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This disrupting shipping will cause a rise in prices, EV's will have nothing to do with it.
Stuff that doesn't really fit in either "Examples of" thread....
- Thread starter Roger A. Shrubber
- Start date
DIY-HP-LED
Well-Known Member
It will over the short term, but I doubt it will have a long-term impact, the possibility of rising prices is why the navy is there. The point is over the next 5 to 10 years trouble in the middle east at least won't affect our energy markets and the rise in gas and energy prices during election season won't matter as much as it does today. It will mean higher prices for Europe and the middle east more than North America which has transpacific Asian trade. As for gas prices Joe has the tap wide open in America with production peaking, sell it while you can and keep prices at home low during an election year.
DIY-HP-LED
Well-Known Member
Malignant narcissism is a term that combines features of narcissistic personality disorder and antisocial behavior, and it's often associated with traits of aggression and paranoia. Key signs of a malignant narcissist include:
1. **Grandiosity**: Displaying an exaggerated sense of self-importance and superiority.
2. **Manipulative Behavior**: Using others for personal gain without regard for their feelings or wellbeing.
3. **Lack of Empathy**: Showing little or no concern for the feelings, needs, or suffering of others.
4. **Aggressiveness**: Being hostile, vindictive, and prone to angry outbursts.
5. **Paranoia**: Exhibiting irrational distrust or suspicion of others.
6. **Sadism**: Taking pleasure in causing pain or humiliation to others.
7. **Antisocial Behavior**: Disregarding social norms and the law, often engaging in deceitful or manipulative actions.
8. **Pathological Lying**: Habitual lying to serve their own interests.
9. **Charm and Charisma**: Initially appearing charming and engaging to win over trust and admiration.
10. **Envy and Arrogance**: Feeling envious of others and believing others are envious of them, along with a haughty attitude.
1. **Grandiosity**: Displaying an exaggerated sense of self-importance and superiority.
2. **Manipulative Behavior**: Using others for personal gain without regard for their feelings or wellbeing.
3. **Lack of Empathy**: Showing little or no concern for the feelings, needs, or suffering of others.
4. **Aggressiveness**: Being hostile, vindictive, and prone to angry outbursts.
5. **Paranoia**: Exhibiting irrational distrust or suspicion of others.
6. **Sadism**: Taking pleasure in causing pain or humiliation to others.
7. **Antisocial Behavior**: Disregarding social norms and the law, often engaging in deceitful or manipulative actions.
8. **Pathological Lying**: Habitual lying to serve their own interests.
9. **Charm and Charisma**: Initially appearing charming and engaging to win over trust and admiration.
10. **Envy and Arrogance**: Feeling envious of others and believing others are envious of them, along with a haughty attitude.
DIY-HP-LED
Well-Known Member
I wonder if Donald will charge the bench in rage before it's over. Chutkan might crack him over the head with the gavel, I'm sure it has been done in courtrooms before, in self-defense of course... Will that be one lump or two Mr. Trump?
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Who is boss?
Comer warns Garland over handling of potential Hunter Biden contempt resolution
House Oversight and Accountability Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) warned U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland that if he doesn’t hold Hunter Biden, the president’s son, to the same level as Republicans who were held in contempt of Congress, he could face impeachment.
“With respect to Merrick Garland, look, we know how he’s treated two Republicans that were held in contempt of Congress,” Comer told Newsmax’s Chris Salcedo on Monday. “Now, he’s going to have an opportunity to hold the same type of justice with a Democrat that disavowed a lawful subpoena.”
Salcedo asked Comer if Garland would further his grounds for impeachment if Hunter Biden was not treated the same as Peter Navarro, an economic adviser to former President Trump who was convicted of contempt of Congress in September, in part for failing to appear for a deposition.
Comer responded with, “I think so.”
On Monday, the committee released text of a resolution to hold Hunter Biden in contempt of Congress for defying a subpoena to appear for a closed-door deposition, which is part of an impeachment inquiry into President Biden.
The Oversight and House Judiciary panels are set to hold markups Wednesday to consider the contempt of Congress resolution, which Comer and Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) vowed to move forward with after Hunter Biden failed to appear for a deposition on Dec. 13.
The president’s son said he would appear at a public hearing, and his legal team said a closed-door testimony would be misrepresented by House Republicans. House Republicans said the public format was not enough for the investigation, and a closed-door testimony was standard.
House Republican’s impeachment inquiry into President Biden is examining Hunter Biden’s foreign business dealings and the Department of Justice’s handling of a tax crime investigation into the president’s son. Both Hunter Biden and the president have denied President Biden was involved in any wrongdoing.
Comer’s recent comments drew criticism from Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) as Congress heads toward another government shutdown deadline.
“We are 10 days from a government shutdown. What are Republicans focused on? Threatening to impeach AG Garland because Hunter Biden agreed to testify publicly under oath in front of Congress instead of doing a closed door deposition,” Lieu posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. “House Republicans are not serious people.”
thehill.com
Comer warns Garland over handling of potential Hunter Biden contempt resolution
House Oversight and Accountability Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) warned U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland that if he doesn’t hold Hunter Biden, the president’s son, to the same level as Republicans who were held in contempt of Congress, he could face impeachment.
“With respect to Merrick Garland, look, we know how he’s treated two Republicans that were held in contempt of Congress,” Comer told Newsmax’s Chris Salcedo on Monday. “Now, he’s going to have an opportunity to hold the same type of justice with a Democrat that disavowed a lawful subpoena.”
Salcedo asked Comer if Garland would further his grounds for impeachment if Hunter Biden was not treated the same as Peter Navarro, an economic adviser to former President Trump who was convicted of contempt of Congress in September, in part for failing to appear for a deposition.
Comer responded with, “I think so.”
On Monday, the committee released text of a resolution to hold Hunter Biden in contempt of Congress for defying a subpoena to appear for a closed-door deposition, which is part of an impeachment inquiry into President Biden.
The Oversight and House Judiciary panels are set to hold markups Wednesday to consider the contempt of Congress resolution, which Comer and Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) vowed to move forward with after Hunter Biden failed to appear for a deposition on Dec. 13.
The president’s son said he would appear at a public hearing, and his legal team said a closed-door testimony would be misrepresented by House Republicans. House Republicans said the public format was not enough for the investigation, and a closed-door testimony was standard.
House Republican’s impeachment inquiry into President Biden is examining Hunter Biden’s foreign business dealings and the Department of Justice’s handling of a tax crime investigation into the president’s son. Both Hunter Biden and the president have denied President Biden was involved in any wrongdoing.
Comer’s recent comments drew criticism from Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) as Congress heads toward another government shutdown deadline.
“We are 10 days from a government shutdown. What are Republicans focused on? Threatening to impeach AG Garland because Hunter Biden agreed to testify publicly under oath in front of Congress instead of doing a closed door deposition,” Lieu posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. “House Republicans are not serious people.”
Comer warns Garland over handling of potential Hunter Biden contempt resolution
House Oversight and Accountability Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) warned U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland that if he doesn’t hold Hunter Biden, the president’s son, to the same level as R…
thehill.com
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Top 1 percent paying lower tax rates than other residents in most states: Study
The wealthiest families in most states are paying lower tax rates than everyone else, a new analysis found.
The new study conducted by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy analyzed the tax systems across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. by looking into how each seven different income group pays state and local tax rates.
The study ultimately found that the lower someone’s income is, the higher their overall effective state and local tax rate is.
“On average, the lowest-income 20 percent of taxpayers face a state and local tax rate nearly 60 percent higher than the top 1 percent of households,” the analysis states.
In 41 states, the top 1 percent of families have a lower tax rate than everyone else, according to the analysis. In 42 states, the top 1 percent of earners pays a lower rather than the bottom 20 percent, and in 46 states are taxed at a lower rate than the middle 60 percent, the study found.
The bottom 20 percent are taxed the lowest rate among income brackets in just Washington, D.C. and six states: New Mexico, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, Minnesota and Maine. Thirty-four states tax low-income families at higher rates than everyone else, the study found.
The analysis warned that taxing the wealthy at a higher rate than lower-income families can hinder the state’s ability to raise revenue.
“In other words, not only do the rich, on average, pay a lower effective state and local tax rate than lower-income people, they also collectively contribute a smaller share of state and local taxes than their share of all income,” the study states.
“This limits states’ ability to raise revenue, particularly as inequality increases. Research shows that when income growth concentrates among the wealthy, state revenues grow more slowly, especially in states that rely more heavily on taxes that disproportionately fall on low- and middle-income households,” it continued.
thehill.com
The wealthiest families in most states are paying lower tax rates than everyone else, a new analysis found.
The new study conducted by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy analyzed the tax systems across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. by looking into how each seven different income group pays state and local tax rates.
The study ultimately found that the lower someone’s income is, the higher their overall effective state and local tax rate is.
“On average, the lowest-income 20 percent of taxpayers face a state and local tax rate nearly 60 percent higher than the top 1 percent of households,” the analysis states.
In 41 states, the top 1 percent of families have a lower tax rate than everyone else, according to the analysis. In 42 states, the top 1 percent of earners pays a lower rather than the bottom 20 percent, and in 46 states are taxed at a lower rate than the middle 60 percent, the study found.
The bottom 20 percent are taxed the lowest rate among income brackets in just Washington, D.C. and six states: New Mexico, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, Minnesota and Maine. Thirty-four states tax low-income families at higher rates than everyone else, the study found.
The analysis warned that taxing the wealthy at a higher rate than lower-income families can hinder the state’s ability to raise revenue.
“In other words, not only do the rich, on average, pay a lower effective state and local tax rate than lower-income people, they also collectively contribute a smaller share of state and local taxes than their share of all income,” the study states.
“This limits states’ ability to raise revenue, particularly as inequality increases. Research shows that when income growth concentrates among the wealthy, state revenues grow more slowly, especially in states that rely more heavily on taxes that disproportionately fall on low- and middle-income households,” it continued.
Top 1 percent paying lower tax rates than other residents in most states: Study
The wealthiest families in most states are paying lower tax rates than everyone else, a new analysis found. The new study conducted by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy analyzed the tax…
thehill.com
DIY-HP-LED
Well-Known Member
Mark Twain's posthumously published novel "The Mysterious Stranger" (1916) is set in 16th-century Austria, a time and place where witch hunts were rampant, leading to the persecution and execution of innocent individuals accused of involvement in the occult.
The section below presents Twain's reflections on humanity, shaped by the considerable hardships he endured later in life.
His views on human nature are encapsulated in a poignant observation: "If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and man."
This statement underscores Twain's perspective on people.
The section below presents Twain's reflections on humanity, shaped by the considerable hardships he endured later in life.
His views on human nature are encapsulated in a poignant observation: "If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and man."
This statement underscores Twain's perspective on people.
Last edited:
DIY-HP-LED
Well-Known Member
You mean he wants him to bust Gym Jordan and others?Who is boss?
Comer warns Garland over handling of potential Hunter Biden contempt resolution
House Oversight and Accountability Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) warned U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland that if he doesn’t hold Hunter Biden, the president’s son, to the same level as Republicans who were held in contempt of Congress, he could face impeachment.
“With respect to Merrick Garland, look, we know how he’s treated two Republicans that were held in contempt of Congress,” Comer told Newsmax’s Chris Salcedo on Monday. “Now, he’s going to have an opportunity to hold the same type of justice with a Democrat that disavowed a lawful subpoena.”
Salcedo asked Comer if Garland would further his grounds for impeachment if Hunter Biden was not treated the same as Peter Navarro, an economic adviser to former President Trump who was convicted of contempt of Congress in September, in part for failing to appear for a deposition.
Comer responded with, “I think so.”
On Monday, the committee released text of a resolution to hold Hunter Biden in contempt of Congress for defying a subpoena to appear for a closed-door deposition, which is part of an impeachment inquiry into President Biden.
The Oversight and House Judiciary panels are set to hold markups Wednesday to consider the contempt of Congress resolution, which Comer and Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) vowed to move forward with after Hunter Biden failed to appear for a deposition on Dec. 13.
The president’s son said he would appear at a public hearing, and his legal team said a closed-door testimony would be misrepresented by House Republicans. House Republicans said the public format was not enough for the investigation, and a closed-door testimony was standard.
House Republican’s impeachment inquiry into President Biden is examining Hunter Biden’s foreign business dealings and the Department of Justice’s handling of a tax crime investigation into the president’s son. Both Hunter Biden and the president have denied President Biden was involved in any wrongdoing.
Comer’s recent comments drew criticism from Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) as Congress heads toward another government shutdown deadline.
“We are 10 days from a government shutdown. What are Republicans focused on? Threatening to impeach AG Garland because Hunter Biden agreed to testify publicly under oath in front of Congress instead of doing a closed door deposition,” Lieu posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. “House Republicans are not serious people.”
Comer warns Garland over handling of potential Hunter Biden contempt resolution
House Oversight and Accountability Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) warned U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland that if he doesn’t hold Hunter Biden, the president’s son, to the same level as R…
cannabineer
Ursus marijanus
perhaps, in exchange for copping to contempt, Hunter can be given one of the vacated chairs in the House. Only fair as they’re comparing him to oath-sworn elected officeholders. Might as well follow through.Who is boss?
Comer warns Garland over handling of potential Hunter Biden contempt resolution
House Oversight and Accountability Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) warned U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland that if he doesn’t hold Hunter Biden, the president’s son, to the same level as Republicans who were held in contempt of Congress, he could face impeachment.
“With respect to Merrick Garland, look, we know how he’s treated two Republicans that were held in contempt of Congress,” Comer told Newsmax’s Chris Salcedo on Monday. “Now, he’s going to have an opportunity to hold the same type of justice with a Democrat that disavowed a lawful subpoena.”
Salcedo asked Comer if Garland would further his grounds for impeachment if Hunter Biden was not treated the same as Peter Navarro, an economic adviser to former President Trump who was convicted of contempt of Congress in September, in part for failing to appear for a deposition.
Comer responded with, “I think so.”
On Monday, the committee released text of a resolution to hold Hunter Biden in contempt of Congress for defying a subpoena to appear for a closed-door deposition, which is part of an impeachment inquiry into President Biden.
The Oversight and House Judiciary panels are set to hold markups Wednesday to consider the contempt of Congress resolution, which Comer and Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) vowed to move forward with after Hunter Biden failed to appear for a deposition on Dec. 13.
The president’s son said he would appear at a public hearing, and his legal team said a closed-door testimony would be misrepresented by House Republicans. House Republicans said the public format was not enough for the investigation, and a closed-door testimony was standard.
House Republican’s impeachment inquiry into President Biden is examining Hunter Biden’s foreign business dealings and the Department of Justice’s handling of a tax crime investigation into the president’s son. Both Hunter Biden and the president have denied President Biden was involved in any wrongdoing.
Comer’s recent comments drew criticism from Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) as Congress heads toward another government shutdown deadline.
“We are 10 days from a government shutdown. What are Republicans focused on? Threatening to impeach AG Garland because Hunter Biden agreed to testify publicly under oath in front of Congress instead of doing a closed door deposition,” Lieu posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. “House Republicans are not serious people.”
Comer warns Garland over handling of potential Hunter Biden contempt resolution
House Oversight and Accountability Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) warned U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland that if he doesn’t hold Hunter Biden, the president’s son, to the same level as R…
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Well-Known Member
Hunter said he does not want a closed door meeting, wonder why?
Democrats accuse GOP of distorting Fauci’s testimony from hourslong meeting
Democrats who took part in the two-day interview with former White House chief medical adviser Anthony Fauci said Republicans had distorted what the former government official told lawmakers on his first day.
Fauci sat through roughly seven hours of interviewing with lawmakers Monday and returned to the Capitol on Tuesday for another round. These discussions marked his first time speaking with lawmakers since stepping down from government at the end of 2022.
Following the first interview, the GOP-controlled Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic posted several takeaways on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
The subcommittee’s X account posted that Fauci “repeatedly played semantics with the definition of gain-of-function in an attempt to avoid conceding that NIH funded this dangerous research” and that he “signed off on every foreign and domestic NIAID grant without reviewing the proposals.”
Democratic Reps. Debbie Dingell (Mich.) and Kathy Castor (Fla.) pushed back at these takeaways from Fauci’s remarks.
“The Republicans have totally distorted Dr. Fauci’s testimony, ongoing testimony, which will be available in a transcript,” Castor told reporters, directly referencing the X posts. “And I hope that that won’t take too long, because I think that will be very illuminating to you and to the public.”
The select subcommittee has not said when the transcriptions from the interviews will be released. Fauci has also agreed to testify before the select subcommittee sometime later this year. The former government official did not take any questions from reporters while on Capitol Hill for his interviews.
Dingell said the GOP statements following the first day were “disinformation.”
“They did not reflect the discussion that — I was feeling at the end of the day when I left here, that it had been a respectful discussion and we had had good conversations,” said Dingell.
Referring to his role in issuing National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants, Dingell said Fauci had clearly laid out what the process was.
“When you are a supervisor or you are a manager, you have certain responsibilities. And his institute and NIH has a process that is followed where the appropriate people with authorities review things. And that’s the process that he laid out,” Dingell said.
The issue of federal grants seemed to be a recurrent issue throughout the interview, with Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-Va.) saying, “We need to do a better job monitoring our grants,” when asked for his thoughts on the second day.
“I definitely think that we need to have a better vetting process for grantees who can do subgrants. And when you’re doing things in a foreign lab. I’m not saying we should never do it, but we ought to make sure that the foreign lab has been vetted, that it’s proper,” Griffith said. “One of the things that struck me is Dr. Fauci said, ‘Yeah, it’s not really our job but probably ought to be.'”
Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-Ohio), chair of the select subcommittee, indicated he disagreed with how members of the minority spent their time interviewing Fauci.
“[All] they want to do is spend their time, I think, talking about how some of our opinions differ from what they say. And that’s fine but doesn’t help us get to where we want to be, which is to be able to learn from the process and how we can improve it going forward,” Wenstrup said.
thehill.com
Democrats accuse GOP of distorting Fauci’s testimony from hourslong meeting
Democrats who took part in the two-day interview with former White House chief medical adviser Anthony Fauci said Republicans had distorted what the former government official told lawmakers on his first day.
Fauci sat through roughly seven hours of interviewing with lawmakers Monday and returned to the Capitol on Tuesday for another round. These discussions marked his first time speaking with lawmakers since stepping down from government at the end of 2022.
Following the first interview, the GOP-controlled Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic posted several takeaways on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
The subcommittee’s X account posted that Fauci “repeatedly played semantics with the definition of gain-of-function in an attempt to avoid conceding that NIH funded this dangerous research” and that he “signed off on every foreign and domestic NIAID grant without reviewing the proposals.”
Democratic Reps. Debbie Dingell (Mich.) and Kathy Castor (Fla.) pushed back at these takeaways from Fauci’s remarks.
“The Republicans have totally distorted Dr. Fauci’s testimony, ongoing testimony, which will be available in a transcript,” Castor told reporters, directly referencing the X posts. “And I hope that that won’t take too long, because I think that will be very illuminating to you and to the public.”
The select subcommittee has not said when the transcriptions from the interviews will be released. Fauci has also agreed to testify before the select subcommittee sometime later this year. The former government official did not take any questions from reporters while on Capitol Hill for his interviews.
Dingell said the GOP statements following the first day were “disinformation.”
“They did not reflect the discussion that — I was feeling at the end of the day when I left here, that it had been a respectful discussion and we had had good conversations,” said Dingell.
Referring to his role in issuing National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants, Dingell said Fauci had clearly laid out what the process was.
“When you are a supervisor or you are a manager, you have certain responsibilities. And his institute and NIH has a process that is followed where the appropriate people with authorities review things. And that’s the process that he laid out,” Dingell said.
The issue of federal grants seemed to be a recurrent issue throughout the interview, with Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-Va.) saying, “We need to do a better job monitoring our grants,” when asked for his thoughts on the second day.
“I definitely think that we need to have a better vetting process for grantees who can do subgrants. And when you’re doing things in a foreign lab. I’m not saying we should never do it, but we ought to make sure that the foreign lab has been vetted, that it’s proper,” Griffith said. “One of the things that struck me is Dr. Fauci said, ‘Yeah, it’s not really our job but probably ought to be.'”
Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-Ohio), chair of the select subcommittee, indicated he disagreed with how members of the minority spent their time interviewing Fauci.
“[All] they want to do is spend their time, I think, talking about how some of our opinions differ from what they say. And that’s fine but doesn’t help us get to where we want to be, which is to be able to learn from the process and how we can improve it going forward,” Wenstrup said.
Democrats accuse GOP of distorting Fauci’s testimony from hours-long meeting
Democrats who took part in the two-day interview with former White House chief medical adviser Anthony Fauci said Republicans had distorted what the former government official told lawmakers on his…
thehill.com
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Wonder if Schumer is taunting the Maga representatives? Enough to get him vacated? But not before the Ukraine funding.
Schumer praises Johnson after spending deal: ‘decent, respectful guy’
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) praised House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) in the wake of congressional leaders reaching a new top-line spending deal Tuesday.
“He’s a very decent, respectful guy, unlike some, who want to be macho and bullying and threatening and all that. He’s not like that,” Schumer said at a press conference Tuesday. “But he’s in a very, very difficult position.”
On Sunday, Johnson announced the deal with the Senate and White House in a “Dear Colleague” letter.
“The topline constitutes $1.590 trillion for [fiscal 2024] — the statutory levels of the Fiscal Responsibility Act. That includes $886 billion for defense and $704 billion for nondefense,” Johnson said in the letter.
However, Johnson has faced blowback from right-wing colleagues for the deal. In a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, the House Freedom Caucus said that the deal was a “total failure.”
“I am a NO to the Johnson Schumer budget deal,” Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene wrote on X Monday. “This $1.6 Trillion dollar budget agreement does nothing to secure the border, stop the invasion, or stop the weaponized government targeting Biden’s political enemies and innocent Americans.”
“So much for the power of the purse!” she added.
At the moment, Congress is facing a looming deadline of Jan. 19 to pass legislation to avert a partial government shutdown. Some departments, like the Pentagon, have funding that goes through early February.
thehill.com
Schumer praises Johnson after spending deal: ‘decent, respectful guy’
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) praised House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) in the wake of congressional leaders reaching a new top-line spending deal Tuesday.
“He’s a very decent, respectful guy, unlike some, who want to be macho and bullying and threatening and all that. He’s not like that,” Schumer said at a press conference Tuesday. “But he’s in a very, very difficult position.”
On Sunday, Johnson announced the deal with the Senate and White House in a “Dear Colleague” letter.
“The topline constitutes $1.590 trillion for [fiscal 2024] — the statutory levels of the Fiscal Responsibility Act. That includes $886 billion for defense and $704 billion for nondefense,” Johnson said in the letter.
However, Johnson has faced blowback from right-wing colleagues for the deal. In a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, the House Freedom Caucus said that the deal was a “total failure.”
“I am a NO to the Johnson Schumer budget deal,” Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene wrote on X Monday. “This $1.6 Trillion dollar budget agreement does nothing to secure the border, stop the invasion, or stop the weaponized government targeting Biden’s political enemies and innocent Americans.”
“So much for the power of the purse!” she added.
At the moment, Congress is facing a looming deadline of Jan. 19 to pass legislation to avert a partial government shutdown. Some departments, like the Pentagon, have funding that goes through early February.
Schumer praises Johnson after spending deal: ‘Decent, respectful guy’
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) praised House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) in the wake of congressional leaders reaching a new top-line spending deal Tuesday. “He’s a very decen…
thehill.com
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China tells US it will never compromise on Taiwan as defense talks resume
China told the U.S. that it will “not make any concession or compromise” on the self-governing island nation of Taiwan, as Chinese and American officials held military talks this week for the first time since channels were suspended in 2022.
The Pentagon’s top China official, Michael Chase, concluded two days of talks Tuesday with Chinese Maj. Gen. Song Yanchao, as Taiwan approaches a consequential election day Saturday and tensions in the Indo-Pacific have skyrocketed following Chinese clashes with the Philippines.
Song, China’s deputy director of the Central Military Commission Office for International Military Cooperation, told Chase that Beijing is willing to “develop a sound and stable military-to-military relationship,” according to a readout from from China’s Ministry of Defense.
But Song said the U.S. must take China’s considerations seriously and laid down a hard line on Taiwan, pushing for Washington to stop arming Taipei and supporting its independence.
At the meeting, Song “emphasized that China will not make any concession or compromise on the Taiwan question.”
Chase, the Pentagon’s deputy assistant secretary of defense for China, Taiwan and Mongolia, said the U.S. stands by the One China policy, based on a 1979 law that affirms Taiwan is part of China but allows Washington to commit to informal relations with the island nation, according to a Pentagon readout. He also said the U.S. support for Indo-Pacific allies remains “ironclad.”
The talks come after a high-stakes November meeting between President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, where the two agreed to restore military communications.
They normalized a relationship that had gone rocky after a Chinese spy balloon flew over the U.S. mainland last February, and China suspended military channels after then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) traveled to Taiwan in August 2022.
The Biden-Xi meeting led to Gen. CQ Brown, the chair of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, holding the first high-level military talks with his counterpart last month since China suspended channels.
The two superpower leaders did not make a major breakthrough, however, leaving Indo-Pacific tensions and Taiwan unresolved. At the San Francisco meeting, Xi reportedly told Biden that China will reunify with Taipei, a commitment he has underscored repeatedly, including during his end of year address.
This week, officials also discussed clashes between Chinese naval forces and the U.S.-allied Philippines over disputed areas in the South China Sea. Last year, China assaulted Philippine boats with water cannons and lasers.
Chase “underscored the importance of respect for high seas freedom of navigation,” the Pentagon readout said. He also criticized China for “harassment against lawfully operating Philippine vessels in the South China Sea.”
But China claims nearly the entire South China Sea and says the Philippines violates its territorial sovereignty, despite international arbiters ruling against Chinese claims.
Beijing has also frequently complained of the U.S. forging more military ties with allies across the Indo-Pacific, accusing Washington of escalating tensions with a Cold War mentality.
At this week’s meeting, Song “urged the US side to reduce military presence and provocation in the South China Sea and stop supporting provocative actions,” according to China’s Defense Ministry.
thehill.com
China told the U.S. that it will “not make any concession or compromise” on the self-governing island nation of Taiwan, as Chinese and American officials held military talks this week for the first time since channels were suspended in 2022.
The Pentagon’s top China official, Michael Chase, concluded two days of talks Tuesday with Chinese Maj. Gen. Song Yanchao, as Taiwan approaches a consequential election day Saturday and tensions in the Indo-Pacific have skyrocketed following Chinese clashes with the Philippines.
Song, China’s deputy director of the Central Military Commission Office for International Military Cooperation, told Chase that Beijing is willing to “develop a sound and stable military-to-military relationship,” according to a readout from from China’s Ministry of Defense.
But Song said the U.S. must take China’s considerations seriously and laid down a hard line on Taiwan, pushing for Washington to stop arming Taipei and supporting its independence.
At the meeting, Song “emphasized that China will not make any concession or compromise on the Taiwan question.”
Chase, the Pentagon’s deputy assistant secretary of defense for China, Taiwan and Mongolia, said the U.S. stands by the One China policy, based on a 1979 law that affirms Taiwan is part of China but allows Washington to commit to informal relations with the island nation, according to a Pentagon readout. He also said the U.S. support for Indo-Pacific allies remains “ironclad.”
The talks come after a high-stakes November meeting between President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, where the two agreed to restore military communications.
They normalized a relationship that had gone rocky after a Chinese spy balloon flew over the U.S. mainland last February, and China suspended military channels after then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) traveled to Taiwan in August 2022.
The Biden-Xi meeting led to Gen. CQ Brown, the chair of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, holding the first high-level military talks with his counterpart last month since China suspended channels.
The two superpower leaders did not make a major breakthrough, however, leaving Indo-Pacific tensions and Taiwan unresolved. At the San Francisco meeting, Xi reportedly told Biden that China will reunify with Taipei, a commitment he has underscored repeatedly, including during his end of year address.
This week, officials also discussed clashes between Chinese naval forces and the U.S.-allied Philippines over disputed areas in the South China Sea. Last year, China assaulted Philippine boats with water cannons and lasers.
Chase “underscored the importance of respect for high seas freedom of navigation,” the Pentagon readout said. He also criticized China for “harassment against lawfully operating Philippine vessels in the South China Sea.”
But China claims nearly the entire South China Sea and says the Philippines violates its territorial sovereignty, despite international arbiters ruling against Chinese claims.
Beijing has also frequently complained of the U.S. forging more military ties with allies across the Indo-Pacific, accusing Washington of escalating tensions with a Cold War mentality.
At this week’s meeting, Song “urged the US side to reduce military presence and provocation in the South China Sea and stop supporting provocative actions,” according to China’s Defense Ministry.
China tells US it will never compromise on Taiwan as defense talks resume
China told the U.S. that it will “not make any concession or compromise” on the self-governing island nation of Taiwan, as Chinese and American officials held military talks this week for the…
thehill.com
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DOJ may just sit this one out.
Hunter Biden calls the GOP’s bluff
Hunter Biden is standing up to Reps. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and James Comer (R-Ky.) — the chairs of the House Judiciary Committee and House Oversight and Accountability Committee — who are acting as MAGA surrogates for former President Trump’s election campaign. It’s a risky but ultimately smart approach for Hunter, both in the court of public opinion and the court of law.
The two committees met separately Wednesday to consider holding President Biden’s son in criminal contempt for supposedly failing to honor a subpoena for testimony. Hunter Biden has agreed to testify, but only in public; Jordan and Comer insist it be behind closed doors. As the Oversight Committee hearing began, Hunter made a surprise appearance with his lawyer Abbe Lowell. The message was clear — Hunter was ready to testify in public, and House Republicans could ask him anything.
Hunter called the GOP’s bluff. And like bullies who are not used to being confronted, House Republicans were shocked. After his appearance, the committee hearing “descend[ed] into chaos,” according to HuffPost. In the turmoil, Democratic Rep. Jared Moskowitz’s (D-Fla.) suggestion to have Hunter testify right then and there was not accepted. Both committees later voted to approve a recommendation for criminal charges of contempt of Congress against Hunter.
This latest demonstration of Hunter Biden’s willingness to testify publicly and of the House GOP’s continuing refusal to take him up on it demonstrate what’s really going on here. Comer, Jordan and their colleagues are not interested in genuine fact-finding; this is merely part of their baseless impeachment inquiry into the president.
Just Monday, Jordan said that Devon Archer, Hunter’s business partner, had provided the investigation with its “most damning evidence” against President Biden. In fact, Archer flatly denied any link between Hunter’s business activities and the president. But statements like Jordan’s, however meritless, create damage that is hard to erase when repeated time after time. Can we blame Hunter for wanting to testify in public to deny Trump allies from making distorted claims about what he said behind closed doors?
You can read through some of Jordan and Comer’s other belly flops here. It’s a long, sad tale of partisan innuendo with little or nothing to back it up. These elected officials appear to be inspired by the same school of confabulation as their former colleague Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.).
Hunter dramatically spotlighted all of that in the court of public opinion on Wednesday. And he also illuminated his serious legal arguments in the court of law, if it comes to that.
The criminal contempt referral by the full House (if it happens) would go to the Department of Justice. It is now unmistakably clear to prosecutors and to the public that Hunter is willing to testify, and the dispute is only over the manner of the appearance. That is an unattractive case to charge — and an unappealing one to contemplate putting before a Washington, D.C., jury.
This stands in stark contrast to the kinds of prosecutions the Justice Department does bring when there is a flat refusal to cooperate, such as when Trump strategist Steve Bannon was charged for contempt of Congress when he refused to appear. (Bannon much later sought to reverse course shortly before trial, but, unlike Hunter, it was too little too late.)
Hunter’s concerted efforts to reach an accommodation are more akin to the situation of Mark Meadows, Trump’s final chief of staff, who wrangled with the Jan. 6 select committee over the details of his testimony while producing partial documentation. While that committee referred Meadows to the Department of Justice for contempt, prosecutors declined to pursue charges. In fact, we are aware of no case where criminal contempt was prosecuted in the face of a reasonable effort to comply with a congressional subpoena.
The Justice Department — and, if it comes to it, the courts — will also look askance at the naked partisan purpose that was so evident on Wednesday as the Oversight Committee melted down. Indeed, Comer has suggested that the proceedings are meant to help Trump’s polling and another member of the GOP caucus, Rep. Troy Nehls (R-Texas), said that their purpose is to give the twice-impeached Trump “a little bit of ammo to fire back.” When Nehls was asked “what the House GOP conference hoped to gain from the Biden impeachment inquiry,” he replied, “All I can say is Donald J. Trump 2024, baby!”
We are not suggesting that the younger Biden has been a paragon of virtue. At a news conference on Capitol Hill last month, he spoke of his many flaws. He faces criminal charges on other issues, although he and his lawyer strongly dispute them. But when it comes to pushing back on Comer and Jordan’s overreach, he is in the right.
Of course, Hunter’s bold move comes with some risk that he will be prosecuted and that these arguments may not work. But when a bully comes for you, sometimes it’s best to stand and fight. Hunter Biden did just that.
thehill.com/opinion/campaign/4403477-hunter-biden-calls-the-gops-bluff/
Hunter Biden calls the GOP’s bluff
Hunter Biden is standing up to Reps. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and James Comer (R-Ky.) — the chairs of the House Judiciary Committee and House Oversight and Accountability Committee — who are acting as MAGA surrogates for former President Trump’s election campaign. It’s a risky but ultimately smart approach for Hunter, both in the court of public opinion and the court of law.
The two committees met separately Wednesday to consider holding President Biden’s son in criminal contempt for supposedly failing to honor a subpoena for testimony. Hunter Biden has agreed to testify, but only in public; Jordan and Comer insist it be behind closed doors. As the Oversight Committee hearing began, Hunter made a surprise appearance with his lawyer Abbe Lowell. The message was clear — Hunter was ready to testify in public, and House Republicans could ask him anything.
Hunter called the GOP’s bluff. And like bullies who are not used to being confronted, House Republicans were shocked. After his appearance, the committee hearing “descend[ed] into chaos,” according to HuffPost. In the turmoil, Democratic Rep. Jared Moskowitz’s (D-Fla.) suggestion to have Hunter testify right then and there was not accepted. Both committees later voted to approve a recommendation for criminal charges of contempt of Congress against Hunter.
This latest demonstration of Hunter Biden’s willingness to testify publicly and of the House GOP’s continuing refusal to take him up on it demonstrate what’s really going on here. Comer, Jordan and their colleagues are not interested in genuine fact-finding; this is merely part of their baseless impeachment inquiry into the president.
Just Monday, Jordan said that Devon Archer, Hunter’s business partner, had provided the investigation with its “most damning evidence” against President Biden. In fact, Archer flatly denied any link between Hunter’s business activities and the president. But statements like Jordan’s, however meritless, create damage that is hard to erase when repeated time after time. Can we blame Hunter for wanting to testify in public to deny Trump allies from making distorted claims about what he said behind closed doors?
You can read through some of Jordan and Comer’s other belly flops here. It’s a long, sad tale of partisan innuendo with little or nothing to back it up. These elected officials appear to be inspired by the same school of confabulation as their former colleague Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.).
Hunter dramatically spotlighted all of that in the court of public opinion on Wednesday. And he also illuminated his serious legal arguments in the court of law, if it comes to that.
The criminal contempt referral by the full House (if it happens) would go to the Department of Justice. It is now unmistakably clear to prosecutors and to the public that Hunter is willing to testify, and the dispute is only over the manner of the appearance. That is an unattractive case to charge — and an unappealing one to contemplate putting before a Washington, D.C., jury.
This stands in stark contrast to the kinds of prosecutions the Justice Department does bring when there is a flat refusal to cooperate, such as when Trump strategist Steve Bannon was charged for contempt of Congress when he refused to appear. (Bannon much later sought to reverse course shortly before trial, but, unlike Hunter, it was too little too late.)
Hunter’s concerted efforts to reach an accommodation are more akin to the situation of Mark Meadows, Trump’s final chief of staff, who wrangled with the Jan. 6 select committee over the details of his testimony while producing partial documentation. While that committee referred Meadows to the Department of Justice for contempt, prosecutors declined to pursue charges. In fact, we are aware of no case where criminal contempt was prosecuted in the face of a reasonable effort to comply with a congressional subpoena.
The Justice Department — and, if it comes to it, the courts — will also look askance at the naked partisan purpose that was so evident on Wednesday as the Oversight Committee melted down. Indeed, Comer has suggested that the proceedings are meant to help Trump’s polling and another member of the GOP caucus, Rep. Troy Nehls (R-Texas), said that their purpose is to give the twice-impeached Trump “a little bit of ammo to fire back.” When Nehls was asked “what the House GOP conference hoped to gain from the Biden impeachment inquiry,” he replied, “All I can say is Donald J. Trump 2024, baby!”
We are not suggesting that the younger Biden has been a paragon of virtue. At a news conference on Capitol Hill last month, he spoke of his many flaws. He faces criminal charges on other issues, although he and his lawyer strongly dispute them. But when it comes to pushing back on Comer and Jordan’s overreach, he is in the right.
Of course, Hunter’s bold move comes with some risk that he will be prosecuted and that these arguments may not work. But when a bully comes for you, sometimes it’s best to stand and fight. Hunter Biden did just that.
thehill.com/opinion/campaign/4403477-hunter-biden-calls-the-gops-bluff/
DIY-HP-LED
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I like how he showed up and pulled the rug out from under them, Jared has the same attorney BTW and Abby is very good at his job...
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Hunter Biden reverses course, would sit for closed-door deposition with new subpoena
Hunter Biden on Friday reversed course and said he would agree to give closed-door testimony to Congress if the House Oversight and Judiciary committees issue new subpoenas.
Hunter Biden’s lawyer, Abbe Lowell, made the offer in a letter on Friday to Oversight Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) and Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), the two Republicans who have led the investigations into the Biden family and an impeachment inquiry into President Biden.
“You have not explained why you are not interested in transparency and having the American people witness the full and complete testimony of Mr. Biden at a public hearing. If you issue a new proper subpoena, now that there is a duly authorized impeachment inquiry, Mr. Biden will comply for a hearing or deposition. We will accept such a subpoena on Mr. Biden’s behalf,” Lowell wrote.
President Biden’s son had previously offered only to testify in a public setting, and defied a subpoena to appear for a closed-door deposition last month.
That prompted Republicans to advance a resolution to hold him in contempt of Congress — after a surprise appearance from Hunter Biden as one of the panel’s debated the measure.
A full House vote is scheduled for next week, after which the Department of Justice could decide whether to bring charges against Hunter Biden.
Lowell argued that the original subpoenas from the Judiciary and Oversight committees, issued in November, were invalid because the House did not formally vote to authorize an impeachment inquiry into Biden until December.
It is unclear if the Oversight and Judiciary panels will issue new subpoenas for Hunter Biden. Spokespeople for the committees did not immediately comment on the offer from Lowell.
The panels regularly assert when they issue subpoenas that they have the right to seek information for any legislative reason, and Comer has said the Oversight committee is hoping to craft legislation to combat “influence peddling” by family members.
Both Republicans and Democrats in recent years have shifted arguments about whether an impeachment inquiry needs a House vote to be valid.
When former Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D-Calif.) moved to open an impeachment inquiry into former President Trump without an initial vote in 2019, former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and the White House Office of Legal Counsel under Trump argued that such an inquiry was invalid without a vote. A full House vote came about a month later.
But then, McCarthy moved in September 2023 to put various House GOP probes into the Biden family’s foreign business dealings and how the Department of Justice handled a tax crimes investigation into Hunter Biden under the umbrella of an impeachment inquiry without a vote. The House later formalized the inquiry with a vote in December after the White House, citing the Trump-era Office of Legal Counsel opinion, responded to requests for information saying the inquiry was unconstitutional.
Lowell cited the same Trump-era legal opinion in his letter.
Lowell argued in the letter that the younger Biden said “repeatedly that he would answer all pertinent and relevant questions you and your colleagues had for him at a public hearing.”
“Rather than accepting Mr. Biden’s offer to voluntarily sit for a public hearing, you are now seeking to have the full House find him in contempt based on subpoenas for a deposition that you issued on November 8 and 9, 2023,” he said, arguing that the “subpoenas were and are legally invalid and cannot form a legal basis to proceed with your misdirected and impermissible contempt resolution.”
Hunter Biden earlier made a surprise appearance at a markup of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee on Wednesday before the panel was set to approve the resolution to hold him in contempt of Congress.
At the Oversight hearing on Wednesday, Hunter Biden was joined by Lowell and Kevin Morris, an associate and entertainment lawyer who is scheduled to appear before for his own deposition related to his financial assistance to Hunter Biden next week.
thehill.com
Hunter Biden on Friday reversed course and said he would agree to give closed-door testimony to Congress if the House Oversight and Judiciary committees issue new subpoenas.
Hunter Biden’s lawyer, Abbe Lowell, made the offer in a letter on Friday to Oversight Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) and Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), the two Republicans who have led the investigations into the Biden family and an impeachment inquiry into President Biden.
“You have not explained why you are not interested in transparency and having the American people witness the full and complete testimony of Mr. Biden at a public hearing. If you issue a new proper subpoena, now that there is a duly authorized impeachment inquiry, Mr. Biden will comply for a hearing or deposition. We will accept such a subpoena on Mr. Biden’s behalf,” Lowell wrote.
President Biden’s son had previously offered only to testify in a public setting, and defied a subpoena to appear for a closed-door deposition last month.
That prompted Republicans to advance a resolution to hold him in contempt of Congress — after a surprise appearance from Hunter Biden as one of the panel’s debated the measure.
A full House vote is scheduled for next week, after which the Department of Justice could decide whether to bring charges against Hunter Biden.
Lowell argued that the original subpoenas from the Judiciary and Oversight committees, issued in November, were invalid because the House did not formally vote to authorize an impeachment inquiry into Biden until December.
It is unclear if the Oversight and Judiciary panels will issue new subpoenas for Hunter Biden. Spokespeople for the committees did not immediately comment on the offer from Lowell.
The panels regularly assert when they issue subpoenas that they have the right to seek information for any legislative reason, and Comer has said the Oversight committee is hoping to craft legislation to combat “influence peddling” by family members.
Both Republicans and Democrats in recent years have shifted arguments about whether an impeachment inquiry needs a House vote to be valid.
When former Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D-Calif.) moved to open an impeachment inquiry into former President Trump without an initial vote in 2019, former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and the White House Office of Legal Counsel under Trump argued that such an inquiry was invalid without a vote. A full House vote came about a month later.
But then, McCarthy moved in September 2023 to put various House GOP probes into the Biden family’s foreign business dealings and how the Department of Justice handled a tax crimes investigation into Hunter Biden under the umbrella of an impeachment inquiry without a vote. The House later formalized the inquiry with a vote in December after the White House, citing the Trump-era Office of Legal Counsel opinion, responded to requests for information saying the inquiry was unconstitutional.
Lowell cited the same Trump-era legal opinion in his letter.
Lowell argued in the letter that the younger Biden said “repeatedly that he would answer all pertinent and relevant questions you and your colleagues had for him at a public hearing.”
“Rather than accepting Mr. Biden’s offer to voluntarily sit for a public hearing, you are now seeking to have the full House find him in contempt based on subpoenas for a deposition that you issued on November 8 and 9, 2023,” he said, arguing that the “subpoenas were and are legally invalid and cannot form a legal basis to proceed with your misdirected and impermissible contempt resolution.”
Hunter Biden earlier made a surprise appearance at a markup of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee on Wednesday before the panel was set to approve the resolution to hold him in contempt of Congress.
At the Oversight hearing on Wednesday, Hunter Biden was joined by Lowell and Kevin Morris, an associate and entertainment lawyer who is scheduled to appear before for his own deposition related to his financial assistance to Hunter Biden next week.
Hunter Biden reverses course, would sit for closed-door deposition with new subpoena
Hunter Biden on Friday reversed course and said he would agree to give closed-door testimony to Congress if the House Oversight and Judiciary committees issue new subpoenas. Hunter Biden’s lawyer, …
thehill.com
DIY-HP-LED
Well-Known Member
Hunter, or I should say his lawyer is playing these clowns like a fish on a line.Hunter Biden reverses course, would sit for closed-door deposition with new subpoena
Hunter Biden on Friday reversed course and said he would agree to give closed-door testimony to Congress if the House Oversight and Judiciary committees issue new subpoenas.
Hunter Biden’s lawyer, Abbe Lowell, made the offer in a letter on Friday to Oversight Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) and Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), the two Republicans who have led the investigations into the Biden family and an impeachment inquiry into President Biden.
“You have not explained why you are not interested in transparency and having the American people witness the full and complete testimony of Mr. Biden at a public hearing. If you issue a new proper subpoena, now that there is a duly authorized impeachment inquiry, Mr. Biden will comply for a hearing or deposition. We will accept such a subpoena on Mr. Biden’s behalf,” Lowell wrote.
President Biden’s son had previously offered only to testify in a public setting, and defied a subpoena to appear for a closed-door deposition last month.
That prompted Republicans to advance a resolution to hold him in contempt of Congress — after a surprise appearance from Hunter Biden as one of the panel’s debated the measure.
A full House vote is scheduled for next week, after which the Department of Justice could decide whether to bring charges against Hunter Biden.
Lowell argued that the original subpoenas from the Judiciary and Oversight committees, issued in November, were invalid because the House did not formally vote to authorize an impeachment inquiry into Biden until December.
It is unclear if the Oversight and Judiciary panels will issue new subpoenas for Hunter Biden. Spokespeople for the committees did not immediately comment on the offer from Lowell.
The panels regularly assert when they issue subpoenas that they have the right to seek information for any legislative reason, and Comer has said the Oversight committee is hoping to craft legislation to combat “influence peddling” by family members.
Both Republicans and Democrats in recent years have shifted arguments about whether an impeachment inquiry needs a House vote to be valid.
When former Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D-Calif.) moved to open an impeachment inquiry into former President Trump without an initial vote in 2019, former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and the White House Office of Legal Counsel under Trump argued that such an inquiry was invalid without a vote. A full House vote came about a month later.
But then, McCarthy moved in September 2023 to put various House GOP probes into the Biden family’s foreign business dealings and how the Department of Justice handled a tax crimes investigation into Hunter Biden under the umbrella of an impeachment inquiry without a vote. The House later formalized the inquiry with a vote in December after the White House, citing the Trump-era Office of Legal Counsel opinion, responded to requests for information saying the inquiry was unconstitutional.
Lowell cited the same Trump-era legal opinion in his letter.
Lowell argued in the letter that the younger Biden said “repeatedly that he would answer all pertinent and relevant questions you and your colleagues had for him at a public hearing.”
“Rather than accepting Mr. Biden’s offer to voluntarily sit for a public hearing, you are now seeking to have the full House find him in contempt based on subpoenas for a deposition that you issued on November 8 and 9, 2023,” he said, arguing that the “subpoenas were and are legally invalid and cannot form a legal basis to proceed with your misdirected and impermissible contempt resolution.”
Hunter Biden earlier made a surprise appearance at a markup of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee on Wednesday before the panel was set to approve the resolution to hold him in contempt of Congress.
At the Oversight hearing on Wednesday, Hunter Biden was joined by Lowell and Kevin Morris, an associate and entertainment lawyer who is scheduled to appear before for his own deposition related to his financial assistance to Hunter Biden next week.
Hunter Biden reverses course, would sit for closed-door deposition with new subpoena
Hunter Biden on Friday reversed course and said he would agree to give closed-door testimony to Congress if the House Oversight and Judiciary committees issue new subpoenas. Hunter Biden’s lawyer, …
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Xi pissed?
Blinken offers congratulations to Lai Ching-te for victory in Taiwan election
Secretary of State Antony Blinken weighed in on Taiwan’s presidential election on Saturday, offering his congratulations to Lai Ching-te, who goes by William, for his victory.
“The United States congratulates Dr. Lai Ching-te on his victory in Taiwan’s presidential election,” Blinken said in a statement shared by the State Department. “We also congratulate the Taiwan people for once again demonstrating the strength of their robust democratic system and electoral process.”
Lai, who previously served as vice president, emerged the winner of the country’s presidential election, after a high-stakes race forced his opponents to concede.
The result will decide the country’s relations with China for the next several years, as China warns that peace and stability in the region are threatened between the two countries. China claims the strip of water between the countries is its own to rule.
“We look forward to working with Dr. Lai and Taiwan’s leaders of all parties to advance our shared interests and values, and to further our longstanding unofficial relationship, consistent with the U.S. one China policy,” Blinken said Saturday in the statement.
“We are confident that Taiwan will continue to serve as an example for all who strive for freedom, democracy, and prosperity,” he added.
China previously warned that the election was critical, as voters could be choosing between war and peace. The country has openly opposed Lai’s party — the Democratic Progressive Party — as it claims sovereignty over the island that has governed itself for nearly three quarters of a century.
Lai has rejected China’s claims of sovereignty and offered to speak with China but officials have refused to hold talks, calling them “separatists” for splitting from the mainland after a civil war in 1949.
“Today, #Taiwan has once again shown the world our people’s commitment to democracy,” Lai posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
He said he is grateful for the trust placed in him by the public and remains committed to “upholding peace in the Taiwan Strait and being a force of good in the international community.”
thehill.com
Blinken offers congratulations to Lai Ching-te for victory in Taiwan election
Secretary of State Antony Blinken weighed in on Taiwan’s presidential election on Saturday, offering his congratulations to Lai Ching-te, who goes by William, for his victory.
“The United States congratulates Dr. Lai Ching-te on his victory in Taiwan’s presidential election,” Blinken said in a statement shared by the State Department. “We also congratulate the Taiwan people for once again demonstrating the strength of their robust democratic system and electoral process.”
Lai, who previously served as vice president, emerged the winner of the country’s presidential election, after a high-stakes race forced his opponents to concede.
The result will decide the country’s relations with China for the next several years, as China warns that peace and stability in the region are threatened between the two countries. China claims the strip of water between the countries is its own to rule.
“We look forward to working with Dr. Lai and Taiwan’s leaders of all parties to advance our shared interests and values, and to further our longstanding unofficial relationship, consistent with the U.S. one China policy,” Blinken said Saturday in the statement.
“We are confident that Taiwan will continue to serve as an example for all who strive for freedom, democracy, and prosperity,” he added.
China previously warned that the election was critical, as voters could be choosing between war and peace. The country has openly opposed Lai’s party — the Democratic Progressive Party — as it claims sovereignty over the island that has governed itself for nearly three quarters of a century.
Lai has rejected China’s claims of sovereignty and offered to speak with China but officials have refused to hold talks, calling them “separatists” for splitting from the mainland after a civil war in 1949.
“Today, #Taiwan has once again shown the world our people’s commitment to democracy,” Lai posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
He said he is grateful for the trust placed in him by the public and remains committed to “upholding peace in the Taiwan Strait and being a force of good in the international community.”
Blinken offers congratulations to Lai Ching-te for victory in Taiwan election
Secretary of State Antony Blinken weighed in on Taiwan’s presidential election on Saturday, offering his congratulations to Lai Ching-te, who goes by William, for his victory. “The Unit…
thehill.com
DIY-HP-LED
Well-Known Member
Isn't he, Gym Jordan and others on Jack's list? They could only be a couple of desperate rats away from prison themselves.Who is boss?
Comer warns Garland over handling of potential Hunter Biden contempt resolution
House Oversight and Accountability Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) warned U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland that if he doesn’t hold Hunter Biden, the president’s son, to the same level as Republicans who were held in contempt of Congress, he could face impeachment.
“With respect to Merrick Garland, look, we know how he’s treated two Republicans that were held in contempt of Congress,” Comer told Newsmax’s Chris Salcedo on Monday. “Now, he’s going to have an opportunity to hold the same type of justice with a Democrat that disavowed a lawful subpoena.”
Salcedo asked Comer if Garland would further his grounds for impeachment if Hunter Biden was not treated the same as Peter Navarro, an economic adviser to former President Trump who was convicted of contempt of Congress in September, in part for failing to appear for a deposition.
Comer responded with, “I think so.”
On Monday, the committee released text of a resolution to hold Hunter Biden in contempt of Congress for defying a subpoena to appear for a closed-door deposition, which is part of an impeachment inquiry into President Biden.
The Oversight and House Judiciary panels are set to hold markups Wednesday to consider the contempt of Congress resolution, which Comer and Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) vowed to move forward with after Hunter Biden failed to appear for a deposition on Dec. 13.
The president’s son said he would appear at a public hearing, and his legal team said a closed-door testimony would be misrepresented by House Republicans. House Republicans said the public format was not enough for the investigation, and a closed-door testimony was standard.
House Republican’s impeachment inquiry into President Biden is examining Hunter Biden’s foreign business dealings and the Department of Justice’s handling of a tax crime investigation into the president’s son. Both Hunter Biden and the president have denied President Biden was involved in any wrongdoing.
Comer’s recent comments drew criticism from Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) as Congress heads toward another government shutdown deadline.
“We are 10 days from a government shutdown. What are Republicans focused on? Threatening to impeach AG Garland because Hunter Biden agreed to testify publicly under oath in front of Congress instead of doing a closed door deposition,” Lieu posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. “House Republicans are not serious people.”
Comer warns Garland over handling of potential Hunter Biden contempt resolution
House Oversight and Accountability Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) warned U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland that if he doesn’t hold Hunter Biden, the president’s son, to the same level as R…
DIY-HP-LED
Well-Known Member
Xi's rockets were filled with water from reports, and he has the heads of a dozen corrupt generals over it. I guess Russia's corruption and performance in Ukraine got them motivated to take a look. If you are a corrupt general, then if you were ordered to use nukes then you would be fucked anyway, game over, so why not steal. Apparently, China won't be ready for war any time soon...Xi pissed?
Blinken offers congratulations to Lai Ching-te for victory in Taiwan election
Secretary of State Antony Blinken weighed in on Taiwan’s presidential election on Saturday, offering his congratulations to Lai Ching-te, who goes by William, for his victory.
“The United States congratulates Dr. Lai Ching-te on his victory in Taiwan’s presidential election,” Blinken said in a statement shared by the State Department. “We also congratulate the Taiwan people for once again demonstrating the strength of their robust democratic system and electoral process.”
Lai, who previously served as vice president, emerged the winner of the country’s presidential election, after a high-stakes race forced his opponents to concede.
The result will decide the country’s relations with China for the next several years, as China warns that peace and stability in the region are threatened between the two countries. China claims the strip of water between the countries is its own to rule.
“We look forward to working with Dr. Lai and Taiwan’s leaders of all parties to advance our shared interests and values, and to further our longstanding unofficial relationship, consistent with the U.S. one China policy,” Blinken said Saturday in the statement.
“We are confident that Taiwan will continue to serve as an example for all who strive for freedom, democracy, and prosperity,” he added.
China previously warned that the election was critical, as voters could be choosing between war and peace. The country has openly opposed Lai’s party — the Democratic Progressive Party — as it claims sovereignty over the island that has governed itself for nearly three quarters of a century.
Lai has rejected China’s claims of sovereignty and offered to speak with China but officials have refused to hold talks, calling them “separatists” for splitting from the mainland after a civil war in 1949.
“Today, #Taiwan has once again shown the world our people’s commitment to democracy,” Lai posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
He said he is grateful for the trust placed in him by the public and remains committed to “upholding peace in the Taiwan Strait and being a force of good in the international community.”
Blinken offers congratulations to Lai Ching-te for victory in Taiwan election
Secretary of State Antony Blinken weighed in on Taiwan’s presidential election on Saturday, offering his congratulations to Lai Ching-te, who goes by William, for his victory. “The Unit…