Early this morning, Kevin McCarthy finally won on the 15th round of voting for Speaker. In return, the right-wing Freedom Caucus got a promise from McCarthy that he would not approve a simple increase in the debt ceiling unless spending was held back at 2022 levels — which, with more than 7 percent inflation, would require huge cuts in everything from defense spending to Social Security and Medicare. And if McCarthy breaks his promise, any member of the Freedom Caucus can move to remove him from the Speakership.
The easy and obvious solution: a law forbidding any member of Congress from receiving any federal pension (other than Social Security) or any federally funded healthcare. When members of Congress have to face the same realities as the average citizen, perhaps they will start actually representing the average citizen.
I watched the entire debacle last night and I am ashamed disappointed and angry. How is it possible that George Santos was sworn in and then makes a sign of white supremacy? Is there no decency left in the government? The best and most inspiring event of the evening was Hakeem Jeffries speech it was brilliant. Today is a day of rest for me but thank you for everything that you’re doing to alert American people
Watching mccarthy pick up the Speaker's gavel, and listening to his first words, I had that sudden, chilling realization: "They got in, after all!" The insurrectionists who invaded the People's House two years ago, have now taken over the House. The coup happened. In the exact same place where they forced a delay in the vote of the Electoral College, the Capitol building; on the exact same date, January 7th; and at the exact same time, the wee hours of the morning -- here we are precisely two years later with 150 repugnicant election-deniers sitting in our House, and cheering for the corrupt mr. mccarthy. I am sick at heart.
It seems only DOJ can save Social Security and Medicare by arresting Trump's enablers who are still in Congress and charging them with Treason. That would turn the House back into the D's control.
I find myself truly embarrassed for McCarthy: to see a man totally humiliate and debase himself - seemingly without the least bit of awareness, care or shame - is degrading to the institution he purports to now lead, to our democracy and to the citizens of the United States. He is a disgrace. And his radical right appeasement will harm us for years to come.
Amazing these same “representatives” in the GOP want to reduce the number of IRS agents who would recoup billions of unpaid taxes from their “donors” and in some cases, themselves but choose to strip SS and Medicare? How do they stay in office?
Medicare, last I checked, was 92% favored in the US. Social Security is probably at least as popular. And increasing taxes on those earning over 400K would be highly popular. Senator Scott found out some of this with his idiotic proposal to add taxes to the poor and slash these popular benefits for older folks.
McCarthy’s lust for the perception of power…which he actually gave away, will cost the rest of us dearly. We can assume that nothing but a Clown Circus is in store for the next 2 years as the far-right minority takes control of the House. There is no appearance of governance for the people. I can only hope this backfires in the next round of elections.
not that i agree with this evil agreement, but i think defence spending could use a MUCH bigger cut in funds than just 7%. on the other hand, social security and medicare should receive substantial funding INCREASES.
but of course, the party of hate (GQP) are too focused on screwing over everyone they dislike for looking different to them so they also will feel the burden of this draconian measure.
Maybe it’s time that Congress is forced to roll over to SS and Medicare and give up their very Rich retirement and retirement healthcare that we taxpayers pay for
I am worried about the republicans having that much power. I do not understand how they can cut Social Security. We, and our employers, have paid into this. I did not think the government contributed to it. As for reducing both SS and Medicare, that will affect millions of seniors. I hope this does not happen~
Since McCarthy agreed to open the floor to apparently unlimited amendments to spending bills, Democrats should take full advantage. They could, for example, propose to close the carried interest loophole, in order to reduce government spending on moocher millionaires.
The easy and obvious solution: a law forbidding any member of Congress from receiving any federal pension (other than Social Security) or any federally funded healthcare. When members of Congress have to face the same realities as the average citizen, perhaps they will start actually representing the average citizen.
I watched the entire debacle last night and I am ashamed disappointed and angry. How is it possible that George Santos was sworn in and then makes a sign of white supremacy? Is there no decency left in the government? The best and most inspiring event of the evening was Hakeem Jeffries speech it was brilliant. Today is a day of rest for me but thank you for everything that you’re doing to alert American people
"THEY GOT IN, AFTER ALL."
Watching mccarthy pick up the Speaker's gavel, and listening to his first words, I had that sudden, chilling realization: "They got in, after all!" The insurrectionists who invaded the People's House two years ago, have now taken over the House. The coup happened. In the exact same place where they forced a delay in the vote of the Electoral College, the Capitol building; on the exact same date, January 7th; and at the exact same time, the wee hours of the morning -- here we are precisely two years later with 150 repugnicant election-deniers sitting in our House, and cheering for the corrupt mr. mccarthy. I am sick at heart.
Hell hath no fury like seniors whose Social Security and Medicare is being messed with. Those funds were earned.
It seems only DOJ can save Social Security and Medicare by arresting Trump's enablers who are still in Congress and charging them with Treason. That would turn the House back into the D's control.
I find myself truly embarrassed for McCarthy: to see a man totally humiliate and debase himself - seemingly without the least bit of awareness, care or shame - is degrading to the institution he purports to now lead, to our democracy and to the citizens of the United States. He is a disgrace. And his radical right appeasement will harm us for years to come.
Amazing these same “representatives” in the GOP want to reduce the number of IRS agents who would recoup billions of unpaid taxes from their “donors” and in some cases, themselves but choose to strip SS and Medicare? How do they stay in office?
A deal with the Devil
Medicare, last I checked, was 92% favored in the US. Social Security is probably at least as popular. And increasing taxes on those earning over 400K would be highly popular. Senator Scott found out some of this with his idiotic proposal to add taxes to the poor and slash these popular benefits for older folks.
McCarthy’s lust for the perception of power…which he actually gave away, will cost the rest of us dearly. We can assume that nothing but a Clown Circus is in store for the next 2 years as the far-right minority takes control of the House. There is no appearance of governance for the people. I can only hope this backfires in the next round of elections.
not that i agree with this evil agreement, but i think defence spending could use a MUCH bigger cut in funds than just 7%. on the other hand, social security and medicare should receive substantial funding INCREASES.
but of course, the party of hate (GQP) are too focused on screwing over everyone they dislike for looking different to them so they also will feel the burden of this draconian measure.
Maybe it’s time that Congress is forced to roll over to SS and Medicare and give up their very Rich retirement and retirement healthcare that we taxpayers pay for
It seems that the CEO:worker pay ratio in 1969 was 21:1; it’s now something like 670:1. Follow the money?
Do those in the Freedom caucus who violated their oath of office face no consequences? Who funds them ?
when good people do nothing, evil abounds
I am worried about the republicans having that much power. I do not understand how they can cut Social Security. We, and our employers, have paid into this. I did not think the government contributed to it. As for reducing both SS and Medicare, that will affect millions of seniors. I hope this does not happen~
Since McCarthy agreed to open the floor to apparently unlimited amendments to spending bills, Democrats should take full advantage. They could, for example, propose to close the carried interest loophole, in order to reduce government spending on moocher millionaires.