Senators from VA and IL react differently major Boeing announcement

Senators from Virginia and Illinois had very different responses last week to a major announcement from Boeing

VERBATIM:

When Boeing announced it will be moving it’s headquarters from Chicago to Arlington, VA, it drew cheers from Virginia senator Mark Warner [R-VA] ……jeers from Tammy Duckworth [D-Ill] of Illinois. She calls the move ‘harmful’ to Illinois workers and jobs. Senator Warner [D-VA] celebrated the move, which he negotiated with the help of the state’s new Republican governor Glenn Youngkin [R-VA]. Boeing says the move will put the company closer to major stakeholder, government officials, and engineering talent.

GOP’s McConnell upbeat about recapturing Senate majority

Republican leader Mitch McConnell says his party has a good chance of recapturing the Senate in the midterm elections

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The Senate Minority Leader said last week he’s optimistic Republicans can gain enough seats to recapture the Majority. He told an event sponsored by the Punchbowl News -the November elections are quote ‘going to be a midterm report card on the performance of the president and the president’s approval.’ He also stressed the importance of Republicans having electable nominees. Bob Agnew reporting.

Ketanji Brown Jackson accused of going light on criminals

At her confirmation hearings last week, Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson was accused of going light on criminals

VERBATIM: Alabama state Attorney General Steve Marshall says those who -like Jackson-who sometimes make arguments against police or incarceration1Marshall says Jackson’s record as a judge suggests she may have more empathy for criminals than for their victims2Some senators raised concerns about Jackson’s record of lighter-than-recommended sentences for child pornographers…./
and her connection to a DC private school that prescribes reading on Critical race theory and abolishing police.

Former Sen. Talent: strong U.S. leadership best way to prevent invasion of Taiwan

Former U.S, senator Jim Talent says strong U.S. leadership the best way to stave off a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan. Talent says China’s willingness to keep the peace will be determined by what it sees the U.S. doing in terms of Defense and Foreign policy. And he says China’s not the only one watching. Talent tells the Salem Radio Network the U.S. should start now to develop operational plans with Australia and Japan to respond in the event of a Chinese attack on Taiwan.

Senator warns that Ukraine could be just the beginning for Russia’s Putin

One U.S. senator says a Russian invasion of Ukraine could be just the beginning for Vladimir Putin

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Senator Tom Cotton says Putin has big plans for his region of the world…ones that well beyond Ukraine1Cotton tells the Salem Radio network that –in the process-Puting would like to control a series of neighboring countries as a buffer zone to keep the West at bay2Cotton says Putin want’s no kind of Democratic or representative government in Slavic lands/
fearing that may become popular…and even spread to Russia.

Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti is one step closer to becoming the U.S. ambassador to India

Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti is one step closer to becoming the U.S. ambassador to India

VERBATIM:

Garcetti’s nomination for ambassador was approved by the senate Foreign Relations Committee last week, sending it on to the full Senate for final consideration. The white house announced Garcetti’s nomination in July, touting what it described as his experience overseeing ” “the busiest container port in the Western Hemisphere, the largest municipal utility in the country, and one of the busiest airports in the world,” Garcetti’s term as mayor is set to end in December. Confirmation before then would leave the LA City Council to appoint an interim mayor.

There was some good news this past week for Minnesota senator Amy Klobuchar

There was some good news this past week for Minnesota senator Amy Klobuchar

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It was back in September senator Klobuchar announced she had completed a round of radiation after having been diagnosed with STAGE-1 breast cancer. She now tweets “Good news to share: I got my results back from my first 6-month post-cancer exam & everything was clear. “ Klobucha ran a failed bid for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020, until she threw her support behind Joe Biden. She currently chairs the Senate Rules Committee.

Sen. Cotton accuses Dems of trying to sow racial division among school children

Republican senator Tom Cotton [R-ARK] is accusing Democrats of trying to sow racial division among America’s school children

VERBATIM:

Senator Cotton says the goal is clear:

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Cotton says leftist educators have gone so far as to cancel Advancent Placement and Gifted-and-Talented programs in some schools:

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Cotton says unless Democrats alter their course, they can expect parents worried about their children’s education to vote heavily Republican in next year’s midterm election.

“SOC”.

Democrats, Republicans see VA governor’s election as a bellwether for 2022 mid-terms

Democrats and Republicans alike see Tuesday’s governor election in Virginia as a bellwether for next year’s mid-term elections. Correspondent Bob Agnew reports.

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Former U.S. senator Jim Talent says things are looking good for Republicans

Reasons like the border crisis and inflation…

Republicans hope a Glenn Youngkin victory next week over former governor Democrat Terry McAuliffe will signal their party has momentum headed nto the 2022 mid-terms.

Lawmakers concerned about impact of Afghan pullout on U.S. global standing

U.S. lawmakers are raising concerns about the impact on U.S. standing in the world following the stranding of loyal Afghan allies during the flawed U.S. pullout

VERBATIM:

Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas lamenting the U.S. abandonment of tens of thousands of Afghan interpreters and their families…1
Former senator Jim Talent tells the Salem Radio Network the tragic final chapter of the U.S. pullout is sending a message around the world…2Talent says the fate of nearly all Afghan’s who assisted the U.S. is sealed. As all are likely targets of Taliban retribution.

Former GOP senator: tough odds in returning all Americans from Afghanistan

Former U.S. senator Jim Talent says the U.S. faces tough odds in securing the return of all Americans from Afghanistan

VERBATIM:

Talent tells the Salem Radio Network the Taliban may not be willing to negotiate in good faith..1Talent says it’s shaping up as a ‘no-win scenario for the U.S.2Talent says the Taliban could lose control to rival factions…including the ultra radical Haqqani Network.

Senate expected to pass the Endless Frontier Act to help U.S. tech companies compete with China

The Senate in early June is expected to pass the Endless Frontier Act to help U.S. tech companies compete with China

VERBATIM:

Republican co-sponsor of the bill Todd Young of Indiana says Americans have always been about conquering new frontiers.
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But China’s posing a challenge Young says. Just recently deploying and landing it’s own rover on Mars.
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The Frontier Act will funnel some $200 billion to U.S. tech companies via the National Science Foundation.

and establishes various programs and activities aimed at high-tech innovation.
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The chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee says he’s optimistic about picking up new seats in the 2022 mid-term elections

The chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee says he’s optimistic about picking up new seats in the 2022 mid-term elections

VERBATIM:

Senator Rick Scott of Florida says support for Republicans is about to surge1Scott predicts Americans will quickly become dismayed with President Biden’s progressive agenda
2Scott tells the Salem Radio Network Republicans will flip enough senate seats in 2022 to regain the Senate Majority.

GOP Sen. Crapo, others urging IRS to extend this year’s tax filing deadline

Republican senator Mike Crapo (CRAPE’-oh) is joining with those calling on the IRS to extend this year’s tax filing deadline. Bob Agnew reports.

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VERBATIM: The Idaho Republican is adding his voice to calls for the IRS to do what it did in 2020…extend the tax filing deadline as Americans still face logistical, economic, and health complications tied to Covid-19. In a statement Crapo also notes recent passage of several Coronavirus relief bills “have required tax preparation firms to constantly update their systems”. Analysts say one provision in the recent relief bill causing complications is one that makes tax-free the first $10,200 in unemployment benefits people received last year.

Senate’s top Republican says the nation is on the road to recovery from Covid-19

The Senate’s top Republican says the nation is on the road to recovery from Covid-19

VERBATIM:

Minority Leader Mitch McConnell says there’s no doubt about it….
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From more Americans vaccinated…to a rebounding U.S. economy….
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The Kentucky Republican quick to point out that
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Including covid-19 vaccines deveoped under President trump’s leadership at ‘record speed’.

“SOC”

The Senate has canceled it’s March recess to work on a funding bill to offset the economic impact of the Corona Virus

The Senate has canceled it’s March recess to work on a funding bill to offset the economic impact of the Corona Virus. Capitol Hill correspondent Bob Agnew reports.

There was growing pressure within the GOP on Thursday to cancel plans for a recess….and return to Washington next week to complete a funding bill. The effort was complicated by lengthy back and forth discussions between House Speaker Pelosi and the white house. Debate over a Corona stimulus bill bears all the hallmarks of any economic discussion.., Democrats seeking to expand government programs such as Food Stamps and extended Unemployment. republicans favoring stimulus aimed at bolstering confidence in the markets, including tax breaks to motivate wary investors.

The Senate Judiciary Committee begins closed-door hearings of alleged abuses of the FISA courts

Closed-door hearings have begun as the Senate Judiciary Committee investigates alleged abuses of the FISA courts by members of the government seeking to damage the Trump campaign in 2016. Bob Agnew reports from capitol Hill.

Chairman, Senator Lindsey Graham, has confirmed he’s begun depositions as he pursues allegations some members of the FBI sought to undermine the Trump campaign and used the FISA warrant process to do it. He’s already seeking testimony from some 20 current FBI and justice Department officials. Graham eventually hopes to obtain testimony from former FBI Director James Comey, former DEPUTY Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, as well as former DEPUTY A-G Sally Yates.

Senators are close to a compromise on funding for the Coronavirus

There’s good news in the Senate where lawmakers are close to a compromise on emergency funding for the Corona Virus. Bob Agnew reports.

Minority Leader Senator Charles Schumer says a bi-partisan negotiation between Senate and House appropriators
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No argument from Senator Mitch McConnell
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But the Majority Leader says he is troubled by rumors some Democrats may try to attach price restrictions on companies working to develop new vaccines
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McConnell says some House Democrats want to use the bill to ‘test drive’ elements of their leftist health proposal ‘Medicare For All’

The Senate advances bills aimed at curbing greenhouse emissions

The Senate has voted to advance a comprehensive package of bills aimed at curbing greenhouse emissions. Bob Agnew reports from Capitol Hill.

West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin co-sponsors Senate Bill #2657
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Manchin says the bill draws from more than 50 energy bills….
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Manchin co-sponsors the bill along with Alaska Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski.

It amounts to the nations first comprehensive energy policy update in 13 years

The nation’s top law enforcement official got a strong show of support from Senate Republicans

The nation’s top law enforcement official got a strong show of support this past week from Senate Republicans

Barr’s been facing unending criticism from the left, and for a time it appeared he may be headed toward a stand off with president trump after saying in an interview the president’s tweets at time made it impossible to do his job. After Barr joined Republicans for their weekly luncheon meeting, Majority leader McConnell told reporters ” “We all have a lot of confidence in him. We think he’s doing a terrific job.” There had been fears among some Republicans the political complexities of his role, and blistering attacks from the Left, might cause Barr to resign.

Senate Republicans have reaffirmed their support for Attorney General William Barr

Senate Republicans have reaffirmed their support for Attorney General William Barr. Bob Agnew reports from Capitol Hill.

Barr attended this week’s GOP Luncheon which doubles as a policy session for Republicans Senators. Some had been fearing BARR may be about to resign amid the political complexities of his role, and unending assaults on his character from the left. Barr also recently said the President’s tweets on sensitive topics sometimes make it impossible for him to do his job. After the meeting Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham told the press Barr got a ‘warm reception’ from Senators ..and said there’s ‘widespread appreciation’ for the job he’s doing

AG William Barr is getting a major vote of confidence from GOP members of Congress

Attorney General William Barr is getting a major vote of confidence from GOP members of Congress. Bob Agnew reports.

In a rare joint-statement leader from both ends of the Capitol voiced their support for Barr as a man of the ‘highest integrity’ He’s been under fire for recent DOJ decision involving Trump associates. That includes recommending a lighter sentence for Roger Stone, who was convicted of witness tampering and lying to Congress. The statement is signed by House republican leader Kevin McCarthy, Senate Majority leader McConnell and Judiciary committee Chairman Senator Lindsey Graham. The statement says that as always what it calls an effort to ‘intimidate’ the Attorney general will –in it’s words–‘fall woefully short.

Day One of Trump’s impeachment trial featured heated debate over witnesses, documents

Day One of the President’s impeachment trial has featured heated debate on the issue of witnesses and documents.

It’s still not clear how long the President’s impeachment trial is likely to last.

It’s still not clear how long the President’s impeachment trial is likely to last. Capitol Hill correspondent Bob Agnew reports.

It all hinges on whether Senators feel they have enough evidence after the initial phase of the trial. Senator Ted Cruz told Fox News that a week and a half may be enough time for the House impeachment managers to present their case, the White House to respond, and Senators to submit their written questions. That’s a point at which the Senate is likely to vote on a motion to call new witnesses. Should that pass, Cruz says, witness testimony could extend the trial for up to eight weeks, even longer. Cruz says, unlike in the House, there would also be reciprocity, meaning the President’s defense team would be allowed to call one witness for every one called by House Prosecutors.