GOP to float censure of Trump as Democrats move on impeachment
Lawmakers press for answers about deadly Capitol attack by Trump supporters
As Democrats try to trigger the 25th Amendment, some Republicans will offer up a censure of President Trump over the U.S. Capitol attack. The House will vote Wednesday on one article of impeachment. This is "Regular Order" for Jan. 12, 2021.
HOUSE TO PRESSURE PENCE. The House will vote today to press Vice President Pence to exercise the 25th Amendment, and push President Trump out of office. That measure won’t pass the Senate, and Pence isn’t going to act. But Democrats say it's important to signal their concerns, especially in the wake of last week's deadly attack on the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters. "We must exhaust all options to remove Trump and protect our democracy," said Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA).
ON THE RECORD. One note about the 25th Amendment vote: Democrats tried to pass their plan on Monday without debate - but Republicans blocked it. Ironically, that will force GOP lawmakers to vote on whether they think extraordinary measures are needed by the Trump Cabinet right now. It could expose some cracks among Republicans which might otherwise go unnoticed.
WEDNESDAY IS IMPEACHMENT. The House impeachment plan will have just one charge, "Incitement of Insurrection.' The measure says President Trump repeatedly lied about election fraud, and incited supporters by saying, "if you don’t fight like hell you’re not going to have a country anymore." The charge also includes the recent phone call where the President urged Georgia elections officials to 'find' enough votes for him to win that state. Read the four page impeachment resolution here.
GOP: IMPEACH OR CENSURE? Arguing that impeachment is too harsh of a punishment, some GOP lawmakers will introduce a censure resolution today against the President. But don’t be surprised if a few Republicans do vote to impeach. Rep. Peter Meijer (R-MI) bluntly argues the claims of election fraud by President Trump and GOP lawmakers were completely bogus - and led to the violent attack on the Capitol.
POLICE SCRUTINY. The internal investigation of last week's attack on the Capitol has resulted in the suspension of 'several' Capitol Police officers so far. The Acting Chief said in a statement Monday night that videos are being reviewed to see if other disciplinary action is needed, "up to, and including, termination." Rep. Tim Ryan (D-OH) told reporters that as many as 15 other officers are under investigation, but said there was no evidence the attack was some kind of 'inside job.'
WHO WAS IN THE MOB? The Pentagon is being asked to punish any active duty members, reservists, or even veterans - who took part in the attack. "Service members who violated their oath should face the fullest extent of military justice," said Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-CA). "Take rank, take pay, throw them in the brig," said Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ). Gallego also suggested stripping vets of their pensions.
DOZENS OF POLICE INJURED. The "Thin Blue Line" suffered badly in the violent attack by Trump supporters last week. Not only was one Capitol Police officer killed - with another committing suicide over the weekend - but almost five dozen Washington, D.C. police officers were injured, including one who was dragged into the crowd while defending a U.S. Capitol entrance.
DEMS HAMMER YELLOW. Democrats went after two Alabama Republicans on Monday, first filing a censure resolution against Rep. Mo Brooks (R-AL) for inciting Trump supporters to attack the Capitol. Also under fire was Rep. Barry Moore (R-AL), as Democrats denounced his tweets where he mocked one arrest, amplified fake charges of election fraud, and made racial remarks about the shooting death of one Trump supporter. Moore deleted his personal Twitter account on Sunday.
FORT CAPITOL HILL. I took a walk around the Capitol on Monday. The grounds are all closed off behind tall fencing and jersey barriers. There are police and National Guard troops every few feet. The military is also providing extra security at House and Senate office buildings. All the while, the work continues to finish the inaugural platform for Joe Biden - in the exact spot where Trump supporters repeatedly and brutally attacked Capitol Police. And there were small tributes to a fallen officer.
UPCOMING LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM:
House meets at 9 am.
Senate meets at 12:30 pm.
President Trump visits the border in Texas.
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“Conference reports may be brought up at any time. Any further program will be announced later.”
Thank you Jamie. I turn to you and Heather Cox Richardson first thing every morning to give me an accurate account of what has happened.
Local Atlanta media did two stories yesterday:
Clark Howard was the only Commentary on the Federal Reserve Report two weeks ago;
1. Local Rents are up 10%.
2. Essentials due Inflation are up 20%.
Are we looking at "Run-A-Way" Inflation and Biden wants to increase Taxes in an Inflation ?