1 House Judiciary Committee Squabbles Over Articles Of Impeachment
Democrats and Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee are squabbling over the articles of impeachment against President Trump. Democrats are accusing Trump of abuse of power and obstructing Congress in the Ukraine scandal. In an unusual nighttime meeting, Louisiana Democrat Cedric Richmond rejected the Republican argument that Dems are ‘rushing to judgment.’ Instead, he called it a "rush to justice” and argued that Congress cannot "cower to a bully with a bully pulpit." Alabama Republican Martha Roby said Democrats are charting a course that does not reflect American principles – and that “the nation deserves better.” Meanwhile...more Americans oppose removing President Trump from office. A Quinnipiac Poll finds 51% of registered voters say Trump should not be removed from office. That’s opposed to the 45% that say Trump should be. In other words, no matter what either side of the aisle is claiming about landslide support for their position, it’s really neck and neck. Either way, the House Judiciary Committee is planning to vote on endorsing two articles of impeachment against the president by tomorrow.
2 Trump Signs Executive Order Combating Anti-Semitism
President Trump has signed an executive order that fights anti-Semitism on college campuses. The order defines Jewish people as an ethnic group instead of merely a religious one. This move give the federal government broader authority to withhold funding over anti-Semitic actions under sections of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 pertaining to education. Speaking at a Hanukkah celebration, Trump noted that Congress had tried to pass similar measures, but those efforts always stalled. He added that the move sends the message to universities that if they want to accept federal funds, they must reject anti-Semitism.
3 Pentagon Insists Trump Interventions Won't Change Order Of Discipline
Defense officials say they are maintaining the order of discipline, despite President Trump intervening in multiple military prosecutions. “The Hill” reports the Pentagon's top general addressed lawmakers who criticize the clemencies granted to Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher, Army 1st Lieutenant Clint Lorance and Army Major Mathew Golsteyn. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Mark Milley said good order and discipline are being preserved and under no circumstances will the military be reduced to violent pillages overseas. As you might recall, shortly after the clemencies were granted, Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer was forced to resign. In his resignation letter, which was addressed to the President, Spencer said “the rule of law is what sets us apart from our adversaries, and when it comes to good order and discipline,” and that he no longer shared the same views as the Commander in Chief. On a related note, the House is giving the go-ahead to a massive defense policy bill that would create President Trump's desired Space Force. How “massive” is it? The $738-billion National defense Authorization Act was overwhelmingly passed with only 48 lawmakers voting against it. The compromise bill also includes 12-weeks of paid parental leave for federal workers, and increases pay for the troops by more than three-percent. President Trump has said he would sign the bill, but it has to get through the Senate first.