Kendrid Hamlin has pleaded guilty to assaulting Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.) in an elevator, as well as two counts of assault on law enforcement officers. He could face up to 11 years in prison, and a sentencing hearing is scheduled for October. Craig has spoken out about her experience and expressed gratitude for the guilty plea, hoping it will bring closure to the difficult chapter.
Posts published in “Politics”
The Senate has passed legislation to block President Biden's student loan relief program, which would cancel either $10,000 or $20,000 in debt for tens of millions of borrowers. The vote was 52-46, with a few moderate senators voting with Republicans. The legislation now goes to President Biden's desk, where he is expected to veto it.
GOP Rep. James Comer and Senate Judiciary Ranking Member Chuck Grassley have confirmed the existence of an unclassified record containing reports of an alleged bribery scheme related to then-Vice President Joe Biden. The two lawmakers have spoken to FBI Director Christopher Wray and are demanding the FBI provide them with the June 2020 form that memorializes the tip. The House Oversight and Accountability Committee is currently investigating the matter.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has expressed his disappointment in the refusal of Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu to meet with him. Austin had requested a meeting with Li during an upcoming defense summit in Singapore, but the request was declined. The U.S. is pushing China to talk, urging Beijing to open communication channels to avoid any dangerous incidents. The IISS Shangri-La Dialogue is set to start on Friday, and it is expected that the U.S. and China will continue to discuss the importance of open communication.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has vowed to pass the bill to suspend the debt ceiling and limit government spending as soon as possible to avoid a U.S. default. Senate Minority Whip John Thune has cautioned that final passage of the bill could come Friday, depending on the agreement of amendment votes. The Senate needs to pass the bill before Monday to prevent a catastrophic economic crisis.
Former President Donald Trump's lawyers have filed a motion in Manhattan criminal court asking Judge Juan Merchan to recuse himself from the case due to alleged "significant conflicts". The motion details the alleged conflicts and states that Trump is entitled to an impartial judge and fair legal process. If the motion is granted, a new judge will be assigned to the case.
Former New Mexico Republican candidate Solomon Peña has been indicted on federal charges in connection with a series of drive-by shootings at the homes of four Democratic officials in December 2022 and January 2021. The indictment alleges that Peña and his two accomplices conspired to intimidate and interfere with the election process and used firearms in the commission of the crimes. If convicted, Peña and his two accomplices could face up to 20 years in prison.
The Pentagon has blocked a U.S. Air Force base in Nevada from hosting a drag show in celebration of Pride Month, citing current Department of Defense policy. The decision has been met with criticism from LGBTQ activists and allies, who argue that the military should be more inclusive of its LGBTQ members. The Human Rights Campaign has released a statement saying the decision “sends a dangerous message that the military is not a welcoming place for LGBTQ service members and their families.”