alongside his Greek counterpart on Tuesday .
“ He was a monster .
And he ’ s no longer a monster .
He ’ s dead .
”

President Donald Trump on Wednesday signaled a cooling of tensions with Tehran after it struck U.S. military targets inside Iraq, saying in a national address that “Iran appears to be standing down.”
He called that “a good thing for all parties concerned and for the world.”
He reported only “minimal damage” and no casualties at the military bases struck by Iranian missiles, but warned the government in Tehran that the U.S. military remains “ready for anything.”
After trading military strikes with Iran, Trump called on its government to return to the negotiating table with the U.S. in pursuit of a new deal that “makes the world’s a far and more peaceful place.”
“We must also make a deal that allows Iran to thrive and prosper, and take advantage of its enormous untapped potential,” Trump said, sounding a rare diplomatic tone. “Iran can be a great country.”


rollcall--2020-01-09--What the heck is franking and why did Dan Newhouse get a wrestling belt for it?

Reps. Dan Newhouse and Rodney Davis pose with wrestling belts after the conclusion of their “ franking ” competition .
@ @ @ @ @ ) How do you make franking ( member-directed taxpayer-funded mass mailing ) fun ?
Make @ @ @ @ @ prize is an enormous championship wrestling belt .
House GOP lawmakers held a franking “ @ @ @ @ @ could increase their outreach to constituents the most .
Rep. Rodney Davis , who has @ @ @ @ @ presented winner Rep. Dan Newhouse with a wrestling belt of his own .
Newhouse credited @ @ @ @ @ Daniels , with much of his success .
Get breaking news alerts and more from @ @ @ @ @ .

How do you make franking (member-directed taxpayer-funded mass mailing) fun? Make it a competition where the prize is an enormous championship wrestling belt. House GOP lawmakers held a franking “contest” to see who could increase their outreach to constituents the most. Rep Rodney Davis, proud owner of an enormous wrestling belt, presented the winner Rep. Dan Newhouse with a wrestling belt of his own. Newhouse credited his communications director, Elizabeth Daniels, with much of their success.


rollcall--2020-01-09--Biden may not be the only beneficiary of endorsements he is getting

Former Vice President Joe Biden headlines a rally at the Culinary Workers Union Local in Nevada in 2018 .
He campaigned for 22 House candidates that election cycle and all but two of them won their races .
( Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photo ) Through 2019 , most House Democrats facing competitive reelection races kept their attention focused on their own brands at home and stayed away from the crowded and hotly contested battle for their party ’ s presidential nomination .
Recently , however , a few vulnerable lawmakers have started jumping into the fray and backing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strategists say those decisions could end up helping the endorsers as much as Biden , and more may follow .
Backing Biden early may help these lawmakers fend off Republican attacks tying them to more liberal lawmakers often denounced as “ socialists , ” such as Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren , and policies such as “ Medicare for All , ” strategists say .
The endorsements could also signal who is seen by more centrist House members as the most beneficial candidate for the top of the Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to independent and Republican-leaning voters who decide elections in competitive districts .
[ The 10 most vulnerable House members in 2020 : Democrats dominate ] “ It may inoculate them a little bit , ” said California Rep. Ami Bera , who has endorsed Biden .
Bera is a co-chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee ’ s Frontline program for vulnerable incumbents .
“ But it also suggests how worried they are about some of these other candidates like Sen. Warren or Sen. Sanders being our nominee , ” Bera said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , if they ’ re our nominee , it probably puts our House majority at risk.
” Supporters of Sanders and Warren push back on that claim .
“ I don ’ t think that that ’ s the case , given the Sanders message , which will mobilize turnout , ” said California Rep. Ro Khanna , a co-chairman of Sanders ’ campaign .
“ [ Sanders ] is very strong in rural communities .
And if you look at the states he ’ s done well in , states like Michigan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ places where we need to do well.
” Massachusetts Rep. Katherine M. Clark , who was vice chairwoman of recruitment for the House Democrats in 2018 and has endorsed Warren , told CQ Roll Call that Warren ’ s message would also resonate in competitive House districts .
She noted that Warren ’ s focus on combating corruption , climate change and the high cost of health care were issues discussed in 2018 races .
“ These are issues that Elizabeth Warren has fought for her entire professional career and her time as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ And that is why I think she is going to be a great next president and would be equally helpful to people in all parts of this country.
” One national Democratic strategist cautioned , “ I wouldn ’ t read people endorsing right now as a sign of anxiety.
” The strategist said Democrats are focused on aspects of their races that they can control , like fundraising and keeping the focus on local issues .
Most Democrats in Congress haven ’ t endorsed in the presidential primary .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ endorsements so far , with 33 House and Senate members supporting him .
Since the start of the year , Biden has picked up endorsements from four lawmakers who flipped House seats in 2018 : Abby Finkenauer of Iowa , Conor Lamb and Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania , and Elaine Luria of Virginia .
Finkenauer , Lamb and Luria represent districts President Donald Trump won in 2016 , and all three are in the DCCC ’ s Frontline program .
Bera said the recent endorsements were “ the tip of the iceberg , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 44 Democrats in the Frontline program to back Biden .
Bera pointed to Biden ’ s prevalence on the 2018 campaign trail as proof that he can help Democratic candidates in competitive races .
For the 2018 election , Biden traveled to 24 states to campaign for 65 candidates , a stat he touted at an event with Finkenauer this week .
Biden held campaign events for 22 House candidates , according to media reports and the Biden campaign .
The majority of those candidates were running in districts Trump won in 2016 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ won their races two years later .
Of the 20 House Democrats who held events with Biden and are now in Congress , just four — Luria , Finkenauer , Lamb and Pennsylvania Rep. Matt Cartwright — have endorsed the former vice president .
The New York Times reported Wednesday that California Rep. Harley Rouda , who was at a rally with Biden one month before the 2018 election , will host a fundraiser for Biden .
Rouda ’ s campaign manager , Alyssa Napuri , said in an email to CQ Roll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the primary “ at this time.
” Some of the candidates who appeared with Biden in 2018 have endorsed someone else for president .
New Jersey Reps. Andy Kim and Mikie Sherrill both backed their home-state senator , Cory Booker , who also campaigned often with them in 2018 .
California Rep. Katie Porter , who appeared at the same Orange County rally with Biden as Rouda , has endorsed Warren , her former professor and mentor .
Florida Rep. Stephanie Murphy endorsed former Texas Rep. Beto O ’ Rourke , who has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a crowded field , ” Bera said when asked why some Democrats who brought Biden to their districts have not yet endorsed him .
“ I think folks are now starting to tune in and think about the other races that are ahead of them.
” Get breaking news alerts and more from Roll Call on your iPhone .

Through 2019, most House Democrats facing competitive reelection races kept their attention focused on their own brands at home and stayed away from the crowded and hotly contested battle for their party’s presidential nomination.
Recently, however, a few vulnerable lawmakers have started jumping into the fray and backing former Vice President Joe Biden. Some strategists say those decisions could end up helping the endorsers as much as Biden, and more may follow.
Backing Biden early may help these lawmakers fend off Republican attacks tying them to more liberal lawmakers often denounced as “socialists,” such as Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, and policies such as “Medicare for All,” strategists say.
The endorsements could also signal who is seen by more centrist House members as the most beneficial candidate for the top of the Democratic ticket, with the potential to appeal to independent and Republican-leaning voters who decide elections in competitive districts.
[The 10 most vulnerable House members in 2020: Democrats dominate]


rollcall--2020-01-09--When science fiction becomes environmental fact, it might be time to worry

A bushfire burns in the town of Moruya , New South Wales , Australia , on Sunday .
As the country burns , many of its leaders remain unmoved on the science behind climate change , insisting Australia does not need to cut its carbon emissions , Curtis writes .
( Peter Parks/AFP via Getty Images ) OPINION — How did you spend your holiday ?
If you ’ re like me , one guilty pleasure was devouring TV marathons , designed to offer relief from the stresses of the season .
Reliable favorites include back-to-back episodes of “ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Classic Movies , one whole day devoted to science fiction , imaginings both cautionary and consoling of what the future holds for our world .
But usual escapes didn ’ t quite work this year , not when fact is scarier than anything “ Twilight Zone ” creator Rod Serling might have dreamed up , though the serious Serling who introduced each episode of his iconic series , all furrowed brow and cigarette in hand , did signal he suspected what was coming if mankind didn ’ t shape up .
Hint : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sage .
Let ’ s list just some of the gloom and doom greeting the world at the start of a new decade .
The end of the year brought surprising news from the Trump administration ’ s own experts — you know , those folks hired to replace scientists from the previous administration , presumably to more closely reflect the views of the boss and because of their ties to industry .
They showed some independence , with members of the EPA ’ s Scientific Advisory Board posting draft letters laying out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with adjusting and real science .
The statements criticized the administration ’ s proposed overhaul of Obama-era regulation of waterways , efforts to curb vehicle tailpipe emissions to fight climate change and plans to limit scientific data when drawing up health regulations .
That news coincidentally paired with the umpteenth showing of the 1973 movie “ Soylent Green , ” featuring one of Charlton Heston ’ s less wooden performances and a future world devastated by pollution , global warming , too many people and too few resources , where the privileged use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — spoiler alert – “ Soylent Green is people !
” The start of January brought a preview , reported in The New York Times , of proposed changes to the 50-year-old National Environmental Policy Act that would mean “ federal agencies would no longer have to take climate change into account when they assess the environmental impacts of highways , pipelines and other major infrastructure projects.
” Those supportive of the move contend economic and employment opportunities must be considered , while environmentalists worry about the future of air , water and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get the chance to weigh in on the changes to the law , expected to be formally announced this week .
Caring about air , water and wildlife is inescapable when every day brings new pictures of a continent and country burning .
Man has certainly helped pull the trigger in Australia , with dozens of arrests of those charged with intentionally setting fires .
But scientists and researchers have said that climate change has worsened the effects of the wildfires , which have killed many , destroyed thousands of homes and devastated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is increasing bushfire risk in Australia by lengthening the fire season , decreasing precipitation and increasing temperature , ” according to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology .
Australia ’ s leaders , including its prime minister , remain largely unmoved , insisting that despite drought and bushfires , the country does not need to cut carbon emissions .
Energy and Emissions Reduction Minister Angus Taylor told Reuters , “ When it comes to reducing global emissions , Australia must and is doing its bit , but bushfires are a time when communities must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s election upset looks an awful lot like Trump ] Not a good time to watch “ The Midnight Sun , ” that “ Twilight Zone ” episode where a distraught Lois Nettleton in a nearly deserted New York City is burning up as a world knocked off its orbit inches closer to the sun .
It being the early 1960s when the episode first ran , thoughts of a U.S. experimenting with shiny new missiles under the shadow of a competitive Cold War are never far away .
In the show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wakes up from her dream — or nightmare — to a reality of an Earth that is freezing to death .
To be fair , Serling ’ s brainchild series remains iconic , in part , because it was prescient in its view of the dark side of humanity , of the greed and xenophobia that trump good sense and charity when the going gets a little bit tough .
He shone a light on contentious family dynamics and neighbors turning against neighbors , proving only too well his fictional alien force ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to defeating the human race , no outside aggression is necessary .
We will do it to ourselves every time .
His science was never truly fiction .
Still , what once seemed ironic and clever comes as a shock as the fantastical scenarios increasingly play out in real time .
The writing is smart , the concepts clever — and all of it is frightening .
In the 1960 film “ The Time Machine ” — not exactly H.G .
Wells ’ 1895 vision , but entertaining nonetheless — Rod Taylor ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , chastened and woeful after his “ machine ” offers a glimpse into the future , full of passive citizens cut off from the knowledge of the past and content to be happy and entertained , and ultimately unable to confront danger .
When I watched this time around , I sympathized with those trapped underground , perhaps more in line with Wells ’ sentiment about the plight of the working class during industrialization , though they serve as the movie ’ s villains .
That allows for a last act that contains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it ’ s hard to imagine any sort of happy ending when the future is now .

OPINION — How did you spend your holiday? If you’re like me, one guilty pleasure was devouring TV marathons, designed to offer relief from the stresses of the season. Reliable favorites include back-to-back episodes of “The Twilight Zone” and, on Turner Classic Movies, one whole day devoted to science fiction, imaginings both cautionary and consoling of what the future holds for our world.
But usual escapes didn’t quite work this year, not when fact is scarier than anything “Twilight Zone” creator Rod Serling might have dreamed up, though the serious Serling who introduced each episode of his iconic series, all furrowed brow and cigarette in hand, did signal he suspected what was coming if mankind didn’t shape up.
Hint: Mankind did not listen to that sober sage.
Let’s list just some of the gloom and doom greeting the world at the start of a new decade.
The end of the year brought surprising news from the Trump administration’s own experts — you know, those folks hired to replace scientists from the previous administration, presumably to more closely reflect the views of the boss and because of their ties to industry.


rollcall--2020-01-09--Meet the lawmakers who bucked their parties on vote to limit Trump’s war powers

The House voted largely along party lines Thursday to adopt a resolution directing President Donald Trump to not use military force against Iran without congressional approval unless it was necessary to defend Americans .
But 11 lawmakers , mostly Democrats , bucked their parties on the vote .
Most of those Democrats face competitive reelections this year .
Michigan Democrat Elissa Slotkin , a former CIA analyst and Shia militia expert facing reelection in a swing district , sponsored the resolution amid a tense faceoff between Iran and the United States .
Iran responded to the U.S. killing of its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strikes on two American bases in Iraq .
While Trump announced Wednesday that the situation was deescalating , the House moved to reassert its power to declare war .
Democrats largely supported the resolution , while Republicans mostly opposed it .
Eight Democrats broke with their party and voted against the resolution .
Seven of them represent districts Trump won in 2016 .
Three Republicans voted for it , as did Michigan independent Justin Amash , a former Republican .
The resolution was similar to an amendment from California Democrat Ro Khanna that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Act when it passed the House in July .
That language was stripped from the bill when it was reconciled with the Senate version .
Khanna ’ s amendment barred federal funds from being used for the use of military force against Iran without congressional approval .
Seven Democrats voted against Khanna ’ s amendment , while 27 Republicans supported it , so some defections were expected Thursday night .
Here ’ s who bucked their parties on the vote .
New York Rep. Anthony Brindisi : Brindisi told reporters after the vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in killing Soleimani .
“ Going forward , I do n't want to restrict this administration or , frankly , any administration ’ s ability to respond to threats from Iran , ” he said .
He called for “ a broader conversation about use of force in the Middle East.
” Brindisi ’ s district in upstate New York backed Trump by 15 points in 2016 , while the vulnerable congressman won his first term in 2018 by 2 points .
Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales rates his race a Toss-up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The freshman was the the only Democrat to vote against the rule that set conditions for debating the resolution .
He flipped a longtime GOP district that Trump carried by 11 points in 2016 and is one of the most vulnerable Democrats in 2020 .
Cunnigham won the Charleston-based district by less than 2 points in 2018 after Republican incumbent Mark Sanford had lost in the GOP primary earlier that year .
Cunningham has sided with his party 85 percent of the time compared to 98 percent for the average House Democrat , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Elections rates his race a Toss-up .
New Jersey Rep. Josh Gottheimer : Elected in 2016 , Gottheimer flipped a GOP district that Trump narrowly carried the same year .
He voted against the Khanna amendment and has been a moderate in the caucus , often siding with business interests .
A former speechwriter for Bill Clinton and Microsoft executive , he represents affluent parts of northern New Jersey , including many suburbs of New York City .
The sophomore has voted with his party 88 percent of the time compared to 98 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to CQ Vote Watch .
He is also an aggressive fundraiser and had nearly $ 6.4 million in his reelection fund on Sept. 30 .
Inside Elections rates his race Solid Democratic .
Oklahoma Rep. Kendra Horn : Horn , a member of the Armed Services Committee , said after Soleimani ’ s killing , “ Though we do not mourn his loss , we must ensure that the United States does not recklessly engage with Iran.
” She topped CQ Roll Call ’ s most recent list of the most vulnerable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 point in 2018 .
Trump carried her seat by 14 points .
Inside Elections rates her reelection a Toss-up .
Virginia Rep. Elaine Luria : This retired Navy commander flipped a GOP seat in 2018 and is facing a potential rematch against the Republican she unseated , former Rep. Scott Taylor .
The military has a big presence in her Norfolk-area district .
Luria was one of seven freshman Democrats with national security backgrounds who came out in support of opening an impeachment inquiry in a September op-ed in The Washington Post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of impeachment against Trump in December .
Luria said in a statement after the vote that the resolution “ does not solve the larger problem at hand — which is that we are operating under a nearly two decade-old Authorization for the Use of Military Force ( AUMF ) .
” Trump carried her district by 3 points in 2016 .
Inside Elections rates her race Leans Democratic .
Utah Rep. Ben McAdams : It is not immediately clear why McAdams opposed the resolution .
He said after Trump ’ s Wednesday address @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iranians now appear to be ‘ standing down ’ and that both sides can work to step back and take actions that lower tensions in the region.
” As one of 30 Democrats in districts Trump carried , he is among the most vulnerable incumbents .
Trump won his Salt Lake City-area district by 7 points in 2016 , and McAdams unseated Republican Mia Love by less than a half a point two years later .
Inside Elections rates his race a Toss-up .
Florida Rep. Stephanie Murphy : Murphy , who co-chairs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fiscal conservative who worked on military relations and national security at the Defense Department under President George W. Bush .
She voted against Khanna ’ s resolution in July and said in a statement after the vote that she opposed the resolution because the War Powers Act already restricts the president ’ s authority and she is “ not prepared to unduly limit our nation ’ s ability to respond to different contingencies that may arise.
” Murphy tweeted after Soleimani ’ s killing that the general “ met his just end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the “ Monday morning quarterbacking ” since then .
Murphy flipped a GOP seat in 2016 by 3 points , while Trump lost the district by 7 points .
Murphy cruised to reelection in 2018 , and Inside Elections rates her bid for a third term Solid Democratic .
New York Rep. Max Rose : Rose criticized the measure as a “ non-binding resolution that simply restates existing law and sends the message that war is imminent.
” An Army veteran who earned a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart in Afghanistan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to play politics with questions of war and peace.
” He said Trump does need congressional approval to engage in “ protracted hostilities or war with Iran.
” Rose won his first term in 2018 by 6 points , but he is considered one of the most vulnerable House members since Trump carried his 11th District , which includes Staten Island and parts of Brooklyn , by 10 points .
GOP leaders have signaled that their preferred candidate to challenge Rose is Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis , who announced Thursday that she raised $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 and ended the year with $ 723,000 in the bank .
Rose has not released his fourth-quarter numbers , but his campaign had nearly $ 1.7 million on hand as of Sept. 30 .
Inside Elections rates his race a Toss-up .
Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz : Gaetz is one of Trump ’ s staunchest allies in Congress , and he worked to have a direct reference to Soleimani removed from the resolution .
But he opposes going to war with Iran without congressional approval , and he told the Rules Committee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in discussions with Slotkin , and she had drafted “ not only sufficient but exemplary definitions of the self-defense metrics that would be applied to any decision to use force.
” Gaetz is not expected to face a competitive reelection race .
Trump carried his district in the Florida Panhandle by 39 points in 2016 , and Gaetz won reelection in 2016 by 34 points .
Inside Elections rates his race Solid Republican .
Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie : Massie said in a Thursday floor speech that the vote “ is n't about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he said , “ This vote is about exercising our constitutional authority but , more importantly , our moral obligation to decide when and where our troops are going to be asked to give their lives.
” Massie ’ s 4th District voted for Trump by 36 points in 2016 , and Inside Elections rates his reelection Solid Republican .
Massie won his 2018 race by 28 points .
But this isn ’ t the first time he has broken with his party to assert congressional authority .
In February , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to overturn Trump ’ s emergency declaration to fund the construction of a wall along the Mexican border .
“ If legislators always vote with the president , we have a king , ” he tweeted at the time .
Florida Rep. Francis Rooney : Rooney , a former U.S. ambassador to the Vatican under President George W. Bush , is retiring after this term , and he has been critical of his party and Trump in the past .
He ’ d left the door open on impeaching Trump but ultimately voted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Speaking to reporters after the vote , Rooney was critical of a “ military strategy and a jingoistic strategy , ” suggesting that wasn ’ t the right way for the U.S. to engage with the Iranian people .
“ Their sorry authoritarian government , ” he said , “ doesn ’ t seem to care about them .
And that ’ s what we need to leverage … play for the long ball , and ultimately the Iranian people will have an opportunity to determine the future that they want to @ @ @

Oklahoma Rep. Kendra Horn: Horn, a member of the Armed Services Committee, said after Soleimani’s killing, “Though we do not mourn his loss, we must ensure that the United States does not recklessly engage with Iran.” She topped CQ Roll Call’s most recent list of the most vulnerable House members after a surprise win by 1 point in 2018. Trump carried her seat by 14 points. Inside Elections rates her reelection a Toss-up.
Virginia Rep. Elaine Luria: This retired Navy commander flipped a GOP seat in 2018 and is facing a potential rematch against the Republican she unseated, former Rep. Scott Taylor. The military has a big presence in her Norfolk-area district. Luria was one of seven freshman Democrats with national security backgrounds who came out in support of opening an impeachment inquiry in a September op-ed in The Washington Post, and she voted for both articles of impeachment against Trump in December. Luria said in a statement after the vote that the resolution “does not solve the larger problem at hand — which is that we are operating under a nearly two decade-old Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF).” Trump carried her district by 3 points in 2016. Inside Elections rates her race Leans Democratic.
Utah Rep. Ben McAdams: McAdams issued a statement Friday saying he supported Trump efforts to use diplomacy and sanctions “and his recent intentions to de-escalate tensions.” He said the War Powers Act of 1973 “already restricts the president’s ability to engage in military conflict without Congressional authorization,” so he did not support the nonbinding resolution Thursday. “At the same time, I firmly oppose any escalation of hostilities in the Middle East without a coherent and defined plan authorizing the use of military force,” he said. As one of 30 Democrats in districts Trump carried, McAdams is among the most vulnerable incumbents. Trump won his Salt Lake City-area district by 7 points in 2016, and McAdams unseated Republican Mia Love by less than a half a point two years later. Inside Elections rates his race a Toss-up.
Florida Rep. Stephanie Murphy: Murphy, who co-chairs the moderate Blue Dog Coalition, is a fiscal conservative who worked on military relations and national security at the Defense Department under President George W. Bush. She voted against Khanna’s resolution in July and said in a statement after the vote that she opposed the resolution because the War Powers Act already restricts the president’s authority and she is “not prepared to unduly limit our nation’s ability to respond to different contingencies that may arise.” Murphy tweeted after Soleimani’s killing that the general “met his just end,” and she has been critical of the “Monday morning quarterbacking” since then. Murphy flipped a GOP seat in 2016 by 3 points, while Trump lost the district by 7 points. Murphy cruised to reelection in 2018, and Inside Elections rates her bid for a third term Solid Democratic.
New York Rep. Max Rose: Rose criticized the measure as a “non-binding resolution that simply restates existing law and sends the message that war is imminent.” An Army veteran who earned a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart in Afghanistan, Rose said, “I refuse to play politics with questions of war and peace.” He said Trump does need congressional approval to engage in “protracted hostilities or war with Iran.” Rose won his first term in 2018 by 6 points, but he is considered one of the most vulnerable House members since Trump carried his 11th District, which includes Staten Island and parts of Brooklyn, by 10 points. GOP leaders have signaled that their preferred candidate to challenge Rose is Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis, who announced Thursday that she raised $306,000 in the final fundraising quarter of 2019 and ended the year with $723,000 in the bank. Rose has not released his fourth-quarter numbers, but his campaign had nearly $1.7 million on hand as of Sept. 30. Inside Elections rates his race a Toss-up.


rollcall--2020-01-09--House approves resolution aimed at trimming Trump’s power on Iran

The House on Thursday approved on a sharply partisan vote , 224-194 , a concurrent resolution seeking to curb the power of President Donald Trump to attack Iran .
But the parliamentary nature of the measure would not actually bind the White House ’ s hands even if the Senate were to go along with the resolution because it would never go to Trump 's desk for signature .
Fears of an irresistible slide toward a hot war with Iran peaked Tuesday night after Tehran launched ballistic missiles at Iraqi military bases where U.S. forces were deployed as part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iranian government said the missile attack , which did not result in any American casualties , was revenge for last week ’ s lethal drone strike by the United States on Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani , the commander of the elite Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and broadly perceived as one of the country ’ s most powerful officials .
Since then , both Tehran and Trump appear to have backed away from further direct military confrontation .
However , experts familiar with Iran ’ s history of covert operations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deniability could occur in the weeks and months ahead .
Those could include kidnappings of Americans abroad , cyber strikes on U.S. infrastructure and commercial interests and attacks on U.S. partner countries in the Middle East through Iranian proxies such as Lebanon 's Hezbollah .
“ For me this is not a theoretical exercise , ” said Rep. Elissa Slotkin , a former CIA analyst who served three tours in Iraq where she specialized in the study of Iranian-backed Shiite militias and who sponsored the anti-Iran war resolution .
“ I have followed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up close for my entire professional career .
I have watched friends and colleagues hurt or killed by Iranian rockets , mortars and explosive devices .
Iranian Gen. Soleimani was the lead architect of much of Iran ’ s destabilizing activities in the Middle East and throughout the world.
” Slotkin , a freshman Democrat from Michigan and a former senior Pentagon official in the Obama administration , noted her son-in-law ’ s military unit is stationed at Al Asad air base in Iraq , which was attacked by Iranian missiles this week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to immediately halt any military attacks on Iran and Iranian officials that are not separately authorized by Congress .
The measure does , however , include an exception for military actions “ as necessary and appropriate to defend against an imminent armed attack upon the United States , its territories or possessions , or its armed forces.
” [ Republicans come out against Iran language they previously supported ] “ That ’ s a limited exception , the president shouldn ’ t abuse it , ” said Rep. Eliot L. Engel , D-N.Y. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Committee .
His Republican counterpart on the committee , Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas , accused Democrats of reflexively opposing anything the president does .
“ Democrats are incapable of giving this president credit where credit is due , which only emboldens Iran , ” McCaul said .
“ The president is not seeking war with Iran .
The president , if anything , has shown great restraint with Iran.
” As Democrats chose to adopt a concurrent resolution , which is nonbinding and used by lawmakers to handle such housekeeping measures as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ special functions , it would not have the force of law if adopted by the Senate .
After adoption by both chambers , concurrent resolutions do not come before the president for signature or veto .
That is why a previous generation of lawmakers , eager to end a long spate of unauthorized military conflicts in Southeast Asia , wrote the 1973 War Powers Act in such a way as to specifically permit the use of concurrent resolutions to end congressionally unauthorized military operations .
But in a 1983 Supreme Court ruling over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court ruled against the legal validity of congressional measures that do not come before the president for signature or veto .
“ Since Section 5 ( c ) [ of the War Powers Act ] requires forces to be removed by the president if Congress so directs by a concurrent resolution , it is constitutionally suspect under the reasoning applied by the Court , ” concludes a March 2019 report on the law by the Congressional Research Service .
Had House Democrats sought a joint resolution , which has the force of law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to recommit , or MTR , which means it would not be a privileged resolution in the Senate .
So instead , they filed it as a concurrent resolution , which does not require a MTR vote .
Still , House Speaker Nancy Pelosi argued to reporters Thursday that the Iran resolution had “ real teeth.
” A War Powers resolution is a statement of the Congress , the California Democrat said .
“ And I will not have this statement be diminished by whether the president would veto or not.
” House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the resolution .
“ The Supreme Court ruled that in the [ INS v. Chadha ] case that concurrent resolutions are unconstitutional as a means to limit the executive branch , ” the California Republican said .
“ This resolution has as much force of law as a New Year ’ s resolution .
It is nothing more than a press release.
” In the Senate , Sen. Tim Kaine , D-Va. , has offered a legally binding resolution to order the end of unauthorized hostilities with Iran .
Two Republicans – Rand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Utah – have said they will support the measure though at least two more GOP senators must cross the aisle for the resolution to have any chance of congressional passage .
And then it would still come before Trump for his likely veto .
Lindsey McPherson contributed to this report.Get breaking news alerts and more from Roll Call on your iPhone .

The House on Thursday approved on a sharply partisan vote, 224-194, a concurrent resolution seeking to curb the power of President Donald Trump to attack Iran.
But the parliamentary nature of the measure would not actually bind the White House’s hands even if the Senate were to go along with the resolution because it would never go to Trump’s desk for signature.
Fears of an irresistible slide toward a hot war with Iran peaked Tuesday night after Tehran launched ballistic missiles at Iraqi military bases where U.S. forces were deployed as part of a counter-Islamic State terrorism mission. The Iranian government said the missile attack, which did not result in any American casualties, was revenge for last week’s lethal drone strike by the United States on Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the commander of the elite Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and broadly perceived as one of the country’s most powerful officials.
Since then, both Tehran and Trump appear to have backed away from further direct military confrontation. However, experts familiar with Iran’s history of covert operations say that further retaliatory attacks with plausible deniability could occur in the weeks and months ahead. Those could include kidnappings of Americans abroad, cyber strikes on U.S. infrastructure and commercial interests and attacks on U.S. partner countries in the Middle East through Iranian proxies such as Lebanon’s Hezbollah.
“For me this is not a theoretical exercise,” said Rep. Elissa Slotkin, a former CIA analyst who served three tours in Iraq where she specialized in the study of Iranian-backed Shiite militias and who sponsored the anti-Iran war resolution. “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. Iranian Gen. Soleimani was the lead architect of much of Iran’s destabilizing activities in the Middle East and throughout the world.”


rollcall--2020-01-09--Between Iraq and a hard place: Congress

Between Iraq and a hard place: Congress

Rep. Mike Gallagher , R-Wis. , arrives to the Capitol Visitor Center for a briefing by administration officials for members @ @ @ @ @ latest developments on Iranian airstrikes in Iraq .
( Photo By Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call @ @ @ @ @ 2020 by examining what 's next after the targeted killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani @ @ @ @ @ Zeller talks to two Iraq War veterans , Rep. Mike Gallagher , R-Wis. , and @ @ @ @ @ , to get their takes on a House resolution that has reignited the debate over @ @ @ @ @ of war , and policy towards Iraq and Iran .
• Republicans come out against @ @ @ @ @ • Trump Iran address comes as congressional plans on War Powers in flux Get breaking @ @ @ @ @ Roll Call on your iPhone .

Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., an Iraq war veteran, sits on the House Armed Services Committee (Photo By Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
CQ on Congress begins 2020 by examining what’s next after the targeted killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad. Host Shawn Zeller talks to two Iraq War veterans, Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Wis., and Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., to get their takes on a House resolution that has reignited the debate over Congress’ authority over acts of war, and policy towards Iraq and Iran.
Show Notes:


rollcall--2020-01-09--Voting machine makers say yes to congressional oversight

Rep. Zoe Lofgren , D-Calif. , speaks during a House Administration Committee hearing in July 2019 .
Lofgren said Thursday to top executives of U.S. voting machine makers that they should disclose cybersecurity practices including how they respond to incidents .
( Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call ) Top executives of U.S. voting machine makers told lawmakers Thursday they would accept federal regulations requiring the companies to disclose how they handle cyberattacks as well as reveal details of ownership and sources of components .
Tom Burt , CEO of Election Systems & Software , John Poulos , CEO of Dominion Voting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Hart InterCivic , told Rep. Zoe Lofgren , D-Calif. , chairwoman of the House Administration Committee that they would accept a broad set of regulations governing their companies .
Lofgren told the executives there were no “ federal reporting requirements about disclosure on key business practices ” by the three largest makers of voting equipment .
Lofgren said the companies should disclose cybersecurity practices including how they respond to incidents ; details of cyberattacks they suffer ; personnel policies including how employees are screened to ensure no insider attacks occur ; details @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where the companies obtain their software and electronic components .
Company executives told lawmakers their machines contain components made in China , including programmable logic devices that are the heart of any computing device , as well as capacitors and touch-screen glass .
None of their components were sourced from Russia , the executives said .
Security experts also have been concerned about remote access software on voting machines that could be hacked by adversaries .
Executives of all three companies told lawmakers they discontinued making machines with such access after 2007 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the capability to plug in an external modem that can transmit vote tallies after polls close , the executives said .
The hearing was the first time top executives of voting machine vendors have appeared before Congress since the 2016 election to answer questions on the security of their machines .
In that year ’ s presidential election , U.S. intelligence agencies concluded Russian operatives attempted to break into the voter registration databases of 21 states and succeeded in penetrating the systems in a handful of states .
No voting machines are known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said no votes were altered .
Special Counsel Robert S. Mueller III found evidence Russian intelligence agents breached and managed to plant malware in equipment by VR Systems of Tallahassee , Fla. , which makes poll books and election management computers .
The company does not make voting machines and denied it was hacked .
The FBI is reportedly probing the case but has not offered any details .
ES & S , Hart and Dominion together account for 80 percent of the machines used by voters across the United States to cast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any of these companies could have devastating consequences for elections in vast swaths of the country , ” Elizabeth Howard , counsel at the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law , told the House committee .
And yet the vendors of the machines have “ received little federal or congressional oversight.
” Unlike makers of a variety of consumer and industrial products who must comply with federal safety standards , voting machine makers thus far have eluded scrutiny , she said .
“ Even colored pencils are subject to more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. Election Assistance Commission , created in the aftermath of the 2000 presidential election , has authority to disburse federal grants to states to help them buy voting machines and other election machinery .
The commission sets standards for voting machines but has no authority to issue rules or impose requirements on states .
In 2005 , the agency published its first set of standards for voting machines , known as Voluntary Voting System Guidelines and updated it in 2015 .
But none of the vendors or the machines were certified against the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials are likely using the 2005 standards , Commission Chairwoman Christy McCormick told lawmakers last year .
In December , Congress approved $ 425 million in federal grants to help states boost election security measures .
But the amount was less than half the $ 1 billion many House Democrats sought .
In spring 2018 , Congress approved an earlier batch of $ 380 million for election security .
Get breaking news alerts and more from Roll Call on your iPhone .

Top executives of U.S. voting machine makers told lawmakers Thursday they would accept federal regulations requiring the companies to disclose how they handle cyberattacks as well as reveal details of ownership and sources of components.
Tom Burt, CEO of Election Systems & Software, John Poulos, CEO of Dominion Voting Systems, and Julie Mathis, CEO of Hart InterCivic, told Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif., chairwoman of the House Administration Committee that they would accept a broad set of regulations governing their companies.
[Progressive group spending $100,000 to pressure McConnell, vulnerable GOP senators on election security]
Lofgren told the executives there were no “federal reporting requirements about disclosure on key business practices” by the three largest makers of voting equipment.
Lofgren said the companies should disclose cybersecurity practices including how they respond to incidents; details of cyberattacks they suffer; personnel policies including how employees are screened to ensure no insider attacks occur; details of foreign shareholding; and information on where the companies obtain their software and electronic components.


rollcall--2020-01-09--President Jed Bartlet could be arrested in front of the Capitol

Former “ West Wing ” star Martin Sheen is planning to join actress and activist Jane Fonda at a climate change protest Friday on the southeast lawn of the Capitol .
The event is part of Fonda ’ s weekly “ Fire Drill Friday ” demonstrations in support of the Green New Deal climate legislation sponsored by progressive lawmakers such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders .
Fonda and friends are calling on Congress to create high-paying jobs in the renewable energy sector and end all new fossil fuel exploration and extraction .
Since relocating from Los Angeles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enlisted her famous pals for weekly civil disobedience demonstrations , which typically end in arrests .
Numerous Hollywood celebrities have joined her , including Ted Danson , and Sam Waterston and Lily Tomlin , who both star with Fonda on Netflix ’ s “ Grace and Frankie.
” Despite acting in films such as “ Apocalypse Now , ” and raising son Charlie Sheen , Martin Sheen is probably best known for playing Democratic president Josiah Edward “ Jed ” Bartlet on “ The West Wing.
” A beltway favorite , the show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ D.C. political dorks have to a lingua franca .
( “ What is the virtue of a proportional response ?
” ) In it , Sheen could be seen bringing to life stunningly erudite monologues straight from the pen of series creator Aaron Sorkin .
But Sheen , who also co-stars with Fonda on the Netflix show , is more than just pretty words .
He ’ s no stranger to being jailed for protesting .
The longtime liberal activist was arrested in the 1980s for protesting nuclear weapons testing .
The 82-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also generated her fair share of controversy for her political activism .
She was an outspoken member of the anti-Vietnam War movement and for decades has donated millions of dollars to liberal causes and candidates .
Arrested four times since October , she ’ ll be avoiding the brig this time around .
The actress has an early morning flight the next day to begin shooting season six of “ Gracie and Frankie , ” according to spokesman Ira Arlook .
In addition to the fictional president , Fonda will have Oscar-nominated actors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the protest .
The rally is scheduled for 11 a.m .
The demonstrators will focus on the “ major banks and investors that finance fossil fuel exploration , ” according to a statement from Fonda .
She ’ ll also announce plans for future demonstrations .
Fonda told the Los Angeles Times she initially wanted to take an entire year off to lead the protests , but was contractually obligated to film her television show .
The announcement may have to do with how the protests proceed once Fonda returns to filming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What ’ s next ?
Get breaking news alerts and more from Roll Call on your iPhone .

Former “West Wing” star Martin Sheen is planning to join actress and activist Jane Fonda at a climate change protest Friday on the southeast lawn of the Capitol.
The event is part of Fonda’s weekly “Fire Drill Friday” demonstrations in support of the Green New Deal climate legislation sponsored by progressive lawmakers such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders. Fonda and friends are calling on Congress to create high-paying jobs in the renewable energy sector and end all new fossil fuel exploration and extraction.
Since relocating from Los Angeles to D.C. last fall, Fonda has enlisted her famous pals for weekly civil disobedience demonstrations, which typically end in arrests. Numerous Hollywood celebrities have joined her, including Ted Danson, and Sam Waterston and Lily Tomlin, who both star with Fonda on Netflix’s “Grace and Frankie.”
Despite acting in films such as “Apocalypse Now,” and raising son Charlie Sheen, Martin Sheen is probably best known for playing Democratic president Josiah Edward “Jed” Bartlet on “The West Wing.” A beltway favorite, the show’s quotes are the closest thing D.C. political dorks have to a lingua franca. (“What is the virtue of a proportional response?”) In it, Sheen could be seen bringing to life stunningly erudite monologues straight from the pen of series creator Aaron Sorkin.


rollcall--2020-01-09--Appeals court hears arguments over health care cost-sharing subsidies

The Supreme Court heard arguments in the cost-sharing subsidies cases in December , and the high court ’ s decision could impact the cases over the health insurance industry ’ s claims that the government maintained an implied contract with the plans even in the absence of appropriations .
( Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photo ) A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit heard arguments Thursday over whether the government owes health insurance plans money through subsidies mandated under the 2010 health care law , which created so-called cost-sharing subsidies for insurers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Donald Trump halted the subsidies in 2017 , prompting health care plans on the insurance exchanges across the country to increase their premium rates the following year .
But Congress never appropriated specific funds for the subsidies , which the federal government argued ended the obligation of the Department of Health and Human Services to pay the plans .
Alisa Klein , an attorney for the Justice Department , said Congress knew that not appropriating the subsidies would increase premiums , which would then increase correlating premium tax credit subsidies .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tax credits allowed the insurers to recoup the lost money , she said .
Judges William Bryson and Timothy Dyk , both Clinton appointees , and Richard Taranto , an Obama appointee , questioned the insurance attorneys on whether any potential damages should be adjusted based on the increased tax credits , noting the possibility of a financial “ windfall ” for the plans .
But one of the attorneys for the plans , William Roberts , argued that the insurers ’ workaround did not absolve the government of its obligation , likening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” “ What we have here is the violation of a statute , ” he said .
The appeal consolidates four separate cases from South Dakota-based Sanford Health Plan , Maine Community Health Options , Montana Health Co-Op and Texas-based Community Health Choice , which all won their initial lawsuits .
A district court judge recently awarded a separate class action involving more than 100 health plans $ 1.6 billion in cost-sharing payments .
The federal government appealed the case last month .
Health care plans are waging dozens of similar lawsuits against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ separate payments through a program known as “ risk corridors , ” which was designed to stabilize profits and losses during the first three years of the exchanges .
The Supreme Court heard arguments in those cases in December , and the high court ’ s decision could impact the cost-sharing cases over the industry ’ s claims that the government maintained an implied contract with the plans even in the absence of appropriations .
Klein expressed confidence that the Supreme Court would reject the claim , even though the high court ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ argument .
The Congressional Budget Office estimated that the cost-sharing subsidies would total around $ 7 billion in 2017 , yet not funding them was expected to cost the government more through higher premium assistance .
A bipartisan effort in Congress to fund the payments ultimately failed to gain traction , even after the White House requested the appropriations in February 2018 .
Exchange enrollees who did not qualify for premium assistance were vulnerable to the premium increases , prompting the vast majority of states to take a unique approach to shield @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cost-sharing subsidies were only offered for silver-level plans , most states restricted the premium increases to silver plans .
Because premium subsidies are calculated according to silver plans , which are the most popular , the result was disproportionately lower premiums for some less generous bronze plans and more expensive gold plans .
Congress recently enacted legislation protecting states ’ ability to “ silver-load , ” as the practice is known , after the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services indicated it might ban the technique .

A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit heard arguments Thursday over whether the government owes health insurance plans money through subsidies mandated under the 2010 health care law, which created so-called cost-sharing subsidies for insurers to reduce low-income consumers’ out-of-pocket costs.
President Donald Trump halted the subsidies in 2017, prompting health care plans on the insurance exchanges across the country to increase their premium rates the following year. But Congress never appropriated specific funds for the subsidies, which the federal government argued ended the obligation of the Department of Health and Human Services to pay the plans.
[Trump to Stop Paying Obamacare Cost-Sharing Subsidies]
Alisa Klein, an attorney for the Justice Department, said Congress knew that not appropriating the subsidies would increase premiums, which would then increase correlating premium tax credit subsidies. The “hydraulic relationship” between premiums and tax credits allowed the insurers to recoup the lost money, she said.


rollcall--2020-01-09--Trump to Lee: Other people called it ‘best presentation they’ve ever seen’

President Donald Trump took questions from reporters Thursday during an event at the White House .
( Screenshot via WhiteHouse.gov @ @ @ @ @ with GOP Sen. Mike Lee ’ s comments that Wednesday ’ s Iran briefing was @ @ @ @ @ d ever seen on a military issue .
“ Other people have said it was @ @ @ @ @ ve ever seen , ” Trump told reporters Thursday .
He said the military “ @ @ @ @ @ give ” all the information Lee and GOP Sen. Rand Paul were looking for .

President Donald Trump disagreed with GOP Sen. Mike Lee’s comments that Wednesday’s Iran briefing was the worst briefing he’d ever seen on a military issue.
“Other people have said it was the best presentation they’ve ever seen,” Trump told reporters Thursday. He said the military “didn’t want to give” all the information Lee and GOP Sen. Rand Paul were looking for.


rollcall--2020-01-09--Big business lobby to push trade, data, immigration in 2020

US Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tom Donohue speaks at US Chamber of Commerce in Washington .
The top spender on federal lobbying plans to push for a full agenda this year that includes free trade , data privacy and immigration overhaul .
( MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images ) Noting the “ extraordinary time ” of political turmoil and impeachment running alongside the 2020 campaigns , U.S. Chamber of Commerce CEO Tom Donohue nevertheless said his group , the top spender on federal lobbying , would push for a full agenda this year that includes free trade , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the expected legislative stalemate of a presidential election year , he said the chamber believed Congress and the Trump administration still may seek compromise on major matters , including funding for infrastructure projects .
“ What can actually get done in a year like 2020 ?
The short answer is a lot , ” Donohue said Thursday during the group ’ s annual presentation about its agenda .
[ In major shift , U.S. Chamber to rate lawmakers on bipartisanship ] On the political side , though the chamber spends heavily on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those contests , Donohue offered little detail about how much it would invest in 2020 races and how much the typically GOP-leaning organization would send to Democrats.Donohue reiterated the chamber ’ s change , announced last year to weigh bipartisan deal-making more heavily when evaluating lawmakers ’ votes and when deciding whom to support .
“ We don ’ t tell anybody what we spend on politics , ” Donohue said in response to a CQ Roll Call question about how much the group planned to invest in politics in 2020 and what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added that the group would be a major player in the 2020 races and that it “ will spend money on Democrats.
” The “ bottom line , ” he said , “ stay tuned.
” In the 2018 election cycle , the chamber spent nearly $ 11 million in electioneering messages , according to a tabulation by the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics .
Donohue said the big business group would not take a position in the 2020 presidential races but would criticize policy proposals , such as Medicare for all , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ praise or criticize proposals by presidential candidates from both parties , ” he said .
“ We will lead the opposition to the policies that undermine the job creators , that penalize the innovators , and that target the wealth creators and investors that allow Americans to provide for their families and plan for their futures.
” The chamber has made no secret of its dislike of Trump administration tariffs , with Donohue saying that American companies and consumers pay the prices of those .
But the group supports the renegotiated North American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Canada and Mexico .
Donohue also said the chamber would continue to press for immigration overhaul measures , despite the controversy surrounding them , including opposition from the administration .
He said American companies are facing a “ crisis ” of worker shortages .
“ We ’ ve identified 10 states , where every individual who wants to work could find a job tomorrow — and still , more than a quarter of the jobs would remain unfilled , ” Donohue said in his speech .
“ This is just one reason @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immigration reform , so businesses can find the workers they need , when and where they need them.
” Data privacy will also be a priority issue for the chamber in 2020 , Donohue said , noting that federal inaction on the matter has led to a “ patchwork ” of state rules and regulations , including a new law in California that took effect this month .
“ Can you imagine effectively running a company when you have 50 different sets of standards to comply with ?
This would create conflict for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase costs for everyone , ” he said .
The chamber , and its affiliates including the Institute for Legal Reform , disclosed spending nearly $ 60 million on federal lobbying in the first nine months of 2019 , [ Related : Facebook posts biggest quarterly lobby tab on eve of testimony ] according to lobbying disclosures filed with Congress .
The group will also lobby state governments into 2020 , including fighting proposals to limit how companies can categorize workers as independent contractors , a reaction to the “ gig ” economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in that sector .
Donohue said the chamber was fighting against state regulations of the gig economy because they would “ suppress business opportunities .
”

Noting the “extraordinary time” of political turmoil and impeachment running alongside the 2020 campaigns, U.S. Chamber of Commerce CEO Tom Donohue nevertheless said his group, the top spender on federal lobbying, would push for a full agenda this year that includes free trade, data privacy and immigration overhaul.
Even with the expected legislative stalemate of a presidential election year, he said the chamber believed Congress and the Trump administration still may seek compromise on major matters, including funding for infrastructure projects.
“What can actually get done in a year like 2020? The short answer is a lot,” Donohue said Thursday during the group’s annual presentation about its agenda.
[In major shift, U.S. Chamber to rate lawmakers on bipartisanship]
On the political side, though the chamber spends heavily on congressional races and routinely makes endorsements in those contests, Donohue offered little detail about how much it would invest in 2020 races and how much the typically GOP-leaning organization would send to Democrats.Donohue reiterated the chamber’s change, announced last year to weigh bipartisan deal-making more heavily when evaluating lawmakers’ votes and when deciding whom to support.