[….]
In 2007, Massachusetts amended its Reproductive Health Care Facilities Act, which had been enacted in 2000 to address clashes between abortion opponents and advocates of abortion rights outside clinics where abortions were performed. The amended version of the Act makes it a crime to knowingly stand on a “public way or sidewalk” within 35 feet of an entrance or driveway to any “reproductive health care facility,” defined as “a place, other than within or upon the grounds of a hospital, where abortions are offered or performed.”
[….]
Chief Justice Roberts delivered the opinion of the Court.
A Massachusetts statute makes it a crime to knowingly stand on a “public way or sidewalk” within 35 feet of an entrance or driveway to any place, other than a hospital, where abortions are performed. Mass. Gen. Laws, ch. 266, §§120E½(a), (b) (West 2012). Petitioners are individuals who approach and talk to women outside such facilities, attempting to dissuade them from having abortions. The statute prevents petitioners from doing so near the facilities’ entrances. The question presented is whether the statute violates the First Amendment.
[….]
Petitioners wish to converse with their fellow citizens about an important subject on the public streets and sidewalks—sites that have hosted discussions about the issues of the day throughout history. Respondents assert undeniably significant interests in maintaining public safety on those same streets and sidewalks, as well as in preserving access to adjacent healthcare facilities. But here the Commonwealth has pursued those interests by the extreme step of closing a substantial portion of a traditional public forum to all speakers. It has done so without seriously addressing the problem through alternatives that leave the forum open for its time-honored purposes. The Commonwealth may not do that consistent with the First Amendment.
The judgment of the Court of Appeals for the First Circuit is reversed, and the case is remanded for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.
It is so ordered.
Today, at the United States Supreme Court:
ABC News @ABC
A new, imposing eight-foot-high fence was erected overnight at the U.S. Supreme Court in the wake of protests over a bombshell draft opinion on abortion.
[….] 1:16 PM · May 5, 2022
Apparently the First Amendment doesn’t apply.
“…Petitioners wish to converse with their fellow citizens about an important subject on the public streets and sidewalks—sites that have hosted discussions about the issues of the day throughout history…”
“…by the extreme step of closing a substantial portion of a traditional public forum to all speakers. It has done so without seriously addressing the problem through alternatives that leave the forum open for its time-honored purposes…”
Apparently the First Amendment doesn’t apply to criticism of the Supreme Court. Snowflakes.
An event scheduled for March 21st in Jefferson City:
[….] Congresswoman Hartzler is hosting a recognition ceremony honoring Vietnam Veterans on Monday, March 21, 2022 in Jefferson City, MO. [….]
Two weeks ago:
FINAL VOTE RESULTS FOR ROLL CALL 57
H R 3967 YEA-AND-NAY 3-Mar-2022 10:59 AM
QUESTION: On Passage
BILL TITLE: Honoring our PACT Act
[….]
—- YEAS 256 —
Bush
Cleaver
—- NAYS 174 —
Graves (MO) Hartzler
Long
Luetkemeyer
Smith (MO)
Wagner
[….]
[emphasis added]
The bill summary:
Summary: H.R.3967 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)
[….]
Passed House (03/03/2022)
Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2021 or the Honoring our PACT Act of 2021
This bill addresses health care, presumption of service-connection, research, resources, and other matters related to veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during military service.
The bill provides eligibility for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical care, including mental health services and counseling, to veterans who (1) participated in a toxic exposure risk activity (a qualifying activity that requires a corresponding entry in an exposure tracking record system), (2) served in specified locations on specified dates, or (3) deployed in support of a specified contingency operation.
The bill establishes the Formal Advisory Committee on Toxic Exposure to assist with the various procedures in establishing or removing presumptions of service-connection.
The bill modifies or establishes the presumption of service-connection for certain conditions or purposes for various groups of veterans.
Among other requirements, the VA must
– provide a veteran with a medical examination regarding the nexus between a disability and toxic exposure risk activity if a veteran submits a disability compensation claim for a service-connected disability with insufficient evidence,
– incorporate a clinical questionnaire to help determine potential toxic exposures as part of the initial screening conducted for veterans with a VA primary care provider, and
– establish a registry for current or past members of the Armed Forces who may have been exposed to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances due to the environmental release of aqueous film-forming foam at a Department of Defense location.
Vicky Hartzler (r) voted “No.” As if anyone would expect anything else.
Today is the first day of candidate filing at the office of the Missouri Secretary of State. The republican U.S. Senate candidates who have filed so far:
U.S. Senator
Republican
Name Mailing Address Date Filed
Mark McCloskey 4472 LINDELL BLVD ST. LOUIS MO 63108 2/22/2022 8:09 a.m.
Eric Greitens PO BOX 989 CHESTERFIELD MO 63006 2/22/2022 8:19 a.m.
Hartford Tunnell 19362 HARTSFORD LANE CARTHAGE MO 64836 2/22/2022 8:43 a.m.
Deshon Porter 1610 N KINGSHIGHWAY #8012 ST LOUIS MO 63113 2/22/2022 9:07 a.m.
Dave Sims PO BOX 28602 KANSAS CITY MO 64188 2/22/2022 9:47 a.m.
Patrick A Lewis 408 W LOCUST WELLSVILLE MO 63384 2/22/2022 10:09 a.m.
Billy Long PO BOX 4527 SPRINGFIELD MO 65808 2/22/2022 10:22 a.m.
Eric Schmitt 101 W ARGONNE DR, BOX 24 KIRKWOOD MO 63122 2/22/2022 10:31 a.m.
Vicky Hartzler PO BOX 531 HARRISONVILLE MO 64701 2/22/2022 10:48 a.m.
C.W. Gardner 4398 W PINE BLVD #102 ST LOUIS MO 63108 2/22/2022 11:09 a.m.
Robert (Bullet) Allen 3940 BENNE RD DEFIANCE MO 63341 2/22/2022 12:07 p.m.
Dave Schatz PO BOX 92 SULLIVAN MO 63080 2/22/2022 12:27 p.m.
Bernie Mowinski 16 KATE CIRCLE SUNRISE BEACH MO 65079 2/22/2022 12:35 p.m.
Bad combover. Check. Too long red tie. Check. Orange spray tan. Check. Tiny hands. Check. Cluelessness. Check…
Campaign supplies.
Today in Jefferson City:
Rudi Keller @RudiKellerMI
.@VickyHartzler says of @EricGreitens: “It is not conservative to tie a woman up in your basement and assault her.” #MoSen #Election2022 11:02 AM · Feb 22, 2022
Rudi Keller @RudiKellerMI
@VickyHartzler says if she doesn’t win primary she will support Republican #MoSen nominee ‘except for @EricGreitens’ 11:10 AM · Feb 22, 2022
180° in twenty-four hours. That’ll cause whiplash.
Vicky Hartzler @VickyHartzlerMO
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
[….] 12:58 PM · Jan 17, 2022
This you?
Vicky Hartzler @VickyHartzlerMO
The woke Left’s attack on our families and values has turned blue Virginia red. America will not stand for this critical race theory and radical gender theory assault on our children. It’s time to fight back! 8:49 AM · Nov 3, 2021
Vicky Hartzler @VickyHartzlerMO
The DOJ should not be weaponized to silence the voice of concerned parents. Critical race theory has NO PLACE in American classrooms.
[….] 12:04 PM · Oct 5, 2021
Sigh.
Hey Vicky, define Critical Race Theory [CRT]. And while you’re at it, tell us which K-12 schools in Missouri are teaching it.
Josh Hawley @HawleyMO
“Even in the inevitable moments when all seems hopeless, men know that without hope they cannot really live, and in agonizing desperation they cry for the bread of hope.” – Martin Luther King Jr. 12:13 PM · Jan 17, 2022
There is much hilarity in the responses:
I certainly hope you will defeated in 2024.
You represent everything MLK fought against. Shame on you
After today, you won’t be seeing Hawley support the message of MLK until next year on this date.
Josh googles ‘famous quotes by Martin Luther King’
Love the quote but you quoting it is hypocrisy
Pass the voting rights bill
Vote yes then to voters rights! Otherwise this is JustBlowing in the Wind
They said scary people would be “” MLK today… damn they were right [….]
Is this a joke?? It has to be a joke, right?
“The world was made for those not cursed with self awareness.”
Annie Savoy
Don’t quote him unless you are voting for the Freedom to Vote Act.
How did you tweet this with a straight face? Do you think we don’t know you?
And what are YOU doing for voting rights, Senator?
#YouShamelessIdiot
Hypocritical much
MLK is Hawley’s hero. LOL NOT
You gotta be fkg kidding me.
You don’t deserve to invoke his name.
Keep his words as out of your mouth as they are out of your heart.
How dare you quote this man, when your actions are the exact opposite of everything he believed in and fought for?
WTF are YOU quoting MLK for????
Sit down. MLK would have never supported the insurrection party.
Nothing worse than someone like you quoting someone like MLK.
Look at this virtue signaling.
If you respected MLK at all, your voting record and rhetoric would have been vastly different.
Pretty odd you of all people are quoting MLK.
Noticed that you did not say anything in your own words.
Why is that?
Just words that don’t mean anything to you.
This is hilarious because if MLK was around today Josh would call him a communist and do everything he can to denounce everything he says or does.
Quoting MLK while stomping on his life’s work.
The gall.
You are seriously quoting Martin Luther King, Jr. after attempting to invalidate the votes of people of color? YOU —?
MLK called for leaders of “sound integrity.”
That leaves you out, @HawleyMO
Lordy, I forgot it’s “racist white people quoting MLK day”…[….]
Quoting MLK and then burning Toni Morrison books.[….]
Yeah ummm… I don’t think you get to quote MLK jr. You would 100% oppose his views if he was alive today. You would be going to Tucker Carlson to slam him so just shush [….]
Do not say his name, while you destroy all he achieved, for your own political gain
It’s to bad that you are one of the people are promoting the REMOVAL OF Martin Luther King’s life and legacy from history class
you want you quoting Dr. King placed under that pic of the repub carrying the confed flag thru the hallways of the attacked Capitol?
or over the one where repubs beat a cop unconscious?
If only you understood and, more important, lived this quote in all its meaning and context. If only you believed in these words. Instead, using his words as you do reeks of political opportunism, just like fist-pumping at an insurrection.
Senator Roy Blunt @RoyBlunt
Over the last 2 years, Congress has provided more than $80 billion for the administration to improve & expand COVID-19 testing capabilities. Congress, and the American people, need to know the administration’s strategy & how @HHSgov is using taxpayer funding. 11:12 AM · Jan 4, 2022
“Over the last 2 years…”
Joe Biden was sworn in as President on January 20, 2021, less than twelve months ago.
On March 18, 2021, nine months ago, the U.S. Senate voted to confirm Xavier Becerra as Secretary of Health and Human Services. The vote was 50-49.
Vote Summary
Question: On the Nomination (Confirmation: Xavier Becerra, of California, to be Secretary of Health and Human Services)
Vote Number: 125
Vote Date: March 18, 2021, 11:59 AM
Required For Majority: 1/2
Vote Result: Nomination Confirmed
Nomination Number: PN78-2
Nomination Description: Xavier Becerra, of California, to be Secretary of Health and Human Services
Vote Counts:
YEAs 50
NAYs 49
Not Voting 1
Blunt (R-MO), Nay
[emphasis added]
Roy Blunt (r) voted “No”.
What an asshole.
Some of the Twitter responses to Roy Blunt (r):
Suddenly, you’re so concerned.
[….]
We noticed that, too.
Were you worried in summer 2020 when we learned Jared Kushner spent tax payer $ on test kits and held them back? I had covid in July 2020 and waited in line 5 days in a row for 2 hours a day to get a test. We still don’t have an answer about where those tests went? Why?
Isn’t this a state problem? Isn’t the money sent to them to manage this??
Isn’t this where MO AGO sues? How is a mask mandate considered “government control” but suing school districts and county health to prohibit masks not “government control”?
There is a test shortage because Republicans refuse to get vaccinated. According to Gallup, 40% of Republicans “don’t plan” to get vaccinated, versus 26% of Independents and just 3% of Democrats. Use your voice to convince Republicans to get vaccinated.
What happened, Roy? Didn’t get a cut you were expecting? Your state fights protection measures in court, & distorts test/case results. Biden is ramping tests up mega-fold. If people would get vaxxed & practice safety measures, we wouldn’t need so many tests. Help w/ solutions
Republicans were in charge the first year. The only plan was the President’s son-in-law telling Governors to “work the phones.”
After Trump said stop testing? Parson says MO has a stock pile of tests. Where the hell are they? Might want to take a look at your party/cult.
Roy, the governor of the state you represent (but don’t live in) just washed his hands of Covid mitigation.
Meanwhile, we are again hitting unprecedented Covid infection rates. The ICUs are near capacity AGAIN.
Why not find out WHY our Governor is AWOL in this fight?
Because you are just a spectator in the government. Apparently
2 years ago?
Who was president then?
Well what does it matter our Governor says get it, deal with it, and what happens happens. Mo. from a GOP leadership perspective has no intention of doing anything to mitigate the virus anymore. Parsons says we’re GOOD, the kings have spoken so the commoners must submit.
Rep. Vicky Hartzler @RepHartzler
Frustrated but not surprised the Biden Administration is trying to remove language from the Defense bill that would protect soldiers from a dishonorable discharge because they do not want the Covid-19 vaccine.
[….] 9:38 AM · Sep 23, 2021
As usual, there is much hilarity in some of the responses:
Troops have already taken many vaccines. At this point no religion or medical reason not to be able to take the covid vaccine.
Discharge or let them finish current term if it is before the end of the year.
Vicky, all I can say is read the replies to this Tweet and learn something.
Isn’t that part of the deal when you join the military, follow orders, or suffer the consequences?
Hmm wonder if we could find a way to dishonorably discharge you?
They have 17 mandatory vaccines already. Why is this one different?
You aren’t aren’t familiar with the military much are you?
No worries, just slip it into their salad dressing.
We see what you did there.
Awesome. Good work Biden. If a soldier can’t follow orders to protect themselves and their fellow soldiers, that’s their choice, but they don’t get a pat on the head on their way out.
Frustrated but not surprised you continue to have the worst opinions on covid vaccines.
Frustrated but not surprised that you object this political opportunity and say nothing of the other 16 vaccines they’re mandated to get. Stop embarrassing yourself and your constituents.
Coming from a insurectionists it’s funny u care about anything including any military people
#VickyHartzletisaliar
Many, many vaccinations are already required in the military. Move along you gaslighting fascist.
S.1 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)
Introduced in Senate (03/17/2021)
For the People Act of 2021
This bill addresses voter access, election integrity and security, campaign finance, and ethics for the three branches of government.
Specifically, the bill expands voter registration (e.g., automatic and same-day registration) and voting access (e.g., vote-by-mail and early voting). It also limits removing voters from voter rolls.
The bill requires states to establish independent redistricting commissions to carry out congressional redistricting.
Additionally, the bill sets forth provisions related to election security, including sharing intelligence information with state election officials, supporting states in securing their election systems, developing a national strategy to protect U.S. democratic institutions, establishing in the legislative branch the National Commission to Protect United States Democratic Institutions, and other provisions to improve the cybersecurity of election systems.
Further, the bill addresses campaign finance, including by expanding the prohibition on campaign spending by foreign nationals, requiring additional disclosure of campaign-related fundraising and spending, requiring additional disclaimers regarding certain political advertising, and establishing an alternative campaign funding system for certain federal offices.
The bill addresses ethics in all three branches of government, including by requiring a code of conduct for Supreme Court Justices, prohibiting Members of the House from serving on the board of a for-profit entity, and establishing additional conflict-of-interest and ethics provisions for federal employees and the White House.
The bill requires the President, the Vice President, and certain candidates for those offices to disclose 10 years of tax returns.
Roy Blunt (r) [2016 file photo].
This evening:
Senator Roy Blunt @RoyBlunt
S.1 was written by one party acting alone.
S.1 was steered through Congress by one party acting alone.
The danger of such extreme changes being made by such tiny, partisan congressional majorities should be clear to everyone. 4:27 PM · Jun 22, 2021
There is much hilarity in the responses:
I wonder if you will remember this tweet when MO Republicans gerrymander US Congressional districts by dividing up Kansas City and leaving only one Democratic district in St. Louis.
Yes, the will of the majority in a democracy would just be absolutely tragic, huh?
WRONG!!! The real danger is the GQP enacting voter suppression bills all across the nation where the states are held by the GQP!! If this is truly a nation of government for and by the people, then voting is a right for ALL the people, not just who the GQP wants to vote!!!
Excuuuuusse me! When I cheat, it’s unacceptable for anyone to hold me accountable unless _I_ lead the charge in making sure I follow the rules!
-Roy Blunt
Things like stacking the Supreme Court? Actions have consequences
It is hard not to see this as disingenuous when you have never once spoken out against Republican partisan voting rights led legislation that were down by one party acting alone
S.1 was written by one party alone because the other party refused to even talk about such a thing. Don’t put the blame for that on the Democrats, but on the Republicans, where it belongs.
The fact that you hate it. Proves it’s good for the country.
What? Yeah man they’re trying to protect the elections from YOU, why do you think you’re owed a say in that protection?
Republicans represent a minority of Americans. Majority rules.
The changes are not extreme. They are trying to protect America from turning into a failed state like Missouri.
Because the other party won’t give up trying to prevent people from voting. That’s your party, senator.
Stop tweeting this shit
Well, gee Roy. Maybe if you voted to bring it to debate you could have fixed some of that. /s
We all know who’s playing partisan games, Roy.
Choosing not to participate was the partisan part, Roy. That’s on you.
Why don’t you want all Americans to be able to vote?
Our Vote is our Voice.
I think your referring to the Republican agenda
Thank God you are not running for re-election.
Probably should have voted to debate it then
You refused to even debate it.
That would be too much work.
Are you still there?
Now do Supreme Court Justices!
Debate your points on the floor then. What are you afraid of?
I don’t think Republicans have a lot of credibility on this particular topic. Your dark-of-night, hidden session partisan bills are legendary.
All of the GOP voter suppression laws in the many states were written by the GOP acting alone. The GOP supported insurrection acting alone. The GOP refused to convict a rouge President – acting alone. The GOP packed the courts – acting alone.
no Republican wanted to participate in the process of ensuring that all voters’ rights are protected, and you think this is a negative of the legislation and not your party?
They’re funny that way.
I didn’t realize you were comatose for the Trump tax package and the failed Obamacare repeal.
That’s funny. Tiny majority. I guess you only like progress if it’s YOUR progress. Would be cool if you weren’t a sore loser. I mean if you had the heart to accept the will of the people and the will of a majority vote. What’s the danger?
C’mon Roy. You’re full of it and you know it.
Yeah, like Republican efforts to suppress voters isn’t partisan. If you can’t win on the issues, you gotta cheat, right? That’s the Republican way.
Tiny, partisan congressional minorities? You mean like leader McConnell refusing to give a sitting Presidents SC nominee a fair hearing? Or ramming thru another nominee 3 weeks prior to an election? Wow. The audacity of your statement is stunning.
Chutzpah.
Baloney. Republicans have had the opportunity to contribute through it all. And they have steadfastly refused to vote on anything even after negotiations. You know that. Why lie, Roy?
It’s in his nature.
Like the 2017 Tax cuts? Did you object then?
The GOP is acting alone in suppressing voters’ rights across the country. Did you object then?
That only the Democrats care about voters’ rights is an indictment on you, not them.
The GOP REFUSES to work on making access to voting easier for Americans.
Doesn’t that say more about the Republican Party than anything else?
You’re intentionally mischaracterizing the situation. Stop it.
You don’t get to complain after voting against the Jan. 6 commission. Take a seat Roy.
Somebody might take you seriously if they forgot that the only reason the party exists is to stop the Democrats. As if the GOP has acted in good faith bipartisan negotiations this century…
If your position is so strong, why won’t you engage in debate and prove it to the country?
The fact that you won’t even engage in debate implies that your case is not that strong, and perhaps the danger is not as large as you state.
S1 is a bill to make sure everyone who is legally able to vote is able to cast that vote. Why are you against making voting accessible to as many people as possible. Why do make a Democracy worse? Why are you content with diminishing the role of minorities in voting?
Either you believe in democracy or you don’t. Looks like we know what side you fall on. Missourians deserve better.
You’re too damned afraid to even debate it on the senate floor. Don’t spew your lies on Twitter. It’s bipartisan when YOU take part. You voted NO. Because you don’t want to be bipartisan. We got your number Roy.
AGAIN, Lying. The Democrats have been trying to reach across the aisle. Your party has blocked any attempt at bipartisanship. You are actively trying to slice up voter rolls and gerrymander minority rule. Don’t tell me this is harmful to democracy when you want pick your voters.
Let’s start a list: Donald Trump (r), Andy Biggs (r), Paul Gosar (r), Lauren Boebert (r), Marjorie Taylor Greene (r), Matt Gaetz (r)…
Vicky Hartzler (r) [2016 file photo].
Today:
Rep. Vicky Hartzler @RepHartzle
Rep. Maxine Waters’ violence-inciting rhetoric is unacceptable.
Speaker Pelosi must condemn these remarks and take immediate action.
[….] 8:42 AM · Apr 19, 2021
Well…
Some of the responses:
Juuuuuust going to guess you are misrepresenting the situation like all good seditionists do.
We remember 1/6 Rep. Hartzler. You incited an attempted violent overthrow of an election.
I would take this more seriously if it weren’t from an anti-American seditionist.
And what would you call your vote to overturn a free and fair election???
I’ll give you a hint:
#sedition
#insurrection
#HartlessHartzler
#CorruptGOP
Where were you on January 6th? #NeverForget
There was that pizza party in the SCIF, too.
Coming from a insurrectionist that’s just humorous
Pot, meet Kettle.
#ResignSeditionist
Says you?
Weird……
You are conveniently forgetting your part in the attempted violent overthrowing of the US Government.
#seditionist #hypocrite
The Republican Party
Seditionist says what? Point out where exactly that Maxine called for any violence. She simply called for the people of Minnesota to continue to hold police forces accountable for white cops killing unarmed black people. You are a disgrace to our state.
