Robert Mueller, NAFTA, and ICE: This Week in Congress
In the wake of James Comey’s firing as FBI Director, former FBI Director and Comey predecessor, Robert Meuller, is selected as Special Counsel to lead the investigation. Delve into what this means as well as developments in NAFTA, health care, and immigration.
Senators Told of Broadening Russia Investigation
Rod Rosenstein, Assistant Attorney General selects Special Counsel, Robert Mueller, himself a former FBI Director, to lead the Russia investigation. Rosenstein, the second in command at the Justice Department, holds this authority as Attorney General Jeff Sessions recused himself from the investigation after failing to disclose to the Senate meetings with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak.
Who Is Robert Mueller, Special Counsel Overseeing Russia Investigation?
The former FBI Director, highly regarded across party lines, led the FBI during its pivotal changes post 9/11 from criminal investigations into counterterrorism, national security, as well as cyber security. To get more context into Mueller’s experience in politically charged situations, read further here.
Robert Mueller: a Solid Choice for Trump-Russia Investigation ‘Special Counsel’
To understand the role of Special Counsel, its authority, and the history of the role, read here.
Trump Administration Formally Launches NAFTA Renegotiation
On Thursday, the Trump Administration notified Congress that it will renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement with Canada and Mexico. In our 5/12 post, we reviewed President Trump’s new US Trade Representative, Robert Lighthizer, who was confirmed by the Senate and will be leading the negotiation process.
How NAFTA Renegotiation Works
For a detailed breakdown of how the negotiation process works from the US to Canada and Mexico, read this.
Ryan Downplays Possibility of Re-vote on Obamacare Repeal
The House passed the American Health Care Act (AHCA) as a budgetary bill. While passed and the Senate already working away on healthcare, the formal handover awaits the scoring by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) expected next Wednesday, and in particular, that the bill reduces the deficit, a requirement needed by Senate rules for a reconciliation process.
Obamacare Rates Could Skyrocket Next Year Amid Uncertain Repeal Efforts
While a misleading title, this article looks into how uncertainty in health care legislative efforts may increase costs even more than otherwise. The Senate is considering short term solutions to bolster the marketplace.
Two Immigration Bills Headed for Markup Tomorrow Need Some Work
The House Judiciary Committee is reviewing 2 bills that would increase powers for Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP). To better understand the impact of the bills, read here.
Trump Picked this Ex-Lobbyist for Key Interior Position
President Trump’s nominee for Deputy Interior Department Secretary, David Bernhardt, began his nomination review process before the Senate Thursday. He is a lawyer and former lobbyist, who notably led the California Westlands Water District’s claim leading to a $331M settlement under the Obama administration.
Americans are Paying $38 to Collect $1 of Student Debt
Student debt is a longstanding issue in America. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau released an analysis highlighting inefficiencies that question whether this system is working.
And over on IssueVoter, two bills fitting for #NationalPoliceWeek:
H.R. 115 (PASSED) will include the killing of a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or first responder as a circumstance that increases the severity of a criminal act in death penalty cases.
H.R. 1039 would grant probation officers authority to arrest third parties. Congress votes soon — follow the link to send your opinion to your rep!
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