Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin testified before the House Financial Services Committee about risks to financial stability and the U.S. economy. In his opening statement, Secretary Mnuchin outlined the annual report of the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC), a federal government organization which oversees implementation of financial regulations. The Treasury secretary was also asked about digital currency, financial transaction taxes, World Bank lending and the potential impacts of climate change on financial stability.
Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz testified before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on his report on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) abuse allegations related to the 2016 presidential campaign. Senators questioned the inspector general about his findings into the origins of the FBI's Russia inquiry, including how FISA warrants were obtained against 2016 Trump campaign adviser Carter Page. Committee members also asked about recommendations in the report and how the inspector general's office can be strengthened.
The U.S. Council on Competitiveness held its annual forum featuring government officials, business leaders and economists. In this portion, a group of business leaders discussed the future innovation and competitiveness environment in the U.S. Following the discussion, Energy Secretary Dan Brouilette delivered remarks on what the administration was doing to help spur innovation and competitiveness in the energy sector.
The Hudson Institute in Washington, DC hosted a discussion on human rights abuses against Uyghurs and other Muslim groups in Xinjiang, the large desert region in northwest China. The panelists included a journalist who reported on the Chinese government's establishment of "reeducation" centers targeting Muslim minorities in the region and a Uyghur human rights activist. Their discussion was preceded by remarks from Sam Brownback, the U.S. ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom.
President Trump held a rally in Battle Creek, Michigan as part of his 2020 re-election campaign. While the President spoke to supporters, the House of Representatives voted to impeach him for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.
Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz testified before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on his report on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) abuse allegations related to the 2016 presidential campaign. Senators questioned the inspector general about his findings into the origins of the FBI's Russia inquiry, including how FISA warrants were obtained against 2016 Trump campaign adviser Carter Page. Committee members also asked about recommendations in the report and how the inspector general's office can be strengthened.
David Ignatius, the Washington Post columnist, hosted a conversation with two experts on Iran, its political future, and its impact on the greater Middle East. Speakers focused on Ali Khamenei, the aging supreme leader of Iran, as he entered his twilight years and began to concern himself with his legacy as a leader of the Islamic republic.
