The Supreme Court heard oral argument in the first major gun rights case they have taken up in over a decade, New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. City of New York. The association is challenging the constitutionality of New York City's licensing law, which prohibits the transport of legally registered guns outside a person's home and city limits. The city argues that this case is no longer a legal issue because New York City amended the law to allow transport from one residence to another residence, gun range or shooting competition. They also stressed that the state itself has amended the law to allow the transport of a licensed gun to any location where it is lawful to have one. The justices have through June 2020 to issue a ruling.
Gen. John Nicholson (Ret.), the former commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, spoke about military and diplomatic efforts in the country at a luncheon hosted by the Meridian International Center in Washington, DC. The retired four-star general reflected on his experience leading U.S. forces and a 41-nation NATO coalition in Afghanistan, and how he sees the country moving forward after decades of conflict in the region. He talked about the peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban, as well as the role of the international community in fostering a lasting peace.
The House Judiciary Committee debated two articles of impeachment against President Trump: abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. The second day of the hearing included further debate on the resolution as well as debate on amendments offered by committee members. This is the first portion of the hearing, before the committee recessed for votes on the House floor.
The House Judiciary Committee debated two articles of impeachment against President Trump: abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. The second day of the hearing included further debate on the resolution as well as debate on amendments offered by committee members. This is the second portion of the hearing, before the committee clerk announced the results of the roll call vote on fourth amendment which would strike all of Article II.
The House Judiciary Committee debated two articles of impeachment against President Trump: abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. The second day of the hearing included further debate on the resolution as well as debate on amendments offered by committee members. This is the third portion of the hearing, before the committee took a brief recess.
The House Judiciary Committee debated two articles of impeachment against President Trump: abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. The second day of the hearing included further debate on the resolution as well as debate on amendments offered by committee members. This is the fourth portion of the hearing, before the committee adjourned.
Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Doug Collins (R-GA) spoke to reporters briefly following the adjournment of day 2 of the committee debate over articles of impeachment against President Trump. He responded to Chairman Nadler's decision to adjourn the hearing and resume the following morning. Rep. Collins told reporters that the "chairman just ambushed the entire committee."
Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Mark Milley testified on the administration's policy in Syria before the House Armed Services Committee. Both received numerous questions regarding the president's decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria and the Turkish invasion that followed. Other topics discussed included the Pentagon's restrictions on the training of Saudi Arabian military students after a trainee shot and killed three sailors in Pensacola, Florida, the continued fight against ISIS and countering Iran.
Federal Reserve Chair Powell announced interest rates would remain unchanged. "As always, we based our decision on how best to achieve our goals Congress has given us: maximum employment and economic stability," he said at the news conference.
Mick Mulvaney, acting White House chief of staff, discussed impeachment, trade and the deficit at the annual Wall Street Journal CEO Council meeting in Washington, DC. Mr. Mulvaney responded to the articles of impeachment introduced by House Democrats.
Attorney General William Barr spoke at the annual Wall Street Journal CEO Council meeting in Washington, DC. He responded to the articles of impeachment introduced by House Democrats. Attorney General Barr also discussed the inspector general report into the origins of the FBI's investigation into the 2016 Trump campaign and Russian interference.
The Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel held a hearing on preventing suicide in the military. A panel of experts and military medical professionals discussed the increasing rates of suicide for veterans and service members, the factors that may be linked to military-related suicides, and strategies that may be used for prevention.
Mitch Zeller, director of the FDA's Center for Tobacco Products, testified on vaping and e-cigarette flavors before the House Oversight and Reform Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy. Committee members asked questions on the status of a proposal to ban e-cigarette flavors that was announced by President Trump in September 2019, but had yet to be implemented.
