Samuel Miele, a 27 year old fundraiser for Rep. George Santos' 2022 campaign, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of wire fraud and access device fraud. He admitted to posing as a top aide to then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to raise money for the campaign and enriching himself with 15% commissions on each donation. He also charged credit cards without authorization for contributions to the campaigns and himself. He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
Posts tagged as “Animal House”
House Speaker Mike Johnson is set to face a major test on Tuesday as the House of Representatives votes on a two-step proposal to fund federal agencies and avert a government shutdown. Johnson will need the support of Democrats to pass the measure, as well as the backing of House Republicans who have shown reluctance to shut the government down. The outcome of the vote will be a major indicator of Johnson's ability to lead the House and work with both sides of the aisle.
Paul Pelosi, husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, testified in a San Francisco federal trial on Monday about the night he was attacked by a hammer-wielding intruder at his home. The suspect, David DePape, has already admitted to breaking into the Pelosi home and hitting Paul Pelosi with a hammer, and has pleaded not guilty to attempted kidnapping and assault. DePape testified in his own defense on Tuesday, offering rambling explanations for the attack. The trial is ongoing and a verdict is expected soon.
On Tuesday, a heated exchange between Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma and Sean O'Brien, the president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, almost turned into a fistfight during a Senate hearing on labor unions. Mullin, a former MMA fighter, had challenged O'Brien to a physical fight for charity, but the exchange was eventually brought back to order. Mullin and O'Brien have since apologized for their behavior, sparking a debate over the appropriateness of physical confrontations in the Senate.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is attempting to pass a short-term spending bill with the support of Democrats in order to avoid a government shutdown, despite opposition from the House Freedom Caucus. Johnson is hoping his newness and honeymoon glow will help him pass the resolution without any further issues, but it is unclear if the far-right Republicans will accept it. If the resolution fails, it could have serious repercussions for the country.
A federal trial is underway in San Francisco for David DePape, accused of attempted kidnapping of a federal official and assault on the immediate family member of a federal official. Paul Pelosi, husband of Nancy Pelosi, testified that he was attacked with a hammer and woke up in a pool of his own blood. Surveillance cameras and an alarm system were present in the couple's home, but the alarm was not set that night.
Seven conservatives have already said they will vote no on the bill, and many more could join that group, meaning Johnson will need Democratic support to pass the bill and avoid a shutdown.
U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.) announced that she will not seek reelection to her House seat and instead will run for governor of Virginia in 2025. In a campaign video, Spanberger said that Virginia and the nation are facing “fundamental threats” to their rights and freedoms and that she will focus on protecting women’s reproductive rights and helping people with their everyday needs. Her announcement comes as Virginia is in the midst of a heated political climate, with her candidacy likely adding to the debate.