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The GOP released their thousand-page tax bill on Friday with a vote slated for tomorrow. Despite some holdouts, the legislation now appears to have a clear pathway to the president’s desk before Christmas. This will be the biggest tax code rewrite in more than 30 years. Senator John McCain (R-AZ), who is currently battling brain cancer, will miss the vote. He flew home after receiving treatment for a viral infection and isn't expected to return to the Hill until January. And there’s still the issue of a government shutdown. Funding for the federal government runs out Friday. The five-day scramble has party leaders huddling to manage a host of competing interests. A bipartisan group of Senators met last week to try and hammer out an immigration deal that combines legislation for “Dreamers” with other immigration enforcement measures. The clock is ticking. At 2PM today, Dondald Trump will deliver a speech on his national security policy. Preview of the remarks suggests it "describes a world that was on a three-decade holiday from superpower rivalry, and suggests that holiday is over." Meanwhile, Diddy wants to break up the predominantly white conservative boys club and become an NFL team owner. The music mogul has expressed interest in buying the North Carolina Panthers since the team’s current owner, Jerry Richardson, announced he would sell the team as he is facing accusations of workplace misconduct. Diddy said he would immediately put Colin Kaepernick in the running as the starting QB. Take that, take that. Ok, it’s kickoff time. We’re starting your Monday morning with this...
- Congressman Rubén Kihuen (D-NV) is saying adiós to Congress.
- Law enforcement adds extra security for Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) after death threat. Also, meet his Deputy Chief of Staff below.
- Prince Harry interviews former President Barack Obama.
- CBC women call on Senate to seat Senator-elect Doug Jones immediately.
- Congressman Bobby Scott (D-VA) is latest legislator accused of sexual misconduct.
- Senators Kamala Harris (D-CA) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) lead effort to ensure humane conditions at ICE facilities.
- Anita Hill to head anti-sexual harassment Hollywood commission.
- Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) asks DOJ to investigate forged letter.
- Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) intro bill to help victims of natural disasters.
- Tavis Smiley speaks out amid harassment allegations.
- Meet the Native American activists behind the successful “Washington Redhawks” hoax.
- Feds oppose former Congresswoman Corrine Brown’s request to remain free while appealing sentence.
- The Rock is seriously thinking about a presidential run.
- George Zimmerman says he'll beat up & feed JAY-Z to alligators because of the Trayvon Martin documentary. Read about it in Blogs.
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Commentator Touré with poet and activist Nikki Giovanni last month. | |  | CHC Chair Michelle Luján Grisham (D-NM) with "Dreamers" on Capitol Hill lobbying in support of DREAM Act legislation. | |
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Booker Receives Death Threats
Police in Newark announced that they are increasing security for Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) after he and his family received a death threat. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka on Saturday said that the city’s police department had received notice from the U.S. Capitol Police about the threat. Baraka said that officers from the Executive Protection Unit have been assigned to provide security at Booker’s home in Newark. "The USCP provides protection to Members of Congress and we are closely coordinating with the agency to ensure Senator Booker is able to carry out his duties of serving New Jersey's residents in Congress in a safe manner," Baraka said. Authorities did not elaborate nor provide additional details of the threat. Read more here.
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CBC Women Call for Senate to Seat Jones Now
The women of the Congressional Black Caucus, led by Congresswomen Terri Sewell (D-AL) and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), sent letters to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI), and Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill, saying that “It is time for you to honor their [Alabama voters] decision” and seat Senator-elect Doug Jones immediately or delay legislative votes until he is sworn in. Sewell wrote: “As Congress considers far-reaching tax legislation this December, I urge Senate leadership to delay consideration of the tax bill until Senator-elect Doug Jones is sworn into office. The GOP tax bill will have severe consequences for all American families, and the people of Alabama deserve to have both of their duly elected Senators at the table for consideration of this bill.” The AP has more here.
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Harris and Duckworth Call on Appropriators to Ensure ICE Facilities are Humane
Senators Kamala Harris (D-CA) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) on Friday led a group of Senate Democrats urging House and Senate appropriators to mandate that all facilities within the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention system meet the most current national standards as a condition of DHS appropriations. “Poor conditions and inhumane treatment of immigrants within ICE detention facilities continue to fuel tragic and unjust consequences. Immigrants suffer mentally and physically – some have even lost their lives – as a result of dangerous, cruel, and unsanitary conditions and medical negligence within some facilities,” the Senators wrote. Their letter comes after a new report from DHS’ Office of Inspector General detailed insufficient facilities and inhumane conditions. See the letter here.
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Congressman Jimmy Gómez (D-CA) on Sunday celebrating the 7th anniversary of Little Bangladesh in Los Angeles. | |  | Actor Kal Penn getting ready to tape an episode of Designated Survivor. | |
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Kihuen Will Not Run in 2018
Congressman Rubén Kihuen (D-NV) has announced that he will not seek re-election in 2018, as mounting allegations that he sexually harassed women have led to the House Ethics Committee announcing that they will launch an investigation. "I want to state clearly again that I deny the allegations in question,” Kihuen said in a statement. "However, the allegations that have surfaced would be a distraction from a fair and thorough discussion of the issues in a reelection campaign. Therefore, it is in the best interests of my family and my constituents to complete my term in Congress and not seek reelection." BuzzFeed has interviews with at least 30 men and women who have worked in Nevada politics who describe Kihuen as a "playboy" whose reputation for constantly pursuing and flirting with young women was an "open secret." Read more here.
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Scott Accused of Sexual Misconduct
A woman has come forward with claims that she was terminated after rejecting advances from Congressman Bobby Scott (D-VA). At a press conference on Friday, Macherie Reese Everson said that Scott touched her inappropriately on two occasions in 2013 and that he flirted with her when she was a Fellow with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. Everson said that the Congressman "touched [her] inappropriately" on her back and knee. She also said that Scott had invited her on a work trip to California and that he asked her, "If you go, are you going to be good?" Everson claims she said yes, and that he said, 'Well, if you're going to be good, what's the point of you coming?'" At the press conference, Everson said she “was prevented from moving forward in my career because I attempted to run from a situation that was sexually inappropriate, where I had been propositioned to have a sexual relationship with my boss that I did not want." Scott strongly denied Everson's allegations. "I absolutely deny this allegation of misconduct. I have never sexually harassed anyone in my 25 years of service in the United States Congress, or in my 40 years of public service, or at any other time," Scott said. "Sexual harassment and assault are serious issues deserving of critical attention and review. No one should be subjected to sexual harassment or be treated unfairly." Everson’s attorney called on Scott to resign and for the House to launch an Ethics Committee investigation. Read more here.
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|  | Congresswoman Mia Love (R-UT) being interviewed on KSL Newsradio about Josh Holt, an American from Utah being held in a Venezuelan jail. | |  |
Mark Fowler, FCC Chairman from 1981 to 1987, with current FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. | |
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Maxine Waters Asks DOJ to Investigate Forgery
Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) has asked the Justice Department to investigate a forged letter making the rounds online which says that the Congresswoman would like to resettle 41,000 refugees in her district. Earlier this week, Waters’ Republican opponent, Omar Navarro, tweeted out the document -- a forgery on outdated letterhead -- with an attached caption that reads, “According to this document, Maxine Waters wants more terrorists, like the one who bombed NYC, in California’s 43rd District. As Congressman of CA’s 43rd District, I will oppose such policies.” The letter is riddled with grammatical errors, including the misspelling of ‘refugees,’ and lists an address that Waters has not used in about ten years. Navarro claims that he received the letter via Facebook and said, “I don’t know if it’s real or not, so I put it out there,” Navarro said. “It doesn’t say that I know. It’s ‘according to this document’ ... ” The House General Counsel received a complaint from Waters and forwarded it to the fraud section of the Justice Department's Criminal Division, since impersonating a federal official and copying an official seal are federal crimes. More here.
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The Rock for President?
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson says he is seriously considering running for President -- but in 2024. “I couldn’t do both,” he says, when asked by Variety about his burgeoning career as a movie star. “It feels like the realistic consideration would be 2024.” He says his interest stemmed from a June 2016 article in the WaPo which stated, “He could actually win.” Johnson says, “As that story picked up, Americans picked it up and there was this sentiment of, ‘We’re not joking, and we would really love the idea if you would run.'” Johnson, who has attended both Republican and Democratic conventions, says he is currently a registered Independent. “I’m well aware politics is not the business I’m in, so the best thing I can do is continuing to listen and learn as much as I can … I continue to be hopeful that our leaders exhibit poise, perspective and the ability to bring our country together during these tough times which I don’t feel our presidency is currently doing. So that’s where I’m at.” The former University of Miami football player went on to say, “For example, when it’s a polarizing issue like our NFL players kneeling during the National Anthem, that’s not a time to be divisive and shut them out of the White House. It’s the time to actually open the doors and bring those players in so our President and staff can understand exactly what the needs are -- face to face, so change and positive progress can happen -- but that’s not happening right now.” As evidenced by the current administration, we should take these political ambitions seriously. More here.
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Congressman Vicente González (D-TX) with San Diego ISD Superintendent Dr. Samuel Bueno. | |  |
Congresswoman Linda Sánchez (D-CA) with “Dreamers” on Capitol Hill. | |
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A Prince and a President
Prince Harry interviewed Barack Obama for BBC Radio 4's Today program. The interview is part of Harry's guest editorship and features POTUS44 sharing memories of the day he left office and his hopes for his post-presidential life. Obama asked the 33-year-old Prince, “Do I need a British accent?” Prince Harry admitted to feeling a few jitters, telling Obama, “You're excited about this. I'm nervous about this. That's what's quite funny.” Obama helped the Prince relax, replying, “It's fun. I'll interview you if you want?” Harry replied, “No, no, let's keep it this way. I'd much prefer that.” The conversation includes President Obama talking about his plans to focus on cultivating the next generation of leadership through the Obama Foundation. The interview was recorded in Toronto in September during the Invictus Games and will be broadcast on December 27th. See a clip of the interview here.
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Tavis Smiley Speaks Out About Allegations
Walmart, which had been a sponsor of Tavis Smiley's talk show and an upcoming touring theatrical show, cut ties with him. Additionally, a book distributor distanced itself after PBS said an investigation found "troubling allegations" of misconduct by the radio and TV host. Hay House, which distributes the Smiley Books imprint, said all Smiley projects were "on hold" pending an internal review. Smiley had planned in September to release Leading by Listening: Connecting through Conversation to Transform Your Relationships and Your Business. A promoter in Memphis canceled Smiley’s Death of a King: A Live Theatrical Experience show that was scheduled for April 4th. Appearing this morning on Good Morning America, Smiley once again adamantly claimed his innocence. He did, however, admit to having consensual sexual relationships with some subordinates. He said he “never gave any favoritism upward or downward” to anyone he dated, adding that he was never told by anyone who worked for him that he made them feel uncomfortable. Some have alleged that Tavis created a verbally abusive environment, to which he replied, “that’s not true.” See the full clip here.
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Daily Caller Names a New White House Correspondent
The Daily Caller has named Saagar Enjeti its White House Correspondent. He previously covered defense for the outlet. The trilingual journo is fluent in English, Spanish, and Telugu. Before joining The Daily Caller, Enjeti worked in research and External Relations for the Institute for the Study of War. His work has been cited by the NYT, WaPo, The Financial Times, CNN, and Military Times. Original pieces by Enjeti have been featured across DCNF network and various Defense news aggregators, including RealClearDefense. The 2014 George Washington University grad is currently pursuing his Master’s at Georgetown. Congrats, Saagar. More about him here.
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Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL) with immigration activist Gaby Pacheco. | |  | Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) speaking in support of DREAM Act legislation. | |
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ICYMI: Booker Names Deputy Chief of Staff
Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) recently named Tamia Booker (no relation) his Deputy Chief of Staff. The 2005 Florida A&M University graduate previously did national African American outreach for the Hillary Clinton presidential campaign. Prior to that, she served as Director of Constituency and Allied Groups Engagement at the DNC. An alumna of the Obama administration, she also served as an Associate Director at the Department of Health and Human Services. She cut her teeth on politics as a Youth Director for the Obama presidential campaign in 2008. She is one of two Black women in senior positions in the Senate. Congrats, Tamia! More about her here.
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Anita Hill Will Lead Anti-Sexual Harassment Hollywood Commission
The Commission on Sexual Harassment and Advancing Equality in the Workplace -- an initiative fighting sexual misconduct in Hollywood -- announced late on Friday that Anita Hill would chair the newly formed commission. The initiative is spearheaded by producer Kathleen Kennedy, attorney Nina Shaw, venture capitalist Freada Kapor Klein, and Nike Foundation co-chair Maria Eitel, and it is backed by powerful Hollywood names, including Ari Emanuel (brother of Chicago Mayor and Obama alum Rahm Emanuel), Disney Chairman Bob Iger, CBS Chairman Leslie Moonves, Atlantic Records Chairman Julie Greenwald, and 20 others. “It is time to end the culture of silence,” Hill said. “I’ve been at this work for 26 years. This moment presents us with an unprecedented opportunity to make real change.” More here.
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|  The Daily Show correspondent Ronny Chieng explaining cryptocurrency from a bathtub last week.
| |  | Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue with Congressman Al Lawson Jr. (D-FL) and FAMU President Larry Robinson. | |
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Meet the Native American Activists Behind the “Washington Redhawks”
Last week, The Beat DC team started getting notifications that the DC football team had finally agreed to change their name to the Washington Redhawks. As it turns out, it was fake news. The online hoax was an elaborate plan with a serious undertone created by Native American activists who have been fighting the DC team name for decades. Members of the Rising Hearts coalition, a DC-based and female-led indigenous group, recreated web pages from media outlets such as Sports Illustrated, ESPN, and WaPo to promote the false story. Sebastian Medina-Tayac, an organizer for the rising Hearts Coalition and a member of the Piscataway Indian Nation, called the move a “culture jam.” It was arguably successful, as the news of the fake name change went viral. More here.
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Feds Oppose Corrine Brown’s Request to Stay Out of Prison
Federal prosecutors are opposing former Congresswoman Corrine Brown’s bid to remain free while appealing her conviction on fraud and tax crimes. In a motion filed Sunday, prosecutors assert Brown’s request “is without merit and should be denied.” U.S. District Judge Timothy Corrigan sentenced Brown on December 4th to five years in federal prison. Corrigan ordered 71-year-old Brown to report to prison no earlier than January 8th. The Federal Bureau of Prisons will tell her when and where to report. The sole issue cited in a motion filed by Brown's attorney to remain free is Corrigan’s dismissal of a juror who professed during deliberations that the “Holy Spirit” revealed to him that Brown was innocent. More here.
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|  | Congressmen Ro Khanna (D-CA) on the podcast Quick Questions about Congress with Kilmer speaking about his experience in Congress. | |  | Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) at a Hanukkah celebration in Brighton Beach last week. | |
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Senators Intro Bipartisan Bill to Ease Penalties on Victims of Natural Disasters
Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), John Kennedy (R-LA), John Cornyn (R-TX), Bill Nelson (D-FL), and Ted Cruz (R-TX) introduced the Disaster Assistance Simplification Act, which would stop the Department of Housing and Urban Development from penalizing victims of natural disasters who apply for, but decline, Small Business Administration disaster loans. Survivors of natural disasters who apply for -- but do not accept -- SBA disaster loans are currently penalized when Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) disaster relief funds are awarded. Every dollar of SBA loan money they are approved for is a dollar less that can be awarded in CDBG disaster relief funds. This bill would prevent HUD from penalizing those applicants. “The current disaster assistance process is unsynchronized and burdensome for victims of natural disasters. By penalizing victims who don’t take assistance, our laws discourage victims from applying for SBA disaster loans,” said Rubio. Cruz stated, “Rebuilding after a hurricane is a monumental and complicated task so it is imperative that there is clarity in the process and that disaster survivors aren’t unknowingly penalized.” More here.
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| FOMO February 21 - 23, 2018: The NFL, Morehouse College, and the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE) host a program in Atlanta to educate athletes on how to develop and implement effective advocacy platforms that positively impact society. Click here for more information.
April 19, 2018: The University of North Dakota sponsors a conference on the Dakota Access Pipeline and the Standing Rock protests. Click here for more information.
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