Here’s your dose of “What the Fuck Is Going On” news (3/3/2017 Edition)
The Department of Homeland Security is considering forcefully separating adults and children who are apprehended illegally crossing the border together. Part of the reason for separating children from the adults who cross with them was to discourage illegal family crossings. Under such a policy, parents could be kept in custody while they await deportation, while the children would be kept under protective Department of Health and Human Services custody. (source)
An investigation for the Indianapolis Star revealed that VP Mike Pence used a private email account to conduct government business while he was governor of Indiana. The investigations shows that Pence used his personal AOL account to communicate with top advisors and that the account was hacked last summer. (source)
According to the White House, the Keystone XL pipeline will not have to comply with Trump’s executive order order prioritizing the use of American steel in pipeline projects. “The Keystone XL Pipeline is currently in the process of being constructed, so it does not count as a new, retrofitted, repaired or expanded pipeline.” This news comes after Trump has continually bragged in speeches and in meeting that the pipeline would be required to use U.S steel. (source)
A group of senators is urging the White House not to crack down on legalized marijuana. A letter was sent to Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who has signaled his desire to crack down on legal marijuana, requesting that the Department of Justice continues to allow individual state determine their pot laws. (source)
There is some concern over the House GOP tax reform plan that would would tax imports but exempt exports. Critics are saying the border-adjustment proposal will hike prices on essential goods and hurt working class Americans in regards to their personal budgets. (source)
Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, who was just confirmed on Wednesday, told employees that he is “not happy” about the agency’s upcoming budget request crafted by the White House. Zinke also spoke to reporters and expressed several concerns regarding the cuts being considered for his agency. One big worry is how these cuts might cause a state of disrepair when it comes to national parks. (source)
The Log Cabin Republicans are urging Trump to reinstate transgender protections stating that they have “deep concerns” about the decision. The Log Cabin Republicans are a group of gay conservatives who made news for their endorsement of Trump back in October. The group wrote a letter to Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos requesting that this move be reconsidered. (source)
The State Department released its annual report on the state of human rights across the globe, however Secretary of State Rex Tillerson chose not to hold the traditional press conference that has accompanied the release of the report. Instead, senior administration official took questions and comments by the press on the report under the condition of anonymity. Some worry that this signals a low priority on advancing human rights, something that Tillerson was questioned about during his confirmation hearings due to his vague answers. (source)
The White House is searching for a way via technology to stop leaks from coming out of the Oval Office. White House IT officials are looking to control how staffers use computers and cellphones, and have met with at least of private firm selling a network security system that would allow for this control. (source)
Trump and his advisors are having an internal debate on whether or not the U.S should pull out of the Paris climate deal. Trump has repeatedly promised to cancel the deal, and senior advisor Steve Bannon wants to follow through with the plan ASAP. However, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Ivanka Trump are urging Trump to keep the US in the treaty, fearing that an abrupt withdrawal would have “broad and damaging diplomatic ramifications.” (source)
Trump has officially granted his military commanders the power to authorize military strikes in certain countries without his permission. Secretary of Defense James Mattis and military leaders who serve under him now have the power to make decisions on their own, they say that Trump will still be kept up to date on the situations. (source)
More news has followed the revelations that Attorney General Jeff Sessions met with the Russian ambassador and then lied about it during his confirmation hearings: – Trump came out to defend Sessions again, stating he did nothing wrong. (source) – A White House spokesperson downplayed the news by saying that Sessions was just a “volunteer,” when he met with the ambassador. (source) – Legal experts say that Sessions has the risk of facing legal repercussions if a special counsel takes over Trump-Russia probe. (source)
Planned cuts at the Environmental Protection Agency are set to hurt Black and Latino communities disproportionately. Environmental groups are already warning that this will cause major problems in these communities due to abandoned industrial facilities, toxic pollutants, lead poisoning and cleanup, air pollution, marine pollution, etc. (source)
Meg's Mumbles 