INSIDER
Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas says he was detained in airport over being 'disoriented'
Read full article: Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas says he was detained in airport over being 'disoriented'House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Michael McCaul says he was briefly detained by police at an airport near Washington, D.
House approves GOP resolution condemning Biden and Harris over Afghanistan withdrawal
Read full article: House approves GOP resolution condemning Biden and Harris over Afghanistan withdrawalHouse Republicans have voted to condemn President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for the disastrous U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
House Republicans advance contempt charges against Secretary Blinken over Afghanistan testimony
Read full article: House Republicans advance contempt charges against Secretary Blinken over Afghanistan testimonyRepublicans on the House Foreign Affairs Committee have advanced contempt of Congress charges against Secretary of State Antony Blinken following a contentious back-and-forth with the Cabinet secretary over an appearance to testify on the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
State Department accuses House GOP of calling Blinken to testify about Afghanistan when he's away
Read full article: State Department accuses House GOP of calling Blinken to testify about Afghanistan when he's awayThe State Department has lashed out at House Republicans over a subpoena for testimony about the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, accusing them of repeatedly calling for hearings when they know Secretary of State Antony Blinken is unavailable to appear.
Congress bestows its highest honor on the 13 troops killed during Afghanistan withdrawal
Read full article: Congress bestows its highest honor on the 13 troops killed during Afghanistan withdrawalHouse Speaker Mike Johnson has presented Congress’ highest honor — the Congressional Gold Medal — to 13 U.S. service members who were killed during the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan.
House Republicans subpoena Secretary Blinken for testimony on US withdrawal from Afghanistan
Read full article: House Republicans subpoena Secretary Blinken for testimony on US withdrawal from AfghanistanHouse Republicans have issued a subpoena for testimony from Secretary of State Antony Blinken as they finish their investigation into the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
US lawmakers meet with Dalai Lama in India's Dharamshala, sparking anger from China
Read full article: US lawmakers meet with Dalai Lama in India's Dharamshala, sparking anger from ChinaA bipartisan U.S. congressional delegation met with the Dalai Lama at his residence in India’s Dharamshala, sparking anger from China which views the exiled spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism as a dangerous separatist.
Has Israel followed the law in its war in Gaza? The US is due to render a first-of-its-kind verdict
Read full article: Has Israel followed the law in its war in Gaza? The US is due to render a first-of-its-kind verdictThe Biden administration is due to deliver a first-of-its-kind verdict on whether Israel's conduct of its war in Gaza complies with international and U.S. laws.
Seeking 'the right side of history,' Speaker Mike Johnson risks his job to deliver aid to Ukraine
Read full article: Seeking 'the right side of history,' Speaker Mike Johnson risks his job to deliver aid to UkraineStaring down a decision so consequential it could alter the course of history -- but also end his own career -- House Speaker Mike Johnson prayed for guidance.
Congress moving swiftly on bipartisan action to punish Iran after revenge attack on Israel
Read full article: Congress moving swiftly on bipartisan action to punish Iran after revenge attack on IsraelIran’s attack against Israel over the weekend has spurred bipartisan legislative action in Congress and sanctions from the Biden administration.
House passes resolution to block Iran's access to $6 billion from prisoner swap
Read full article: House passes resolution to block Iran's access to $6 billion from prisoner swapThe House has passed a measure that would permanently freeze the $6 billion recently transferred by the U.S. in a prisoner swap with Iran.
Some want to grant temporary House speaker more power as Republican gridlock stalls Congress
Read full article: Some want to grant temporary House speaker more power as Republican gridlock stalls CongressRep. Patrick McHenry is presiding over the House as speaker pro tempore following the unprecedented ouster of Kevin McCarthy.
House committee chairman says Sen. Tuberville is 'paralyzing' the Pentagon by blocking promotions
Read full article: House committee chairman says Sen. Tuberville is 'paralyzing' the Pentagon by blocking promotionsThe chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee is slamming a fellow Republican in the Senate for waging an unprecedented attempt to change Pentagon abortion policy by holding up hundreds of military nominations and promotions.
US lawmakers visiting The Hague say Russian President Putin is committing genocide in Ukraine
Read full article: US lawmakers visiting The Hague say Russian President Putin is committing genocide in UkraineMembers of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee say Russian President Vladimir Putin is committing genocide in Ukraine.
Did US deviate from usual sanctions after China balloon incursion? GOP chairman subpoenas documents
Read full article: Did US deviate from usual sanctions after China balloon incursion? GOP chairman subpoenas documentsThe House Foreign Affairs chairman has subpoenaed the State Department for classified documents that could indicate whether the U.S. deviated from its plans for sanctioning China after a Chinese surveillance balloon crossed over sensitive military sites across North America.
Congress demands info on security clearance suspension of Iran envoy
Read full article: Congress demands info on security clearance suspension of Iran envoyThe chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee is demanding that the State Department produce more information about the suspension of the U.S. special envoy for Iran's security clearance.
GOP pauses Blinken contempt push after gaining access to classified Afghanistan cable
Read full article: GOP pauses Blinken contempt push after gaining access to classified Afghanistan cableThe chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee says he is pausing an effort to hold Secretary of State Antony Blinken in contempt of Congress now that the State Department is letting him view a redacted classified cable from U.S. diplomats in Kabul sent shortly before the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
State Department offers Republican lawmaker a chance to view Afghanistan dissent cable
Read full article: State Department offers Republican lawmaker a chance to view Afghanistan dissent cableThe State Department is offering to allow the Republican chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee to view a classified cable from U.S. diplomats in Kabul sent shortly before the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan.
House GOP lawmaker readies contempt charge over Afghanistan dissent cable
Read full article: House GOP lawmaker readies contempt charge over Afghanistan dissent cableThe Republican chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee is threatening to push forward a legislative effort to hold Secretary of State Antony Blinken in contempt of Congress next week.
GOP threatens Blinken contempt charge over Afghanistan docs
Read full article: GOP threatens Blinken contempt charge over Afghanistan docsThe State Department says it's “unfortunate” the House Foreign Affairs Committee's chairman has threatened to hold Secretary of State Antony Blinken in contempt of Congress if the department doesn't turn over classified cables related to the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Ukraine's top prosecutor speaks of 'evil' Russian atrocities
Read full article: Ukraine's top prosecutor speaks of 'evil' Russian atrocitiesUkraine’s top prosecutor has described for U.S. lawmakers examples of war atrocities that he says are deliberately orchestrated by Russian forces to sow terror among civilians.
Senate votes to keep 2001 authorization for war on terror
Read full article: Senate votes to keep 2001 authorization for war on terrorThe Senate has voted overwhelmingly to continue congressional authorization for the use of military force in the global fight against terror, turning back an effort by Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul to repeal the 2001 measure.
Veterans testify of 'catastrophic' impact of Afghan collapse
Read full article: Veterans testify of 'catastrophic' impact of Afghan collapseActive-service members and veterans have provided first-hand testimony in the House of Representatives about the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, describing in harrowing detail the carnage and death they witnessed on the ground.
GOP lawmakers assail Biden for not sending F-16s to Ukraine
Read full article: GOP lawmakers assail Biden for not sending F-16s to UkraineRepublican lawmakers are criticizing the Biden administration for not sending F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, as tensions simmer about whether China could send weapons to help Russia.
House GOP meet with Zelenskyy as far right opposes more aid
Read full article: House GOP meet with Zelenskyy as far right opposes more aidA handful of congressional Republicans has met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a signal of continued U.S. support, even as hard-right members of the party vow to block future aid to the embattled country.
GOP leaders start laying groundwork for more Ukraine aid
Read full article: GOP leaders start laying groundwork for more Ukraine aidRepublicans assuming new positions of leadership in the House and Senate are not waiting for the next funding debate over Ukraine to begin making the case for why the U.S. should continue supporting the war-torn nation.
Congress OKs bill to aid computer chip firms, counter China
Read full article: Congress OKs bill to aid computer chip firms, counter ChinaThe House has passed a $280 billion package to boost the semiconductor industry and scientific research in a bid to create more high-tech jobs in the United States and help it better compete with international rivals, namely China.
Rep. Langevin: Public service has changed since Capitol riot
Read full article: Rep. Langevin: Public service has changed since Capitol riotAfter the Capitol riot, longtime Congressman Jim Langevin said he thought for a brief moment that the foolishness and recklessness of dividing the country would finally stop.
'Slava Ukraini': Zelenskyy becomes Congress' great unifier
Read full article: 'Slava Ukraini': Zelenskyy becomes Congress' great unifierJust two years ago, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was at the center of impeachment proceedings that deeply fractured Republicans and Democrats in Congress.
House passes bill to boost US computer chip production
Read full article: House passes bill to boost US computer chip productionDemocrats have muscled through legislation in the House that they say positions the U.S. to better compete with China economically by strengthening the domestic semiconductor industry and shoring up strained supply chains.
State Dept. urges investigation of Myanmar military torture
Read full article: State Dept. urges investigation of Myanmar military tortureThe U.S. has expressed outrage and demanded an investigation after The Associated Press reported that Myanmar’s military has been torturing detainees in a systemic way across the country.
Texas GOP advances new maps that would tighten slipping grip
Read full article: Texas GOP advances new maps that would tighten slipping gripTexas lawmakers are on the brink of finishing redrawn U.S. House maps that would shore up their eroding dominance as voters peel away from the GOP in the state’s booming suburbs.
Evacuees plead for action: 'We are in some kind of jail'
Read full article: Evacuees plead for action: 'We are in some kind of jail'The Americans trying to evacuate hundreds of Afghans and American citizens pleaded for action from the Biden administration to get the would-be evacuees aboard charter flights that are standing by to fly them from Afghanistan.
Evacuees plead for action: 'We are in some kind of jail'
Read full article: Evacuees plead for action: 'We are in some kind of jail'The Americans trying to evacuate hundreds of Afghans and American citizens pleaded for action from the Biden administration Tuesday to get the would-be evacuees aboard charter flights that are standing by to fly them from Afghanistan.
The Latest: US helped family escape Afghanistan overland
Read full article: The Latest: US helped family escape Afghanistan overlandThe United States is confirming for the first time that it has helped a U.S. citizen and family members to escape Afghanistan through an overland route to a neighboring country.
Taliban stop planes of evacuees from leaving but unclear why
Read full article: Taliban stop planes of evacuees from leaving but unclear whyOfficials say at least four planes chartered to evacuate several hundred people seeking to escape the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan have been unable to leave the country for days.
The Latest: Top Republican says Taliban holding Americans
Read full article: The Latest: Top Republican says Taliban holding AmericansThe top Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee says some Americans who have been trying to get out of Afghanistan since the U.S. military left are sitting in airplanes at an airport ready to leave but the Taliban are not letting them take off.
US envoy: Fear of Taliban conquering Kabul are overblown
Read full article: US envoy: Fear of Taliban conquering Kabul are overblownWashington’s special envoy to Afghanistan says predictions that the Taliban will quickly overrun Afghan government forces and conquer Kabul once U.S. and coalition forces have fully withdrawn are unduly pessimistic.
Biden aims to prevent border crossings from swamping agenda
Read full article: Biden aims to prevent border crossings from swamping agendaA surge of migrants on the Southwest border has the Biden administration on the defensive. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)WASHINGTON – The Biden administration is scrambling to manage a growing humanitarian and political challenge at the U.S.-Mexico border that threatens to overshadow its ambitious legislative agenda. Biden told reporters Sunday at the White House that “at some point” he would go to the border and that he knows what is going on in the border facilities. There were 18,945 family members and 9,297 unaccompanied children encountered in February — an increase of 168% and 63%, respectively, from the month before, according to the Pew Research Center. Biden has reversed that policy, so immigration officials hope the process will speed up now.
In early foreign policy tests, Biden takes on world as it is
Read full article: In early foreign policy tests, Biden takes on world as it isBiden in his early days in office has vowed a dramatic reordering of U.S. foreign policy from his predecessor. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden in his early days in office has vowed a dramatic reordering of U.S. foreign policy from his predecessor. The early preference for caution and incrementalism comes as Biden has repeatedly declared that “America is back.” But in early foreign policy tests, Biden has demonstrated, as many of his predecessors have experienced, that a push away from the previous commander-in-chief's policies is easier said than done. AdSullivan pushes back against the notion that Biden's foreign policy approach has been modulated from his candidacy. On China, Biden has been clear-eyed in seeing Beijing as the United States' most significant competitor.
Biden's Russia credentials questioned over European pipeline
Read full article: Biden's Russia credentials questioned over European pipeline(Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/Pool via AP)WASHINGTON – After years of Democratic accusations that former President Donald Trump was too soft on Russia, the Biden administration is facing Republican criticism of its approach to Moscow. The Biden administration rejects the criticism, saying it has been clear about penalties for companies involved in the Nord Stream 2 pipeline and that its goal is to bolster European energy security. Like the Trump administration before it, the Biden administration believes the pipeline will harm European energy security, particularly for countries in Eastern and Central Europe like Ukraine and Poland, which the pipeline bypasses. U.S. officials have long said they fear Russia will use the pipeline as a political tool against its neighbors. The Biden administration suggests more sanctions may be coming.
Capitol Police chief appeals for National Guard to stay
Read full article: Capitol Police chief appeals for National Guard to stayScott Applewhite)WASHINGTON – Worried about continuing threats, the acting chief of the U.S. Capitol Police has appealed to congressional leaders to use their influence to keep National Guard troops at the Capitol, two months after the law enforcement breakdowns of the deadly Jan. 6 insurrection. Pittman said she needed the leaders' assistance with the three-member Capitol Police Board, which reports to them. Paul Irving, who served on the Capitol Police Board as House sergeant-at-arms, denied that Sund asked him to call the Guard. He ultimately called the commanding general of the D.C. National Guard just before 2 p.m., who in turn testified that the request for help was delayed by the Defense Department. “We have the razor wire, we have the National Guard.
The Latest: Board reportedly wants Capitol fencing removed
Read full article: The Latest: Board reportedly wants Capitol fencing removedNational Guard stand guard at a perimeter fence at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, March 4, 2021. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)WASHINGTON – The Latest on a possible threat against the Capitol (all times local):5:50 p.m. Pittman says the board suggested some temporary fencing would be removed starting Friday, and the fencing around the outer perimeter of the Capitol complex would be removed starting March 12. Some fencing is likely to remain as law enforcement officials continue to track an increased number of threats against lawmakers and the Capitol. This comes two months after Trump supporters smashed through windows and doors to try to stop Congress from certifying now-President Joe Biden’s victory.
Capitol Police chief appeals for National Guard to stay
Read full article: Capitol Police chief appeals for National Guard to stayScott Applewhite)WASHINGTON – Worried about continuing threats, the acting chief of the U.S. Capitol Police appealed to congressional leaders Thursday to use their influence to keep National Guard troops at the Capitol, two months after the law enforcement breakdowns of the deadly Jan. 6 insurrection. Pittman said she needed the leaders' assistance with the three-member Capitol Police Board, which reports to them. Paul Irving, who served on the Capitol Police Board as House sergeant-at-arms, denied that Sund asked him to call the Guard. He ultimately called the commanding general of the D.C. National Guard just before 2 p.m., who in turn testified that the request for help was delayed by the Defense Department. “We have the razor wire, we have the National Guard.
Hospitals confront water shortages in winter storm aftermath
Read full article: Hospitals confront water shortages in winter storm aftermathJoggers run down a street empty of cars Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021, in Nolensville, Tenn. A second winter storm in a week is bringing more snow to much of Tennessee. A rural hospital in Anahuac, Texas, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) east of Houston, lost both water and power. Memphis, Light, Gas & Water issued a boil-water advisory on Thursday out of concern that low water pressure caused by problems at aging pumping stations and water main ruptures could lead to contamination. That hospital has a water purification system for dialysis and has water reserves for tasks such as cooking and bathing patients, he said. Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare also reported problems at some of its Memphis-area facilities due to water pressure problems and the boil advisory.
US sanctions over pipeline from Russia deemed lacking by GOP
Read full article: US sanctions over pipeline from Russia deemed lacking by GOPBut the move was immediately criticized as inadequate by senior Republican lawmakers who noted the administration had not penalized any additional companies or individuals for work on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. U.S. officials have long said they fear Russia will use the pipeline as a political tool against its neighbors. However, congressional Republicans were unimpressed and denounced the administration for failing to impose any sanctions on additional targets, notably people and firms in Germany, which is a strong Nord Stream 2 proponent. “I am deeply troubled and disappointed by the State Department’s report on Nord Stream 2 activities and their decision to forgo additional sanctions on other entities involved in its construction," Risch said. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire has co-sponsored legislation opposing the pipeline with Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas and has been outspoken in her criticism of Nord Stream 2.
Biden repudiates Trump on Iran, ready for talks on nuke deal
Read full article: Biden repudiates Trump on Iran, ready for talks on nuke dealBesides signaling Thursday a willingness to talk with Iran, the administration also reversed Trump’s determination that all U.N. sanctions against Iran had been restored. He's expected to address the U.S. stance on the 2015 multilateral Iran nuclear deal, the war in Afghanistan and the economic and national security challenges posed by Russia and China. The U.S. has not participated in a meeting of those participants since Trump withdrew from the deal and began steadily ramping up sanctions on Iran. The Trump administration had imposed the severe restrictions, which essentially confined them to their U.N. mission and the U.N. headquarters building in New York. “It is concerning the Biden Administration is already making concessions in an apparent attempt to re-enter the flawed Iran deal," he said.
Veteran House incumbents cling to seats as districts evolve
Read full article: Veteran House incumbents cling to seats as districts evolveBut there’s a smaller category of lawmakers like Peterson and GOP Rep. Steve Chabot of Ohio who also merit attention: long-term incumbents of both parties fighting to preserve their careers. Over 90% of House incumbents are usually reelected, thanks to name recognition and campaign fundraising advantages. “There are people who traditionally voted Republican who don't identify with the current Republican Party," Schroder, 43, a businesswoman and local public health official, said in an interview. Democratic and Republican campaign committees and other organizations allied with party leadership are aiming the bulk of their spending at each others' softest seats and defending vulnerable incumbents. The Congressional Leadership Fund, aligned with House GOP leadership, planned to spend $3.3 million more, which Republicans said could grow.
House lawmakers ask for probe into Russian poisoning case
Read full article: House lawmakers ask for probe into Russian poisoning caseFILE - In this Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019 file photo Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny speaks during a rally to support political prisoners in Moscow, Russia. The German hospital treating Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny says he has been taking out of an induced coma and is responsive. German chemical weapons experts say tests showed the 44-year-old was poisoned with a Soviet-era nerve agent. Engel and McCaul urged Trump to enact additional sanctions on Russia if its determined that chemical weapons were used against Navalny. Russia has denied that the Kremlin was involved in poisoning Navalny and accused Germany of failing to provide evidence about the poisoning that it requested in late August.
GOP lawmakers urge action after Russia-Afghanistan briefing
Read full article: GOP lawmakers urge action after Russia-Afghanistan briefingWASHINGTON Eight Republican lawmakers attended a White House briefing about explosive allegations that Russia secretly offered bounties to Taliban-linked militants for killing American troops in Afghanistan intelligence the White House insisted the president himself had not been fully read in on. Still, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany insisted Trump had not been briefed on the findings because they hadn't been verified. One official said the administration discussed several potential responses, but the White House has yet to authorize any step. Bolton declined to comment, and the White House did not respond to questions on the matter. The intelligence officials and others with knowledge of the matter insisted on anonymity to discuss the highly sensitive matter.
Logistical hurdles could slow troop withdrawal from Germany
Read full article: Logistical hurdles could slow troop withdrawal from GermanyWASHINGTON The Defense Department is reviewing options to begin pulling about 10,000 troops out of Germany, as directed by President Donald Trump. But even though some may be shifted to neighboring Poland, the withdrawal will still present complex logistical challenges and will not happen fast. Trump has said he is determined to cut the number of troops in Germany from about 35,000 to 25,000. Are they going to build family housing?Most troops in Germany are assigned there, and are not on short-term deployments. The U.S. Air Force has nearly 13,000 troops in Germany, concentrated mainly at two large bases.
US Congress approves China sanctions over ethnic crackdown
Read full article: US Congress approves China sanctions over ethnic crackdownWASHINGTON Congress voted Wednesday to toughen the U.S. response to a brutal Chinese crackdown on ethnic minorities, adding another factor to the increasingly stormy relationship between the two countries. Both issues emerged, along with other sore points in the China-U.S. relationship, as Republican and Democratic members of Congress spoke in support of the bill. Congress late last year voted to condemn the crackdown in Xianjiang, where Chinese authorities have detained more than a million people from mostly Muslim ethnic groups that include Uighurs, Kazakhs and Kyrgyz in a vast network of detention centers. This new legislation is intended to increase the pressure by imposing sanctions on specific Chinese officials, such as the Communist Party official who oversees government policy in Xianjiang. It signals that a member of the international community is actually taking some steps to address the problem, Irwin said.
Bipartisan House OKs bill hitting Turkey for Syria incursion
Read full article: Bipartisan House OKs bill hitting Turkey for Syria incursionWASHINGTON, DC A bipartisan bill punishing Turkey for its invasion of northern Syria and illustrating both parties' dismay with President Donald Trump's retreat from the region sailed easily through the House on Tuesday. Despite Congress' acrimonious partisan divisions over Democrats' impeachment investigation of Trump, lawmakers approved the Syria sanctions by a lopsided 403-16. Republicans supported the measure 176-15, while the only voting Democrat to oppose the measure was Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota. Earlier this month, the House voted 354-60 to approve a nonbinding measure assailing Trump's troop pullback. Russia and Turkey reached an agreement last week dividing control of northeast Syria and halting, at least for now, the Turkish invasion of the area.