Tag: House

  • House Republicans announce new subcommittee to investigate Jan. 6


    WASHINGTON — House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., announced Wednesday the creation of a new select subcommittee to investigate events before and after Jan. 6, 2021.

    “House Republicans are proud of our work so far in exposing the false narratives peddled by the politically motivated January 6 Select Committee during the 117th Congress, but there is still more work to be done,” Johnson said in a statement.

    The subcommittee’s mission is to “uncover the full truth that is owed to the American people,” Johnson said.

    The speaker didn’t make clear what false narratives he alleges were made by the original select committee.

    Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-Ga., will chair the new subcommittee, which will fall under the jurisdiction of the House Judiciary Committee chaired by Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio.

    Notably, Loudermilk had given a tour of the Capitol to people the day before the insurrection, which included a man who was caught on video, later released by the committee that investigated the attack, making violent verbal threats against top Democratic lawmakers during the attack.

    The rioter who made the threats, Trevor Hallgren, “took pictures of hallways and staircases” during Loudermilk’s tour, according to the final report released by the Jan. 6 select committee.

    In a statement Wednesday, Loudermilk said, “What happened at the Capitol that day was the result of a series of intelligence, security, and leadership failures at multiple levels within numerous entities.”

    The first Jan. 6 committee investigated the Capitol attack as part of a nearly two-year bipartisan inquiry when Democrats controlled the House.

    Before leaving office Monday, Joe Biden issued pre-emptive pardons to all lawmakers and staff members who served on the committee, including its chair, Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., and vice chair, former Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo.

    As chair of the House Administration Committee’s Subcommittee on Oversight, which investigated the select committee in the last Congress, Loudermilk said in a report that the FBI should investigate Cheney for her role on the select committee, saying without evidence that she had likely broken “numerous federal laws.”

    The first select committee held a series of 10 hearings in 2022 that featured testimony from a variety of witnesses who shed light on Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn the election and the attack on the Capitol itself.

    More than two years later, Trump pardoned nearly all Jan. 6 defendants on Monday, the first day of his second term.

    Republicans have dismissed or downplayed the events of Jan. 6 in recent years, with some even falsely suggesting that it was actually members of the group antifa who attacked the Capitol. Trump, who was impeached by the House after the attack and indicted by the federal government for his role in trying to overturn the 2020 election, has said that it was a “day of love.”

    The announcement of the subcommittee came hours after Johnson defended Trump’s pardons of Jan. 6 rioters, including violent individuals convicted of assaulting police officers, describing the pardons as an effort to turn the page.

    “We’re not looking backward, we’re looking forward,” Johnson told reporters Wednesday.



    House Republicans have announced the formation of a new subcommittee dedicated to investigating the events of January 6, when a violent mob breached the Capitol building in an attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.

    The newly formed subcommittee, led by Republican Rep. Liz Cheney, will delve into the circumstances surrounding the attack on the Capitol, including the security failures that allowed the mob to breach the building, the role of social media in organizing the attack, and any potential ties to foreign actors.

    House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy praised the formation of the subcommittee, stating that it is crucial to uncover the truth behind the events of January 6 in order to prevent such an attack from happening again in the future.

    The announcement of the new subcommittee comes as tensions continue to simmer within the Republican party over the events of January 6, with some members downplaying the severity of the attack and others calling for a more thorough investigation. With the formation of this subcommittee, House Republicans are taking a proactive step towards holding those responsible for the attack accountable and ensuring the safety and security of the Capitol moving forward.

    Tags:

    1. House Republicans
    2. Jan. 6 investigation
    3. GOP subcommittee
    4. Capitol riot probe
    5. Republican-led inquiry
    6. House GOP announcement
    7. Congressional investigation
    8. Insurrection inquiry
    9. Republican subcommittee formation
    10. Capitol breach scrutiny

    #House #Republicans #announce #subcommittee #investigate #Jan

  • Madeline at the White House – Hardcover By Marciano, John Bemelmans – VERY GOOD



    Madeline at the White House – Hardcover By Marciano, John Bemelmans – VERY GOOD

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    Madeline at the White House – Hardcover By Marciano, John Bemelmans – VERY GOOD

    Step into the world of Madeline as she visits the White House in this charming and beautifully illustrated children’s book by John Bemelmans Marciano. Join Madeline and her friends as they explore the historic halls of the White House and meet the President of the United States.

    This hardcover edition is in very good condition, perfect for any young reader or collector. The vibrant illustrations and engaging storyline will captivate readers of all ages.

    Don’t miss out on this delightful addition to the Madeline series. Order your copy of Madeline at the White House today!
    #Madeline #White #House #Hardcover #Marciano #John #Bemelmans #GOOD,ages 3+

  • Late Lunch with Llamas (Magic Tree House (R)) – Hardcover – GOOD



    Late Lunch with Llamas (Magic Tree House (R)) – Hardcover – GOOD

    Price : 4.38

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    Late Lunch with Llamas is a delightful adventure story from the Magic Tree House series. In this heartwarming tale, Jack and Annie travel to the Andes Mountains to help a group of llamas find their missing friend. Along the way, they encounter magical creatures and breathtaking landscapes that will captivate readers of all ages.

    This hardcover edition of Late Lunch with Llamas is in good condition, perfect for adding to your collection or gifting to a young reader. With its engaging storyline and vibrant illustrations, this book is sure to spark the imagination and inspire a love of reading.

    Join Jack and Annie on their exciting journey through the Andes Mountains and discover the power of friendship, courage, and teamwork. Late Lunch with Llamas is a must-read for fans of the Magic Tree House series and anyone who enjoys a good adventure story. Grab your copy today and embark on a magical journey with Jack, Annie, and their lovable llama friends!
    #Late #Lunch #Llamas #Magic #Tree #House #Hardcover #GOOD,ages 3+

  • Steve Aoki, Swedish House Mafia & More


    The lineup for Tomorrowland 2025 is here. The organizers of the Belgian mega-festival released a bill with more than 600 dance acts spanning the genre’s sound spectrum on Thursday (Jan. 23).

    The bill includes a load of Tomorrowland regulars including Martin Garrix, Steve Aoki, Armin van Buuren, Charlotte de Witte, David Guetta, Hardwell, Nervo, Nicky Romero and many others. The bill also includes John Summit, Fisher, Amelie Lens, Alok, Agents of Time, Miss Monique, The Blessed Madonna and other artists making mainstage, house, techno, trance, bass and more.

    The gentlemen of Swedish House Mafia will perform twice, once as Swedish House Mafia and once as a b2b2b featuring the trio’s members — Axwell, Steve Angello and Sebastian Ingrosso — doing a house set on one of the event’s more intimate stages. Solomun will perform not once but thrice with a weekend one set on the mainstage, a weekend two b2b with Anyma and a third set on the festival’s Freedom Stage.

    Tomorrowland will also offer a flurry of b2b sets from Dimitri Vegas b2b Fantasm, DJ Boring b2b Haai, Kevin de Vries b2b Cassian, Kölsch b2b Artbat and many more.

    The festival’s 19th edition happens across two weekends — July 18-20 and July 25-27 in Boom, Belgium. The event typically draws more than 400,000 people over its back-to-back weekends. Tickets for Tomorrowland 2025 go on sale Feb. 1.

    Before the festival’s flagship summer edition, Tomorrowland Winter happens March 15-22 at Alpe d’Huez, a ski resort in the French Alps roughly two and a half hours southeast of Lyon. 2025 marks the fifth edition of the event, which will host a crowd of roughly 22,000. 

    See the full lineup for Tomorrowland Belgium below:

    Tomorrowland

    Tomorrowland

    Courtesy of Tomorrowland



    “Get ready to dance: Steve Aoki, Swedish House Mafia, and more top EDM artists are set to hit the stage this summer!”

    From high-energy sets to mind-blowing visuals, these electronic dance music legends are sure to bring the party to a whole new level. Don’t miss your chance to see them live and experience the thrill of their electrifying beats.

    Stay tuned for more details on upcoming tour dates and ticket information. Get ready to dance the night away with Steve Aoki, Swedish House Mafia, and more! #EDM #SteveAoki #SwedishHouseMafia #PartyTime”

    Tags:

    1. Steve Aoki
    2. Swedish House Mafia
    3. EDM artists
    4. Music collaborations
    5. Electronic dance music
    6. DJ performances
    7. Concert tours
    8. Music festivals
    9. Dance music industry
    10. Popular DJs

    #Steve #Aoki #Swedish #House #Mafia

  • Nuwave Whole House Air Purifiers, Oxypure Smart Air Purifier with 5 Stage Tower Structure Air Filter, Air Quality & Odor Sensors, Sleep Mode for Bedroom, Remove 99.99% of Dust, Smoke, Pollen, Allergen


    Price: $229.99 – $599.99
    (as of Jan 25,2025 15:02:58 UTC – Details)



    PERFECT FOR ULTRA-LARGE ROOMS: Improve indoor air circulation and purify 2,934ft² spaces in 60 minutes, or 586ft² in 12 minutes (CADR: 664.6 m³/h). The top-performing air purifier is perfect for large room, office, high ceilings, and open-concept spaces.
    UNPARALLELED 5-LAYER PROTECTION: Dynamic combination of a stainless steel pre-filter, ozone emission removal filter, True HEPA and Carbon filter, and Bio-Guard filter effectively captures 100% of 0.09-micron particles in the air, including pollen, pollutants, smoke, pet dander, dust, and other allergens. It also eliminates toxic Ozone in the home to less than 1 ppb, offering an ozone free space.
    AIR QUALITY & ODOR TWO SENSORS IN ONE: This Air Purifier features two sensors to detect both air particles and smells, including smoke and pet smell, automatically adjust the fan speed and deliver real-time readings. A perfect air purifier choice for pets’ parents and smokers.
    AIR PURIFIER WITH WASHABLE FILTERS: This air purifier is designed to eliminate costly replacements. The Never-Rust stainless-steel pre-filter and Bio-Guard filter are washable and reusable for up to 20 years. Ozone emission removal filter is reusable up to 20 years. The True HEPA and Carbon filter is replaceable in every 12 months. Search for B0BCS8W996 or NuWave HEPA/Carbon Combo Filter to find replacement filter. NuWave filters provide the best fit and filtration, while off-brand filters are unreliable and may damage the air purifier.
    SMART AUTO MODE: The OxyPure Hepa Air Purifier can automatically adapt to its surroundings by adjusting fan speeds based on the room’s air quality with the built-in auto mode feature, adjusting purification to the necessary level and saving energy when it’s not needed.
    FILTER ALERTS: The air filter indicator tells you when the Bio-Guard filter needs to be cleaned and the True HEPA and Carbon filter need to be replaced for maximum efficiency, based on how much air they have processed.
    WIFI CAPABLE: OxyPure is WIFI capable. You can connect remotely to monitor and control the air quality in your home anytime, anywhere from an app on your phone. The app is compatible with both Android and iPhones.
    ALLERGY RELIEF & BETTER SLEEP – National Sleep Foundation found that sleep is dramatically impaired by allergy symptoms. OxyPure promotes better sleep by eliminating airborne allergens that can irritate the sinuses, nasal passages, and lungs.
    NIGHT-TIME SLEEP MODE – OxyPure is designed with Night-Time mode. All indicator lights turn off and fan operates at whisper-quiet level at 31.4 dB to help promote ideal sleeping conditions.
    WHAT’S INCLUDED – 1 owner’s manual, 1 stainless-steel pre-filter, 1 ozone emission removal filter, 1 Bio-Guard filter, 1 HEPA/carbon combo filter & 4 additional filters included as a bonus. For the first 5 years, there is ZERO filter replacement cost. (Voltage: 120 V, Wattage: 125 W / 128 W.)

    Customers say

    Customers find the air purifier effective and quiet in most modes. They appreciate its ability to clean the air quickly and help with odor control. The controls are easy to understand and the instructions are thorough. Many customers find it easy to move from room to room on wheels. However, some have issues with value for money and differing opinions on the build quality.

    AI-generated from the text of customer reviews


    Are you looking for the ultimate solution to clean and fresh air in your home? Look no further than the Nuwave Whole House Air Purifiers Oxypure Smart Air Purifier! This innovative air purifier features a 5 stage tower structure air filter that is designed to remove 99.99% of dust, smoke, pollen, allergens, and other harmful particles from the air.

    With built-in air quality and odor sensors, the Nuwave Oxypure Smart Air Purifier continuously monitors the air in your home and adjusts its settings to ensure optimal air quality. It even has a sleep mode, making it perfect for use in the bedroom to help you get a good night’s sleep.

    Say goodbye to indoor air pollution and hello to clean, fresh air with the Nuwave Whole House Air Purifiers Oxypure Smart Air Purifier. Your family deserves the best air quality possible, and this air purifier delivers on that promise. Don’t wait any longer to improve the air in your home – invest in the Nuwave Oxypure Smart Air Purifier today!
    #Nuwave #House #Air #Purifiers #Oxypure #Smart #Air #Purifier #Stage #Tower #Structure #Air #Filter #Air #Quality #Odor #Sensors #Sleep #Mode #Bedroom #Remove #Dust #Smoke #Pollen #Allergen,cleanica 360 air purifier with wifi

  • Strengthening American Leadership in Digital Financial Technology – The White House


    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and in order to promote United States leadership in digital assets and financial technology while protecting economic liberty, it is hereby ordered as follows:

    Section 1.  Purpose and Policies.  (a)  The digital asset industry plays a crucial role in innovation and economic development in the United States, as well as our Nation’s international leadership.  It is therefore the policy of my Administration to support the responsible growth and use of digital assets, blockchain technology, and related technologies across all sectors of the economy, including by:

    (i)    protecting and promoting the ability of individual citizens and private-sector entities alike to access and use for lawful purposes open public blockchain networks without persecution, including the ability to develop and deploy software, to participate in mining and validating, to transact with other persons without unlawful censorship, and to maintain self-custody of digital assets;

    (ii)   promoting and protecting the sovereignty of the United States dollar, including through actions to promote the development and growth of lawful and legitimate dollar-backed stablecoins worldwide;

    (iii)  protecting and promoting fair and open access to banking services for all law-abiding individual citizens and private-sector entities alike;

    (iv)   providing regulatory clarity and certainty built on technology-neutral regulations, frameworks that account for emerging technologies, transparent decision making, and well-defined jurisdictional regulatory boundaries, all of which are essential to supporting a vibrant and inclusive digital economy and innovation in digital assets, permissionless blockchains, and distributed ledger technologies; and

    (v)    taking measures to protect Americans from the risks of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), which threaten the stability of the financial system, individual privacy, and the sovereignty of the United States, including by prohibiting the establishment, issuance, circulation, and use of a CBDC within the jurisdiction of the United States.

    Sec. 2.  Definitions.  (a)  For the purpose of this order, the term “digital asset” refers to any digital representation of value that is recorded on a distributed ledger, including cryptocurrencies, digital tokens, and stablecoins.

    (b)  The term “blockchain” means any technology where data is:

    (i)    shared across a network to create a public ledger of verified transactions or information among network participants;

    (ii)   linked using cryptography to maintain the integrity of the public ledger and to execute other functions;

    (iii)  distributed among network participants in an automated fashion to concurrently update network participants on the state of the public ledger and any other functions; and

    (iv)   composed of source code that is publicly available.

    (c)  “Central Bank Digital Currency” means a form of digital money or monetary value, denominated in the national unit of account, that is a direct liability of the central bank.

    Sec. 3.  Revocation of Executive Order 14067 and Department of the Treasury Framework of July 7, 2022.  (a)  Executive Order 14067 of March 9, 2022 (Ensuring Responsible Development of Digital Assets) is hereby revoked.

    (b)  The Secretary of the Treasury is directed to immediately revoke the Department of the Treasury’s “Framework for International Engagement on Digital Assets,” issued on July 7, 2022.

    (c)  All policies, directives, and guidance issued pursuant to Executive Order 14067 and the Department of the Treasury’s Framework for International Engagement on Digital Assets are hereby rescinded or shall be rescinded by the Secretary of the Treasury, as appropriate, to the extent they are inconsistent with the provisions of this order.

    (d)  The Secretary of the Treasury shall take all appropriate measures to ensure compliance with the policies set forth in this order.

    Sec. 4.  Establishment of the Presidents Working Group on Digital Asset Markets.  (a)  There is hereby established within the National Economic Council the President’s Working Group on Digital Asset Markets (Working Group).  The Working Group shall be chaired by the Special Advisor for AI and Crypto (Chair).  In addition to the Chair, the Working Group shall include the following officials, or their designees:

    (i)     the Secretary of the Treasury;

    (ii)    the Attorney General;

    (iii)   the Secretary of Commerce;

    (iv)    the Secretary of Homeland Security;

    (v)     the Director of the Office of Management and Budget;

    (vi)    the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs;

    (vii)   the Assistant to the President for National Economic Policy (APEP);

    (viii)  the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology;

    (ix)    the Homeland Security Advisor;

    (x)     the Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission; and

    (xi)    the Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading

    Commission.

    (xii)   As appropriate and consistent with applicable law, the Chair may invite the heads of other executive departments and agencies (agencies), or other senior officials within the Executive Office of the President, to attend meetings of the Working Group, based on the relevance of their expertise and responsibilities.

    (b)  Within 30 days of the date of this order, the Department of the Treasury, the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and other relevant agencies, the heads of which are included in the Working Group, shall identify all regulations, guidance documents, orders, or other items that affect the digital asset sector.  Within 60 days of the date of this order, each agency shall submit to the Chair recommendations with respect to whether each identified regulation, guidance document, order, or other item should be rescinded or modified, or, for items other than regulations, adopted in a regulation.

    (c)  Within 180 days of the date of this order, the Working Group shall submit a report to the President, through the APEP, which shall recommend regulatory and legislative proposals that advance the policies established in this order.  In particular, the report shall focus on the following:

    (i)   The Working Group shall propose a Federal regulatory framework governing the issuance and operation of digital assets, including stablecoins, in the United States.  The Working Group’s report shall consider provisions for market structure, oversight, consumer protection, and risk management.

    (ii)  The Working Group shall evaluate the potential creation and maintenance of a national digital asset stockpile and propose criteria for establishing such a stockpile, potentially derived from cryptocurrencies lawfully seized by the Federal Government through its law enforcement efforts.

    (d)  The Chair shall designate an Executive Director of the Working Group, who shall be responsible for coordinating its day-to-day functions.  On issues affecting the national security, the Working Group shall consult with the National Security Council.

    (e)  As appropriate and consistent with law, the Working Group shall hold public hearings and receive individual expertise from leaders in digital assets and digital markets.

    Sec. 5.  Prohibition of Central Bank Digital Currencies. 

    (a)  Except to the extent required by law, agencies are hereby prohibited from undertaking any action to establish, issue, or promote CBDCs within the jurisdiction of the United States or abroad.

    (b)  Except to the extent required by law, any ongoing plans or initiatives at any agency related to the creation of a CBDC within the jurisdiction of the United States shall be immediately terminated, and no further actions may be taken to develop or implement such plans or initiatives.

    Sec. 6.  Severability (a)  If any provision of this order, or the application of any provision to any person or circumstance, is held to be invalid, the remainder of this order and the application of its provisions to any other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.

    Sec. 7.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

    (i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or

    (ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

         (b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

         (c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person. 

    THE WHITE HOUSE,

        January 23, 2025.



    The White House recently announced plans to boost American leadership in digital financial technology, highlighting the importance of innovation and competitiveness in the rapidly evolving financial sector.

    With the rise of digital payments, blockchain technology, and fintech startups, the White House recognizes the need for policies that support and promote the growth of these innovative technologies. By fostering a regulatory environment that encourages entrepreneurship and investment in digital financial services, the administration aims to position the United States as a global leader in the fintech industry.

    Through initiatives such as increased funding for research and development, collaboration with industry stakeholders, and the promotion of digital literacy and skills training, the White House is committed to strengthening American leadership in digital financial technology. By embracing innovation and harnessing the potential of fintech, the administration believes that the United States can drive economic growth, create jobs, and enhance financial inclusion for all Americans.

    As the fintech landscape continues to evolve, the White House is committed to supporting the development of cutting-edge technologies that will shape the future of finance. By working together with industry partners and stakeholders, the administration is determined to ensure that America remains at the forefront of digital financial innovation.

    Tags:

    1. Digital financial technology
    2. White House
    3. American leadership
    4. Financial innovation
    5. Government technology
    6. Fintech advancements
    7. US digital economy
    8. Policy initiatives
    9. Tech leadership
    10. Financial services innovation

    #Strengthening #American #Leadership #Digital #Financial #Technology #White #House

  • 42” Toy House Rainbow Crane/Claw Machine Arcade Game! Shipping Available!



    42” Toy House Rainbow Crane/Claw Machine Arcade Game! Shipping Available!

    Price : 595.00

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    Are you looking for the perfect addition to your game room or arcade? Look no further than the 42” Toy House Rainbow Crane/Claw Machine Arcade Game! This colorful and fun machine is sure to provide hours of entertainment for kids and adults alike.

    With its bright rainbow design and sturdy construction, this crane/claw machine is built to last. It features a 42” cabinet size, making it the perfect size for any space. The machine is easy to operate, with simple joystick controls and a responsive claw mechanism.

    Not only is this machine a blast to play, but it also makes a great addition to any party or event. Kids will love trying to grab their favorite toys and prizes, while adults will enjoy the nostalgia of playing a classic arcade game.

    Best of all, shipping is available for this machine, so you can have it delivered right to your doorstep. Don’t miss out on the fun – order your Toy House Rainbow Crane/Claw Machine Arcade Game today!
    #Toy #House #Rainbow #CraneClaw #Machine #Arcade #Game #Shipping,joyin claw machine arcade toy with led light & adjustable sound

  • Spring Has Sprung! (Bear in the Big Blue House S.) by Jim Henson



    Spring Has Sprung! (Bear in the Big Blue House S.) by Jim Henson

    Price : 8.16

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    Spring Has Sprung! (Bear in the Big Blue House S.)

    Hello friends! It’s that time of year again – the flowers are blooming, the sun is shining, and the birds are singing. That’s right, spring has officially sprung in the Big Blue House!

    As Bear and his friends celebrate the changing of the seasons, they are filled with joy and excitement for all the new adventures that await them. From planting a garden to going on a picnic, there is so much to look forward to in the coming months.

    So grab a friend, put on your favorite springtime outfit, and join us in the Big Blue House as we welcome this beautiful season with open arms. Let’s make the most of every moment and create memories that will last a lifetime.

    Happy spring, everyone! Let’s make it a season to remember.

    – Jim Henson
    #Spring #Sprung #Bear #Big #Blue #House #Jim #Henson,ages 3+

  • Memorial targeting same-sex marriage in Idaho heads to House floor after passing committee • Idaho Capital Sun


    A legislative petition asking the U.S. Supreme Court to reconsider its 2015 decision that legalized same-sex marriage is heading to the Idaho House floor. 

    After nearly two hours of testimony, House Joint Memorial 1 passed the Idaho House State Affairs Committee in a 13-2 vote on Wednesday, receiving support from all the Republicans on the committee and opposing votes from its two Democrats. The memorial is addressed to the U.S. Supreme Court and pushes to restore the authority of defining marriage to the states. It asks the court to reconsider its 2015 decision in Obergefell v. Hodges that legalized same-sex marriage.

    Sponsor Rep. Heather Scott, R-Blanchard, said its purpose is to restore states’ rights. 

    “We’re sending this clear message from Idaho,” Scott told the committee. “We don’t want our laws and our constitution trampled on, and it should be our decision what we want to do in a state.”

    A memorial is not a bill, and its passage in both chambers would not carry the weight of the law. 

    Supporters of memorial discuss faith, states’ rights

    Four people testified in favor of the legislation, citing their Christian faith and belief that Obergefell v. Hodges undermines states’ rights.

    “Defining marriage is a state issue as it is not enumerated in our federal constitution,” Katherine Hartley said, an attorney the Pacific Justice Institute, a nonprofit legal group focused on defending faith and family issues. 

    Former Rep. Julianne Young, R-Blackfoot, also testified in support of the memorial. She said she was testifying on behalf of her faith and herself as a woman, wife and mother. 

    “I believe that the state of Idaho should have the opportunity to choose to align their policy with these timeless truths,” Young told the committee. 

    Others who testified included representatives from anti-LGBTQ+ organization Mass Resistance and conservative Christian Idaho Family Policy Center. 

    Support outnumbered by opposition, LGBTQ+ community

    Upon Scott’s introduction of the memorial, dozens of individuals walked out of the committee room in protest of the legislation, and 17 people testified against the legislation including individuals in the LGBTQ+ community, health care providers, students and religious leaders.

    Dozens of individuals walked out of the Idaho House State Affairs Committee in protest of House Joint Memorial 1 on Jan. 22, 2025, at the Idaho Statehouse in Boise. (Photo by Mia Maldonado/Idaho Capital Sun)

    Opponents and the two Democrats on the committee pushed back against Scott’s idea that the memorial is focused on states’ rights. 

    “During the Jim Crow era, segregation was justified based on states’ rights,” Rep. Todd Achilles, D-Boise, told Scott. “And as a nation, we addressed those discriminatory state laws in the wake of the Civil War with the 14th Amendment … Where do we draw the line? If we can justify in Idaho that we can discriminate against a same-sex couple, then who else is open to discrimination?”

    The Rev. Josh Lee, a pastor at Boise First United Church of Christ, opposed the legislation, sharing his experience as a Christian and gay man. 

    “I knew growing up that I loved Jesus, I loved being a pastor, and I loved men, and I had no idea how these three things could ever coexist in the world,” Lee said. “It took me many years to figure that out.”

    Lee said he went to conversion therapy three different times in high school, and had contemplated his own suicide before meeting other Christians who supported the LGBTQ+ community, he said. Coming from New York, he said he moved to Idaho with his husband to advocate for the rights of LGBTQ+ people. 

    “Instead of taking the rights away from people, I urge this Legislature this morning to focus on the issues that truly impact Idahoans, like education, health care and infrastructure,” he said.

    Koii Lauritsen, a Hailey resident, also testified in opposition to the legislation, sharing with the committee that he was raised by a lesbian couple. 

    “My mothers sat through every terrible school play and elementary Christmas concert,” he said. “They taught me how to ride a bike, they taught me how to throw a ball, how to drive stick and how to shave.” 

    Lauritsen asked the committee to set aside its concerns over state rights’ and think of his family.

    “I will not ask that you understand, embrace or even accept my family, but I will ask that you show it and others like it the respect they deserve, because my lesbian parents deserve as much respect as any other two people who are trying to live the American dream,” he said. 

    The memorial now heads to the floor of the Idaho House of Representatives for consideration. If the House votes to pass the memorial, it would be sent next to the Idaho Senate for consideration.

    YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE.



    In a recent development in Idaho, a memorial targeting same-sex marriage has passed through the committee and is now headed to the House floor for further consideration. The memorial, which aims to express support for traditional marriage and oppose same-sex marriage, has sparked controversy and debate among lawmakers and the public.

    Many proponents of the memorial argue that it is important to uphold the sanctity of marriage as between a man and a woman, citing religious and moral beliefs. However, opponents argue that this memorial is discriminatory and goes against the principles of equality and inclusivity.

    As the memorial moves to the House floor, it will be crucial for lawmakers to carefully consider the implications and potential consequences of passing such a measure. The outcome of this debate will not only impact the LGBTQ+ community in Idaho but also set a precedent for how the state views and treats same-sex marriage moving forward.

    Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as it unfolds in the Idaho State House.

    Tags:

    • Same-sex marriage Idaho
    • Idaho same-sex marriage
    • Idaho LGBTQ rights
    • Idaho marriage equality
    • Same-sex marriage legislation
    • Idaho House floor
    • Idaho Capital Sun
    • LGBTQ news Idaho
    • Idaho LGBTQ community
    • Idaho legislative news

    #Memorial #targeting #samesex #marriage #Idaho #heads #House #floor #passing #committee #Idaho #Capital #Sun

  • MI GOP House Speaker pushes back against Democrats’ threat of ‘legal action’


    Somehow, the nine bills passed were never sent to Governor Gretchen Whitmer for approval.

    LANSING, Mich. — Drama under the dome in Lansing as Republican Speaker of the House Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) and Democratic Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) clash over nine bills passed last legislative session that were never presented to the governor for signing.

    The issue began on Dec. 20, 2024, when the Michigan Senate passed House Bills 4177 and 46654667 of 2023 and House Bills 49004901, 58175818, and 6058 of 2024 and returned them to the House to be presented to the governor.

    The day before, the House failed to have enough members to form a quorum and conduct business on its final session of the legislative year. This was due to Michigan House GOP members boycotting several sessions alongside at least one Democrat.

    Somehow, the nine bills passed were never sent to Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who is a Democrat, for approval. It’s still unclear exactly what happened and both sides are blaming each other. Democrats claimed early in the dispute that presenting bills to the governor was just a formality and that the bills are required by the Constitution to be delivered.

    Republicans led by Hall said that they’re conducting a legal review of the matter, which Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer said is “in his purview.”

    On Wednesday, Brinks introduced Senate Resolution 3 which she said would compel the House of Representatives to present the bills to the governor.

    “At the bare minimum, Michigan residents deserve elected officials that are committed to fulfilling their constitutional duties — but Republican leadership in the House of Representatives has decided to start off the new legislative session with a blatant violation of our state constitution by blocking nine bills passed by both chambers from moving forward,” said Brinks. “Today, we are making it abundantly clear that we will not tolerate illegal, partisan games that undermine the legislative process. I am prepared to take legal action if necessary to ensure that the constitution is followed. Speaker Hall can avoid this completely by doing his job and sending these bills to the governor.” 

    Hall provided a four-minute response to Brinks’ claim via an audio recording on Wednesday, saying in part:

    “This has been two weeks. I mean, thorough legal reviews take a long time. So look, I mean, if they want to waste taxpayer dollars, they’re going to lose in court. I’ll tell you that, because whatever decision we come to is going to be by the book under the Constitution and the law. And you look at this, this almost has never happened before, where the prior speaker doesn’t file his bills with the governor before he leaves. And so there’s just a lot of legal and constitutional questions, and the more we look into it, the more we find. So we’re going to do a thorough legal review, but the Senate has no role in telling the house what to do.”

    Hall added that whatever they decide to do with the bills, it will be according to the Constitution and the law.

    You can listen to his entire statement here:

    Somehow, nine bills passed last year were never sent to Governor Gretchen Whitmer for approval.



    Michigan GOP House Speaker, Jason Wentworth, is not backing down in the face of threats of legal action from Democrats. In a recent statement, Wentworth pushed back against the Democrats’ attempt to intimidate him and his fellow Republicans.

    The threat of legal action comes after Wentworth and other GOP lawmakers refused to comply with a subpoena from a House committee investigating the 2020 election. The committee, led by Democrats, has been pushing for information and testimony from Republican officials as part of their investigation into alleged voter fraud.

    Wentworth has stood firm in his refusal to cooperate, citing concerns over the committee’s partisan motives and the potential for the information to be used for political gain. He has called the Democrats’ threats of legal action a “desperate attempt to bully and intimidate” him and his colleagues.

    Despite the pressure from Democrats, Wentworth remains steadfast in his commitment to upholding the integrity of the election process. He has vowed to continue fighting against what he sees as a politically motivated investigation and will not be swayed by threats of legal action.

    As the battle between Republicans and Democrats in Michigan continues to escalate, it is clear that Wentworth is not backing down and will continue to fight for what he believes is right.

    Tags:

    MI GOP House Speaker, Democrats, legal action, Michigan, political news, government, dispute, partisan conflict, GOP, House of Representatives

    #GOP #House #Speaker #pushes #Democrats #threat #legal #action

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