It was nearly two weeks ago that Jill and I paid our respects to Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick, who laid in honor in the Rotunda after losing his life protecting the Capitol from a riotous, violent mob on January 6, 2021.
Today, 57 Senators – including a record 7 Republicans – voted to find former President Trump guilty for inciting that deadly insurrection on our very democracy. The Senate vote followed the bipartisan vote to impeach him by the House of Representatives. While the final vote did not lead to a conviction, the substance of the charge is not in dispute. Even those opposed to the conviction, like Senate Minority Leader McConnell, believe Donald Trump was guilty of a “disgraceful dereliction of duty” and “practically and morally responsible for provoking” the violence unleashed on the Capitol.
Tonight, I am thinking about those who bravely stood guard that January day. I’m thinking about all those who lost their lives, all those whose lives were threatened, and all those who are still today living with terror they lived through that day. And I’m thinking of those who demonstrated the courage to protect the integrity of our democracy – Democrats and Republicans, election officials and judges, elected representatives and poll workers – before and after the election.
This sad chapter in our history has reminded us that democracy is fragile. That it must always be defended. That we must be ever vigilant. That violence and extremism has no place in America. And that each of us has a duty and responsibility as Americans, and especially as leaders, to defend the truth and to defeat the lies.
That is how we end this uncivil war and heal the very soul of our nation. That is the task ahead. And it’s a task we must undertake together. As the United States of America.
Roll Call Vote 117th Congress – 1st Session
Vote Summary
Question: On the Nomination (Confirmation: Avril Danica Haines, of New York, to be Director of National Intelligence ) Vote Number: 3
Vote Date: January 20, 2021, 06:23 PM
Required For Majority: 1/2
Vote Result: Nomination Confirmed
Nomination Number: PN78-10
Nomination Description: Avril Danica Haines, of New York, to be Director of National Intelligence
Vote Counts:
YEAs 84
NAYs 10
Not Voting 6
[….]
Missouri:
Blunt (R-MO), Yea Hawley (R-MO), Nay
[emphasis added]
Roll Call Vote 117th Congress – 1st Session
Vote Summary
Question: On the Nomination (Confirmation: Lloyd James Austin, of Georgia, to be Secretary of Defense ) Vote Number: 5
Vote Date: January 22, 2021, 10:31 AM
Required For Majority: 1/2
Vote Result: Nomination Confirmed
Nomination Number: PN78-1
Nomination Description: Lloyd James Austin, of Georgia, to be Secretary of Defense
Vote Counts:
YEAs 93
NAYs 2
Not Voting 5
[….]
Missouri:
Blunt (R-MO), Yea Hawley (R-MO), Nay
[emphasis added]
Josh Hawley (r), sedition then, obstruction now.
“The most dangerous place to stand in Washington D.C. is any place between Senator Josh Hawley and a live microphone” – Charles P. Pierce
JANUARY 20, 2021 • PRESIDENTIAL ACTIONS
MEMORANDUM FOR THE ATTORNEY GENERAL THE SECRETARY OF HOMELAND SECURITY
SUBJECT: Preserving and Fortifying Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, it is hereby ordered as follows:
Section 1. Policy. In 2012, during the Obama-Biden Administration, the Secretary of Homeland Security issued a memorandum outlining how, in the exercise of prosecutorial discretion, the Department of Homeland Security should enforce the Nation’s immigration laws against certain young people. This memorandum, known as the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) guidance, deferred the removal of certain undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children, have obeyed the law, and stayed in school or enlisted in the military. DACA and associated regulations permit eligible individuals who pass a background check to request temporary relief from removal and to apply for temporary work permits. DACA reflects a judgment that these immigrants should not be a priority for removal based on humanitarian concerns and other considerations, and that work authorization will enable them to support themselves and their families, and to contribute to our economy, while they remain.
Sec. 2. Preserving and Fortifying DACA. The Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Attorney General, shall take all actions he deems appropriate, consistent with applicable law, to preserve and fortify DACA.
Sec. 3. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this memorandum 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 memorandum shall be implemented consistent with applicable law.
(c) This memorandum 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.
(d) The Secretary of Homeland Security is authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.
“We shall overcome because the arc of the moral universe is long but it bends toward justice.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “Remaining Awake Through a Great Revolution.” Speech given at the National Cathedral, March 31, 1968
“…the previous administration enacted a number of Executive Orders and Presidential Proclamations that prevented certain individuals from entering the United States — first from primarily Muslim countries, and later, from largely African countries. Those actions are a stain on our national conscience and are inconsistent with our long history of welcoming people of all faiths and no faith at all…” – Joe Biden, January 20, 2021
Four years ago, at the start of the Trump era, at Kansas City International Airport:
Kansas City International Airport – January 29, 2017
Kansas City International Airport – January 29, 2017
Kansas City International Airport – January 29, 2017
Kansas City International Airport – January 29, 2017
The United States was built on a foundation of religious freedom and tolerance, a principle enshrined in the United States Constitution. Nevertheless, the previous administration enacted a number of Executive Orders and Presidential Proclamations that prevented certain individuals from entering the United States — first from primarily Muslim countries, and later, from largely African countries. Those actions are a stain on our national conscience and are inconsistent with our long history of welcoming people of all faiths and no faith at all.
Beyond contravening our values, these Executive Orders and Proclamations have undermined our national security. They have jeopardized our global network of alliances and partnerships and are a moral blight that has dulled the power of our example the world over. And they have separated loved ones, inflicting pain that will ripple for years to come. They are just plain wrong.
Make no mistake, where there are threats to our Nation, we will address them. Where there are opportunities to strengthen information-sharing with partners, we will pursue them. And when visa applicants request entry to the United States, we will apply a rigorous, individualized vetting system. But we will not turn our backs on our values with discriminatory bans on entry into the United States.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including sections 212(f) and 215(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. 1182(f) and 1185(a), hereby find that it is in the interests of the United States to revoke Executive Order 13780 of March 6, 2017 (Protecting the Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into the United States), Proclamation 9645 of September 24, 2017 (Enhancing Vetting Capabilities and Processes for Detecting Attempted Entry Into the United States by Terrorists or Other Public-Safety Threats), Proclamation 9723 of April 10, 2018 (Maintaining Enhanced Vetting Capabilities and Processes for Detecting Attempted Entry Into the United States by Terrorists or Other Public-Safety Threats), and Proclamation 9983 of January 31, 2020 (Improving Enhanced Vetting Capabilities and Processes for Detecting Attempted Entry Into the United States by Terrorists or Other Public-Safety Threats). Our national security will be enhanced by revoking the Executive Order and Proclamations.
Accordingly, I hereby proclaim:
Section 1. Revocations. Executive Order 13780, and Proclamations 9645, 9723, and 9983 are hereby revoked.
Sec. 2. Resumption of Visa Processing and Clearing the Backlog of Cases in Waiver Processing. (a) The Secretary of State shall direct all Embassies and Consulates, consistent with applicable law and visa processing procedures, including any related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), to resume visa processing in a manner consistent with the revocation of the Executive Order and Proclamations specified in section 1 of this proclamation.
(b) Within 45 days of the date of this proclamation, the Secretary of State shall provide to the President a report that includes the following elements:
(i) The number of visa applicants who were being considered for a waiver of restrictions under Proclamation 9645 or 9983 on the date of this proclamation and a plan for expeditiously adjudicating their pending visa applications.
(ii) A proposal to ensure that individuals whose immigrant visa applications were denied on the basis of the suspension and restriction on entry imposed by Proclamation 9645 or 9983 may have their applications reconsidered. This proposal shall consider whether to reopen immigrant visa applications that were denied due to the suspension and restriction on entry imposed by Proclamation 9645 or 9983, whether it is necessary to charge an additional fee to process those visa applications, and development of a plan for the Department of State to expedite consideration of those visa applications.
(iii) A plan to ensure that visa applicants are not prejudiced as a result of a previous visa denial due to the suspension and restriction on entry imposed by Proclamation 9645 or 9983 if they choose to re-apply for a visa.
Sec. 3. Review of Information-Sharing Relationships and a Plan to Strengthen Partnerships. Within 120 days of the date of this proclamation, the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Director of National Intelligence, shall provide to the President a report consisting of the following elements:
(a) A description of the current screening and vetting procedures for those seeking immigrant and nonimmigrant entry to the United States. This should include information about any procedures put in place as a result of any of the Executive Order and Proclamations revoked in section 1 of this proclamation and should also include an evaluation of the usefulness of form DS-5535.
(b) A review of foreign government information-sharing practices vis-à-vis the United States in order to evaluate the efficacy of those practices, their contribution to processes for screening and vetting those individuals seeking entry to the United States as immigrants and nonimmigrants, and how the United States ensures the accuracy and reliability of the information provided by foreign governments.
(c) Recommendations to improve screening and vetting activities, including diplomatic efforts to improve international information-sharing, use of foreign assistance funds, where appropriate, to support capacity building for information-sharing and identity-management practices, and ways to further integrate relevant executive department and agency data into the vetting system.
(d) A review of the current use of social media identifiers in the screening and vetting process, including an assessment of whether this use has meaningfully improved screening and vetting, and recommendations in light of this assessment.
Sec. 4. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this proclamation shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or 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 proclamation shall be implemented in a manner consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This proclamation 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.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fifth.
U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) released the following statement after placing a hold on a procedural move to bypass full committee consideration of Alejandro N. Mayorkas to be Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security:
“On Day 1 of his administration, President-elect Biden has said he plans to unveil an amnesty plan for 11 million immigrants in this nation illegally. This comes at a time when millions of American citizens remain out of work and a new migrant caravan has been attempting to reach the United States. Mr. Mayorkas has not adequately explained how he will enforce federal law and secure the southern border given President-elect Biden’s promise to roll back major enforcement and security measures. Just today, he declined to say he would enforce the laws Congress has already passed to secure the border wall system. Given this, I cannot consent to skip the standard vetting process and fast-track this nomination when so many questions remain unanswered.” [….]
What a putz.
Also today:
“…Sen. Portman, a top Republican from Ohio, said he thinks it’s critical Congress expedited the Homeland Security secretary confirmation hearing ‘because the job is so important…we have so many threats right now internal and external so I’m glad we were able to get started….'”
When Alejandro Mayorkas was nominated, almost two months ago:
Biden Harris Transition
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 24, 2020
Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by President-elect Joe Biden in Wilmington, Delaware
Good afternoon.
Today, I am pleased to announce nominations and staff for critical foreign policy and national security positions in my Administration.
It’s a team that will keep our country and our people safe and secure.
And it’s a team that reflects the fact that America is back.
Ready to lead the world, not retreat from it. Ready to confront our adversaries, not reject our allies. And ready to stand up for our values.
In fact, in calls from world leaders in the weeks since we won this election, I’ve been struck by how much they are looking forward to the United States reasserting its historic role as a global leader.
This team meets this moment.
They embody my core belief that America is strongest when it works with its allies.
Collectively, this team has secured some of the most defining national security and diplomatic achievements in recent memory — made possible through decades of experience working with our partners.
That’s how we truly keep America safe without engaging in needless military conflicts, and our adversaries in check and terrorists at bay.
It’s how we counter terrorism and extremism. Control this pandemic and future ones.
Deal with the climate crisis, nuclear proliferation, cyber threats and emerging technologies, the spread of authoritarianism, and so much more.
And while this team has unmatched experience and accomplishments, they also reflect the idea that we cannot meet these challenges with old thinking or unchanged habits.
[….]
As Secretary of Homeland Security, I nominate Alejandro Mayorkas.
This is one of the hardest jobs in government. The DHS Secretary needs to keep us safe from threats at home and from abroad.
And it’s a job that plays a critical role in fixing our broken immigration system.
After years of chaos, dysfunction, and absolute cruelty at DHS, I am proud to nominate an experienced leader who has been hailed by both Democrats and Republicans.
Ali, as he goes by, is a former U.S Attorney. Former Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Former DHS Deputy Secretary.
Helped implement DACA. Prevented attacks on the homeland. Enhanced our cybersecurity. Helped communities recover from natural disasters. Combatted Ebola and Zika.
And while DHS affects everyone, given its critical role in immigration matters, I am proud that for the first time ever, the Department will be led by an immigrant, a Latino, who knows that we are a nation of laws and values.
And one more thing — today is his birthday.
Happy birthday, Ali.
[….]
Joe Biden (D) [2020 file photo].
On December 3, 2020:
Biden Harris Transition
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 3, 2020
Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by Nominee for Secretary of Department of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas to the American Business Immigration Coalition
Josh [NOT Hawley], thank you very much for the warm welcome.
I had the pleasure of working with Josh when I served as the Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Josh — quite frankly — proved the power of the public-private partnership, as he convened a wide array of business and other community leaders throughout Chicago to address with our agency the city’s and our country’s immigration needs and challenges. Thank you very much, Josh.
Good afternoon. I am honored to join you today.
For more than 200 years, our country’s bipartisan tradition of welcoming immigrants from around the world has kept us dynamic and entrepreneurial. It has strengthened our families — including my own — our communities, our economy, and our nation.
When I was very young, the United States provided my family a place of refuge. In 1960, my father moved us from Cuba to Miami because he did not want to raise us in a communist country. He believed in democracy, and he understood the perils and the challenges of living otherwise.
I am proud to have had the privilege of serving in the federal government for almost twenty years, to have had the opportunity to give back to the country that has given my family and me so very much.
Now, as Josh mentioned, I have been nominated to be the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, to help oversee the protection of all Americans, fulfilling our promise as a nation of immigrants and administering our immigration system with integrity, in a way that is humane and secure.
It is an honor to be nominated and entrusted by the president-elect to serve. I will work day and night to protect our security here at home and to fulfill the promise of our proudest traditions.
Today, our immigration system is badly broken — and we all know it. The cost of that broken system is incalculably high. It represents a profound toll not only on families seeking to contribute to our nation and forge their own American dream, but on our economic prosperity and our moral authority as well.
As President-elect Joe Biden takes office, he has committed to fixing this broken immigration system. He knows that will require working with members on both sides of the aisle to find solutions that reflect the values we as Americans all share.
He knows that our solutions must reflect the broad sweep and impact of immigration across issues and constituencies, because key sectors of our economy — from agriculture to technology, rely on immigration. And he knows that immigrants are a key driver of economic growth.
We must stop vilifying these communities. We must bring to an immediate end the inhumane and unjust treatment of immigrants. There is no more powerful and heartbreaking example of that inhumanity than the separation of children from their parents.
Immigrants have been essential to our communities’ ability to survive the current pandemic — serving our nation in vast numbers as health care workers, researchers, and scientists; as delivery drivers, care givers, and clerks; and in so many other critical roles — and they will be vital to our economic recovery from this crisis.
We can all agree that our country needs a modern immigration system to allow our economy to grow, while protecting the rights, wages, and working conditions of all workers.
A fair and orderly system that keeps our families together and our communities safe.
Because creating a new immigration system will help create jobs, raise wages, and grow our economy. Not just for immigrant communities, but for all our families across this great country.
Our history and the facts demonstrate that immigrants contribute to and are a fundamental part of our economy and our society.
But of course, this issue is about more than figures on a balance sheet. On the base of the Statue of Liberty, it is written: that “from her beacon-hand glows world-wide welcome.”
Immigration is a foundational part of who we are, and who we have always been as Americans, from our very earliest days. It is an issue especially ripe for bipartisan solutions, because it speaks to our common history as a people, and because it serves the interests of each of us to further that distinctly American tradition.
We are a nation built on the energy, aspirations, and ideas of immigrants and the generations that followed them. A Biden administration will center an immigration agenda that is humane, fair, strengthens our nation and its economy, and keeps our families and communities safe.
And we will roll up our sleeves, starting on day one, to fix what is broken, to keep families together, to build an immigration system that works for all of us.
Thanks very much for allowing me to be a part of this today.
###
Today:
Biden Harris Transition
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 19, 2021
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING:
Alejandro Mayorkas’ Senate Confirmation Hearing Shows Why We Need To Swiftly Confirm Him To Lead DHS & Protect Our Country
In the aftermath of the deadly attack on our Capitol, it’s more important now than ever to have tested leaders in key national security roles, and it’s critical that the Senate move swiftly to confirm Alejandro Mayorkas to lead the Department of Homeland Security so he can get to work protecting our country.
In today’s hearing, Maryorkas showed yet again that he is prepared and ready on day one to lead the Department of Homeland Security and play a key role in President-elect Biden’s administration in keeping the American people safe and confronting the threats we face at home and abroad.
Here’s what they’re saying about Mayorkas’ testimony:
Sen. Gary Peters: “Our nation is facing unprecedented crises and threats to American national security, from the devastating Coronavirus pandemic to massive cyber breaches across government and the private sector – and as we have seen too clearly in recent weeks – rising domestic terrorism and anti-government violence. The Department of Homeland Security is the lead agency charged with combatting these threats and more, and it needs qualified, Senate-confirmed leadership in place immediately. DHS Secretary-designate Alejandro Mayorkas demonstrated his strong expertise and qualifications for this role at his confirmation hearing this morning. I urge my colleagues to follow the precedent set by the confirmations of Secretary John Kelly and Secretary Janet Napolitano by consenting to hold a vote on Alejandro Mayorkas’ nomination on January 20th so he can begin working to safeguard our homeland security on day one of the Biden Administration.” [Statement, 01/19/21]
Sen. Jon Tester: “After the events of Jan. 6th, we have no time to waste,” Sen. Jon Tester says as he introduced Mayorkas to be Secretary of Homeland Security. [Tweet, 1/19/21]
Sen. Jon Tester via Senate Democrats: “He understands the challenges that this country faces, both from our foreign adversaries and now, more than ever, from our domestic ones.” [Tweet, 01/19/21]
Sen. Tom Carper: In addition to his many years of dedicated service at the Department of Homeland, @AliMayorkas also understands firsthand what it’s like for a family to come to the U.S. in search of refuge. He will be a tremendous leader at DHS. [Tweet, 01/19/21]
Sen. Tom Carper: .@AliMayorkas is an American success story. He fled Cuba at a young age with his family and came to the U.S. with the hope of living a better life. As an American citizen, Ali believes he has an obligation to give back and he’s given back time and time again. [Tweet, 01/19/21]
Sen. Dianne Feinstein: This morning I had the honor to introduce @AliMayorkas, @JoeBiden’s nominee to be Homeland Security Secretary. Given his stellar work in the Clinton and Obama administrations, I have full confidence that he’ll provide positive leadership to DHS. [Tweet, 01/19/21]
Sen. Dick Durbin: .@AliMayorkas is an exceptionally qualified nominee to run the Department of Homeland Security. He will restore integrity and decency at DHS and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support his nomination. [Tweet, 01/19/21]
Sen. Jacky Rosen: Pleased to hear President-elect Biden’s nominee to lead @DHSGov, @AliMayorkas, reiterate his support for Dreamers and TPS recipients, as well as comprehensive immigration reform at today’s @HSGAC hearing. I look forward to working with him to protect our immigrant communities. [Tweet, 01/19/21]
Sen. Ron Portman: Sen. Portman, a top Republican from Ohio, said he thinks it’s critical Congress expedited the Homeland Security secretary confirmation hearing “because the job is so important…we have so many threats right now internal and external so I’m glad we were able to get started.” [CNN, 01/19/21]
Latino Victory: As his confirmation hearings begin today, it shouldn’t be lost on anyone that @AliMayorkas could become the first Latino, first Cuban-American, and the first immigrant to lead the Department of Homeland Security. washingtonpost.com/national/aleja… [Tweet, 01/19/21]
Lou DeBaca: Having worked with @AliMayorkas at DOJ and since, I’ve seen the rigor and integrity he brings to tough security issues and his commitment to #EndTrafficking. Immediate confirmation by @HSGAC and the full Senate is critical for our national interest. [Tweet, 01/19/21]
Peter Vincent: Having worked with @AliMayorkas at DHS, I know he’s a leader of great integrity and one of the most knowledgeable homeland security experts in the country. We can’t afford delays in safeguarding the country. The @HSGAC and the full Senate must confirm him right away. [Tweet, 01/19/21]
Pedro Ribeiro: Having served with @AliMayorkas at DHS, he’s the kind of leader our country needs now more than ever! @HSGAC and the full Senate must confirm him immediately so he can get to work keeping our nation safe [Tweet, 01/19/21]
I can personally speak to @AliMayorkas management style, he’s a driver who expects the best from his staff and those around him, he’s also exceedingly respectful and fosters open dialogue among staff and encourages dissent. Ali will bring the major league leadership to @DHSgov [Tweet, 01/19/21]
Suzanne Spaulding: The Senate should move quickly to confirm @AliMayorkas as Sec of DHS. I worked with him and know he will be an outstanding leader who can rebuild trust in this important org and address the risks to our nation. This is urgent. No political posturing! [Tweet, 1/19/21]
Asian Americans Advancing Justice: Re-sharing our statement in support of Ali Mayorkas for @DHSgov Secretary. We urge the Senate to quickly confirm him so he can get to work in restarting our immigration system. advancingjustice-aajc.org/index.php/pres… [Tweet, 01/19/21]
Amna Nawaz: Mayorkas as passionate as we’ve seen him so far – sharing story of getting involved in case of Guatemalan orphan adoptions that were held up, setting up task force to address issues and fix it…says he’s kept close photo of child running through airport to meet adoptive family. [Tweet, 01/19/21]
Tal Kopan: Mayorkas, the nominee for DHS secretary, just correctly cited immigration law from memory, with specific wording, on asylum. This shouldn’t feel like news, but here we are. [Tweet, 01/19/21]
MSNBC: DHS sec. nominee Alejandro Mayorkas says the Capitol riot was “horrifying” and it “will not happen again” if he is confirmed. [Tweet, 01/19/21]
Adam Shaw: NEW: Biden’s pick for DHS, Alejandro Mayorkas, was just asked if he would recommend @ICEgov be defunded. “No,” he says. [Tweet, 01/19/21]
Jason Oxman: From ensuring immigration advances US innovation to building effective cybersecurity, strong @DHSgov leadership is key to US growth & security. @AliMayorkas has the experience & skills needed to lead this critical agency. @ITI_TechTweets urges the Senate to quickly confirm him. [Tweet, 01/19/21]
Rabbi Jonah Pesner: The US is a nation founded and strengthened by immigrants. As the Senate begins @AliMayorkas confirmation hearings to lead @DHSgov, we hope he will be guided by his experience as an immigrant and public servant as he rebuilds our broken immigration system. [Tweet, 01/19/21]
Priscilla Alvarez: “I think we need to address the push factor as the gravest challenge to irregular migration,” Mayorkas tells Sen. Hawley. The incoming administration is clearly focused on thinking about immigration big picture, not just at the US-Mexico border but regionally. [Tweet, 01/19/21]
SEIU: From leading the implementation of #DACA to enhancing our nation’s cybersecurity, @AliMayorkas has shown that he has the skills needed to lead the @DHSgov. [Tweet, 01/19/21]
Yes! @AliMayorkas could bring stability to the @DHSgov as secretary of Homeland Security. He is a proven leader who understands that living up to our nation’s values and protecting our nation’s security aren’t mutually exclusive. [Tweet, 01/19/21]
Unidos US: We applaud President-elect @JoeBiden’s historic appointment of the first Latino and Immigrant who will be ready on day one to head the @DHSgov. [Tweet, 01/19/21]
Washington Post: Mayorkas says cybersecurity will be ‘one of my highest priorities’
NPR: From Border Wall To Capitol Riot, Homeland Security Nominee Takes Senate Questions
After the deadly insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, however, there’s been increased pressure to get national security officials confirmed quickly to prevent any gap during the transfer of power … Most senators, however, seemed to have a favorable view of the nominee — several on both sides of the aisle telling him they looked forward to working with him in the new administration.
Associated Press: Biden’s nominees promise fresh approach on national security
Several senators said it was important to quickly confirm a new head of Homeland Security given the threats facing the nation from the pandemic, the massive SolarWinds cyber-hack that authorities suspect was carried out by Russia, and the rising threat of domestic extremists. “He understands the challenges that this country faces, both from our foreign adversaries and now more than ever from our domestic ones,” said Sen. Jon Tester, a Montana Democrat, in calling for confirmation.
Politico: Biden’s DHS pick vows to prevent future attacks on U.S. institutions
President-elect Joe Biden’s nominee to lead the Department of Homeland Security pledged on Tuesday to do everything in his power to prevent attacks like the one that targeted the Capitol earlier this month. Alejandro Mayorkas, appearing before the Senate Homeland Security Committee for his confirmation hearing, addressed the recent insurrection head-on…
Reuters: Biden’s choice for U.S. homeland security chief pledges to confront ‘domestic extremism’
President-elect Joe Biden’s nominee to lead the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, said on Tuesday he would empower intelligence staff at the agency to gather information on extremist threats in “an apolitical, nonpartisan way” following a violent attack on the U.S. Congress.
###
Josh Hawley (r), you’re a preening fool, at the very least. You’ve had plenty of time for consideration.
“The most dangerous place to stand in Washington D.C. is any place between Senator Josh Hawley and a live microphone” – Charles P. Pierce
In the joint session of Congress, early this morning:
03:39 AM CERTIFICATION OF ELECTORAL VOTES – At the conclusion of counting the Electoral ballots, the Vice President reported to the Joint Session that the votes would be recorded as follows: For the Office of President of the United States, Joseph R. Biden, Jr.–306; Donald J. Trump–232; and for the Office of Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris–306; Michael R. Pence –232.
HR 2
Confirms the Missouri House’s lack of faith in the 2020 election results
Sponsor: Hill, Justin (108)
Proposed Effective Date: 8/28/2020
LR Number: 1241H.04C
Last Action: 12/15/2020 – Referred: Rules – Legislative Oversight(H)
Bill String: HCS HR 2
Next House Hearing: Hearing not scheduled
Calendar: Bill currently not on a House calendar
Date Jrn Pg Activity Description
12/10/2020 H 91 Offered (H)
12/10/2020 H 91 Referred: Special Committee on Government Oversight(H)
12/14/2020 Public Hearing Completed (H)
12/14/2020 Executive Session Completed (H)
12/14/2020 HCS Voted Do Pass (H)
12/15/2020 HCS Reported Do Pass (H) – AYES: 6 NOES: 3 PRESENT: 0
12/15/2020 Referred: Rules – Legislative Oversight(H)
They actually held a hearing yesterday, with Rudy Giuliani on ZOOM, and six of them voted for this.
[….]
[Representative] Peter [Mereidith (D)]: To inquire
Ross: Proceed
Peter [Mereidith (D)] : Thank you. I’m not sure where to look because I’m not sure where you are seeing us.
You mentioned that this hasn’t really played out in court, but 59 judgess across the country have now rejected your claims challenging this election. You did say that you don’t think any of them have ruled on the merits. I want to point to a Pennsylvania judge that said “Free, fair elections are the lifeblood of our democracy. Charges of unfairness are serious. But calling an election unfair does not make it so. Charges require specific allegations and then proof. We have neither here.” Now that was 3rd circuit judge, Stephanos Bibas, who was appointed by Donald Trump and wrote for an unanimous panel of three judges all appointed by Republican presidents.
Meanwhile, you’ve railed on GA and fraud there, who of course has a Republican legislature and a Republican SOS. The SOS certified the results and has emphatically said that all of these claims that you’re making are completely bogus and has even said that he’s been pressured by republicans like you to find excuses to invalidate valid ballots.
Now, GA also filed a court filing that said “This election cycle, GA did what the constitution empowered it to do. It implemented processes for the election, it administered the election in the face of logistical challenges brought on by COVID and confirmed and certified the election results. Again and again and again.”
Even William Barr said the Justice Department “has uncovered no voter fraud on a scale that could have effected a different outcome on the election.” He said, ”There’s been one assertion that would have been systemic fraud and that would be the claim that machines were programmed essentially to skew the election results.” (I think we’ve heard a little about that today.) “And the DHS and the DOJ have looked into that and have not seen anything to substantiate that.”
Now, we’re talking about 6 Secretaries of State in these states, 2 of them are republicans, have all certified the results. And 6 legislatures, 5 of them GOP controlled, have all gone ahead and appointed their electors. But you want us to ask congress to overturn all those states with even William Barr agreeing that no evidence of fraud, despite thorough investigation, exists.
So my question is, All are these republicans lying? Are they complicit? Are they incompetent?
Rudy [Giuliani (r)]: Instead of getting so upset and angry, what I’d ask you to do is to calm down. And to just take a look at the video tape from Fulton County on November the…
Peter [Mereidith (D)]: Now respectfully Mr. Mayor, I won’t be calm with people trying to overthrow the results of an election and seeking to ignore the votes of 6 states of Americans.
Ross in background: Gentleman, you’re time has expired.
Rudy [Giuliani (r)]: speaking unclearly in background
Peter [Mereidith (D)]: So I think that we’re right to be upset by this action here today and about your spreading of misinformation and lies that are inflaming things across our country at a time when we need to move on and accept the results of an election. Thank you.
Ross: Representative Merideth your time has expired.
Rudy [Giuliani (r)]: Obviously, you have no interest in truth. All you have in interest in is lecturing me –
Peter [Mereidith (D)](over Rudy): I have no interest in more and more lies from you.
Rudy [Giuliani (r)]: Cutting me off in the middle of my answer –
Peter [Mereidith (D)]: I am tired of your lies. America is tired of your lies.
Ross: Representative Merideth your time has expired!
Peter [Mereidith (D)]: And they are dangerous, sir. They are dangerous.
Rudy [Giuliani (r)]: and you are very dangerous because you are covering up massive voter fraud..
Ross: Ok, further questions.
Peter [Mereidith (D)]: Yea, me and the Republican legislatures and Republican SOS, we all came together on this didn’t we?
Gavel banging
Ross: Representative Merideth, that’s enough. Further questions?
Rudy [Giuliani (r)]: Why don’t you try to calm down….and act like a gentleman if that’s at all possible.
[….]
