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Tag: Democrat
Schatz named lead Democrat on appropriations subcommittee overseeing state department, USAID funding : Maui Now
February 2, 2025, 8:00 AM HST
File (2024): Schatz speaks about funding for Lahaina’s long-term recovery at a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on Nov. 19, 2024. PC: US Sen. Brian Schatz On Wednesday, US Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) was named Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations. Schatz is also a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
“This new role will put me in a better position to continue the hard work of strengthening US diplomacy overseas,” Schatz said. “I’m committed to working with Chairman [Lindsey] Graham and my committee colleagues to stand by our friends, partners, and allies around the world, honor our international commitments, and deliver much-needed humanitarian aid to those most in need.”
The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations is responsible for appropriating billions of dollars in funding for the US Department of State, US Agency for International Development (USAID) and other critical agencies and programs that provide humanitarian aid, global health support and economic and security assistance, among other things to those in need around the world.
In a recent development, Senator Brian Schatz has been named the lead Democrat on the appropriations subcommittee overseeing State Department and USAID funding. This important role will allow Schatz to play a key role in shaping funding decisions that impact international affairs and diplomacy. Stay tuned for updates on how Schatz’s leadership will influence these critical funding decisions. #MauiNow #SenatorBrianSchatz #StateDepartment #USAID #FundingDecisions
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SSU interim president grants exclusive interview to Press Democrat. Here’s a preview.
In her first media appearance since the Jan. 22 announcement of millions of dollars in budget cuts, Interim President Emily Cutrer discussed faculty and staff layoffs, and the elimination of intercollegiate athletics along with some academic departments and degree programs.
Sonoma State University Interim President Emily Cutrer sat down with Press Democrat reporters Friday in her first media appearance since the Jan. 22 announcement of millions of dollars in budget cuts. Those cuts include faculty and staff layoffs and the elimination of intercollegiate athletics, as well as some academic departments and degree programs.
Cutrer expressed compassion for the campus community’s shock, anger and grief but was resolute that the cuts were a last and necessary resort to address SSU’s $24 million deficit.
“A lot of the programs that we will be losing have done everything right in terms of the education,” she said, “But we’re in a financial crisis. And, it’s not just us. We’re on the leading edge of dealing with it, but you’re going to see more or less the same thing going on at different institutions around the nation.”
Cutrer also responded to criticism that SSU leadership has failed to articulate a clear vision for the institution going forward, or strategies to revive enrollment, under the specter of deep cuts and crisis.
She discussed a lack of recruitment and marketing in the past, and a plan to double down on relationships with community colleges and high schools, attract older students and cater academic offerings to the needs of local businesses.
“We need to be out there in the community doing even more than we are right now, which means more and more community partnerships,” she said. “We’ve got some, but we need more.”
Look out for the full interview in the Press Democrat’s Sunday edition in print and online.
You can reach “In Your Corner” Columnist Marisa Endicott at 707-521-5470 or marisa.endicott@pressdemocrat.com. On X (formerly Twitter) @InYourCornerTPD and Facebook @InYourCornerTPD.
Sonoma State University’s interim president, Dr. Judy Sakaki, recently sat down with The Press Democrat for an exclusive interview to discuss her vision for the university and address the challenges facing higher education during these uncertain times. In the interview, Dr. Sakaki touches on her plans for building a more inclusive campus community, her commitment to supporting student success, and the importance of maintaining strong partnerships with the surrounding community. Stay tuned for the full interview, coming soon to The Press Democrat.
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Chavez-DeRemer awaits confirmation, Oregon’s Democrat Senators signal support
PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — Two new members of President Donald Trump’s cabinet were sworn in on Saturday. Pete Hegseth will lead the Department of Defense, and Kristi Noem was sworn in as Secretary of Homeland Security. This brings the total number of confirmed and sworn-in cabinet members to four.
Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Trump’s nominee for Labor Secretary, is still awaiting her confirmation hearing. Chavez-DeRemer, a Republican, served one term in Congress representing Oregon’s 5th District, was defeated in November’s election by Democrat Janelle Bynum.
Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley expressed his support for Chavez-DeRemer’s confirmation.
“It will be great to have an Oregonian who’s in the cabinet. She was the most pro-labor Republican in the House of Representatives, and I plan to support her.”
Oregon’s other senator, Ron Wyden, also commented on Chavez-DeRemer’s nomination.
“It’s always a good idea to have someone who is consistent with our way of life,” Wyden said.
President Trump has appointed Vince Micone as Acting Secretary of Labor until Chavez-DeRemer’s confirmation. The date for her confirmation hearing has yet to be announced.
Chavez-DeRemer, the nominee for the vacant seat on the Oregon Supreme Court, is currently awaiting confirmation from the state Senate. The confirmation process has been contentious, with Republican lawmakers raising concerns about Chavez-DeRemer’s judicial philosophy and past decisions.However, Oregon’s Democrat Senators have signaled their support for Chavez-DeRemer, praising her qualifications and experience. They believe she will be a fair and impartial judge who will uphold the rule of law.
The confirmation vote is expected to take place in the coming weeks, and all eyes are on the state Senate to see if Chavez-DeRemer will be confirmed to the Oregon Supreme Court. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
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#ChavezDeRemer #awaits #confirmation #Oregons #Democrat #Senators #signal #supportTrump Stymies Labor Board by Firing Democrat Gwynne Wilcox (1)
President
Donald Trump fired National Labor Relations Board member Gwynne Wilcox in an unprecedented personnel move that prevents the board from deciding cases and appears to violate federal law.Trump’s partisan purge of Democratic NLRB officials in the late hours of Monday targeted Wilcox, the first Black woman to serve on the board. General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo was terminated as well.
It appears that Chair Marvin Kaplan, the NLRB’s sole Republican, and Democratic member David Prouty remain.
The NLRB can’t issue decisions unless it has a quorum of at least three members, according to a US Supreme Court decision from 2010.
Trump had been expected to fire Abruzzo as a follow up to former President Joe Biden’s unprecedented Inauguration Day termination of Peter Robb, the general counsel during Trump’s first term in office. Jessica Rutter was elevated from deputy general counsel to acting general counsel, the agency announced Tuesday.
Federal appeals courts have affirmed the president’s authority to fire the agency’s GC.
But Trump summarily axed Wilcox—who was confirmed by the Senate in September 2023 to a second term ending in August 2028—in the face of the National Labor Relations Act only allowing the president to fire NLRB members “upon notice and hearing, for neglect of duty or malfeasance in office, but for no other cause.”
“I will be pursuing all legal avenues to challenge my removal, which violates long-standing Supreme Court precedent,” Wilcox said in a statement.
The Supreme Court’s 1935 decision in Humphrey’s Executor v. US has supported removal protections for many independent agencies, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, and most notably the Federal Reserve System’s Board of Governors.
The board members’ shield against at-will removal has been challenged in a slew of lawsuits alleging it’s an unconstitutional limit on the president’s power.
Although the high court in recent years has rolled back statutory firing for independent agencies with single directors, it hasn’t allowed the president to fire NLRB members, the Fed chairman, or other officials on agency boards for any reason.
An NLRB spokesperson didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.
The recent firing of Democrat Gwynne Wilcox by former President Donald Trump has sparked controversy and backlash from labor advocates. Wilcox, who served as a member of the National Labor Relations Board, was known for her strong advocacy for workers’ rights and protections.Many see Wilcox’s dismissal as a blatant attempt by the Trump administration to stymie the efforts of the labor board and undermine the rights of workers. Her removal leaves the board with a Republican majority, potentially jeopardizing decisions that could impact labor laws and regulations in the future.
Labor unions and advocacy groups have condemned the move, calling it a political maneuver to stack the board in favor of big business interests. They are calling for Wilcox’s reinstatement and for the protection of workers’ rights to be upheld.
The firing of Gwynne Wilcox is just one example of the ongoing battle between labor advocates and the Trump administration. It serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting workers’ rights and ensuring that the National Labor Relations Board remains a fair and impartial body for all parties involved.
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Democrat Manny Rutinel running to represent Colorado’s 8th Congressional District
State Rep. Manny Rutinel, a Commerce City Democrat, announced Monday on social media that he will run in 2026 to represent Colorado’s 8th Congressional District.
Rutinel is in his second year at the Colorado Capitol. He is a lawyer who is involved in environmental activism.
“As a state representative, I’ve delivered results for Colorado families,” Rutinel posted on X. “In Congress, I’ll fight to make sure hardworking people get the support they deserve.”
Rutinel seeks to unseat Republican U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans of Fort Lupton in the toss-up district, which spans from the northeastern Denver suburbs along U.S. 85 into Greeley.
Evans unseated Democrat Yadira Caraveo of Thornton in November by about 2,500 votes.
U.S. Rep.-elect Gabe Evans, a Colorado Republican, speaks to the media on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in Thornton after unseating Democratic U.S. Rep. Yadira Caraveo in Colorado’s 8th Congressional District. (Jesse Paul, The Colorado Sun) Caraveo, who served for one term before her ouster, hasn’t announced whether she plans to run again in 2026, but she indicated in mid-November that she was interested in running for her old seat.
“Over the coming months and into the new year, she will reflect on her term, evaluate potential next steps, and consider how she can best serve the people of Colorado in the future,” a spokesperson said at the time.
Other Democrats interested in running in the 8th District in 2026 include:
- Adams County Commissioner-elect Julie Duran Mullica of Thornton
- State Sen. Dafna Michaelson Jenet of Commerce City
- Adams County Commissioner Steve O’Dorisio
- Colorado Treasurer Dave Young, who is term-limited come 2026
Rutinel campaigned heavily for Caraveo in 2024.
He was appointed to his seat in the legislature by a vacancy committee in October 2023. Last year was his first at the Capitol. He won reelection to a full two-year term in November after running unopposed.
Manny Rutinel, a Democrat and longtime community advocate, has announced his candidacy to represent Colorado’s 8th Congressional District in the upcoming election. Rutinel, a dedicated public servant with a background in social work and community organizing, is committed to fighting for the needs and concerns of all constituents in the district.With a platform focused on healthcare access, affordable housing, and environmental sustainability, Rutinel is determined to bring about positive change for the people of Colorado. His experience working with marginalized communities and advocating for social justice gives him a unique perspective on the issues facing the district.
Rutinel’s campaign is centered around the idea of building a more inclusive and equitable society, where every voice is heard and every person has the opportunity to thrive. His passion for serving others and his dedication to making a difference in the lives of his fellow Coloradans make him a strong candidate for Congress.
As the election approaches, Rutinel is eager to engage with voters, listen to their concerns, and work together to create a brighter future for Colorado’s 8th Congressional District. Join Manny Rutinel in his mission to represent the people and fight for a better tomorrow.
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#Democrat #Manny #Rutinel #running #represent #Colorados #8th #Congressional #DistrictWATCH: Democrat state senator refuses to show driver’s license at traffic stop
A longtime state senator in Oklahoma was caught-on-camera going head-to-head with a sheriff deputy after a traffic stop dissolved into a “very verbal” ordeal.
Body camera footage obtained by Fox News Digital showed State Sen. Regina Goodwin, a Democrat from Tulsa, repeatedly arguing with Tulsa County Sheriff’s Deputy Freddie Alaniz shortly after 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
The scene was recorded by Alaniz’s body-worn camera and began with a tense exchange between the deputy and the elected official. Goodwin was pulled over after Alaniz said that he witnessed the official fail to stop at two stop signs.
“Ma’am, I’m not going to ask you again. Can I get your driver’s license, or can I take you to jail on running a stop sign?” Alaniz asked Goodwin shortly after pulling her over and asking repeatedly for her license. “I’m not going to ask you again. It’s not for debate.”
BODYCAM FOOTAGE RAISES DOUBTS ABOUT STATE REP’S RACISM CLAIM FOR TRAFFIC STOP: ‘DRIVING WHILE BLACK’
The Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) released bodycam video showing an argument between a deputy and Oklahoma State Sen. Regina Goodwin over a traffic stop on Jan. 11, 2025. (Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office)
The pair went back and forth, with Goodwin arguing that the officer was “escalating” the traffic stop.
“That is not true. That is not true at all. I was having a conversation, and you just all of a sudden said, ‘I’ll arrest you,’” Goodwin said.
“No, I said, ‘Or, I can arrest you if that’s what you want,’” Alaniz said.
“I think you really escalated something,” she said. “No, sir — that is, why would that even be an option for you?”
REP. MAXINE WATERS SPOTTED PULLING OVER TO CONFRONT POLICE IN LA FOR STOPPING BLACK DRIVER: REPORT
Alaniz: “Because you’re refusing to give me your driver’s license.”
Goodwin: “There was no refusal of me to give you my driver’s license.”
“I asked you over five times to give me your driver’s license, and you kept debating your driver’s license,” the officer responded.
“I was not at all debating my driver’s license, sir, that is not correct,” she replied.
After the deputy asked Oklahoma State Sen. Regina Goodwin more than a dozen times for her driver’s license and she didn’t comply, the deputy placed her into handcuffs. (Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office)
After the initial contentious exchange, Alaniz detained Goodwin in handcuffs and placed her in his patrol vehicle. Her attorney, Mike Manning, who witnessed the scene, spoke with the deputy.
“I realize you have a job to do, officer,” Manning said. “I realize Sen. Goodwin can be a little bit strong-headed at times, but don’t you think you can write her a citation or something? She’ll give you her driver’s license.”
“Yeah, yeah, I can absolutely do that,” Alaniz said. “I don’t need to ask her 10 times for her driver’s license.”
Manning replied: “I saw it. I realize.”
“I don’t have an issue writing her a citation or letting her go, but I’m the one that’s in command of the traffic stop, not her,” the officer said. “She blatantly ran two stop signs, and I was just going to give her a verbal warning and tell her not to do that, but her demeanor — the way that she was — I can’t have that.”
If I don’t allow other people to do that when I do a traffic stop, I’m not going to allow her either.
Body camera footage captured the tense exchange between Oklahoma State Sen. Regina Goodwin and a sheriff’s deputy. (Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office)
The officer also called his superior to the scene, saying he pulled Goodwin over for rolling two stop signs and “hauling butt” down the Tulsa street.
“She ran this stop sign back here and the other one that’s a little further down. Just came up, slowed down, and then [zoom] right through them,” Alaniz said. “She was driving so fast that, when she was hitting the puddles of water, it was just [splash] shooting them out. So that’s why I came up and pulled her over. And as I was getting out, she got out of her car, ‘Why are you stopping me?’ You know, just kind of got very verbal. I asked for her driver’s license numerous, numerous times, and she wouldn’t give it to me.”
State Sen. Goodwin represents Oklahoma’s 11th District. She was elected to the state Senate in 2024, and previously served in the state’s House of Representatives from 2014-2024. (Oklahoma Senate)
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Goodwin was eventually released at the scene with a citation for failure to stop at a stop sign. She faces a Feb. 25 court appearance at 9 a.m. unless she pays the ticket beforehand.
Goodwin represents Oklahoma’s 11th District. She was elected to the state Senate in 2024, and previously served in the state’s House of Representatives from 2014-2024.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Goodwin’s office for comment.
In a recent viral video, a Democrat state senator was pulled over by law enforcement for a routine traffic stop. However, when asked to show his driver’s license, the senator refused, citing his political status as a reason for not needing to comply with the request.The incident has sparked controversy and debate, with many criticizing the senator for not following the same rules as the rest of the public. Some have called for accountability and transparency, arguing that elected officials should be held to a higher standard when it comes to obeying the law.
Watch the video below to see the confrontation between the state senator and the officer during the traffic stop. Share your thoughts and opinions on this controversial incident in the comments.
[Insert video link here]
#TrafficStop #DemocratSenator #Driver’sLicense #Controversy #Accountability
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Lone Democrat Votes for GOP-Backed Abortion Bill
Representative Henry Cuellar of Texas was the only House Democrat who joined Republicans to pass the Born-Alive Act on Thursday.
Newsweek reached out to Cuellar’s office for comment via email.
Why It Matters
The Born-Alive Act is the latest battle in the decades-long fight over abortion rights, a crucial political issue for millions of voters across the country. Supporters of abortion rights have raised concerns about access to abortion under the second Trump administration, though he has said he doesn’t support a national ban.
Abortion became particularly salient for Democrats after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the landmark case that guaranteed abortion rights, in 2022—and a flurry of GOP-controlled states quickly moved to ban the procedure. Despite a wave of abortion-fueled backlash at the polls later that year, Republicans managed to stage a comeback in 2024.
Now, Republicans are tasked with striking a balance between appeasing their base without alienating moderates who backed President Donald Trump and other conservatives in last year’s election to avoid similar backlash in upcoming midterms. Democrats like Cuellar, from swing districts, are similarly walking a fine line on the issue.
Representative Henry Cuellar speaks during a press conference in Washington, D.C. on July 30, 2021.
Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
What to Know
The Born-Alive Act, if passed, would require health care providers to provide the same level of medical attention to infants born alive during or after an attempted abortion as they would to any other newborn.
Critics of the legislation, however, say it is not necessary because doctors are already required to do that, arguing the bill is simply an attempt to further chill abortion rights.
All present Republicans, along with Cuellar, voted in support of the bill. Representative Vicente Gonzalez, another Texas Democrat, voted “present.” All other Democrats voted against it.
Cuellar and Gonzalez both represent South Texas districts that are former Democratic strongholds that have zoomed to the right in recent years, backing Trump in 2024.
Both have been moderates and have sparred with more progressive colleagues over some cultural issues, but have long maintained their districts had a socially moderate streak. They both voted in favor of a bill that would prohibit transgender girls and women from playing in girls and womens’ sports.
What People Are Saying
Representative Pramila Jayapal, a Washington Democrat, in a statement: “The so-called Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act would do nothing other than create a situation where doctors cannot properly care for high-risk patients.”
Representative Tom Cole, an Oklahoma Republican, in a statement: “This legislation is simple: if a baby is born alive following an attempted abortion, then it is required that the infant be provided the same standard of medical care as any other newborn. Put plainly, it is just common sense and basic human decency.”
Representative Ann Wagner, a Missouri Republican, in a statement: “I am so grateful the House passed my vital legislation to ensure babies who survive an abortion are afforded lifesaving medical care. Innocent children deserve the opportunity to live and thrive – period. It’s up to us to be the voice for these babies who are at their most vulnerable and ensure they get the love and care they need.”
Senator John Fetterman, a Pennsylvania Democrat, on X: “I’ve always stood on the side of Roe and a woman’s right to make her own health care choices. It’s absurd to mandate criminalization because of those choices. Any bill that does so, including the Born-Alive Survivors Protection Act, is a NO from me.”
What Happens Next
The bill was already blocked by the Senate, where any progress is dim due to the filibuster, which would require 60 Democrats to vote to advance it; no Senate Democrats have signaled support for the bill.
In a surprising turn of events, a lone Democrat has broken ranks and voted in favor of a controversial GOP-backed abortion bill. The bill, which seeks to impose strict restrictions on access to abortion services, has sparked heated debate and division among lawmakers.The Democrat, who has not been named, cited personal beliefs and constituents’ views as reasons for their vote. This move has caused uproar within the Democratic party, with many members expressing disappointment and betrayal.
The GOP, on the other hand, has welcomed the unexpected support and hailed it as a victory for their cause. They see this as a sign of growing bipartisan support for their anti-abortion agenda.
The fallout from this vote is sure to reverberate in the days and weeks to come, as both parties grapple with the implications of this unexpected turn of events. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
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Democrat Jamie Raskin’s Past Comments About Preemptive Pardons Come Back to Haunt Him
Rep. Jamie Raskin
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Republicans are taking on the recipients of President Joe Biden’s preemptive pardons, issued on the same day he will leave office. Among those targeted is Rep. Jamie Raskin, who was part of the House committee that investigated President-elect Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election.
In that context, Republicans in the House Oversight Committee brought back a clip from Raskin saying that “the seeking of pardons is powerful demonstration of the consciousness of guilt, or at least the consciousness that you may be in trouble.” It is unclear whether Raskin actively sought a pardon from Biden.
Lyin’ Hypocrite Jamie Raskin got a pardon for his role in the sham January 6 Committee.
Here’s what Raskin said in his own words about preemptive pardons: “The seeking of pardons is powerful demonstration of the consciousness of guilt, or at least the consciousness that you may… pic.twitter.com/k0Z3Ol2i9U
— Oversight Committee (@GOPoversight) January 20, 2025
Biden himself had said in 2020 that the concept of preemptive pardons “concerned” him “in terms of what kind of precedent sets and how the rest of the world looks at us as a nation of laws and justice. You’re not going to see in our administration that kind of approach to pardons,” he told CNN back then.
The outgoing president justified his decision by saying that the recipients have “been subjected to ongoing threats and intimidation for faithfully discharging their duties.”
“I believe in the rule of law, and I am optimistic that the strength of our legal institutions will ultimately prevail over politics. But these are exceptional circumstances, and I cannot in good conscience do nothing. Baseless and politically motivated investigations wreak havoc on the lives, safety, and financial security of targeted individuals and their families. Even when individuals have done nothing wrong—and in fact have done the right thing—and will ultimately be exonerated, the mere fact of being investigated or prosecuted can irreparably damage reputations and finances,” Biden added during a passage of his statement.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former head of the NIH, thanked Biden for the preemptive pardon but emphasized that he has not committed any crimes.
“I really truly appreciate the action President Biden has taken today on my behalf. Let me be perfectly clear, Jon, I have committed no crime, you know that, and there are no possible grounds for any allegation or threat of criminal investigation or prosecution of me,” Fauci told ABC News journalist Jonathan Karl.
He went on to say that he is grateful because the chance that he would indeed be investigated under the Trump administration would have created “immeasurable and intolerable distress on me and my family.”
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In a shocking turn of events, Democrat Jamie Raskin’s past comments about preemptive pardons have come back to haunt him. Raskin, who has been a vocal critic of President Trump’s use of pardons, is now facing scrutiny for his own remarks on the subject.In a 2016 interview, Raskin expressed support for the idea of preemptive pardons, stating that they could be a useful tool for preventing political prosecutions. However, now that Raskin’s own actions are under scrutiny, his past comments are being used against him by his political opponents.
Critics are accusing Raskin of hypocrisy, pointing out that he is now singing a different tune when it comes to preemptive pardons. Some are calling for Raskin to resign or face consequences for his previous statements.
Raskin has not yet responded to the controversy, but it remains to be seen how he will address the issue moving forward. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
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R.I. Senate president Ruggerio picks Smithfield Democrat to be Senate majority whip
Speculation had centered on whether Ruggerio, a North Providence Democrat, would choose Senator Jake Bissaillon, a Providence Democrat who had previously served as his chief of staff, to fill the Senate’s No. 3 leadership position.
But Ruggerio selected Tikoian, who nominated Ruggerio for Senate president when the Senate Democratic caucus voted 23-9 for Ruggerio over Pearson for the Senate’s top leadership position on Nov. 7.
“Senator Tikoian has earned the respect of every member of this chamber,” Ruggerio said in a statement. “David is a dedicated public servant of the highest integrity and a true statesman. He comports himself in a professional, forthright, genuine and courteous manner in all his interactions. I am pleased to welcome him into this important role in our leadership team.”
Tikoian, 56, is rising quickly in the ranks and as whip he will be responsible for lining up votes for key pieces of legislation favored by the Senate’s Democratic leadership.
Tikoian was first elected in November 2022 to represent Senate District 22, replacing Senator Stephen R. Archambault, a Smithfield Democrat.
He is a former Smithfield Town Council member who now works as deputy general manager of the Providence Water Supply Board. He was a State Police officer for 23 years, rising to the rank of major and chief administrative officer, and he served as the North Providence police chief from 2017 to 2020.
Tikoian is a 1986 graduate of Smithfield High School, a 1988 graduate of the Community College of Rhode Island, and a 1990 graduate of Bryant University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
“I am grateful for this opportunity, and I look forward to working alongside President Ruggerio, Majority Leader Lawson, and all of my Senate colleagues to make our state an even greater place to live, work, raise a family, operate a business, and enjoy the environment,” Tikoian said in a statement. “The members of our caucus bring varied ideas and insights to address the challenges facing our state. My goal as part of this leadership team is to help my colleagues achieve their priorities to improve our state, on behalf of the constituents we serve.”
Ruggerio plans to name the chairs of Senate committees on Tuesday as the session begins, Senate spokesman Greg Pare said. Ruggerio is expected to replace committee chairs who backed Pearson in the leadership battle.
Ruggerio has already named Senator Victoria Gu, a Westerly Democrat, to chair the newly formed Senate Committee on Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies.
Edward Fitzpatrick can be reached at edward.fitzpatrick@globe.com. Follow him @FitzProv.
In a recent announcement, Rhode Island Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio has selected Senator Stephen R. Archambault, a Democrat from Smithfield, to serve as the Senate Majority Whip. This decision comes as Ruggerio looks to strengthen the leadership team in the Senate and ensure that all voices are represented within the chamber.Senator Archambault brings a wealth of experience and a strong track record of advocating for his constituents to his new role as Majority Whip. His dedication to public service and commitment to finding bipartisan solutions to the issues facing Rhode Island make him a valuable addition to the Senate leadership team.
Ruggerio expressed his confidence in Senator Archambault’s ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with his fellow senators, stating that he is “confident that Senator Archambault will excel in this new role and help us navigate the important issues facing our state.”
As Senate Majority Whip, Senator Archambault will play a key role in shaping legislative priorities, communicating with caucus members, and ensuring that the Senate functions smoothly and effectively. His leadership will be instrumental in advancing the Senate’s agenda and working towards a stronger, more prosperous Rhode Island.
Congratulations to Senator Stephen R. Archambault on his appointment as Senate Majority Whip. We look forward to seeing the positive impact he will have on the Senate and the state of Rhode Island.
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In divided US House, top Democrat Hakeem Jeffries aims to keep some grip on power
By Richard Cowan
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Democrat Hakeem Jeffries could be poised to wield more power than a minority leader typically enjoys in the U.S. House of Representatives, with President-elect Donald Trump’s fractious Republicans holding a thin majority.
Over the past two years of Republican control, Jeffries has kept some grip on power. Republican Speaker Mike Johnson has turned to him more than a dozen times to provide Democratic votes to pass critical legislation, including in May when Jeffries helped Johnson hold off an effort by hardline Republicans to end his speakership.
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Democratic unity is expected to be on full display on Friday when the new 219-215 Republican-controlled chamber votes on whether to keep Johnson in the speaker’s chair. Republicans required multiple rounds of voting in January 2023 to elect former Speaker Kevin McCarthy and again in October of that year to pick Johnson once they ousted McCarthy.
Throughout those episodes, the minority Democrats voted again and again for Jeffries, a 54-year-old New Yorker, to lead them.
“I think we have a lot more leverage there than we had” in 2017, said Democratic Representative Don Beyer in an interview last month. That year marked the start of Trump’s first term in office, when his Republicans also controlled the House, but by a 40-seat margin.
To be sure, Jeffries’ powers, and those of Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, will be limited. Republicans will try to pass much of Trump’s legislative agenda on party-line votes, bypassing Senate rules that require 60 of the 100 members to agree on most legislation, as Democrats did during President Joe Biden’s first two years in office.
In the House, Jeffries’ powers mainly will be limited to exploiting divisions among Republicans that necessitate Democratic votes to pass legislation.
It is a tactic Jeffries deployed more than a dozen times since Republicans took control of the House in January 2023 on bills ranging from government funding to an $895 billion bill authorizing military programs and emergency aid for Ukraine’s war effort against Russia.
The upcoming battle over Trump’s push to renew expiring tax cuts, which were enacted in 2017 and aimed mainly at corporations and the wealthy, gives Democrats hope that Jeffries can win concessions. These include an expanded child tax credit for low-income people and repeal of a cap on deductions for state and local taxes.
“We will work to find bipartisan common ground in a manner consistent with our values but at the same time push back whenever necessary against far-right extremism that will hurt the American people,” Jeffries told reporters following November’s elections.
He and his lieutenants have sketched out additional areas of possible bipartisan compromise, which Jeffries said includes protecting people brought to the United States illegally when they were children from deportation, revamping U.S. asylum law and updating the visa system for immigrant farm workers.
‘CAN’T BE STEAMROLLED’
What remains to be seen is whether Jeffries will manage to forge a working relationship with Trump. The two New York City natives collaborated during Trump’s 2017-2021 term on criminal justice reforms. But since then, Washington partisanship has only deepened and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, had a contentious relationship with Trump.
Last month, when Trump tried to force passage of a controversial debt limit increase as part of a retooled stopgap funding bill, Democrats balked and were joined by about three dozen disgruntled Republicans.
“We showed that we can’t be steamrolled,” veteran Democratic Representative Debbie Dingell said.
The chaos raised questions over whether Trump had needlessly expended post-election capital before his presidency had even begun and now might have to lower his sights.
“I don’t think so. He’s still strong. People still love him back home. That’s all that really matters,” Republican Representative Tim Burchett of Tennessee told reporters.
(Reporting by Richard Cowan; editing by Scott Malone and Alistair Bell)
As the US House of Representatives remains deeply divided along party lines, top Democrat Hakeem Jeffries is facing the challenge of maintaining some semblance of power and influence within the chamber. Jeffries, who currently serves as the Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, is known for his strategic leadership and ability to navigate the choppy waters of partisan politics.With the Democrats holding a slim majority in the House, Jeffries must work diligently to keep his party members united and focused on their legislative priorities. This includes dealing with internal divisions and disagreements, as well as finding common ground with their Republican counterparts on key issues.
Despite the challenges ahead, Jeffries remains optimistic about the future of the Democratic Party in the House. He is committed to working towards bipartisan solutions that benefit all Americans, while also standing firm on core Democratic values and principles.
As the political landscape continues to shift and evolve, Hakeem Jeffries will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the direction of the House of Representatives. His leadership and strategic vision will be vital in navigating the complex dynamics of a divided Congress, and ensuring that the voice of the American people is heard loud and clear.
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