cnbc--2020-01-06--The battle over abortion rights: Here's what's at stake in 2020

Changes at the state and federal level made 2019 a volatile year for abortion access .
But for activists , the fight is just heating up .
Reproductive rights experts anticipate the abortion landscape to change even more dramatically in the year ahead , thanks to an onslaught of expected court rulings and new laws .
Many of the battles in the coming year stem from policies implemented and struck down in prior years .
Republican-led states , emboldened by the Supreme Court 's new conservative majority and the Trump administration 's anti-abortion policies , passed 59 abortion restrictions in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wave of state-led abortion bans that were temporarily blocked from going into effect last year .
The Trump administration in February instituted the `` gag rule , '' which bars the use of Title X money `` to perform , promote , refer for , or support abortion as a method of family planning . ''
Title X helps fund birth control and reproductive health care for low-income individuals , according to Planned Parenthood .
Experts , citing these factors , expect the new year to continue to be challenging for abortion rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 that could bring drastic change to abortion policy : In March , the Supreme Court will take up its first major case relating to abortion with both of President Donald Trump 's appointees , Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh , on the bench .
The high court will review a controversial Louisiana law from 2014 that requires doctors who perform abortions to have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles of the facility where the abortions are provided .
Opponents said it would effectively limit the state of about 4.5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court struck down a nearly identical Texas law in the 2016 case Whole Woman 's Health v. Hellerstedt .
Diana Kasdan , director of judicial strategy at the Center for Reproductive Rights , an activist group that brought the Louisiana case , warned that the court could use the case to `` effectively ban abortion '' even if it does n't overrule its longstanding abortion precedents , known as Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey .
`` If this law were to be upheld , without overruling Roe v. Wade , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Louisiana could effectively ban abortion because they 're going to be down to one clinic , '' Kasdan said .
Opponents are also worried that the ruling could have broader implications for abortion rights , arguing it might undermine the `` undue burden '' standard applied by the Supreme Court to determine whether laws restricting abortion are constitutional .
This case involves a potential regulation that 's `` measured against '' that standard , said Eric Scheidler , executive director of Pro-Life Action League .
`` Here in this case , the court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ undue burden , maybe even overturn the Hellerstedt case , '' he said .
Experts on both sides are going to pay attention to 2020 Democratic candidates and their stance on the Hyde Amendment , which bars federal funding for abortions except in cases of rape or incest or when the life of the person giving birth is at risk .
Opponents of the Hyde Amendment are reproductive rights groups seeking its repeal , arguing that women of color make up more than half of the population enrolled in Medicaid that 's subject @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on abortion coverage disproportionately hurt low-income people , especially women of color , immigrant women , and young women , meanwhile anti-choice lawmakers continue to wage unprecedented attacks on reproductive freedom on all fronts , '' said Amanda Thayer , deputy national communications director at nonprofit NARAL Pro-Choice America .
`` The moment we 're in shows how support for reproductive freedom , including repealing the Hyde Amendment , is no longer negotiable , and all the Democratic presidential front-runners understand that — something unthinkable a few years ago , '' Thayer said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they support the repeal of the Hyde Amendment , but have n't specified whether they 'd sign a budget that included the Hyde Amendment .
Lawmakers since it was passed in 1977 have voted for the Hyde Amendment every year as part of a larger spending bill .
Former Vice President Joe Biden said he supports its repeal , after having been the subject of criticism for flip-flopping on the matter in June .
The Democratic front-runner has shifted his stance multiple times since announcing his candidacy for president .
Scheidler from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't be surprised to see [ Biden ] flip again if he wins the nomination , when he realizes that most Americans , even those who support legal abortion , do n't believe in forcing Americans to pay for it . ''
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has scared liberals with a flurry of recent health concerns .
The 86-year-old sat out of Supreme Court arguments in November due to a stomach bug .
Last year , Ginsburg underwent treatment for what likely was pancreatic cancer , according to a statement from the Supreme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was treated for cancerous growths on her lungs .
Ginsburg is the oldest justice and is considered the leader of the Supreme Court 's liberal wing , which is outnumbered by conservatives 5-4 .
She was appointed by President Bill Clinton in 1993 .
With the addition of Kavanaugh and Gorsuch , the Trump administration is believed to have shifted the Supreme Court 's balance on the topic of abortion to favor conservative policies .
Previously , Justice Anthony Kennedy , a moderate Republican appointee , had been the deciding vote on several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote .
`` We suspect Brett Kavanaugh is going to have an anti-choice streak , '' said Destiny Lopez , co-director of All* Above All , a coalition that unites organizations to build support for lifting abortion coverage restrictions .
`` We knew with Gorsuch that this was a problem .
So there 's concern that this could be a further erosion of Roe v .
Wade . ''
A second wave of state-led abortion bans is expected in 2020 , with Tennessee , Nebraska , Ohio , South Carolina and Idaho leading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're going to continue to see states try to further erode Roe v. Wade at the state level , '' Lopez said .
`` And I think [ states ] feel emboldened after the last round of abortion regulations in the last year . ''
Republicans in Ohio have proposed a highly restrictive bill that prohibits doctors from performing abortions in almost all circumstances , except if a person giving birth will die from complications .
The bill does not propose any exceptions for rape or incest , but it does say that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perform them can be prosecuted for murder .
`` The time for regulating evil and compromise is over , '' said Ohio state Rep. Candice Keller , a Republican and a sponsor of the bill .
`` The time has come to abolish abortion in its entirety and recognize that each individual has the inviolable and inalienable right to life . ''
The bill is similar to a controversial law struck down in Alabama last year , in which there were also few exceptions for doctors to carry out abortions .
But , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also recognize that there are states going in the opposite direction .
While multiple states tightened the restrictions on abortion , other states , like New York , Virginia and Maine , expanded abortion access .
In January 2019 , New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo passed the Reproductive Health Act , a law that allows people to receive an abortion after the 24th week of pregnancy in cases where the health of the person giving birth is on the line or if the baby would not survive the birth .
Previously , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abortion after 24 weeks if the person giving birth would not survive .

Abortionrights activist gathered outside the U.S. Supreme Court to protest against the recent abortion laws passed across the country in recent weeks. Tuesday, May 21, 2019. Washington, D.C. (Photo by Aurora Samperio/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Aurora Samperio | NurPhoto | Getty Images
Changes at the state and federal level made 2019 a volatile year for abortion access. But for activists, the fight is just heating up. Reproductive rights experts anticipate the abortion landscape to change even more dramatically in the year ahead, thanks to an onslaught of expected court rulings and new laws. Many of the battles in the coming year stem from policies implemented and struck down in prior years. Republican-led states, emboldened by the Supreme Court's new conservative majority and the Trump administration's anti-abortion policies, passed 59 abortion restrictions in 2019. Among those restrictions was a wave of state-led abortion bans that were temporarily blocked from going into effect last year. The Trump administration in February instituted the "gag rule," which bars the use of Title X money "to perform, promote, refer for, or support abortion as a method of family planning." Title X helps fund birth control and reproductive health care for low-income individuals, according to Planned Parenthood. Experts, citing these factors, expect the new year to continue to be challenging for abortion rights. Here are the major events in 2020 that could bring drastic change to abortion policy:
Louisiana abortion case hits the Supreme Court
In March, the Supreme Court will take up its first major case relating to abortion with both of President Donald Trump's appointees, Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh, on the bench. The high court will review a controversial Louisiana law from 2014 that requires doctors who perform abortions to have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles of the facility where the abortions are provided. Opponents said it would effectively limit the state of about 4.5 million to one abortion provider. The court struck down a nearly identical Texas law in the 2016 case Whole Woman's Health v. Hellerstedt. Diana Kasdan, director of judicial strategy at the Center for Reproductive Rights, an activist group that brought the Louisiana case, warned that the court could use the case to "effectively ban abortion" even if it doesn't overrule its longstanding abortion precedents, known as Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey. "If this law were to be upheld, without overruling Roe v. Wade, without overruling Casey, a state like Louisiana could effectively ban abortion because they're going to be down to one clinic," Kasdan said. Opponents are also worried that the ruling could have broader implications for abortion rights, arguing it might undermine the "undue burden" standard applied by the Supreme Court to determine whether laws restricting abortion are constitutional. This case involves a potential regulation that's "measured against" that standard, said Eric Scheidler, executive director of Pro-Life Action League. "Here in this case, the court has the opportunity to further define that undue burden, maybe even overturn the Hellerstedt case," he said.
2020 candidates on the Hyde Amendment
Experts on both sides are going to pay attention to 2020 Democratic candidates and their stance on the Hyde Amendment, which bars federal funding for abortions except in cases of rape or incest or when the life of the person giving birth is at risk. Opponents of the Hyde Amendment are reproductive rights groups seeking its repeal, arguing that women of color make up more than half of the population enrolled in Medicaid that's subject to abortion coverage restrictions. "Restrictions on abortion coverage disproportionately hurt low-income people, especially women of color, immigrant women, and young women, meanwhile anti-choice lawmakers continue to wage unprecedented attacks on reproductive freedom on all fronts," said Amanda Thayer, deputy national communications director at nonprofit NARAL Pro-Choice America. "The moment we're in shows how support for reproductive freedom, including repealing the Hyde Amendment, is no longer negotiable, and all the Democratic presidential front-runners understand that — something unthinkable a few years ago," Thayer said. Most of the Democratic candidates indicated they support the repeal of the Hyde Amendment, but haven't specified whether they'd sign a budget that included the Hyde Amendment. Lawmakers since it was passed in 1977 have voted for the Hyde Amendment every year as part of a larger spending bill. Former Vice President Joe Biden said he supports its repeal, after having been the subject of criticism for flip-flopping on the matter in June. The Democratic front-runner has shifted his stance multiple times since announcing his candidacy for president. Scheidler from the Pro-Life Action League said he "wouldn't be surprised to see [Biden] flip again if he wins the nomination, when he realizes that most Americans, even those who support legal abortion, don't believe in forcing Americans to pay for it."
Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the Supreme Court
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has scared liberals with a flurry of recent health concerns. The 86-year-old sat out of Supreme Court arguments in November due to a stomach bug. Last year, Ginsburg underwent treatment for what likely was pancreatic cancer, according to a statement from the Supreme Court. In late 2018, she was treated for cancerous growths on her lungs. Ginsburg is the oldest justice and is considered the leader of the Supreme Court's liberal wing, which is outnumbered by conservatives 5-4. She was appointed by President Bill Clinton in 1993. With the addition of Kavanaugh and Gorsuch, the Trump administration is believed to have shifted the Supreme Court's balance on the topic of abortion to favor conservative policies. Previously, Justice Anthony Kennedy, a moderate Republican appointee, had been the deciding vote on several issues that were split on an ideological vote. "We suspect Brett Kavanaugh is going to have an anti-choice streak," said Destiny Lopez, co-director of All* Above All, a coalition that unites organizations to build support for lifting abortion coverage restrictions. "We knew with Gorsuch that this was a problem. So there's concern that this could be a further erosion of Roe v. Wade."
More states might adopt abortion bans


cnbc--2020-01-06--Donald Trump Jr. shows off assault rifle magazine featuring Hillary Clinton behind bars, crusader cr

Donald Trump Jr. shows off assault rifle magazine featuring Hillary Clinton behind bars, crusader cross

Lock and load her up .
President Donald Trump 's eldest son Donald Trump Jr. posted a photo on his Instagram account boasting about his new assault rifle magazine , which features an image of Hillary Clinton 's face behind jail bars .
That magazine is inserted into the well of the AR-15 , which has been modified to resemble the helmet of a Christian crusader , with a Jerusalem Cross .
The Jerusalem Cross or Crusader Cross was the symbol of the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem , a crusader state established in the 11th century after Jerusalem was seized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day at the range , '' Trump Jr. wrote on the Instagram post Sunday .
`` @ rarebreedfirearms and @ spikes_tactical adding a little extra awesome to my AR and that mag . ''
Trump Jr. 's father defeated Democratic nominee Clinton in the 2016 presidential election .
During that campaign , crowds at the elder Trump 's rallies often chanted , `` Lock her up ! ''
in reference to Clinton .
Trump Jr. 's post came three days after a U.S. airstrike authorized by President Trump at Baghdad 's airport killed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whose nation is an Islamic republic .
Trump Jr. is an avid gun enthusiast and hunter .
Since his father entered the White House , he and his brother Eric have run the Trump Organization .
An Axios.com poll last week indicated that 29 % of Republican voters would consider Trump Jr. for president .
A total of 16 % in the same poll said they would consider his sister Ivanka , who currently is a senior White House advisor , to succeed their father as president .
A spokesman for Trump Jr. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said , `` Anyone claiming that the Jerusalem Cross is some sort of political statement , could n't be more ignorant .
Symbols depicting various historical warriors are about as common in gun culture as hating President Trump is in the oped pages of the New York Times . ''
`` Don 's instagram post was strictly about him using a famous meme to mock Hillary Clinton , as he and many others have done on numerous occasions and will surely do again in the future , so long as it continues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .

Lock and load her up.
President Donald Trump's eldest son Donald Trump Jr. posted a photo on his Instagram account boasting about his new assault rifle magazine, which features an image of Hillary Clinton's face behind jail bars.
That magazine is inserted into the well of the AR-15, which has been modified to resemble the helmet of a Christian crusader, with a Jerusalem Cross.
The Jerusalem Cross or Crusader Cross was the symbol of the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem, a crusader state established in the 11th century after Jerusalem was seized from its then-Muslim rulers.
"Nice day at the range," Trump Jr. wrote on the Instagram post Sunday. "@rarebreedfirearms and @spikes_tactical adding a little extra awesome to my AR and that mag."
Trump Jr.'s father defeated Democratic nominee Clinton in the 2016 presidential election. During that campaign, crowds at the elder Trump's rallies often chanted, "Lock her up!" in reference to Clinton.
Trump Jr.'s post came three days after a U.S. airstrike authorized by President Trump at Baghdad's airport killed top Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani, whose nation is an Islamic republic.
Trump Jr. is an avid gun enthusiast and hunter. Since his father entered the White House, he and his brother Eric have run the Trump Organization.
An Axios.com poll last week indicated that 29% of Republican voters would consider Trump Jr. for president. A total of 16% in the same poll said they would consider his sister Ivanka, who currently is a senior White House advisor, to succeed their father as president.
A spokesman for Trump Jr., when asked about the Instagram post, said, "Anyone claiming that the Jerusalem Cross is some sort of political statement, couldn't be more ignorant. Symbols depicting various historical warriors are about as common in gun culture as hating President Trump is in the oped pages of the New York Times."
"Don's instagram post was strictly about him using a famous meme to mock Hillary Clinton, as he and many others have done on numerous occasions and will surely do again in the future, so long as it continues triggering humorless liberals," the spokesman said.


cnbc--2020-01-07--How the world's most important oil chokepoint could factor into escalating US-Iran tensions

A critical gateway to the world 's oil industry has been thrust back into the global spotlight , following a dramatic escalation in geopolitical tensions since the targeted killing of a top Iranian general .
The death of Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani at the end of last week has ratcheted up already-high tensions between Washington and Tehran , with many investors increasingly anxious that a widening conflict could disrupt global oil supplies .
Analysts at Eurasia Group predicted the most likely outcome of Soleimani 's death would be a months-long `` escalatory cycle '' of tit-for-tat responses in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead to de-escalating U.S.-Iran tensions .
But , as tensions continue to ramp up initially , analysts at the political risk consultancy said they would expect to see Iran harass commercial shipping in the Gulf — `` and shipping in the Strait of Hormuz will be temporarily disrupted with navy drills . ''
Situated between Iran and Oman , the Strait of Hormuz is a narrow but strategically important waterway that links crude producers in the Middle East with key markets across the world .
It was the focal point of heightened U.S.-Iran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when six oil tankers and a U.S. drone were attacked in , or near , the waterway .
Oil prices were trading higher on Monday , extending gains following Friday 's more than 3 % jump .
International benchmark Brent crude traded at $ 69.62 at around 12:15 p.m. London time , up around 1.5 % , having briefly climbed above $ 70 a barrel earlier in the session .
It was the first time since May that Brent futures had surpassed this psychologically important level .
U.S. West Texas Intermediate ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ morning , up more than 1.1 % for the session .
The Energy Information Administration ( EIA ) has previously described the Strait of Hormuz as the world 's most important oil chokepoint .
In 2018 , daily oil flow in the channel — which is just 21 miles wide at its narrowest point — averaged at 21 million barrels per day .
That 's the equivalent of about 21 % of global petroleum liquids consumption .
The EIA defines a chokepoint as a narrow channel along widely used global sea routes that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off the Strait 'of no interest to anyone' Samir Madani , co-founder of satellite tracking firm TankerTrackers.com , told CNBC 's `` Squawk Box Europe '' on Monday that shipping flows via the Strait of Hormuz had been little changed since the targeted killing of Soleimani .
He emphasized that China was the biggest importer out of the Persian Gulf region .
And , `` as a result of that , the relationship between Iran and China needs to be maintained . ''
`` So , they are not going to shut off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The EIA estimated that 76 % of the crude oil and condensate that moved through the chokepoint went to Asian markets in 2018 .
China , India , Japan , South Korea , and Singapore were thought to be the largest destinations for crude oil moving through the Strait of Hormuz to Asia over the same time period , accounting for 65 % of all Hormuz crude oil and condensate flows .
Madani said that while `` there may be skirmishes '' in the Strait over the coming weeks , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone '' to completely cut off the channel .
Iran has said the White House made a `` grave mistake '' in giving the order to kill Soleimani , with the Islamic Republic 's supreme leader Ali Khamenei vowing to deliver `` severe revenge '' to those responsible .
President Donald Trump has since warned Iran the U.S. would strike back if Tehran 's military forces attacked any American person or target following the killing of Soleimani , before adding Washington could do so `` perhaps in a disproportionate manner . ''

Tankers depicted in the Strait of Hormuz — a strategically important waterway which separates Iran, Oman and the United Arab Emirates. ATTA KENARE | AFP | Getty Images
A critical gateway to the world's oil industry has been thrust back into the global spotlight, following a dramatic escalation in geopolitical tensions since the targeted killing of a top Iranian general. The death of Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani at the end of last week has ratcheted up already-high tensions between Washington and Tehran, with many investors increasingly anxious that a widening conflict could disrupt global oil supplies. Analysts at Eurasia Group predicted the most likely outcome of Soleimani's death would be a months-long "escalatory cycle" of tit-for-tat responses in the Middle East, before mediation efforts eventually lead to de-escalating U.S.-Iran tensions.
watch now
But, as tensions continue to ramp up initially, analysts at the political risk consultancy said they would expect to see Iran harass commercial shipping in the Gulf — "and shipping in the Strait of Hormuz will be temporarily disrupted with navy drills." Situated between Iran and Oman, the Strait of Hormuz is a narrow but strategically important waterway that links crude producers in the Middle East with key markets across the world. It was the focal point of heightened U.S.-Iran tensions in May and June last year, when six oil tankers and a U.S. drone were attacked in, or near, the waterway.
Energy security in the Gulf
Oil prices were trading higher on Monday, extending gains following Friday's more than 3% jump. International benchmark Brent crude traded at $69.62 at around 12:15 p.m. London time, up around 1.5%, having briefly climbed above $70 a barrel earlier in the session. It was the first time since May that Brent futures had surpassed this psychologically important level. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) stood at $63.78 Monday morning, up more than 1.1% for the session. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) has previously described the Strait of Hormuz as the world's most important oil chokepoint. In 2018, daily oil flow in the channel — which is just 21 miles wide at its narrowest point — averaged at 21 million barrels per day. That's the equivalent of about 21% of global petroleum liquids consumption. The EIA defines a chokepoint as a narrow channel along widely used global sea routes that are critical to energy security.
watch now
Shutting off the Strait 'of no interest to anyone'
Samir Madani, co-founder of satellite tracking firm TankerTrackers.com, told CNBC's "Squawk Box Europe" on Monday that shipping flows via the Strait of Hormuz had been little changed since the targeted killing of Soleimani. He emphasized that China was the biggest importer out of the Persian Gulf region. And, "as a result of that, the relationship between Iran and China needs to be maintained." "So, they are not going to shut off the Strait anytime soon," Madani said.
watch now
The EIA estimated that 76% of the crude oil and condensate that moved through the chokepoint went to Asian markets in 2018. China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore were thought to be the largest destinations for crude oil moving through the Strait of Hormuz to Asia over the same time period, accounting for 65% of all Hormuz crude oil and condensate flows. Madani said that while "there may be skirmishes" in the Strait over the coming weeks, it would be "of no interest to anyone" to completely cut off the channel. Iran has said the White House made a "grave mistake" in giving the order to kill Soleimani, with the Islamic Republic's supreme leader Ali Khamenei vowing to deliver "severe revenge" to those responsible. President Donald Trump has since warned Iran the U.S. would strike back if Tehran's military forces attacked any American person or target following the killing of Soleimani, before adding Washington could do so "perhaps in a disproportionate manner."


cnbc--2020-01-06--John Bolton says he will testify in Trump's impeachment trial if the Senate subpoenas him

New National Security Adviser John Bolton listens as U.S. President Donald Trump holds a cabinet meeting at the White House in Washington , April 9 , 2018 .
Former national security advisor John Bolton said in a statement Monday that he is willing to testify in President Donald Trump 's impeachment trial if he is subpoenaed by the Senate .
Democrats are grappling with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , over the rules for Trump 's eventual Senate trial , which will determine whether he is convicted on the House-passed articles of impeachment and removed from office .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , wants McConnell to approve four witnesses in advance — including Bolton — but McConnell has rejected Schumer 's demand , saying instead that he wants the trial to closely resemble former President Bill Clinton 's .
Bolton , rather than formally agree or decline to participate in the House impeachment process , opted instead to make his decision based on the outcome of a related court case .
That case , which involved his former colleague Charles Kupperman , was found to be moot by a federal judge in late December .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at issue , I have had to resolve the serious competing issues as best I could , based on careful consideration and study , '' Bolton wrote in a statement posted to his political action committee 's website .
`` I have concluded that , if the Senate issues a subpoena for my testimony , I am prepared to testify , '' Bolton said .
Neither the White House nor McConnell 's office immediately responded to CNBC 's questions or requests for comment on Bolton 's statement .
Republicans hold a 53-47 majority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them have yet said they supported Trump 's impeachment , let alone his removal from office .
Subpoenas in the Senate would need a `` simple '' 51-vote majority to pass .

Former national security advisor John Bolton said in a statement Monday that he is willing to testify in President Donald Trump's impeachment trial if he is subpoenaed by the Senate.
Democrats are grappling with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., over the rules for Trump's eventual Senate trial, which will determine whether he is convicted on the House-passed articles of impeachment and removed from office.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., wants McConnell to approve four witnesses in advance — including Bolton — but McConnell has rejected Schumer's demand, saying instead that he wants the trial to closely resemble former President Bill Clinton's.
Bolton, rather than formally agree or decline to participate in the House impeachment process, opted instead to make his decision based on the outcome of a related court case. That case, which involved his former colleague Charles Kupperman, was found to be moot by a federal judge in late December.
"Since my testimony is once again at issue, I have had to resolve the serious competing issues as best I could, based on careful consideration and study," Bolton wrote in a statement posted to his political action committee's website.
"I have concluded that, if the Senate issues a subpoena for my testimony, I am prepared to testify," Bolton said.
Bolton TWEET
Neither the White House nor McConnell's office immediately responded to CNBC's questions or requests for comment on Bolton's statement.
Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate, and none of them have yet said they supported Trump's impeachment, let alone his removal from office.
Subpoenas in the Senate would need a "simple" 51-vote majority to pass.


cnbc--2020-01-06--Harvey Weinstein charged in Los Angeles with rape, sex assault, as movie mogul kicks off rape trial

Harvey Weinstein charged in Los Angeles with rape, sex assault, as movie mogul kicks off rape trial in New York

Harvey Weinstein arrives using a walker at the Manhattan Criminal Court , on January 6 , 2020 in New York City .
Prosecutors in Los Angeles on Monday charged disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein with raping one woman and sexually assaulting a second woman in separate attacks over a two-day period in 2013 .
The charges were announced hours after Weinstein was heckled as he entered a New York City courthouse for the start of a trial on charges of raping one woman and sexually assault another women in separate incidents in Manhattan .
LA prosecutors said Weinstein went to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18 , 2013 , and raped a woman there after pushing his way into her room .
The next night , he allegedly sexually assaulted the second woman in a hotel suite in Beverly Hills .
Weinstein , who has claimed that all sexual contact he had with women was consensual , faces up to 28 years in prison if convicted in the case .
More than 80 women in all have accused Weintstein of sexual misconduct , but most of their claims are not the subject of criminal prosecutions .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defendant used his power and influence to gain access to his victims and then commit violent crimes against them , '' said LA District Attorney Jackie Lacey , whose office is recommending bail of $ 5 million for Weinstein .
`` I want to commend the victims who have come forward and bravely recounted what happened to them .
It is my hope that all victims of sexual violence find strength and healing as they move forward . ''
The LA DA 's office has been reviewing as many as nine sexual assault @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported .
The Los Angeles prosecution and the New York trial come more than two years after allegations of serial sexual misdeeds by Weinstein sparked the # MeToo movement .
`` Thank God your mother is not here to see this , '' one of about two dozen protesters yelled at a feeble-looking Weinsten as he hobbled toward Manhattan Criminal Court with the aid of a walker , according to the New York Daily News .
`` Mr. Weinstein , are you scared ? ''
another person asked from the crowd , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Listen to Survivors '' and `` Justice for Surivors . ''
The 67-year-old Weinstein said nothing in response .
Monday 's brief proceedings dealt with legal issues related to Weinstein 's trial for alleged sexual crimes against two women .
During that hearing , Judge James Burke ruled that Weinstein 's lawyers can not call as a witness New York Police Det .
Nicholas DiGaudio .
DiGaudio allegedly told one of Weinsten 's accusers to delete personal cell phone files in order to hide them from prosecutors , the Manhattan District Attorney 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Weinstein 's lawyers to question other witnesses about DiGaudio .
Jury selection in the case is set to begin Tuesday and is expected to take weeks .
Weinstein is accused of raping one of the women in a Manhattan hotel room in 2013 .
The other woman accused him of forcibly performing a sexual act on her in Manhattan in 2006 .
Weinstein has pleaded not guilty to the charges , which included four counts of felony predatory sexual assault , one count of criminal sexual act and one count apiece of first- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maximum possible sentence of life in prison in the case .
A group of 25 of his accusers , among them actresses Rose McGowan and Roseanna Arquette , released a statement last week in anticipation of the trial .

Harvey Weinstein arrives using a walker at the Manhattan Criminal Court, on January 6, 2020 in New York City.
Prosecutors in Los Angeles on Monday charged disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein with raping one woman and sexually assaulting a second woman in separate attacks over a two-day period in 2013.
The charges were announced hours after Weinstein was heckled as he entered a New York City courthouse for the start of a trial on charges of raping one woman and sexually assault another women in separate incidents in Manhattan.
LA prosecutors said Weinstein went to a hotel in Los Angeles on Feb. 18, 2013, and raped a woman there after pushing his way into her room.
The next night, he allegedly sexually assaulted the second woman in a hotel suite in Beverly Hills.
Weinstein, who has claimed that all sexual contact he had with women was consensual, faces up to 28 years in prison if convicted in the case.
More than 80 women in all have accused Weintstein of sexual misconduct, but most of their claims are not the subject of criminal prosecutions.
"We believe the evidence will show that the defendant used his power and influence to gain access to his victims and then commit violent crimes against them," said LA District Attorney Jackie Lacey, whose office is recommending bail of $5 million for Weinstein.
"I want to commend the victims who have come forward and bravely recounted what happened to them. It is my hope that all victims of sexual violence find strength and healing as they move forward."
The LA DA's office has been reviewing as many as nine sexual assault claims invovling Weinstein, NBC News has reported.
The Los Angeles prosecution and the New York trial come more than two years after allegations of serial sexual misdeeds by Weinstein sparked the #MeToo movement.
"Thank God your mother is not here to see this," one of about two dozen protesters yelled at a feeble-looking Weinsten as he hobbled toward Manhattan Criminal Court with the aid of a walker, according to the New York Daily News.
"Mr. Weinstein, are you scared?" another person asked from the crowd, which included people holding signs that said "Listen to Survivors" and "Justice for Surivors."
The 67-year-old Weinstein said nothing in response.
Monday's brief proceedings dealt with legal issues related to Weinstein's trial for alleged sexual crimes against two women.
During that hearing, Judge James Burke ruled that Weinstein's lawyers cannot call as a witness New York Police Det. Nicholas DiGaudio.
DiGaudio allegedly told one of Weinsten's accusers to delete personal cell phone files in order to hide them from prosecutors, the Manhattan District Attorney's office has said.
Burke will allow Weinstein's lawyers to question other witnesses about DiGaudio.
Jury selection in the case is set to begin Tuesday and is expected to take weeks.
Weinstein is accused of raping one of the women in a Manhattan hotel room in 2013. The other woman accused him of forcibly performing a sexual act on her in Manhattan in 2006.
Weinstein has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which included four counts of felony predatory sexual assault, one count of criminal sexual act and one count apiece of first- and third-degree rape.
He faces a maximum possible sentence of life in prison in the case.
A group of 25 of his accusers, among them actresses Rose McGowan and Roseanna Arquette, released a statement last week in anticipation of the trial.


cnbc--2020-01-06--Julian Castro endorses Elizabeth Warren for president days after quitting Democratic primary

Democratic presidential candidates Sen. Elizabeth Warren , D-Mass.
, and former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro share a moment at the end of a Democratic primary debate hosted by NBC News at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts , June 26 , 2019 , in Miami .
Former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro endorsed Sen. Elizabeth Warren for president on Monday , days after dropping out of the Democratic primary race .
`` There 's one candidate I see who 's unafraid to fight like hell to make sure America 's promise will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure that no matter where you live in America or where your family came from in the world , you will have a path for opportunity to , '' Castro said in a video posted to Twitter .
`` That 's why I 'm proud to endorse Elizabeth Warren for president , '' he said .
Castro left the race on Tuesday after lagging in the polls and failing to keep up with rivals ' fundraising efforts .
He consistently polled below 2 % in national surveys .
The progressive former Obama Cabinet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ambitious policy proposals , some that inspired other candidates to address topics that were otherwise unlikely to come up .
His call for the repeal of a provision of immigration law that makes it a misdemeanor to cross the U.S. border illegally , known as Section 1325 , brought other contenders to his side .
`` Nobody is working harder than you are , not only in meeting with people , but in listening to people .
And also , bringing the goods , and saying , 'OK , this is what I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' '' Castro says to Warren in the video , which shows the two Democrats at a kitchen table .
`` The thing I hear the most from the people in the selfie lines is hope , '' Warren responds .
The Massachusetts senator wrote in a tweet Monday that Castro had been `` a powerful voice for bold , progressive change and I 'm honored to have your support . ''
`` Together , we 'll fight to make sure every single family in America has a path to opportunity , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Latino in the Democratic primary race .
Voting in the primary contests begins in less than a month , with the Iowa caucuses kicking off on Feb. 3 .
Warren has declined in national polls to third place , behind former Vice President Joe Biden and fellow Sen. Bernie Sanders , I-Vt. , after reaching a peak in early October .
Few of the other candidates who have exited the race , including Sens .
Kamala Harris , D-Calif. , and Kirsten Gillibrand , D-N.Y. , former Texas Rep. Beto O'Rourke and Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone yet .
Rep. Tim Ryan , D-Ohio , who left the race in October , endorsed Biden the following month .

Democratic presidential candidates Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro share a moment at the end of a Democratic primary debate hosted by NBC News at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, June 26, 2019, in Miami.
Former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro endorsed Sen. Elizabeth Warren for president on Monday, days after dropping out of the Democratic primary race.
"There's one candidate I see who's unafraid to fight like hell to make sure America's promise will be there for everyone. Who will make sure that no matter where you live in America or where your family came from in the world, you will have a path for opportunity to," Castro said in a video posted to Twitter.
"That's why I'm proud to endorse Elizabeth Warren for president," he said.
Warren tweet
Castro left the race on Tuesday after lagging in the polls and failing to keep up with rivals' fundraising efforts. He consistently polled below 2% in national surveys.
The progressive former Obama Cabinet secretary did roll out a slate of ambitious policy proposals, some that inspired other candidates to address topics that were otherwise unlikely to come up.
His call for the repeal of a provision of immigration law that makes it a misdemeanor to cross the U.S. border illegally, known as Section 1325, brought other contenders to his side.
"Nobody is working harder than you are, not only in meeting with people, but in listening to people. And also, bringing the goods, and saying, 'OK, this is what I'm going to do about it,'" Castro says to Warren in the video, which shows the two Democrats at a kitchen table.
"The thing I hear the most from the people in the selfie lines is hope," Warren responds.
The Massachusetts senator wrote in a tweet Monday that Castro had been "a powerful voice for bold, progressive change and I'm honored to have your support."
"Together, we'll fight to make sure every single family in America has a path to opportunity," she wrote.
Castro was the only Latino in the Democratic primary race.
Voting in the primary contests begins in less than a month, with the Iowa caucuses kicking off on Feb. 3. Warren has declined in national polls to third place, behind former Vice President Joe Biden and fellow Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., after reaching a peak in early October.
Few of the other candidates who have exited the race, including Sens. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., and Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., former Texas Rep. Beto O'Rourke and Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, have endorsed someone yet. Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio, who left the race in October, endorsed Biden the following month.


cnbc--2020-01-06--Premium cigar makers could catch a break from the FDA as White House applies pressure

Cigars are stacked after labels are added at the J.C. Newman Cigar Company about the company 's history in Tampa on November 29 , 2016 .
Under pressure from the White House , the Food and Drug Administration gave premium cigar-makers and importers a win last week , indicating it may spare the industry from costly regulation set to go into effect this spring .
The premium cigar industry is facing a May deadline that requires all new tobacco products to obtain regulatory clearance from the FDA .
Those that do not will be technically marketed illegally and subject to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dominate the premium cigar industry have said the required compliance costs would effectively put them out of business .
The premium cigar industry , like the wine industry , relies on releasing new varieties to sustain the interests of its connoisseurs .
According to data compiled by Mangum Economic Consulting and provided by Cigar Rights of America , the rules would put 88 % of U.S. cigar manufacturers and importers out of business and destroy 5,300 U.S. jobs .
The White House has pushed the FDA to carve out premium cigars from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation told CNBC , requesting anonymity because the conversations are confidential .
White House budget director Mick Mulvaney has been a particularly strong opponent of its inclusion in regulation , one of the people said .
Premium handmade cigars are more expensive than the mass-produced cigars sold in convenience stores and are bought less frequently .
The cigar industry is strong in Florida , a swing state whose 29 Electoral College votes is tied with New York for third place among states .
The FDA last week offered a small concession .
While @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to give the industry what it wants — exemption from the regulation — it implied it may turn a blind eye to cracking down on premium cigar companies not in compliance .
`` FDA will make enforcement decisions on a case-by-case basis , recognizing that it is unable , as a practical matter , to take enforcement action against every illegally marketed tobacco product , and that it needs to make the best use of Agency resources , '' the agency wrote .
Its `` lowest priority among these products will include relatively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not have flavors ( e.g.
, fruit , candy , or mint ) , given what FDA understands to be their comparatively lower youth usage rates . ''
The news was cautiously welcomed by the premium cigar industry .
`` We appreciate the recognition of being on the lower end of risk , '' said J. Glynn Loope , executive director of Cigar Rights of America .
`` But we 'd like to not be subject to this regulation at all . ''
To officially exempt premium cigars from the regulation , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policy saying it will offer extended enforcement discretion to the industry .
Spokespeople for the White House and Mulvaney did not return requests for comment .
A spokeswoman for the FDA said the agency is `` unable to comment on an internal , deliberative process . ''
The FDA made the pronouncement as it outlined its priorities for regulating all tobacco products edging up against the May deadline .
The regulations in question stem from a 2016 decision by the FDA under then-President Barack Obama that subjected all tobacco products — including e-cigarettes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smokeless tobacco — to FDA rules .
Given the FDA 's scant resources , its focus will be on cracking down on products like flavored e-cigarette cartridges that teens prefer , it said last week .
It will proceed with previously announced plans to regulate flavored cigars .
In 2017 , 7.7 % of high school students and 1.5 % of middle school students reported smoking a cigar within the previous 30 days , according to the FDA .
By contrast , nearly 28 % of high school students reported using an e-cigarette @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a report released in September .
The cigar industry has pushed back against regulation .
Three of its lobbying groups are suing the FDA , arguing the agency violated the Regulatory Flexibility Act by not taking into account the regulation 's impact on small businesses .
Across the country , 11,140 U.S. tobacco retailers could be impacted by the Obama regulation , according to the Mangum Economic Consulting report , citing 2015 U.S. Census Bureau numbers .
The U.S. has 160 domestic cigar manufacturing facilities and 216 cigar importers .
Companies impacted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Newman Cigar Co. , the family-owned manufacturer of Nicaraguan , Dominican and American cigars .
It would not include Cuban cigars .

Cigars are stacked after labels are added at the J.C. Newman Cigar Company about the company's history in Tampa on November 29, 2016.
Under pressure from the White House, the Food and Drug Administration gave premium cigar-makers and importers a win last week, indicating it may spare the industry from costly regulation set to go into effect this spring.
The premium cigar industry is facing a May deadline that requires all new tobacco products to obtain regulatory clearance from the FDA. Those that do not will be technically marketed illegally and subject to enforcement. But the mom-and-pop shops that dominate the premium cigar industry have said the required compliance costs would effectively put them out of business. The premium cigar industry, like the wine industry, relies on releasing new varieties to sustain the interests of its connoisseurs.
According to data compiled by Mangum Economic Consulting and provided by Cigar Rights of America, the rules would put 88% of U.S. cigar manufacturers and importers out of business and destroy 5,300 U.S. jobs.
The White House has pushed the FDA to carve out premium cigars from the regulations, two people familiar with the situation told CNBC, requesting anonymity because the conversations are confidential. White House budget director Mick Mulvaney has been a particularly strong opponent of its inclusion in regulation, one of the people said.
Premium handmade cigars are more expensive than the mass-produced cigars sold in convenience stores and are bought less frequently. The cigar industry is strong in Florida, a swing state whose 29 Electoral College votes is tied with New York for third place among states.
The FDA last week offered a small concession. While it did not go so far as to give the industry what it wants — exemption from the regulation — it implied it may turn a blind eye to cracking down on premium cigar companies not in compliance.
"FDA will make enforcement decisions on a case-by-case basis, recognizing that it is unable, as a practical matter, to take enforcement action against every illegally marketed tobacco product, and that it needs to make the best use of Agency resources," the agency wrote.
Its "lowest priority among these products will include relatively expensive, large hand-rolled cigars that do not have flavors (e.g., fruit, candy, or mint), given what FDA understands to be their comparatively lower youth usage rates."
The news was cautiously welcomed by the premium cigar industry.
"We appreciate the recognition of being on the lower end of risk," said J. Glynn Loope, executive director of Cigar Rights of America. "But we'd like to not be subject to this regulation at all."
To officially exempt premium cigars from the regulation, the FDA would need to put out a policy saying it will offer extended enforcement discretion to the industry.
Spokespeople for the White House and Mulvaney did not return requests for comment. A spokeswoman for the FDA said the agency is "unable to comment on an internal, deliberative process."
The FDA made the pronouncement as it outlined its priorities for regulating all tobacco products edging up against the May deadline. The regulations in question stem from a 2016 decision by the FDA under then-President Barack Obama that subjected all tobacco products — including e-cigarettes, hookah tobacco, pipe tobacco and smokeless tobacco — to FDA rules.
Given the FDA's scant resources, its focus will be on cracking down on products like flavored e-cigarette cartridges that teens prefer, it said last week. It will proceed with previously announced plans to regulate flavored cigars.
In 2017, 7.7% of high school students and 1.5% of middle school students reported smoking a cigar within the previous 30 days, according to the FDA. By contrast, nearly 28% of high school students reported using an e-cigarette in the previous 30 days, according to a report released in September.
The cigar industry has pushed back against regulation. Three of its lobbying groups are suing the FDA, arguing the agency violated the Regulatory Flexibility Act by not taking into account the regulation's impact on small businesses.
Across the country, 11,140 U.S. tobacco retailers could be impacted by the Obama regulation, according to the Mangum Economic Consulting report, citing 2015 U.S. Census Bureau numbers.
The U.S. has 160 domestic cigar manufacturing facilities and 216 cigar importers. Companies impacted by the regulation would include the J.C. Newman Cigar Co., the family-owned manufacturer of Nicaraguan, Dominican and American cigars. It would not include Cuban cigars.


cnbc--2020-01-06--Bloomberg's campaign hires 500 staffers in over 30 states

Michael Bloomberg is wasting no time building out his campaign 's ground game , with 500 organizers and staff in more than 30 states , including all 14 of the delegate-rich Super Tuesday states , his campaign told NBC News .
The ramp-up — both in staff and in spending on TV ads — has been quick .
Just six weeks after he announced his candidacy , the former mayor of New York now boasts more than 800 staffers on his payroll and has spent over $ 100 million on advertising .
The roughly 300 staffers working in the campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move into a new building in Times Square to accommodate their burgeoning ranks , aides said .
The Super Tuesday staffing , which puts grassroots leadership teams and organizers in all the March contest states , as well as in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania , which vote in April , solidifies Bloomberg as having the largest organization in the field after the four early-voting states in February .
`` Our campaign is building the most robust national organization and infrastructure to beat Donald Trump , '' said Dan Kanninen , Bloomberg 's states director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way that Bloomberg , a billionaire who is funding his own campaign , is not constrained by the usual fiscal realities of campaigns .
While he 's staffing up and spending big , Bloomberg is also focused on states later in the primary calendar , a strategy his team announced as he got in the race in November .
That decision means that while the rest of the Democratic pack are focusing their resources in states like Iowa and New Hampshire , Bloomberg could have an edge in the Super Tuesday states , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Super Tuesday states are : Alabama , Arkansas , California , Colorado , Maine , Massachusetts , Minnesota , North Carolina , Oklahoma , Tennessee , Texas , Utah , Vermont and Virginia .
He has the most staff on the ground in North Carolina , a campaign aide said .
`` Every other campaign is going to have to throw their field organizers from an early state to a Super Tuesday state and just kind of hope it works out , '' said Democratic strategist Emily Tisch Sussman , the host of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ By putting people in the states so early , Bloomberg will be able to quietly build an infrastructure and relationships while no one else is paying attention '' or as other candidates lack the resources to do it .
While Bloomberg 's got a head start , he 's not alone .
Sen. Elizabeth Warren , former Vice President Joe Biden , Sen. Bernie Sanders and Pete Buttigieg are among the candidates who have already begun building out their operations past the January caucus and primary states of Iowa , New Hampshire , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his opponents are spending the bulk of their time competing in the states set to vote within weeks , Bloomberg has been on the campaign trail in places that do n't tend to see presidential candidates until later .
And his team is planning how it will build operations in these states and beyond .
In Ohio , where Bloomberg plans to campaign later this week , his team plans to have a dozen field offices , according to projections a Bloomberg aide shared with NBC News .
The general election battleground states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 17 offices , respectively .

Michael Bloomberg is wasting no time building out his campaign's ground game, with 500 organizers and staff in more than 30 states, including all 14 of the delegate-rich Super Tuesday states, his campaign told NBC News.
The ramp-up — both in staff and in spending on TV ads — has been quick. Just six weeks after he announced his candidacy, the former mayor of New York now boasts more than 800 staffers on his payroll and has spent over $100 million on advertising.
The roughly 300 staffers working in the campaign's New York headquarters are set to move into a new building in Times Square to accommodate their burgeoning ranks, aides said.
The Super Tuesday staffing, which puts grassroots leadership teams and organizers in all the March contest states, as well as in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, which vote in April, solidifies Bloomberg as having the largest organization in the field after the four early-voting states in February.
"Our campaign is building the most robust national organization and infrastructure to beat Donald Trump," said Dan Kanninen, Bloomberg's states director.
The hiring spree speaks to the way that Bloomberg, a billionaire who is funding his own campaign, is not constrained by the usual fiscal realities of campaigns. While he's staffing up and spending big, Bloomberg is also focused on states later in the primary calendar, a strategy his team announced as he got in the race in November.
That decision means that while the rest of the Democratic pack are focusing their resources in states like Iowa and New Hampshire, Bloomberg could have an edge in the Super Tuesday states, which vote on March 3. The Super Tuesday states are: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont and Virginia. He has the most staff on the ground in North Carolina, a campaign aide said.
"Every other campaign is going to have to throw their field organizers from an early state to a Super Tuesday state and just kind of hope it works out," said Democratic strategist Emily Tisch Sussman, the host of the podcast Your Primary Playlist. "By putting people in the states so early, Bloomberg will be able to quietly build an infrastructure and relationships while no one else is paying attention" or as other candidates lack the resources to do it.
While Bloomberg's got a head start, he's not alone.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren, former Vice President Joe Biden, Sen. Bernie Sanders and Pete Buttigieg are among the candidates who have already begun building out their operations past the January caucus and primary states of Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina.
But while his opponents are spending the bulk of their time competing in the states set to vote within weeks, Bloomberg has been on the campaign trail in places that don't tend to see presidential candidates until later. And his team is planning how it will build operations in these states and beyond.
In Ohio, where Bloomberg plans to campaign later this week, his team plans to have a dozen field offices, according to projections a Bloomberg aide shared with NBC News. The general election battleground states of Michigan and Florida have nine and 17 offices, respectively.


cnbc--2020-01-06--House to vote on limiting Trump's military powers regarding Iran, Pelosi says

U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D-CA ) talks about the remaining legislative business and the House of Representatives vote to impeach U.S. President Donald Trump during her final weekly news conference of 2019 at the U.S. Capitol in Washington , U.S. , December 19 , 2019 .
In a letter to colleagues Sunday , Pelosi said the resolution is similar to one introduced in the Senate by Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia .
The House of Representatives will introduce and vote on a war powers resolution this week to limit President Donald Trump 's military actions regarding Iran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It reasserts Congress 's long-established oversight responsibilities by mandating that if no further Congressional action is taken , the Administration 's military hostilities with regard to Iran cease within 30 days , '' she said .
Kaine introduced his resolution on Friday .
It seeks a debate and vote to prevent escalation of hostilities with Iran .
Democrats have complained that Trump did not notify lawmakers before carrying out a drone strike that killed Iran 's top military commander , Qasem Soleimani , in Baghdad .
His killing has caused already-tense relations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and fueled concerns of outright war in the region .
On Sunday , Iraq 's parliament passed a resolution calling for U.S. troops to be expelled from the country .
Trump has threatened to slap sanctions on Iraq in retaliation .
In her letter , Pelosi said the Trump administration 's `` provocative and disproportionate military airstrike targeting high-level Iranian military officials '' had endangered U.S. `` service members , diplomats and others by risking a serious escalation of tensions with Iran . ''

U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) talks about the remaining legislative business and the House of Representatives vote to impeach U.S. President Donald Trump during her final weekly news conference of 2019 at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, U.S., December 19, 2019. Aurora Samperio | NurPhoto | Getty Images
The House of Representatives will introduce and vote on a war powers resolution this week to limit President Donald Trump's military actions regarding Iran, according to Speaker Nancy Pelosi. In a letter to colleagues Sunday, Pelosi said the resolution is similar to one introduced in the Senate by Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia.
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"It reasserts Congress's long-established oversight responsibilities by mandating that if no further Congressional action is taken, the Administration's military hostilities with regard to Iran cease within 30 days," she said. Kaine introduced his resolution on Friday. It seeks a debate and vote to prevent escalation of hostilities with Iran. Democrats have complained that Trump did not notify lawmakers before carrying out a drone strike that killed Iran's top military commander, Qasem Soleimani, in Baghdad. His killing has caused already-tense relations between the U.S. and Iran to worsen and fueled concerns of outright war in the region. On Sunday, Iraq's parliament passed a resolution calling for U.S. troops to be expelled from the country. Trump has threatened to slap sanctions on Iraq in retaliation. In her letter, Pelosi said the Trump administration's "provocative and disproportionate military airstrike targeting high-level Iranian military officials" had endangered U.S. "service members, diplomats and others by risking a serious escalation of tensions with Iran."
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cnbc--2020-01-06--China calls for restraint, urges US to seek dialogue with Iran instead of 'force'

Beijing is urging calm as geopolitical tensions escalate in the Middle East , a region that China depends on heavily for oil .
On Saturday , Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi `` took a telephone call '' from Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif , according to an English-language statement on the Chinese Foreign Ministry website .
The comments followed news late last week that Iran 's top commander , Gen. Qasem Soleimani , was killed in a U.S. airstrike in Baghdad .
`` China opposes the use of force in international relations , '' Yi said , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will lead nowhere .
Maximum pressure wo n't work either .
China urges the U.S. to seek resolutions through dialogue instead of abusing force . ''
`` China will continue to uphold an objective and just position and play a constructive role in safeguarding peace and security in the Gulf region of the Middle East , “ Yi added .
The call came days after Zarif met Yi in Beijing on Dec. 31 , the Iranian minister 's fourth visit to China for that year , according to China 's Foreign Ministry website @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the U.S. During Saturday 's call , Zarif said he `` hopes China can play an important role in preventing escalation of regional tensions , '' according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry statement .
`` If the US and Iran engage in war , it would do more harm than good to China , '' China 's state-owned tabloid Global Times said in an English-language editorial published on Sunday .
`` If there is serious chaos in the Middle East , the US would indeed be more stuck in the region and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` But Chinese purchases of oil from the Middle East lead the world by volume , which means China is far more dependent on the region 's oil than the US .
China also has large investments in Iran , Iraq and many other Middle Eastern countries already linked to China 's economic interests . ''
Shares of state-owned energy giants PetroChina and Sinopec rose 5 % and 2 % , respectively , in Monday afternoon trading .
Oil prices rose more than 2 % , with Brent crude topping $ 70 a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , D.C. , also responded to the news of the U.S. drone strike by issuing a safety warning on Sunday .
The Chinese-language alert reminded Chinese citizens in America to be vigilant and avoid public places .
A separate Global Times editorial published Sunday emphasized that China is able to defend itself from drone attacks , contrary to Chinese netizens ' fears that targeted strikes from drones could one day threaten the country .
`` China itself is a top player in drone operation and development , '' the editorial said , pointing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made their debut at the National Day military parade in October last year .

Anti-war activist protest in front of the White House in Washington, DC, on January 4, 2020. Andrew Caballero-Reynolds | AFP | Getty Images
Beijing is urging calm as geopolitical tensions escalate in the Middle East, a region that China depends on heavily for oil. On Saturday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi "took a telephone call" from Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, according to an English-language statement on the Chinese Foreign Ministry website. The comments followed news late last week that Iran's top commander, Gen. Qasem Soleimani, was killed in a U.S. airstrike in Baghdad. "China opposes the use of force in international relations," Yi said, according to the online posting. "Military means will lead nowhere. Maximum pressure won't work either. China urges the U.S. to seek resolutions through dialogue instead of abusing force." "China will continue to uphold an objective and just position and play a constructive role in safeguarding peace and security in the Gulf region of the Middle East,“ Yi added.
If the US and Iran engage in war, it would do more harm than good to China. Global Times editorial
The call came days after Zarif met Yi in Beijing on Dec. 31, the Iranian minister's fourth visit to China for that year, according to China's Foreign Ministry website. Iranian leaders have vowed to retaliate against the U.S. During Saturday's call, Zarif said he "hopes China can play an important role in preventing escalation of regional tensions," according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry statement. "If the US and Iran engage in war, it would do more harm than good to China," China's state-owned tabloid Global Times said in an English-language editorial published on Sunday. "If there is serious chaos in the Middle East, the US would indeed be more stuck in the region and distracted," the article added. "But Chinese purchases of oil from the Middle East lead the world by volume, which means China is far more dependent on the region's oil than the US. China also has large investments in Iran, Iraq and many other Middle Eastern countries already linked to China's economic interests."
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cnbc--2020-01-06--There's a winner from the US-Iran crisis, and it's ISIS

Terrorist group ISIS will likely be the winner as tensions between Washington and Tehran mount after the U.S. killing of Iran 's most powerful military commander , experts say .
Qasem Soleimani , head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard 's elite Quds Force , was killed in Baghdad last Friday in a U.S. airstrike directed by President Donald Trump .
The crisis sent tensions between the U.S and Iran rocketing and triggered retaliation threats from Tehran .
It also raised questions about the future of American troops in Iraq .
`` There is a winner here , and the winner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chairman of IHS Markit , told CNBC on Monday .
A U.S.-led coalition has been operating in Iraq to fight the notorious terrorist group , the self-declared Islamic State of Iraq and Syria .
After the death of Soleimani , the coalition announced Sunday that it would be suspending most operations against ISIS , which once controlled large swathes of Iraq and Syria before allied intervention .
The U.S. and Iran , though adversaries , are mutual enemies of ISIS and effectively fought against ISIS to crush the terrorist group 's de facto @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Because it was the unlikely coalition between the United States and Iran ... that pushed ISIS back .
The U.S. forces leave — on the one hand , that 's good news for Iran ... but it 's also good news for ISIS , '' he said .
`` ISIS which had seemed to be on its backfoot , there 's a new opening for it . ''
Iraq 's parliament on Sunday passed a resolution calling for the government to expel foreign troops from the country .
It came as the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sovereignty .
Experts say that the Iraqi response is causing more uncertainty surrounding U.S. presence in the region .
`` The assassination was such an extreme violation of Iraqi sovereignty — done unilaterally , without Iraqi government consent — that Iraqi officials will come under tremendous political pressure to eject U.S. forces , '' said Ilan Goldenberg , director of the Middle East program at Washington-based Center for a New American Security , in an op-ed on Friday .
The U.S.-led coalition has now shifted its focus to protecting Iraqi bases from attack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to an official statement from the coalition .
A viable U.S. presence in Iraq `` remains an open question , said Goldenberg , who previously served as Iran team chief in the U.S. Office of the Under-Secretary of Defense for Policy , as well as Special Advisor on the Middle East , between 2009 to 2012 .
`` The security situation , which has certainly now been complicated , is not the only problem , '' wrote Goldenberg .
Goldenberg warned that a `` chaotic U.S. withdrawal under fire '' could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also flagged the risk of hurting efforts to counter ISIS .
`` The mission to counter ISIS remains a going concern , and if the United States is forced to leave Iraq , that effort could suffer a serious blow , '' he wrote .
`` ISIS retains an underground presence and could take advantage of the chaos of an American withdrawal or a U.S.-Iranian conflict to improve its position in Iraq , '' Goldenberg warned .

Iranians march on January 5, 2020 in the streets of the northwestern city of Ahvaz to pay homage to top general Qasem Soleimani, after he was killed in a US strike in Baghdad. Hossein Mersadi | Getty Images
Terrorist group ISIS will likely be the winner as tensions between Washington and Tehran mount after the U.S. killing of Iran's most powerful military commander, experts say. Qasem Soleimani, head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard's elite Quds Force, was killed in Baghdad last Friday in a U.S. airstrike directed by President Donald Trump. The crisis sent tensions between the U.S and Iran rocketing and triggered retaliation threats from Tehran. It also raised questions about the future of American troops in Iraq. "There is a winner here, and the winner is ISIS," Dan Yergin, chairman of IHS Markit, told CNBC on Monday.
The assassination was such an extreme violation of Iraqi sovereignty ... that Iraqi officials will come under tremendous political pressure to eject U.S. forces. Ilan Goldenberg director of the Middle East program, Center for a New American Security
A U.S.-led coalition has been operating in Iraq to fight the notorious terrorist group, the self-declared Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. After the death of Soleimani, the coalition announced Sunday that it would be suspending most operations against ISIS, which once controlled large swathes of Iraq and Syria before allied intervention. The U.S. and Iran, though adversaries, are mutual enemies of ISIS and effectively fought against ISIS to crush the terrorist group's de facto state in Iraq and Syria. "Because it was the unlikely coalition between the United States and Iran ... that pushed ISIS back. The U.S. forces leave — on the one hand, that's good news for Iran ... but it's also good news for ISIS," he said. "ISIS which had seemed to be on its backfoot, there's a new opening for it."
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Iraq's parliament on Sunday passed a resolution calling for the government to expel foreign troops from the country. It came as the government in Baghdad accused Washington of violating its sovereignty. Experts say that the Iraqi response is causing more uncertainty surrounding U.S. presence in the region. "The assassination was such an extreme violation of Iraqi sovereignty — done unilaterally, without Iraqi government consent — that Iraqi officials will come under tremendous political pressure to eject U.S. forces," said Ilan Goldenberg, director of the Middle East program at Washington-based Center for a New American Security, in an op-ed on Friday. The U.S.-led coalition has now shifted its focus to protecting Iraqi bases from attack by Iranian-allied militias such as Kataib Hezbollah, according to an official statement from the coalition.
U.S. Army gunners assigned to the 101st Airborne Division conduct a fire mission in support of Iraqi security forces with a M777 towed 155 mm Howitzer from Qayyarah West Airfield, Iraq, August 10, 2019. Spc. DeAndre Pierce | U.S. Army Reserve | Reuters


cnbc--2020-01-06--Trump threatens to slap sanctions on Iraq 'like they've never seen before'

President Donald Trump speaks during a 'Evangelicals for Trump ' campaign event held at the King Jesus International Ministry on January 03 , 2020 in Miami , Florida .
President Donald Trump threatened Sunday to slap sanctions on Iraq after its parliament passed a resolution calling for the government to expel foreign troops from the country .
Tensions in the Middle East spiraled last week after Trump called for a U.S. airstrike in Baghdad that killed a top Iranian general , Qasem Soleimani .
Speaking to reporters on Air Force One , the U.S. president said : `` If they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we do n't do it in a very friendly basis , we will charge them sanctions like they 've never seen before ever .
It 'll make Iranian sanctions look somewhat tame . ''
`` We have a very extraordinarily expensive air base that 's there .
It cost billions of dollars to build .
Long before my time .
We 're not leaving unless they pay us back for it , '' Trump said .
The president added that `` If there 's any hostility , that they do anything we think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put sanctions on Iraq , very big sanctions on Iraq . ''
Soleimani , the head of a special forces unit in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps , was the key architect of Iran 's military operations overseas .
He was killed late Thursday while leaving Baghdad airport , when his convoy was struck by a drone , ordered by the U.S. president .
One of those killed with him was a key Iraqi militia leader , Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis , who was the deputy commander of Iran-backed militias known as the Popular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accused Washington of violating its sovereignty .
`` The Iraqi government must work to end the presence of any foreign troops on Iraqi soil and prohibit them from using its land , airspace or water for any reason , '' read the resolution passed by the Iraqi parliament , which convened in an extraordinary session on Sunday .
The U.S. ambassador to Iraq is set to meet a Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi on Monday to talk about the future of American military troops in Iraq , two U.S. officials familiar with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the U.S. was expecting Mahdi to inform the ambassador of its decision to expel U.S. troops in Iraq .

President Donald Trump speaks during a 'Evangelicals for Trump' campaign event held at the King Jesus International Ministry on January 03, 2020 in Miami, Florida.
President Donald Trump threatened Sunday to slap sanctions on Iraq after its parliament passed a resolution calling for the government to expel foreign troops from the country.
Tensions in the Middle East spiraled last week after Trump called for a U.S. airstrike in Baghdad that killed a top Iranian general, Qasem Soleimani.
Speaking to reporters on Air Force One, the U.S. president said: "If they do ask us to leave, if we don't do it in a very friendly basis, we will charge them sanctions like they've never seen before ever. It'll make Iranian sanctions look somewhat tame."
"We have a very extraordinarily expensive air base that's there. It cost billions of dollars to build. Long before my time. We're not leaving unless they pay us back for it," Trump said.
The president added that "If there's any hostility, that they do anything we think is inappropriate, we are going to put sanctions on Iraq, very big sanctions on Iraq."
Soleimani, the head of a special forces unit in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, was the key architect of Iran's military operations overseas.
He was killed late Thursday while leaving Baghdad airport, when his convoy was struck by a drone, ordered by the U.S. president. One of those killed with him was a key Iraqi militia leader, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, who was the deputy commander of Iran-backed militias known as the Popular Mobilization Forces.
The Iraqi government has accused Washington of violating its sovereignty.
"The Iraqi government must work to end the presence of any foreign troops on Iraqi soil and prohibit them from using its land, airspace or water for any reason," read the resolution passed by the Iraqi parliament, which convened in an extraordinary session on Sunday.
The U.S. ambassador to Iraq is set to meet a Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi on Monday to talk about the future of American military troops in Iraq, two U.S. officials familiar with the matter told NBC News. They said the U.S. was expecting Mahdi to inform the ambassador of its decision to expel U.S. troops in Iraq.


cnbc--2020-01-06--Iraq could become 'very dangerous' as US-Iran tensions ramp up, says former ambassador

While much of the world is fearing a potential escalation in tensions between the U.S. and Iran , a former American ambassador has warned that violence within Iraq could also become a major source of instability in the Middle East .
That comment by Douglas Silliman , former U.S. ambassador to Iraq from 2016 to 2019 , came after a American airstrike last week killed top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani .
Silliman pointed out that along with Soleimani , the strike also took out a powerful Iraqi militia leader , Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis — a detail that escaped much media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most is that much of the world press and much of the world , as they 're looking at an American-Iranian potential conflict , the impact on Iraq could be huge , '' the ambassador told CNBC 's `` Squawk Box Asia '' on Monday .
`` I think that the loss of Soleimani and Muhandis could be very dangerous inside Iraq , '' he added .
Soleimani led the Iranian Quds Force — the foreign operations wing of the elite paramilitary Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps , while al-Muhandis oversaw Iran-backed Iraqi militias @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Al-Muhandis was at Baghdad 's international airport on Friday to receive Soleimani who had just arrived by plane when the U.S. airstrike occurred , the Associated Press reported .
The two men had `` alternately acted as an accelerator for violent actions against American forces , against their rivals and into Syria , '' said Silliman , who 's now president of Washington-based think tank The Arab Gulf States Institute .
On the other hand , they also prevented escalation in violence when they felt the moves were not in the interest of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added .
Al-Muhandis had `` consolidated control over the bulk of pro-Iranian Shia militias inside Iraq '' and his death has left a leadership vacuum that could set loose those militias , explained Silliman .
That 's especially so because the various Shia militia groups are unlike Iran 's Quds Force , which is a `` very structured and disciplined military organization , '' he added .
`` What you have taken out of this equation in Iraq is the command and control structure that had unified the numerous Shia militias inside Iraq @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think they can go off and do things on their own , '' the ambassador said .
`` So , what you might see is less experienced , less well-trained militias who are angry , feeling they can take it upon themselves to make these decisions to use violence and that could be dangerous for Iraq , '' he concluded .

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While much of the world is fearing a potential escalation in tensions between the U.S. and Iran, a former American ambassador has warned that violence within Iraq could also become a major source of instability in the Middle East. That comment by Douglas Silliman, former U.S. ambassador to Iraq from 2016 to 2019, came after a American airstrike last week killed top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani. Silliman pointed out that along with Soleimani, the strike also took out a powerful Iraqi militia leader, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis — a detail that escaped much media coverage. "What worries me the most is that much of the world press and much of the world, as they're looking at an American-Iranian potential conflict, the impact on Iraq could be huge," the ambassador told CNBC's "Squawk Box Asia" on Monday. "I think that the loss of Soleimani and Muhandis could be very dangerous inside Iraq," he added.
What you might see is less experienced, less well-trained militias who are angry, feeling they can take it upon themselves to make these decisions to use violence and that could be dangerous for Iraq. former U.S. ambassador to Iraq
Soleimani led the Iranian Quds Force — the foreign operations wing of the elite paramilitary Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, while al-Muhandis oversaw Iran-backed Iraqi militias known as the Popular Mobilization Forces. Al-Muhandis was at Baghdad's international airport on Friday to receive Soleimani who had just arrived by plane when the U.S. airstrike occurred, the Associated Press reported. The two men had "alternately acted as an accelerator for violent actions against American forces, against their rivals and into Syria," said Silliman, who's now president of Washington-based think tank The Arab Gulf States Institute. On the other hand, they also prevented escalation in violence when they felt the moves were not in the interest of Iran or Shia militias, the ambassador added.
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cnbc--2020-01-06--Iran will no longer abide by uranium enrichment limits under 2015 nuclear deal

WASHINGTON — Less than a week after Iran 's top military commander was killed by U.S. drone strike , the regime said Sunday that it would further scale back compliance with an international nuclear pact .
Iran will not respect any limits established in the 2015 nuclear deal on the number of uranium enrichment centrifuges , according to a state-run television broadcast .
Therefore , Iran would have no limit on its enrichment capacity , the level to which uranium could be enriched , or Iran 's nuclear research and development .
While the other signatories of the nuclear deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Russia and China — have tried to keep the agreement alive , the state broadcast said Tehran 's steps could be reversed if Washington lifted its sanctions .
Tensions between Tehran and Washington have soared following Trump 's withdrawal from the landmark Iran nuclear deal brokered by the Obama administration .
The 2015 nuclear agreement lifted sanctions that crippled Iran 's economy and cut its oil exports roughly in half .
In exchange for sanctions relief , Iran accepted limits on its nuclear program and allowed international inspectors into its facilities .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ some commitments in the 2015 nuclear deal that was agreed with global powers when Trump unilaterally withdrew from the landmark deal , brokered by the Obama administration , in 2018 .
Trump also re-introduced sanctions on Tehran that had been previously lifted in accordance with the nuclear deal .
At the time , Iran threatened to start enriching uranium at a higher level , unless world powers protected its economy from U.S. sanctions within 60 days .

WASHINGTON — Less than a week after Iran's top military commander was killed by U.S. drone strike, the regime said Sunday that it would further scale back compliance with an international nuclear pact.
Iran will not respect any limits established in the 2015 nuclear deal on the number of uranium enrichment centrifuges, according to a state-run television broadcast. Therefore, Iran would have no limit on its enrichment capacity, the level to which uranium could be enriched, or Iran's nuclear research and development.
While the other signatories of the nuclear deal — France, Germany, the U.K., Russia and China — have tried to keep the agreement alive, the state broadcast said Tehran's steps could be reversed if Washington lifted its sanctions.
Tensions between Tehran and Washington have soared following Trump's withdrawal from the landmark Iran nuclear deal brokered by the Obama administration.
The 2015 nuclear agreement lifted sanctions that crippled Iran's economy and cut its oil exports roughly in half. In exchange for sanctions relief, Iran accepted limits on its nuclear program and allowed international inspectors into its facilities.
Last May, Iran stopped complying with some commitments in the 2015 nuclear deal that was agreed with global powers when Trump unilaterally withdrew from the landmark deal, brokered by the Obama administration, in 2018. Trump also re-introduced sanctions on Tehran that had been previously lifted in accordance with the nuclear deal.
At the time, Iran threatened to start enriching uranium at a higher level, unless world powers protected its economy from U.S. sanctions within 60 days.


cnbc--2020-01-06--Iraqi parliament calls for US troops to be expelled —coalition suspends operations against ISIS

This handout picture released by the US Army shows U.S. Army Paratroopers assigned to the 2nd Battalion , 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment , 1st Brigade Combat Team , 82nd Airborne Division , deploy from Pope Army Airfield , North Carolina on January 1 , 2020 .
The Iraqi parliament passed a resolution Sunday calling for the government to expel foreign troops from the country in the wake of an U.S. airstrike that killed a top Iranian general , raising questions about the future of the allied mission that has successfully fought the `` Islamic State , '' or ISIS , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iraq 's government to cancel the request for assistance from the U.S.-led coalition operating in the country against the `` Islamic State , '' which once controlled large swathes of Iraq and Syria before allied intervention .
`` The government commits to revoke its request for assistance from the international coalition fighting Islamic State due to the end of military operations in Iraq and the achievement of victory , '' the resolution read .
`` The Iraqi government must work to end the presence of any foreign troops on Iraqi soil and prohibit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or water for any reason . ''
The U.S.-led coalition announced Sunday it was suspending most operations against `` Islamic State , '' also known in the Arab world as `` Daesh . ''
The coalition has shifted its focus to protecting Iraqi bases from attack by Iranian-allied militias such as Kataib Hezbollah , according to an official statement .
`` As a result we are now fully committed to protecting the Iraqi bases that host Coalition troops , '' the U.S.-led coalition said .
`` This has limited our capacity to conduct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operations against Daesh and we have therefore paused these activities , subject to continuous review . ''
The Iraqi parliamentary resolution is non-binding on the government , but Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi urged parliament earlier on Sunday to take urgent measures and end the foreign troop presence as soon as possible .
`` Despite the internal and external difficulties that we might face , it remains best for Iraq on principle and practically , '' Abdul Mahdi told parliament in a speech .
The death of Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shiite militias and their supporters in Iraq .
The Baghdad government has accused Washington of violating its sovereignty .
The U.S. and Iran , though adversaries , are mutual enemies of `` Islamic State '' and effectively fought on the same side to crush the terrorist group 's de facto state in Iraq and Syria .
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo defended the American troop presence in Iraq during an interview with Fox News , saying Abdul Mahdi was under pressure from the Iranians .
`` The prime minister is the acting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threats from the very Iranian leadership that we are pushing back against , '' Pompeo said .
`` We 're confident the Iraqi people want the United States to continue to be there . ''
The U.S. is deploying an additional 3,500 troops to Iraq , Kuwait and other parts of the Middle East as tensions escalate in the wake of Soleimani 's death .
It 's unclear how the Iraqi resolution would impact those deployment plans .
-- Reuters contributed to this report WATCH : Policy expert on downsides if we have @ @ @

This handout picture released by the US Army shows U.S. Army Paratroopers assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, deploy from Pope Army Airfield, North Carolina on January 1, 2020.
The Iraqi parliament passed a resolution Sunday calling for the government to expel foreign troops from the country in the wake of an U.S. airstrike that killed a top Iranian general, raising questions about the future of the allied mission that has successfully fought the "Islamic State," or ISIS, in recent years.
The resolution asks Iraq's government to cancel the request for assistance from the U.S.-led coalition operating in the country against the "Islamic State," which once controlled large swathes of Iraq and Syria before allied intervention.
"The government commits to revoke its request for assistance from the international coalition fighting Islamic State due to the end of military operations in Iraq and the achievement of victory," the resolution read.
"The Iraqi government must work to end the presence of any foreign troops on Iraqi soil and prohibit them from using its land, airspace or water for any reason."
The U.S.-led coalition announced Sunday it was suspending most operations against "Islamic State," also known in the Arab world as "Daesh." The coalition has shifted its focus to protecting Iraqi bases from attack by Iranian-allied militias such as Kataib Hezbollah, according to an official statement.
"As a result we are now fully committed to protecting the Iraqi bases that host Coalition troops," the U.S.-led coalition said. "This has limited our capacity to conduct training with partners and to support their operations against Daesh and we have therefore paused these activities, subject to continuous review."
The Iraqi parliamentary resolution is non-binding on the government, but Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi urged parliament earlier on Sunday to take urgent measures and end the foreign troop presence as soon as possible.
"Despite the internal and external difficulties that we might face, it remains best for Iraq on principle and practically," Abdul Mahdi told parliament in a speech.
The death of Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani in an U.S. airstrike Thursday night has enraged Shiite militias and their supporters in Iraq. The Baghdad government has accused Washington of violating its sovereignty.
The U.S. and Iran, though adversaries, are mutual enemies of "Islamic State" and effectively fought on the same side to crush the terrorist group's de facto state in Iraq and Syria.
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo defended the American troop presence in Iraq during an interview with Fox News Sunday, saying Abdul Mahdi was under pressure from the Iranians.
"The prime minister is the acting prime minister...he's under enormous threats from the very Iranian leadership that we are pushing back against," Pompeo said. "We're confident the Iraqi people want the United States to continue to be there."
The U.S. is deploying an additional 3,500 troops to Iraq, Kuwait and other parts of the Middle East as tensions escalate in the wake of Soleimani's death. It's unclear how the Iraqi resolution would impact those deployment plans.
-- Reuters contributed to this report
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WATCH: Policy expert on downsides if we have to exit Iraq


cnbc--2020-01-05--Pompeo says intelligence was clear on Soleimani in response to skepticism about drone strike rationa

Pompeo says intelligence was clear on Soleimani in response to skepticism about drone strike rationale

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Sunday that the U.S. air strike that killed Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani has made the world safer , and that taking no action would have created more risk .
Pompeo 's comments in an interview on ABC 's `` This Week '' follow reports that some senior White House officials were skeptical about the rationale for the drone strike , which they viewed as the most extreme and improbable option in response to Iranian-led violence in Iraq .
`` The intelligence assessment made clear that no action - allowing Soleimani to continue his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign - created more risk than taking the action that we took last week , '' Pompeo told ABC 's George Stephanopoulos .
`` This was a bad guy , we took him off the playing field , '' Pompeo added .
`` And that 's important because this was a fella who was the glue , who was conducting active plotting against the United States of America , putting American lives at risk . ''
President Donald Trump has warned Iran not to retaliate against the U.S. over the killing of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president on Saturday that if Tehran took revenge , the U.S. would strike 52 sites that represent American hostages `` taken by Iran many years ago . ''
Iran 's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has threatened `` severe revenge '' on the U.S , prompting the Trump administration to deploy thousands of additional troops to the region .
Iraq 's parliament on Sunday passed a non-binding resolution that calls for the government to end foreign troop presence in the country .
Democrats criticized the drone strike as provoking a risk for more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House did not seek congressional approval or authorization for the use of military force against Iran .
Hundreds of thousands of people filled the streets of Iran on Sunday to mourn Soleimani , and members of Iran 's parliament were shown on television chanting `` Death to America ! ''
in the chamber .
In a separate interview on NBC 's `` Meet the Press , '' Pompeo argued that the White House is prepared for a potential counter-attack from Iran .
`` It may be that there 's a little noise here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make a choice to respond , '' he said .
`` I hope that they do n't .
President Trump has made clear what we will do in response if they do , that our response will be decisive and vigorous , just as it has been so far . ''

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Sunday that the U.S. air strike that killed Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani has made the world safer, and that taking no action would have created more risk.
Pompeo's comments in an interview on ABC's "This Week" follow reports that some senior White House officials were skeptical about the rationale for the drone strike, which they viewed as the most extreme and improbable option in response to Iranian-led violence in Iraq.
"The intelligence assessment made clear that no action - allowing Soleimani to continue his plotting and his planning, his terror campaign - created more risk than taking the action that we took last week," Pompeo told ABC's George Stephanopoulos.
"This was a bad guy, we took him off the playing field," Pompeo added. "And that's important because this was a fella who was the glue, who was conducting active plotting against the United States of America, putting American lives at risk."
President Donald Trump has warned Iran not to retaliate against the U.S. over the killing of the Islamic Republic's top general. The president on Saturday that if Tehran took revenge, the U.S. would strike 52 sites that represent American hostages "taken by Iran many years ago."
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has threatened "severe revenge" on the U.S, prompting the Trump administration to deploy thousands of additional troops to the region. Iraq's parliament on Sunday passed a non-binding resolution that calls for the government to end foreign troop presence in the country.
Democrats criticized the drone strike as provoking a risk for more violence, and argued that the White House did not seek congressional approval or authorization for the use of military force against Iran.
Hundreds of thousands of people filled the streets of Iran on Sunday to mourn Soleimani, and members of Iran's parliament were shown on television chanting "Death to America!" in the chamber.
In a separate interview on NBC's "Meet the Press," Pompeo argued that the White House is prepared for a potential counter-attack from Iran.
"It may be that there's a little noise here in the interim, that the Iranians make a choice to respond," he said. "I hope that they don't. President Trump has made clear what we will do in response if they do, that our response will be decisive and vigorous, just as it has been so far."