Rep. Eric Swalwell faces multiple sexual misconduct allegations from former staff and others, prompting House Democratic leaders to call for him to drop out of the California governor race. Swalwell denies the claims and vows to fight them.
Posts tagged as “Capitol”
Bipartisan talks to end the partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) saw progress during a recent meeting between senators and the White House’s border czar, Tom Homan, though no agreement was reached. The shutdown, which began February 14, has caused significant disruptions, including unpaid federal workers and TSA staffing shortages leading to airport delays. Despite proposals from the administration to negotiate on immigration enforcement reforms, Democrats insist on substantial changes to ICE policies before funding DHS, while Republicans demand funding the entire department, leaving the standoff unresolved as the Senate’s recess approaches.
Ed Martin, the Justice Department’s new pardon attorney, has begun reviewing pardon applications for several January 6 defendants, including Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes and prominent Proud Boys members, following discussions with their attorneys. While former President Trump granted pardons to many Jan. 6 defendants, some key figures only received commutations, and the current review process aims for a more measured and fair approach, with input from former clemency recipient Alice Johnson. Meanwhile, ongoing legal and political challenges related to the Trump administration’s legacy continue, including disputes over executive power, election investigations, and immigration litigation.
Meta is facing a legal dispute with conservative influencer Robby Starbuck, who claims the company's AI chatbot produced false and defamatory content linking him to the January 6 Capitol riot and QAnon conspiracy theory, prompting an apology from Meta's chief global affairs officer. Concurrently, President Donald Trump is promoting the positive effects of increased U.S. tariffs, asserting they have spurred significant corporate investment in the country, with a new White House website tracking 47 projects by 50 companies as evidence of trillions in new investments. These developments occur amid scrutiny of U.S. tariffs' economic implications, as Meta's AI content management and the administration's "America First" economic policies remain under close observation.
Congressional committees are set to begin work on a major legislative initiative central to President Trump's first-year agenda, following the adoption of a budget resolution by both the House and Senate. In opposition to the Republican budget plan, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senator Cory Booker staged a sit-in protest at the Capitol, criticizing the ethics of the plan and expressing concerns about a judicial ruling involving Judge John Barberis. The protest, which was livestreamed, highlighted a legal case over control of the Eagle Forum and was described by Senator Booker as a "moment of moral urgency" as Congress reconvenes after a recess.
In the early hours of Sunday, a fire broke out at the Governor's Residence in Dauphin County, prompting a swift response from local fire crews and the evacuation of Governor Josh Shapiro's family with the help of state and Capitol police. Governor Shapiro expressed gratitude for the quick actions of the authorities, which ensured his family's safety, while the fire, suspected to be arson, caused significant damage to the residence. The Pennsylvania State Police have launched an investigation to identify the arsonist, raising concerns about security at the Governor's Residence.
Democratic senators on the Senate Judiciary Committee have requested a confirmation hearing for Ed Martin, President Trump's nominee for U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., citing concerns over his conduct as Interim U.S. Attorney. The position is crucial due to its role in prosecuting over 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot, and Martin's previous legal work defending riot defendants has sparked controversy. Despite being in the minority, Democrats emphasize the need for a thorough examination of Martin's qualifications, reflecting broader tensions in the nomination process and the importance of maintaining the integrity of the U.S. Attorney's office.
Hayden Haynes, chief of staff to House Speaker Mike Johnson, was arrested for driving under the influence after his vehicle collided with a Capitol vehicle near the U.S. Capitol following President Donald Trump's address to Congress. The U.S. Capitol Police confirmed the incident, noting that a driver backed into a parked vehicle, and sources identified Haynes as the driver involved. Haynes was released with a citation to appear in court, and the incident has garnered attention due to his significant role on Capitol Hill, with potential implications for his position yet to be determined.