1 41 Is Finally At Rest
Former President George H.W. Bush is in his final resting place. Bush was interred on the grounds of his presidential library at Texas A&M yesterday. Before that, however, the nation’s 41st President was celebrated in his church of 50 years. Mourners packed St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Houston as former Secretary of State James Baker and Bush's grandson, George P. Bush, delivered eulogies. Other family participated and while the legendary Oak Ridge Boys turned in a divine rendition of “Amazing Grace,” it was Reba McEntire’s performance of “The Lord’s Prayer” that brought former President George W. Bush to tears. After the service concluded, Bush’s body traveled on a special train – dubbed Union Pacific Engine 4141 – bound for College Station, Texas and the presidential library and museum. And he didn’t make that trip alone. While the Bush family joined him on the specially designed train, thousands of people lined the train tracks to bid farewell to 41.
2 The Search Continues For 5 Marines Missing Off Coast Of Japan
Yesterday we told you about the search for five U.S. Marines missing after two military aircraft collided off the coast of Japan. That desperate search continues. This as sadly, a sixth Marine has died while the seventh is said to be in fair condition after being rescued at sea. The crash involved an F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet and a KC-130 fuel tanker. Both planes were based at Marine Corps Station Iwakuni [[EE-wah-koon-ee]] in southern Japan. Details surrounding the cause of the crash have not been released – the investigation continues. Meanwhile…President Trump is offering thoughts and prayers for those affected. In a tweet, Trump also thanked American forces involved in rescue and recovery operations. “Thank you to @USForcesJapan for their immediate response and rescue efforts,” he wrote. “Whatever you need, we are here for you.”
3 Pelosi: House Will Pass Bi-Partisan Gun Legislation Soon
What will January's swearing in of the 116th Congress bring? According to Minority Leader – and likely House Speaker Nancy Pelosi – gun laws are certainly on the menu. Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Pelosi said the new Democratic-controlled House is working to pass bipartisan gun legislation. “We will pass common sense gun violence prevention legislation soon,” Pelosi noted. “And… it will be bipartisan.” Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy echoed the sentiment – and so did Senator Richard Blumenthal. “We are breaking the vicelike grip of the NRA and the gun lobby on this institution,” Blumenthal offered. “You put gun violence on the ballot this November and we won.” But have they? Gun rights advocates don’t appear concerned. “While they may pass bills in the House, I’m not entirely convinced that these proposals will prevail in the Senate or be signed by the president,” says Lawrence G. Keane with the National Shooting Sports Foundation. “The Senate’s become more pro-gun — not less pro-gun … and obviously, we have the most pro-gun, pro-Second Amendment president in history.”