The Senate voted late Tuesday evening to pass President Trump’s ‘Justice Reform Bill’ by a huge bipartisan margin; posting a major legislative victory for the White House weeks before the Democrats retake control of the House of Representatives.
“Lawmakers approved the bill 87-12, after defeating three amendments pushed by conservative Republicans. The measure now goes to the House, where it is expected to be approved quickly. Its passage would mark a significant win for Trump and his son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner, who worked the halls of Congress for months in an effort to forge a compromise,” writes Fox News.
“This is not for hardened criminals … it’s people who really want to re-enter into society,” said senior Trump advisor Kellyanne Conway.
The President hailed the legislation on social media within minutes of its passing, writing “America is the greatest Country in the world and my job is to fight for ALL citizens, even those who have made mistakes. Congratulations to the Senate on the bi-partisan passing of a historic Criminal Justice Reform Bill.”
….This will keep our communities safer, and provide hope and a second chance, to those who earn it. In addition to everything else, billions of dollars will be saved. I look forward to signing this into law!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 19, 2018
Read the full story at Fox News.
DONE DEAL: McConnell Says GOP HAS THE VOTES to Pass Tax Bill
The White House and top GOP lawmakers believe they have the votes necessary to pass the most significant overhaul of the nation’s tax code in decades; with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell telling reporters, “We have the votes.”
According to Fox News, Republican legislators have reached the 50-vote threshold –the minimum needed to pass the proposed bill- but are actively pursuing more support from fellow colleagues to ensure the legislative victory.
The announcement comes as key GOP Senators who were initially skeptical of the proposal threw their support behind the bill; including Senators John McCain, Jeff Flake, and Ron Johnson.
“Republican Senators are working hard to pass the biggest Tax Cuts in the history of our Country. The Bill is getting better and better. This is a once in a generation chance. Obstructionist Dems trying to block because they think it is too good and will not be given the credit!” President Trump tweeted Friday morning.
Republicans Senators are working hard to pass the biggest Tax Cuts in the history of our Country. The Bill is getting better and better. This is a once in a generation chance. Obstructionist Dems trying to block because they think it is too good and will not be given the credit!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 1, 2017
If passed, the proposed legislation would provide a sweeping overhaul of the nation’s outdated and overly-complicated tax; reducing the income tax brackets for individuals and slashing the corporate tax rate to “unleash” American businesses.
The bill is expected to move to the Senate floor Friday afternoon.
BOOKER GOES BERSERK: McConnell Suggests ‘ETHICS INQUIRY’ over Cory’s ‘Unusual Behavior’
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell weighed-in on Sen. Cory Booker’s “unusual behavior” during Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation hearings this week; saying he “wouldn’t be surprised” if there was an ethics inquiry into his bizarre antics.
McConnell was speaking with radio host Hugh Hewitt when he was asked to comment on Booker’s repeated assertions that he was “breaking the rules” by intentionally leaking Kavanaugh’s confidential emails.
“When you break the Senate rules, it’s something the Ethics Committee could take a look at. And that would be up to them to decide. But it’s routinely looked at [by] the Ethics Committee,” McConnell said. “They have an obligation to look into violations of the Senate rules, and it wouldn’t surprise me if they did.”
Booker fired-back at McConnell over the possible ethics investigation, telling the leading Republican to “bring it!”
“I have really two words to say to Mitch McConnell if he wants to do ethics charges — bring it!” he said.
Read the full story at Politico.