freebeacon--2020-12-07--NRA to Spend $1.5 Million on Georgia Senate Ads

The National Rifle Association plans to spend more than $ 1.5 million in the Georgia Senate runoff elections .
The gun-rights group 's super PAC , the NRA Victory Fund , told the Washington Free Beacon it plans to spend more than $ 500,000 on digital ads and another $ 1 million on television leading up to the January 5 elections between Republican incumbent senators David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler and Democrats Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock .
PAC spokeswoman Erica Tergeson said GOP control of the Senate is the only roadblock to future gun restrictions after President-elect Joe Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to inform as many gun owners in Georgia as possible about the records and statements of the Senate candidates regarding the Second Amendment and our right to self-protection , '' Tergeson told the Free Beacon .
Unlike their Republican opponents , Democrats Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock have publicly embraced a collection of gun-control positions .
Biden 's proposal to ban , register , and tax popular firearms such as the AR-15 and institute a range of other restrictions is more likely to pass if the two Democrats are elected .
While Ossoff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defend [ the ] Second Amendment , '' his campaign website says he supports banning guns like the AR-15 , universal background checks , red flag laws , and requiring Americans to `` demonstrate high qualification and compelling specific needs '' in order to purchase certain firearms .
Warnock spent years as a pastor fighting against broadening gun-carry laws in Georgia while also joining with gun-control groups to push universal background checks and other gun reforms .
Both men are endorsed by the country 's leading gun-control advocacy groups .
The Victory Fund @ @ @ @ @ @ @ liberals '' in an ad released on Saturday .
The group said Democratic victories in Georgia would give Sen. Chuck Schumer ( D. , N.Y. ) control of the Senate and Democrats control of the entire federal government .
`` Land of the free ? ''
a voice-over in the ad says .
`` Not if radical liberals get what they want .
Do n't let Chuck Schumer take over the Senate and take away your right to self-defense .
Defend America .
Defeat Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock . ''
The Victory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and on streaming services .
The 15-second spot is just one of several the group plans to release in the coming weeks .
The Victory Fund spending is only one part of the NRA 's overall effort in the state .
The group 's traditional PAC , the Political Victory Fund , has endorsed Republican incumbents Loeffler and Perdue .
The senators each enjoy `` A '' ratings from the NRA .

The National Rifle Association plans to spend more than $1.5 million in the Georgia Senate runoff elections.
The gun-rights group's super PAC, the NRA Victory Fund, told the Washington Free Beacon it plans to spend more than $500,000 on digital ads and another $1 million on television leading up to the January 5 elections between Republican incumbent senators David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler and Democrats Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock. PAC spokeswoman Erica Tergeson said GOP control of the Senate is the only roadblock to future gun restrictions after President-elect Joe Biden takes office.
"Our goal is to inform as many gun owners in Georgia as possible about the records and statements of the Senate candidates regarding the Second Amendment and our right to self-protection," Tergeson told the Free Beacon.
Unlike their Republican opponents, Democrats Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock have publicly embraced a collection of gun-control positions. Biden's proposal to ban, register, and tax popular firearms such as the AR-15 and institute a range of other restrictions is more likely to pass if the two Democrats are elected.
While Ossoff has at times said he would "defend [the] Second Amendment," his campaign website says he supports banning guns like the AR-15, universal background checks, red flag laws, and requiring Americans to "demonstrate high qualification and compelling specific needs" in order to purchase certain firearms. Warnock spent years as a pastor fighting against broadening gun-carry laws in Georgia while also joining with gun-control groups to push universal background checks and other gun reforms. Both men are endorsed by the country's leading gun-control advocacy groups.
The Victory Fund attacked Ossoff and Warnock as "radical liberals" in an ad released on Saturday. The group said Democratic victories in Georgia would give Sen. Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.) control of the Senate and Democrats control of the entire federal government.
"Land of the free?" a voice-over in the ad says. "Not if radical liberals get what they want. Don't let Chuck Schumer take over the Senate and take away your right to self-defense. Defend America. Defeat Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock."
The Victory Fund said the ad is running online and on streaming services. The 15-second spot is just one of several the group plans to release in the coming weeks.
The Victory Fund spending is only one part of the NRA's overall effort in the state. The group's traditional PAC, the Political Victory Fund, has endorsed Republican incumbents Loeffler and Perdue. The senators each enjoy "A" ratings from the NRA.


freebeacon--2020-12-07--Cornell Offers Minority Students Exemption from Mandatory Vaccine

Cornell University offers minority students an exemption from its flu vaccine requirement , citing the United States ' `` longstanding systemic racism and health inequities '' as justification .
Cornell 's health-requirement guidelines , which were first reported by Campus Reform , mandate that students studying on campus receive a flu vaccination .
The university offers an exemption , however , for `` students who identify as Black , Indigenous , or as a Person of Color '' and have concerns about being required to take the vaccine .
The university cited current and historical systemic racism as an acceptable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exemption .
`` It is understandable that the current Compact requirements may feel suspect or even exploitative to some BIPOC members of the Cornell community , '' a university outline of the exemption reads .
`` Additionally , recent acts of violence against Black people by law enforcement may contribute to feelings of distrust or powerlessness . ''
While the university urges minority students to comply with the flu vaccine requirement to protect their health and that of others in the community , the health guidelines provide contact information for students who `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distrusting of health care '' to request an exemption .
The only other specifically outlined exception from the flu vaccine requirement is for medical or religious reasons .
Nonexempt students who arrive on campus without the required vaccinations `` will have a temporary hold placed on their registration status , '' according to Cornell Health .
If Cornell finds them to be noncompliant , they will be charged a fee and `` dis-enrolled from the university . ''

Cornell University offers minority students an exemption from its flu vaccine requirement, citing the United States' "longstanding systemic racism and health inequities" as justification.
Cornell's health-requirement guidelines, which were first reported by Campus Reform, mandate that students studying on campus receive a flu vaccination. The university offers an exemption, however, for "students who identify as Black, Indigenous, or as a Person of Color" and have concerns about being required to take the vaccine.
The university cited current and historical systemic racism as an acceptable reason for minority students to seek an exemption.
"It is understandable that the current Compact requirements may feel suspect or even exploitative to some BIPOC members of the Cornell community," a university outline of the exemption reads. "Additionally, recent acts of violence against Black people by law enforcement may contribute to feelings of distrust or powerlessness."
While the university urges minority students to comply with the flu vaccine requirement to protect their health and that of others in the community, the health guidelines provide contact information for students who "may know the science and still feel distrusting of health care" to request an exemption.
The only other specifically outlined exception from the flu vaccine requirement is for medical or religious reasons. Nonexempt students who arrive on campus without the required vaccinations "will have a temporary hold placed on their registration status," according to Cornell Health. If Cornell finds them to be noncompliant, they will be charged a fee and "dis-enrolled from the university."


freebeacon--2020-12-07--Supreme Court Weighs Fate of Medieval Art Collection Allegedly Extorted by Nazis

The Supreme Court will decide the fate of a dazzling art collection the Nazis allegedly extorted from German Jews .
Descendants of the art dealers told the Court Monday that their ancestors sold the collection , called the Guelph Treasure , well below market value in 1935 because of Nazi persecution .
The heirs want to sue Germany in U.S. courts , and the justices must decide whether the case can proceed .
The disputes come at a sensitive time in U.S. foreign policy .
The Trump administration is supporting the German government in Monday 's case and the Hungarian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ railroad company that ferried Jews to concentration camps .
President Trump has openly feuded with Germany over security assistance , energy , and trade , while Hungary 's populist government can expect cooler relations with Washington once President-elect Joe Biden takes office .
The Justice Department warned that foreign governments may allow similar lawsuits to be brought against the U.S. if the plaintiffs prevail .
The Guelph Treasure is on display at the Museum of Decorative Arts in Berlin .
Experts peg its value at about $ 250 million .
It includes 12th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a crucifix adorned with gems , and reliquaries recovered during the crusades .
A Jewish-owned consortium sold 42 pieces from the collection to a German bank in 1935 for one third of its original value .
The bank acquired the pieces on behalf of Nazi leader Hermann Göring , who in turn presented the treasure to Hitler .
The plaintiffs want to recover those pieces , or collect restitution .
The museum `` investigated the history of the sale and determined that it was a voluntary , fair-market transaction , '' lawyers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in legal papers .
A tribunal specializing in disputes over Nazi-looted art agreed , citing the Great Depression 's effect on the global art market .
A group of Holocaust historians filed their own legal papers arguing the museum is viewing things through rose-colored glasses .
They note the Nazis successfully excluded Jews from the art trade in the 1930s and had massively curtailed their social and economic rights by the time of the sale .
`` This period is inextricably related to the genocide we call the Holocaust , '' the brief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the time of the [ Guelph Treasure ] sale as allowing Jewish sellers to stand on equal negotiating footing with non-Jewish buyers is an affront to the historical record . ''
Foreign countries are immune from most lawsuits in U.S. courts .
There is an exception , however , for cases involving property `` taken in violation of international law . ''
Genocide is a violation of international law , and seizing property from Jews was a key feature of the Holocaust , the plaintiffs say .
Justice Clarence Thomas noted that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and gold teeth from prisoners sent to concentration camps .
`` Can that taking be a part of genocide , not separate from genocide ? ''
he asked Jonathan Freiman , a lawyer representing the German government .
Germany argues the exception only applies when a state takes property from another country 's citizens .
Monday 's case , involving German citizens and the German government , is a domestic issue .
`` Only foreign takings implicate the concerns of the international legal system , '' lawyers for Germany wrote in a legal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's in the U.S. interest to stick with that understanding of sovereign immunity .
Otherwise , it warned , foreign courts will allow lawsuits against the U.S. for war crimes or the seizure of Native American property .
Judge Gregory Katsas predicted as much in dissent after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C .
Circuit said the case against Germany could go forward .
`` Imagine how the United States would react if a European trial court undertook to adjudicate a claim for tens of billions of dollars for property losses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of slavery or systemic racial discrimination , '' Katsas wrote .
The High Court was sympathetic to the plaintiffs , but several conservative justices sounded concerns that U.S. courts will wind up adjudicating human-rights violations from all over the world involving loss of property .
Freiman seized on that concern , warning that federal judges will be transformed into `` new world courts , judging the nations of the world for alleged violations of international human rights , '' if the plaintiffs prevail .
A decision in Monday 's cases , No .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 19-351 Germany v. Philipp , is expected by June 2021 .

The Supreme Court will decide the fate of a dazzling art collection the Nazis allegedly extorted from German Jews.
Descendants of the art dealers told the Court Monday that their ancestors sold the collection, called the Guelph Treasure, well below market value in 1935 because of Nazi persecution. The heirs want to sue Germany in U.S. courts, and the justices must decide whether the case can proceed.
The disputes come at a sensitive time in U.S. foreign policy. The Trump administration is supporting the German government in Monday's case and the Hungarian government in a companion case involving a railroad company that ferried Jews to concentration camps. President Trump has openly feuded with Germany over security assistance, energy, and trade, while Hungary's populist government can expect cooler relations with Washington once President-elect Joe Biden takes office. The Justice Department warned that foreign governments may allow similar lawsuits to be brought against the U.S. if the plaintiffs prevail.
The Guelph Treasure is on display at the Museum of Decorative Arts in Berlin. Experts peg its value at about $250 million. It includes 12th century statuettes cast in gold and ivory, a crucifix adorned with gems, and reliquaries recovered during the crusades. A Jewish-owned consortium sold 42 pieces from the collection to a German bank in 1935 for one third of its original value. The bank acquired the pieces on behalf of Nazi leader Hermann Göring, who in turn presented the treasure to Hitler. The plaintiffs want to recover those pieces, or collect restitution.
The museum "investigated the history of the sale and determined that it was a voluntary, fair-market transaction," lawyers for the German government told the justices in legal papers. A tribunal specializing in disputes over Nazi-looted art agreed, citing the Great Depression's effect on the global art market.
A group of Holocaust historians filed their own legal papers arguing the museum is viewing things through rose-colored glasses. They note the Nazis successfully excluded Jews from the art trade in the 1930s and had massively curtailed their social and economic rights by the time of the sale.
"This period is inextricably related to the genocide we call the Holocaust," the brief reads. "To depict prevailing conditions at the time of the [Guelph Treasure] sale as allowing Jewish sellers to stand on equal negotiating footing with non-Jewish buyers is an affront to the historical record."
Foreign countries are immune from most lawsuits in U.S. courts. There is an exception, however, for cases involving property "taken in violation of international law." Genocide is a violation of international law, and seizing property from Jews was a key feature of the Holocaust, the plaintiffs say. Justice Clarence Thomas noted that the Nazis took jewelry, spectacles, and gold teeth from prisoners sent to concentration camps.
"Can that taking be a part of genocide, not separate from genocide?" he asked Jonathan Freiman, a lawyer representing the German government.
Germany argues the exception only applies when a state takes property from another country's citizens. Monday's case, involving German citizens and the German government, is a domestic issue.
"Only foreign takings implicate the concerns of the international legal system," lawyers for Germany wrote in a legal brief.
The Justice Department said it's in the U.S. interest to stick with that understanding of sovereign immunity. Otherwise, it warned, foreign courts will allow lawsuits against the U.S. for war crimes or the seizure of Native American property. Judge Gregory Katsas predicted as much in dissent after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit said the case against Germany could go forward.
"Imagine how the United States would react if a European trial court undertook to adjudicate a claim for tens of billions of dollars for property losses suffered by a class of American victims of slavery or systemic racial discrimination," Katsas wrote.
The High Court was sympathetic to the plaintiffs, but several conservative justices sounded concerns that U.S. courts will wind up adjudicating human-rights violations from all over the world involving loss of property. Freiman seized on that concern, warning that federal judges will be transformed into "new world courts, judging the nations of the world for alleged violations of international human rights," if the plaintiffs prevail.
A decision in Monday's cases, No. 18-1447 Hungary v. Simon and No. 19-351 Germany v. Philipp, is expected by June 2021.


freebeacon--2020-12-07--Seattle Mayor Won’t Seek Reelection

Seattle Mayor Won’t Seek Reelection

Seattle mayor Jenny Durkan ( D. ) will not seek reelection next year , she announced Monday .
Durkan said she made the decision to focus on fighting the coronavirus pandemic instead of campaigning .
Durkan 's decision not to seek a second term also comes less than one week after she signed off on a massive police budget cut .
The Seattle City Council passed the cut at the end of November in response to months of anti-police protests .
Durkan and the city council sparred over slashing police spending this summer , with the council originally calling for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passed .
Police chief Carmen Best announced her resignation in September after the council voted for cuts that would lay off 100 cops—which , Durkan said , would hit `` the most diverse '' class of officers in the city 's history .
In the end , however , the mayor applauded the council for taking a `` more deliberate and measured approach '' with the budget—which slashes 18 percent in funding from the Seattle Police Department .
Durkan has faced criticism on multiple fronts for her handling of anti-police protests this summer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the city 's first openly lesbian mayor , to resign , claiming that `` continued human rights abuses '' have occurred during her administration .
Dozens of Seattle police officers who left the department this year cited a lack of support from the city 's `` socialist '' council as a major reason for their resignation .
In September , nearly 300 Seattle-area business signed a letter pressuring Durkan to protect them from anti-police rioters , looters , and vandals .
In the letter , the businesses demanded increased security and said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials .
Durkan was elected mayor in November 2017 , following the resignation of Ed Murray ( D. ) , who faced multiple criminal allegations .

Seattle mayor Jenny Durkan (D.) will not seek reelection next year, she announced Monday. Durkan said she made the decision to focus on fighting the coronavirus pandemic instead of campaigning.
Durkan's decision not to seek a second term also comes less than one week after she signed off on a massive police budget cut. The Seattle City Council passed the cut at the end of November in response to months of anti-police protests.
Durkan and the city council sparred over slashing police spending this summer, with the council originally calling for even more drastic budget cuts than eventually passed. Police chief Carmen Best announced her resignation in September after the council voted for cuts that would lay off 100 cops—which, Durkan said, would hit "the most diverse" class of officers in the city's history.
In the end, however, the mayor applauded the council for taking a "more deliberate and measured approach" with the budget—which slashes 18 percent in funding from the Seattle Police Department.
Durkan has faced criticism on multiple fronts for her handling of anti-police protests this summer.
The Seattle LGBTQ Commission asked Durkan, the city's first openly lesbian mayor, to resign, claiming that "continued human rights abuses" have occurred during her administration.
Dozens of Seattle police officers who left the department this year cited a lack of support from the city's "socialist" council as a major reason for their resignation.
In September, nearly 300 Seattle-area business signed a letter pressuring Durkan to protect them from anti-police rioters, looters, and vandals. In the letter, the businesses demanded increased security and said they felt "ignored" by city officials.
Durkan was elected mayor in November 2017, following the resignation of Ed Murray (D.), who faced multiple criminal allegations.


freebeacon--2020-12-07--Pro-Life Groups Rip Warnock for Abortion Support

Democrat Raphael Warnock said he will be a stalwart supporter of abortion if elected to the Senate , prompting pushback from pro-life groups .
Warnock touted his abortion support at a Sunday debate with Sen. Kelly Loeffler ( R. , Ga. ) .
The Democrat said his job as a reverend at Ebenezer Baptist Church had provided him with `` an abiding respect for choice . ''
`` I happen to think that a patient 's room is too small a place for a woman , her doctor , and the U.S. government , '' Warnock said .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the room . ''
Both national and local pro-life groups criticized Warnock 's support for abortion as extreme and said they plan on holding the Democratic candidate accountable .
Genevieve Wilson , PAC director for Georgia Right to Life , said the group is putting its focus on voter education efforts .
`` The fact that he says that his view is consistent with Christianity is a complete deception , '' Wilson said .
`` The Bible clearly talks about protecting children and respecting one another 's lives .
Not brutally killing pre-born @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` [ using ] the Bible to justify abortion '' during the debate—a criticism that resonated with other activists in the state .
The Georgia Life Alliance told the Washington Free Beacon that Georgia is a state that `` values life '' and Warnock committed `` an affront to the Gospel in every conceivable way '' by supporting abortion .
`` If Mr. Warnock believes what the Bible says about all life being created and ordained by God and science undeniably tells us that the human lifespan begins at the moment of fertilization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to arrive at any position other than that innocent babies should be protected by law , '' said Joshua Edmonds , executive director of the group .
In the run-up to Sunday 's debate , the national pro-life group Susan B. Anthony List announced a door-knocking campaign canvassing 750,000 Georgia voters before the Jan. 5 runoff .
`` Raphael Warnock once again attempted to use scripture to defend his extreme position in support of abortion on demand , up until the moment of birth , for any reason , '' the group said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , by contrast , has used her platform to promote compassionate , popular pro-life legislation that upholds the dignity of life and protects women . ''
Warnock has touted the endorsement of Planned Parenthood and described himself as `` an advocate for reproductive justice '' for his entire life .
Planned Parenthood 's super PAC donated $ 220,000 to support Warnock 's Senate bid .
The Warnock campaign did not reply to a request for comment .
The race between Loeffler and Warnock is one of two runoff elections in Georgia set to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joe Biden administration .
During his presidential campaign , Biden pledged to codify abortion rights into law as president .
Should Warnock and fellow Democratic candidate Jon Ossoff prevail , Democrats would hold an edge with Vice President-elect Kamala Harris casting a tie-breaking vote in the Senate .

Democrat Raphael Warnock said he will be a stalwart supporter of abortion if elected to the Senate, prompting pushback from pro-life groups.
Warnock touted his abortion support at a Sunday debate with Sen. Kelly Loeffler (R., Ga.). The Democrat said his job as a reverend at Ebenezer Baptist Church had provided him with "an abiding respect for choice."
"I happen to think that a patient's room is too small a place for a woman, her doctor, and the U.S. government," Warnock said. "I think that's too many people in the room."
Both national and local pro-life groups criticized Warnock's support for abortion as extreme and said they plan on holding the Democratic candidate accountable. Genevieve Wilson, PAC director for Georgia Right to Life, said the group is putting its focus on voter education efforts.
"The fact that he says that his view is consistent with Christianity is a complete deception," Wilson said. "The Bible clearly talks about protecting children and respecting one another's lives. Not brutally killing pre-born children."
Loeffler accused Warnock of "[using] the Bible to justify abortion" during the debate—a criticism that resonated with other activists in the state. The Georgia Life Alliance told the Washington Free Beacon that Georgia is a state that "values life" and Warnock committed "an affront to the Gospel in every conceivable way" by supporting abortion.
"If Mr. Warnock believes what the Bible says about all life being created and ordained by God and science undeniably tells us that the human lifespan begins at the moment of fertilization, it should be impossible for him to arrive at any position other than that innocent babies should be protected by law," said Joshua Edmonds, executive director of the group.
In the run-up to Sunday's debate, the national pro-life group Susan B. Anthony List announced a door-knocking campaign canvassing 750,000 Georgia voters before the Jan. 5 runoff.
"Raphael Warnock once again attempted to use scripture to defend his extreme position in support of abortion on demand, up until the moment of birth, for any reason," the group said in a statement. "Senator Loeffler, by contrast, has used her platform to promote compassionate, popular pro-life legislation that upholds the dignity of life and protects women."
Warnock has touted the endorsement of Planned Parenthood and described himself as "an advocate for reproductive justice" for his entire life. Planned Parenthood's super PAC donated $220,000 to support Warnock's Senate bid. The Warnock campaign did not reply to a request for comment.
The race between Loeffler and Warnock is one of two runoff elections in Georgia set to determine control of the Senate under a Joe Biden administration. During his presidential campaign, Biden pledged to codify abortion rights into law as president. Should Warnock and fellow Democratic candidate Jon Ossoff prevail, Democrats would hold an edge with Vice President-elect Kamala Harris casting a tie-breaking vote in the Senate.


freebeacon--2020-12-07--California Restaurants to Sue Governor Over Lockdown Order

More than a dozen California restaurants are suing Gov .
Gavin Newsom ( D. ) over his coronavirus lockdown order , arguing they can ’ t be forced to close without compensation .
Nineteen restaurants that collectively employ more than 400 workers will be filing the suit , according to the southern California local news network KGET .
The three-week-long order that took effect Sunday night requires restaurants to serve only takeout or delivery , while many types of businesses are forced to close completely , based on their region 's availability of intensive care units .
The order , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state , also prohibits private gatherings with people from outside one 's household and bans `` nonessential travel . ''
Newsom has faced a string of lawsuits throughout the year over increased restrictions that have forced businesses to close and prohibited churches from gathering .
Two California counties over the weekend said they will refuse to enforce the governor 's lockdown orders .
`` To put the onus on law enforcement to enforce these orders against law-abiding citizens who are already struggling through difficult circumstances , while at the same time criticizing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do our jobs , is both contradictory and disingenuous , '' Orange County sheriff Don Barnes said in a statement .
The announcements from the sheriffs of Riverside County and Orange County come two weeks after several county sheriffs told Newsom they would not enforce his curfew order .
Many of Newsom 's critics have pointed to the governor 's failure to follow his own rules after he dined indoors and maskless at the posh French Laundry restaurant during a lobbyist 's birthday party where social distancing rules went unheeded .

More than a dozen California restaurants are suing Gov. Gavin Newsom (D.) over his coronavirus lockdown order, arguing they can’t be forced to close without compensation.
Nineteen restaurants that collectively employ more than 400 workers will be filing the suit, according to the southern California local news network KGET.
The three-week-long order that took effect Sunday night requires restaurants to serve only takeout or delivery, while many types of businesses are forced to close completely, based on their region's availability of intensive care units. The order, which is placed on most parts of the state, also prohibits private gatherings with people from outside one's household and bans "nonessential travel."
Newsom has faced a string of lawsuits throughout the year over increased restrictions that have forced businesses to close and prohibited churches from gathering. Two California counties over the weekend said they will refuse to enforce the governor's lockdown orders.
"To put the onus on law enforcement to enforce these orders against law-abiding citizens who are already struggling through difficult circumstances, while at the same time criticizing law enforcement and taking away tools to do our jobs, is both contradictory and disingenuous," Orange County sheriff Don Barnes said in a statement.
The announcements from the sheriffs of Riverside County and Orange County come two weeks after several county sheriffs told Newsom they would not enforce his curfew order. Many of Newsom's critics have pointed to the governor's failure to follow his own rules after he dined indoors and maskless at the posh French Laundry restaurant during a lobbyist's birthday party where social distancing rules went unheeded.


freebeacon--2020-12-07--New Evidence Suggests Obama Still Bad at Sports

Former president Barack Obama fancies himself a phenomenal athlete , but the facts continue to suggest otherwise .
George Clooney , the Hollywood actor who starred in Batman & Robin , recently spilled the tea on Obama 's athletic prowess in an interview with People magazine , recounting a time when his wife , Amal Clooney , humiliated the former president on the basketball court : '' I 'll tell you this—we had a free throw-shooting contest at our house in England with the former president of the United States , Barack Obama , and she beat us all , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's cover story where he is named one of the magazine 's People of the Year .
Mrs. Clooney , an attorney best known for representing Wikileaks founder Julian Assange , reportedly `` made 17 free throws straight—and 18 out of 20 , '' while George went just 12-20 from the charity stripe .
George did not reveal how many free throws Obama made , presumably to avoid upsetting the former president and his notoriously fragile ego .
Evidence suggests Obama likely struggled to make even half of the shots he attempted .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for example , Obama made less than 10 percent of his attempts ( 2-22 ) in an effort to impress some children on the White House basketball court .
The children were not impressed .
It 's embarrassing to watch .
It also serves as a reminder to be skeptical of what you see on social media .
Obama , for example , recently tweeted a selectively edited video of himself making a three-point shot before walking off the court in triumph .
Whereas `` mainstream '' media outlets accepted the misleading tweet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to their millions of followers , the Washington Free Beacon did its due diligence by providing the crucial context necessary to give viewers a more comprehensive understanding of the facts .

Former president Barack Obama fancies himself a phenomenal athlete, but the facts continue to suggest otherwise.
George Clooney, the Hollywood actor who starred in Batman & Robin, recently spilled the tea on Obama's athletic prowess in an interview with People magazine, recounting a time when his wife, Amal Clooney, humiliated the former president on the basketball court:
"I'll tell you this—we had a free throw-shooting contest at our house in England with the former president of the United States, Barack Obama, and she beat us all," Clooney tells PEOPLE in this week's cover story where he is named one of the magazine's People of the Year.
Mrs. Clooney, an attorney best known for representing Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, reportedly "made 17 free throws straight—and 18 out of 20," while George went just 12-20 from the charity stripe.
George did not reveal how many free throws Obama made, presumably to avoid upsetting the former president and his notoriously fragile ego. Evidence suggests Obama likely struggled to make even half of the shots he attempted.
In one video clip from 2013, for example, Obama made less than 10 percent of his attempts (2-22) in an effort to impress some children on the White House basketball court. The children were not impressed.
It's embarrassing to watch. It also serves as a reminder to be skeptical of what you see on social media. Obama, for example, recently tweeted a selectively edited video of himself making a three-point shot before walking off the court in triumph.
Whereas "mainstream" media outlets accepted the misleading tweet as fact, and amplified the disinformation to their millions of followers, the Washington Free Beacon did its due diligence by providing the crucial context necessary to give viewers a more comprehensive understanding of the facts.


freebeacon--2020-12-07--Iran Prepares to Expand Nuclear Program

Iran Prepares to Expand Nuclear Program

Iran is preparing to expand its nuclear program by enriching uranium—the key component in an atomic weapon—to levels needed to fuel a weapon , a move that Tehran says will `` advance the goals of nuclear martyrs such as Mohsen Fakhrizadeh , '' the nuclear scientist who was recently assassinated .
Iran ’ s parliament is considering legislation that would require the country to `` produce at least 120 kg of 20-percent enriched uranium annually and store it inside the country , '' according to reports in Tehran ’ s state-controlled press .
Uranium enriched at this level can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weapon and is banned under the 2015 nuclear accord .
The legislation would also mandate that Iran suspend many of its commitments under the nuclear deal , a decision that prompted outrage from European nations still party to the agreement .
Iran has vowed to continue cheating on the deal until European nations offer relief from international economic sanctions .
It is also likely Iran will pressure the incoming Biden administration to roll back tough American sanctions before it agrees to new diplomatic talks , a centerpiece of Biden ’ s foreign policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about preserving a space for diplomacy , it must not implement these steps , '' France , Germany , and the United Kingdom—collectively known as the E3—said in a statement on Iran ’ s nuclear moves .

Iran is preparing to expand its nuclear program by enriching uranium—the key component in an atomic weapon—to levels needed to fuel a weapon, a move that Tehran says will "advance the goals of nuclear martyrs such as Mohsen Fakhrizadeh," the nuclear scientist who was recently assassinated.
Iran’s parliament is considering legislation that would require the country to "produce at least 120 kg of 20-percent enriched uranium annually and store it inside the country," according to reports in Tehran’s state-controlled press. Uranium enriched at this level can be processed to levels needed for a nuclear weapon and is banned under the 2015 nuclear accord.
The legislation would also mandate that Iran suspend many of its commitments under the nuclear deal, a decision that prompted outrage from European nations still party to the agreement. Iran has vowed to continue cheating on the deal until European nations offer relief from international economic sanctions. It is also likely Iran will pressure the incoming Biden administration to roll back tough American sanctions before it agrees to new diplomatic talks, a centerpiece of Biden’s foreign policy plans.
"If Iran is serious about preserving a space for diplomacy, it must not implement these steps," France, Germany, and the United Kingdom—collectively known as the E3—said in a statement on Iran’s nuclear moves.


freebeacon--2020-12-07--Chicago Teachers Union Says Reopening Schools Is Racist

In a since-deleted tweet , the Chicago Teachers Union decried reopening schools as sexist , racist , and misogynistic—despite mounting evidence that school closures have exacerbated racial inequality .
The union , which represents over 25,000 Illinois teachers , faced backlash for tweeting that the `` push to reopen schools is rooted in sexism , racism , and misogyny . ''
Many pointed out that COVID-19 school closures have disproportionately harmed minority students and that public health experts tend to support reopening schools .
The data bear out both points .
A study of 4.4 million students found that test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poor children took the biggest hit from school closures .
Math scores of vulnerable students dropped up to 10 percentage points from last year .
Minority parents in California are suing the state over its mandatory school lockdowns , which the plaintiffs claim have left their children behind .
Furthermore , a large study in October found that schools are n't driving infections .
Dr. Anthony Fauci , the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , has come out in favor of reopening schools .
During an ABC interview @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be to `` keep the children in school or to get them back to school . ''
`` If you look at the data , the spread among children and from children is not really big at all , '' Fauci noted .
Following intense online backlash , the Chicago Teachers Union issued an apology for its original statement .
`` Fair enough .
Complex issue .
Requires nuance , '' the union wrote in a follow-up tweet .
`` And much more discussion .
Most important , the people the decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue give [ sic ] them that .
Appreciate the feedback of those truly in the struggle . ''
However , the union issued another bold statement shortly after its apology .
`` We hit all the nerves today , '' the union tweeted .
`` Imagine if that passion had be there [ sic ] long before COVID-19 .
Perhaps Black and Brown families would n't be so mistrustful of a system—and a society—that does n't value their lives . ''
The Chicago Teachers Union did not respond to requests for comment @

In a since-deleted tweet, the Chicago Teachers Union decried reopening schools as sexist, racist, and misogynistic—despite mounting evidence that school closures have exacerbated racial inequality.
The union, which represents over 25,000 Illinois teachers, faced backlash for tweeting that the "push to reopen schools is rooted in sexism, racism, and misogyny." Many pointed out that COVID-19 school closures have disproportionately harmed minority students and that public health experts tend to support reopening schools.
The data bear out both points. A study of 4.4 million students found that test scores of black, Hispanic, and poor children took the biggest hit from school closures. Math scores of vulnerable students dropped up to 10 percentage points from last year. Minority parents in California are suing the state over its mandatory school lockdowns, which the plaintiffs claim have left their children behind. Furthermore, a large study in October found that schools aren't driving infections.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has come out in favor of reopening schools. During an ABC interview, he said that the default position should be to "keep the children in school or to get them back to school."
"If you look at the data, the spread among children and from children is not really big at all," Fauci noted.
Following intense online backlash, the Chicago Teachers Union issued an apology for its original statement.
"Fair enough. Complex issue. Requires nuance," the union wrote in a follow-up tweet. "And much more discussion. Most important, the people the decision affects deserve more. So we'll continue give [sic] them that. Appreciate the feedback of those truly in the struggle."
However, the union issued another bold statement shortly after its apology.
"We hit all the nerves today," the union tweeted. "Imagine if that passion had be there [sic] long before COVID-19. Perhaps Black and Brown families wouldn't be so mistrustful of a system—and a society—that doesn't value their lives."
The Chicago Teachers Union did not respond to requests for comment.


freebeacon--2020-12-08--Hunter Biden and Other Democrat Criminals Trump Should Preemptively Pardon

President Donald J. Trump has devoted his life to bringing people together and encouraging them to set their grievances aside for the good of the country , and the good of all mankind .
His final acts as president should reflect this noble and selfless commitment , which is why Trump should consider issuing preemptive pardons to the following Democratic criminals .
Because Trump cares about what 's best for the country above all else , he will want to ensure his successor wo n't be bogged down by criminal investigations into his delinquent son 's inevitable attempts to cash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's job title .
The Butcher of Albany would welcome Trump 's clemency now , when he is still adored by the obsequious press and winning Emmy awards for holding press conferences .
History wo n't be so kind .
Bill for his decades-long spree of sexual deviancy ; Hillary for her lust for corruption , as well as her role in the untimely murder of billionaire pedophile Jeffrey Epstein , a longtime Democratic donor .
It 's the least Trump could do after crushing her lifelong dream .
The Army Reserve is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adultery with the wife of an enlisted officer , a potential violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice .
Trump should show mercy , especially since Cunningham 's insatiable horniness has already precluded Democrats from winning a majority in the Senate .
Already convicted in the court of public opinion for the `` crime '' of partying hard with his friends , aka choosing not to live like a filthy commoner who `` follows the rules . ''
Even so , you can tell just by looking at his face that Newsom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actual , horrible crimes .
Trump can send the right message by absolving Newsom of the consequences for his actions .
San Francisco elected a district attorney , Chesa Boudin , who supports public defecation and is generally pro-crime .
He should be free to pursue that agenda without fear of prosecution .
So should every elected Democrat in the state .
Who knows what sort of criminal activity the former congressman and corrupt failson has gotten into since his humiliating loss to Sen. Marco Rubio ( R. , Fla. ) in 2016 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know what sort of crimes Toobin might have committed over the course of the pandemic .
Trump can spare us all with the stroke of a pen .
The Democratic mayor of Massena , N.Y. , was arrested earlier this month after throwing a bag of crack cocaine out of his vehicle during a police pursuit .
Seems like a nice enough guy , though .
A somewhat controversial move , given Trump 's commitment to family values and his love for the women in his life , but one that could potentially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minorities are statistically more likely than whites to be arrested for certain crimes , prominent Democrats , their financial backers , and other like-minded allies have been disproportionately singled out for sexual deviancy .

Trump has devoted his life to healing and unity. Why stop now?
President Donald J. Trump has devoted his life to bringing people together and encouraging them to set their grievances aside for the good of the country, and the good of all mankind.
His final acts as president should reflect this noble and selfless commitment, which is why Trump should consider issuing preemptive pardons to the following Democratic criminals.
Hunter Biden
Because Trump cares about what's best for the country above all else, he will want to ensure his successor won't be bogged down by criminal investigations into his delinquent son's inevitable attempts to cash in (again) on his father's job title.
Andrew Cuomo
The Butcher of Albany would welcome Trump's clemency now, when he is still adored by the obsequious press and winning Emmy awards for holding press conferences. History won't be so kind.
Bill & Hillary Clinton
Bill for his decades-long spree of sexual deviancy; Hillary for her lust for corruption, as well as her role in the untimely murder of billionaire pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, a longtime Democratic donor. It's the least Trump could do after crushing her lifelong dream.
Cal Cunningham
The Army Reserve is investigating the failed Senate candidate for committing adultery with the wife of an enlisted officer, a potential violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Trump should show mercy, especially since Cunningham's insatiable horniness has already precluded Democrats from winning a majority in the Senate.
Gavin Newsom
Already convicted in the court of public opinion for the "crime" of partying hard with his friends, aka choosing not to live like a filthy commoner who "follows the rules." Even so, you can tell just by looking at his face that Newsom has almost certainly committed an array of actual, horrible crimes. Trump can send the right message by absolving Newsom of the consequences for his actions.
Every elected Democrat in California
San Francisco elected a district attorney, Chesa Boudin, who supports public defecation and is generally pro-crime. He should be free to pursue that agenda without fear of prosecution. So should every elected Democrat in the state.
Patrick Murphy
Who knows what sort of criminal activity the former congressman and corrupt failson has gotten into since his humiliating loss to Sen. Marco Rubio (R., Fla.) in 2016?
Jeffrey Toobin
The public doesn't want to know what sort of crimes Toobin might have committed over the course of the pandemic. Trump can spare us all with the stroke of a pen.
Timmy Currier
The Democratic mayor of Massena, N.Y., was arrested earlier this month after throwing a bag of crack cocaine out of his vehicle during a police pursuit. Seems like a nice enough guy, though.
The #MeToo Democrats
A somewhat controversial move, given Trump's commitment to family values and his love for the women in his life, but one that could potentially rectify a perceived injustice. Just as minorities are statistically more likely than whites to be arrested for certain crimes, prominent Democrats, their financial backers, and other like-minded allies have been disproportionately singled out for sexual deviancy.
Potential pardonees include:
Bill Clinton
Jeffrey Epstein
Harvey Weinstein
Former Sen. Ted Kennedy (D., Mass.), deceased
Former Sen. Al Franken (D., Minn.)
Former Sen. John Edwards (D., N.C.)
Rep. Bobby Scott (D., Va.)
Former Rep. Ruben Kihuen (D., Nev.)
Former Rep. John Conyers (D., Mich.), deceased
Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax
Matt Lauer
Charlie Rose
Les Moonves
Chris Matthews
Mark Halperin
Ryan Lizza
Glenn Thrush
Hamilton Fish
Kevin Spacey
Ben Affleck
Mario Batali
Russell Simmons
Among others.


freebeacon--2020-12-09--Biden’s Black HUD Nominee Objected to Relegation of African Americans to HUD

Democratic congresswoman Marcia Fudge , who last month complained that black people are only ever considered to lead agencies such as Department of Housing and Urban Development , was tapped by President-elect Joe Biden on Tuesday to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development .
In the immediate aftermath of last month 's election , the former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus began lobbying to head up the Department of Agriculture .
In her pitch to Politico she said she had been `` very loyal '' and stated her belief that only certain agencies were viewed as appropriate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this country becomes more and more diverse , we 're going to have to stop looking at only certain agencies as those that people like me fit in , '' Fudge told Politico .
`` You know , it 's always ‘ we want to put the Black person in labor or HUD . '
'' Fudge has not commented on reports that Biden has selected her to head the agency .
Fudge ’ s elevation to the cabinet slot would open up the House seat she 's held since 2008 , briefly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is unlikely the special election to replace Fudge will be competitive—a Republican has n't represented Ohio 's 11th district in three decades .

Democratic congresswoman Marcia Fudge, who last month complained that black people are only ever considered to lead agencies such as the Department of Housing and Urban Development, was tapped by President-elect Joe Biden on Tuesday to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
In the immediate aftermath of last month's election, the former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus began lobbying to head up the Department of Agriculture. In her pitch to Politico she said she had been "very loyal" and stated her belief that only certain agencies were viewed as appropriate spots for black leadership.
"As this country becomes more and more diverse, we're going to have to stop looking at only certain agencies as those that people like me fit in," Fudge told Politico. "You know, it's always ‘we want to put the Black person in labor or HUD.'"
Fudge has not commented on reports that Biden has selected her to head the agency.
Fudge’s elevation to the cabinet slot would open up the House seat she's held since 2008, briefly shrinking an already narrow Democratic majority. It is unlikely the special election to replace Fudge will be competitive—a Republican hasn't represented Ohio's 11th district in three decades.


freebeacon--2020-12-08--Dems Signal Coming Push for Taxpayer-Funded Abortion

House Democrats are setting the stage to overturn the longstanding ban on taxpayer-funded abortion in anticipation of a Biden administration .
Democrats denounced as racist the Hyde Amendment , a 1976 prohibition on the use of federal funding for abortions , at a Tuesday subcommittee hearing .
President-elect Joe Biden supported the amendment throughout his Senate career before flip-flopping during the 2020 Democratic primary , and Democratic lawmakers intend to hold him to his new position opposing the amendment .
Rep. Rosa DeLauro ( D. , Conn. ) said any curb on taxpayer funding is `` discriminatory . ''
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women to be able to make deeply personal life decisions without politicians inserting themselves into the doctor 's office , '' DeLauro said .
Rep. Lois Frankel ( D. , Fla. ) described the Hyde Amendment as `` one of the best examples '' of systemic racism .
`` The Supreme Court gave women in Roe v. Wade the constitutional right to safe , legal abortion , '' Frankel said .
`` With the Hyde Amendment , that right is really for people who can afford it . ''
Subcommittee Republicans said forcing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their First Amendment and conscience rights .
Rep. Tom Cole ( R. , Okla. ) said federal funding of abortion is a matter of moral and religious freedom .
`` The Hyde Amendment protects the conscience rights of the great majority of Americans who are opposed to publicly funded abortions for religious , moral , or simply fiscal reasons , '' Cole said .
Biden used similar rhetoric in the past to defend the Hyde Amendment .
He boasted in 1994 that he had voted for the policy more than 50 times because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to abortion should not be compelled to pay for them . ''
He abandoned that position at the start of the 2020 campaign after facing pressure from campaign staffers .
The Hyde Amendment has been shown to reduce the number of abortions .
Family Research Council , a pro-life group , released a study that found that the amendment prevented more than 2.4 million abortions .
Lawmakers clashed over the racial implications of prohibiting taxpayer-funded abortions .
Democratic lawmakers argued that banning federal funding of abortions would adversely impact low-income minority families .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) described the notion that poorer minority parents should end their pregnancies as `` outrageous . ''
`` We keep taking this back up to just talking about one person in the equation that 's the mother , but you have to acknowledge the personhood of the other person in this equation who pays the ultimate price , '' Beutler said .
Cole also defended the Hyde Amendment , saying that taxpayer dollars would be better aimed at saving the lives of expectant mothers and children than for abortion .
`` Women of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as prenatal care , well-baby care , and more child care options and support to enable them to fully care for their children , '' Cole said .
`` We need to be advancing public policies that support women of color and their families , and not policies that end the lives of the unborn . ''

House Democrats are setting the stage to overturn the longstanding ban on taxpayer-funded abortion in anticipation of a Biden administration.
Democrats denounced as racist the Hyde Amendment, a 1976 prohibition on the use of federal funding for abortions, at a Tuesday subcommittee hearing. President-elect Joe Biden supported the amendment throughout his Senate career before flip-flopping during the 2020 Democratic primary, and Democratic lawmakers intend to hold him to his new position opposing the amendment. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D., Conn.) said any curb on taxpayer funding is "discriminatory."
"Now is the time to empower all women to be able to make deeply personal life decisions without politicians inserting themselves into the doctor's office," DeLauro said.
Rep. Lois Frankel (D., Fla.) described the Hyde Amendment as "one of the best examples" of systemic racism.
"The Supreme Court gave women in Roe v. Wade the constitutional right to safe, legal abortion," Frankel said. "With the Hyde Amendment, that right is really for people who can afford it."
Subcommittee Republicans said forcing taxpayers to pay for abortion would violate their First Amendment and conscience rights. Rep. Tom Cole (R., Okla.) said federal funding of abortion is a matter of moral and religious freedom.
"The Hyde Amendment protects the conscience rights of the great majority of Americans who are opposed to publicly funded abortions for religious, moral, or simply fiscal reasons," Cole said.
Biden used similar rhetoric in the past to defend the Hyde Amendment. He boasted in 1994 that he had voted for the policy more than 50 times because "those of us who are opposed to abortion should not be compelled to pay for them." He abandoned that position at the start of the 2020 campaign after facing pressure from campaign staffers.
The Hyde Amendment has been shown to reduce the number of abortions. Family Research Council, a pro-life group, released a study that found that the amendment prevented more than 2.4 million abortions. Lawmakers clashed over the racial implications of prohibiting taxpayer-funded abortions. Democratic lawmakers argued that banning federal funding of abortions would adversely impact low-income minority families. Washington congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (R.) described the notion that poorer minority parents should end their pregnancies as "outrageous."
"We keep taking this back up to just talking about one person in the equation that's the mother, but you have to acknowledge the personhood of the other person in this equation who pays the ultimate price," Beutler said.
Cole also defended the Hyde Amendment, saying that taxpayer dollars would be better aimed at saving the lives of expectant mothers and children than for abortion.
"Women of color and all women deserve resources such as prenatal care, well-baby care, and more child care options and support to enable them to fully care for their children," Cole said. "We need to be advancing public policies that support women of color and their families, and not policies that end the lives of the unborn."


freebeacon--2020-12-08--Supreme Court Rejects GOP Bid to Undo Biden Victory in Pennsylvania

The Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected a Republican appeal to undo the certification of President-elect Joe Biden 's victory in Pennsylvania .
The decision is a body blow to the long-shot effort to throw the election to the GOP-controlled Pennsylvania legislature , a move President Trump supports .
The Court 's order did not give reasons for denying the appeal , which is standard practice for such decisions , and there was no noted dissent .
Justice Amy Coney Barrett apparently participated in the decision , despite Democratic calls for her recusal .
Her supposed bias in election matters was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her confirmation .
Rep. Mike Kelly ( R. , Pa. ) led a group of Pennsylvania lawmakers who asked the High Court to undo the certification of results in the Keystone State .
He argued that the massive expansion of no-excuse mail-in voting violated the state constitution and that the Pennsylvania Supreme Court wrongfully tossed his legal challenge to that move .
`` They make that request without any acknowledgment of the staggering upheaval , turmoil , and acrimony it would unleash , '' attorneys for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania countered in legal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ favoring Kelly would rank as one of the most `` disruptive invocations of judicial power in the history of the Republic . ''
Kelly 's appeal faced steep odds , since the Supreme Court usually lets state courts have the final word on state law .
The order denying Kelly 's appeal came only hours after lawyers for the congressman filed their last legal brief .
Timing was a major factor in the dispute .
Federal law requires Congress to recognize a state 's electors if they have been appointed as of Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such , it was n't clear that legal challenges to Pennsylvania 's results were still viable .
The Electoral College will cast its votes on Monday , Dec. 14 , which could snuff out remaining challenges .
Judicial orders interfering with the Electoral College would be unprecedented .
The case is No .
20A98 Kelly v. Pennsylvania .

The Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected a Republican appeal to undo the certification of President-elect Joe Biden's victory in Pennsylvania.
The decision is a body blow to the long-shot effort to throw the election to the GOP-controlled Pennsylvania legislature, a move President Trump supports. The Court's order did not give reasons for denying the appeal, which is standard practice for such decisions, and there was no noted dissent.
Justice Amy Coney Barrett apparently participated in the decision, despite Democratic calls for her recusal. Her supposed bias in election matters was a major feature of Democratic opposition to her confirmation.
Rep. Mike Kelly (R., Pa.) led a group of Pennsylvania lawmakers who asked the High Court to undo the certification of results in the Keystone State. He argued that the massive expansion of no-excuse mail-in voting violated the state constitution and that the Pennsylvania Supreme Court wrongfully tossed his legal challenge to that move.
"They make that request without any acknowledgment of the staggering upheaval, turmoil, and acrimony it would unleash," attorneys for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania countered in legal filings. They added that a decision favoring Kelly would rank as one of the most "disruptive invocations of judicial power in the history of the Republic."
Kelly's appeal faced steep odds, since the Supreme Court usually lets state courts have the final word on state law. The order denying Kelly's appeal came only hours after lawyers for the congressman filed their last legal brief.
Timing was a major factor in the dispute. Federal law requires Congress to recognize a state's electors if they have been appointed as of Tuesday, as Pennsylvania's have. As such, it wasn't clear that legal challenges to Pennsylvania's results were still viable. The Electoral College will cast its votes on Monday, Dec. 14, which could snuff out remaining challenges. Judicial orders interfering with the Electoral College would be unprecedented.
The case is No. 20A98 Kelly v. Pennsylvania.


freebeacon--2020-12-08--Neal Katyal for Attorney General: Child Slavery Advocates Deserve a Voice in Washington

President-elect Joe Biden should nominate Neal Katyal for U.S. attorney general—not because he 's the most qualified candidate , but because of the dangerous precedent failing to nominate him would set .
Katyal is a # Resistance hero who , among other things , led the legal challenge to President Trump 's controversial travel ban and was an outspoken critic of Trump 's decision to continue the Obama-era policy of separating migrant children from their families at the southern border .
He previously served as acting solicitor general under President Obama and represented al Qaeda terrorists imprisoned at Guantanamo Bay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Supreme Court to defend his corporate clients—Nestlé and Cargill—against accusations that they had abetted child slavery and torture .
Slate reports that in the course of defending his clients , Katyal sided with the Trump administration and went even further by proposing `` an extreme theory that would shield all corporations from lawsuits under a crucial federal law . ''
When it comes to defending corporate clients , which are accused of knowingly profiting from human rights abuses at cocoa plantations in the Ivory Coast , Katyal is n't afraid to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so far as to invoke the Holocaust , arguing that because the company that supplied the Zyklon B used in Nazi gas chambers was not indicted at Nuremberg , his corporate clients should n't be held liable for abetting the enslavement and torture of children .
Naturally , some radical liberals are outraged .
That 's precisely why Katyal should be the next attorney general .
At the very least , he deserves a high-ranking role in the Biden administration .
What are the libs going to do , cry more ?
Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by hiring a bunch of former lobbyists for controversial companies such as Eli Lilly , Facebook , and Fannie Mae .
His nominee for secretary of state , Antony Blinken , cofounded a secretive consulting firm that boasted of helping American universities court investment from China .
Neera Tanden , the president-elect 's nominee to lead the Office of Management and Budget , is president of a liberal advocacy group funded by corporations such as Amazon , Facebook , and Bank of America .
How , exactly , are benevolent Democrats supposed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interests of the corporations they routinely denigrate as greedy and corrupt ?
Obama 's former advisers knew the drill , which is why after leaving the White House they ended up working for companies such as McDonald 's , Amazon , Lockheed Martin , Mastercard , and Uber , among others .
TikTok recently poached senior advisers to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D. , Calif. ) and House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn ( D. , S.C. ) to spearhead the Chinese-owned firm 's lobbying efforts .
Corporate lawyers and lobbyists are the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They have the most money because they have the richest clients and are n't dumb enough to actually live their lives according to the political values they espouse in public .
If aggrieved libs succeed in making the case that representing problematic corporations is bad , it would effectively rule out almost every Democrat qualified to serve in the executive branch .
America is a democracy .
Corporations are people .
They deserve a voice in Washington , even the ones that profit from child slavery .
Neal Katyal knows this and is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money protecting this fundamental right .
He is the attorney general America deserves .

If defending problematic corporations becomes anathema, there will be no one left to staff Democratic administrations
President-elect Joe Biden should nominate Neal Katyal for U.S. attorney general—not because he's the most qualified candidate, but because of the dangerous precedent failing to nominate him would set.
Katyal is a #Resistance hero who, among other things, led the legal challenge to President Trump's controversial travel ban and was an outspoken critic of Trump's decision to continue the Obama-era policy of separating migrant children from their families at the southern border. He previously served as acting solicitor general under President Obama and represented al Qaeda terrorists imprisoned at Guantanamo Bay.
More recently, Katyal appeared before the Supreme Court to defend his corporate clients—Nestlé and Cargill—against accusations that they had abetted child slavery and torture. Slate reports that in the course of defending his clients, Katyal sided with the Trump administration and went even further by proposing "an extreme theory that would shield all corporations from lawsuits under a crucial federal law."
When it comes to defending corporate clients, which are accused of knowingly profiting from human rights abuses at cocoa plantations in the Ivory Coast, Katyal isn't afraid to go bold. For example, he went so far as to invoke the Holocaust, arguing that because the company that supplied the Zyklon B used in Nazi gas chambers was not indicted at Nuremberg, his corporate clients shouldn't be held liable for abetting the enslavement and torture of children.
It takes someone historic like @neal_katyal to stand in the shoes of the company that manufactured Zyklon B, this is why representation matters pic.twitter.com/hRMA1rvl9M — David Dayen (@ddayen) December 1, 2020
Naturally, some radical liberals are outraged. That's precisely why Katyal should be the next attorney general. At the very least, he deserves a high-ranking role in the Biden administration. What are the libs going to do, cry more?
Biden has already followed in Obama's footsteps by hiring a bunch of former lobbyists for controversial companies such as Eli Lilly, Facebook, and Fannie Mae. His nominee for secretary of state, Antony Blinken, cofounded a secretive consulting firm that boasted of helping American universities court investment from China. Neera Tanden, the president-elect's nominee to lead the Office of Management and Budget, is president of a liberal advocacy group funded by corporations such as Amazon, Facebook, and Bank of America.
How, exactly, are benevolent Democrats supposed to make money if not by advancing the interests of the corporations they routinely denigrate as greedy and corrupt? Obama's former advisers knew the drill, which is why after leaving the White House they ended up working for companies such as McDonald's, Amazon, Lockheed Martin, Mastercard, and Uber, among others. TikTok recently poached senior advisers to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D., Calif.) and House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D., S.C.) to spearhead the Chinese-owned firm's lobbying efforts.
Corporate lawyers and lobbyists are the backbone of the Democratic Party elite. They have the most money because they have the richest clients and aren't dumb enough to actually live their lives according to the political values they espouse in public. If aggrieved libs succeed in making the case that representing problematic corporations is bad, it would effectively rule out almost every Democrat qualified to serve in the executive branch.
America is a democracy. Corporations are people. They deserve a voice in Washington, even the ones that profit from child slavery. Neal Katyal knows this and isn't afraid to earn large sums of money protecting this fundamental right. He is the attorney general America deserves.


freebeacon--2020-12-08--Warnock Voter-Registration Group Received $482,000 in PPP Loans

While Georgia Democrat Raphael Warnock has slammed his Republican opponent for `` playing political games '' with COVID-19 relief , the voter-registration group he ran raked in $ 482,000 in coronavirus bailout money .
The New Georgia Project , a voter-registration nonprofit founded by Stacey Abrams and helmed by Warnock until earlier this year , took in the nearly half-million-dollar sum from the Paycheck Protection Program , new data show .
The loan program was created to help small businesses struggling financially during the coronavirus pandemic .
Warnock has attacked his opponent , Republican incumbent Kelly Loeffler , over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are wondering when are they going to get some COVID-19 relief , '' Warnock said during a Sunday debate .
`` They 're wondering who is going to put small businesses in front of the large corporate giants . ''
The Senate hopeful 's website advocates for greater transparency in the program to make sure small businesses are not ignored `` in favor of wealthy corporations that are politically well-connected . ''
The Warnock-tied nonprofit works to register black voters in the Peach State .
Abrams launched the group in late 2013 with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thousands of new minority voters .
Warnock served as its CEO from 2017 to February 2020 .
The New Georgia Project says it registered 500,000 new voters ahead of the November 3 elections .
In the month following the elections , the group says it has registered an additional 10,000 voters .
As part of mobilization efforts leading up to the January 5 runoffs , it plans to knock on one million doors and contact five million voters via text and calls .
Through Abrams , the nonprofit has connections to high-level Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the failed gubernatorial candidate appeared at a closed-door meeting of the Democracy Alliance , a billionaire donor club , and led a panel that included talks of fighting for reparations by 2022 .
Top Democratic operatives , such as DNC chairman Tom Perez , attended the gathering .
The New Georgia Project also partners with the Democracy Alliance-backed Center for Popular Democracy , whose network includes dozens of liberal advocacy groups .
Abrams has asked members of the alliance to give cash to her group in the past .
While the New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the identities of some recent funders can be gleaned from public records .
During the 2020 election cycle , it received $ 46,775 from the MVP Justice Fund , a super PAC that receives all of its cash from another super PAC called Defeat by Tweet .
Defeat by Tweet is bankrolled by a handful of individuals , including Michael Novogratz , the CEO of Galaxy Investment Partners .
In 2018 , the New Georgia Project 's action fund received $ 35,000 in donations from the Working Families Party independent expenditures committee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million in donations on its most recent tax forms .
The New Georgia Project has also come under fire for alleged financial mismanagement .
During her tenure leading the group , Abrams faced criticism for paying herself a $ 177,500 salary for 20 hours of work per week .
The nonprofit is now under investigation by Georgia 's secretary of state , Republican Brad Raffensperger , for allegedly sending ballot applications to non-residents .
Warnock 's campaign and the New Georgia Project did not respond to requests for comment .

While Georgia Democrat Raphael Warnock has slammed his Republican opponent for "playing political games" with COVID-19 relief, the voter-registration group he ran raked in $482,000 in coronavirus bailout money.
The New Georgia Project, a voter-registration nonprofit founded by Stacey Abrams and helmed by Warnock until earlier this year, took in the nearly half-million-dollar sum from the Paycheck Protection Program, new data show. The loan program was created to help small businesses struggling financially during the coronavirus pandemic.
Warnock has attacked his opponent, Republican incumbent Kelly Loeffler, over the distribution of the loans.
"Georgians are wondering when are they going to get some COVID-19 relief," Warnock said during a Sunday debate. "They're wondering who is going to put small businesses in front of the large corporate giants."
The Senate hopeful's website advocates for greater transparency in the program to make sure small businesses are not ignored "in favor of wealthy corporations that are politically well-connected."
The Warnock-tied nonprofit works to register black voters in the Peach State. Abrams launched the group in late 2013 with the ambitious goal of registering hundreds of thousands of new minority voters. Warnock served as its CEO from 2017 to February 2020.
The New Georgia Project says it registered 500,000 new voters ahead of the November 3 elections. In the month following the elections, the group says it has registered an additional 10,000 voters. As part of mobilization efforts leading up to the January 5 runoffs, it plans to knock on one million doors and contact five million voters via text and calls.
Through Abrams, the nonprofit has connections to high-level Democratic donors and operatives. In April 2018, the failed gubernatorial candidate appeared at a closed-door meeting of the Democracy Alliance, a billionaire donor club, and led a panel that included talks of fighting for reparations by 2022. Top Democratic operatives, such as DNC chairman Tom Perez, attended the gathering.
The New Georgia Project also partners with the Democracy Alliance-backed Center for Popular Democracy, whose network includes dozens of liberal advocacy groups. Abrams has asked members of the alliance to give cash to her group in the past.
While the New Georgia Project does not disclose its donors, the identities of some recent funders can be gleaned from public records. During the 2020 election cycle, it received $46,775 from the MVP Justice Fund, a super PAC that receives all of its cash from another super PAC called Defeat by Tweet. Defeat by Tweet is bankrolled by a handful of individuals, including Michael Novogratz, the CEO of Galaxy Investment Partners. In 2018, the New Georgia Project's action fund received $35,000 in donations from the Working Families Party independent expenditures committee. The group reported nearly $2 million in donations on its most recent tax forms.
The New Georgia Project has also come under fire for alleged financial mismanagement. During her tenure leading the group, Abrams faced criticism for paying herself a $177,500 salary for 20 hours of work per week. The nonprofit is now under investigation by Georgia's secretary of state, Republican Brad Raffensperger, for allegedly sending ballot applications to non-residents.
Warnock's campaign and the New Georgia Project did not respond to requests for comment.


freebeacon--2020-12-08--Suspected Chinese Spy Targeted California Democrats in Espionage Operation

An alleged Chinese spy collected intelligence through personal and political relationships forged with multiple California Democrats , according to a report by Axios .
Fang Fang—also known as Christine Fang—a Chinese national who came into contact with prominent California Democrats from 2011 to 2015 , gathered intelligence on politicians such as Rep. Ro Khanna ( D. , Calif. ) and former presidential candidate Rep. Eric Swalwell ( D. , Calif. ) .
Fang served as a volunteer organizer for Khanna ’ s unsuccessful 2014 House campaign , attending several events with the Democrat .
Fang also helped fundraise for Rep. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2013 and has appeared in photos with Rep. Judy Chu ( D. , Calif. ) and former representative Mike Honda ( D. , Calif. ) .
Fang ’ s connections to Swalwell allowed her to place at least one intern in the congressman 's office , according to the Axios report .
Fang worked as a fundraiser for Swalwell ’ s congressional campaign , and her Facebook friends list includes Swalwell ’ s brother and father in addition to Khanna .
In Swalwell ’ s capacity as the lead Democrat on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he had access to sensitive national security information .
During her time in the Bay Area , Fang kept in close contact with the Chinese consulate in San Francisco , one U.S. intelligence official told Axios .
Fang also traveled across the country and engaged in sexual relationships with two unnamed Midwestern mayors .
`` The fact that she was traveling around the country '' acquainting herself with U.S. politicians `` was a big red flag , '' an intelligence official told Axios .
`` She was on a mission . ''
Fang @ @ @ @ @ @ @ returning to China .
The FBI has not yet filed public charges against her , though the bureau conducted a thorough investigation of Fang and her large political network targeting West Coast Democrats .
Two American intelligence officials said Fang ’ s chief handler was likely located in China .
The Trump administration has attempted to crack down on Chinese influence in the United States , limiting Beijing 's ability to conduct espionage operations .
In July the White House closed the Chinese consulate in Houston , citing concerns about its use as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on American technology .
The State Department has also pushed for colleges and universities to sever ties with Confucius Institutes , which the Chinese Communist Party uses to recruit and pressure Chinese students to spy for the regime .

An alleged Chinese spy collected intelligence through personal and political relationships forged with multiple California Democrats, according to a report by Axios.
Fang Fang—also known as Christine Fang—a Chinese national who came into contact with prominent California Democrats from 2011 to 2015, gathered intelligence on politicians such as Rep. Ro Khanna (D., Calif.) and former presidential candidate Rep. Eric Swalwell (D., Calif.).
Fang served as a volunteer organizer for Khanna’s unsuccessful 2014 House campaign, attending several events with the Democrat. Fang also helped fundraise for Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D., Hawaii) in 2013 and has appeared in photos with Rep. Judy Chu (D., Calif.) and former representative Mike Honda (D., Calif.).
Fang’s connections to Swalwell allowed her to place at least one intern in the congressman's office, according to the Axios report. Fang worked as a fundraiser for Swalwell’s congressional campaign, and her Facebook friends list includes Swalwell’s brother and father in addition to Khanna. In Swalwell’s capacity as the lead Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee's CIA subcommittee, he had access to sensitive national security information.
During her time in the Bay Area, Fang kept in close contact with the Chinese consulate in San Francisco, one U.S. intelligence official told Axios. Fang also traveled across the country and engaged in sexual relationships with two unnamed Midwestern mayors.
"The fact that she was traveling around the country" acquainting herself with U.S. politicians "was a big red flag," an intelligence official told Axios. "She was on a mission."
Fang left the country abruptly in 2015, returning to China. The FBI has not yet filed public charges against her, though the bureau conducted a thorough investigation of Fang and her large political network targeting West Coast Democrats. Two American intelligence officials said Fang’s chief handler was likely located in China.
The Trump administration has attempted to crack down on Chinese influence in the United States, limiting Beijing's ability to conduct espionage operations. In July the White House closed the Chinese consulate in Houston, citing concerns about its use as a staging area for China to spy on American technology. The State Department has also pushed for colleges and universities to sever ties with Confucius Institutes, which the Chinese Communist Party uses to recruit and pressure Chinese students to spy for the regime.


freebeacon--2020-12-08--U.S. Handing China Americans’ Private Health Care Data

China is amassing large quantities of private American health care data , including sensitive genetic information , as the coronavirus pandemic forces an unprecedented and often unregulated amount of cooperation between the U.S. government and Communist-tied medical companies .
China has `` made collecting health care-related data a national priority , '' according to a new report submitted to Congress by the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission , which is tasked with analyzing threats posed by the Communist regime .
Beijing 's interest in this information extends far beyond the commercial realm .
Health care data can help China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inflating the risk they could be targeted , according to the U.S. intelligence community .
The U.S. government has repeatedly warned that Beijing could exploit this information but still continues to work with Chinese companies deemed a security threat .
The coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated espionage concerns , according to the report .
Chinese genetic sequencing companies and other medical firms have made major inroads in America as the country struggles to provide timely coronavirus testing and analysis to those at risk of getting the virus .
China has supplied cheap COVID testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' genetic data , which it can use to build profiles on U.S. citizens .
This has heightened worries about how China will use that critical information .
Genetic information `` can be used from a counterintelligence perspective to either coerce you or convince you to help the Chinese , '' John Demers , a top national security official in the Department of Justice , warned in an October interview .
The coronavirus pandemic has forced the United States to work closer with Chinese medical companies , which provide cheap supplies due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is angling to crack down on China and its spy apparatus during its final weeks in office , the incoming Biden administration has promised to reset ties with Beijing—potentially paving the way for increased cooperation with Chinese companies .
One of the most closely scrutinized Chinese genetic sequencing companies is the BGI Group , which has sent coronavirus testing kits around the world .
BGI has increased its footprint in the United States in recent years by acquiring smaller American companies .
This has given the Communist-tied company `` access to proprietary sequencing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to the new report .
`` In the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak , the United States has further opened up its market to Chinese medical devices that collect U.S. health care data , '' the report noted .
In March , the U.S. Food and Drug Administration signed off on emergency use authorizations for BGI 's American subsidiary to test for coronavirus .
This marked the first time in history the United States permitted Chinese-manufactured devices to be used in the country .
As of August , BGI has sold more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries , including the United States , according to the report .
BGI `` labs are providing Chinese researchers with heterogeneous genetic data to serve Chinese ambitions to dominate the biotech market , '' the report said .
BGI , which is a private company , maintains it is not controlled or funded by the Communist government and keeps a close guard on patient data .
Its subsidiaries , however , have been sanctioned by the U.S. government for alleged human rights abuses related to the ethnic minority Uighur community .
Earlier this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against using BGI-made coronavirus kits , highlighting the difficulty this country has had balancing concerns about Communist China with its need to effectively combat the coronavirus pandemic .
U.S. officials at the time cited `` concerns about patient privacy … and Chinese government involvement , '' according to an Associated Press report .
The state ultimately discarded 250,000 coronavirus tests as a result of the warning .
`` China 's BGI Group may now have the largest database on Americans after acquiring Complete Genomics in 2013 , '' Gordon Chang , a veteran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Beijing is determined to dominate the biotech industry .
Beijing may also be developing biological weapons designed to target certain ethnic groups . ''

China is amassing large quantities of private American health care data, including sensitive genetic information, as the coronavirus pandemic forces an unprecedented and often unregulated amount of cooperation between the U.S. government and Communist-tied medical companies.
China has "made collecting health care-related data a national priority," according to a new report submitted to Congress by the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, which is tasked with analyzing threats posed by the Communist regime. Beijing's interest in this information extends far beyond the commercial realm. Health care data can help China build complex portfolios on American citizens, inflating the risk they could be targeted, according to the U.S. intelligence community. The U.S. government has repeatedly warned that Beijing could exploit this information but still continues to work with Chinese companies deemed a security threat.
The coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated espionage concerns, according to the report. Chinese genetic sequencing companies and other medical firms have made major inroads in America as the country struggles to provide timely coronavirus testing and analysis to those at risk of getting the virus. China has supplied cheap COVID testing kits, giving it access to Americans' genetic data, which it can use to build profiles on U.S. citizens. This has heightened worries about how China will use that critical information.
Genetic information "can be used from a counterintelligence perspective to either coerce you or convince you to help the Chinese," John Demers, a top national security official in the Department of Justice, warned in an October interview.
The coronavirus pandemic has forced the United States to work closer with Chinese medical companies, which provide cheap supplies due to government subsidies. While the Trump administration is angling to crack down on China and its spy apparatus during its final weeks in office, the incoming Biden administration has promised to reset ties with Beijing—potentially paving the way for increased cooperation with Chinese companies.
One of the most closely scrutinized Chinese genetic sequencing companies is the BGI Group, which has sent coronavirus testing kits around the world. BGI has increased its footprint in the United States in recent years by acquiring smaller American companies. This has given the Communist-tied company "access to proprietary sequencing technology in the United States," according to the new report.
"In the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, the United States has further opened up its market to Chinese medical devices that collect U.S. health care data," the report noted. In March, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration signed off on emergency use authorizations for BGI's American subsidiary to test for coronavirus. This marked the first time in history the United States permitted Chinese-manufactured devices to be used in the country. As of August, BGI has sold more than 35 million coronavirus tests to 180 countries, including the United States, according to the report.
BGI "labs are providing Chinese researchers with heterogeneous genetic data to serve Chinese ambitions to dominate the biotech market," the report said.
BGI, which is a private company, maintains it is not controlled or funded by the Communist government and keeps a close guard on patient data. Its subsidiaries, however, have been sanctioned by the U.S. government for alleged human rights abuses related to the ethnic minority Uighur community.
Earlier this year, U.S. security officials warned Nevada against using BGI-made coronavirus kits, highlighting the difficulty this country has had balancing concerns about Communist China with its need to effectively combat the coronavirus pandemic. U.S. officials at the time cited "concerns about patient privacy … and Chinese government involvement," according to an Associated Press report. The state ultimately discarded 250,000 coronavirus tests as a result of the warning.
China experts view Beijing's moves as dangerous for patient privacy.
"China's BGI Group may now have the largest database on Americans after acquiring Complete Genomics in 2013," Gordon Chang, a veteran China analyst, warned last month. "Beijing is determined to dominate the biotech industry. Beijing may also be developing biological weapons designed to target certain ethnic groups."


freebeacon--2020-12-08--China’s Huawei Tests Facial-Recognition Software to Identify Uighurs to Authorities

Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei has tested surveillance and facial-recognition software that would alert Chinese authorities when it identifies Uighur Muslims .
The company worked with Chinese tech startup Megvii in 2018 to test surveillance equipment capable of identifying Chinese citizens from a crowd by their sex , age , and ethnicity , according to a document signed by Huawei officials and obtained by the Washington Post .
When the software identifies Uighur Muslims , according to the document , it could send alerts or flag the citizens for investigation by Chinese authorities .
The document was scrubbed from Huawei ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for comment .
The surveillance technology is just one element of a larger crackdown on the religious and political freedoms of Uighurs in China .
Millions of Uighurs are held in work camps in western China , where they are often subjected to population control , brutal work conditions , and forced renunciation of their faith .
Senate Republicans have called on Washington to designate China ’ s treatment of Uighurs as a genocide .
Chinese surveillance systems remain a major concern for policymakers , especially those made by Huawei .
China is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ using surveillance technology that would limit political and economic opportunity for certain citizens .
While the State Department has taken a hard line against Chinese technology through efforts such as the Clean Network and has lobbied Europe to limit Huawei ’ s 5G plans there , American investors have had less success in divorcing themselves from Chinese capital .
By some estimates over $ 1 trillion in U.S. funds are currently invested in China , including in Chinese tech firms that cooperate with the Chinese government in suppressing human freedoms .

Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei has tested surveillance and facial-recognition software that would alert Chinese authorities when it identifies Uighur Muslims.
The company worked with Chinese tech startup Megvii in 2018 to test surveillance equipment capable of identifying Chinese citizens from a crowd by their sex, age, and ethnicity, according to a document signed by Huawei officials and obtained by the Washington Post. When the software identifies Uighur Muslims, according to the document, it could send alerts or flag the citizens for investigation by Chinese authorities.
The document was scrubbed from Huawei’s website soon after the Post asked for comment.
The surveillance technology is just one element of a larger crackdown on the religious and political freedoms of Uighurs in China. Millions of Uighurs are held in work camps in western China, where they are often subjected to population control, brutal work conditions, and forced renunciation of their faith. Senate Republicans have called on Washington to designate China’s treatment of Uighurs as a genocide.
Chinese surveillance systems remain a major concern for policymakers, especially those made by Huawei. China is also developing a new social credit system using surveillance technology that would limit political and economic opportunity for certain citizens.
While the State Department has taken a hard line against Chinese technology through efforts such as the Clean Network and has lobbied Europe to limit Huawei’s 5G plans there, American investors have had less success in divorcing themselves from Chinese capital. By some estimates over $1 trillion in U.S. funds are currently invested in China, including in Chinese tech firms that cooperate with the Chinese government in suppressing human freedoms.