usatoday--2020-01-14--House to vote Wednesday to send Trump impeachment articles to Senate

WASHINGTON – The House will vote Wednesday on a resolution to send the articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump to the Senate for trial , House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced in a meeting with Democrats .
The Democratic Caucus meeting came after Pelosi said Friday she would send the articles to the Senate to decide whether to convict Trump and remove him from office .
She also asked Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler , D-N.Y. , to prepare a resolution that would authorize and appoint the House lawmakers called managers , who will prosecute the case during the Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ managers during the meeting .
Pelosi , D-Calif. , said after the meeting that “ we will be presenting them on the floor tomorrow.
” She has delayed sending the articles , after the House impeached Trump on Dec. 18 , in order to learn more about how the trial would be conducted , such as whether witnesses would be called .
Lawmakers who are thought to be on Pelosi ’ s short list – members of the Judiciary and Intelligence committees – have declined to say whether she has offered them the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about it with her .
As the names remained secret , lawmakers leaving the meeting said they expect the managers to be deeply familiar with the details of the House case , to be knowledgeable about the law and to offer diversity in skills , background and race .
Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon , D-Penn.
, who as vice chairman of the Judiciary Committee is one of the lawmakers who could be tapped , called it “ the biggest guessing game on Capitol Hill , ” one that she and others wish they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both parties have voiced frustration with the delay .
Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , said he would n't haggle with the House over trial procedures in what he called Pelosi 's `` one-woman blockade . ''
Pelosi and McConnell : Pelosi warns McConnell , Senate Republicans they will 'pay a price ' if they engage in 'cover-up' “ The president ’ s opponents are afraid of having the Senate judge the case they actually are going to send us , ” McConnell said Monday from the Senate floor .
“ They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the case they themselves voted on .
That alone speaks volumes.
” The articles accuse Trump of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress , but the president has said he expects to be exonerated in the Senate trial .
A two-thirds majority would be required to convict Trump and remove him from office , which is considered unlikely in a Senate where Republicans outnumber Democrats 53 to 47 .
A major sticking point between Republicans and Democrats has been over whether witnesses will be allowed to testify during the Senate trial .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ witnesses who did n't testify during the House inquiry .
But McConnell has said he has the votes to begin the trial without deciding on whether to call witnesses until after both sides have presented opening statements .
Former national security adviser John Bolton , who declined an invitation to testify in the House inquiry , said Jan. 6 he is prepared to testify under subpoena in the Senate trial .
Pelosi has said Bolton 's offer , plus other details about how aid to Ukraine , justified the delay in sending the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McConnell 's tactics are a clear indication of the fear that he and President Trump have regarding the facts of the President 's violations for which he was impeached , '' Pelosi said .
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , D-N.Y. , has urged testimony from four witnesses , including Bolton and acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney .
Democrats need at least four Republicans to join them to reach a majority of 51 senators to approve subpoenas for witnesses and documents , and a handful of Republicans have said they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the opening statements .
Trump has said he might block Bolton 's testimony under executive privilege , to protect the confidentiality of advice that presidents get from top aides .
The House accused Trump of abusing the power of his office by asking Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate his political rival , former Vice President Joe Biden , withholding a White House meeting and $ 391 million in military aid .
The House also accused Trump of obstructing Congress by directing aides and agencies to defy subpoenas for documents and testimony , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and congressional Republicans have argued he had the authority to set foreign policy and was justified in fighting corruption in Ukraine .
Trump has said he expects to be exonerated in the Senate trial .

Bart Jansen, Christal Hayes and Nicholas Wu, USA TODAY

Senate impeachment trial for Trump to begin Jan. 21, McConnell says
Show Caption Hide Caption Presidential impeachment: Clinton, Johnson, Nixon test U.S. democracy Presidents have been impeached, but none have been removed from office due to impeachment. Confusing? Here's how. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – The Senate impeachment trial of President Donald Trump will begin Jan. 21, after the House is scheduled to vote Wednesday to formally send the articles across the Capitol.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., told reporters that the Senate will likely take up “housekeeping” measures on the trial this week, possibly including swearing in senators and bringing over Supreme Court Chief Justice Roberts to preside. The trial would then likely begin Tuesday, McConnell said.
His announcement came after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the House would vote Wednesday to send the articles, which accuse Trump of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, to the Senate. She asked Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., on Friday to prepare a resolution that would authorize and appoint the House lawmakers called managers, who will prosecute the case during the Senate trial, although she didn't name managers during the meeting.
“The president and the senators will be held accountable,” said Pelosi, D-Calif.
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., said the vote on the resolution would happen in the afternoon and take only 10 minutes. Each side will be given five minutes for debate. The precise timing hasn't been set, he said.
The formal procession across the Capitol from the House to the Senate to deliver the articles could happen after the vote or wait until Thursday morning, Hoyer said.
Pelosi delayed sending the articles after the House voted to impeach Trump on Dec. 18, so she could learn more about how the trial would be conducted, such as whether witnesses would be called.
Members of the Judiciary and Intelligence committees declined to say whether Pelosi offered them manager positions or whether they'd even spoken about it with her.
As the names remained secret, lawmakers leaving the meeting said they expect the managers to be deeply familiar with the details of the House case, to be knowledgeable about the law and to offer diversity in skills, background and race.
Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, D-Pa., who as vice chairman of the Judiciary Committee is one of the lawmakers who could be tapped, called it “the biggest guessing game on Capitol Hill,” one that she and others wish they could take bets on.
Senators of both parties voiced frustration with the delay. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said he wouldn't haggle with the House over trial procedures in what he called Pelosi's "one-woman blockade."
Pelosi and McConnell: Pelosi warns McConnell, Senate Republicans they will 'pay a price' if they engage in 'cover-up'
“The president’s opponents are afraid of having the Senate judge the case they actually are going to send us,” McConnell said Monday from the Senate floor. “They are afraid of having the Senate judge the case they themselves voted on. That alone speaks volumes.”
The articles accuse Trump of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. The president said he expects to be exonerated in the Senate trial. A two-thirds majority would be required to convict Trump and remove him from office, which is unlikely in a Senate where Republicans outnumber Democrats 53 to 47.
A major sticking point between Republicans and Democrats has been over whether witnesses will be allowed to testify during the Senate trial. Democrats argued the trial should include witnesses who didn't testify during the House inquiry. McConnell said he has the votes to begin the trial without deciding on whether to call witnesses until after both sides have presented opening statements.
Former national security adviser John Bolton, who declined an invitation to testify in the House inquiry, said Jan. 6 he is prepared to testify under subpoena in the Senate trial. Pelosi said Bolton's offer justified the delay in sending the articles to the Senate.
"Leader McConnell's tactics are a clear indication of the fear that he and President Trump have regarding the facts of the president's violations for which he was impeached," Pelosi said.
Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., urged testimony from four witnesses, including Bolton and acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney. Democrats need at least four Republicans to join them to reach a majority of 51 senators to approve subpoenas for witnesses and documents, and a handful of Republicans said they are open to hearing from witnesses after the opening statements.
Trump said he might block Bolton's testimony under executive privilege to protect the confidentiality of advice presidents get from top aides.
The House accused Trump of abusing the power of his office by asking Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate a political rival, former Vice President Joe Biden, while Trump withheld a White House meeting and $391 million in military aid. The House also accused Trump of obstructing Congress by directing aides and agencies to defy subpoenas for documents and testimony, although some officials did testify.
Trump and congressional Republicans argued he had the authority to set foreign policy and was justified in fighting corruption in Ukraine.


usatoday--2020-01-14--Sanders denies telling Warren a woman couldn't beat Trump

Elizabeth Warren says Bernie did n't think a woman could beat Trump Elizabeth Warren confirmed reporting that Bernie Sanders in @ @ @ @ @ a woman could beat President Trump to become president .

Elizabeth Warren says Bernie didn't think a woman could beat Trump
Elizabeth Warren confirmed reporting that Bernie Sanders in 2018 "disagreed" that a woman could beat President Trump to become president.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-01-14--Exclusive: Nevada poll shows Biden-Sanders showdown in a tightening Democratic race

It 's not just Iowa : An exclusive Suffolk University/USA TODAY Poll of Nevada finds another early-voting state where the Democratic presidential race is tightening , former vice president Joe Biden is struggling to hold front-runner status and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders is showing strength .
As Democratic contenders prepare to debate Tuesday in Des Moines – the final debate before the opening caucuses in Iowa – the field is shrinking and the race may be heading toward a showdown between a familiar centrist and a firebrand liberal who represent starkly different choices for the party .
In Nevada , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the new survey shows Biden leading Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders by a single percentage point , 19 % -18 % .
Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren is third at 11 % .
Some of the same dynamics were apparent in a Des Moines Register/CNN Iowa Poll released last Friday .
Sanders held his first lead in the iconic survey , at 20 % , followed by Warren at 17 % , Pete Buttigieg at 16 % and Biden at 15 % .
In both states , the second-tier candidates seemed to be having trouble @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden has dropped by 9 points and Warren by 7 points from the average of recent statewide polls calculated by RealClearPolitics.com .
Sanders ' support has proven steadier , dipping by 2 points .
No other candidate has broken into double digits in the Silver State .
`` Looking at the totality of the data , you 'd have to say that Biden , Sanders and Warren are in a tier of their own , '' said veteran Democratic pollster Mark Mellman .
But , he added , `` It 's late to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's still time for things to happen .
What happens in Iowa and what happens in New Hampshire will affect what happens in Nevada . ''
Choosing the nominees : When are the 2020 presidential election primaries ?
With the opening Iowa caucuses now just three weeks away , the Democratic contest is heading into a rollercoaster seven weeks that could well determine the Democratic nominee who will face President Trump .
The Feb. 3 caucuses are followed by the New Hampshire primary on Feb. 11 , the Nevada caucuses on Feb. 22 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 29 .
Super Tuesday contests on March 3 will then chose a third of the delegates needed to claim the nomination at the Democratic National Convention in July .
2020 campaign trail : As impeachment trial looms , senators who are running will have to balance role as jurors The calendar could raise the stakes for the Des Moines Register/CNN debate , which will have six contenders on stage .
`` Every candidate will be looking for that 'break-out moment ' to generate momentum , '' predicted David Paleologos , director of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he noted that in the past any post-debate bumps have been short-lived .
`` To date , we have only seen mini-moves of candidates spiking after debates , to be followed by a settling back to the same front-runners that we 've had all along . ''
The average of recent polls in New Hampshire show the same four contenders clustered at the top : Sanders at 21.5 % , Biden at 18.8 % , Buttigieg at 18.3 % and Warren at 14.8 % .
That quartet plus Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday debate .
Iowa magic ?
Do the Iowa caucuses predict who will win the party nomination ?
In the Nevada survey , Buttigieg , the former mayor of South Bend , Indiana , and Steyer were at 8 % .
Entrepreneur Andrew Yang and Klobuchar were at 4 % .
Another 22 % were undecided .
Biden and Sanders showed strength not only in leading the pack but also in the loyalty of their supporters , who by nearly 2-1 were committed to sticking with them .
Two-thirds of their backers said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But among supporters of Warren and Buttigieg , nearly six in 10 said they might change their minds .
The candidate with the most fervent support was Yang .
Among his backers , 73 % said their minds were firmly made up ; just 18 % said they might change them .
( Put another way , only four of his 16 supporters said they might switch to someone else . )
The poll of 500 likely Democratic caucus-goers , taken by landline and cell phone Wednesday through Saturday , has a margin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percentage points .
2020 candidates on the issues : Your guide to where they stand on health care , gun control and more Meanwhile , the record-sized Democratic field continues to shrink .
New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker , who was at 2 % in the Nevada poll , withdrew from the presidential contest Monday .
In recent weeks , California Sen. Kamala Harris , former Housing secretary Julian Castro and spiritual adviser Marianne Williamson also have pulled out , saying they saw no realistic path to the Democratic nomination .
That leaves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or Hispanic contender , a potential concern for a party that counts minorities among its core supporters .
Asked for their second choices , 21 % of those surveyed in Nevada picked Warren , 19 % picked Biden , 12 % picked Sanders and 10 % picked Buttigieg .
Those findings may raise a red flag for Sanders .
While he is essentially tied with Biden as a first choice , Biden and Warren are better positioned to pick up support if and when other candidates drop out .
Health care : Where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drug costs , Medicare for all and more Climate change : We asked the 2020 Democratic candidates their thoughts on climate change .
Here 's what they said The economy : A visual guide to the 2020 Democratic candidates thoughts on the national debt and capitalism Those who picked Biden as their first choice were inclined to support Warren as their second choice .
Sanders ' supporters also were inclined to support Warren .
Warren 's supporters divided between Sanders and Biden .
Buttigieg 's supporters divided between Biden and Warren .
Steyer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more prospect : Former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg .
A late-starting candidate , he has n't been certified for the Nevada caucuses .
But the millions of dollars he 's spent on TV ads nationwide have n't gone unnoticed .
A 55 % majority of the likely caucus-goers in Nevada say they 've seen them .
When it came to the issues that mattered , three dominated the others : Health care , chosen by 22 % , climate change , by 14 % , and the economy , by 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rid of Trump ?
That was chosen by just 4 % , ninth on a list of 15 choices .

Exclusive: Nevada poll shows Biden-Sanders showdown in a tightening Democratic race
Show Caption Hide Caption Difference between caucus and primary, explained The 2020 election is nearing and with that, comes the caucuses and primary elections. But what’s the difference? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
It's not just Iowa: An exclusive Suffolk University/USA TODAY Poll of Nevada finds another early-voting state where the Democratic presidential race is tightening, former Vice President Joe Biden is struggling to hold front-runner status and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders is showing strength.
As Democratic contenders prepare to debate Tuesday in Des Moines – the final debate before the opening caucuses in Iowa – the field is shrinking and the race may be heading toward a showdown between a familiar centrist and a firebrand liberal who represent starkly different choices for the party.
Click 'play' above to hear more about Tuesday's debate in Iowa.
In Nevada, the third state on the calendar, the new survey shows Biden leading Sanders by a single percentage point, 19%-18%. Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren is third at 11%.
Some of the same dynamics were apparent in a Des Moines Register/CNN Iowa Poll released last Friday. Sanders held his first lead in the iconic survey, at 20%, followed by Warren at 17%, Pete Buttigieg at 16% and Biden at 15%. In both states, the second-tier candidates seemed to be having trouble breaking through.
In Nevada, Biden has dropped by 9 points and Warren by 7 points from the average of recent statewide polls calculated by RealClearPolitics.com. Sanders' support has proven steadier, dipping by 2 points. No other candidate has broken into double digits in the Silver State.
"Looking at the totality of the data, you'd have to say that Biden, Sanders and Warren are in a tier of their own," said veteran Democratic pollster Mark Mellman. But, he added, "it's late to say it's early, but there's still time for things to happen. What happens in Iowa and what happens in New Hampshire will affect what happens in Nevada."
Choosing the nominees: When are the 2020 presidential election primaries?
With the opening Iowa caucuses now just three weeks away, the Democratic contest is heading into a rollercoaster seven weeks that could well determine the Democratic nominee who will face President Donald Trump. The Feb. 3 caucuses are followed by the New Hampshire primary on Feb. 11, the Nevada caucuses on Feb. 22 and the South Carolina primary on Feb. 29. Super Tuesday contests on March 3 will then chose a third of the delegates needed to claim the nomination at the Democratic National Convention in July.
2020 campaign trail: As impeachment trial looms, senators who are running will have to balance role as jurors
Des Moines debate: Candidates seek momentum
The calendar could raise the stakes for the Des Moines Register/CNN debate, which will have six contenders on stage.
"Every candidate will be looking for that 'breakout moment' to generate momentum," predicted David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center, although he noted that in the past any post-debate bumps have been short-lived. "To date, we have only seen mini-moves of candidates spiking after debates, to be followed by a settling back to the same front-runners that we've had all along."
The average of recent polls in New Hampshire show the same four contenders clustered at the top: Sanders at 21.5%, Biden at 18.8%, Buttigieg at 18.3% and Warren at 14.8%. That quartet plus Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar and environmental activist Tom Steyer qualified for Tuesday's debate.
Iowa magic? Do the Iowa caucuses predict who will win the party nomination?
In the Nevada survey, Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, and Steyer were at 8%. Entrepreneur Andrew Yang and Klobuchar were at 4%. Another 22% were undecided.
Biden and Sanders showed strength not only in leading the pack but also in the loyalty of their supporters, who by nearly 2-1 were committed to sticking with them. Two-thirds of their backers said their minds were firmly made up. But among supporters of Warren and Buttigieg, nearly six in 10 said they might change their minds.
The candidate with the most fervent support was Yang. Among his backers, 73% said their minds were made up; just 18% said they might change them. (Put another way, only four of his 16 supporters said they might switch to someone else.)
The poll of 500 likely Democratic caucus-goers, taken by landline and cellphone Wednesday through Saturday, has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.4 percentage points.
2020 candidates on the issues: Your guide to where they stand on health care, gun control and more
Democratic field continues to shrink
Meanwhile, the record-sized Democratic field continues to shrink. New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, who was at 2% in the Nevada poll, withdrew from the presidential contest Monday. In recent weeks, California Sen. Kamala Harris, former Housing Secretary Julian Castro and spiritual adviser Marianne Williamson also have pulled out, saying they saw no realistic path to the Democratic nomination.
That has significantly reduced the diversity of the Democratic field, a potential concern for a party that counts minorities among its core supporters.
Asked for their second choices, 21% of those surveyed in Nevada picked Warren, 19% picked Biden, 12% picked Sanders and 10% picked Buttigieg.
Those findings may raise a red flag for Sanders. While he is essentially tied with Biden as a first choice, Biden and Warren are better positioned to pick up support if and when other candidates drop out.
Health care: Where the 2020 Democratic candidates stand on prescription drug costs, Medicare for all and more
Climate change: We asked the 2020 Democratic candidates their thoughts on climate change. Here's what they said
The economy: A visual guide to the 2020 Democratic candidates thoughts on the national debt and capitalism
Those who picked Biden as their first choice were inclined to support Warren as their second choice. Sanders' supporters also were inclined to support Warren.
Warren's supporters divided between Sanders and Biden. Buttigieg's supporters divided between Biden and Warren. Steyer's supporters went to Biden.
One more prospect: Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. A late-starting candidate, he hasn't been certified for the Nevada caucuses. But the millions of dollars he has spent on TV ads nationwide haven't gone unnoticed. A 55% majority of the likely caucus-goers in Nevada say they've seen them.
When it came to the issues that mattered, three dominated the others: health care, chosen by 22%, climate change by 14%, and the economy by 10%. What about defeating or getting rid of Trump? That was chosen by just 4%, ninth on a list of 15 choices.


usatoday--2020-01-14--DOJ says Apple hasn't helped unlock Pensacola shooter's iPhones. Apple says it only asked a week ago

Apple disputed Attorney General William Barr 's statement that the company has n't helped federal investigators unlock two iPhones used by the Saudi shooter who killed three people at a Navy base in Pensacola , Florida , last month .
Barr made the statement Monday as he announced the shooting at Naval Air Station Pensacola was an `` act of terrorism . ''
In a statement released late Monday night , Apple said it started helping investigators `` within hours of the FBI 's first request '' on Dec. 6 , the day the Saudi pilot , 2nd Lt. Mohammed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the base .
`` The FBI only notified us on January 6th that they needed additional assistance — a month after the attack occurred , '' Apple said .
`` Only then did we learn about the existence of a second iPhone associated with the investigation and the FBI 's inability to access either iPhone . ''
Barr 's comments — and Apple 's lengthy rebuttal — rekindled a longstanding dispute between the company and law enforcement over cracking encrypted passwords on suspects ' iPhones , which has implications for consumers ' privacy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Navy base was 'act of terrorism , ' attorney general says Barr : 'Apple has not given us any substantive assistance' During a news conference Monday , Barr said investigators recovered two heavily-damaged iPhones from the deceased shooter .
The gunman is believed to have shot one of them in an effort to render it unusable .
Investigators rebuilt both phones , but they have been unable to bypass the encrypted passwords to gain access to the data .
`` We have asked Apple for their help in unlocking the shooter 's iPhones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far , Apple has not given us any substantive assistance .
This situation perfectly illustrates why it is critical that investigators be able to get access to digital evidence once they have obtained a court order based on probable cause . ''
In its statement , Apple said , `` We reject the characterization that Apple has not provided substantive assistance in the Pensacola investigation .
Our responses to their many requests since the attack have been timely , thorough and are ongoing . ''
In addition to the FBI 's initial request @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it responded to six more legal requests for information between Dec. 7 and Dec. 14 .
The company said it provided iCloud backups , account information and transactional data for multiple accounts .
`` We responded to each request promptly , often within hours , sharing information with FBI offices in Jacksonville , Pensacola and New York , '' the company said .
`` The queries resulted in many gigabytes of information that we turned over to investigators .
In every instance , we responded with all of the information that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a subpoena regarding the second iPhone on Jan. 8 , `` which we responded to within hours . ''
The company did n't say what response it provided .
Barr made his comments in a news conference describing the Justice Department 's investigation into the shooting by the 21-year-old Saudi pilot .
The pilot , who was part of a U.S. training program for the Saudi military , was killed in the rampage .
Three American service members were killed and eight others were injured .
Investigators found that on Sept. 11 last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media that `` the countdown has begun . ''
He visited the 9/11 Memorial in New York City over Thanksgiving weekend , and he posted `` anti-American , anti-Israeli and jihadi messages '' on social media two hours before the attack , Barr said .
Days after the attack , the Navy grounded more than 300 Saudi nationals who were training to be pilots .
Deputy Defense Secretary David Norquist ordered Defense intelligence officials to review and strengthen vetting procedures .
Barr ’ s rebuke of Apple in the Pensacola investigation mirrors a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ giant involving an iPhone recovered in a 2015 mass shooting in San Bernardino , California , which left 14 people dead .
In that case , the FBI went to federal court with a demand that Apple assist investigators in gaining access to a phone recovered from terrorist Syed Farook , who was killed along with his wife , Tashfeen Malik , in a shootout with authorities following the attack .
The FBI dropped its challenge after it secured the assistance of an outside contractor who was successful in bypassing the iPhone passcode @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Comey , the director of the FBI at the time .
He argued that the bureau sought access to the particular phone used by the San Bernardino attacker , and it did n't want to establish a sweeping precedent to gain access to all encrypted devices .
Apple and other U.S. tech companies feared that the FBI 's litigation would set a dangerous precedent that would open the door to scores of local , state and federal law enforcement officials seeking to compel companies to build backdoors in their devices and software in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the access , Comey told a House panel in 2016 that the FBI had extensive negotiations with Apple before filing the litigation .
`` They were very helpful , by the way , '' Comey said .
`` I want to be sure people understand there are no demons in this dispute or the larger dispute ( about encryption ) .
Apple has been very cooperative .
We just got to a place where they were not willing to offer the relief that the government was asking for . ''
Apple , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consumers , addressed the larger debate in its statement Monday night .
`` We have always maintained there is no such thing as a backdoor just for the good guys , '' the company said .
`` Backdoors can also be exploited by those who threaten our national security and the data security of our customers . ''
Barr declined to say whether the Justice Department would file a similar suit against the technology giant .

DOJ says Apple hasn't helped unlock Pensacola shooter's iPhones. Apple says it only asked a week ago.
Show Caption Hide Caption Apple refuses to unlock Pensacola shooter’s iPhones in a fight with FBI Apple has reopened a privacy battle with the FBI after refusing to unlock the iPhones of the Saudi pilot who opened fire at Naval Air Station Pensacola Buzz60
Apple disputed Attorney General William Barr's statement that the company hasn't helped federal investigators unlock two iPhones used by the Saudi shooter who killed three people at a Navy base in Pensacola, Florida, last month.
Barr made the statement Monday as he announced the shooting at Naval Air Station Pensacola was an "act of terrorism."
In a statement released late Monday night, Apple said it started helping investigators "within hours of the FBI's first request" on Dec. 6, the day the Saudi pilot, 2nd Lt. Mohammed Alshamrani, fired on service members at the base.
"The FBI only notified us on January 6th that they needed additional assistance — a month after the attack occurred," Apple said. "Only then did we learn about the existence of a second iPhone associated with the investigation and the FBI's inability to access either iPhone."
Barr's comments — and Apple's lengthy rebuttal — rekindled a longstanding dispute between the company and law enforcement over cracking encrypted passwords on suspects' iPhones, which has implications for consumers' privacy.
DOJ investigation: Shooting at Pensacola Navy base was 'act of terrorism,' attorney general says
Barr: 'Apple has not given us any substantive assistance'
During a news conference Monday, Barr said investigators recovered two heavily-damaged iPhones from the deceased shooter. The gunman is believed to have shot one of them in an effort to render it unusable.
Investigators rebuilt both phones, but they have been unable to bypass the encrypted passwords to gain access to the data.
"We have asked Apple for their help in unlocking the shooter's iPhones," Barr said. "So far, Apple has not given us any substantive assistance. This situation perfectly illustrates why it is critical that investigators be able to get access to digital evidence once they have obtained a court order based on probable cause."
In its statement, Apple said, "We reject the characterization that Apple has not provided substantive assistance in the Pensacola investigation. Our responses to their many requests since the attack have been timely, thorough and are ongoing."
In addition to the FBI's initial request the day of the shooting, Apple said it responded to six more legal requests for information between Dec. 7 and Dec. 14. The company said it provided iCloud backups, account information and transactional data for multiple accounts.
"We responded to each request promptly, often within hours, sharing information with FBI offices in Jacksonville, Pensacola and New York," the company said. "The queries resulted in many gigabytes of information that we turned over to investigators. In every instance, we responded with all of the information that we had."
Apple said it received a subpoena regarding the second iPhone on Jan. 8, "which we responded to within hours."
The company didn't say what response it provided.
Barr made his comments in a news conference describing the Justice Department's investigation into the shooting by the 21-year-old Saudi pilot.
NAS Pensacola shooting victims: Remembering Naval aviation students Airman Mohammed Hathaim, Ensign Joshua Watson and Airman Apprentice Cameron Walters were killed in the shooting at Naval Air Station Pensacola. USA TODAY
The pilot, who was part of a U.S. training program for the Saudi military, was killed in the rampage. Three American service members were killed and eight others were injured.
Investigators found that on Sept. 11 last year, the shooter posted on social media that "the countdown has begun." He visited the 9/11 Memorial in New York City over Thanksgiving weekend, and he posted "anti-American, anti-Israeli and jihadi messages" on social media two hours before the attack, Barr said.
Days after the attack, the Navy grounded more than 300 Saudi nationals who were training to be pilots. Deputy Defense Secretary David Norquist ordered Defense intelligence officials to review and strengthen vetting procedures.
Dispute mirrors one after San Bernardino attack
Barr’s rebuke of Apple in the Pensacola investigation mirrors a standoff between the FBI and the technology giant involving an iPhone recovered in a 2015 mass shooting in San Bernardino, California, which left 14 people dead.
In that case, the FBI went to federal court with a demand that Apple assist investigators in gaining access to a phone recovered from terrorist Syed Farook, who was killed along with his wife, Tashfeen Malik, in a shootout with authorities following the attack.
The FBI dropped its challenge after it secured the assistance of an outside contractor who was successful in bypassing the iPhone passcode.
That effort was led by James Comey, the director of the FBI at the time. He argued that the bureau sought access to the particular phone used by the San Bernardino attacker, and it didn't want to establish a sweeping precedent to gain access to all encrypted devices.
Apple and other U.S. tech companies feared that the FBI's litigation would set a dangerous precedent that would open the door to scores of local, state and federal law enforcement officials seeking to compel companies to build backdoors in their devices and software in order to circumvent encryption.
In arguing for the access, Comey told a House panel in 2016 that the FBI had extensive negotiations with Apple before filing the litigation.
"They were very helpful, by the way," Comey said. "I want to be sure people understand there are no demons in this dispute or the larger dispute (about encryption). Apple has been very cooperative. We just got to a place where they were not willing to offer the relief that the government was asking for."
Apple, which has touted its privacy protections for consumers, addressed the larger debate in its statement Monday night.
"We have always maintained there is no such thing as a backdoor just for the good guys," the company said. "Backdoors can also be exploited by those who threaten our national security and the data security of our customers."
Barr declined to say whether the Justice Department would file a similar suit against the technology giant.
Contributing: Kristine Phillips


usatoday--2020-01-14--Elizabeth Warren says Bernie Sanders didn't think a woman could be president. He denied it.

WASHINGTON – Sen. Elizabeth Warren , D-Mass.
, confirmed Monday night that Sen. Bernie Sanders `` disagreed '' a woman could beat President Donald Trump to become president while the two 2020 candidates were discussing the upcoming election .
Warren 's comments on the December 2018 conversation followed several media reports on that discussion citing anonymous sources .
Warren claims that she and Sanders met `` to discuss the 2020 election , our past work together and our shared goals : beating Donald Trump , taking back our government from the wealthy and well-connected , and building an economy that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the topics that came up was what would happen if Democrats nominated a female candidate , '' she continued .
`` I thought a woman could win ; he disagreed . ''
Warren and her campaign had been silent on the issue after it broke Monday afternoon .
Sanders and his campaign denied any such comment was made .
`` It is a lie , '' Faiz Shakir , Sanders ' campaign manager , said in response to media reports .
`` Bernie Sanders has always fought and stood for woman and women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hear from her directly , but I know what she would say that it is not true that it is a lie , ” Shakir stated .
'It 's a sad day ' : As Booker exits Democratic primary , a once-historic field gets less diverse For his part , Sanders said that the report was `` ludicrous '' in a lengthy statement Monday .
`` It 's sad that , three weeks before the Iowa caucus and a year after that private conversation , staff who were n't in the room @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sanders said .
“ Do I believe a woman can win in 2020 ?
Of course !
After all Hillary Clinton beat Donald Trump by 3 million votes in 2016.
” The conflicting accounts could lead to a tense match-up between the two progressives who will take part in Tuesday 's Democratic debate in Iowa .
Monday 's incident comes on the heels of a recent report from Politico that a Sanders campaign staffer was using a script when calling potential voters that criticized Warren .
Warren said that she `` was disappointed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ volunteers out to trash me '' while Sanders denied any prior knowledge of the volunteer script .
What you need to know about Tuesday 's presidential debate in Iowa : When it is , who qualified , how to watch However , Warren continued in her statement Monday that she has `` no interest in discussing this private meeting any further because Bernie and I have far more in common than on our differences on punditry . ''
`` We have been friends and allies in this fight for a long time , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to work together to defeat Donald Trump and put our government on the side of the people , '' she concluded .

Elizabeth Warren says Bernie Sanders didn't think a woman could be president. He denied it.
Show Caption Hide Caption Elizabeth Warren says Bernie didn't think a woman could beat Trump Elizabeth Warren confirmed reporting that Bernie Sanders in 2018 "disagreed" that a woman could beat President Trump to become president. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., confirmed Monday night that Sen. Bernie Sanders "disagreed" a woman could beat President Donald Trump to become president while the two 2020 candidates were discussing the upcoming election.
Warren's comments on the December 2018 conversation followed several media reports on that discussion citing anonymous sources.
Warren claims that she and Sanders met "to discuss the 2020 election, our past work together and our shared goals: beating Donald Trump, taking back our government from the wealthy and well-connected, and building an economy that works for everyone."
"Among the topics that came up was what would happen if Democrats nominated a female candidate," she continued. "I thought a woman could win; he disagreed."
In response to a great deal of questions we’ve had today, below is a statement from Elizabeth Warren: pic.twitter.com/PdBCHJQCJE — Kristen Orthman (@KristenOrthman) January 14, 2020
Warren and her campaign had been silent on the issue after it broke Monday afternoon. Sanders and his campaign denied any such comment was made.
"It is a lie," Faiz Shakir, Sanders' campaign manager, said in response to media reports. "Bernie Sanders has always fought and stood for woman and women's rights."
"We need to hear from her directly, but I know what she would say that it is not true that it is a lie,” Shakir stated.
'It's a sad day': As Booker exits Democratic primary, a once-historic field gets less diverse
NEW: @BernieSanders campaign manager responds to report that in 2018 Sanders told @ewarren that a woman couldn’t win in 2020.@fshakir: “It is a lie.” pic.twitter.com/JTgugmlb2k — Ryan Nobles (@ryanobles) January 13, 2020
For his part, Sanders said that the report was "ludicrous" in a lengthy statement Monday.
"It's sad that, three weeks before the Iowa caucus and a year after that private conversation, staff who weren't in the room are lying about what happened," Sanders said. “Do I believe a woman can win in 2020? Of course! After all Hillary Clinton beat Donald Trump by 3 million votes in 2016.”
The conflicting accounts could lead to a tense match-up between the two progressives who will take part in Tuesday's Democratic debate in Iowa. Monday's incident comes on the heels of a recent report from Politico that a Sanders campaign staffer was using a script when calling potential voters that criticized Warren.
Warren said that she "was disappointed to hear that Bernie is sending his volunteers out to trash me" while Sanders denied any prior knowledge of the volunteer script.
What you need to know about Tuesday's presidential debate in Iowa: When it is, who qualified, how to watch
However, Warren continued in her statement Monday that she has "no interest in discussing this private meeting any further because Bernie and I have far more in common than on our differences on punditry."
"We have been friends and allies in this fight for a long time, and I have no doubt we will continue to work together to defeat Donald Trump and put our government on the side of the people," she concluded.
Contributing: Jeanine Santucci


usatoday--2020-01-14--Task force recommends punishment for California cities that fail to get homeless off street

A statewide task force assembled by Gov .
Gavin Newsom to tackle the homelessness crisis in California is proposing an amendment to the state 's constitution that would allow for sanctions on cities that fail to make progress in getting people off the streets .
The 13-member group , California ’ s Council of Regional Homeless Advisors , is co-chaired by Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg and Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas .
“ We ’ ve tried moral persuasion .
We ’ ve tried economic incentives , ” Steinberg told the Los Angeles Times on Monday .
“ But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Why should this be optional ?
It shouldn ’ t be .
It mustn ’ t be .
Thousands of people are dying on the streets , and people are telling us this is a priority.
” The plan was announced Monday , the same day Newsom hit the road on a weeklong homelessness tour starting north of Sacramento in Nevada County , which will receive $ 1 million out of the $ 650 million emergency aid allocated in the state budget last year .
Those funds are now being rolled out , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last week that he hopes to add $ 1 billion this year to fund a statewide response to the crisis .
“ Homelessness isn ’ t just a concern in our cities , '' Newsom said in a statement , `` it ’ s a suburban issue and a rural issue , too .
No Californian can say that homelessness is someone else ’ s problem . ''
Later this week , he has plans to stop in the Inland Empire , Los Angeles , the Central Valley and the Bay Area .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ California , growing by more than 16 % between 2018 and 2019 , despite statewide efforts to find solutions .
More than 150,000 Californians are currently without housing , the majority of whom sleep outside or in vehicles each night .
The Bay Area city of Oakland , grappling with skyrocketing housing costs , has seen the most dramatic rise .
Tent encampments line the sidewalks and fill freeway underpasses .
In only two years , homelessness there increased by 47 % .
Oakland 's Mayor Libby Schaaf is a member of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help coordinate and streamline efforts to ensure all jurisdictions do better .
“ When something matters we make it the law , and it ’ s time to make ending homelessness the law ” she said at the task force meeting .
Localities would be responsible for setting big goals with timelines .
Jurisdictions that fall behind — including the state government itself — could find itself in legal trouble , and be sued by the state .
The California Legislature has until June 25 to approve a state constitutional amendment before it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ballot measure this November .
If enacted , California would be the first state to create such a mandate .
There are no details yet on how much it would cost taxpayers .
The California State Association of Counties , an organization that represents California 's 58 counties , offered cautious support but wants more information .
`` Counties are the service providers in our communities and will continue to lead to tackle the crisis of our time , homelessness , '' the association wrote in a statement , calling the recommendations `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' `` A legally enforceable mandate can only work with clarity of who ’ s obligated to do what and what new sustainable resources will fund it ; that ’ s the ticket for clear expectations and accountability , '' the association added .
The plan replaces a previous idea floated by Steinberg that recommended the state deploy a `` right-to-shelter model , '' a strategy used in New York that requires unhoused people to accept any available shelter offered .
It was widely criticized by homeless advocates .
Implemented under former New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enabled the police to crack down on encampments and arrest anyone unwilling to stay in shelters .
“ I believe we can avoid some of the undesirable aspects of the ‘ right to shelter ’ as it has manifested itself in New York , ” Ridley-Thomas told Politico last month after it was proposed .
“ But I don ’ t think we should lose sight of the fact that less people die on the streets in New York than they do in California.
” Gabrielle Canon is a California Reporter for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You can reach her at gcanon @ gannett.com or on Twitter .

Task force recommends punishment for California cities that fail to get homeless off street
A statewide task force assembled by Gov. Gavin Newsom to tackle the homelessness crisis in California is proposing an amendment to the state's constitution that would allow for sanctions on cities that fail to make progress in getting people off the streets.
The 13-member group, California’s Council of Regional Homeless Advisors, is co-chaired by Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg and Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas.
“We’ve tried moral persuasion. We’ve tried economic incentives,” Steinberg told the Los Angeles Times on Monday. “But all of it’s optional. Why should this be optional? It shouldn’t be. It mustn’t be. Thousands of people are dying on the streets, and people are telling us this is a priority.”
The plan was announced Monday, the same day Newsom hit the road on a weeklong homelessness tour starting north of Sacramento in Nevada County, which will receive $1 million out of the $650 million emergency aid allocated in the state budget last year.
Those funds are now being rolled out, and Newsom shared in his budget briefing last week that he hopes to add $1 billion this year to fund a statewide response to the crisis.
“Homelessness isn’t just a concern in our cities," Newsom said in a statement, "it’s a suburban issue and a rural issue, too. No Californian can say that homelessness is someone else’s problem."
Later this week, he has plans to stop in the Inland Empire, Los Angeles, the Central Valley and the Bay Area.
Homelessness has been on the rise in California, growing by more than 16% between 2018 and 2019, despite statewide efforts to find solutions. More than 150,000 Californians are currently without housing, the majority of whom sleep outside or in vehicles each night. The Bay Area city of Oakland, grappling with skyrocketing housing costs, has seen the most dramatic rise. Tent encampments line the sidewalks and fill freeway underpasses. In only two years, homelessness there increased by 47%.
Oakland's Mayor Libby Schaaf is a member of the task force and said the move will help coordinate and streamline efforts to ensure all jurisdictions do better.
“When something matters we make it the law, and it’s time to make ending homelessness the law” she said at the task force meeting.
Like stories about the Golden State? Click here to get our In California newsletter in your inbox.
Localities would be responsible for setting big goals with timelines. Jurisdictions that fall behind — including the state government itself — could find itself in legal trouble, and be sued by the state.
The California Legislature has until June 25 to approve a state constitutional amendment before it can be put to voters in a ballot measure this November. If enacted, California would be the first state to create such a mandate. There are no details yet on how much it would cost taxpayers.
The California State Association of Counties, an organization that represents California's 58 counties, offered cautious support but wants more information.
"Counties are the service providers in our communities and will continue to lead to tackle the crisis of our time, homelessness," the association wrote in a statement, calling the recommendations "big and bold steps toward progress."
"A legally enforceable mandate can only work with clarity of who’s obligated to do what and what new sustainable resources will fund it; that’s the ticket for clear expectations and accountability," the association added.
The plan replaces a previous idea floated by Steinberg that recommended the state deploy a "right-to-shelter model," a strategy used in New York that requires unhoused people to accept any available shelter offered. It was widely criticized by homeless advocates.
More: Homeless women fight to stay in Oakland house
Implemented under former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, the policy enabled the police to crack down on encampments and arrest anyone unwilling to stay in shelters.
“I believe we can avoid some of the undesirable aspects of the ‘right to shelter’ as it has manifested itself in New York,” Ridley-Thomas told Politico last month after it was proposed. “But I don’t think we should lose sight of the fact that less people die on the streets in New York than they do in California.”
Gabrielle Canon is a California Reporter for the USA Today Network, based in Sacramento. You can reach her at gcanon@gannett.com or on Twitter.


usatoday--2020-01-13--Cory Booker ends White House bid after failing to qualify for second straight debate

Cory Booker has ended his bid for the Democratic Party nomination for the White House after failing to qualify for @ @ @ @ @

Cory Booker end presidential campaign with low poll numbers
Cory Booker ends his bid for the Democratic Party nomination for the White House after failing to qualify for his second straight debate.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-01-13--New poll shows Joe Biden in the lead ahead of Iowa caucuses, but many may still change their minds

Days after Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders topped the Des Moines Register Iowa Poll , a new Monmouth University poll shows former Vice President Joe Biden leading the pack in the first-in-the-nation caucus state .
The new poll confirms what polling has show for weeks : a tight race between the four contenders Biden , Sanders , former South Bend , Indiana , Mayor Pete Buttigieg and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren .
The poll , released by Monmouth University on Monday , showed Biden ahead with 24 % among likely Iowa Democratic caucusgoers .
The other three are neck and neck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 17 % and Warren at 15 % support .
All other candidates registered support in the single digits .
Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar was just behind the top tier with 8 % .
Businessman Tom Steyer stood at 4 % , entrepreneur Andrew Yang at 3 % and Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard at 2 % .
Other candidates received less than 1 % , and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg was excluded from the poll because he is skipping early state voting .
Democratic debate No .
7 : What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debate 2020 candidates on the issues : Here 's where they stand on health care , gun control , immigration and more New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker was included in the poll , but dropped out of the race on Monday .
He received 4 % support .
Monmouth calculated results with Booker 's supporters reassigned to their second choice , and the new standing is as follows : Biden with 25 % , Sanders with 18 % , Buttigieg with 17 , Warren with 16 % and Klobuchar with 9 % .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the recent Des Moines Register/CNN/Mediacom Iowa Poll that had Sanders leading the pack for the first time in the 2020 primary race .
In that survey , Sanders saw 20 % support , Warren was at 17 % , Buttigieg at 16 % and Biden at 15 % .
The results highlight the fluidity of the top standings , even as the Iowa caucus approaches in just three weeks .
Monmouth found that while 43 % of survey respondents said they were certain about their candidate pick , 13 % were open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only a low possibility they would do so .
Another 39 % said there is a moderate or high possibility that they will change their minds .
'It 's with a full heart that I share this news ' : Cory Booker drops out of 2020 race Caucusgoers were asked who their second-choice candidate would be , as the Iowa caucus process gives voters a chance to caucus for a second choice if their first choice receives less than 15 % support in the first alignment .
Warren had the strongest support as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , followed by Buttigieg at 15 % , Sanders at 14 % , Biden at 10 % and Klobuchar at 10 % .
Since 15 % is the threshold to be eligible for Iowa 's convention delegates , Monmouth asked caucusgoers to choose between candidates who currently stood at 15 % or higher in its poll .
Asked to pick between Biden , Sanders , Buttigieg and Warren , 28 % of survey respondents chose Biden ; 24 % picked Sanders ; 25 % picked Buttigieg ; and 16 % went to Warren @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Jan. 9-12 , and results have a margin of error of 4.9 percentage points .

New poll shows Joe Biden in the lead ahead of Iowa caucuses, but many may still change their minds
Show Caption Hide Caption Iowa caucus: Just how much influence does it have on the primary? The Iowa caucus is sure to be competitive this year. But what makes caucuses different from primaries? Just the FAQs
Days after Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders topped the Des Moines Register Iowa Poll, a new Monmouth University poll shows former Vice President Joe Biden leading the pack in the first-in-the-nation caucus state.
The new poll confirms what polling has show for weeks: a tight race between the four contenders Biden, Sanders, former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren.
The poll, released by Monmouth University on Monday, showed Biden ahead with 24% among likely Iowa Democratic caucusgoers. The other three are neck and neck with Sanders at 18%, Buttigieg at 17% and Warren at 15% support.
All other candidates registered support in the single digits. Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar was just behind the top tier with 8%. Businessman Tom Steyer stood at 4%, entrepreneur Andrew Yang at 3% and Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard at 2%. Other candidates received less than 1%, and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg was excluded from the poll because he is skipping early state voting.
Democratic debate No. 7: What you need to know for the January debate
2020 candidates on the issues: Here's where they stand on health care, gun control, immigration and more
New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker was included in the poll, but dropped out of the race on Monday. He received 4% support. Monmouth calculated results with Booker's supporters reassigned to their second choice, and the new standing is as follows: Biden with 25%, Sanders with 18%, Buttigieg with 17, Warren with 16% and Klobuchar with 9%.
The Monmouth poll results stand in contrast to the recent Des Moines Register/CNN/Mediacom Iowa Poll that had Sanders leading the pack for the first time in the 2020 primary race. In that survey, Sanders saw 20% support, Warren was at 17%, Buttigieg at 16% and Biden at 15%.
The results highlight the fluidity of the top standings, even as the Iowa caucus approaches in just three weeks. Monmouth found that while 43% of survey respondents said they were certain about their candidate pick, 13% were open to changing their minds, but with only a low possibility they would do so. Another 39% said there is a moderate or high possibility that they will change their minds.
'It's with a full heart that I share this news': Cory Booker drops out of 2020 race
Caucusgoers were asked who their second-choice candidate would be, as the Iowa caucus process gives voters a chance to caucus for a second choice if their first choice receives less than 15% support in the first alignment.
Warren had the strongest support as a second-choice candidate, with 23%, followed by Buttigieg at 15%, Sanders at 14%, Biden at 10% and Klobuchar at 10%.
Since 15% is the threshold to be eligible for Iowa's convention delegates, Monmouth asked caucusgoers to choose between candidates who currently stood at 15% or higher in its poll. Asked to pick between Biden, Sanders, Buttigieg and Warren, 28% of survey respondents chose Biden; 24% picked Sanders; 25% picked Buttigieg; and 16% went to Warren.
Monmouth polled 405 likely Democratic caucusgoers from Jan. 9-12, and results have a margin of error of 4.9 percentage points.


usatoday--2020-01-13--'This is a last look': From Iowa stage, Democratic presidential candidates make their pitches to nat

DES MOINES – Locked in a tight race , a smaller grouping of presidential candidates is likely to share an Iowa debate stage just three weeks before the state 's caucusgoers make the nation 's first picks among Democratic candidates .
It 's one of the candidates ' last big pitches before the caucuses Feb. 3 – and they have a lot to prove to Iowans .
A majority of likely Democratic caucusgoers say they 're undecided about their choice for the nomination and are open to changing their minds , according to polling and dozens of interviews along the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last look for everybody , '' said Sue Dvorsky , former chair of the Iowa Democratic Party .
`` Us , and everybody in the country . ''
The candidates who met the fundraising and polling thresholds are : former Vice President Joe Biden ; former South Bend , Indiana , Mayor Pete Buttigieg ; businessman Tom Steyer ; and U.S. Sens .
Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota , Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts .
Visual guide : Here 's where the 2020 candidates stand on gun control , immigration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ event , hosted by CNN in partnership with the Des Moines Register , will be held from 9 to 11 p.m. EST Tuesday at Drake University in Iowa 's capital city .
The debate will be livestreamed on DesMoinesRegister.com .
Iowans , known for paying close attention to news and policy , will have a lot to follow .
In a race that has largely focused on health care and climate change , foreign policy is likely to subsume debate energy as tensions in the Middle East have risen following President Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that killed a top Iranian official .
Meanwhile , Trump ’ s impeachment and a pending Senate trial loom over the debate .
Sanders , Warren and Klobuchar , scheduled to participate in Tuesday ’ s debate , also are likely to be jurors in an impeachment trial .
Climate change : Your guide to the 2020 Democratic candidate 's positions on the environment Health care : The 2020 Democratic candidates share their thoughts on prescription drug costs , Medicare for all and more But impeachment timing remains unclear .
House Speaker Nancy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of impeachment to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell only when she is given more information about how the Senate would conduct its trial .
All of this will happen amid a backdrop of media and political pundits questioning whether Iowa should keep its first-in-the-nation role in the nomination process .
With no candidates of color qualified to join the stage as of late last week , the state 's predominantly white population may become a topic of conversation .
`` I do n't think ( the candidates are ) going … to take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might use it to talk in coded language about the process , '' said Karen Kedrowski , director of the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics .
'Sometimes historical events just take things over' The killing of Iranian Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani has dominated recent national news cycles .
At events in Iowa and elsewhere , the candidates have addressed his death and escalating developments in the Middle East .
`` This is just a classic case of how the agenda is not in control of the people running for office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ historical events just take things over . ''
Candidates have touched on a range of foreign policy issues in previous debates and have largely shied away from attacking one another on the issues .
Given the urgency of the situation in Iran , Tuesday 's debate will give them the chance to tout their foreign policy credentials , said Dave Peterson , professor of political science at Iowa State University .
Biden has long emphasized his decades of foreign policy experience , which include his time as vice president under President Barack Obama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foreign Relations Committee .
But rivals will likely criticize his 2002 vote to authorize military force against Iraq .
Biden has expressed regret over the vote , but he 's also given conflicting narratives about the timeline of his disapproval .
His answers have been inaccurate and `` unsatisfying , '' Peterson said .
`` If I were any of the campaigns , I 'd spill a little blood in the water on this , '' he said .
2020 candidates on foreign policy : The Democrats running for president tell us how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Korea Sanders , who was also a senator before the war with Iraq , voted against the U.S. invasion .
He has made it a point to reflect on that and his long pacifist record on the Iowa campaign trail .
In recent days , Sanders has called out Biden over his vote , a sign it could come up on Tuesday .
Buttigieg , who served in the U.S. Navy Reserve and was deployed to Afghanistan in 2014 , is the only candidate on stage with military experience .
He is likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foreign policy views .
Besides veterans ’ issues , foreign policy nuances generally have not been top of mind for Iowans who get the chance to ask questions of candidates who traipse through the state , said Rachel Caufield , professor of political science at Drake University .
After Soleimani 's death , Warren answered questions from the media on the general 's killing but was not asked about the issue by caucusgoers at recent Iowa campaign events .
Biden and Sanders , on the other hand , incorporated remarks on Iran into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidate need to accomplish ?
With 20 days left , Tuesday ’ s debate leads off the candidates ' final push to caucus night .
Most will be looking to capture the attention of undecided caucusgoers .
Because it 's the last debate before the caucuses , Caufield said she expects all the candidates to focus on why they ’ re the best person to defeat Trump .
Iowans have made beating Trump a top priority in choosing a candidate , Iowa Polls have found .
Caufield predicted Klobuchar will tout her Midwestern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counties that voted for Trump ; Warren will highlight her plans for anti-corruption and changing the system ; Sanders will stick to his populist message ; Buttigieg will highlight his faith and perspective as a Washington outsider ; and Biden will remind voters that Obama handpicked him to be second-in-command .
Steyer , who qualified to join the debate stage Thursday evening , has blanketed Iowa airwaves with ads promoting his ability as a successful businessman to take on Trump over stewardship of the economy .
In such a close race among the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ remind voters why they fell in love with her in the first place , ” Peterson said .
Warren has seen ups and downs in early-state polls , riding to the top of September ’ s Iowa Poll , then dropping a few points .
Warren will also likely highlight her recent endorsement from Julián Castro , the former secretary of housing and urban development who was running for president until just a few days ago , Peterson said .
`` I think this could allow the Warren campaign to generate some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` It 's not just the same old ' I 've got a plan for that . '
'' For Biden , he 'll be working to `` shore up existing support '' by touting his track record and solidifying his moderate Iowa appeal , Peterson said .
Buttigieg will need to come prepared to defend his lack of Washington experience and , as in previous debates , his high-dollar fundraisers .
`` If I were him , I would hope that everybody focuses on Bernie and Biden , '' Peterson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hand , may need to bring fresh ideas to the debate stage to win over new caucusgoers .
He 's maintained a steady core of supporters , some of whom have been ardent fans for years , but he has n't expanded his support much beyond that base .
`` What have we learned about Bernie Sanders that we didn ’ t know four years ago ?
He ’ s literally the exact same candidate , '' Peterson said .
Tuesday ’ s debate may set the stage for a lower-tier candidate to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make a surprise showing come Feb. 3 .
Klobuchar , who has spent a lot of her time in Iowa , needs to build traction to make a solid showing in Iowa , Caufield said .
`` It is entirely common in the final week or two weeks before a caucus that one candidate gains substantial momentum and significantly surprises us , '' she said .
`` Amy Klobuchar seems poised to be one of those candidates if she can really take off and build the momentum . ''
Iowans want candidates to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focus on foreign policy could further shift debate conversation away from health care , which has drawn extensive attention throughout the 2020 cycle .
Candidates have been asked during multiple televised debates about whether the government should provide universal coverage to address rising health care costs .
Unlike in the previous debates , health care was not discussed extensively during the sixth debate in December .
Penny Rosfjord , a party activist who is a former chair of the Woodbury County Democratic Party , welcomed that .
`` You talk to regular Iowans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is their paycheck , '' she said .
`` … They 're worried about their kids . ''
In interviews with the Register , Iowans say they hope health care stays a low priority on the debate stage , making room for other issues such as immigration , college student debt and agriculture .
Ongoing historic flooding in Iowa and devastating wildfires in Australia will likely serve as a backdrop for the discussion over climate change .
Should it be a crime to enter the U.S .
illegally ?
: We asked the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said 2020 candidates on education : Here 's where they stand on student loan forgiveness , free college and more '' We 've sort of played health care to death , '' Peterson said .
Olivia Habinck , the 20-year-old president of the College and Young Democrats of Iowa , said young people want more discussion on climate change and student debt .
`` Those issues are really pivotal to us and our futures , '' she said .
Steve Villatoro , chair of the Iowa Democratic Party ’ s Latino Caucus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take up Castro 's positions , specifically on immigration .
The former candidate also highlighted issues such as racial inequity and the need for affordable housing .
`` The point here is the African Americans and Latinos are part of a democratic society , and we ’ d like to have a platform for our communities , '' Villatoro said .
How to watch : The debate will air live on CNN .
A free livestream of the event will be available online at DesMoinesRegister.com and CNN.com and on mobile devices via the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kim Norvell covers growth and development for the Register .
Reach her at knorvell @ dmreg.com or 515-284-8259 .
Barbara Rodriguez covers health care and politics for the Register .
She can be reached by email at bcrodriguez @ registermedia.com or by phone at 515-284-8011 .
Follow her on Twitter @ bcrodriguez .

Kim Norvell and Barbara Rodriguez, Des Moines Register

'This is a last look': From Iowa stage, Democratic presidential candidates make their pitches to nation
Show Caption Hide Caption Iowa caucus: Just how much influence does it have on the primary? The Iowa caucus is sure to be competitive this year. But what makes caucuses different from primaries? Just the FAQs
DES MOINES – Locked in a tight race, a smaller grouping of presidential candidates is likely to share an Iowa debate stage just three weeks before the state's caucusgoers make the nation's first picks among Democratic candidates.
It's one of the candidates' last big pitches before the caucuses Feb. 3 – and they have a lot to prove to Iowans. A majority of likely Democratic caucusgoers say they're undecided about their choice for the nomination and are open to changing their minds, according to polling and dozens of interviews along the campaign trail.
"This is a last look for everybody," said Sue Dvorsky, former chair of the Iowa Democratic Party. "Us, and everybody in the country."
The candidates who met the fundraising and polling thresholds are: former Vice President Joe Biden; former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg; businessman Tom Steyer; and U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts.
Visual guide: Here's where the 2020 candidates stand on gun control, immigration, student debt and more
The two-hour event, hosted by CNN in partnership with the Des Moines Register, will be held from 9 to 11 p.m. EST Tuesday at Drake University in Iowa's capital city. The debate will be livestreamed on DesMoinesRegister.com.
Iowans, known for paying close attention to news and policy, will have a lot to follow. In a race that has largely focused on health care and climate change, foreign policy is likely to subsume debate energy as tensions in the Middle East have risen following President Donald Trump’s decision to order an airstrike that killed a top Iranian official.
Meanwhile, Trump’s impeachment and a pending Senate trial loom over the debate. Sanders, Warren and Klobuchar, scheduled to participate in Tuesday’s debate, also are likely to be jurors in an impeachment trial.
Climate change: Your guide to the 2020 Democratic candidate's positions on the environment
Health care:The 2020 Democratic candidates share their thoughts on prescription drug costs, Medicare for all and more
But impeachment timing remains unclear. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has said she will send articles of impeachment to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell only when she is given more information about how the Senate would conduct its trial.
All of this will happen amid a backdrop of media and political pundits questioning whether Iowa should keep its first-in-the-nation role in the nomination process. With no candidates of color qualified to join the stage as of late last week, the state's predominantly white population may become a topic of conversation.
"I don't think (the candidates are) going … to take pot shots at Iowa, but they might use it to talk in coded language about the process," said Karen Kedrowski, director of the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics.
'Sometimes historical events just take things over'
The killing of Iranian Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani has dominated recent national news cycles. At events in Iowa and elsewhere, the candidates have addressed his death and escalating developments in the Middle East.
"This is just a classic case of how the agenda is not in control of the people running for office," Kedrowski said. "Sometimes historical events just take things over."
Candidates have touched on a range of foreign policy issues in previous debates and have largely shied away from attacking one another on the issues. Given the urgency of the situation in Iran, Tuesday's debate will give them the chance to tout their foreign policy credentials, said Dave Peterson, professor of political science at Iowa State University.
Biden has long emphasized his decades of foreign policy experience, which include his time as vice president under President Barack Obama and as chair of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee. But rivals will likely criticize his 2002 vote to authorize military force against Iraq. Biden has expressed regret over the vote, but he's also given conflicting narratives about the timeline of his disapproval. His answers have been inaccurate and "unsatisfying," Peterson said.
"If I were any of the campaigns, I'd spill a little blood in the water on this," he said.
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Sanders, who was also a senator before the war with Iraq, voted against the U.S. invasion. He has made it a point to reflect on that and his long pacifist record on the Iowa campaign trail. In recent days, Sanders has called out Biden over his vote, a sign it could come up on Tuesday.
Buttigieg, who served in the U.S. Navy Reserve and was deployed to Afghanistan in 2014, is the only candidate on stage with military experience. He is likely to showcase how that has shaped his foreign policy views.
Besides veterans’ issues, foreign policy nuances generally have not been top of mind for Iowans who get the chance to ask questions of candidates who traipse through the state, said Rachel Caufield, professor of political science at Drake University.
After Soleimani's death, Warren answered questions from the media on the general's killing but was not asked about the issue by caucusgoers at recent Iowa campaign events. Biden and Sanders, on the other hand, incorporated remarks on Iran into their stump speeches.
What does each candidate need to accomplish?
With 20 days left, Tuesday’s debate leads off the candidates' final push to caucus night. Most will be looking to capture the attention of undecided caucusgoers.
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Because it's the last debate before the caucuses, Caufield said she expects all the candidates to focus on why they’re the best person to defeat Trump. Iowans have made beating Trump a top priority in choosing a candidate, Iowa Polls have found.
Caufield predicted Klobuchar will tout her Midwestern roots and her record of winning in counties that voted for Trump; Warren will highlight her plans for anti-corruption and changing the system; Sanders will stick to his populist message; Buttigieg will highlight his faith and perspective as a Washington outsider; and Biden will remind voters that Obama handpicked him to be second-in-command.
Steyer, who qualified to join the debate stage Thursday evening, has blanketed Iowa airwaves with ads promoting his ability as a successful businessman to take on Trump over stewardship of the economy.
In such a close race among the top candidates, Warren will need to “remind voters why they fell in love with her in the first place,” Peterson said. Warren has seen ups and downs in early-state polls, riding to the top of September’s Iowa Poll, then dropping a few points.
Warren will also likely highlight her recent endorsement from Julián Castro, the former secretary of housing and urban development who was running for president until just a few days ago, Peterson said.
"I think this could allow the Warren campaign to generate some excitement among her supporters," Kedrowski said. "It's not just the same old 'I've got a plan for that.'"
For Biden, he'll be working to "shore up existing support" by touting his track record and solidifying his moderate Iowa appeal, Peterson said.
Buttigieg will need to come prepared to defend his lack of Washington experience and, as in previous debates, his high-dollar fundraisers.
"If I were him, I would hope that everybody focuses on Bernie and Biden," Peterson said.
Sanders, on the other hand, may need to bring fresh ideas to the debate stage to win over new caucusgoers. He's maintained a steady core of supporters, some of whom have been ardent fans for years, but he hasn't expanded his support much beyond that base.
"What have we learned about Bernie Sanders that we didn’t know four years ago? He’s literally the exact same candidate," Peterson said.
Tuesday’s debate may set the stage for a lower-tier candidate to break out of a polling rut and make a surprise showing come Feb. 3.
Klobuchar, who has spent a lot of her time in Iowa, needs to build traction to make a solid showing in Iowa, Caufield said.
"It is entirely common in the final week or two weeks before a caucus that one candidate gains substantial momentum and significantly surprises us," she said. "Amy Klobuchar seems poised to be one of those candidates if she can really take off and build the momentum."
Iowa caucuses: A look back at the history of the Iowa caucuses The Iowa caucuses are not first because they're important; they're important because they're first. former Des Moines Register opinion editor Kathie Obradovich explains. Kelsey Kremer, Des Moines Register
Iowans want candidates to address more than health care
The expected focus on foreign policy could further shift debate conversation away from health care, which has drawn extensive attention throughout the 2020 cycle. Candidates have been asked during multiple televised debates about whether the government should provide universal coverage to address rising health care costs.
Unlike in the previous debates, health care was not discussed extensively during the sixth debate in December. Penny Rosfjord, a party activist who is a former chair of the Woodbury County Democratic Party, welcomed that.
"You talk to regular Iowans, what they’re worried about is their paycheck," she said. "… They're worried about their kids."
In interviews with the Register, Iowans say they hope health care stays a low priority on the debate stage, making room for other issues such as immigration, college student debt and agriculture. Ongoing historic flooding in Iowa and devastating wildfires in Australia will likely serve as a backdrop for the discussion over climate change.
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2020 candidates on education: Here's where they stand on student loan forgiveness, free college and more
"We've sort of played health care to death," Peterson said.
Olivia Habinck, the 20-year-old president of the College and Young Democrats of Iowa, said young people want more discussion on climate change and student debt.
"Those issues are really pivotal to us and our futures," she said.
Steve Villatoro, chair of the Iowa Democratic Party’s Latino Caucus, said he is hoping to hear candidates take up Castro's positions, specifically on immigration. The former candidate also highlighted issues such as racial inequity and the need for affordable housing.
"The point here is the African Americans and Latinos are part of a democratic society, and we’d like to have a platform for our communities," Villatoro said.
About the debate:
When: 9 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14
Where: Sheslow Auditorium, Drake University, Des Moines
Moderators: CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer, CNN political correspondent Abby Phillip and Des Moines Register chief politics reporter Brianne Pfannenstiel
How to watch: The debate will air live on CNN. A free livestream of the event will be available online at DesMoinesRegister.com and CNN.com and on mobile devices via the Register's iOS and Android apps.
Kim Norvell covers growth and development for the Register. Reach her at knorvell@dmreg.com or 515-284-8259.
Barbara Rodriguez covers health care and politics for the Register. She can be reached by email at bcrodriguez@registermedia.com or by phone at 515-284-8011. Follow her on Twitter @bcrodriguez.


usatoday--2020-01-13--'The problem is not with the president': Sen. Mike Lee says his issue was with Iran intel briefing,

WASHINGTON – Sen. Mike Lee said Sunday that he did not fault President Donald Trump for the intelligence briefing on Iran last week , which he described as `` insulting and demeaning , '' but rather the people who gave the briefing and Congress for ceding its authority on military matters .
In an interview on CBS News ' `` Face the Nation , '' the Utah Republican said `` an adequate amount of information was not shared '' with Congress about the decision to kill top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in a drone strike .
And Lee said administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behind the decision `` were not helpful '' and `` did n't reflect the president 's great restraint '' on Iran .
The meeting included Defense Secretary Mark Esper , Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and CIA Director Gina Haspel .
After that briefing , Trump told Fox News that one reason Soleimani posed an imminent threat was that the general was planning an attack on four U.S. embassies .
Lee said that interview was the first he had heard of such a plot .
'The world is watching ' : Trump tweets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Defense secretary Mark Esper did n't see specific evidence of Iran plot against 4 US embassies '' I have great respect for President Trump for how he 's handled this situation and how he 's handled other situations involving his immense power as commander in chief , '' Lee said .
`` I believe more than any other president in my lifetime , President Trump has shown restraint in the way he 's exercised that power . ''
Lee said that though he was not happy to first learn of the purported plot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not with the president . ''
`` The problem is with those who were briefing us , '' he said .
Lee believed the briefers `` would have done a different job under the light of day had television cameras been there than they did in private '' where their `` boss could n't see what they were saying . ''
Esper defended the briefing Sunday on ABC News `` This Week , '' saying that `` for every member that did n't like the brief , there ’ s members that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
`` I understand the frustration of the broader members of Congress '' who could not see the full intelligence behind the decision to kill Soleimani , Esper said , but making it available to everyone would jeopardize sources and methods .
Lee said the real target of his ire was Congress .
`` Look , my grievance here is not with the president of the United States .
He 's exercised his power with great restraint and respect for the Constitution , '' Lee said .
`` It 's not even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even though I did n't love the briefing the other day , as it is with Congress .
Congress is the problem . ''
Lee plans to vote in favor of a resolution first introduced by Sen. Tim Kaine , D-Va. , that would call for Trump to get congressional approval before taking further military action against Iran .
`` We have to remember that this is n't just about this president or this war .
This is about the future question of what any president can do to get us into any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Over many decades , Congresses and White Houses of every conceivable partisan combination have put us down this path where it 's very easy for members of Congress to wash their hands of it .
`` We have created this problem , '' he said .
Like Lee , Sen. Rand Paul , R-Ky. , is from the GOP 's libertarian wing and was unsatisfied with last week 's intelligence briefing .
Paul also plans to vote for Kaine 's war powers resolution .
Paul said he , too , was pleased with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use of military force , but he said `` presidents of both parties have been trying to usurp the authority '' of Congress to declare war .
`` I 'm willing to stand up even against a president of my party , because we need to stand up and take back the power , '' Paul said .
`` We also need to debate whether or not we 're going to keep sending kids forever to Afghanistan and Iraq . ''
On Saturday , Sen. Lindsey Graham , R-S.C. , repeated his belief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the push to limit Trump 's war powers `` is emboldening the enemy . ''
`` I like them both , '' Graham said when asked about Lee and Paul 's position .
`` But all I can tell you is that they 're so wrong .
`` Their foreign policy is more like Bernie Sanders , less like Ronald Reagan , less like Donald Trump , '' Graham said .
`` They are libertarians .
I am not .
I am a Ronald Reagan ; I 'm a Donald Trump ; I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Navy still a target : Iran claims revenge for Qasem Soleimani 's killing , but the US Navy is still a target

'The problem is not with the president': Sen. Mike Lee says his issue was with Iran intel briefing, not Trump
Show Caption Hide Caption Mike Pompeo announces new Iran sanctions U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo introduces new sanctions in hopes of crippling the Iranian regime. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Sen. Mike Lee said Sunday that he did not fault President Donald Trump for the intelligence briefing on Iran last week, which he described as "insulting and demeaning," but rather the people who gave the briefing and Congress for ceding its authority on military matters.
In an interview on CBS News' "Face the Nation," the Utah Republican said "an adequate amount of information was not shared" with Congress about the decision to kill top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in a drone strike.
And Lee said administration officials who briefed lawmakers on the intelligence behind the decision "were not helpful" and "didn't reflect the president's great restraint" on Iran.
The meeting included Defense Secretary Mark Esper, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and CIA Director Gina Haspel.
After that briefing, Trump told Fox News that one reason Soleimani posed an imminent threat was that the general was planning an attack on four U.S. embassies. Lee said that interview was the first he had heard of such a plot.
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Evidence lacking: Defense secretary Mark Esper didn't see specific evidence of Iran plot against 4 US embassies
"I have great respect for President Trump for how he's handled this situation and how he's handled other situations involving his immense power as commander in chief," Lee said. "I believe more than any other president in my lifetime, President Trump has shown restraint in the way he's exercised that power."
Lee said that though he was not happy to first learn of the purported plot on television, "the problem there is not with the president."
"The problem is with those who were briefing us," he said. Lee believed the briefers "would have done a different job under the light of day had television cameras been there than they did in private" where their "boss couldn't see what they were saying."
Esper defended the briefing Sunday on ABC News "This Week," saying that "for every member that didn't like the brief, there’s members that thought it was the greatest brief ever."
"I understand the frustration of the broader members of Congress" who could not see the full intelligence behind the decision to kill Soleimani, Esper said, but making it available to everyone would jeopardize sources and methods.
Lee said the real target of his ire was Congress.
"Look, my grievance here is not with the president of the United States. He's exercised his power with great restraint and respect for the Constitution," Lee said. "It's not even really as much with the briefers, even though I didn't love the briefing the other day, as it is with Congress. Congress is the problem."
Lee plans to vote in favor of a resolution first introduced by Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., that would call for Trump to get congressional approval before taking further military action against Iran.
"We have to remember that this isn't just about this president or this war. This is about the future question of what any president can do to get us into any war," Lee said. "Over many decades, Congresses and White Houses of every conceivable partisan combination have put us down this path where it's very easy for members of Congress to wash their hands of it.
"We have created this problem," he said.
Like Lee, Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., is from the GOP's libertarian wing and was unsatisfied with last week's intelligence briefing. Paul also plans to vote for Kaine's war powers resolution.
Paul said he, too, was pleased with Trump's "restraint" on the use of military force, but he said "presidents of both parties have been trying to usurp the authority" of Congress to declare war.
"I'm willing to stand up even against a president of my party, because we need to stand up and take back the power," Paul said. "We also need to debate whether or not we're going to keep sending kids forever to Afghanistan and Iraq."
On Saturday, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., repeated his belief in an interview with Fox News that the push to limit Trump's war powers "is emboldening the enemy."
"I like them both," Graham said when asked about Lee and Paul's position. "But all I can tell you is that they're so wrong.
"Their foreign policy is more like Bernie Sanders, less like Ronald Reagan, less like Donald Trump," Graham said. "They are libertarians. I am not. I am a Ronald Reagan; I'm a Donald Trump; I'm a George W. Bush Republican."
Navy still a target: Iran claims revenge for Qasem Soleimani's killing, but the US Navy is still a target