CSIS's Mark Cancian discusses the Russia rebellion and impact on the Russia-Ukraine war, and Washington Times' Cheryl Chumley and Washington Post's Paul Waldman discuss Campaign 2024 and political news of the day.
House Intelligence Committee Chair Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH) and Ranking Member Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT) spoke to reporters after holding a closed hearing with former Justice Department Special Counsel John Durham, who reviewed the FBI's investigation into Russian interference in 2016 presidential election and allegations of misconduct by investigators. This closed hearing happened a day before Mr. Durham's public testimony before the House Judiciary Committee.
Former Justice Department special counsel John Durham said he was not aware of any evidence of collusion or conspiracy between the Trump campaign and Russia during the 2016 election when asked if he found any evidence to the contrary during his investigation. Mr. Durham appeared before the House Judiciary Committee to testify on his investigation of "Crossfire Hurricane," the code name for the FBI's investigation of links between the 2016 Trump presidential campaign and Russian operatives. However, he did confirm that it was "incumbent" upon the FBI to open an investigation given the information they had. Several topics were discussed, including the Trump campaign's ties to Russia, Hillary Clinton's campaign and the Steele Dossier, and the Mueller investigation into Russian interference.
Former Justice Department special counsel John Durham said he was not aware of any evidence of collusion or conspiracy between the Trump campaign and Russia during the 2016 election when asked if he found any evidence to the contrary during his investigation. Mr. Durham appeared before the House Judiciary Committee to testify on his investigation of "Crossfire Hurricane," the code name for the FBI's investigation of links between the 2016 Trump presidential campaign and Russian operatives. However, he did confirm that it was "incumbent" upon the FBI to open an investigation given the information they had. Several topics were discussed, including the Trump campaign's ties to Russia, Hillary Clinton's campaign and the Steele Dossier, and the Mueller investigation into Russian interference.
Former Justice Department special counsel John Durham said he was not aware of any evidence of collusion or conspiracy between the Trump campaign and Russia during the 2016 election when asked if he found any evidence to the contrary during his investigation. Mr. Durham appeared before the House Judiciary Committee to testify on his investigation of "Crossfire Hurricane," the code name for the FBI's investigation of links between the 2016 Trump presidential campaign and Russian operatives. However, he did confirm that it was "incumbent" upon the FBI to open an investigation given the information they had. Several topics were discussed, including the Trump campaign's ties to Russia, Hillary Clinton's campaign and the Steele Dossier, and the Mueller investigation into Russian interference.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with reporters at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing following his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. He said they both agreed that both countries would benefit from normalizing their diplomatic relationship, and that he approached a number of sensitive topics with the Chinese president, including China's relationships with Russia and North Korea, as well as its aggressive military stance in the South China Sea. Secretary Blinken also answered questions from reporters, including one on his discussions with President Xi about intellectual property rights in China.
President Biden delivered remarks in San Francisco on the Biden Administration's efforts to assess the opportunities and risks associated with artificial intelligence. Following his remarks, a reporter asked if President Biden spoke to his son following news of federal charges brought against Hunter Biden, to which President Biden responded, "I'm very proud of my son."
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy gave a verbal rebuke of California Democratic Representative Adam Schiff after the House voted to censure him for claims he made about former President Donald Trump and alleged Russian ties. Congressman Schiff is the 25th member to ever be censured by the U.S. House of Representatives. He stood in the well of the House chamber alongside his Democratic colleagues as Speaker McCarthy addressed the allegations against him.
Veterans Affairs (VA) officials testified on efforts to improve financial management of their agency before a House Veterans' Affairs subcommittee. Specifically, the hearing focused on the department's Financial Management Business Transformation program--the VA's third attempt to modernize its aging financial and accounting systems. Chair Matt Rosendale (R-MT) said the VA's budget of $325 billion reflects that Congress prioritizes veterans' health care and benefits, but said it was "inexcusable and downright irresponsible" for the department's accounting system to be "barely functioning."
Advocates testified on the civil rights of LGBTQ Americans, especially for transgender youths, before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Witnesses included 16-year-old transgender girl Harleigh Walker, who spoke about discriminatory laws and treatment against transgender youths in her home state of Alabama; Dr. Ximena Lopez, who discussed facts concerning gender-affirming care for minors; and former University of Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines, who shared her experience of competing against transgender woman Lia Thomas in a 2022 NCAA championship match, tying for fifth place with her. Ms. Thomas also won the 500-yard freestyle event in the tournament, becoming the first openly trans woman champion in the NCAA women's division.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) called for Congress to act promptly in a bipartisan manner to implement regulations on artificial intelligence (AI) technology. In a speech at a DC think tank, Leader Schumer outlined a framework for action within the year. He warned failure to act means AI technology would go unchecked and could harm the nation's security and democracy. The Center for Strategic and International Studies hosted this event.
Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) spoke about regulating big tech companies and social media platforms at an event hosted by New America and the Wikimedia Foundation. Other topics included consumer protection, free speech, privacy and the role of Congress in striking the right balance of regulations. Following the senator's remarks, a panel debated the pros and cons of regulating social media.
The House considered a bill to expand health insurance options for small businesses. This part of the floor debate was managed by the Education & Workforce Committee.