Latest news with #OversightCommittee
Fox News
2 days ago
- Politics
- Fox News
Jasmine Crockett defends Biden's mental acuity, calls it a 'thousand times better' than Trump's
Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, defended former President Joe Biden's mental acuity on Katie Couric's "Next Question" podcast on Thursday amid a House Oversight Committee investigation into the alleged cover-up of the former president's mental decline. Crockett claimed that she "never saw anything" from Biden that would have made her wonder about his mental sharpness, and argued that his mental acuity was "supreme" to President Donald Trump's. The House Oversight Committee, led by Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., is leading an investigation into an alleged cover-up of Biden's mental decline. The investigation, specifically, is into whether those in Biden's inner circle colluded to hide the former president's declining mental acuity and used methods to circumvent the former president when it came to the issuance of important orders, such as through the use of an autopen tool used to mimic the president's signature. The Texas congresswoman, widely seen as a rising star in the Democratic Party, told Couric that even as reports continue to come out in the press detailing the former president's mental decline, she doesn't have a single regret about standing with Biden. "The average person has not been given the level of access that the average member of Congress has to the president," she told Couric. "I never saw anything in Joe Biden that made me wonder whatsoever, and it's not that I was with Joe Biden every single day, that's for sure. But as I talked about my grandparents — the way that I would describe Joe is like, I mean, he's a granddaddy, right?" She went on to compare Biden to her grandmother, describing how even though she began to slow down as she got older, "mentally she was still there." "Her attitude about certain things — like whether or not she was looking to be as polished, or cared to be polished, or even if she moved as fast — it just wasn't there. We all slow down. But I will tell you that I will take a broken — or however they want to describe Joe Biden — over Donald Trump any given day, because, number one, I know Joe Biden's heart," Crockett said. She continued, arguing that Biden's legislation wasn't about "him and his rich friends," but rather focused on "the good of the American people." "Even if you're saying that there was a mentally deficient Joe Biden, I know that he absolutely had a mental acuity that is supreme when it comes to comparing him to Donald Trump, because at least he kept good people around him," Crockett said. "He kept people that would keep us safe in this country." She contended that even someone "with his level of mental acuity" was able to understand who the country's allies were and didn't get the U.S. into a global trade war. "Even if we want to say — which I refuse to accept — that Joe Biden was mentally deficient, let me tell you something. His mental deficiency is still a thousand times better than what we currently have," she argued. "I just wish that, ultimately, this country would judge each of our leaders with the same measuring stick."
3 days ago
- Politics
Senate Republicans hold hearing on Biden's mental fitness as Democrats boycott
WASHINGTON -- Nearly six months after Joe Biden left the White House, Senate Republicans are still scrutinizing his presidency, kicking off the first in what's expected to be a series of congressional hearings this year on his mental fitness in office. Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee brought in three witnesses Wednesday — none of whom served in Biden's administration — to scrutinize his time in office, arguing that Biden, his staff and the media must be held accountable. Democrats boycotted the hearing and criticized Republicans for 'arm chair diagnosing' Biden when the committee could be looking into serious matters. Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, who co-chaired the hearing, said that they will aim to 'shine a light on exactly what went on in the White House during Biden's presidency.' 'We simply cannot ignore what transpired because President Biden is no longer in office,' Cornyn said. A spokesperson for Biden declined to comment on the hearing. It was the first in what could be several hearings about Biden in the coming months. Over in the House, the Oversight Committee has subpoenaed several of Biden's former staff members, along with his White House doctor, ordering him to testify at a June 27 hearing 'as part of the investigation into the cover-up of President Joe Biden's cognitive decline.' Questions about Biden's age and fitness erupted last summer after his disastrous performance in a debate against Donald Trump, which ultimately led to his withdrawal from the race. Even after Trump won back the presidency in November, Republicans have continued to hammer on Biden's age, citing in part new reporting about Biden that was published this year. Trump now alleges that Biden administration officials may have forged the former president's signature and taken sweeping actions without his knowledge, though he provided no evidence of that happening. But Trump has ordered lawyers at the White House and the Justice Department to investigate. Republicans played clips during the hearing Wednesday of Democrats defending Biden. In the montage, the Democrats talk about how Biden was mentally sharp when he was in office. 'Most Democrats on this committee have chosen to all but boycott the hearing and have failed to call a single witness,' said Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo. 'They have chosen to ignore this issue, like they ignored President Biden's decline.' Sen. Dick Durbin, the committee's top Democrat, criticized Republicans for holding a hearing on the last president at a time when 'numerous critical challenges facing the nation that are under our jurisdiction.' 'Apparently arm chair diagnosing former President Biden is more important than the issues of grave concern,' said Durbin of Illinois. After his opening remarks, Durbin played a video montage of his own — but with clips of Trump speaking that he said reflected the 'cognitive ability' of the current president. Durbin left the hearing after his opening remarks. Three witnesses testified: former White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer, former White House official Theodore Wold and University of Virginia law professor John Harrison. Spicer and Wold both served under Trump. Much of the focus was on Biden's alleged use of an autopen. Trump has repeated long-standing allegations that the Biden White House relied on an autopen to sign presidential pardons, executive orders and other key documents, claiming that its use cast doubt on their validity. GOP Sen. Katie Britt also questioned Spicer on 'what mechanisms should we put in place' to hold the media accountable 'for not actually following what is clearly in front of them.'
Chicago Tribune
3 days ago
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Senate Republicans hold hearing on Biden's mental fitness as Democrats boycott
WASHINGTON — Nearly six months after Joe Biden left the White House, Senate Republicans are still scrutinizing his presidency, kicking off the first in what's expected to be a series of congressional hearings this year on his mental fitness in office. Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee brought in three witnesses Wednesday — none of whom served in Biden's administration — to scrutinize his time in office, arguing that Biden, his staff and the media must be held accountable. Democrats boycotted the hearing and criticized Republicans for 'arm chair diagnosing' Biden when the committee could be looking into serious matters. Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, who co-chaired the hearing, said that they will aim to 'shine a light on exactly what went on in the White House during Biden's presidency.' 'We simply cannot ignore what transpired because President Biden is no longer in office,' Cornyn said. A spokesperson for Biden declined to comment on the hearing. It was the first in what could be several hearings about Biden in the coming months. Over in the House, the Oversight Committee has subpoenaed several of Biden's former staff members, along with his White House doctor, ordering him to testify at a June 27 hearing 'as part of the investigation into the cover-up of President Joe Biden's cognitive decline.' Questions about Biden's age and fitness erupted last summer after his disastrous performance in a debate against Donald Trump, which ultimately led to his withdrawal from the race. Even after Trump won back the presidency in November, Republicans have continued to hammer on Biden's age, citing in part new reporting about Biden that was published this year. Trump now alleges that Biden administration officials may have forged the former president's signature and taken sweeping actions without his knowledge, though he provided no evidence of that happening. But Trump has ordered lawyers at the White House and the Justice Department to investigate. Republicans played clips during the hearing Wednesday of Democrats defending Biden. In the montage, the Democrats talk about how Biden was mentally sharp when he was in office. 'Most Democrats on this committee have chosen to all but boycott the hearing and have failed to call a single witness,' said Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo. 'They have chosen to ignore this issue, like they ignored President Biden's decline.' Sen. Dick Durbin, the committee's top Democrat, criticized Republicans for holding a hearing on the last president at a time when 'numerous critical challenges facing the nation that are under our jurisdiction.' 'Apparently arm chair diagnosing former President Biden is more important than the issues of grave concern,' said Durbin of Illinois. After his opening remarks, Durbin played a video montage of his own — but with clips of Trump speaking that he said reflected the 'cognitive ability' of the current president. Durbin left the hearing after his opening remarks. Three witnesses testified: former White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer, former White House official Theodore Wold and University of Virginia law professor John Harrison. Spicer and Wold both served under Trump. Much of the focus was on Biden's alleged use of an autopen. Trump has repeated long-standing allegations that the Biden White House relied on an autopen to sign presidential pardons, executive orders and other key documents, claiming that its use cast doubt on their validity. GOP Sen. Katie Britt also questioned Spicer on 'what mechanisms should we put in place' to hold the media accountable 'for not actually following what is clearly in front of them.'
Axios
7 days ago
- Politics
- Axios
Gov. Pritzker defends Illinois' sanctuary policies in heated Congressional hearing
Gov. JB Pritzker joined other Democratic governors Thursday in a tense hearing over immigration policies in front of the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Why it matters: Illinois' sanctuary state policies are in the crosshairs of the Trump administration, which has threatened to withhold federal funding for the state and the city of Chicago. The big picture: The spotlight on immigration is intensifying as protests continue across U.S. cities, including what could be Chicago's largest single-day anti-Trump demonstration this weekend. What they're saying: " Illinois follows the law, but let me be clear, we expect the federal government to follow the law, too," Pritzker said in his opening remarks. "We will not participate in abuses of power. We will not violate court orders. We will not ignore the Constitution." Context: Pritzker sat on a panel with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. The hearing was scheduled last month, before widespread protests erupted across U.S. cities, including Chicago. The original topic was states' sanctuary laws that limit how local law enforcement can work with federal immigration officers. But Thursday's question were largely about border security, the mobilization of the National Guard in Los Angeles and whether the Democratic governors are supporting illegal immigration. Zoom in: Republicans took aim at Pritzker, calling Chicago a haven for drugs and crime and pointing to crimes committed in Illinois by undocumented immigrants. In one heated moment, chair Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) repeatedly interrupted Pritzker while pressing him on a fatal crash involving an undocumented immigrant. Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL), who doesn't sit on the Oversight committee but was allowed to speak, said "illegal aliens in our state have overwhelmed local communities and schools causing untold pain and suffering." She continued by asking Pritzker to apologize to family members of the woman who died in the fatal crash, who were present in the chambers. Pritzker was also asked to comment on border czar Tom Homan's perceived threats to arrest local officials who have sanctuary policies. Pritzker replied, "he can try." The other side: Democrat representatives defended Pritzker, including Oversight Committee member Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), who took his time to boast about Illinois' overall achievements. He also noted that it was Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner who first created Illinois' sanctuary laws, which allow state agencies to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers only when they present a federal warrant. " This is Illinois law," Krishnamoorthi said. "Donald Trump may not like state law as we are seeing in California, but what Donald Trump likes is irrelevant. The law is the law." The intrigue: Rep. Brandon Gill (R-Texas) quizzed Pritzker on transgender bathroom policies and Hamas — not immigration.
Politico
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Politico
Pritzker unleashes on ‘political circus'
Presented by Good morning, Illinois, and welcome to Friday the 13th. NEW OVERNIGHT: Israel launches strike against Iran, by POLITICO's Eric Bazail-Eimil and Nahal Toosi TOP TALKER AN AHA MOMENT: For much of Thursday's nearly eight-hour, contentious hearing before the U.S. House Oversight Committee, Gov. JB Pritzker sat quietly and spoke only when a question was directed his way. He defended Illinois laws that protect immigrants and reiterated he wants undocumented criminals kicked out of the country. The governor didn't always agree with the premise of the questions, but he tried to answer as completely and politely as possible. When Texas Republican Rep. Brandon Gill pivoted from immigration to talk about transgender issues, a talking point for Republicans in the 2024 election, Pritzker didn't miss a beat, saying, 'So, you're admitting this is just a political circus?' Later, Colorado Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert asked Pritzker and fellow Democratic Govs. Tim Walz and Kathy Hochul of Minnesota and New York, respectively, whether damage to property is the 'definition of a peaceful protest.' It was a pointed question. Boebert was referring to protests in Los Angeles and across the country that are pushing back at the Trump administration's aggressive immigration enforcement. Pritzker couldn't contain his anger. 'I find it hard to believe that you're lecturing us about peaceful protests,' he said. 'Look at what happened Jan. 6 here at the Capitol.' Boebert tried to interrupt, but Pritzker persisted. That was 'insurrection,' he said, and pointing to the irony of her question, he said, 'It is outrageous.' Their exchange is here. Pritzker didn't hold back after that, criticizing questions he found misleading or inaccurate, especially when they were posed by Illinois Republican Reps. Mary Miller and Darin LaHood, who joined the Oversight Committee as guests so they could question Pritzker. Miller asked the governor if he would continue 'tying the hands of Illinois law enforcement,' a reference to Illinois law that prevents local police from assisting with federal immigration efforts. Pritzker bristled: 'You know, Congresswoman Miller, I am not going to be lectured to by somebody who extolled the virtues of Adolf Hitler,' Pritzker said, referring to comments she made just ahead of the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol (and later apologized for). Their exchange is here. LaHood used his time to talk about what he sees as Pritzker's failings as governor, including 'families struggling with the highest combined state and local tax burden in the country.' Pritzker leaned in, saying, 'I'm glad to see you here. I know you were unwilling to meet with your constituents about the Medicaid cuts that you voted for.' The two then talked over each other for LaHood's remaining time. Here's a clip. More congenial were Pritzker's exchanges with Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Delia Ramirez and Danny Davis. They are all Democrats and allowed the governor to offer up more thoughtful answers. The Padilla moment: Ramirez used her time to also call attention to a video that was posted during the hearing. It showed California Sen. Alex Padilla being forcibly removed from a Department of Homeland Security press conference in Los Angeles. Here's more, via POLITICO. 'I cannot believe the disrespect that was shown to a United States senator,' Pritzker RELATED — The focus was 'sanctuary' immigration policies, but GOP lawmakers used the hearing to needle Dem governors on politics, by Emily Ngo, Elena Schneider and your Playbook host — Pritzker defends Illinois' sanctuary laws, blasts Trump administration 'abuses of power,' by WGN 9's Tahman Bradley and BJ Lutz — It was a marathon hearing with political theatrics on full display, by Lee Enterprises' Brenden Moore — Pritzker uses House hearing to defend Illinois' sanctuary laws and to slam Congress for not passing immigration reforms, by the Tribune's Rick Pearson and freelancer Daniel C. Vock — How JB Pritzker's faith and Holocaust work are powering his dire warnings about Trump, by The Christian Science Monitor's Cameron Joseph WHERE'S JB No official public events WHERE's BRANDON At Chicago State University at 11 a.m. for the Metra Station groundbreaking Where's Toni No official public events Have a tip, suggestion, birthday, new job or a (gasp!) complaint? Email skapos@ THE STATEWIDES — Secretary of state's office says law enforcement using license plate reader data illegally: 'While license plate readers can be used by law enforcement to investigate violent felonies and missing person cases, the state law also prohibits use of the data for matters including aiding in the detention or investigation of a person based on their immigration status -- and it can't interfere with someone's abortion rights,' by the Tribune's Jeremy Gorner. — Michael Madigan due in court Friday for sentencing on corruption convictions, by the Sun-Times' Jon Seidel — Calls to the Illinois domestic violence hotline were up again in 2024, by the Sun-Times' Sophie Sherry CHICAGO — 100 students in a school meant for 1,000: Inside Chicago's refusal to deal with its nearly empty schools: 'Declining school enrollment has left 30% of Chicago public schools at least half-empty. The city's failure to address this problem has come at a high cost to the district — and its students,' by Chalkbeat's Mila Koumpilova and ProPublica's Jennifer Smith Richards. — DEEP DIVE: A Black girl endured racist bullying in a mostly white Chicago school. Did CPS do enough? by the Sun-Times' Nader Issa and WBEZ's Sarah Karp — Rideshare pay ordinance stalls — but the fight's not over: 'A scheduled vote on the ordinance [was] delayed at the request of some members of the City Council who want more information and are hesitant to support a measure that's drawn fierce opposition from the business community,' by Crain's Justin Laurence. — Chicago Police Supt. Larry Snelling tells judge he would 'never use' snap curfew powers, by WBEZ's Mariah Woelfel — Chicago police say they don't 'assist in immigration enforcement' but have turned over key records to feds, by the Sun-Times' Tom Schuba — Chicagoans continue protests against Trump and ICE Thursday, by the Tribune's Caroline Kubzansky, Laura Rodríguez Presa and Nell Salzman BUSINESS OF POLITICS — In IL-08: Hanover Park Trustee Yasmeen Bankole has been endorsed by the International Brothers of Electrical Workers Local 701. — SPOTTED: Cook County Commissioner and IL-08 congressional candidate Kevin Morrison drew a crowd for his annual Pride event at Sidetrack earlier this week. Among the 100 attendees were State Rep. Kelly Cassidy and Candace Gingrich, Alds. Bennett Lawson and Lamont Robinson, Judges Jesse Reyes and Ed Underhill, Kane County Board Member Alex Arroyo and MWRD Commissioners Precious Brady-Davis and Dan Pogorzelski. — Christopher Espinoza, a District 99 school board member, is running for DuPage County Board for the 2nd District seat now held by Yeena Yoo, who is running for DuPage County treasurer. Espinoza has been endorsed by board members Greg Schwarze and Andrew Honig, among others. The full list is here. TAKING NAMES — Illinois Senate President Don Harmon was presented with the Simon Wiesenthal Center's Government Leadership Award on Thursday. Todd Stern, CEO of Enfield Capital Partners and Executive Vice Chairman at AccentCare, received the group's Humanitarian Award. And actress Patricia Heaton and entrepreneur Kareem K.W.O.E. Wells, known as the 'King of Mitzvahs,' were given the center's Medal of Valor. — Lake County State's Attorney Eric Rinehart and Chief of Victim Services Jacqueline Herrera Giron were presented with Champion of Victims' Rights awards from Marsy's Law for Illinois for their work advocating for victims' rights. Reader Digest We asked about day games v. night games. Clem Balanoff: 'Day games as I get older.' Art Friedson: 'I lived five blocks from Wrigley in 1988, the year the lights went up. Ours was one of the few houses on the block without a NO LIGHTS sign. Still, nothing compares to a ball game at Wrigley on a hot summer day with a cold beverage in your hand. Nothing.' Carlton Hull: 'Night games!' Charles Keller: 'Night games because, you know, work. Go Cubs Go!' Dave Lundy: 'Day games except during the work week then hate day games which they schedule too often.' Jim Lyons: 'I wish the Cubs would play more day games. Of course, I'm retired and it will give me something to watch in the afternoons.' Ed Mazur: 'Day games for this 82 year old. Then a long nap after the Red Line ride home.' Steve Sheffey: 'Day games. When Lee Elia delivered his rant, he was talking about me at the time, and nothing made me prouder.' Timothy Thomas: 'Day at Wrigley (Cubs), night at Guaranteed Rate (White Sox).' NEXT QUESTION: In a sentence, what's your most ridiculous summer vacation story? FROM THE DELEGATION — Congressmen Sean Casten's (IL-06) bipartisan Mental Health in Aviation Act has been approved by the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. — Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) questioned U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins during a House Agriculture Committee hearing, where she raised concerns about the president's budget proposal for USDA 'that suggests slashing funding for agriculture research, nutrition assistance and conservation,' according to her team. The video is here. THE NATIONAL TAKE — MAGA warned Trump on Iran. Now he's in an impossible position, by POLITICO's Rachael Bade — Appeals court lets Trump keep National Guard in Los Angeles, by POLITICO's Kyle Cheney and Josh Gerstein — House clears $9.4B in funding clawbacks requested by White House, by POLITICO's Katherine Tully-McManus and Jennifer Scholtes — White House looks to freeze more agency funds — and expand executive power, by POLITICO's Scott Waldman and Corbin Hiar MEDIA MATTERS — Chicago Tribune offering newsroom buyouts: 'The newsroom's union, which ratified its first contract just seven months ago, said in a statement cutting staff as a 'short-term profit boost' is unsustainable,' by the Sun-Times' Kaitlin Washburn. — House narrowly approves President Trump's request to cut public media funding, by the Sun-Times' Tina Sfondeles TRANSITIONS — Joseph Cohen is now the managing partner of Burr & Forman's Chicago office and a partner in the firm's government contracts practice. He was a partner at Fox Rothschild. — Kyle Gann is now a partner at Norton Rose Fulbright in Chicago. He's in the business practice group and a member of its transactional and regulatory insurance team. He was a partner at Winston & Strawn. — Rick Nowak is a partner in Mayer Brown's litigation and dispute resolution practice in Chicago. He was with Fidelity Investments. IN MEMORIAM — Ken Buzbee, a former state senator, died earlier this month. Details here — Claudette Soto, founding member of Chicago UNIDOS in Construction and the group's first board president, has died. Her obit is here. — Trude Matanky, who helped form Matanky Realty Group in 1955, has died. Services here EVENTS — Today at 1 p.m.: Mayor Brandon Johnson will be a guest on the Jesse Jackson Jr. radio show. Listen here — Saturday: U.S. Reps Robin Kelly and Raja Krishnamoorthi and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton — all candidates for U.S. Senate — headline a discussion with Proviso Dems. Details here TRIVIA THURSDAY's ANSWER: Congrats to Ald. Pat Dowell and Hart Passman for correctly answering that Julius Rosenwald funded the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry back in 1932 but didn't want his name on the building. TODAY's QUESTION: What was the University of Illinois originally called? Email skapos@ HAPPY BIRTHDAY Today: State Rep. Dave Severin, retired Cook County Judge John Curry Jr., Cook County Judge Patricia Spratt, chief of staff to Congresswoman Robin Kelly Matt McMurray, lead development writer at the nonprofit City Bureau Tyra Bosnic, former political candidate Scott Lee Cohen, Surus Illinois Senior Account Manager Chris 'CJ' Gallo, securities trader Lee Blackwell, Democratic fundraiser Dylan Lopez, attorney Antonio Favela and former state Rep. Luis Arroyo Sr. Saturday: President Donald Trump, Teneo Senior Adviser Peter Thompson, Chicago mayoral adviser Beniamino Capellupo, Illinois Republican Party General Counsel John Fogarty, Illinois Policy Institute's Communications Director Melanie Krakauer, career and job-search coach Celeste Wroblewski, Booth School of Business Communications Director Casey Reid, retired teacher Fred Klonsky and OnMessage Senior Copywriter Julia Cohen Sunday: State Rep. Chris Miller, Cook County Judge Neil Cohen, Cook County Circuit Court Judge Chris Stacey, Associate Judge Martha-Victoria Jimenez, political commentator Art Friedson, University of Chicago ethics professor Laurie Zoloth and Urban Prep Foundation founder Tim King -30-
