Lawmakers this week will consider six spending bills to stave off a partial government shutdown by Friday’s funding deadline, the fifth time this Congress that members are scrambling to keep the lights on in Washington.
Congressional leaders unveiled a package of the spending bills — known as a “minibus” — on Sunday, laying out legislative text that will fund the departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Energy, Interior, Veterans Affairs, Transportation and Housing and Urban Development, in addition to other programs and agencies.
The legislation spans 1,050 pages and includes more than $450 billion in funding for fiscal year 2024. The remaining six bills are due on March 22.
The minibus was the product of bipartisan, bicameral discussions between Congressional leaders and appropriators, which have gone on for months amid negotiations over government funding. Leaders in both parties touted wins in the legislation in an effort to court support for the floor votes Sunday.
“House Republicans secured key conservative policy victories, rejected left-wing proposals, and imposed sharp cuts to agencies and programs critical to the President Biden’s agenda,” Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) wrote in a statement.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), meanwhile, said in a statement: “We are proud to be keeping the government open without cuts or poison pill riders,” adding that the minibus “maintains the aggressive investments Democrats secured for American families, American workers, and America’s national defense.”
Conservatives, however, were quick to criticize the legislation — a reaction that was expected but could spell trouble for Johnson as he gets ready to put the measure on the floor for a vote. Hardliners have urged Johnson to instead hold a vote on a continuing resolution through the rest of the fiscal year — which would trigger a one-percent cut across the board — a move that Democrats and some Republicans are strongly opposed to.
[…]
The bill will first be considered in the House, where GOP leadership is expected to bring the measure to the floor under suspension of the rules, a fast-track process that requires two-thirds support for passage and eliminates the need to first pass a procedural rule, which conservatives would likely torpedo.
Attribution: Congress Kicks Can Down The Road by R.J. Matson, Portland, ME
new theme song for congress critters.
WARNING: news like the above and music like this can cause tension headaches
Nowhere To Go But Everywhere
today’s advice: get a horse
Real horsepower: escaped horses found galloping down longest highway in US | Ohio | The Guardian
a word or two to the GOPers as they contemplate the week ahead
‘What fresh hell?’ Supercut of Trump ‘blanking out’ at rally stuns Morning Joe panel (msn.com)
While on the campaign trail over the weekend in North Carolina and Virginia, Donald Trump made several public gaffes. The Morning Joe panel discusses.
If the Missouri GOP is successful in keeping a gubernatorial candidate off of the ballot (because he went to cross burning), then why couldn’t they keep Orange Adolf off of ballots?
Orange Adolf says “Obama” on purpose. Why don’t MoJo and other media understand that? Adolf’s presidency was a backlash to having a black man in the WH. MAGAts still think Obama is calling the shots because he can’t have s third term; they think Biden is just a puppet.
Adolf doesn’t talk pretty, he may have Sundown Syndrome, and he might need to have his Adderall prescription tweaked.
Orange Adolf is absolutely dangerous, and there are those who want to overtake and kill our democracy completely and forever. (See The Heritage Foundation and Project 2025.)
While clips of Adolf stumbling over words and not staying on topic make for good TV (I guess), the media has absolutely fallen down on the job by not shining a spotlight on Project 2025, Kushner and his Saudi money, Russia and members of the US Congress.
Stop f-ing around, pretending to be journalists, and actually do some digging and report the disturbing facts before it’s too late. It’s already pretty late.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/expert-answers/sundowning/faq-20058511
“The term “sundowning” refers to a state of confusion occurring in the late afternoon and lasting into the night. Sundowning can cause different behaviors, such as confusion, anxiety, aggression or ignoring directions. Sundowning can also lead to pacing or wandering.”
Sound like anyone we know who rants on social media in the middle of the night?
“Factors that may aggravate late-day confusion:
Fatigue
Spending a day in an unfamiliar place
Low lighting
Increased shadows
Disruption of the body’s “internal clock”
Difficulty separating reality from dreams
Being hungry or thirsty
Presence of an infection such as a urinary tract infection
Being bored or in pain
Depression”
“Sundowning isn’t a disease. It’s a group of symptoms that occur at a specific time of the day. These symptoms may affect people with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. The exact cause of this behavior is unknown.”
https://www.cnbc.com/2024/03/03/top-10-states-with-the-most-stressed-out-people-in-america.html
10 happiest cities in America
Emotional and physical well-being
Income and employment
Community and environment
Fremont, Calif.
Overland Park, Kan.
San Jose, Calif.
Madison, Wis.
Irvine, Calif.
Honolulu, Hawaii
San Francisco, Calif.
Pearl City, Hawaii
Columbia, Md.
Scottsdale, Ariz.
https://www.cnbc.com/2024/03/02/happiest-cities-america-wallethub.html
What are the criteria for a “happy city”?
That’s just weird.
I get Happy Meal and Happy Family, but happy city?
“Pessimistic views on government and civil liberties pervade”*
https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2022/concerned-future-inflation
* from 2022 – can only be worse now
All nine justices keep Trump on the ballot. At least they didn’t touch the lower court findings of fact that he did lead an insurrection. Anyone who says he was found innocent of that is wrong.
OK, so does that mean Missouri can’t take the gubernatorial klan member off of the ballot?
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/missouri-gop-moves-toss-honorary-member-ku-klux-klan-governors-race-rcna141237
“The Missouri Republican Party said Thursday it was working to remove a Republican candidate for governor from the primary ballot after a picture of him appearing to do a Nazi salute while standing in front of a burning cross resurfaced online.”
Sturg – Low crime rate, low unemployment, high wages, which lead to things like good healthcare, food security, more green spaces, etc.
Supreme Court let stand lower court findings of fact that Donald Trump led an insurrection. Court only ruled that Congress, not the states, has the power to decide whether he can hold office. In other words if Democrats win control of Congress they can vote not to certify the results if Trump wins the election.
SCOTUS: “Responsibility for enforcing Section 3 against federal officeholders and candidates rests with Congress and not the States”
Now, If he is convicted of insurrection in the DC case before certification in January 2005, Congress would have an especially powerful argument for preventing him from holding office.
BiD…..ok, maybe not so weird.
Depressing and discouraging but not unexpected.
March Forth
I lived in Campbell, CA for eight years (bedroom community attached to San Jose). Sold it in 1971 with the divorce. It truly was a good place to live. Bad part, we paid $21,900 for the four BR 2 BA home. It sold in 2016 for a million dollars.
SCOTUS: “Responsibility for enforcing Section 3 against federal officeholders and candidates rests with Congress and not the States”
so any of those jan6 insurrectionists could be kept off ballot if running for state or local office?
today’s meme…
That’s right PatD, the court elsewhere in the opinion said states can keep insurrectionists off ballots in state races: “We conclude that States may disqualify persons holding or attempting to hold state office.”
Under that language even those now holding office can be thrown out: “holding or attempting to hold state office”. There were several elected officials who fall into that category. I know 2 in Virginia, New Mexico at least.
I uploaded the full opinion here:
https://trailmix.cc/home/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Trump14-1.pdf
Jamie Raskin: “I am working with my colleagues on legislation setting up a process to determine that someone who committed insurrection is disqualified from office” (CNN)
I am thinking that any state that has a constitutional or statute stating anyone who is an insurrectionist is not eligible for state or local office can be good to go. The court formerly known as supreme is claiming ownership of federal office seekers.
The liberals on the court in a separate statement told the “conservative” gang to watch it with the sfb support.
Have not heard much from the white christionist Mikey whatshisname in a few days. I have seen more hints that a deep dig is going on into his life with young men, russian money, and why he has no financial dealings of any type anywhere. But, Dem representatives have been providing commentary, Rep. Jamie Raskin in particular, shaming the magats. I wish he was my rep., mine is Steny Hoyer who pops up occasionally on talking head shows. Jamie is Takoma rep, which is quite liberal.
This answered my question about the Missouri Governor’s race. The GOP does have the power to remove the nazi-klansman.
If the states can keep insurrectionists off of state ballots, it also means they can allow them on those ballots.
Traitors will be allowed to, potentially, hold office. They can be elected to US Congress. There’s nothing to stop them because, once again, SCOTUS played politics instead of answering the question before them.
craig, raskin also said the house impeachment already determined his disqualification. so all they have to do now is vote to enforce the 14th denying him the ballot. that just takes a majority vote whereas to restore him to the ballot would need a 2/3 vote in each house according to sec. 3
Well you just know that some future Supreme Court is gonna have to sit down and review every damn ruling made by this current group of sick fucks.
Bid
On the removal of the Clansman from the ballot all depends on Missouri law and the party rules. What they can’t do is make a law or rule after the fact. Prohibited by both the Missouri constitution and the US constitution.
So the threat to remove anyone who was a certified candidate is most likely ass covering BS.
Jack
https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/04/americas/haiti-ariel-henry-gangs-protests-bsap-intl-latam/index.html
“Gangs control 80% of the capital, according to UN estimates, and are fighting to seize the rest.”
“Since last week, Port-au-Prince has been gripped by a wave of highly coordinated gang attacks, with armed groups burning down police stations and freeing prisoners in what one gang leader described as a direct challenge to Haiti’s unpopular Prime Minister Ariel Henry. On Sunday, Haiti’s government declared a state of emergencyafter thousands of inmates apparently escaped from its largest prison.”
“We have chosen to take our destiny in our own hands. The battle we are waging will not only topple Ariel’s government.”
“Many Haitians blame their prime minister for rapidly ceding ground to the gangs over the past three years, while refusing to organize elections that would bring in a new government and give the country a fresh start. Henry and his allies say that the current insecurity would make a free and fair vote impossible, but such explanations do little to appease popular outrage.”
Something not well covered here is the changes that are going on to European countries. Arms factories being opened, troops training, NATO doing a lot of training and people preparing for puttie to attack. And, some of the Post WWII air bases, Europe and Soviet (former Soviet countries), are being cleaned up, prepared and made active for NATO air forces to use. They are taking serious the threats of invasion from puttie and his minions.
Joe Bidens Last Campaign
https://theconversation.com/macron-wont-rule-out-using-western-ground-troops-in-ukraine-but-is-nato-prepared-for-war-with-russia-224086
“At present, Nato is also conducting its largest military exercise since the cold war. Steadfast Defender runs from January until May and involves all 31 member states.”
“Importantly, one aspect of the exercises is the involvement of US and Canadian forces, which is designed to demonstrate the speed and size of Nato’s reinforcement capabilities. It acts both as a reassurance to European Nato member states and as a demonstration to potential enemies of the ability Nato has to put large forces into the field. Exercises are part of the communication of deterrence.”
Another Luckovich gem
https://apnews.com/article/no-labels-campaign-finance-complaint-biden-trump-05062262e04b4bb346ab06eaea99630b
“No Labels regularly promotes itself as a “common sense” centrist organization. But while the group has established No Labels political parties in numerous states, at the national level it is actually registered as a nonprofit with the IRS. That has enabled No Labels to operate with limited transparency while accepting unlimited sums from an anonymous set of donors — a source of financing often referred to pejoratively as “dark money.”
“Both the FEC and the IRS have been hesitant in recent years to police groups that push the boundaries of campaign finance law. The FEC board, which is split evenly between those aligned with Democrats and those aligned with Republicans, frequently deadlocks. The IRS, meanwhile, has largely shrunk from enforcement ever since attempts to crack down on tea party groups during Barack Obama’s presidency drew massive backlash.”
https://www.broadwaynews.com/exclusive-hillary-rodham-clinton-appears-in-new-suffs-video/
“[Hillary] Clinton is a producer, along with Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai, of the Shaina Taub-penned musical. “Suffs” tells the history of a group of female friends fighting for women’s right to vote in the U.S. at the start of the 20th century. These women became known as suffragists — “suffs” for short.”
“The musical is being produced on Broadway by lead producers Jill Furman and Rachel Sussman.”
The MAGAt incels don’t think women should be allowed to vote, btw.
Well, that Colorado ballot ruling didn’t exactly come as a shock, but it’s overreach is stunning, evidenced by Amy Coney Barrett agreeing with the concurrence of the other three women on the Court saying it went too far, but in less extreme terms than the liberal members were willing to use.
Blue Bronc, reminds me of my Normandy-uncle’s later reflections from his Maryland National Guard-training during the years leading up to WWII when we supposedly were getting ready to not be in WWII.
Mike Luckovich is one of the great political cartoonists. Long time ago I had a subscription to the paper so I could see his cartoons.
Ukraine has mounted a massive attack on the Kerch bridge that puttie had built between Ukraine and russia. If it is destroyed russia has limited options to supply the invasion troops from russia. Confirmation from Ukraine or russia is awaited.
https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/trump-white-house-drugs-speed-xanax-1234979503/
“Trump’s White House Was ‘Awash in Speed’ — and Xanax”
“The Trump administration was well known for its chaotic, often-erratic approach to policymaking — and for its atmosphere of paranoia, where staffers regularly spilled their colleagues’ secrets and bureaucratic factions often spent as much energy attacking one another as addressing matters of state.”
“It’s impossible to know how much of that was fueled by the widespread availability of drugs like Xanax and Provigil. But what’s clear is that there was a breakdown of medical standards and safeguards at the highest levels of the American government; some staffers even believed that confidential information about their mental health was at risk.”
“With Trump pushing to return to power on an agenda even more vicious than his first, a full accounting of the misuse of powerful stimulants and sedatives by his staff isn’t just a matter of historical interest. It’s a preview of a very possible future.”
https://www.salon.com/2020/08/25/were-don-jr-and-kimberly-coked-up-maybe-not-but-its-all-part-of-the-fascist-tradition/
“Were Don Jr. and Kimberly “coked up”? Maybe not, but it’s all part of the fascist tradition”
“Hyperactive, aggressive rhetoric — with a stimulant-style flair — is meant to overwhelm the audience emotionally”
“The emotional overloading strategy, often openly fueled by stimulant drugs, was a famous aspect of Nazism, which was known for rallies with long and overbearing speeches and a general atmosphere designed to overwhelm participants. Fidel Castro, of course, was known for giving speeches, that often lastd hours, that would wear down listeners so they could be built back up again in his image. Cult leader Jim Jones would suck down mountains of drugs and then rant at his followers for hours through the speaker system at Jonestown, breaking them down emotionally so that resistance to his message became impossible.”
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