Pro-military party says it will join populist Pheu Thai party to form Thailand's next government
The Independent
23-08-17 15:11
Thailand's pro-military party, United Thai Nation, has agreed to join a coalition led by the populist Pheu Thai party in order to form the country's next government. The move comes after a three-month stalemate in which neither party was able to secure enough support to appoint a new prime minister. United Thai Nation's condition for joining the coalition is that there must not be a party with a policy to amend the royal defamation law in the government. The coalition currently has the majority needed in the House of Representatives, but still requires support from the Senate.
In an op-ed for The New York Times, David French argues that Donald Trump should be disqualified from holding the office of president based on Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which prohibits former public officials who "engaged in insurrection or rebellion" or gave "aid or comfort" to those who did from holding office again. French cites a law review article by conservative law professors William Baude and Michael Stokes Paulsen that makes the case for Trump's disqualification. However, French notes that it is unlikely the Supreme Court would intervene at this late stage, with millions of votes potentially already cast in the Republican primaries. French argues that Republican lawmakers have failed to hold Trump accountable for his actions and that the Supreme Court should step in. He also addresses the fear that holding Trump accountable would escalate political division and lead to a tit-for-tat of prosecuted or disqualified politicians but argues that accountability is necessary to stop the abuse of power. He concludes by stating that victory is not incompatible with mercy and that mercy can be indispensable after victory.
Thailand's Pheu Thai party joins with pro-military parties in coalition to form new government
The Independent
23-08-21 10:51
Thailand's Pheu Thai party announced that it plans to form a new government with an 11-party coalition that includes two pro-military parties affiliated with outgoing Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha. Pheu Thai leader Chonlanan Srikaew said the coalition partners have agreed to nominate real estate tycoon Srettha Thavisin as the new leader. Pheu Thai finished second in the elections but received a chance to form a government after members of the conservative unelected Senate repeatedly blocked the surprise winner, the progressive Move Forward Party.
What to know about the impeachment trial of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton
The Independent
23-08-31 04:06
The Texas Senate is expected to hold an impeachment trial for state Attorney General Ken Paxton, who has been suspended without pay after being impeached by the state House of Representatives on charges of bribery and abuse of public trust. Paxton is facing federal investigation for the same conduct, and his lawyers claim that removing him from office would allow him to take a plea in a state fraud case that has been stalled for several years. The trial will last two or three weeks and a two-thirds majority of the Senate is required to convict Paxton.
Partisan Politics Puts a Huge Win for Public Health at Risk
NY Times Opinion
23-09-01 19:00
The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which was developed during the George W. Bush administration and has saved millions of lives, is now under threat from right-wing extremists who are politicizing the program and exploiting divisions on the issue of abortion. PEPFAR was launched in 2003 and has been one of the most successful global health programs in modern history, providing life-saving treatment to millions of people. It has enjoyed broad bipartisan support, including from evangelical Christian groups and the Catholic Church. However, some members of the Republican Party, influenced by far-right activists, are now seeking to obstruct the reauthorization of the program, falsely claiming that it promotes abortion. These activists, many of whom hold positions of power in the House, are attempting to make an apolitical program seem partisan and are being aided by organizations like the Heritage Foundation. The threat to PEPFAR underscores the destructive and divisive forces at play in US politics and raises concerns about the country’s commitment to global health and humanitarian efforts.
Thailand's king approves a new Cabinet more than 3 months after elections
The Independent
23-09-02 09:02
Thailand's king has given his formal approval to members of a new Cabinet, clearing the way for a government to be formed more than three months after the general election. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, a real estate developer turned politician, will also hold the finance minister's post. The delay in forming a new government was caused by Parliament's failure to endorse a coalition formed by the party that won the most seats in the election, the Move Forward party. The Pheu Thai party, which placed second, then formed a broader coalition with pro-military parties from the previous government.
Thailand's new government takes office as Cabinet members take oath in front of king
The Independent
23-09-05 10:54
Thailand’s new government officially took office on Tuesday, almost four months after the country’s general election, as new Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin led the 34 members of his Cabinet to take their oaths of office in front of King Maha Vajiralongkorn. Srettha, representing the Pheu Thai party, was named prime minister by Parliament on Aug. 22 after weeks of delay because of disagreement over the formation of a coalition. The 61-year-old Srettha, a prominent real estate developer who officially entered politics last year, also holds the finance minister’s post.
Health concerns plague ageing members returning to Capitol Hill
Guardian
23-09-06 11:00
Concerns have been raised over the health of US Republican politicians Mitch McConnell and Steve Scalise. Senate Republican leader McConnell, 81, appeared to freeze for 30 seconds while speaking to reporters in Kentucky recently. McConnell’s incident followed an earlier occurrence when he paused for several seconds while talking to journalists in the US Capitol. In July, McConnell stopped mid-sentence during a Republican news conference, sparking concerns about his ability to lead after suffering a concussion. Scalise, the second-ranking Republican in the House, is undergoing treatment for blood cancer.
Nancy Pelosi announces she will run for reelection in 2024
The Independent
23-09-08 16:14
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has announced that she will seek another term in Congress, despite no longer being a member of House leadership. Pelosi, a longtime San Francisco congresswoman, stated that she wants to continue advancing San Francisco values and aiding in the country's recovery. She is seeking reelection and has asked for the public's support.
Pelosi says she'll run for reelection in 2024 as Democrats try to win back House majority
The Independent
23-09-08 16:14
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has announced that she will seek another term in Congress, despite no longer being a member of House leadership. Pelosi, a longtime San Francisco congresswoman, stated that her city needs her to advance its values and contribute to its recovery. She also emphasized the need for America to demonstrate its commitment to liberty and justice for all.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has announced that she will be seeking re-election in 2024. The 83-year-old Democrat representing California’s 11th district made the announcement among volunteers and labor allies in San Francisco. Pelosi, who has represented San Francisco since 1987, served as House speaker twice and became the first female speaker in 2007. She led the House of Representatives again from 2019 to the beginning of this year. Pelosi’s announcement comes amid politically delicate moments on Capitol Hill and questions surrounding the mental competency of older leaders.
Kevin McCarthy faces battle with hard-right Republicans as shutdown looms
Guardian
23-09-10 12:00
US House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy faces a tough decision on whether to force a government shutdown or risk his speakership by alienating hard-right conservatives in his party. With only 12 legislative days left before the end of the fiscal year, the Republican-controlled House must pass spending legislation to keep the government open after 30 September. McCarthy wants a continuing resolution to keep funding at current levels while negotiations continue. However, hard-right members of the House freedom caucus, still angry at a debt ceiling deal agreed with President Joe Biden, have refused to back a continuing resolution unless McCarthy agrees to concessions such as increased border security and an impeachment inquiry into Biden. McCarthy's handling of the situation could determine whether he loses his position as Speaker. The House Republicans have also gone back on the debt ceiling deal, instead advancing appropriations bills with spending levels below those agreed in the Fiscal Responsibility Act.
House speaker Kevin McCarthy announces impeachment inquiry into Joe Biden
Guardian
23-09-12 18:28
Republicans in the US House of Representatives have launched an impeachment investigation into President Joe Biden over unproven allegations of corruption in his family's business dealings. The move is seen as an attempt by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to appease conservative lawmakers who are unhappy with a deal he reached with Biden to raise the debt ceiling. However, it is unclear if the GOP has the evidence or the votes to substantiate the claims. Impeachment would require a two-thirds majority in the Senate, which is currently controlled by Democrats.
Why are Republicans launching Biden impeachment inquiry and what’s next?
Guardian
23-09-13 17:58
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has launched a formal impeachment inquiry into US President Joe Biden, citing allegations of abuse of power, obstruction and corruption related to the president's family's overseas business dealings. McCarthy's move comes amid pressure from some far-right members of the House, who have threatened to oppose a deal to avoid a government shutdown unless their demands are met. However, an impeachment vote is unlikely to be successful, given Republican opposition in both the House and Senate.
Senate Committee Backs Bill to Deepen U.S. Economic Ties With Taiwan
NY Times
23-09-14 18:56
The US Senate Finance Committee has passed a bill to deepen ties between the US and Taiwan by creating a tax treaty. This treaty is expected to encourage more Taiwanese investment in the American semiconductor industry, however, it could inflame tensions between the US and China. Although the bill was passed unanimously, China criticized the legislation stating that it breached the 'One China principle'.
Thailand's opposition Move Forward party to pick new leader as its embattled chief steps down
The Independent
23-09-15 08:44
The leader of Thailand's Move Forward party, Pita Limjaroenrat, has announced his resignation in order to comply with a court order suspending him from Parliament pending a ruling on whether he violated election law. The constitution requires the leader of the opposition to be an elected lawmaker and a leader of a political party. Pita's resignation will allow the party to appoint a new leader who can serve as the opposition leader in Parliament. Move Forward won the most votes in the country's general election in May but was denied power by Parliament.
Marjorie Taylor Greene takes swipe at House Freedom Caucus
The Independent
23-09-15 15:20
Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has expressed frustration with her fellow ultraconservative members of Congress. Greene, who was recently booted from the House Freedom Caucus, criticised colleagues for not participating in a closed-door conference despite voting against a spending bill. Greene indicated that she would vote against the defence bill unless spending allocation towards the Ukraine war was removed. Although several members of the House Freedom Caucus also voted against the bill, Greene pointed out that they had not contributed to the appropriations conversation.
Control of the Pennsylvania House will again hinge on result of a special election
The Independent
23-09-19 04:06
A special election is being held in Pennsylvania to fill a seat in the House of Representatives. The outcome of the election will determine which party controls the House, as currently it is tied between Democrats and Republicans. If Democrat Lindsay Powell wins, the Democrats will keep their slight majority. If Republican Erin Connolly Autenreith wins, the Republicans will regain control. Regardless of the outcome, Pennsylvania's government will remain divided, with a Democratic governor and Republican-controlled Senate. Powell has emphasized the legislation passed by Democrats since they gained power in the House, while Autenreith has prioritized education, particularly school vouchers. The election comes at a time of partisan tension in the state, with a budget stalemate ongoing.
Chaos erupts in House GOP as lawmakers fail to advance spending bill
The Independent
23-09-19 20:45
The floor of the House of Representatives devolved into chaos on Tuesday afternoon as a vote to advance the annual defense bill failed. House Democrats began to taunt Republicans shouting by “regular order” as five Republicans joined them in opposing a rule to pass the annual defense spending bill as House Republican leadership tried to have their ranks coalesce. GOP Reps Dan Bishop, Matt Rosendale, Ken Buck, Andy Biggs and Ralph Norman opposed the rule. Four Republicans did not vote on the bill. All five members are part of the hard-right House Freedom Caucus that has demanded spending cuts across the board.
Republicans seem even further from resolution as US shutdown deadline nears
Guardian
23-09-19 20:20
Republican leaders appear to be moving further away from a resolution to the impending government shutdown. A procedural vote on the short-term funding bill expected on Tuesday was cancelled and an attempt to advance a Pentagon spending bill was voted down, thanks to right-wing Republicans. The vote intensifies the risk of a shutdown on October 1st and Kevin McCarthy losing his speakership. Republican leaders are in a state of “civil war,” according to the Democratic minority leader. The Heritage Foundation, an influential conservative think tank, supported a proposed CR, but it remains unclear whether it can garner enough Republican support to pass the House. Matt Gaetz tweeted that the CR is “a betrayal of Republicans,” and Majorie Taylor Greene of Georgia posted: “I’m a NO!” The standoff poses the biggest threat to McCarthy as he struggles to unite a fractured caucus. McCarthy told Fox News: “We’ll bring it to the floor, win or lose, and show the American public who’s for the Department of Defense, who’s for our military.” The resolution agreed upon on Sunday is also unlikely to succeed with Democrats and become law.
