On GPS: How progressives stifled progress
Marc Dunkelman, author of the new book "Why Nothing Works," tells Fareed why Democrats have struggled to achieve sweeping changes when in power.
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Los Angeles Times
18 minutes ago
- Los Angeles Times
Trump fires Democratic commissioner of independent agency that oversees nuclear safety
WASHINGTON — President Trump has fired a Democratic commissioner for the federal agency that oversees nuclear safety as he continues to assert more control over independent regulatory agencies. Christopher Hanson, a former chairman of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, said in a statement Monday that Trump terminated his position as NRC commissioner without cause, 'contrary to existing law and longstanding precedent regarding removal of independent agency appointees.' The firing of Hanson comes as Trump seeks to take authority away from the independent safety agency, which has regulated the U.S. nuclear industry for five decades. Trump signed executive orders in May intended to quadruple domestic production of nuclear power within the next 25 years, a goal experts say the United States is highly unlikely to reach. To speed up the development of nuclear power, the orders grant the U.S. Energy secretary authority to approve some advanced reactor designs and projects. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said in an emailed statement that 'all organizations are more effective when leaders are rowing in the same direction' and that the Republican president reserves the right to 'remove employees within his own executive branch.' Trump fired two of the three Democratic commissioners at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, an independent federal agency responsible for enforcing federal laws that prohibit discrimination in the workplace. In a similar move, two National Labor Relations Board members were fired. Willie Phillips, a Democratic member and former chairman of the independent Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, stepped down in April, telling reporters that the White House asked him to do so. Trump also signed an executive order to give the White House direct control of independent federal regulators such as the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Communications Commission. New Jersey Rep. Frank Pallone, the top Democrat on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, called Hanson's firing illegal and another attempt by Trump to undermine independent agencies and consolidate power in the White House. 'Congress explicitly created the NRC as an independent agency, insulated from the whims of any president, knowing that was the only way to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the American people,' Pallone said in a statement. Senate Democrats also said Trump overstepped his authority. Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse, Patty Murray and Martin Heinrich said in a joint statement that 'Trump's lawlessness' threatens the commission's ability to ensure that nuclear power plants and nuclear materials are safe and free from political interference. Hanson was nominated to the commission by Trump in 2020. He was appointed chair by former President Biden in January 2021 and served in that role until Trump's inauguration to a second term as president. Trump selected David Wright, a Republican member of the commission, to serve as chair. Hanson continued to serve on the NRC as a commissioner. His term was due to end in 2029. Wright's term expires on June 30. The White House has not said if he will be reappointed. Edwin Lyman, director of nuclear power safety at the Union of Concerned Scientists, called Hanson a dedicated public servant and a strong supporter of the NRC's public health and safety mission. Firing Hanson is Trump's 'latest outrageous move to undermine the independence and integrity' of the agency that protects the U.S. homeland from nuclear power plant disasters, Lyman said in a statement. The NRC confirmed Hanson's service ended on Friday, bringing the panel to two Democrats and two Republicans. The commission has functioned in the past with fewer than the required five commissioners and will continue to do so, the statement said. McDermott and Daly write for the Associated Press. McDermott reported from Providence, R.I.
The Hill
23 minutes ago
- The Hill
House Democrat says his name was included in Minnesota shooting suspect's notes
Rep. Greg Landsman (D-Ohio) said Monday that his name was one of at least 45 listed in evidence linked to the man accused of shooting two Minnesota Democratic lawmakers over the weekend. Landsman said he was informed by Capitol Police on Sunday morning, when the suspect, Vance Boelter, was still at large. Landsman said he worked with the Cincinnati Police Department to arrange additional security for himself and his family. Boelter was arrested on Sunday night after a two-day manhunt. He appeared in federal court earlier today on charges of stalking, murder and shooting. He is accused of killing state Rep. Melissa Hortman (D) and her husband, Mark Hortman, as well as shooting state Sen. John Hoffman (D) and his wife Yvette Hoffman. Authorities said that Boelter planned his attacks carefully, conducting surveillance on his victims' homes and buying police-like equipment days in advance. Notebooks recovered from his home and car included the names of at least 45 state and federal officials, most of them Democrats. Landsman is one of at least a half-dozen Democratic members of Congress on Boelter's alleged list, which included Reps. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), Hillary Scholten (D-Mich.), Angie Craig (D-Minn.), Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), Radisha Tlaib (D-Mich.), and Kelly Morrison (D-Minn.), local news reported. Scholten postponed a town hall in response to the news out of an 'abundance of caution.' Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison were also listed. Officials said on Monday that Boelter had visited the homes of two other Minnesota state lawmakers the night that he killed the Hortmans and shot the Hoffmans. They declined to release the names of the other two representatives. 'I'm extremely thankful to the Cincinnati Police Department for their quick assistance and to Capitol Police for their guidance,' Landsman said in a statement.
Axios
25 minutes ago
- Axios
Virginia Democrats set early voting record ahead of 2025 primaries
Virginia Democrats saw their highest early voting turnout in a primary this year, with some of the greatest number of votes coming from Richmond-area districts. Why it matters: It's insight into voter engagement ahead of Virginia's highly watched off-year elections, which often serve as an early temperature check of the presidency. By the numbers: As of June 15 — the day after early voting wrapped up — over 204,500 Virginians had cast early ballots, per the Virginia Public Access Project. More than 92%, or over 189,000, were in the Democratic primary. That's nearly 65,000 more votes than the votes recorded for the Democratic primary in 2021, per VPAP. Between the lines: With the statewide GOP ticket set, lower primary turnout is expected among Republicans. Meanwhile, Democrats still have to choose their candidates for attorney general and lieutenant governor. The intrigue: Two of the highest early voter turnouts by House District were in the Richmond area: HD 78 and HD 81. HD 78 is Richmond, where the former mayor is running for lieutenant governor. HD 81 includes parts of Chesterfield and Henrico, where the current Commonwealth's Attorney is a candidate for attorney general. What we're watching: Depending on how Election Day goes, there's a chance the Democratic statewide candidates are entirely from the Richmond area.
