https://thinkprogress.org/ahca-job-killer-new-york-11c09483dde0
"In addition to potentially increasing the number of uninsured by 23 million and being unequivocally unpopular, House Republicans’ Obamacare replacement plan could leave nearly a million people unemployed."
June 21, 2017
The Emerging Senate Repeal Bill Eviscerates Protections for Millions in Employer Plans Nationwide
https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/healthcare/news/2017/06/15/434042/emerging-senate-repeal-bill-eviscerates-protections-millions-employer-plans-nationwide/
"The Republican bill’s waivers of essential health benefits threaten coverage not just for the individual market but also for the roughly 134 million Americans covered through large employers. Unlimited coverage for basic services like mental health, prescription drugs, and maternity coverage could disappear. Without it, cancer patients would not be able to access life-saving drugs, families would not be able to help a loved one obtain substance-abuse treatment, and new mothers would take home both babies and medical debt. For too long, many American families—even those with health insurance—were just one illness away from bankruptcy, or faced the prospect of forgoing care for conditions excluded from coverage. The Senate must not return Americans to that time."
"The Republican bill’s waivers of essential health benefits threaten coverage not just for the individual market but also for the roughly 134 million Americans covered through large employers. Unlimited coverage for basic services like mental health, prescription drugs, and maternity coverage could disappear. Without it, cancer patients would not be able to access life-saving drugs, families would not be able to help a loved one obtain substance-abuse treatment, and new mothers would take home both babies and medical debt. For too long, many American families—even those with health insurance—were just one illness away from bankruptcy, or faced the prospect of forgoing care for conditions excluded from coverage. The Senate must not return Americans to that time."
Trump Officials Overseeing Health Care Overhaul Previously Lobbied for Health Insurance Firms
https://theintercept.com/2017/06/15/hhs-trump-health-care-insurance-lobbyists-aca-repeal/
"THE POLITICAL APPOINTEES tapped by President Donald Trump to oversee federal health care programs — including the potential transition to a new Republican bill to replace the Affordable Care Act — joined the government just after working as lobbyists and attorneys for the largest health care interests in America."
"THE POLITICAL APPOINTEES tapped by President Donald Trump to oversee federal health care programs — including the potential transition to a new Republican bill to replace the Affordable Care Act — joined the government just after working as lobbyists and attorneys for the largest health care interests in America."
DOE closing office that works with other countries to develop clean energy technology
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/6/15/1672141/-DOE-closing-office-that-works-with-other-countries-to-develop-clean-energy-technology
"Wind energy is the fastest growing energy source. The fastest growing job in America is wind turbine service technician. Together, wind and solar reached 10 percent of America’s energy production last month for the first time. So clearly this is the ideal time to destroy the office that develops clean energy technology."
"Wind energy is the fastest growing energy source. The fastest growing job in America is wind turbine service technician. Together, wind and solar reached 10 percent of America’s energy production last month for the first time. So clearly this is the ideal time to destroy the office that develops clean energy technology."
‘Count me out’: Conservative staffers have no desire to work for ‘radioactive’ Trump administration
‘Count me out’: Conservative staffers have no desire to work for ‘radioactive’ Trump administration
"According to the Washington Post, many positions in President Donald Trump’s administration remain unfilled because potential staffers are turned off by the volatile nature of the current White House."
"According to the Washington Post, many positions in President Donald Trump’s administration remain unfilled because potential staffers are turned off by the volatile nature of the current White House."
Trump’s temperament and ongoing legal troubles are scaring off potential candidates for top posts
https://thinkprogress.org/trumps-temperament-and-ongoing-legal-troubles-are-scaring-off-potential-candidates-for-top-posts-b81873edcc03
"President Donald Trump’s volatile temperament, an intensifying investigation into his aides’ possible collusion with Russia, and his firing of FBI Director James Comey, have made it a challenge to recruit and fill top leadership posts across the government, according to the Washington Post."
"President Donald Trump’s volatile temperament, an intensifying investigation into his aides’ possible collusion with Russia, and his firing of FBI Director James Comey, have made it a challenge to recruit and fill top leadership posts across the government, according to the Washington Post."
Trump owes millions to banks lobbying the government
Trump owes millions to banks lobbying the government
"Financial disclosure documents released Friday by the Office of Government Ethics shed new light on President Trump’s finances, even as he refuses to release his tax returns. The documents show that Trump owes hundreds of millions of dollars to major financial institutions -- some with business before Trump’s administration."
"Financial disclosure documents released Friday by the Office of Government Ethics shed new light on President Trump’s finances, even as he refuses to release his tax returns. The documents show that Trump owes hundreds of millions of dollars to major financial institutions -- some with business before Trump’s administration."
In virtually unprecedented move, Trump Solicitor General switches sides in Murphy Oil case
In virtually unprecedented move, Trump Solicitor General switches sides in Murphy Oil case
"the Acting Solicitor General switched the government’s position in National Labor Relations Board v. Murphy Oil USA, Inc, from arguing in favor of working people to arguing in favor of big business. The move is deeply disappointing, and represents a stark departure from standard practice. It is the clearest indication yet of where the Trump administration stands: with corporate interests and against working people."
"the Acting Solicitor General switched the government’s position in National Labor Relations Board v. Murphy Oil USA, Inc, from arguing in favor of working people to arguing in favor of big business. The move is deeply disappointing, and represents a stark departure from standard practice. It is the clearest indication yet of where the Trump administration stands: with corporate interests and against working people."
June 17, 2017
Trump’s indifference to Russia’s election attack raises alarm
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/trumps-indifference-russias-election-attack-raises-alarm
"Trump is quite pleased with the result of Russia’s espionage operation against our democracy – it helped put him in the White House – and the greater the focus on the crime, the more reason Americans have to question the legitimacy of his presidency. It’s not surprising that Trump finds all of this terribly inconvenient. But the end result is nevertheless untenable. A foreign adversary attacked the United States, and the American president is inclined to do nothing – ask no questions, express no anger, seek no retribution, hold no one responsible – except welcome the foreign adversary’s officials into the Oval Office for a friendly chat, and satisfy the foreign adversary’s foreign policy goals."
"Trump is quite pleased with the result of Russia’s espionage operation against our democracy – it helped put him in the White House – and the greater the focus on the crime, the more reason Americans have to question the legitimacy of his presidency. It’s not surprising that Trump finds all of this terribly inconvenient. But the end result is nevertheless untenable. A foreign adversary attacked the United States, and the American president is inclined to do nothing – ask no questions, express no anger, seek no retribution, hold no one responsible – except welcome the foreign adversary’s officials into the Oval Office for a friendly chat, and satisfy the foreign adversary’s foreign policy goals."
State-by-State Estimates of the AHCA’s 2018 Rate Hikes and Age Tax
https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/healthcare/news/2017/06/15/434320/state-state-estimates-ahcas-2018-rate-hikes-age-tax/
"For example, the average 64-year-old West Virginian making an income of $26,500 in 2026 would pay a net premium of $22,400 per year under the AHCA, compared with just $1,700 per year under the ACA—a $20,700 increase in annual costs. The age tax would be much higher in states where health care costs are high. The ACA subsidies would ensure that a similar Alaskan would pay only $1,700 for coverage, but under the AHCA, that person would owe $49,070 toward coverage. Thus, the AHCA’s age tax in Alaska would be more than $47,000 per year."
"For example, the average 64-year-old West Virginian making an income of $26,500 in 2026 would pay a net premium of $22,400 per year under the AHCA, compared with just $1,700 per year under the ACA—a $20,700 increase in annual costs. The age tax would be much higher in states where health care costs are high. The ACA subsidies would ensure that a similar Alaskan would pay only $1,700 for coverage, but under the AHCA, that person would owe $49,070 toward coverage. Thus, the AHCA’s age tax in Alaska would be more than $47,000 per year."
I’ve covered Obamacare since day one. I’ve never seen lying and obstruction like this.
https://www.vox.com/health-care/2017/6/15/15807986/obamacare-lies-obstruction
"Republicans do not want the country to know what is in their health care bill. This has become more evident each day, as the Senate plots out a secretive path toward Obamacare repeal — and top White House officials (including the president) consistently lie about what the House bill actually does. There was even a brief moment Tuesday where Senate Republicans flirted with the idea of banning on-camera interviews in congressional hallways, a plan quickly reversed after outcry from the press. “The extreme secrecy is a situation without precedent, at least in creating health care law” writes Julie Rovner, who has covered health care politics since 1986 and is arguably the dean of the DC health care press corps."
"Republicans do not want the country to know what is in their health care bill. This has become more evident each day, as the Senate plots out a secretive path toward Obamacare repeal — and top White House officials (including the president) consistently lie about what the House bill actually does. There was even a brief moment Tuesday where Senate Republicans flirted with the idea of banning on-camera interviews in congressional hallways, a plan quickly reversed after outcry from the press. “The extreme secrecy is a situation without precedent, at least in creating health care law” writes Julie Rovner, who has covered health care politics since 1986 and is arguably the dean of the DC health care press corps."
Senate Republicans intend to ram through secret health care bill
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/senate-republicans-intend-ram-through-secret-health-care-bill
"In the meantime, there’s still the underlying scandal of how the bill is being constructed: in a process unlike anything in the American tradition, Republicans are still trying to overhaul behind closed doors, in total secrecy, without so much as a single committee hearing. Even many GOP lawmakers have publicly conceded that they have no idea what their party has in mind because Republican members of the Senate “working group” haven’t shared the uncompleted bill. Several GOP senators have complained about the process, but none of them has used his or her power to change the party’s strategy. For his part, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) told reporters this week that “nobody is hiding the ball here” and people are “free to ask anybody anything.” This is, of course, ridiculous. McConnell is trying to pass a secret bill that affects one-sixth of the world’s largest economy, and which will have a life-or-death impact on millions of Americans. Because he knows the bill will be unpopular, he’s keeping it hidden, even from many of his own members. The fact that we’re all “free to ask anybody anything” is irrelevant – since the only people with answers about the legislation refuse to share information with the public."
"In the meantime, there’s still the underlying scandal of how the bill is being constructed: in a process unlike anything in the American tradition, Republicans are still trying to overhaul behind closed doors, in total secrecy, without so much as a single committee hearing. Even many GOP lawmakers have publicly conceded that they have no idea what their party has in mind because Republican members of the Senate “working group” haven’t shared the uncompleted bill. Several GOP senators have complained about the process, but none of them has used his or her power to change the party’s strategy. For his part, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) told reporters this week that “nobody is hiding the ball here” and people are “free to ask anybody anything.” This is, of course, ridiculous. McConnell is trying to pass a secret bill that affects one-sixth of the world’s largest economy, and which will have a life-or-death impact on millions of Americans. Because he knows the bill will be unpopular, he’s keeping it hidden, even from many of his own members. The fact that we’re all “free to ask anybody anything” is irrelevant – since the only people with answers about the legislation refuse to share information with the public."
Of Course Republicans Are Passing Trumpcare in Secret
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/features/of-course-republicans-are-passing-trumpcare-in-secret-w487691
"If you're writing a bill to take health care away from millions of people to give a tax cut to the wealthy, you probably aren't overly concerned about the morality of the process."
"If you're writing a bill to take health care away from millions of people to give a tax cut to the wealthy, you probably aren't overly concerned about the morality of the process."
The scandalous secrecy surrounding the Republican health care gambit
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/the-scandalous-secrecy-surrounding-the-republican-health-care-gambit
"Republicans had a choice. They could’ve acted like a governing party, pursued their goals like grown-ups, and adopted a sensible legislative strategy built on evidence, consensus, expertise, and outcomes. No one forced, or even asked, GOP lawmakers to conduct themselves in such a ridiculous fashion. But they chose this course anyway, largely because they saw it as necessary to achieve their regressive and ideological goals. If more Americans knew what was transpiring in their name, Republicans would be facing an extraordinary backlash – which is precisely why they’re clinging to secrecy with all their might."
"Republicans had a choice. They could’ve acted like a governing party, pursued their goals like grown-ups, and adopted a sensible legislative strategy built on evidence, consensus, expertise, and outcomes. No one forced, or even asked, GOP lawmakers to conduct themselves in such a ridiculous fashion. But they chose this course anyway, largely because they saw it as necessary to achieve their regressive and ideological goals. If more Americans knew what was transpiring in their name, Republicans would be facing an extraordinary backlash – which is precisely why they’re clinging to secrecy with all their might."
Trump slams the “mean” health care law he once celebrated
http://www.salon.com/2017/06/14/trump-slams-the-mean-health-care-law-he-once-celebrated/
"President Donald Trump has privately referred to the House Republicans’ health care bill as “mean,” despite previously hailing it as a superior alternative to the Affordable Care Act."
"President Donald Trump has privately referred to the House Republicans’ health care bill as “mean,” despite previously hailing it as a superior alternative to the Affordable Care Act."
Republicans betray their gray-haired base with Trumpcare
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/6/11/1669887/-Republicans-betray-their-gray-haired-base-with-Trumpcare
"the GOP’s plan to “repeal and replace” Obamacare will hit Trump voters hardest. It’s no mystery as to why. As the New York Times explained, “The Republican plan offers less assistance to older and lower income Americans, especially in rural areas.” Due to the lack of competition for insurers and health care providers, as the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) documented, 12 of the 15 states hardest hit by the AHCA’s shriveled tax credits are rural ones. Fourteen of the 15 voted for Donald Trump for president in 2016. And with the GOP’s plan to redirect $880 billion in Medicaid spending to tax cuts for the richest Americans, older Americans—especially those near the poverty line—will face catastrophic increases in premiums, rendering health insurance an impossible acquisition"
"the GOP’s plan to “repeal and replace” Obamacare will hit Trump voters hardest. It’s no mystery as to why. As the New York Times explained, “The Republican plan offers less assistance to older and lower income Americans, especially in rural areas.” Due to the lack of competition for insurers and health care providers, as the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) documented, 12 of the 15 states hardest hit by the AHCA’s shriveled tax credits are rural ones. Fourteen of the 15 voted for Donald Trump for president in 2016. And with the GOP’s plan to redirect $880 billion in Medicaid spending to tax cuts for the richest Americans, older Americans—especially those near the poverty line—will face catastrophic increases in premiums, rendering health insurance an impossible acquisition"
‘That is autocracy’: Russian journalist explains how Trump has already set America down a dangerous path
‘That is autocracy’: Russian journalist explains how Trump has already set America down a dangerous path
"Specifically, she notes that such supposedly “incompetent” governing is actually a staple feature of many autocratic regimes."
"Specifically, she notes that such supposedly “incompetent” governing is actually a staple feature of many autocratic regimes."
Donald Trump Isn't Just Being Investigated for Collusion with Russia @alternet
Donald Trump Isn't Just Being Investigated for Collusion with Russia @alternet:
"In addition to investigating whether or not Donald Trump committed obstruction of justice by firing former FBI Director James Comey, special counsel Robert Mueller is also reportedly investigating “money laundering by Trump associates,” the New York Times reports. The Times report corroborates a separate bombshell Washington Post article, published Wednesday, that said in addition to possible obstruction, investigators are also “looking for any evidence of possible financial crimes among Trump associates.” “A former senior official said Mr. Mueller’s investigation was looking at money laundering by Trump associates,” a source told the Times. “The suspicion is that any cooperation with Russian officials would most likely have been done in exchange for some kind of financial payoff, and that there would have been an effort to hide the payoffs, most likely by routing them through offshore banking centers.” A separate investigation into Russia has also reportedly focused on potential use of offshore banking centers to launder money. In April, House Intelligence Committee member Rep. Mike Quigley (D-IL) visited Cyrpus, which “has a reputation as a laundromat for the Russians who are trying to avoid sanctions"."
"In addition to investigating whether or not Donald Trump committed obstruction of justice by firing former FBI Director James Comey, special counsel Robert Mueller is also reportedly investigating “money laundering by Trump associates,” the New York Times reports. The Times report corroborates a separate bombshell Washington Post article, published Wednesday, that said in addition to possible obstruction, investigators are also “looking for any evidence of possible financial crimes among Trump associates.” “A former senior official said Mr. Mueller’s investigation was looking at money laundering by Trump associates,” a source told the Times. “The suspicion is that any cooperation with Russian officials would most likely have been done in exchange for some kind of financial payoff, and that there would have been an effort to hide the payoffs, most likely by routing them through offshore banking centers.” A separate investigation into Russia has also reportedly focused on potential use of offshore banking centers to launder money. In April, House Intelligence Committee member Rep. Mike Quigley (D-IL) visited Cyrpus, which “has a reputation as a laundromat for the Russians who are trying to avoid sanctions"."
Meet the all-star legal team who may take down Trump
https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2017/6/15/15783384/trump-mueller-team-russia-investigation-dreeben-weissman-quarles-rhee-zebley
"Led by special counsel Robert Mueller, a former FBI director, the team includes heavy hitters like Michael Dreeben, an expert on criminal law who has argued more than 100 cases in front of the Supreme Court, and Andrew Weissmann, a seasoned prosecutor who’s spent his career going after organized crime. Adding to the firepower are James Quarles, a former assistant special prosecutor for the Watergate investigation; Jeannie Rhee, a former senior adviser to former Attorney General Eric Holder and a white-collar crime specialist; and Aaron Zebley, a cybersecurity expert who spent decades in the FBI before joining a private practice. The appointments come amid growing signs that Trump himself is in Mueller’s crosshairs: On Tuesday night, the Washington Post reported that the special counsel was directly investigating whether the president’s decision to fire former FBI Director James Comey was an effort to obstruct justice. The Mueller team is setting up interviews with the nation’s top intelligence officials to find out whether Trump had asked them to try to persuade Comey to drop the FBI’s probe into former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, according to the Post. The New York Times, meanwhile, reported Tuesday night that Mueller was also looking into possible money laundering by Trump campaign staffers and associates."
"Led by special counsel Robert Mueller, a former FBI director, the team includes heavy hitters like Michael Dreeben, an expert on criminal law who has argued more than 100 cases in front of the Supreme Court, and Andrew Weissmann, a seasoned prosecutor who’s spent his career going after organized crime. Adding to the firepower are James Quarles, a former assistant special prosecutor for the Watergate investigation; Jeannie Rhee, a former senior adviser to former Attorney General Eric Holder and a white-collar crime specialist; and Aaron Zebley, a cybersecurity expert who spent decades in the FBI before joining a private practice. The appointments come amid growing signs that Trump himself is in Mueller’s crosshairs: On Tuesday night, the Washington Post reported that the special counsel was directly investigating whether the president’s decision to fire former FBI Director James Comey was an effort to obstruct justice. The Mueller team is setting up interviews with the nation’s top intelligence officials to find out whether Trump had asked them to try to persuade Comey to drop the FBI’s probe into former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, according to the Post. The New York Times, meanwhile, reported Tuesday night that Mueller was also looking into possible money laundering by Trump campaign staffers and associates."
June 16, 2017
How Russia Targets the U.S. Military
http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2017/06/12/how-russia-targets-the-us-military-215247
"With hacks, pro-Putin trolls and fake news, the Kremlin is ratcheting up its efforts to turn American servicemembers and veterans into a fifth column."
"With hacks, pro-Putin trolls and fake news, the Kremlin is ratcheting up its efforts to turn American servicemembers and veterans into a fifth column."
Donald Trump Has Lost All Touch with Reality Less Than Six Months in Office @alternet
Donald Trump Has Lost All Touch with Reality Less Than Six Months in Office @alternet:
"Nothing Trump says is real or accurate — nothing. Even discussing his statements as if they’re mere off-the-shelf political lies serves to only normalize him when, in fact, what he’s doing is galactically destructive. The world has lost faith in America’s leadership or is losing it fast. Nearly 6 in 10 Americans believe Trump has gone bye-bye. Why? Because his fictitiousness is so completely obvious that we have no choice but to wonder whether he’s mentally fit to lead. (He’s not.)"
"Nothing Trump says is real or accurate — nothing. Even discussing his statements as if they’re mere off-the-shelf political lies serves to only normalize him when, in fact, what he’s doing is galactically destructive. The world has lost faith in America’s leadership or is losing it fast. Nearly 6 in 10 Americans believe Trump has gone bye-bye. Why? Because his fictitiousness is so completely obvious that we have no choice but to wonder whether he’s mentally fit to lead. (He’s not.)"
Meanwhile, Trump's Budget Is A Betrayal Of Everything Americans Claim To Value | Crooks and Liars
Meanwhile, Trump's Budget Is A Betrayal Of Everything Americans Claim To Value | Crooks and Liars
"This budget is a shot across the bow of Western Democracy itself, and even some Congressional Republicans don't want to touch it, despite how closely it resembles traditional GOP scripture. That's a good thing, too - it means that the GOP is either getting worried about the optics of defending the indefensible or that The Truth About Trump is sinking in at last. That truth is this: when he doesn't rely on assumptions or faulty math to govern, Trump relies on bluster - and when that fails, he's got nothing to stand on. Putting laughable math and hideous ethics into writing - into budget proposal form - makes these things concrete in a way that all of the political rhetoric in the world can't."
"This budget is a shot across the bow of Western Democracy itself, and even some Congressional Republicans don't want to touch it, despite how closely it resembles traditional GOP scripture. That's a good thing, too - it means that the GOP is either getting worried about the optics of defending the indefensible or that The Truth About Trump is sinking in at last. That truth is this: when he doesn't rely on assumptions or faulty math to govern, Trump relies on bluster - and when that fails, he's got nothing to stand on. Putting laughable math and hideous ethics into writing - into budget proposal form - makes these things concrete in a way that all of the political rhetoric in the world can't."
Trump’s cuts to energy efficiency will cost jobs and taxpayer money, report finds
https://thinkprogress.org/energy-efficiency-programs-create-jobs-f691a7ada4f6
"Supporters of the Energy Star program cite the high return on investment for taxpayers. Since it was established in the 1990s, the program has saved U.S. consumers roughly $360 billion, mostly in electricity and water costs. The program, jointly run by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy, also saved consumers and businesses $31.5 billion in 2014 alone, while costing about $57 million a year. That puts the return on investment for taxpayers at about 550 to 1."
"Supporters of the Energy Star program cite the high return on investment for taxpayers. Since it was established in the 1990s, the program has saved U.S. consumers roughly $360 billion, mostly in electricity and water costs. The program, jointly run by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy, also saved consumers and businesses $31.5 billion in 2014 alone, while costing about $57 million a year. That puts the return on investment for taxpayers at about 550 to 1."
Vodka company expertly trolls Trump with new ‘Made in America, but…’ ad campaign
Vodka company expertly trolls Trump with new ‘Made in America, but…’ ad campaign
"The company’s new posters say, “Made in America, but we’d be happy to talk about our ties to Russia under oath"."
"The company’s new posters say, “Made in America, but we’d be happy to talk about our ties to Russia under oath"."
States Challenge Scott Pruitt's Decision to Keep Pesticide Linked to Brain Damage in Food Supply
http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/40875-states-challenge-scott-pruitt-s-decision-to-keep-pesticide-linked-to-brain-damage-in-food-supply
"Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt is facing a challenge from seven states over his decision to ditch an EPA proposal that would have prevented a pesticide linked to brain damage in children from contaminating the food supply."
"Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt is facing a challenge from seven states over his decision to ditch an EPA proposal that would have prevented a pesticide linked to brain damage in children from contaminating the food supply."
Why Trump's So-Called Infrastructure Plan Is Good for Wall Street But Bad for America
https://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/06/07/why-trumps-so-called-infrastructure-plan-good-wall-street-bad-america
"Donald Trump’s so-called infrastructure plan is a huge giveaway to Wall Street that fails to create the millions of jobs we need to modernize our roads, bridges, water systems, rail, airports, levees and dams. At a time when the American Society of Civil Engineers says we need to spend $2 trillion above current spending levels just to get our infrastructure back to a state of good repair, Trump actually cuts direct federal spending on our crumbling infrastructure by nearly $145 billion over the next decade. This would force state and local governments to shoulder more of the financial burden for our infrastructure needs at a time when they can least afford it. Just like Trump’s “health care” bill is actually a $231 billion tax cut for the top 2 percent, his infrastructure plan would create $200 billion in new tax loopholes and other giveaways for wealthy investors, and it would reward corporations that have stashed their profits overseas with huge tax cuts. Under Trump’s proposal, billionaires on Wall Street, wealthy campaign contributors and even foreign governments would receive hundreds of billions in tax breaks to purchase our highways, airports, and water treatment plants. They would then be allowed to impose huge new tolls and fees on the backs of American commuters and homeowners. The reality is that Trump’s plan to sell off our nation’s highways, bridges, and other vital infrastructure to Wall Street, private investors, and foreign governments is an old idea that does not work."
"Donald Trump’s so-called infrastructure plan is a huge giveaway to Wall Street that fails to create the millions of jobs we need to modernize our roads, bridges, water systems, rail, airports, levees and dams. At a time when the American Society of Civil Engineers says we need to spend $2 trillion above current spending levels just to get our infrastructure back to a state of good repair, Trump actually cuts direct federal spending on our crumbling infrastructure by nearly $145 billion over the next decade. This would force state and local governments to shoulder more of the financial burden for our infrastructure needs at a time when they can least afford it. Just like Trump’s “health care” bill is actually a $231 billion tax cut for the top 2 percent, his infrastructure plan would create $200 billion in new tax loopholes and other giveaways for wealthy investors, and it would reward corporations that have stashed their profits overseas with huge tax cuts. Under Trump’s proposal, billionaires on Wall Street, wealthy campaign contributors and even foreign governments would receive hundreds of billions in tax breaks to purchase our highways, airports, and water treatment plants. They would then be allowed to impose huge new tolls and fees on the backs of American commuters and homeowners. The reality is that Trump’s plan to sell off our nation’s highways, bridges, and other vital infrastructure to Wall Street, private investors, and foreign governments is an old idea that does not work."
Republican Offers Familiar Cruelty With Rare Honesty: 'I Don't Support Livable Wage'
https://www.commondreams.org/news/2017/06/07/republican-offers-familiar-cruelty-rare-honesty-i-dont-support-livable-wage
"Republican Karen Handel delivered her opponent what one commentator called a "gift-wrapped present" Tuesday night by declaring her opposition to a livable wage. "I do not support a livable wage," she said, adding that this is "an example of the fundamental difference between a liberal and a conservative"."
"Republican Karen Handel delivered her opponent what one commentator called a "gift-wrapped present" Tuesday night by declaring her opposition to a livable wage. "I do not support a livable wage," she said, adding that this is "an example of the fundamental difference between a liberal and a conservative"."
BP’s defense attorney tapped for Trump’s environmental team
https://thinkprogress.org/bps-defense-attorney-tapped-for-trump-s-environmental-team-31152a559c72
"After BP’s massive 2010 Deepwater Horizon rig blowout and subsequent oil spill, Clark successfully defended the company against “a multibillion-dollar appeal brought by 11 Louisiana parishes,” his law firm says. Clark was also lead counsel on BP’s appeal of the historic damages awarded in the Deepwater Horizon case, which was prosecuted by the same division of the Justice Department that Clark will run, if confirmed."
"After BP’s massive 2010 Deepwater Horizon rig blowout and subsequent oil spill, Clark successfully defended the company against “a multibillion-dollar appeal brought by 11 Louisiana parishes,” his law firm says. Clark was also lead counsel on BP’s appeal of the historic damages awarded in the Deepwater Horizon case, which was prosecuted by the same division of the Justice Department that Clark will run, if confirmed."
Canada prepares for an era in which it can’t count on the U.S.
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/canada-prepares-era-which-it-cant-count-the-us
"Not to put too fine a point on this, but we appear to be watching a new world order unfold. Canada, France, Great Britain, Germany, Australia – these aren’t just countries the United States has occasionally partnered with over the years for the sake of temporary convenience. These are core allies whose friendships have served as a generations-long foundation – through Democratic and Republican administrations – for stability throughout the Western world. When then-President Barack Obama last visited Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the United States and Canada are “closer than friends” and “more like siblings.” Just one year later, however, Trudeau’s foreign minister is openly exploring a vision for the future in which our neighbor can no longer count on us to take on the leadership role we’ve traditionally embraced."
"Not to put too fine a point on this, but we appear to be watching a new world order unfold. Canada, France, Great Britain, Germany, Australia – these aren’t just countries the United States has occasionally partnered with over the years for the sake of temporary convenience. These are core allies whose friendships have served as a generations-long foundation – through Democratic and Republican administrations – for stability throughout the Western world. When then-President Barack Obama last visited Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the United States and Canada are “closer than friends” and “more like siblings.” Just one year later, however, Trudeau’s foreign minister is openly exploring a vision for the future in which our neighbor can no longer count on us to take on the leadership role we’ve traditionally embraced."
Kansas Republicans end the state’s failed tax reform experiment
https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2017/6/7/15753510/kansas-brownback-tax-reform
"Gov. Sam Brownback’s signature tax reform closely mirrors the tax plan that President Donald Trump is trying to get through Congress. In fact, they were designed by the same supply-side economists."
"Gov. Sam Brownback’s signature tax reform closely mirrors the tax plan that President Donald Trump is trying to get through Congress. In fact, they were designed by the same supply-side economists."
Workers Beware! Under Trump, Reaganomics Is Back and Worse Than Ever @alternet
Workers Beware! Under Trump, Reaganomics Is Back and Worse Than Ever @alternet:
"Reaganomics was an abject failure as an economic program. Inflation came down but that was the only achievement. Growth returned but average wages, however measured, stopped growing altogether, whereas they had been growing steadily since the early 1950s. Income inequality started to rise rapidly from early in Reagan’s first term and didn’t stop. The greatest of ironies is that capital investment was tepid and the source of economic growth, productivity, grew only moderately, the opposite of the takeoff that was promised. George W. Bush reinstated the Reaganomics philosophy with his own major tax cuts, again mostly funneled to the wealthy. The recovery and expansion that followed created the fewest jobs of any expansion since World War II. What economic growth there was had been fueled by the speculation in residential housing that led to the crash of 2008, the year Bush left office. Trump’s proposed tax cuts are far more radical than those of Bush, and more on a par with Reagan’s. They would be another unjustifiable gift to the wealthy."
"Reaganomics was an abject failure as an economic program. Inflation came down but that was the only achievement. Growth returned but average wages, however measured, stopped growing altogether, whereas they had been growing steadily since the early 1950s. Income inequality started to rise rapidly from early in Reagan’s first term and didn’t stop. The greatest of ironies is that capital investment was tepid and the source of economic growth, productivity, grew only moderately, the opposite of the takeoff that was promised. George W. Bush reinstated the Reaganomics philosophy with his own major tax cuts, again mostly funneled to the wealthy. The recovery and expansion that followed created the fewest jobs of any expansion since World War II. What economic growth there was had been fueled by the speculation in residential housing that led to the crash of 2008, the year Bush left office. Trump’s proposed tax cuts are far more radical than those of Bush, and more on a par with Reagan’s. They would be another unjustifiable gift to the wealthy."
Trump administration quietly rolls back civil rights efforts across federal government
Trump administration quietly rolls back civil rights efforts across federal government
"For decades, the Department of Justice has used court-enforced agreements to protect civil rights, successfully desegregating school systems, reforming police departments, ensuring access for the disabled and defending the religious. Now, under Attorney General Jeff Sessions, the DOJ appears to be turning away from this storied tool, called consent decrees. Top officials in the DOJ civil rights division have issued verbal instructions through the ranks to seek settlements without consent decrees — which would result in no continuing court oversight. The move is just one part of a move by the Trump administration to limit federal civil rights enforcement. Other departments have scaled back the power of their internal divisions that monitor such abuses. In a previously unreported development, the Education Department last week reversed an Obama-era reform that broadened the agency’s approach to protecting rights of students. The Labor Department and the Environmental Protection Agency have also announced sweeping cuts to their enforcement."
"For decades, the Department of Justice has used court-enforced agreements to protect civil rights, successfully desegregating school systems, reforming police departments, ensuring access for the disabled and defending the religious. Now, under Attorney General Jeff Sessions, the DOJ appears to be turning away from this storied tool, called consent decrees. Top officials in the DOJ civil rights division have issued verbal instructions through the ranks to seek settlements without consent decrees — which would result in no continuing court oversight. The move is just one part of a move by the Trump administration to limit federal civil rights enforcement. Other departments have scaled back the power of their internal divisions that monitor such abuses. In a previously unreported development, the Education Department last week reversed an Obama-era reform that broadened the agency’s approach to protecting rights of students. The Labor Department and the Environmental Protection Agency have also announced sweeping cuts to their enforcement."
We asked 8 Senate Republicans to explain what their health bill is trying to do
https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2017/6/16/15810524/senate-ahca-explain-please
"Senate Republicans can't answer simple and critical questions about the health care bill they're crafting in secret. Some still can't say what it's trying to do — other than garner enough votes to pass the Senate — or how they believe it will improve the American health care system."
"Senate Republicans can't answer simple and critical questions about the health care bill they're crafting in secret. Some still can't say what it's trying to do — other than garner enough votes to pass the Senate — or how they believe it will improve the American health care system."
Kansas’ Disastrous Experiment in Trickle-Down Economics Is Finally Over
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2017/06/kansas-disastrous-experiment-in-trickle-down-economics-is-finally-over/
"Brownback’s troubles could serve as a cautionary tale for national Republicans. Donald Trump and Paul Ryan are determined to reform the country’s tax code, on the same principle of reducing rates on the wealthy to stimulate job growth. But if they want to convince voters that a handout to the wealthy won’t blow up the national deficit, the cautionary tale out of Kansas has made their task that much harder."
"Brownback’s troubles could serve as a cautionary tale for national Republicans. Donald Trump and Paul Ryan are determined to reform the country’s tax code, on the same principle of reducing rates on the wealthy to stimulate job growth. But if they want to convince voters that a handout to the wealthy won’t blow up the national deficit, the cautionary tale out of Kansas has made their task that much harder."
Trump White House moves from lies to authoritarian-style propaganda
https://www.mediamatters.org/blog/2017/06/07/trump-white-house-moves-lies-authoritarian-style-propaganda/216810
"Lying about public policy has become standard practice for the Trump White House, as well as leaders of the Republican Party. There seems to be no baseless claim this administration isn’t willing to make."
"Lying about public policy has become standard practice for the Trump White House, as well as leaders of the Republican Party. There seems to be no baseless claim this administration isn’t willing to make."
June 15, 2017
Trump Budget Enables Sale of America's Wild Horses to Foreign Slaughter: Here Are 5 Better Ideas @alternet
Trump Budget Enables Sale of America's Wild Horses to Foreign Slaughter: Here Are 5 Better Ideas @alternet:
"President Trump’s proposed federal budget adds up to disaster for America’s wild horses. Faced with a continued failure to provide horses under federal “management” the care they are entitled to by law, the budget would cut $10 million from the Bureau of Land Management’s funding for wild horses, and enable the sale of these American icons to slaughter, ending up as meat on foreign dinner plates."
"President Trump’s proposed federal budget adds up to disaster for America’s wild horses. Faced with a continued failure to provide horses under federal “management” the care they are entitled to by law, the budget would cut $10 million from the Bureau of Land Management’s funding for wild horses, and enable the sale of these American icons to slaughter, ending up as meat on foreign dinner plates."
Special counsel Mueller also investigating possible ‘money laundering by Trump associates’
Special counsel Mueller also investigating possible ‘money laundering by Trump associates’
"In addition to investigating whether or not Donald Trump committed obstruction of justice by firing former FBI Director James Comey, special counsel Robert Mueller is also reportedly investigating “money laundering by Trump associates,” the New York Times reports. The Times report corroborates a separate bombshell Washington Post article, published Wednesday, that said in addition to possible obstruction, investigators are also “looking for any evidence of possible financial crimes among Trump associates"."
"In addition to investigating whether or not Donald Trump committed obstruction of justice by firing former FBI Director James Comey, special counsel Robert Mueller is also reportedly investigating “money laundering by Trump associates,” the New York Times reports. The Times report corroborates a separate bombshell Washington Post article, published Wednesday, that said in addition to possible obstruction, investigators are also “looking for any evidence of possible financial crimes among Trump associates"."
Dear President Trump: ‘Obstruction of justice’ doesn’t mean what you think it means
https://thinkprogress.org/someone-needs-to-explain-obstruction-of-justice-to-donald-trump-ff78862b7f3
"On Wednesday, The Washington Post reported that the special investigation into the Trump campaign and the Russian hacking of the 2016 election now also encompasses whether President Donald Trump might be guilty of obstruction of justice. That investigation, the report says, likely stems from Trump firing FBI director James Comey, who was in charge of the investigation into whether the Trump campaign colluded with Russia. Trump told NBC’s Lester Holt in a televised interview that he had the Russia investigation in mind when he decided to fire Comey."
"On Wednesday, The Washington Post reported that the special investigation into the Trump campaign and the Russian hacking of the 2016 election now also encompasses whether President Donald Trump might be guilty of obstruction of justice. That investigation, the report says, likely stems from Trump firing FBI director James Comey, who was in charge of the investigation into whether the Trump campaign colluded with Russia. Trump told NBC’s Lester Holt in a televised interview that he had the Russia investigation in mind when he decided to fire Comey."
Sam Brownback’s trickle-down “experiment” has officially failed
http://www.salon.com/2017/06/07/sam-brownbacks-trickle-down-experiment-has-officially-failed/
"But the real joke is that Kansas’ failed tax experiment was crafted and endorsed by the most influential conservatives in the country and closely mirrors President Donald Trump’s tax reform plan. In fact, both plans were designed by the same right-wing economists."
"But the real joke is that Kansas’ failed tax experiment was crafted and endorsed by the most influential conservatives in the country and closely mirrors President Donald Trump’s tax reform plan. In fact, both plans were designed by the same right-wing economists."
How Russian Propaganda Spread From a Parody Website to Fox News
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/06/07/world/europe/anatomy-of-fake-news-russian-propaganda.html
"After The New York Times asked about the article, it was deleted from the FoxNews.com website."
"After The New York Times asked about the article, it was deleted from the FoxNews.com website."
BUSTED: Key parts of Sessions’ testimony were just contradicted by this oil lobbyist
BUSTED: Key parts of Sessions’ testimony were just contradicted by this oil lobbyist
"The Guardian reports that Richard Burt, who served as ambassador to Germany during the Reagan administration and who has lobbied on behalf of a pipeline company that’s now controlled by Russian state-owned energy conglomerate Gazprom, has admitted to attending two dinners organized by Sessions last year during the height of the 2016 presidential campaign. “I did attend two dinners with groups of former Republican foreign policy officials and Senator Sessions,” Burt told the Guardian. This is notable, writes the Guardian, because “Sessions testified under oath on Tuesday that he did not believe he had any contacts with lobbyists working for Russian interests over the course of Trump’s campaign"."
"The Guardian reports that Richard Burt, who served as ambassador to Germany during the Reagan administration and who has lobbied on behalf of a pipeline company that’s now controlled by Russian state-owned energy conglomerate Gazprom, has admitted to attending two dinners organized by Sessions last year during the height of the 2016 presidential campaign. “I did attend two dinners with groups of former Republican foreign policy officials and Senator Sessions,” Burt told the Guardian. This is notable, writes the Guardian, because “Sessions testified under oath on Tuesday that he did not believe he had any contacts with lobbyists working for Russian interests over the course of Trump’s campaign"."
8 Years Ago: Fox News Declares Poupon Mustard Wars On Obama | Crooks and Liars
8 Years Ago: Fox News Declares Poupon Mustard Wars On Obama | Crooks and Liars
"The story was featured on Sean Hannity's show, Hannity's America, as a screen showed a photoshopped image of Obama surrounded by bottles of mustard with the words "PRESIDENT POUPON" plastered on a red and white banner. Let that soak in for a minute. Trump tweeted his support for Fox News Friday, commending them for the network’s morning show Fox And Friends' "great reporting" job on ex-FBI Director James Comey’s Thursday testimony. The network’s rejection of Obama's taste palette compared to its incredible support of the embattled Trump White House was seen by Twitter users as shocking at best, and propagandistic at worst."
"The story was featured on Sean Hannity's show, Hannity's America, as a screen showed a photoshopped image of Obama surrounded by bottles of mustard with the words "PRESIDENT POUPON" plastered on a red and white banner. Let that soak in for a minute. Trump tweeted his support for Fox News Friday, commending them for the network’s morning show Fox And Friends' "great reporting" job on ex-FBI Director James Comey’s Thursday testimony. The network’s rejection of Obama's taste palette compared to its incredible support of the embattled Trump White House was seen by Twitter users as shocking at best, and propagandistic at worst."
This Is the Second Time Trump Has Screwed Over Dying Children by Diverting Charitable Donations @alternet
This Is the Second Time Trump Has Screwed Over Dying Children by Diverting Charitable Donations @alternet:
"Withholding charitable donations from dying children is generally considered among the lowest of the lows humanity can reach, so it should come as no surprise that Donald Trump has touched the bottom. More than once, apparently. While the details of the Skolnik story differ from the findings of the Forbes investigation, the theme of Trump’s selfishness and power-grubbing remain the same. In the case examined by Forbes, Trump overcharged his son’s charity for use of his golf club and other amenities in order to turn a profit."
"Withholding charitable donations from dying children is generally considered among the lowest of the lows humanity can reach, so it should come as no surprise that Donald Trump has touched the bottom. More than once, apparently. While the details of the Skolnik story differ from the findings of the Forbes investigation, the theme of Trump’s selfishness and power-grubbing remain the same. In the case examined by Forbes, Trump overcharged his son’s charity for use of his golf club and other amenities in order to turn a profit."
NY attorney general eyes investigation of Eric Trump Foundation after damning ‘self-dealing’ report
NY attorney general eyes investigation of Eric Trump Foundation after damning ‘self-dealing’ report
"The New York Attorney General’s office announced on Friday that it is “looking into” the Eric Trump Foundation — a children’s cancer fund — for what appears to be an “indirect act of self-dealing.” Forbes.com reported that after months of investigating the Donald Trump Foundation, AG Eric Schneidermann’s office will now focus on President Trump’s son Eric after report’s surfaced this week that the cancer fund had diverted donations to Trump family businesses."
"The New York Attorney General’s office announced on Friday that it is “looking into” the Eric Trump Foundation — a children’s cancer fund — for what appears to be an “indirect act of self-dealing.” Forbes.com reported that after months of investigating the Donald Trump Foundation, AG Eric Schneidermann’s office will now focus on President Trump’s son Eric after report’s surfaced this week that the cancer fund had diverted donations to Trump family businesses."
Office Of Special Counsel: Trump’s Social Media Director Violated Hatch Act
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/dan-scavino-violates-hatch-act
"President Donald Trump’s official social media director was found to have violated the Hatch Act on Friday, for invoking his White House position while engaging in a political attack, the Office of Special Counsel wrote in a letter dated June 5."
"President Donald Trump’s official social media director was found to have violated the Hatch Act on Friday, for invoking his White House position while engaging in a political attack, the Office of Special Counsel wrote in a letter dated June 5."
On secret recording, House Republican admits Trump’s antics making it hard for her to get reelected
https://thinkprogress.org/martha-mcsally-says-trump-circus-hurting-her-c24e6b00752
"But McSally should look in the mirror as well. She’s voted in total lockstep with Trump’s positions. During a closed-door meeting with her House Republican colleagues ahead of the American Health Care Act (AHCA) last month — a bill that has an approval rating of roughly 21 percent — she reportedly exhorted them by saying, “Let’s get this f***ing thing done!” McSally’s not-meant-for-public-consumption criticism of Trump is notable for how it differs from what Republicans continue to say about the president in public. There are indications, however, that her sentiments are shared by some of her colleagues in private. Publicly, Republican members of Congress mostly defended Trump and ran interference for him during and after the Comey hearing, but privately, Politico reported that a number of them “were absolutely shocked at how poorly yesterday went for the president.”
"But McSally should look in the mirror as well. She’s voted in total lockstep with Trump’s positions. During a closed-door meeting with her House Republican colleagues ahead of the American Health Care Act (AHCA) last month — a bill that has an approval rating of roughly 21 percent — she reportedly exhorted them by saying, “Let’s get this f***ing thing done!” McSally’s not-meant-for-public-consumption criticism of Trump is notable for how it differs from what Republicans continue to say about the president in public. There are indications, however, that her sentiments are shared by some of her colleagues in private. Publicly, Republican members of Congress mostly defended Trump and ran interference for him during and after the Comey hearing, but privately, Politico reported that a number of them “were absolutely shocked at how poorly yesterday went for the president.”
How Many Lies Did You Count During Jeff Sessions' Testimony?
http://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/news/a55625/jeff-sessions-testimony-falsehoods/
"Democracy is helpless against this kind of contempt, especially if its primary institutions surrender to it without a fight, the way they did on Tuesday. To be plain, because of his continual assertion of an "appropriateness" privilege—which does not exist in the Constitution or the laws of this country—in order to avoid answering questions under oath, JeffBo should be residing in a holding cell right now until he changes his mind. (It's very possible that Dan Coats and Mike Rogers should temporarily be his bunkmates, too. And the consistency of the testimony of all three men suggests a certain amount of, ah, coordination at other levels.) You just don't get to refuse to answer questions before a Senate committee because you don't want to, or because you think you might get the president* in Dutch, or because you don't like the people asking the questions. The Bartleby defense—"I would prefer not to…"—has no basis in constitutional or criminal law. There is no, as Senator Martin Heinrich put it to JeffBo, "appropriateness bucket" in which the attorney general can hide himself. Yet, there he was at the end of things, being flattered by the committee's chairman, Richard Burr, Republican of North Carolina, for the immense sacrifice JeffBo had made in coming in and being transparently ridiculous on camera for a couple of hours."
"Democracy is helpless against this kind of contempt, especially if its primary institutions surrender to it without a fight, the way they did on Tuesday. To be plain, because of his continual assertion of an "appropriateness" privilege—which does not exist in the Constitution or the laws of this country—in order to avoid answering questions under oath, JeffBo should be residing in a holding cell right now until he changes his mind. (It's very possible that Dan Coats and Mike Rogers should temporarily be his bunkmates, too. And the consistency of the testimony of all three men suggests a certain amount of, ah, coordination at other levels.) You just don't get to refuse to answer questions before a Senate committee because you don't want to, or because you think you might get the president* in Dutch, or because you don't like the people asking the questions. The Bartleby defense—"I would prefer not to…"—has no basis in constitutional or criminal law. There is no, as Senator Martin Heinrich put it to JeffBo, "appropriateness bucket" in which the attorney general can hide himself. Yet, there he was at the end of things, being flattered by the committee's chairman, Richard Burr, Republican of North Carolina, for the immense sacrifice JeffBo had made in coming in and being transparently ridiculous on camera for a couple of hours."
Here’s why ‘100 percent’ means nothing: Trump has long history of lying under oath
Here’s why ‘100 percent’ means nothing: Trump has long history of lying under oath
"the president has a history of lying under oath, so much so that his own bankruptcy lawyers would only meet with him in pairs in order to have a witness to every word that came out of his mouth. In one sworn deposition from 2007, according to the Washington Post, Trump told 30 lies in two days."
"the president has a history of lying under oath, so much so that his own bankruptcy lawyers would only meet with him in pairs in order to have a witness to every word that came out of his mouth. In one sworn deposition from 2007, according to the Washington Post, Trump told 30 lies in two days."
WATCH: Trump claims he’d never demand loyalty — CNN plays video of him doing just that
WATCH: Trump claims he’d never demand loyalty — CNN plays video of him doing just that
"President Donald Trump told reporters Friday that he would never demand a pledge of allegiance from anyone. However, he’s done exactly that in the past."
"President Donald Trump told reporters Friday that he would never demand a pledge of allegiance from anyone. However, he’s done exactly that in the past."
Jeff Sessions Insists He’s Not ‘Stonewalling’ By Not Answering Questions
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/sessions-testimony-stonewalling_us_59404fcae4b0d318548592d2?ncid=inblnkushpmg00000009
"Sessions repeatedly declined to talk about his past conversations with Trump and other top officials, even while claiming he wasn’t invoking executive privilege. Similar exchanges happened over and over again, as senators pressed Sessions on the firing of former FBI Director James Comey, an investigation into Russian meddling in the U.S. election and the attorney general’s recusal from that investigation."
"Sessions repeatedly declined to talk about his past conversations with Trump and other top officials, even while claiming he wasn’t invoking executive privilege. Similar exchanges happened over and over again, as senators pressed Sessions on the firing of former FBI Director James Comey, an investigation into Russian meddling in the U.S. election and the attorney general’s recusal from that investigation."
Sessions nailed for refusing to answer questions with absolutely no legal basis for doing so
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2017/6/13/1671520/-Sessions-nailed-for-refusing-to-answer-questions-with-absolutely-no-legal-basis-for-doing-so
"Jeff Sessions repeatedly refused Thursday to answer whether he spoke to Donald Trump about the Russia investigation as they weighed the dismissal of James Comey. Only problem—Sessions had no legal authority to decline to answer that question."
"Jeff Sessions repeatedly refused Thursday to answer whether he spoke to Donald Trump about the Russia investigation as they weighed the dismissal of James Comey. Only problem—Sessions had no legal authority to decline to answer that question."
Republican National Committee defends Sessions by insulting everyone’s intelligence
https://thinkprogress.org/republicans-defend-sessions-ada6eaa19e70
"Attorney General Jeff Sessions recused himself from investigations related to the 2016 presidential campaign after it emerged that he had misled senators during his confirmation hearing about at least two meetings he had with the Russian ambassador Sergei Kislyak during the campaign. Sessions also failed to disclose the meetings on his security clearance application. The issue isn’t the meeting themselves — it’s Sessions’ deception. It’s also the fact that his subsequent explanations for lack of transparency don’t pass the smell test. For instance, Sessions claimed he didn’t disclose his meetings with Kislyak because he attended him in his capacity as senator, even though one of them occurred at the Republican National Convention — an event that Sessions traveled to and from using campaign funds. What’s more, a person who was at the RNC told the Wall Street Journal that Sessions and Kislyak discussed the Trump campaign."
"Attorney General Jeff Sessions recused himself from investigations related to the 2016 presidential campaign after it emerged that he had misled senators during his confirmation hearing about at least two meetings he had with the Russian ambassador Sergei Kislyak during the campaign. Sessions also failed to disclose the meetings on his security clearance application. The issue isn’t the meeting themselves — it’s Sessions’ deception. It’s also the fact that his subsequent explanations for lack of transparency don’t pass the smell test. For instance, Sessions claimed he didn’t disclose his meetings with Kislyak because he attended him in his capacity as senator, even though one of them occurred at the Republican National Convention — an event that Sessions traveled to and from using campaign funds. What’s more, a person who was at the RNC told the Wall Street Journal that Sessions and Kislyak discussed the Trump campaign."
Sessions Tangles With Sen. Wyden: 'I Am NOT Stonewalling!' | Crooks and Liars
Sessions Tangles With Sen. Wyden: 'I Am NOT Stonewalling!' | Crooks and Liars
"Throughout the questioning, Sessions has declined to answer questions, while also not claiming executive privilege. Instead he is claiming that he's protecting the president's right to invoke it, despite the fact that the Attorney General does not serve as counsel to the president and is supposed to be the lawyer for the American people."
"Throughout the questioning, Sessions has declined to answer questions, while also not claiming executive privilege. Instead he is claiming that he's protecting the president's right to invoke it, despite the fact that the Attorney General does not serve as counsel to the president and is supposed to be the lawyer for the American people."
60% of Americans Disapprove of Trump. What Are Republicans Waiting For?
http://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/news/a55620/trump-60-percent-disapproval/
"The Republicans in the Senate are preparing to pass a destructive and vastly unpopular bill that will strip healthcare from 23 million Americans. They are preparing to do so almost entirely in secret; they even briefly changed the interview protocols within the U.S. Capitol on the fly to minimize their exposure to questions about how and why they're trying to slip this debacle into law. (After TV folks went wild, that policy was reversed.) In ordinary times, with a president's disapproval rating nudging two-thirds of the people polled, there at least would be a few members of the president's party pushing back against what plainly appears to be a rush to force a suicidal vote. But these are not ordinary times. And this is not an ordinary president*. And this is not an ordinary Republican party."
"The Republicans in the Senate are preparing to pass a destructive and vastly unpopular bill that will strip healthcare from 23 million Americans. They are preparing to do so almost entirely in secret; they even briefly changed the interview protocols within the U.S. Capitol on the fly to minimize their exposure to questions about how and why they're trying to slip this debacle into law. (After TV folks went wild, that policy was reversed.) In ordinary times, with a president's disapproval rating nudging two-thirds of the people polled, there at least would be a few members of the president's party pushing back against what plainly appears to be a rush to force a suicidal vote. But these are not ordinary times. And this is not an ordinary president*. And this is not an ordinary Republican party."
Everybody in Washington Knows the Disaster Is Coming
http://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/news/a55563/trump-testify-under-oath-comey/
"Washington these days is stuck in a kind of Cassandra Syndrome. Everybody knows the disaster is coming but nobody knows how to stop it, and too many people don't want to because they figure they can get rich selling off the ruins. But everybody knows the disaster is coming. People talk about it matter-of-factly, the way they talk about rain when the dark clouds gather over the monuments by the river. They also talk about it in whispers while every institution of democratic government screams for help. The government of the United States is in the hands of feckless time-servers and coat-holders at one end of Pennsylvania Avenue, and in the hands of an unpredictable and perilous clown show at the other. It is an altogether remarkable, if terrifying, place to be as summer comes on."
"Washington these days is stuck in a kind of Cassandra Syndrome. Everybody knows the disaster is coming but nobody knows how to stop it, and too many people don't want to because they figure they can get rich selling off the ruins. But everybody knows the disaster is coming. People talk about it matter-of-factly, the way they talk about rain when the dark clouds gather over the monuments by the river. They also talk about it in whispers while every institution of democratic government screams for help. The government of the United States is in the hands of feckless time-servers and coat-holders at one end of Pennsylvania Avenue, and in the hands of an unpredictable and perilous clown show at the other. It is an altogether remarkable, if terrifying, place to be as summer comes on."
‘Coal is dead’ and oil faces ‘peak demand,’ says world’s largest investment group
https://thinkprogress.org/coal-is-dead-692729aa910d
"BlackRock, the world’s largest investment group, with $5 trillion in assets — more than the world’s largest banks — has begun to bet on clean energy. Why? “The thing that has changed fundamentally the whole picture is that renewables have gotten so cheap,” said Barry. No, the world’s coal plants are not going to all down shut tomorrow, Barry noted to The Australian Financial Review (subscription required). “But anyone who’s looking to take beyond a 10-year view on coal is gambling very significantly.” President Donald Trump famously campaigned on restoring coal jobs, and has continued to reiterate that commitment as president, but the economic reality makes that a futile effort."
"BlackRock, the world’s largest investment group, with $5 trillion in assets — more than the world’s largest banks — has begun to bet on clean energy. Why? “The thing that has changed fundamentally the whole picture is that renewables have gotten so cheap,” said Barry. No, the world’s coal plants are not going to all down shut tomorrow, Barry noted to The Australian Financial Review (subscription required). “But anyone who’s looking to take beyond a 10-year view on coal is gambling very significantly.” President Donald Trump famously campaigned on restoring coal jobs, and has continued to reiterate that commitment as president, but the economic reality makes that a futile effort."
Trump’s allies point to his ignorance and inexperience as a defense
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/trumps-allies-point-his-ignorance-and-inexperience-defense
"Ignorance of the law, in other words, may work as a credible excuse for Trump’s sycophantic boosters, but there’s no reason anyone else should accept it. But even if someone were inclined to take the defense seriously, even if generous souls want to see Trump as an innocent, lost in the woods, completely unaware of the fact that obstructing justice is a presidential no-no, the story still falls apart given what we know about what transpired. Remember, former FBI Director James Comey has explained that when Trump pressured him about the investigation into Michael Flynn, he did so after clearing the room after an Oval Office meeting with a series of other officials. If the president was simply naïve, and had no idea his alleged actions were improper, why did he kick potential witnesses out of the room?"
"Ignorance of the law, in other words, may work as a credible excuse for Trump’s sycophantic boosters, but there’s no reason anyone else should accept it. But even if someone were inclined to take the defense seriously, even if generous souls want to see Trump as an innocent, lost in the woods, completely unaware of the fact that obstructing justice is a presidential no-no, the story still falls apart given what we know about what transpired. Remember, former FBI Director James Comey has explained that when Trump pressured him about the investigation into Michael Flynn, he did so after clearing the room after an Oval Office meeting with a series of other officials. If the president was simply naïve, and had no idea his alleged actions were improper, why did he kick potential witnesses out of the room?"
The RNC's Defense of Trump's Undeniable Corruption is a Master Class of Hypocrisy and Dishonesty
https://thedailybanter.com/2017/06/trump-is-the-most-honest-president-ever/
"This is what morally and intellectually bankrupt political party looks like and this is what it looks like when they're killing our democracy. Republicans spent 8 years relentlessly delegitimizing President Obama. They turned our political discourse into a fetid swamp of hate and rage. They poisoned the minds of millions of conservative voters with conspiracy theories laden with fear and racism. They stopped governing and instead obstructed everything in a bid to destroy the presidency of a man they despised on every conceivable level. They broke every tradition and norm that made our country function for the people. They stole a Supreme Court seat, stole the vote of millions of Americans and, in the end, stole the White House by turning a blind eye to a hostile foreign power attacking the integrity of our election. Donald Trump is the single most corrupt president to ever sully the presidency. He's making millions from abusing his power. He's openly sucking up to the countries that grease his palm. He's still refusing to release his taxes so we the people can't see who owns him. He literally asked the FBI to drop an investigation into his buddy before firing their director for refusing. By any and every definition, Trump is the exact opposite of "committed to complete transparency and compliance with the law"."
"This is what morally and intellectually bankrupt political party looks like and this is what it looks like when they're killing our democracy. Republicans spent 8 years relentlessly delegitimizing President Obama. They turned our political discourse into a fetid swamp of hate and rage. They poisoned the minds of millions of conservative voters with conspiracy theories laden with fear and racism. They stopped governing and instead obstructed everything in a bid to destroy the presidency of a man they despised on every conceivable level. They broke every tradition and norm that made our country function for the people. They stole a Supreme Court seat, stole the vote of millions of Americans and, in the end, stole the White House by turning a blind eye to a hostile foreign power attacking the integrity of our election. Donald Trump is the single most corrupt president to ever sully the presidency. He's making millions from abusing his power. He's openly sucking up to the countries that grease his palm. He's still refusing to release his taxes so we the people can't see who owns him. He literally asked the FBI to drop an investigation into his buddy before firing their director for refusing. By any and every definition, Trump is the exact opposite of "committed to complete transparency and compliance with the law"."
Trump Wants to Cut EPA’s Scientific Research in Half
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2017/06/trump-wants-to-cut-epas-scientific-research-in-half/
"President Donald Trump’s budget proposal would slash the Environmental Protection Agency’s scientific research programs by nearly half, according to a new report prepared by former EPA staffers. The newly formed Environmental Protection Network is a coalition made up of retired employees from Republican and Democratic administrations, many of whom have had decades of experience running the day-to-day work at the agency. And on Monday, this group of lawyers, scientists, and policy wonks released an analysis of the White House budget ahead of congressional testimony that EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt is set to deliver on Thursday. The hearing will be the first time that Pruitt will have to defend the dramatic cuts the administration has proposed for the agency."
"President Donald Trump’s budget proposal would slash the Environmental Protection Agency’s scientific research programs by nearly half, according to a new report prepared by former EPA staffers. The newly formed Environmental Protection Network is a coalition made up of retired employees from Republican and Democratic administrations, many of whom have had decades of experience running the day-to-day work at the agency. And on Monday, this group of lawyers, scientists, and policy wonks released an analysis of the White House budget ahead of congressional testimony that EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt is set to deliver on Thursday. The hearing will be the first time that Pruitt will have to defend the dramatic cuts the administration has proposed for the agency."
Trump Continues To Take Credit For The Economy Built By President Obama
https://thedailybanter.com/2017/06/trump-continues-to-take-credit-for-the-obama-economy/
"Barack Obama took office in January 2009 amidst one of the greatest economic challenges the country had faced since the Great Depression. He and what would be a short-lived Democratic majority in Congress went to work to try and get things back on track, passing a stimulus bill with almost no help from Republicans. That stimulus was the jolt that got the economy moving again and led to 75 straight months of job growth and a final tally of some 11.3 million new jobs. And what did Donald Trump have to say about all that? He called the numbers "fake." According to him, true unemployment was at record levels. He even said it could be as high as 40 percent. But now that he has been in office for almost five months and the economic indicators continue to be strong, thanks in no small measure to the foundation that was built during the Obama years, suddenly the jobs reports are accurate and everything is coming up roses. On June 12 Trump noted that 1.1 million jobs have been created over the past seven months. That announcement gave pause to all of us who can count, since it meant that he was taking credit for job creation going back to his election, not just to his inauguration. And the simple fact of the matter is, according to economists, Trump can't claim credit for any job creation numbers yet."
"Barack Obama took office in January 2009 amidst one of the greatest economic challenges the country had faced since the Great Depression. He and what would be a short-lived Democratic majority in Congress went to work to try and get things back on track, passing a stimulus bill with almost no help from Republicans. That stimulus was the jolt that got the economy moving again and led to 75 straight months of job growth and a final tally of some 11.3 million new jobs. And what did Donald Trump have to say about all that? He called the numbers "fake." According to him, true unemployment was at record levels. He even said it could be as high as 40 percent. But now that he has been in office for almost five months and the economic indicators continue to be strong, thanks in no small measure to the foundation that was built during the Obama years, suddenly the jobs reports are accurate and everything is coming up roses. On June 12 Trump noted that 1.1 million jobs have been created over the past seven months. That announcement gave pause to all of us who can count, since it meant that he was taking credit for job creation going back to his election, not just to his inauguration. And the simple fact of the matter is, according to economists, Trump can't claim credit for any job creation numbers yet."
By rescinding the persuader rule, Trump is once again siding with corporate interests over working people
By rescinding the persuader rule, Trump is once again siding with corporate interests over working people
"Yesterday, the Trump administration took yet another step against working people by announcing that the Department of Labor (DOL) will rescind its “persuader rule,” which would have helped level the playing field for workers by letting them know the source of the anti-union messages they receive during union drives."
"Yesterday, the Trump administration took yet another step against working people by announcing that the Department of Labor (DOL) will rescind its “persuader rule,” which would have helped level the playing field for workers by letting them know the source of the anti-union messages they receive during union drives."
10 Ways Mitch McConnell's Secret, Evil Senate Operation to Destroy Obamacare Will Make Life Hell for Many Americans @alternet
10 Ways Mitch McConnell's Secret, Evil Senate Operation to Destroy Obamacare Will Make Life Hell for Many Americans @alternet:
"What’s unfolding in Washington right now is appalling. Beyond the cowardly political tactics, the GOP is literally playing with the lives and livelihoods of hundreds of millions of Americans. Everyone ages, and many will get sick and develop chronic illness and disease. The consequences can be devastating if the GOP shreds medical safety nets for the poor and allows the insurance industry to charge more yet deliver less health security in myriad ways."
"What’s unfolding in Washington right now is appalling. Beyond the cowardly political tactics, the GOP is literally playing with the lives and livelihoods of hundreds of millions of Americans. Everyone ages, and many will get sick and develop chronic illness and disease. The consequences can be devastating if the GOP shreds medical safety nets for the poor and allows the insurance industry to charge more yet deliver less health security in myriad ways."
Sessions: I can’t discuss conversations with the president. 9 legal experts: Yes, you can.
https://www.vox.com/2017/6/14/15796078/jeff-sessions-testimony-russia-donald-trump-comey-fbi
"During his public testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee on Tuesday, Attorney General Jeff Sessions refused to answer any questions about conversations he might have had with President Donald Trump."
"During his public testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee on Tuesday, Attorney General Jeff Sessions refused to answer any questions about conversations he might have had with President Donald Trump."
Nuclear Regulators' Flawed Analysis Leaves Millions at Risk From Radioactive Fires
http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/40862-nuclear-regulators-flawed-analysis-leaves-millions-at-risk-from-radioactive-fires
"The renewed concerns about spent nuclear fuel storage come as the Trump administration is trying to jumpstart the controversial effort to create a permanent repository for the waste at the Yucca Mountain site in Nevada, which is opposed by that state's entire congressional delegation as well as by environmental advocates and nearby Native American communities."
"The renewed concerns about spent nuclear fuel storage come as the Trump administration is trying to jumpstart the controversial effort to create a permanent repository for the waste at the Yucca Mountain site in Nevada, which is opposed by that state's entire congressional delegation as well as by environmental advocates and nearby Native American communities."
Russian hackers breached voting systems in 39 states: report
Russian hackers breached voting systems in 39 states: report
"A new report reveals that Russian hackers breached voting systems in 39 different states, which means that Russia’s interference in the 2016 presidential election appears far more widespread that what has been previously disclosed."
"A new report reveals that Russian hackers breached voting systems in 39 different states, which means that Russia’s interference in the 2016 presidential election appears far more widespread that what has been previously disclosed."
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