Illegal immigrants storm US border in El Paso, knock over guards amid standoff over Texas law
A large group of illegal immigrants burst through razor wire and surged towards the border wall in El Paso, Texas, on Thursday in a chaotic scene during which guards were knocked over – just as the state’s anti-illegal immigration law is being held up in the courts. Video taken by the New York Post showed dozens of adult males ripping away razor wire that was set up by the state and charging past Texas National Guardsmen. They then ran towards a section of border wall where they were blocked from entering further. A Texas law enforcement source told Fox News the group consisted of over 300 illegal immigrants, and about 100 adult males rushed the soldiers, and one has been arrested so far for assaulting a soldier. The melee began when one family unit was allowed through. The source said that more arrests are likely coming for destruction of property and assault. “Get the f*** back!” one soldier can be heard in the Post’s video yelling at the illegal immigrants from the other side of the fence. MIDWEST STATE ON VERGE OF DEFYING BIDEN WITH TEXAS-STYLE BILL TO COMBAT ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION Brandon Judd, President of the National Border Patrol Council, told Fox News Digital that all migrants are now apprehended, and agents were going through video to see who assaulted the soldiers. They will be processed for deportation, but maintain the ability to claim asylum. Texas also has the ability to charge the migrants who assaulted them. But it marks the latest flashpoint at the border in a three-year crisis that has seen record numbers of migrants hit the border, with 2.4 million in FY 23 alone. Numbers have dropped since the high of 302,000 seen in December, but there are concerns those numbers could again swell as the summer months approach. Texas has implemented a number of border security measures to tackle the flow of illegal immigration, most of which have faced opposition from the Biden administration. The razor wire has been cut by federal officials, leading to a lawsuit. Meanwhile, the administration sued over Texas’ deployment of buoys into the Rio Grande. This week, the Supreme Court briefly allowed Texas’ anti-illegal immigration law, which allows police to arrest illegal immigrants, to go into effect despite a legal challenge from the Biden administration. The law was kicked back down to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, which then blocked it again hours later as arguments proceed on the merits. The Biden administration has claimed that the law encroaches upon federal responsibility over immigration enforcement. TEXAS CAN KEEP ARRESTING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHILE BIDEN CHALLENGE PROCEEDS, ABBOTT SAYS “S.B. 4 will not only make communities in Texas less safe, it will also burden law enforcement, and sow chaos and confusion at our southern border. S.B. 4 is just another example of Republican officials politicizing the border while blocking real solutions, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement this week. Texas has argued that it has had to act because the administration is not doing its job to secure the border and deport those in the country illegally. MEXICO SLAMS TEXAS OVER IMMIGRATION LAW, WON’T ACCEPT REPATRIATIONS FROM STATE AFTER SCOTUS RULING “Number one, we are facing such dangerous situations. And number two, Joe Biden, through his actions, is violating the laws of the United States of America,” he said on Wednesday. Texas has said it still has the authority to stop those coming across illegally by using trespass laws. Meanwhile, the chaotic scenes at the border will fuel the ongoing debate in Washington D.C. over how to handle the crisis. The Biden administration has said it needs more funding and resources and reforms to overhaul a “broken” system and has called for passage of a bipartisan Senate package. Republicans have said no such legislation is needed and that the administration can restore calm by re-enacting Trump-era policies like “Remain-in-Mexico” and wall construction. “Just in case people are unsure, this is what an invasion looks like,” Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., said on Thursday.
Fox News Politics: Coming after Trump Tower
Welcome to Fox News’ Politics newsletter with the latest political news from Washington D.C. and updates from the 2024 campaign trail. What’s happening? -White House calls Biden impeachment inquiry ‘embarrassing’ -Republicans hit Biden over $110 billion tax hike -GOP billionaires rally behind Trump as 2024 looms Lawyers for former President Trump are blasting New York Attorney General Letitia James’ “unconstitutional” attempts to block the GOP presumptive nominee’s appeal and force a property sale as the deadline for him to post hundreds of millions of dollars of bond in the case looms. Trump and his legal team have appealed and requested a stay on his $464 million civil fraud judgment. On Monday, his lawyers said that “ongoing diligent efforts have proven that a bond in the judgment’s full amount is a ‘practical impossibility,’” amid attempts to approach about 30 surety companies. James has pushed back, calling Trump’s request for a stay “extraordinary” and “improper.” James has said that Trump should be able to secure the entire value via multiple sureties or offer his real estate holdings as collateral. Trump attorney Clifford S. Robert on Thursday sent a letter to the Appellate Division of New York’s Supreme Court, arguing James’ efforts are “unconstitutional.” But ahead of Monday’s deadline, Trump’s team is looking at all available options. ‘BIGGEST CHALLENGE’: Psaki warns about third-party threat to Biden’s re-election …Read more WORST FOOT FORWARD: White House calls GOP Biden impeachment inquiry ’embarrassing’ …Read more ALARMING EARMARKS: Democrat earmarks include funding for late term abortions and groups that push gender transitions for kids …Read more NEW GREEN NEW DEAL: AOC revives signature concept for public housing bill …Read more ‘EN MASSE’: House government weaponization committee probes IRS’s use of AI …Read more ‘HIGHER PRICES’: Republicans hit Biden over proposed $110B energy tax hike …Read more ‘NOT SACRED’: GOP hardliners furious at Johnson for rushing $1.2T government spending bill …Read more PEEPING TOMS: Nancy Mace unveils bill aimed at harsher penalties for voyeurism …Read more ‘CRITICAL JUNCTURE’: State’s largest police union makes major endorsement in 2024 presidential race …Read more TAKING THE REINS: Progressive money man Alex Soros busy huddling with Dems as 2024 campaign heats up …Read more BIG BUCKS: GOP billionaires rally behind Trump as he looks to level playing field in fundraising blitz with Biden …Read more KEEP IT MOVING: Manhattan DA urges judge not to give Trump more time to review thousands of new documents before trial …Read more ‘ABSOLUTE WEIRDOS’: Dems flip script on GOP crime agenda, targeting RNC convention plans with surprising name …Read more IN THE RED: California votes to spend $6.4B on homeless crisis despite spiraling debt …Read more RITTENHOUSE PROTEST: Angry student protesters disrupted Kyle Rittenhouse’s TPUSA event …Read more ‘FAIR GAME’: Ex-NBC exec deletes Barron Trump tweet amid backlash, gives explanation …Read more Subscribe now to get Fox News Politics newsletter in your inbox. Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more on FoxNews.com.
Tennessee Senate passes $2B business tax cut in bid to dodge lawsuit
The Tennessee Senate on Thursday approved a nearly $2 billion tax and refund for businesses, a proposal designed to prevent threats of a potential lawsuit even as critics warned the so-called solution was rushed without being properly vetted and shrouded in mystery. Starting last fall, Republican legislative leaders say a law firm representing a large group of businesses contacted the state to question the legality of Tennessee’s 90-year-old franchise tax and demanded a refund. In response, Gov. Bill Lee initially proposed offering businesses $1.2 billion in refunds and then an ongoing $410 million in tax breaks. That amount has since been tweaked to $1.56 billion in refunds and $393 million in tax breaks, totaling $1.95 billion. TENNESSEE LEGISLATURE MOVES TO REVERSE ORDINANCES WEAKENING POLICE AUTHORITY AFTER TYRE NICHOLS’ DEATH “This bill will put this issue behind us and address it in a responsible way,” said Republican Sen. Ken Yager, adding that doing so could make the state more competitive in attracting businesses to move to Tennessee. At issue are concerns that the state’s franchise tax violates the U.S. Constitution’s Commerce Clause provision, which bans states from passing laws that burden interstate commerce. Furthermore, in 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Maryland’s tax that the justices ruled had the effect of double-taxing income residents earn in other states. Maryland allowed its residents to deduct income taxes paid to other states from their Maryland state tax, but it did not apply that deduction to a local “piggy back” tax collected for counties and some city governments — something that the high court decided was illegal. “Nobody likes this solution. The governor doesn’t like this solution. Revenue doesn’t like this solution. The attorney general doesn’t like this solution, but the reality is this is the best solution,” said Sen. Bo Watson, the Republican chair of the Senate’s Finance, Ways and Means Committee, as he raised in voice and admonished the Democrats criticizing the plan. Yet details about what specific businesses raised the original legal concerns have remained hidden. State leaders have refused to disclose what businesses have requested a refund. The original number of the group of businesses who reached out to lawmakers last fall was originally disclosed at around 80, but on Thursday, Yager mentioned that the law firm represented “hundreds” of individuals. Meanwhile, it’s unclear what other possible options were considered. There have also been grumblings that Lee’s personal business, the Franklin-based Lee Co., could benefit from this legislation. On Thursday, Democratic lawmakers pointed out the unusualness of the Republican-dominant Statehouse to move quickly to avoid a lawsuit when GOP members regularly advance legislation knowing it could face potential litigation. “We are having this discussion as if we have to and we’re under the gun,” said Sen. Jeff Yarbro, a Democrat. “I don’t think that’s appropriate.” The legislation passed 25-6 on Thursday, with only Democrats voting against. The bill must still clear the House chamber.
Wealthy Nikki Haley donors launch effort to boost Biden over Trump: report
Wealthy donors to former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley’s now-suspended presidential campaign are flocking to support President Biden’s re-election bid. Businessman and media mogul Harry Sloan – a prominent former backer of Haley’s campaign – said during a recent interview with CNBC that he’d undertaken an effort to convince his wealthy friends and Republican business leaders to get behind Biden. “People I know who are generally business Republicans, they’re going to hear from me,” Sloan told the outlet, admitting he had already reached out to a number of people, and planned to eventually host a fundraiser for Biden as the campaign progresses. DEMS FLIP SCRIPT ON GOP CRIME AGENDA, TARGETING RNC CONVENTION PLANS WITH SURPRISING NAME One source familiar with the effort told the outlet that at least half a dozen former Haley donors had already signed on to lend the Biden campaign a hand. According to the report, Biden campaign co-chair Jeffrey Katzenberg, along with campaign finance chair Rufus Gifford, initiated the effort as part of a larger goal of attracting former Haley supporters disenchanted with the idea of Donald Trump as the Republican nominee for president for a third time. When asked about the effort, Trump campaign spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt told Fox News Digital, “Americans from all backgrounds, including Republicans, Independents and disillusioned Democrats, are coalescing around President Trump and joining the greatest political movement in history so we can end Joe Biden’s chaos and make America strong, safe, and successful again.” Fox News Digital has also reached out to Sloan for comment. STATE’S LARGEST POLICE UNION MAKES MAJOR ENDORSEMENT IN 2024 PRESIDENTIAL RACE In a January post on Truth Social one day after his victory over Haley in the New Hampshire primary, Trump issued a stark threat to those continuing to support the former South Carolina governor. “Anybody that makes a ‘Contribution’ to Birdbrain, from this moment forth, will be permanently barred from the MAGA camp. We don’t want them, and will not accept them, because we Put America First, and ALWAYS WILL!” Trump wrote. Haley ultimately dropped out of the race following an abysmal Super Tuesday performance, but notably did not endorse the former president. GOP SENATOR RIPS BIDEN’S ‘GUN-GRABBING’ DOJ FOR TAKING NEARLY 2 YEARS TO ANSWER FOR CONTROVERSIAL POLICY Although Trump currently trails Biden in campaign cash, he is aiming to even the playing field with the formation of his own joint fundraising committee with the Republican National Committee (RNC), something the president’s campaign has already enjoyed alongside the Democratic National Committee (DNC). Trump is also looking to get a boost from his own wealthy supporters, including at a fundraising event in Palm Beach, Florida, next month hosted by billionaire investor and hedge fund founder John Paulson. According to the latest filings this week with the Federal Election Commission, Biden’s re-election campaign outraised the Trump campaign by a two-to-one margin last month and enjoyed a $71 million to $34 million cash-on-hand advantage as of the end of February. Meanwhile, the DNC outraised the RNC by nearly $6 million last month. It also reported $26.5 million in its coffers at the end of February, compared to $11.3 million cash-on-hand for the RNC. Fox News’ Paul Steinhauser contributed to this report. Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more at our Fox News Digital election hub.
Senate strikes down Biden move allowing potentially diseased beef into US
The Senate voted Thursday afternoon in favor of passing a bill reversing the Biden administration’s recent actions allowing beef imports from Paraguay, which has a history of cattle-borne illness. In a 70-25 vote, the Senate approved the Congressional Review Act resolution, rendering it veto-proof. Sens. Jon Tester, D-Mont., and Mike Rounds, R-S.D., introduced the bipartisan resolution in February, which has been widely endorsed by cattle and farm industry groups, arguing that the Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) actions could have negative consequences on the U.S. food supply. “President Biden butchered this decision,” Tester said in a statement after the bill passed. “By cutting corners to resume beef imports from a country with a recent history of foot-and-mouth disease, the Biden Administration is jeopardizing our food supply and giving Montana consumers and producers a raw deal.” “We cannot allow beef imports from Paraguay until we have data that shows they are meeting the same high animal health standards as American ranchers, and I’m proud to have secured bipartisan support in the Senate to force the Biden administration to reverse course.” GOP REP INTRODUCES RESOLUTION CONDEMNING UN FOR CALLING ON AMERICANS TO STOP EATING MEAT In November, the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service finalized regulations allowing Paraguayan beef imports and issued a series of conditions that importers must meet to ensure that livestock diseases are not present in shipped products. The agency then began implementation of the rules one month later, despite criticism from lawmakers and U.S. industry groups. Paraguay’s livestock industry, though, has a history of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), which spreads quickly among livestock and could severely threaten the U.S. economy. As a result, beef imports from the South American nation have been barred in the U.S. for years. LOCAL RESIDENTS EXPLODE AT BIDEN OFFICIALS OVER PLAN TO RELEASE GRIZZLY BEARS NEAR THEIR COMMUNITIES “South Dakota is known for having high quality beef produced by hard-working farmers and ranchers across the state,” said Rounds. “We have very high standards regarding the quality of our beef. Unfortunately, Paraguay does not have the same history of enforcing health and safety standards that we do. Our inspectors haven’t been to Paraguay in ten years.” USDA’s actions came after a push from Paraguayan officials who argued that the industry was vital for the nation and that the country’s government had taken steps to ensure the health of its cattle. According to a readout of a September meeting between the Paraguayan government and the White House Office of the United States Trade Representative, the two sides discussed the process of authorization. Paraguayan officials expressed their desire to resume raw beef product trade “as soon as possible.” Paraguayan cattle industry associations and government agencies, including the Embassy of Paraguay to the U.S., submitted comments in May 2023 in response to the proposed version of the regulations finalized last year. The comments similarly urged the USDA to immediately allow beef imports. BIDEN ADMIN BACKS OFF PROTECTIONS FOR APEX PREDATOR, ANGERING ENVIRONMENTALISTS “The Government of Paraguay and its diplomatic representation here in Washington are more than open to providing additional assurances regarding our compliance with the United States’ safety standards,” a spokesperson for the Embassy of Paraguay told Fox News Digital in a statement. “We believe that the meat industries of our two countries have a lot of potential for opportunities and collaboration, especially in the exchange of knowledge in cattle breeding, herd management, sustainable practices, and trade and investment.” The spokesperson said that USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service agents conducted two on-site audits in Paraguay in December 2021 and June 2022. And they said that the nation has demonstrated its capability to comply with U.S. standards and regulations. The White House issued a statement disapproving the resolution, saying it would “mark a significant setback in the United States-Paraguay bilateral relationship and U.S. credibility as a reliable economic partner across Latin America.” CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP However, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), U.S. Cattlemen’s Association, Livestock Marketing Association, R-CALF USA, National Farmers Union, Montana Farmers Union, Montana Stockgrowers Association and Montana Farm Bureau Federation all praised the Senate’s passage of the resolution. “Given Paraguay’s long history of foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks, it is simply too risky to allow Paraguayan imports without recent site visits to confirm Paraguay’s safety claims,” said NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Baucus. “U.S. cattle producers are thankful for the leadership of Senators Jon Tester and Mike Rounds for applying the Congressional Review Act to hold USDA accountable and protect our nation’s cattle herd.”
GOP lawmaker asks ‘Where in the world is Hunter Biden,’ after Cap Hill ghosting as AOC calls hearing a ‘joke’
Hunter Biden’s no-show at a congressional hearing wasn’t shocking to some House Republicans who joked his whereabouts should be made into a game, but several Democrats told Fox News that President Joe Biden’s son has already answered enough questions and the impeachment inquiry should end. The House Oversight and Judiciary Committees held a joint hearing on Wednesday regarding foreign business dealings and allegations of influence peddling within Biden’s family, but Hunter declined to appear. The Republican-led impeachment inquiry into Biden instead heard from the younger Biden’s former business associates, Tony Bobulinski and Jason Galanis, along with House Democrats’ witness and former Rudy Guiliani associate, Lev Parnas. WATCH MORE FOX NEWS DIGITAL ORIGINALS HERE “It’s [Hunter’s] history, isn’t it?” Pennsylvania Republican Rep. Mike Kelly said. “He’s always MIA.” HUNTER BIDEN’S EX-BUSINESS PARTNER TONY BOBULINSKI SLAMS HIM FOR ‘RUNNING AWAY’ FROM HOUSE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE But Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called the inquiry a “joke” ahead of the hearing. “I think the fact that Republicans’ core theory here and their main source turned out to be working with Russian spies is kind of the reason to not show up to this joke,” the New York Democrat said. Former FBI informant Alexander Smirnov was charged in February with two counts related to “false derogatory information” regarding the Biden family’s business dealings, according to court documents. Prosecutors accused Smirnov of “actively peddling new lies that could impact U.S. elections after meeting with Russian intelligence officials,” the detention memo states. “Maybe we should have a game. Where in the world is Hunter Biden?” Rep. Carlos Giménez told Fox News. “He probably didn’t show because he didn’t want to testify, didn’t want to probably lie under oath as to what his activities and his family’s activities are.” BIDEN MET WITH CHAIRMAN OF CHINESE ENERGY FIRM HUNTER DID BUSINESS WITH IN 2017, EX-ASSOCIATE TESTIFIES “Why are people giving millions and millions and companies and adversary nations giving millions and millions of dollars to the Biden family when there’s no product to sell or to buy except Joe Biden’s influence?” the Florida Republican continued. Hunter’s lawyer, Abbe Lowell, told House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer last week Hunter would be absent because of a court hearing in California the next day and called Republicans’ request “hasty.” Hunter rejected a November subpoena but unexpectedly showed up to a January congressional committee hearing and testified behind closed doors in February. AOC SAYS TRUMP ‘WILLING TO SELL THE COUNTRY FOR A DOLLAR’ AS LAWMAKERS REACT TO POTENTIAL PROPERTY SEIZURES New York Democrat Rep. Dan Goldman told Fox News ahead of Wednesday’s hearing that the president’s son has already answered Republicans’ questions. “He debunked all the conspiracy theories … and made a really good point, which is that the witness who should be here on this purported hearing about influence peddling is Jared Kushner, who used his position in the government, unlike Hunter Biden, to solicit and obtain $2 billion from the Saudi Arabians,” Goldman said. HUNTER BIDEN’S FEDERAL GUN CHARGES TRIAL SLATED FOR EARLY JUNE Kushner, former President Trump’s son-in-law and an adviser during his administration, reportedly received the hefty investment from Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund for his private equity firm after he left the White House. Comer said his committee would look into whether Kushner has a “real business” after Democrats urged further investigation during the Wednesday hearing, but noted that Hunter’s businesses appeared illegitimate. Some House Republicans accused Hunter of continuing to avoid transparency about his business dealings and his father’s involvement. They also pointed to Hunter’s earlier plea for public testimony. Hunter “actually said he wanted to testify in public and then, given that opportunity, declined to do so,” California Republican Rep. Tom McClintock said. “What does that say about him?” Michigan Republican Rep. John Moolenaar said “it would be best if [Hunter] would simply be transparent and open about his business dealings and cooperate in a way that assures the American people.”
Midwest state on verge of defying Biden with Texas-style bill to combat illegal immigration
The state of Iowa is moving forward with an anti-illegal immigration bill that would allow local police to arrest illegal immigrants in the Hawkeye State who had previously been deported. It’s similar to a Texas law that is the target of a high-profile legal challenge by the Biden administration. Senate File 2340 makes it a crime for an illegal immigrant to enter or re-enter the state if he or she has previously been deported or denied admission to the U.S. The bill has passed the Senate and the House and now heads to Gov. Kim Reynolds’ desk for signature. Reynolds, a Republican, has said she will sign the bill, which would take effect in July if she does. TEXAS CAN KEEP ARRESTING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHILE BIDEN CHALLENGE PROCEEDS, ABBOTT SAYS “President Biden and his administration have failed to enforce our immigration laws and, in doing so, have compromised the sovereignty of our nation and the safety of its people,” she told The Des Moines Register. “States have stepped in to secure the border, preventing illegal migrants from entering our country and protecting our citizens. Americans deserve nothing less.” It’s one of a number of bills moving through state legislatures. Similar proposals to crack down on illegal immigration have moved forward in New Hampshire, Tennessee and Oklahoma. But the most high-profile legislation is in Texas, where Gov. Greg Abbott signed S.B. 4 into law in December, allowing police to arrest illegal immigrants and for judges to order them deported. MEXICO SLAMS TEXAS OVER IMMIGRATION LAW, WON’T ACCEPT REPATRIATIONS FROM STATE AFTER SCOTUS RULING The Biden administration sued in January, arguing the law encroaches into federal territory, citing a 2012 Supreme Court ruling that shut down parts of an Arizona law that sought to empower state and local officials. “S.B. 4 will not only make communities in Texas less safe, it will also burden law enforcement and sow chaos and confusion at our southern border. S.B. 4 is just another example of Republican officials politicizing the border while blocking real solutions,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement this week. GOVERNOR WHO CLASHED WITH OBAMA OVER ATTEMPTED ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION CRACKDOWN REACTS TO SCOTUS TEXAS RULING The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals blocked the law from going into effect, but it was briefly allowed to go into effect by the Supreme Court, which kicked it back down to the appeals court without ruling on the merits. The 5th Circuit has since blocked it again, and the two sides presented oral arguments Wednesday. Abbott has argued the law is necessary because the Biden administration is not doing its job of securing the border. The U.S. remains in the grip of a three-year border crisis, with concerns summer could bring another record surge. Fiscal year 2023 saw 2.4 million migrant encounters, a new record. “No. 1, we are facing such dangerous situations. And, No. 2, Joe Biden, through his actions, is violating the laws of the United States of America,” Abbott said Wednesday. Abbott has clashed with the Biden administration on the border, including the cutting of Texas’ razor wire at the border and the establishment of buoys on the Rio Grande. He has said he intends to continue with those measures this week. “We will continue to build those border barriers, keep the buoys in the water, build a Texas border wall, doing everything we can to protect the sovereignty of the state of Texas and the United States of America,” he said. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Special forces veteran gets major endorsement from GOP House leader in bid to flip Virginia seat
FIRST ON FOX: Former U.S. Army Special Forces Green Beret and combat veteran Derrick Anderson has landed another endorsement from a member of House leadership in the battle to flip one swing state’s House seat for the Republicans. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., announced Thursday that he will back Anderson’s bid to represent Virginia’s 7th Congressional District. The district — currently held by Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-Va. — is one of the GOP’s top 2024 targets to try and strengthen the party’s narrow majority in the House. “Derrick Anderson is the conservative choice to represent the people of Virginia’s 7th Congressional District – the district he was raised in,” Scalise said in a statement. “Derrick has served our great country admirably as a U.S. Army Special Forces Green Beret and I’m looking forward to seeing him continue that service in Congress.” Scalise added that Anderson will help “bring common sense back to America” through securing the U.S. border, supporting veterans, supporting Israel and lowering costs for the working and middle class. CALIFORNIA SPECIAL ELECTION TO REPLACE MCCARTHY HEADS TO RUNOFF, EXTENDING HOUSE GOP VACANCY ANOTHER 2 MONTHS Anderson, who launched his campaign in September, saidin a statement that he has a “deep respect” for Scalise’s “incredible perseverance in the face of great adversity.” “His conservative values are clear and his focus on fighting for forgotten Americans is admirable,” Anderson said. “I look forward to working with him to address skyrocketing crime, our dangerous open border, and runaway inflation in Congress.” Earlier this month, Anderson got the support of Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn., who currently serves as the House majority whip. Other House leaders who are supporting Anderson include House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., House Republican Conference chair Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., and Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson, R-Pa., who serves as chair of the House Committee on Agriculture. Outside of House GOP leadership, Anderson picked up endorsements from several other veterans currently serving in Congress, including, among others, Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-Wis., a former Navy SEAL; Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla., an Army veteran; Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla., a former Green Beret; Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., a former Army Ranger; Rep. Zach Nunn, R-Iowa, a former Air Force officer; Rep. Ronny Jackson, R-Texas, a former Navy captain; and Rep. Jen Kiggans, R-Va., a former helicopter pilot for the U.S. Navy. ROSENDALE SUSPENDS HOUSE RACE, WILL NOT SEEK RE-ELECCTION IN MONTANA: ‘TAKEN A SERIOUS TOLL ON ME’ Anderson, who served in the Army from 2006 to 2016 and deployed on six tours of duty throughout the Middle East as part of the global War on Terror, launched his congressional campaign in September. He first ran for the seat in 2022 but narrowly lost the Republican primary to former congressional candidate Yesli Vega. Spanberger, a former CIA operative, went on to defeat Vega in the general election by just under 5%, securing her third term. In November, Spanberger announced she would not be seeking re-election to her post and would instead make a run for governor of the state. Anderson is one of nine candidates vying for the Republican nomination for the district. Republicans currently hold a slim three-seat majority in the House of Representatives and are hoping to build on that next year, partly by capitalizing on the unpopularity of President Biden. The party gained control of the chamber following the 2022 midterm elections but performed below expectations. Fox News’ Kyle Morris and Brandon Gillespie contributed to this report.
Dem earmarks fund groups handing out transgender devices to youth, $1.8M for late-term abortion clinic
Several new Democrat earmarks in this year’s congressional budget request are raising eyebrows among conservative groups. The 1,000 page budget — released around 2:30 a.m. on Thursday — includes earmarks that would go toward controversial LGBTQ+ facilities and a late-term abortion clinic. Another request includes a multimillion-dollar proposal for what critics dub “gun confiscation” research. Former Vice President Mike Pence’s nonprofit organization, Americans Advancing Freedom, told Fox News Digital in a statement Thursday that “Congress can’t pass this legislation in its current form until these egregious earmarks are weeded out.” CONSERVATIVES FURIOUS AT JOHNSON FOR WAIVING GOP’S 72-HOUR RULE ON $1.2T GOVERNMENT FUNDING BILL “Releasing bill text in the middle of the night is how our government gets locked into funding gaffs and binders for confused kids,” AAF policy director John Shelton said. “American taxpayers are funding centers that encourage children to transition without their parents’ knowledge.” According to appropriations documents, Wisconsin Democrat Sen. Tammy Baldwin requested $400,000 request for a facility called Briarpatch Youth Services. One of the group’s programs is called “Teens Like Us LGBTQIA2s+” for ages 13-18 and a “Gender Affirming Clothing Program” that provides minors with clothing that matches their gender identity. It also organizes a “pride prom” for kids as young as 12, and connects LGBTQ youth without parental knowledge. “Youth do NOT need parent/guardian permission to join Teens Like Us. We understand not all youth are at a point in their lives where they can safely and confidently ‘come out,’” the website says. Another request from New Jersey Democrat Sens. Cory Booker and Bob Menendez would send $400,000 to the state’s largest LGBTQ+ advocacy group, the Garden State Equality Education Fund, Inc. The group provides “binders and gaffs” — two types of undergarments used by transgender people to hide breasts or male genitalia. Rhode Island Democrat Sens. Jack Reed, D-R.I., and Sheldon Whitehouse requested $1.8 million for the Women and Infants Hospital in Rhode Island. The clinic performs elective abortions up to 22 weeks, both surgical and chemical, according to its website. Another $12.5 million is proposed for a National Institutes of Health (NIH) study called the Prevent Firearm Injury and Mortality research. The NIH said on its website they are “committed to supporting scientific research to develop, evaluate, and implement effective public health interventions to better understand and prevent violence, including firearm violence, and the resulting trauma, injuries, and mortality.” Gun Owners of America, a gun rights lobbying organization, posted to X on Thursday: “Such grants currently fund ‘research’ on gun confiscation, a ‘firearm retirement’ age for seniors & more!” HOUSE LEADERS SMACK DOWN BIDEN’S $7.3 TRILLION SPENDING PLAN AIMED AT ‘PUSHING A LEFT-WING AGENDA’ The House is expected to vote on the appropriations package later this week before some government funding runs out Friday night. Four continuing resolutions were passed following the initial September 30 deadline for appropriations bills. COLORADO COULD BECOME THE FIRST STATE TO BUILD SEPARATE PRISON UNITS FOR TRANSGENDER FELONS While Congress has yet to fully fund the government for FY 2024, President Joe Biden released a $7.3 trillion 2025 budget proposal last week. The U.S. national debt is currently just under $34.5 trillion, and the federal budget deficit is $531 billion, according to the latest data.
Millions for late-term abortion clinic, transgender devices buried deep in $1.2T spending package
Several new Democrat earmarks in the bipartisan $1.2 trillion government spending package unveiled this week are raising eyebrows among conservative groups. The 1,012-page bill — released around 2:30 a.m. on Thursday — includes earmarks that would go toward controversial LGBTQ+ facilities and a late-term abortion clinic. Another request includes a multimillion-dollar proposal for what critics dub “gun confiscation” research. Former Vice President Mike Pence’s nonprofit organization, Advancing American Freedom, told Fox News Digital in a statement Thursday that “Congress can’t pass this legislation in its current form until these egregious earmarks are weeded out.” CONSERVATIVES FURIOUS AT JOHNSON FOR WAIVING GOP’S 72-HOUR RULE ON $1.2T GOVERNMENT FUNDING BILL “Releasing bill text in the middle of the night is how our government gets locked into funding gaffs and binders for confused kids,” AAF policy director John Shelton said. “American taxpayers are funding centers that encourage children to transition without their parents’ knowledge.” According to appropriations documents, Wisconsin Democrat Sen. Tammy Baldwin requested $400,000 request for a facility called Briarpatch Youth Services. One of the group’s programs is called “Teens Like Us LGBTQIA2s+” for ages 13-18 and a “Gender Affirming Clothing Program” that provides minors with clothing that matches their gender identity. It also organizes a “pride prom” for kids as young as 12, and connects LGBTQ youth without parental knowledge. “Youth do NOT need parent/guardian permission to join Teens Like Us. We understand not all youth are at a point in their lives where they can safely and confidently ‘come out,’” the website says. Another request from New Jersey Democrat Sens. Cory Booker and Bob Menendez would send $400,000 to the state’s largest LGBTQ+ advocacy group, the Garden State Equality Education Fund, Inc. The group provides “binders and gaffs” — two types of undergarments used by transgender people to hide breasts or male genitalia. Rhode Island Democrat Sens. Jack Reed, D-R.I., and Sheldon Whitehouse requested $1.8 million for the Women and Infants Hospital in Rhode Island. The clinic performs elective abortions up to 22 weeks, both surgical and chemical, according to its website. Another $12.5 million is proposed for a National Institutes of Health (NIH) study called the Prevent Firearm Injury and Mortality research. The NIH said on its website they are “committed to supporting scientific research to develop, evaluate, and implement effective public health interventions to better understand and prevent violence, including firearm violence, and the resulting trauma, injuries, and mortality.” Gun Owners of America, a gun rights lobbying organization, posted to X on Thursday: “Such grants currently fund ‘research’ on gun confiscation, a ‘firearm retirement’ age for seniors & more!” HOUSE LEADERS SMACK DOWN BIDEN’S $7.3 TRILLION SPENDING PLAN AIMED AT ‘PUSHING A LEFT-WING AGENDA’ The House is expected to vote on the appropriations package later this week before some government funding runs out Friday night. The package must pass the House and Senate, then be signed by President Biden to avert a partial government shutdown. Four continuing resolutions were passed following the initial September 30 deadline for appropriations bills. COLORADO COULD BECOME THE FIRST STATE TO BUILD SEPARATE PRISON UNITS FOR TRANSGENDER FELONS While Congress has yet to fully fund the government for FY 2024, President Joe Biden released a $7.3 trillion 2025 budget proposal last week. The U.S. national debt is currently just under $34.5 trillion, and the federal budget deficit is $531 billion, according to the latest data.