Republican Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) delivered keynote remarks at a discussion on Russia's military strategy in Europe and their violation of the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty after reports surfaced that Russia recently tested weapons prohibited under the treaty. Sen. Cotton, who chairs the Senate Armed Services AirLand subcommittee, said there could be no re-negotiation of the current treaty because of Russia's violation and urged the U.S. to continue to put pressure on Russia. He added that Russia is now capable of hitting the U.S. and said they are trying to divide the West like they did in the 1980s. This event was hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, DC.
The Center for Strategic and International Studies hosted a panel discussion on their recently published report examining priorities for Army modernization. Panelists addressed concerns over increasing global threats and military readiness and fielded questions on cybersecurity, chemical warfare, and how the Army should communicate their modernization priorities with Congress.
The House Budget Committee met to mark up the 2018 budget resolution. In this portion, committee members sought answers from policy advisers and staff members regarding numbers for certain programs. Following this they began debating and voting on amendments. Amendments considered included one rejecting efforts to repeal and replace the health care law and one dealing with defense spending. Rep. Diane Black (R-TN) chairs the committee while Rep. John Yarmuth (D-KY) serves as the ranking member.
Sen. McConnell quoted Planned Parenthood board member and others as supporting Bush as fair and open minded Sen. Durbin opposes nomination, says that he lacks temperament for a lifetime appointment.
Sens. Hirono and Murray criticize Bush record on women's & reproductive rights. Murray reads statement from Planned Parenthood in KY that it does not support nominee
Sens. Blumenthal & Franken cite Bush's posting on extremist websites and quotations. They say he did not answer questions during hearing. Franken asks whether Senators can tell their families that they voted for Bush
President Trump's FCC picks for chair and the two remaining commissioner seats testified before the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. Nominees Jessica Rosenworcel (D) and Brendan Carr (R) if confirmed will bring the FCC back to full member status. FCC Chair Ajit Pai, who was first placed on the commission by President Obama and elevated to chair by President Trump, testfied to be reconfirmed for another 5-year term.
The House Budget Committee met to mark up the 2018 budget resolution. In this portion, committee members sought answers from policy advisers and staff members regarding numbers for certain programs. Following this they began debating and voting on amendments. Amendments considered included one rejecting efforts to repeal and replace the health care law and one dealing with defense spending. Rep. Diane Black (R-TN) chairs the committee while Rep. John Yarmuth (D-KY) serves as the ranking member.
