Senate Republicans have blocked a request from Democrats to temporarily replace Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) on the Senate Judiciary Committee while she recovers from shingles, prompting criticism from Democrats. Feinstein is the top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee and her absence has raised concerns that it could impede the confirmation of President Joe Biden’s judicial nominees. The decision has been met with criticism from Democrats, who argue that it is unfair to sideline a temporary absent colleague from the Judiciary Committee.
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Grammy-winning hip-hop artist Pras Michel is on trial in Washington, D.C. for allegedly conspiring to make illegal campaign contributions and failing to register as an agent of China. He has taken the stand in his own defense, claiming that he accepted $20 million from a Malaysian businessman and used it to pay friends to donate to a political campaign. Prosecutors allege that Michel was attempting to gain access, peddle influence, and make money. Michel's testimony is ongoing and will provide insight into the case.
Rep. Lance Gooden (R-Texas) has endorsed former President Donald Trump's 2024 presidential bid after a meeting with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in Washington, D.C. Gooden's endorsement is a sign of Trump's continued influence in the Republican party, and could be a precursor to other GOP endorsements as the 2024 presidential election approaches. The meeting was attended by prominent Republican senators, who have yet to make any endorsements, and DeSantis is also being floated as a potential GOP presidential contender.
Two Republican members of Florida's congressional delegation, Representatives Greg Steube and John Rutherford, have announced their support for former President Donald Trump's potential 2024 presidential bid, despite a plea from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to hold off on endorsements. Trump has been quick to accept endorsements from Republican members of Congress, and it is unclear how the endorsements will affect DeSantis' decision to run for president in 2024.
On Tax Day, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden released their tax returns for 2022, showing a total income of $579,514 and total federal and state taxes paid of $169,820. The couple donated $20,180 to 20 charities, and the IRS recommends filing electronically and using direct deposit to receive refunds quickly. Taxpayers can also use their refund to pay down debt, save for the future, or donate to charity.
Senate Democrats have been unable to temporarily replace Senator Dianne Feinstein on the powerful Senate Judiciary Committee while she recovers from shingles, as Republicans have blocked the request. Democrats had hoped to replace Feinstein in order to advance stalled judicial nominations, but Feinstein's return date is still unclear. In the meantime, Democrats will have to find another way to move forward with stalled judicial nominations.
Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO) has called for the impeachment of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas due to his relationship with a GOP megadonor, prompting Senate Judiciary Chairman Dick Durbin to promise a hearing on the alleged ethics violations. Reports suggest that Thomas failed to disclose luxury travel, gifts and a real estate transaction involving the donor, Texas-based billionaire Harlan Crow. Senate Democrats have expressed their disapproval but have yet to outline a plan to investigate Thomas.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has proposed a plan to raise the debt ceiling in exchange for spending cuts and policy changes, which he outlined at the New York Stock Exchange. The plan would lift the debt ceiling for a year and return federal government spending to fiscal year 2022 levels, but President Biden must agree to the proposed spending cuts for it to pass. House Republicans are optimistic that they can come to an agreement that will be able to pass and avert a potential disaster.