The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee met to consider the nomination of Dan Brouillette to be the next energy secretary. Mr. Brouillette, who currently serves as the Energy Department's deputy secretary, was nominated by President Trump after Energy Secretary Rick Perry announced his resignation. Topics discussed in the hearing included Energy Department research efforts, nuclear waste management, climate change and energy sector cybersecurity.
FCC Chair Ajit Pai sat down for a conversation about 5G technology and competition at the Wilson Center in Washington, DC. He discussed the need for the United States to lead the world in the development of 5G technology, the importance to think about security now before a secure system is established, and how the implementation of 5g will impact the way we view the world. He was interviewed by the president and CEO of the Wilson Center, former Democratic Congresswoman Jane Harman. Following the conversation with FCC Chair Pai, a panel of experts sat down to discuss the international policy and security challenges associated with 5G.
Attorney General William Barr spoke at the Federalist Society's national lawyers convention in Washington, DC. He discussed the history and intent of the Constitution and that Congress does not have absolute oversight over the Executive Branch. The attorney general also said that the left is "waging a scorched earth, no holds barred resistance" and that they are "undermining the rule of law."
The Senate will vote on the nomination of Robert Luck to be a judge on the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. Members will also debate the nomination of Barbara Lagoa to also be a judge on the Eleventh Circuit.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo briefed reporters announcing that the U.S. will no longer consider Israel's West Bank settlements inconsistent with international law. He also addressed Iran's nuclear program, the Hong Kong protests, and the political situation in Iraq. When asked about the impeachment inquiry and supporting his staff, Secretary Pompeo responded saying, "I always defend State Department employees."
President Trump repeated his criticism of the impeachment inquiry and said he did not know the latest witness testifying, Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman. His comments came during a Cabinet meeting at the White House where reporters were let in briefly. Other topics the president touched on included border security, the economy and his recent hospital visit over the weekend.
Deval Patrick, the former Democratic governor of Massachusetts from 2007-15 and a 2020 presidential candidate, spoke at the "First in the West" event hosted by the Nevada Democratic Party in Las Vegas. This was Mr. Patrick's first major speech since announcing his run for the Democratic nomination. Beforehand, he talked to reporters outside the event hall, answering questions on a variety of topics, including why he chose to run for president, his campaign strategy, and his stances on various policy issues.
Stacey Abrams, former Democratic Georgia gubernatorial candidate, delivered remarks on voting rights at the National Press Club in Washington DC. She spoke about Fair Fight Action's work to combat voter suppression, and promote fair election policies across the country.
The Senate will vote on the nomination of Robert Luck to be a judge on the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. Members will also debate the nomination of Barbara Lagoa to also be a judge on the Eleventh Circuit.
Senate Republican leaders spoke to reporters about the impeachment inquiry hearings against President Trump, federal spending, and their legislative agenda.
After their party lunches, Senate Democrats spoke to reporters about President Trump's decision to withdraw troops from Northern Syria, threats from ISIS and called for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to bring legislation to the Senate floor.
President Trump repeated his criticism of the impeachment inquiry and said he did not know the latest witness testifying, Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman. His comments came during a Cabinet meeting at the White House where reporters were let in briefly. Other topics the president touched on included border security, the economy and his recent hospital visit over the weekend.
Lonnie Bunch, the new secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, testified on museum programs and operations before the Senate Rules and Administration Committee. Secretary Bunch outlined his priorities for the institution and efforts to reduce the maintenance backlog. He was also asked about public-private partnerships, Smithsonian funding and the challenges with establishing a National American Latino Museum.
The House Intelligence Committee held its third open hearing of the impeachment inquiry against President Trump. Lawmakers heard testimony from Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Vindman, National Security Council Director for Europe and Jennifer Williams, Russia and Europe adviser to Vice President Pence.
Kurt Volker, the former U.S. special envoy to Ukraine, and Tim Morrison, a National Security Council aide, publicly testified as part of the House Intelligence Committee's impeachment inquiry.
Senate Republican leaders spoke to reporters about the impeachment inquiry hearings against President Trump, federal spending, and their legislative agenda.
After their party lunches, Senate Democrats spoke to reporters about President Trump's decision to withdraw troops from Northern Syria, threats from ISIS and called for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to bring legislation to the Senate floor.
Immigration attorneys and a former Homeland Security official testified on migration policy at a House Homeland Security subcommittee hearing. The hearing focused on the "remain in Mexico" policy of the Trump administration, which requires migrants seeking asylum to remain in Mexico. Witnesses spoke about the legal, mental and physical impact of the policy on the migrants.
