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1 Republicans Stall Democratic Resolution To Expel Rep. George Santos
Republicans in the House kicked the can down the road on the issue of expelling Rep. George Santos from his seat. Rep. Robert Garcia of California introduced a resolution to expel Santos, but instead, the House voted to refer the resolution to the House Ethics Committee. All five Republicans on the committee voted in favor of the motion to move the resolution, while all of the Democrats on the committee voted present. Republican Rep. Anthony D’Esposito of New York made the motion to refer the resolution with a speech that called Santos “a stain on this institution, a stain on the state of New York, a stain on Long Island, and a stain on the beloved Nassau County.” D’Esposito went on to say that he was for expelling Santos, but he said those who agree with him “do not have the two-thirds support from members in this House” that would be required to expel him. Santos told reporters after the vote that he would resign if the Ethics Committee recommended it. He’s pleaded not guilty to 13 criminal counts, including seven counts of wire fraud. Only five members of the House have been expelled in U.S. history.
2 Florida Gov. DeSantis Signs Bills To Ban Gender-Affirming Treatments For Minors
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed several bills into law yesterday related to transgender issues. Senate Bill 254 outlaws gender transition surgeries and medication for minors in the state and makes it a first-degree misdemeanor for medical personnel to perform the surgeries. It also gives state courts the ability to take physical custody of a child who’s “being subjected to sex-reassignment prescriptions or procedures.” DeSantis also signed House Bill 1069, an expansion of the “Parental Rights in Education” bill signed into law in March of last year. HB 1069 expands the law to now apply to students in eighth grade and lower. Other bills signed into Florida law yesterday include bans on minors attending drag shows, strip clubs or “other sexually explicit adult performances, and the “Ensuring Women’s Safety” bill that says trans people are barred from using the restroom that matches their chosen gender.
3 New Mexico Shooter Used Three Weapons, Including AR-15, and Left a Note
Authorities in Farmington, New Mexico revealed new details about the mass shooting on Monday that killed three elderly women and injured more. Farmington Police Chief Steve Hebbe said that the shooter used a rifle and two handguns in the attack and had 10 more firearms in his house plus over 1,400 rounds of ammunition. San Juan County Sheriff’s Captain Kevin Burns said the 18-year-old shooter opened fire from his home, then walked out and continued firing. Burns said investigators have picked up at least 176 rounds that were fired during the shooting, including 141 that were fired from the shooter’s home. Investigators haven’t found a motive for the attack, but the shooter’s family said they had been worried about his mental health.