Latest news with #People'sHouse
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Longtime former WA House Speaker Frank Chopp has died: ‘He led our march of progress'
Former Washington state House Speaker Frank Chopp, remembered as a tireless advocate for affordable housing and working families, has died. He was 71. Chopp, a Seattle Democrat, was Washington state's longest-serving House speaker, having held the leadership position for two decades. First elected in 1994 to represent the 43rd Legislative District, Chopp announced last year that he wouldn't run for reelection. Chopp is remembered as a powerful figure who paved the way for Democrats to secure stronger majorities in the House, and for advancing policies to expand access to child care, behavioral health-care facilities and financial aid for students. House Speaker Laurie Jinkins, Chopp's successor, told McClatchy via email that his leadership, commitment to Washingtonians and 'spirit of service' transformed and strengthened the state in myriad ways. His was a legacy of hope and opportunity, Jinkins, a Tacoma Democrat, said. For 20 years as speaker, Chopp toiled tirelessly to help pass good policies, and 'the list of legislative accomplishments during his tenure is enormous.' 'I feel incredibly fortunate to have served under his leadership, and am forever inspired by his dedication to the work of the People's House,' Jinkins said. 'All who knew him are reeling from the news of his loss. My deepest condolences go out to his wife, Nancy, and to his family, to whom he was so dedicated.' In an emailed statement, Gov. Bob Ferguson called Chopp 'a force in Washington politics.' 'I had coffee with him just a few weeks ago, and he was as animated and energized as ever, talking about solving problems for the people of our state,' the governor said. 'This photo was taken in 2016. This is how I will remember Frank — hanging out with my daughter at a political event with that twinkle in his eye.' An attached photograph shows Chopp smiling at Ferguson's young daughter, Katie. Former Gov. Jay Inslee honored Chopp Saturday night in a post on X. 'WA Rep. Frank Chopp was one of the most effective and consequential legislative leaders in the whole nation,' Inslee wrote. 'He led our march of progress in health and housing for years with unmatched ambition, compassion, and results. His spirit will inspire us.' In 1999, Chopp became co-speaker at a time when an even number of Republicans and Democrats served in the House. He became the lone House speaker after Democrats gained the majority of seats in 2002, holding the gavel until deciding in 2019 to step down from that role. Chopp continued serving as a state representative and announced his retirement from the Legislature last year. Lt. Gov. Denny Heck mourned Chopp's loss on social media. 'Absolutely devastating news today. R.I.P. Speaker Chopp,' the Democrat said in a Saturday post. 'You accomplished more in your 71 years than is almost imaginable. Our hearts are so heavy but full of gratitude for all you did for everyone (and for your friendship).' Throughout his three decades serving in Olympia, Chopp largely concentrated on expanding affordable housing. He sought to house residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities and to improve homeownership access. Raised in Bremerton, Chopp graduated from the University of Washington before working as a community organizer fighting for housing, health care programming and human services. He also served as executive director of the anti-poverty nonprofit Fremont Public Association, today called Solid Ground. Chopp was a co-founder of Washington's affordable housing-focused Housing Trust Fund and helped launch Apple Health for Kids, a Medicaid program offering Washington's lowest-income families medical care. Former Republican state Rep. J.T. Wilcox, who previously served as House minority leader, said on X he was 'deeply grateful' to have worked alongside Chopp. 'Speaker Frank Chopp cared deeply about Washington, people who worked hard and people who needed a hand up,' Wilcox wrote Saturday. 'He loved and respected the WA House of Representatives and honored its process even at the expense of his policies.' State Rep. Travis Couture, an Allyn Republican, said in a social media post over the weekend that he was saddened to hear of Chopp's passing. 'I'm not sure if I ever agreed with him politically, however, he was a towering (and sometimes intimidating) figure in Olympia and I very much respected the man despite our differences,' he wrote Saturday on X. U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, a Washington Democrat, called Chopp a 'great leader,' saying that he left a mark on the state's Capitol. She recalled meeting Chopp for coffee and walking around downtown Seattle, where he pointed out various affordable-housing successes. 'He will be missed by all who knew him,' Cantwell said. 'Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family. He was a true champion.'
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Elon Gives House GOP A Little Incentive For Helping The Executive Defy The Judiciary
House Republicans can have $6,600 for supporting Elon Musk's drive to impeach judges who place checks on President Trump's lawless executive actions, as a treat. Musk has been championing talk of impeaching federal judges who block or place temporary holds on some of Trump's most Constitution-smashing executive actions since Day 1. When judges first started shutting down some of DOGE's initial stabs at freezing and rescinding congressionally allocated federal grants and funds, Musk was one of the first to push the idea that judicial impeachments were in order. Since then, some of Trump's closest allies in the White House and his more far-right friends in the People's House have latched onto the effort. It's been a natural escalation in some ways. As I noted in yesterday's edition of Where Things Stand, House Republicans began ceding their own check on the executive branch during shutdown talks last week. It makes a certain sense for them to begin trying to pare back the third branch of government's checks as well. This week, Rep. Brandon Gill (R-TX) introduced articles of impeachment against U.S. District Judge James Boasberg, who has attempted to keep the Trump administration in check after it defied his instructions to halt deportations under the Alien Enemies Act. Republicans have also moved to impeach federal judges Paul Engelmayer, John McConnell Jr., John Bates and Amir Hatem Mahdy Ali. The New York Times is now reporting that Musk has, apparently, 'made the maximum allowable donation to Republican members of Congress who support impeaching federal judges,' in the Times words, citing five people with knowledge of the matter. Those who have received the $6,600 donation include Gill, as well as Reps. Eli Crane (R-AZ), Lauren Boebert (R-CO), Andy Ogles (R-TN), Andrew Clyde (R-GA), Derrick Van Orden (R-WI). Each of these Republicans has either publicly supported impeaching judges who have ruled against the Trump administration or has taken some sort of 'action' in response to recent rulings. Musk also donated to Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), who criticized Boasberg. Not content to just hand over their own authority, and thereby expanding the powers of the executive branch, Musk is giving House Republicans incentive to help the Trump administration take a sledgehammer to additional parts of our system of checks and balances. While most of her colleagues are hiding from their constituents while at home in their states this week, Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-WY), who launched a successful primary challenge against former Rep. Liz Cheney in 2022, decided to face voters in person in her district (one that Biden won in 2020). Rather than answering questions about constituents' concerns, it appears she spent the whole time gaslighting the crowd, which was angry about the Trump administration's latest lawless executive actions. Per NBC News: 'It's so bizarre to me how obsessed you are with federal government,' Hageman told attendees, prompting more outbursts from the crowd. 'You guys are going to have a heart attack if you don't calm down,' she added. 'I'm sorry, your hysteria is just really over the top.' She ended the town hall 15 mins early and her office later claimed that the uproar was staged by Dem activists, just as it, presumably, was for the rest of her Republican colleagues who have been berated by scared and angry constituents in recent weeks. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has brought the first criminal charges under his state's near total abortion ban against a midwife for, he claimed, providing illegal abortions. It's one of the first times since Roe was overturned that a provider has been charged. As 'Abortion, Every Day' author Jessica Valenti pointed out, it appears that Paxton is attempting to do some broader anti-abortion, but also anti-midwife care, messaging with the arrest by framing it as a crackdown on someone practicing medicine 'without a license' — rather than an outright attack on abortion access in the state. Check out this new piece from The Bulwark, as the constitutional sheriffs movement gets in line behind Trump's mass deportations effort: Your Sheriff Might Be Planning to Help ICE Conduct Mass Deportations MAGA Is Raging Hard Against The Judges Who Get In Its Way The Problem With Needing Trump To Whip Your Votes DOJ Asserts Trump Hypothetically Has Power To Purge All Female Agency Heads, Or Those Over 40 Vivian Wilson on Being Elon Musk's Estranged Daughter, Going Viral, and Protecting Trans Youth If Trump Defies the Courts, Here's What a Judge Can Do Tesla Recalls Cybertrucks After Steel Trim Pieces Come Loose
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Democrat Al Green forced out of chamber after protesting Trump speech to Congress
A Democratic representative was removed from the chamber after interrupting Donald Trump, and many more staged protests, as the president addressed a joint session of Congress. Texas representative Al Green was escorted from the chamber by the Sergeant at Arms, after he stood up and repeatedly shouted 'you have no mandate' to cut Medicaid, shortly after Trump began his remarks on Tuesday night. Green shook his cane and pointed his finger as he shouted. As he was led out chaos erupted from Republicans, who cheered. Others sang "Na na na. Hey hey hey! Goodbye!" Green's comment about Trump's lack of mandate came after the president bragged about his 'astonishing' performance in last year's election. 'Now, for the first time in modern history, more Americans believe that our country is headed in the right direction than the wrong direction—an astonishing record 27-point swing since Election Day alone,' he said. After being kicked out, Green made a surprise stop at the White House traveling press pack, telling reporters: "It's worth it to let people know that there are some people who are going to stand up" to Trump, Green said. He added he didn't know whether he faced any formal punishment for his protest in the chamber. Green was followed by fellow Democrats, including California congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove. 'I just walked out of Trump's Joint Address on behalf of the people of California's 37th district. There's only so much bullshit a person can tolerate,' she wrote. In a lengthier statement shared on X, she added: "How dare Donald Trump enter the People's House, look us in the eyes, and lie straight to our faces.' "I won't sit down and watch as he slashes the programs that keep my constituents alive so he can turn the Billionaire Boys Club into the Trillionaire Boys Club. 'It's painfully clear that the Commander-in-chaos does not care about this country or the hardworking people who fight every day to support their families and communities. If he truly cared, he wouldn't be firing the people who process disaster relief or send out Social Security checks. 'If he genuinely wanted to help Americans make ends meet, his speech would have focused more on how to bring down the cost of eggs and less on his delusional claim of running the best administration in history. "Through walking out, my message to Donald Trump is simple: stop the lies, stop the cheating, and stop the stealing- enough is enough. The American people deserve better." Oregon representatives Maxine Dexter and Andrea Salinas also left the room, wearing black T-shirts with large, white letters saying 'RESIST' on the back. Other Democrats held signs with a variety of messages. They included 'FALSE,' 'MUSK STEALS,' 'SAVE MEDICAID.' Another read simply 'That's a lie!'
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
GOP governors rush to Trump's defense after ‘jarring' spat with Zelensky
Red state governors were quick to throw their support behind President Trump following a tense back-and-forth with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office Friday afternoon, citing Trump's dedication to protecting Americans. 'The disrespect shown by Zelenskyy to @POTUS was jarring — especially given how much support the US has provided,' Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), who ran an unsuccessful presidential bid against Trump in the last election, wrote on social platform X following the testy forum. 'President Trump was right to set the record straight and to defend the USA,' he added. DeSantis's words echo those of Vice President Vance, who brought up a similar point during the White House meeting with Zelensky. When Vance suggested Trump was using diplomacy to bring an end to the war with Russia, the Ukrainian leader laid out what he called years of Russian President Vladimir Putin violently taking over his territory, breaking ceasefires and refusing to exchange prisoners. In response, the president and vice president accused Zelensky of being 'disrespectful' and argued that he had 'no cards' when it comes to peace talks without the U.S. The fiery exchange ended up with Zelensky being asked to leave the White House and a joint press conference being canceled. Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, following the clash, said Trump is 'the only leader capable of brokering a deal.' 'President Trump is right to stand up for American interests and not fund an endless war,' Sanders posted online. 'Zelenskyy and Putin need to both get serious about peace.' Indiana Gov. Mike Braun (R) commended Trump and Vance for 'showing the world what strong, accountable, America First leadership looks like.' 'The American people want peace in the Ukraine-Russia war that has cost our country hundreds of billions of dollars and vast military resources — President Trump is standing up for them,' he wrote on X. Others echoed the sentiment, showing their support for a president willing to stand up to global leaders. 'Americans voted for President Donald Trump because he puts America first. That's exactly what he did today,' Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) posted after the meeting Friday. 'President Trump is the strong leader we need standing up for Americans and the nation.' 'For the last four years, America has looked weak on the global stage,' Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) wrote on X. 'Today, Trump showed that he will fight for the best interests of Americans.' Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry (R) also weighed in, writing, 'Wow, it's refreshing to have a President back in the People's House that actually represents America First. Thank you @realDonaldTrump for your unwavering leadership!' Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen (R) shared a similar idea in his social media post, while thanking Trump and Vance for their leadership. 'We finally have a President and Vice President that stand up for America,' he wrote on X. Later Friday, the Ukrainian leader joined Fox News's Bret Baier to divulge on what happened. Zelensky refused to apologize. On Saturday, he sang a different tune in a lengthy X thread, willing the U.S. to understand his plight and agree to continue working together and pressing for the expected mineral deal to move forward. 'We want peace. That's why I came to the United States, and visited President Trump. The deal on minerals is just a first step toward security guarantees and getting closer to peace,' the Ukrainian leader wrote online. 'Our situation is tough, but we can't just stop fighting and not having guarantees that Putin will not return tomorrow.' 'We are ready to sign the minerals agreement, and it will be the first step toward security guarantees. But it's not enough, and we need more than just that,' he continued in another post, adding that the Ukrainian people 'need to know that America is on our side.' Trump following the spat suggested Zelensky was not ready for peace and claimed he 'overplayed his hand.' It is unclear where the fate of the mineral deal stands. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
01-03-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
GOP governors rush to Trump's defense after ‘jarring' spat with Zelensky
Red state governors were quick to throw their support behind President Trump following a tense back-and-forth with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office Friday afternoon, citing Trump's dedication to protecting Americans. 'The disrespect shown by Zelenskyy to @POTUS was jarring — especially given how much support the US has provided,' Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), who ran an unsuccessful presidential bid against Trump in the last election, wrote on social platform X following the testy forum. 'President Trump was right to set the record straight and to defend the USA,' he added. DeSantis's words echo those of Vice President Vance, who brought up a similar point during the White House meeting with Zelensky. When Vance suggested Trump was using diplomacy to bring an end to the war with Russia, the Ukrainian leader laid out what he called years of Russian President Vladimir Putin violently taking over his territory, breaking ceasefires and refusing to exchange prisoners. In response, the president and vice president accused Zelensky of being 'disrespectful' and argued that he had 'no cards' when it comes to peace talks without the U.S. The fiery exchange ended up with Zelensky being asked to leave the White House and a joint press conference being canceled. Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, following the clash, said Trump is 'the only leader capable of brokering a deal.' 'President Trump is right to stand up for American interests and not fund an endless war,' Sanders posted online. 'Zelenskyy and Putin need to both get serious about peace.' Indiana Gov. Mike Braun (R) commended Trump and Vance for 'showing the world what strong, accountable, America First leadership looks like.' 'The American people want peace in the Ukraine-Russia war that has cost our country hundreds of billions of dollars and vast military resources — President Trump is standing up for them,' he wrote on X. Others echoed the sentiment, showing their support for a president willing to stand up to global leaders. 'Americans voted for President Donald Trump because he puts America first. That's exactly what he did today,' Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) posted after the meeting Friday. 'President Trump is the strong leader we need standing up for Americans and the nation.' 'For the last four years, America has looked weak on the global stage,' Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) wrote on X. 'Today, Trump showed that he will fight for the best interests of Americans.' Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry (R) also weighed in, writing, 'Wow, it's refreshing to have a President back in the People's House that actually represents America First. Thank you @realDonaldTrump for your unwavering leadership!' Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen (R) shared a similar idea in his social media post, while thanking Trump and Vance for their leadership. 'We finally have a President and Vice President that stand up for America,' he wrote on X. Later Friday, the Ukrainian leader joined Fox News's Bret Baier to divulge on what happened. Zelensky refused to apologize. On Saturday, he sang a different tune in a lengthy X thread, willing the U.S. to understand his plight and agree to continue working together and pressing for the expected mineral deal to move forward. 'We want peace. That's why I came to the United States, and visited President Trump. The deal on minerals is just a first step toward security guarantees and getting closer to peace,' the Ukrainian leader wrote online. 'Our situation is tough, but we can't just stop fighting and not having guarantees that Putin will not return tomorrow.' 'We are ready to sign the minerals agreement, and it will be the first step toward security guarantees. But it's not enough, and we need more than just that,' he continued in another post, adding that the Ukrainian people 'need to know that America is on our side.' Trump following the spat suggested Zelensky was not ready for peace and claimed he ' overplayed his hand.'
