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March 20, 2017 | SUBSCRIBE
A busy week awaits and Monday is kicking off with a lot. FBI Director James Comey heads to the Hill to testify before the House Intelligence Committee to face skeptical Dems -- and maybe even some Republicans -- who will have pointed, innumerable questions about Trump's unfounded wiretapping claims. Also today, the Senate Judiciary Committee begins its four-day confirmation hearings for SCOTUS nominee Neil Gorsuch. And on Thursday, the Obamacare repeal vote happens -- a full seven years to the day that President Barack Obama signed the ACA into law. In these divisive and polarizing political times, we begin today’s Beat with some bipartisanship.  Here’s your Monday morning read…
Bipartisan Road Trip Leads to Bipartisan Legislation
Two days after their bipartisan road trip from Texas to DC, Congressmen Will Hurd (R-TX) and Beto O’Rourke (D-TX) put their names on the first practical thing to come out of all that time in the car together. Hurd signed on as a co-sponsor to O’Rourke’s American Families United Act. And O’Rourke signed on to Hurd’s American Law Enforcement Heroes Act. More here.
Hawaii Judge Declines DOJ Motion on Trump’s EO
A Hawaii federal judge declined a DOJ motion to restrict the restraining order to the temporary ban on nationals from six predominantly Muslim nations. The current halt also stays implementation of the president’s executive order's 120-day ban on admitting refugees. More here.
Kelly Gets Earful from CHC
House Dems questioned DHS Secretary John Kelly's handling of his department, particularly his ability to keep ICE agents in check. They were left unconvinced by his responses. 
Congressman Rubén Gallego (D-AZ) called Kelly's approach "naive," saying law enforcement agencies such as ICE lacked the military discipline Kelly had grown accustomed to in the Marine Corps. More here.
Espaillat Joins Call for Body Cameras for ICE Agents
During that same meeting with Secretary John Kelly, Congressman Adriano Espaillat (D-NY) called on ICE agents to wear body cameras outlining his newly introduced legislation “ICE and CBP Body Camera Accountability Act” and saying to the secretary, “Given that Trump’s budget calls for a $2.8 billion increase in funding to DHS, can you commit to allocating some of these funds to provide ICE and CBP agents with body cameras?” More here.
The Barack Obama Foundation Opens Office in Chicago
The Barack Obama Foundation, which is leading the effort to build the Obama Presidential Library, has opened an office in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood. The office will serve as the headquarters for Michael A. Strautmanis, a longtime aide to President Obama who is the foundation's head of community outreach. The office currently has a staff of seven. More here.
Omarosa Offers Her Take on ACA and the EO on HBCUs
In an interview with Atlanta radio personalities Rashad Richey and Ryan Cameron, Omarosa discussed the ACA replacement plan, the president’s budget, and the legacy of President Barack Obama. The exchange got heated when Richey tried to get clarity from Omarosa on the EO on HBCUs. Listen to the exchange here. She appears on Comedy Central's The Daily Show with Trevor Noah this evening.
Joint Center Gets Director of Black Talent Initiative
The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, announced today that Don Bell, former president of the Senate Black Legislative Staff Caucus, has been hired as director of the Black Talent Initiative. In this position, he will lead the Joint Center’s work to promote diversity on the Hill and increase the number of African Americans in appointed positions in the federal government. Congrats, Don. More about Don here.
Trump’s Budget on the District
The WH budget will cut federal spending in ways that stick local and state governments with sharply higher costs to protect the poor, improve transportation and safeguard the environment. Hence, DC Mayor Muriel E. Bowser’s efforts to reduce homelessness and narrow the income divide in a metropolitan area marked simultaneously by great wealth and deep poverty will be stalled. The federal budget is also likely to have an even greater impact on the region because of Trump’s pledge to dramatically shrink the federal civilian workforce, which would cost at least 15,000 local jobs in the first year and drain at least $2.6 billion from the regional economy. More here.
Another Blow for The Standing Rock and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribes
An appeals court on Saturday refused a request from two American Indian tribes for an “emergency” order that would prevent oil from flowing through the Dakota Access pipeline. The decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit means the $3.8 billion pipeline to move North Dakota oil to a distribution point in Illinois could be operating as early as today, even as the tribes’ lawsuit challenging the project moves forward. More here.
Reports Find That Immigrants Commit Less Crime Than US-Born Citizens
Immigrants commit crimes and are incarcerated at a much lower rate than U.S. citizens, according to two separate studies released this week. A study by The Sentencing Project, a criminal justice research and advocacy group, found that "foreign-born residents of the United States commit crime less often than native-born citizens." Another study by the Cato Institute compares incarceration rates by migratory status, ethnicity, and gender. "All immigrants are less likely to be incarcerated than natives relative to their shares of the population," the Cato study reads. More here.
Rom Com on the Obama White House
Rebecca Dorey-Stein, an under-the-radar aide in the Obama White House, got a seven-figure, two-book deal for “From the Corner of the Oval,” which is less a tell-all about the Obama administration than a look at the people who make 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue run. It’s about “the White House as a workplace and on the relationships between the staffers,” a report says. More here.
Teach The Babies
President Barack Obama’s former ED for the WH Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans, David Johns, is well known for his very active social media moniker #TeachTheBabies. It was a common sign off on tweets he posted from the Twitter account he ran at @AfAmEducation. But you won’t be seeing it on that account anytime soon. The Trump administration had Twitter reassign the account and took all of Johns' nearly 40 thousand followers too.  Johns can now be found at @_TeachTheBabies. See here.
FIRM Summit
On Sunday, the Fair Immigration Reform Movement (FIRM) kicked off its annual summit in DC, gathering hundreds of advocates from across the country. The three-day conference will include keynote addresses from Senator Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-NV),
Congressman Luis Gutiérrez (D-IL), and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (D-WA). It will culminate with a march and demonstration.
NNPA and NAHP ALC Happening This Week
The National Newspaper Publishers Association is a trade association of the more than 200 African American-owned community newspapers from around the country. They join the National Association of Hispanic Publications for their annual legislative summit happening this Wednesday through Friday here in the nation's capital. They will be joined by CBC Chair Congressman Cedric Richmond (D-LA), Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), LCCHR’s Wade Henderson, NCLR’s
Jessica Rodríguez Boudreau, and more. For more information on the full program, or to attend, click here.
Africa Trade Meeting Has No Africans After U.S. Visa Denials
Each year, the University of Southern California brings delegations from Africa to meet with business leaders, government officials and others in the U.S. But this year, the African summit has no Africans. ALL were denied visas. The conference lost close to 100 attendees, including speakers and government officials. "I have to say that most of us feel it's a discrimination issue with the African nations," said Mary Flowers, chair of the African Global Economic and Development Summit. The countries affected included Sierra Leone, Guinea, Ghana, Nigeria, Ethiopia and South Africa. More here.
Mexican Governor Says Trump’s Budget Proves US Will Pay for Wall
As the Trump administration advanced plans to erect a multibillion-dollar wall on the southern border, Graco Ramírez, Governor of the Mexican state of Morelos, said in a news conference, “Trump is asking the Americans to pay for the wall. The first victory is ours.” Ramírez, who is president of the National Conference of Governors of Mexico, was in DC for a meeting at the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. More here.
RFP for Border Wall
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is asking for design proposals and prototypes of Trump's proposed border wall for which Americans will foot the bill.  Late Friday, the agency for the first time released specifics on how tough the barrier must be. CBP posted online two different options for contractors: one proposal must be for a solid concrete wall, another is for a wall with "a see-through component/capability" that is "operationally advantageous." More here.
Donna Brazile Says She Won’t Let Lies Stand
In an email with Journal-ismsRichard Prince on Saturday, Donna Brazile denied that she provided the Hillary Clinton campaign with questions Clinton would be asked in a televised CNN town hall. “At no time did I receive or participate in the drafting or dissemination of questions provided by CNN,” Brazile wrote. In a follow-up telephone conversation, Brazile said, “I’m not going to allow the lies to stand.” More here.
Changes at HuffPo
Lydia Polgreen
made history as the first openly gay woman of color to be named Editor-in-Chief of the Huffington Post, a position she began in January. She is already calling on the need to produce more original, idea-driven and timely journalism, every day. She’s also planning to name a political director who would report to an executive editor based in NY. More here.
May Day Protests
Leaders representing local businesses, labor, and immigrant rights groups today will announce their plans to protest on May 1st, as an effort to call for an end to the Trump administration's mass deportation strategy. Hundreds of thousands of diverse groups of supporters are expected to hold similar events in cities nationwide while local groups march to the White House. More here.
FL State’s Atty Refuses Order from Gov
FL Governor Rick Scott on Thursday removed Orange-Osceola State Attorney Aramis Ayala from the case of an accused cop killer after she announced that she would not pursue the death penalty in his or any other case during her tenure. Scott issued this statement: “Earlier today, I called on State Attorney Ayala to immediately recuse herself from this case. She informed me this afternoon that she refuses to do that…I am using my executive authority to immediately reassign the case.” More here.
TX Woman May Face Eight Years in Prison for Voting Illegally
Texan Rosa María Ortega was found guilty, fined $5,000 and sentenced to eight years in prison for casting ballots in 2012 and 2014 that she says she did not know were illegal. Ortega is a legal resident with a green card and not a U.S. citizen. If the verdict is upheld, she will serve her sentence and, in all likelihood, be deported to Mexico. Her punishment may be unprecedented for an offense that often draws a minimal sentence or probation. Ms. Ortega, who has a seventh-grade education, has steadfastly insisted that she did not know she was violating the law -- and that she is being imprisoned and probably deported for the crime of being confused. More here.
Former NC Police Chief Detained at JFK Airport
Retired Greenville, NC Police Chief Hassan Aden said he was unreasonably detained, after allegedly being forced to sit in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection detention center for an hour and a half, which he detailed in a Facebook post. Aden, who is the former deputy police chief of Alexandria, VA, was returning from visiting his mother in Paris, something he says he has done numerous times since becoming a U.S. citizen, but this is the first time he has been detained by CBP. “My freedoms were restricted, and I cannot be sure it won’t happen again, and that it won’t happen to my family, my children, the next time we travel abroad,” Aden said in the post. See the entire statement here.
Trump Ends Obama Guidance on FFEL
The Trump administration on Thursday revoked previous federal guidance that barred student debt collectors from charging high fees on past due loans. The U.S. Education Department is ordering loan guarantee agencies that collect on defaulted debt to disregard an Obama administration memo on the old bank-based federal lending program, known as the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program. More here.
NABJ Co-Founder Dies
Claude Lewis, co-founder of the National Association of Black Journalists, passed away from complications of diabetes at age 82 on Thursday. As a pioneering journalist, he covered the civil rights movement and interviewed civil rights leaders Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., as well as icons Langston Hughes and James Baldwin. More here.
Understanding the Landscape of Native LGBTQ Youth
The Center for Native American Youth at The Aspen Institute (CNAY) is partnering with the Arcus Foundation on a new one-year project to better understand the current landscape of Native LGBTQ+ and Two-Spirit youth perspectives, needs, strengths, and resources. The advisory panel consists of Native youth, community leaders, youth service providers and other advocates who each bring a wealth of knowledge and experiences to the development of this initiative. More here.
Love Army for Somalia
A drought in Somalia has caused a historic famine that is affecting at least five million people. Earlier this month, 110 people from the same region died within 48 hours, according to the country’s prime minister. A YouTube star initiated the Love Army For Somalia with the hope that social media pressure may be able to convince Turkish Airlines, the only company to fly to the African country, to use one flight to send a shipment of aid and food, "providing immediate relief for immediate need." It worked. Everyone from Ben Stiller to Colin Kaepernick has helped raise more than a million dollars to support the effort.  More here.
The Black Irish Proverb
Donald Trump met with Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny on St. Patrick’s Day and wanted to share a proverb. “As we stand together with our Irish friends, I’m reminded of a proverb -- and this is a good one, this is one I like. I’ve heard it for many, many years and I love it,” Trump said before giving the following quote: “Always remember to forget the friends that proved untrue, but never forget to remember those that have stuck by you.” The only problem? It isn’t an Irish proverb at all but a quote from Nigerian poet Albasheer Adam Alhassan. More here.
Spotted
USHCC president Javier Palomarez flying first class Sunday afternoon from Ft. Lauderdale to DC.
A special thanks to Running Startthe nonpartisan organization that provides young women (ages 14-25) with the skills and inspiration to lead in politics, for honoring The Beat tonight at its 11th-annual Young Women to Watch Awards.
              Videos of the Day
                    (click images to play)
The Barack Obama Foundation, which is leading the effort to build the Obama Presidential Library, has opened an office in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood.
Justise Mayberry wins the Master Chef competition and gets ready for her White House dinner with Michelle Obama.
Congressmen Will Hurd (R-TX) and Joaquín Castro (D-TX) appear on ABC's This Week With George Stephanopoulos to discuss Monday's House Intel Committee Hearing.
House Democratic Caucus Chairman Joe Crowley (D-NY), Vice Chair Linda Sánchez (D-CA), and Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairwoman Michelle Luján Grisham (D-NM) give remarks after meeting with DHS Secretary John Kelly.
HUD Secretary Dr. Ben Carson talks faith and upbringing in Detroit on March 15th. The trip was part of his listening tour.
Congressman Lou Correa (D-CA) served as the voice of the CHC on Friday.
Standing alongside Donald Trump at the White House, Ireland's Prime Minister Enda Kenny touted the contributions of immigrants to America. 
Congressman Pete Aguilar (D-CA) spoke on the House floor in opposition to the House GOP healthcare bill that Aguilar says will force middle class families to pay more for less coverage.
Congresswoman Mia Love (R-UT) at the WH on Friday discussing healthcare. 
El Carnaval de Puebla, a major Cinco de Mayo celebration in Philadelphia, has been canceled following recent federal immigration crackdowns, organizers said.
In NBC Asian America's Deported, advocates and organizers of 1Love Movement lay out their efforts to find a way to suspend the deportation of Cambodian refugees from the U.S. until a repatriation agreement signed between the two countries in 2002 is revised.  
Pics of the Day
(click image for more info)
Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) received Quad County Urban League’s “Woman in Power” award on Friday at the organization’s annual Women’s Empowerment Summit, which is focused on diversity in the workplace.
Tiffany Rose, Nicole Venable, Cleve Mesidor, Omarosa, Kimberly Bassett, and Marie Sylla pose for picture as they celebrate the pending nuptials for Omarosa during her wedding shower on Saturday.
HACR's Cid Wilson with Extra host Mario López at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night. Wilson snagged the selfie during a world championship boxing event.
Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) poses on Friday with DC students who spoke out against bullying.
Atiba Madyun hosted a Party Politics brunch on Saturday. He poses here with Cheeky Sasso, Neri Ann Martínez, and Jarvis Stewart.
HUD Secretary Dr. Ben Carson meeting with Detroit's faith-based leaders on Friday about what works and what doesn't in their communities. 
On Thursday, the America Association of Political Consultants awarded Solidarity Strategies with a whopping six awards. Creative Director Luis Alcauter and President Chuck Rocha pose with just a few of their awards. 
Washington Nationals minority owner Paxton Baker poses with comedian and actor Bill Bellamy, who was in town on Saturday starring in the play, "Married But Single Too."
Rev. Al Sharpton preached at Howard University on Sunday about Trump’s budget and what it means for Black America.
A new billboard in Phoenix, Arizona has sparked controversy with its anti-Trump message.
The Nazi-esque sign is standing on the 1000 block of Grand Avenue and was designed by artist Karen Fiorito.
The Other Twitterverse
FOMO Alert!
LOOK AHEAD
Tuesday, March 21st, 6P: George Washington University Presents "Cornell Belcher A Black Man in the White House" with Cornell Belcher. RSVP here.
Friday, March 24th, 12P: The Congressional Staff Association Fair takes place in the Rayburn Foyer. The event is open to all current Senate and House staff.
Friday, March 25th, 7P: CHSA hosts Dominoes night at Los Hermanos, 1428 Park Rd., NW. RSVP here.
Wednesday, March 29th, 1PM: The Latina Maternal and Child Health Project will be hosting a Congressional Staff Briefing in Cannon Room 122. It will be held in cooperation with the Congressional Caucus on Maternity Care. RSVP here.
March 31st, 6:30P: A Celebration of Women with Johnnetta B. Cole as she prepares to retire from the National Museum of African Art. DJ Sabine Blaizin, Afro-fusion band Eme and Heteru, and vocalist Loide Jorge turn up the volume for an evening of African music, dance, and art. Click here for more info.
Friday, April 21st - Monday, April 24th: National South Asian Summit 2017. D.C. Click here for more info.
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