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What a shame. To appease the warmongers, during this time the Czech government raised annual military budget to match 2% GDP as they are planning to purchase F-35 fighter jets costing 100 billion CZK. The pension cuts will save them 19 billion this year.
Anger as French government pushes through pension change without vote
Opposition parties said they would request a vote of no confidence in the government, which will be voted on in the coming days, possibly on Monday.
The French parliament saw chaotic scenes after President Emmanuel Macron’s unpopular plan to reform the country’s costly pension system was pushed through without a vote
Protests erupt as French government forces through higher retirement age
The pension reform bill passed the French Senate earlier on Thursday, but was not expected to pass the National Assembly – the lower house of the country’s parliament – where lawmakers were due to vote this afternoon.
The session was stopped early for Borne’s announcement. Lawmakers erupted into chaotic scenes as she explained the government’s decision, fighting to be heard as lawmakers sang French national anthem “La Marseillaise” and others held signs reading “No to 64 years.”
French President Macron overrides parliament to pass retirement age bill
French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday resorted to using special constitutional powers.
The pensions overhaul has been met with widespread protests and strikes across France.
Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne announced to the assembly that the government would trigger Article 49.3 of the French Constitution.
Protests in Paris as Macron forces through controversial pension reform
But the government was unsure of the vote numbers in the National Assembly, forcing French Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne to announce the triggering of Article 49.3.
The decision runs the risk of further inflaming the protests and strikes that have rocked France over the last months. It also gives the opposition the right to immediately call a confidence vote in parliament.
The opposition reacted with fury to the decision to avoid a vote after weeks of debates on the legislation.
Israel could learn a thing or two from history of US Constitution – opinion
The constitution is the guiding force behind the US. The president, federal officers and all members of the military swear to defend it.
Though written at the end of the 18th century, many of the lessons from the debate over its adoption are of interest to us in modern-day Israel: namely the maintenance of equality between the three branches of government, the preservation of checks and balances, the need to maintain a strong judiciary but also the need to retain a path to override Supreme Court decisions, the importance of harnessing the talents of high-level visionaries and the need to maintain a broad consensus before initiating reform.
Israel’s Judicial Coup: Israel’s Knesset Passes Three Bills Aimed at Enfeebling Top Court in First Reading
(13.03.2023)
The third amendment approved by the Knesset, the override clause, allows its members to enact laws previously overruled by the court. This proposed amendment to the Basic Law on the Judiciary would also make any law passed by a slim majority (61 out of 120 lawmakers) immune to judicial review by the court.
This Is Definitely a Coup. Israel Is on Its Way to Becoming a Dictatorship
It can be very confusing when a “coup from above” takes place. On the face of it, everything looks normal. There are no tanks in the streets, and no general with a uniform sagging with medals interrupts the television broadcasts. The coup occurs behind closed doors, with laws being passed and decrees being signed that remove all restraints on the government, and dismantle all checks and balances. Of course, the government does not declare that it is carrying out a coup. It claims only that it is passing some much-needed reforms, “for the good of the people.”
Republicans say new tax bill is DOA. It would raise Medicare$ from 3.8% to 5% for income greater than $400K. Also tax wealthy >$100 million and families 20% on income & stocks.
I guess this would be bad for @GOP next taxes on bribes.
President Biden plans new taxes on the rich to help save Medicare
President Joe Biden on Tuesday proposed new taxes on the rich to help fund Medicare, saying the plan would help to extend the insurance program’s solvency by 25 years and provide a degree of middle-class stability to millions of older adults.
Biden Is Set to Detail Nearly $3 Trillion in Measures to Reduce Deficits
Mr. Biden’s plans to trim the deficit are unlikely to mollify Republicans. He has refused to negotiate over the debt limit and has said he will not cut benefits for Social Security or Medicare, two popular safety net programs. But he has said repeatedly that he is open to reducing deficits by raising taxes on corporations and the rich.
Biden Wants a Wealth Tax: Should Billionaires Pay More?
For example, in 2021, a ProPublica report indicated that the richest twenty-five Americans had an effective zero percent tax rate. When the ProPublica analysis was first released, it generated controversy over confidentiality of taxpayer information. But the data made some people aware of how the very wealthy can sometimes avoid paying federal taxes.
So, why does all of this matter? Well, there’s a wealth distribution gap in America.
Millionaires urge Democrats to include billionaire tax in spending bill
(01.11.2021)
A group of about 250 millionaires on Monday urged top Democrats to include a proposal to tax billionaires‘ investment gains annually in their social-spending package, after the proposal was left out of a framework the White House released last week.
Amazon’s labor exploitation is a return to the 1920s — and unions are our best hope out
(14.06.2021)
Amazon claims to be innovative, but its strategies of market dominance and labor exploitation are as old as capitalism itself, and were perfected by predecessors like Standard Oil, General Motors, US Steel, AT&T, Walmart and Microsoft. My union, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, views this as history repeating itself.
The Roaring ’20s were great for those at the top, but meant massive exploitation of workers. As we embark further into the 2020s, the Teamsters will make sure that Amazon cannot repeat a history where workers suffered acutely to make ends meet and were frequently injured or even killed on the job while company executives stuffed their pockets with the profits.
How companies like Amazon, Nike and FedEx avoid paying federal taxes
(14.04.2022)
The 55 corporations cited by ITEP would have paid a collective total of $8.5 billion. Instead, they received $3.5 billion in tax rebates, collectively draining $12 billion from the U.S. government, according to the institute.
Amazon had sales income of €44bn in Europe in 2020 but paid no corporation tax
(4, May 2021)
Accounts for Amazon EU Sarl, through which it sells products to hundreds of millions of households in the UK and across Europe, show that despite collecting record income, the Luxembourg unit made a €1.2bn loss and therefore paid no tax. (…)
The Luxembourg unit – which handles sales for the UK, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain and Sweden – employs just 5,262 staff meaning that the income per employ amounts to €8.4m.
Amazon Income Taxes 2010-2022 | AMZN
Amazon annual income taxes for 2022 were $–3.217B, a 167.15% decline from 2021.
Amazon annual income taxes for 2021 were $4.791B, a 67.34% increase from 2020.
Amazon annual income taxes for 2020 were $2.863B, a 20.6% increase from 2019.
Coalition advances bill that would return Deri to cabinet, defying High Court ruling
(22 February 2023)
In addition to his January 2022 conviction for tax fraud, Deri served prison time for a 1999 bribery conviction related to his conduct while a minister. In its explosive January ruling, the High Court of Justice said Netanyahu’s decision to appoint a convicted financial criminal as minister in charge of the large Health Ministry and Interior Ministry budgets was “unreasonable in the extreme.”
Bill Curbing Power to Rule Netanyahu Unfit Could Lead to ‚Absurd Situations,‘ Attorney General Warns
The bill, submitted by coalition chairman Ofir Katz, states that only the cabinet can declare a prime minister unfit or incapacitated by a two-thirds majority, and that in some cases, such a declaration would require approval by a majority of 90 lawmakers. Moreover, a declaration of incapacitation would apply to incompetence for health reasons only.
The bill is being advanced in response to the Movement for Quality Government in Israel’s petition to the High Court asking to declare Netanyahu unfit for office over a conflict of interest due to the ongoing criminal proceedings against him.
Court gives Netanyahu 1 month to respond to petition to declare him unfit for office
(10 February 2023)
The High Court of Justice on Friday gave Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu one month to respond to a petition to declare him unfit for office and force him to take a leave of absence.
The Movement for Quality Government in Israel petitioned the court on Thursday, arguing that Netanyahu is in violation of a conflict of interest arrangement that bars him from involvement in matters that could impact his ongoing trial on graft charges.
AG pondering declaring Netanyahu unfit as PM due to conflicts of interest
(Jan 22, 2023)
In 2021, the High Court of Justice ruled that a conflict of interest arrangement formulated under then former attorney-general Avichai Mandelblit was binding for Netanyahu.
The arrangement prohibits Netanyahu from being involved in the nomination of judges or of the police commissioner and from being involved in legislation that has an impact on the criminal proceedings against him.
GOP Megadonor Is Funding a Far-Right Israeli Think Tank — and Establishment Democrats
Pulling from the playbook of the American Legislative Exchange Council — a Koch-backed group that writes model legislation for conservative lawmakers across the U.S. — Kohelet’s founder helped draft the law that became Israel’s Basic Law on the Nation-State in 2018. The controversial policy established Jewish people as having the sole right to self-determination, downgraded Arabic from its status as an official language, and declared the development of Jewish settlement a “national value.” Kohelet also drafted a new law that gives Israel’s Parliament the power to override Supreme Court decisions, grants the government complete control over judicial appointments, and abolishes the courts’ reasonableness doctrine, which was most recently used to disqualify a thrice-convicted criminal and Netanyahu ally from serving as health and interior minister.
UK strikes: No 10 admits ‚very difficult‘ day ahead as hundreds of thousands of workers walk out
Downing Street has conceded that today’s mass strike action will be „very difficult“ for the public.
The prime minister’s official spokesman said it is „disappointing“ that headteachers do not know fully how many teachers will be available for work until later today.
Strikes UK – live: Train drivers and teachers join biggest walkout in decade today
Downing Street said 600 military personnel as well as civil servants and volunteers across government have been trained to fill the gaps in public services.
Paul Nowak, general secretary of the TUC, said a petition of more than 250,000 signatures opposing new so-called “anti-strike” laws will be delivered to Downing Street.
Millionaires urge Democrats to include billionaire tax in spending bill
(01.11.2021)
A group of about 250 millionaires on Monday urged top Democrats to include a proposal to tax billionaires‘ investment gains annually in their social-spending package, after the proposal was left out of a framework the White House released last week.
Justin Trudeau says 2023 is the year Rebel News must die.
(December 31, 2022)
When the Online Streaming Act becomes law in a few months, section 9.1(1)(e) will give Trudeau the power to order Internet companies like Google, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram to promote or hide whatever news sources he likes.
He can order them to promote the CBC and the Toronto Star, and to make it impossible to find Rebel News. Here’s the wording of the law. Trudeau can, „make orders… respecting the presentation of programs and programming services for selection by the public, including the showcasing and the discoverability of Canadian programs and programming services.”
Let me translate: Trudeau doesn’t have to ban Rebel News anymore. He can just order the big Internet companies to make us disappear. I’ve heard several journalists call this the “Kill Rebel Law” because it so clearly targets us.
But I’ve got news for Trudeau: we will not lay down and die.
As you know, we fight like hell when Trudeau tries to censor us. And we often win — we’ve beat him twice before in Federal Court.
Peterson says he expects to be suspended from Twitter under Bill C-11
Prominent Canadian psychologist and author Dr. Jordan Peterson said he expects to be taken off of Twitter as soon as Bill C-11 becomes law.
“But Canadians insist on sleeping in the daze produced by @JustinTrudeau’s narcissistic compassion and undeniable celebrity charisma,” said Peterson in a Sunday tweet.
Millionaires urge Democrats to include billionaire tax in spending bill
(01.11.2021)
A group of about 250 millionaires on Monday urged top Democrats to include a proposal to tax billionaires‘ investment gains annually in their social-spending package, after the proposal was left out of a framework the White House released last week.
Trump blasts Democrats, Supreme Court after House releases tax returns
“The ‘Trump’ tax returns once again show how proudly successful I have been and how I have been able to use depreciation and various other tax deductions as an incentive for creating thousands of jobs and magnificent structures and enterprises,” he continued.
Sunak urged to drop ‘unspeakably cruel’ two-child limit and benefit cap
Households with more than two children where universal credit or child tax credit is claimed no longer receive additional funds.
It applies to additional children born after 6 April 2017, however exemptions apply for those who had children in a multiple birth or children conceived due to rape or coercion.
However, the exemptions have caused controversy as women must disclose that they were raped in order to be eligible – known as the rape clause.
Sweden still has requirements to meet to join NATO: Turkey
Billström said Sweden is determined to fulfill its commitments and Stockholm was in the process of strengthening its “anti-terrorism” legislation.
A constitutional amendment will enter into force on January 1 that restricts the freedom of association of groups that engage in or support “terrorism”, he said.
The Swedish government also plans to introduce legislation that further impedes people taking part in the activities of “terrorist” groups, Billström said.
Congress Trying To Sneak Through Internet Link Tax To Funnel Cash To Private Equity Firms That Are Destroying Local Journalism
Congress has a bad habit. They have stopped passing substantive legislation through normal procedure, debate and votes. The legislative process as designed by our Founders is not happening. Instead, Congress is saving most of its actual policy-making legislation for large end-of-the-year bills that can combine hundreds of separate pieces of legislation. And if reports are accurate, we could be shaping up for the granddaddy of them all this December. This process must change, particularly for bills as highly controversial and constitutionally concerning as the misleadingly named Journalism Competition and Preservation Act (JCPA).
Railroads made $21 billion in profits in the first 9 months of 2022. Guaranteeing 7 paid sick days to rail workers would cost the industry $321 million/year. That’s just 1.5% of those profits. Congress just rejected sick leave for these workers. It’s profits over everything.
‚Political pawns‘: Livid railway workers warn Biden’s union agreement will ‚definitely‘ impact next election
„I work for a Class 1 railroad that implemented one of the most egregious attendance policies (Hi-Viz) that requires us to be available to work 92% of the time per month,“ he said. „If we take off one day for a sickness, we are required to [work] 14 days straight to gain points back. That is why we are fighting tooth and nail for sick days.“
President Biden signs bill that averts rail strike despite opposition from unions
Dec 2, 2022
President Joe Biden signed a bill on Friday that prevents 12 rail unions from going on strike next week. The president signed the bill to head off a potentially crippling supply chain disruption in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
Protest Strikebreaker-In-Chief Biden in Boston!
Join Railroad Workers United (RWU), the Independent Socialist Group (ISG), and the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) at a protest outside of Biden’s upcoming appearance in Boston. If you are in an organization that would like to endorse this event and is interested in speaking in support of railroad workers, contact:
Nick Wurst, RWU & ISG: 508-335-8633
Paul Bamberger, DSA: 518-860-9378
Day & Time: Friday 12/2 Picket starting 11:30am, Rally starting 12pm. Estimated end time 1:30pm.
Location: Biden will be visiting JFK Library at University Dr N, Boston, MA 02125 for an event. The picket and rally will be held at the corner of University Drive North and Colombia Point, on the parking lot side.
People need to understand that we’ve reached this point in rail bargaining because of a failed union strategy to rely entirely on Democratic Party leadership to get a deal, and to avoid anything that could threaten that strategy, from progressive legislation to going on strike
Schumer pledges to keep senators in Washington until rail deal is done
“The Senate cannot leave until we get the job done, and Democrats will keep working with Republicans to find a path forward that everyone can support,” he announced on the Senate floor.
The Democratic leader began the so-called Rule 14 process on Wednesday evening to put a House-passed bill to avert the rail strike on the Senate calendar.
This is a legacy defining moment for Joe Biden. He is going down as one of the biggest disappointments in labor history.
(29.11.2022)
Statement from President Joe Biden on House Action to Avert Rail Shutdown
(30.11.2022)
This overwhelming bipartisan vote in the House of Representatives makes clear that Democrats and Republicans agree that a rail shutdown would be devastating to our economy and families across the country. The Senate must now act urgently. Without the certainty of a final vote to avoid a shutdown this week, railroads will begin to halt the movement of critical materials like chemicals to clean our drinking water as soon as this weekend.
Rail workers: A single day of sick leave please CNN’s coverage today:
(29.11.2022)
House Passes Bill to Block Rail Strike at Urging of President Biden
The House has passed legislation to block a nationwide rail strike by imposing a contract that has been rejected by unions representing the majority of freight rail workers.
Will a parliamentary override clause for Supreme Court rulings balance power or harm democracy?
Israel’s right-wing majority considers the Supreme Court’s authority “overreaching” – and the expected incoming coalition plans to pass legislation known as the “override clause” giving parliament the power to reverse rulings from the high court.
‚Override Law‘ would be ‘fatal blow’ to Israel’s democracy, legal experts warn
Members of the likely upcoming coalition government under Benjamin Netanyahu are said to be in favor of a proposal that would enable a 61-Knesset-member majority to overrule the Supreme Court and cancel its decisions. Netanyahu, who was initially reluctant to include the controversial override clause in coalition negotiations, agreed to do so following pressure from his allies in the ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism and Religious Zionist parties.
House Democrat eyes legislation to bar Trump from office under 14th Amendment
Rep. David Cicilline (D-R.I.) is eyeing legislation that would bar former President Trump from serving in office under the 14th Amendment “for leading an insurrection against the United States.”
2022 midterm elections: Here are the states where recounts are likely
Several states have laws that require automatic recounts in tight races.
Some Republican candidates have already said they plan to challenge the results — if they lose.
The contentious nature of the 2022 midterms sets the U.S. up for another round of bitter and drawn-out legal battles and recounts reminiscent of the 2020 presidential election.
Millionaires urge Democrats to include billionaire tax in spending bill
(01.11.2021)
A group of about 250 millionaires on Monday urged top Democrats to include a proposal to tax billionaires‘ investment gains annually in their social-spending package, after the proposal was left out of a framework the White House released last week.
Congress eyeing ‘NOPEC’ bill to take on Saudi Arabia
Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) recently floated using the legislation, known as “NOPEC,” as one way to respond to the group, which includes Saudi Arabia and Russia.
Some lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have gone even further, saying that the decision by the Saudi-led group to reduce production by 2 million barrels a day is a reason to significantly shift relations with Riyadh.
A sweeping US Senate bill aims to address key Arctic issues
(August 4, 2022)
The bill would establish a year-round presence in Arctic waters while calling for deepwater port investment. The U.S. Coast Guard and Navy would be required to submit a report on establishing and maintaining a permanent presence at ports in Nome, Unalaska, Port Clarence, and potentially other deepwater ports in the American Arctic and sub-Arctic.
Basic income has been ‚total failure‘ says Meloni
The basic income was a flagship policy of the populist 5-Star Movement (M5S), whose then leader, Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio, said „we have abolished poverty“ with the measure.
FdI was the only party to vote against it, Meloni noted with pride.
We got Brexit done – now we must capitalise on the freedoms it gave us
Second, the government would also remove the burdens of GDPR, creating in its place the most dynamic data protection regime in the world.
The EU’s Byzantine rules are preventing British tech companies from innovating and public services from sharing data to prevent crime. As any internet user can see, GDPR – with all its bureaucratic box-ticking – is clearly not working and needs to be replaced.
The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and give individual states the choice of banning or allowing abortions will immediately affect 13 states that have trigger laws.
UK officials in line for immunity in assisting crimes overseas, say critics
Exclusive: Draft security bill would let spies and ministers enable killings and torture, warn charity and ex-minister
U.S. bars ex-spies from becoming ‚mercenaries,‘ following Reuters series
(March 16, 2022)
“We don’t want our best trained intel officers going straight into the hands of foreign governments for the sake of money,“ Castro said. „This discourages intelligence mercenaries and protects our national interest.“
The UAE spying operation, called Project Raven, hacked into Facebook and Google accounts and thousands of Apple iPhones, targeting activists that human rights groups say were later arrested and tortured
Israel to Scrap COVID Green Pass for Most Entertainment Venues From Sunday
Israel’s coronavirus cabinet decided to abolish its so-called green passport program for most places of entertainment, including hotels, restaurants, gyms and movie theaters, effectively removing barriers to entry for the unvaccinated.
The new policy will come into effect on Sunday, and will leave the proof of vaccination in place for events “with significantly greater risk of infection,” such as weddings and parties.
Knesset passes ‘COVID law,’ ending state of emergency in place for most of pandemic
(26 Jan 2022)
The Knesset on Tuesday passed the so-called “coronavirus law,” bringing an end to the state of emergency that has been in place for most of the pandemic and requiring greater legislative supervision over COVID-19 restrictions imposed by the government.
The new law will go into effect on February 1 and last until the end of 2022.
Israeli Ministry Seeks Extention of Controversial Fingerprint Collection Order
Despite its statements, the Interior Ministry plans to continue collecting fingerprints for its biometric ID database until 2025, at the earliest. Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked has proposed a three-year extension of the emergency order that provides for gathering fingerprints from citizens. The Knesset must vote on the measure.
The ministry’s Population and Immigration Authority says it needs about two years to buy and introduce facial recognition technology that will obviate the need for fingerprints. The agency is considering retaining the fingerprint database for victim identification in the event of a national disaster.
Racist ‘Citizenship Law’ Advances, Months after Ban on Palestinian Spouses Lapsed
The bill was rejected by the Knesset plenum six months ago, and since then, Shaked has struggled to obtain a majority. Joint List leader MK Ayman Odeh (Hadash) said he was determined to prevent its passage. “We toppled the Citizenship Law, because we oppose racist, anti-democratic legislation”, Odeh said. “We will do everything we can to topple it again.” According to Hadash MK Ofer Cassif (Hadash), “This Israeli law is racist, collective, pre-emptive punishment. It can neither be justified, nor redeemed.” The Joint List also oppose Prime Minister Naftali Bennett’s bill on drafting yeshiva students. All parties in the coalition support the bill, including Islamist Ra’am (United Arab List).
Controversial right-wing citizenship bill advanced by ministers
The controversial bill would tighten immigration controls and make it harder for Palestinians who marry Israeli Arabs to receive citizenship. The passage of a bill backed by right-wing parties and opposed by Meretz and Ra’am (United Arab List) was seen as a first step toward the formation of a right-wing government if opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu accepts a plea agreement.
Israel: Ministers vote to advance online censorship bill
Critics argue that it is dangerous to give the court such immense power over public speech.
“Bennett and Sa’ar… bring a law that will censor social networks and deprive citizens of freedom of expression,” Israel’s Opposition Leader Benjamin Netanyahu said.
Push to repeal Iraq war powers snags in overloaded Senate
(07.12.2021)
Tim Kaine and Todd Young were preparing to celebrate a historic victory this month: repealing two outdated war authorizations.
But the Virginina Democrat and the Indiana Republican learned this week that their legislation to scrap the 1991 and 2002 Iraq war authorizations has become a casualty of the Senate’s year-end scramble to pass the annual defense policy bill, lift the debt ceiling and approve President Joe Biden’s social spending plan.
Jailed for 51 weeks for protesting? Britain is becoming a police state by stealth
(01.12.2021)
The government’s back-door amendments to the policing bill are tyrannical. We should be on the streets in our millions
The Florida Legislature and my administration are committed to protecting Florida jobs. Today, I signed legislation protecting the right of Floridians to earn a living and to make health decisions for themselves.
Florida set to become first state to fine businesses over vaccine mandates, in defiance of Biden administration
(18.11.2021)
Acting mostly along party lines, the Florida House and Senate passed a package of four bills protecting workers who remain defiant against Covid-19 vaccinations. Once signed by DeSantis — which is expected in the coming days — Florida will become the first state with a law imposing fines on companies that require a Covid-19 vaccination as a condition of employment.
‘An Unconstitutional Invasion’: Republican Senators To Challenge Biden Vaccine Mandate: Report
Every Republican senator is expected to challenge the Biden Administration’s vaccine mandate via the Congressional Review Act on Wednesday.
According to a report from Fox News, the Congressional Review Act is “ the official process for Congress to eliminate an executive branch rule.”
BREAKING! I just helped introduce legislation to officially invalidate President Biden’s unconstitutional, job-killing vaccine mandate. This one-size-fits-all big government power grab is an invasion of privacy and will cripple businesses across the country.
These 6 House Democrats voted against the infrastructure bill. These 13 Republicans voted for it.
A number of progressives — who have consistently called for both the infrastructure and the separate economic package, known as the Build Back Better Act, to move together — voted „no“ on the legislation.
Here are the six House Democrats who broke from their party to vote against the bill:
Rep. Jamaal Bowman of New York
Rep. Cori Bush of Missouri
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York
Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota
Rep. Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts
Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan
The NDAA Needs These Two Narrow Immigration Bills
Although not an ideal solution to Congress’ struggle to pass legislation, lawmakers have historically used the NDAA to push their agendas. Concerns that these bills do not belong in the National Defense Authorization Act are misguided; this is not the first time immigration policy has been included in the NDAA. What’s more, these particular bills are narrowly tailored with bipartisan support and have legitimate ties to national security. Now, the responsibility lies with the Senate to approve the bills as part of the NDAA to optimize U.S. innovation and national security.
Governor Abbott Issues Executive Order Prohibiting Vaccine Mandates By Any Entity, Adds Issue To Special Session Agenda
October 11, 2021 | Austin, Texas | Press Release
Governor Greg Abbott today issued an executive order stating that no entity in Texas can compel receipt of a COVID-19 vaccination by any individual, including an employee or consumer, who objects to such vaccination for any reason of personal conscience, based on a religious belief, or for medical reasons, including prior recovery from COVID-19. Governor Abbott also sent a message to the the Chief Clerk of the House and Secretary of the Senate adding this issue as an item to the Third Special Session agenda. The executive order will be rescinded upon the passage of such legislation.
Ever notice how “deficit hawks” vote for record-high defense spending, yet claim bills that help people & challenge lobbyists are “too much?” ‘22 Defense Bill = $768 billion/yr Build Back Better = $350B/yr Guess which got rubber stamped & which gets deemed a “spending problem”
Pelosi Suffers Humiliating Setback, Forced to Call Off Spending Bill Vote as Democrats Quarrel
A House vote on a $1 trillion infrastructure spending bill was called off Thursday by Speaker Nancy Pelosi as feuding Democrats could not unite.
The $1 trillion package already has passed the Senate with bipartisan support, and even has the support of a majority of House members. However, passage of the bill is being held up by a $3.5 trillion spending package that progressives want and moderates oppose.
Pelosi delays infrastructure vote as Democrats struggle to reach deal
(Updated: 09/30/2021 10:54 PM EDT)
Speaker Nancy Pelosi pushed off a planned vote on a bipartisan infrastructure bill late Thursday after top Democrats in the House, Senate and the White House failed to reach a deal to pass the legislation.
Pelosi and other top Democrats engaged in hours of frenetic negotiations, hoping to produce a bicameral deal on President Joe Biden’s broader social spending package, which progressives had demanded in exchange for their votes on the Senate-passed infrastructure bill.
Housing is infrastructure. Child care is infrastructure. Paid leave is infrastructure. The people gave us a mandate & we’re holding the line. We must advance the #BuildBackBetterAct to address the needs of the people before we move the narrow roads and bridges bill.
Left warns Pelosi they’ll take down Biden infrastructure bill
Liberals on Tuesday fired a shot across the bow at Democratic leaders by warning that a bipartisan infrastructure bill cannot pass the House as long as Senate centrists remain noncommittal on the larger social benefits package at the heart of President Biden’s agenda.
Progressive Democrats vow to defy Pelosi, vote no on infrastructure bill
Progressive Democrats on Tuesday starkly warned House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other party leaders that their position on President Joe Biden’s infrastructure agenda remains unchanged: Without a deal on a broader, social policy bill, they do not intend to support a bipartisan infrastructure bill that Pelosi wants to bring to a vote this Thursday.
Democrats say we are the party of the people, let’s show by passing this crucial agenda on behalf of the people & fulfill our promise to our constituents. This level of investment hasn’t been proposed or implemented since the 1930s. Let’s have @POTUS ’ back & pass this agenda
Joe Biden’s Build Back Better Agenda is being held up by moderate Democrats
It’s only when the ground buckles and snaps in an earthquake that we’re aware that the land had already been moving. Moderate Democrats in Washington must similarly be wondering what happened as they struggle to accept that they are no longer the dominant force in the party.
After years of being relegated to an afterthought and being told that moving too quickly or too far to the left would alienate voters, progressives are firmly in the driver’s seat in Washington.
Why are moderate Democrats okay with killing Biden’s legislative agenda?
Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) and a handful of House Democrats oppose letting Medicare negotiate prescription drug prices, which would save more than $500 billion over 10 years. (Incidentally, three of the Democrats opposing the idea have received $1.6 million in donations from the pharmaceutical industry.) The New York Times also reports that Sinema “has privately told colleagues she will not accept any corporate or income tax rate increases,” while Manchin remains opposed to the current plan’s proposed corporate tax rate.
Pelosi says Biden’s infrastructure bill can’t wait for social safety net bill
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told Democrats on Monday that passage of the $550 billion infrastructure bill must not wait for President Joe Biden’s multitrillion-dollar safety net bill, saying the larger package is not yet ready for a vote.
New Zealand to pass counter-terrorism law after horror stabbings, mass shootings
A counter-terrorism legislation bill has returned to the parliament for second reading in an important step taken by New Zealand towards giving enforcement agencies greater power to protect the country from terrorist activities, a move following a terror attack in Auckland more than two weeks ago.
A great way for Senate Democrats who are very mad about Afghanistan to stick it to Joe Biden would be for them to repeal the 2001 AUMF!
Senators worry time running out on updating 2001 military authorization
(03.08.2021)
Should lawmakers try to force the issue of updating the 2001 AUMF by establishing an expiration date, one of their best chances would be via an amendment to the must-pass fiscal 2022 defense policy bill that both chambers will take up this fall.
Senators worry time running out on updating 2001 military authorization
Should lawmakers try to force the issue of updating the 2001 AUMF by establishing an expiration date, one of their best chances would be via an amendment to the must-pass fiscal 2022 defense policy bill that both chambers will take up this fall.
Sen. Cruz Fights to Block the American Government from Establishing COVID Vaccine Passports
(28.07.2021)
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today participated in a committee markup on three bills, one of which seeks to create a fund for global health initiatives. Sen. Cruz introduced two amendments to prevent the federal government from creating a vaccine passport system and vaccine database to track Americans based on their vaccination status. Read excerpts of his remarks below.
U.S. Lawmakers Call for Punitive Measures Against Israeli NSO Over Spyware Allegations
Finally, the four House Democrats call to „investigate and assess the possible targeting of American journalists, aid works, diplomats and others’ with NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware, determine whether America’s national security was harmed, and take steps to protect all Americans, including federal employees, from the threat posed by the growing mercenary spyware industry.“
GOP senators fight to preserve Biden’s war powers amid tensions with Iran
(13.07.2021)
It’s a strange dynamic for members of Congress, who have long seen presidents of both parties expand and sometimes abuse their war powers even after campaigning on ending conflicts in the Middle East. Nearly 20 years after the horrors of Sept. 11, GOP lawmakers are now in the awkward position of fighting to maintain a Democratic president’s authority to conduct military operations without congressional approval.
Palestinian family reunification bill fails to pass Israeli parliament vote
The bill was to extend the lifespan of an amendment to Israel’s citizenship law, which effectively barred Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza from receiving residency and citizenship if they married an Israeli.
Enacted in 2003 during the Second Intifada and renewed annually ever since the exception was aimed at the partners of Israel’s Arab population – around 20 percent of its citizens.
The government threat to YOUR free speech: Misguided Online Safety Bill will be ‚catastrophic‘ for ordinary people’s social media, says MP David Davis – with tech giants able to ban posts for being ‚harmful‘ that are perfectly legal
The Government’s new Online Safety Bill will be ‚catastrophic‘ for ordinary people’s freedom of speech, former minister David Davis warned today.
The Conservative MP said forcing social networks to take down content in Britain they deem unacceptable ’seems out of Orwell’s 1984′.
Mr Davis, 72, slammed the idea Silicon Valley firms could take down posts they think are ’not politically correct – even though it is legal‘.
Progressives ramp up scrutiny of US funding for Israel
The first test in progressives’ push to reexamine U.S. military aid to Israel could be a $735 million precision-guided munitions sale. The Biden administration notified Congress it approved the sale before the Gaza conflict started, but it became a flashpoint over the past week after news reports publicly revealed the sale.
A group of progressives led by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) introduced a resolution in the House to block the sale, while Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) introduced the Senate version.
Many injured as farmers, police clash in India’s Haryana
Thousands of farmers have, in the past months, been protesting against the federal government’s three new agricultural laws. They have been camping at various points along the Indian capital New Delhi’s border, refusing to back off despite COVID-19.
France unveils new counterterrorism bill that boosts surveillance of extremist websites
Extremists “are using less and less phone lines and more and more internet connections,” he said. One measure will extend the use by French intelligence services of algorithms to track down extremists online, a method already being trialed since 2015 to monitor messaging apps.
French MPs approve controversial security bill restricting police images
France’s parliament passed a security bill Thursday to extend police powers despite criticism from civil rights activists who fear it threatens efforts to denounce police abuse.
The bill was approved by 75 votes for and 33 against at the National Assembly, where French President Emmanuel Macron’s party, which proposed the measure, has a large majority. The Senate has already adopted the bill.
German lawmakers move to strengthen the government’s powers in the pandemic.
BERLIN — Germany’s government plans to ask lawmakers to grant it stronger powers in order to introduce a nationwide lockdown as the country is gripped by a third wave of the coronavirus.
The country’s approach has so far been to have the governors of Germany’s 16 states agree to any nationwide pandemic policies. But as calls from public health officials have grown stronger for a new nationwide lockdown in recent weeks, Chancellor Angela Merkel has had trouble gaining all of the governors’ support.
How the pandemic turned German politics upside down
In Germany, politics is supposed to be dull. Everything about the system — its carefully calibrated federalism, support for the European Union and emphasis on coalitions and consensus — is calculated to keep public life as stable as possible. Under normal conditions it works well enough — even if it often puts outsiders to sleep.
But then came the pandemic.
Merkel sets out plan to take control of Germany’s Covid response
Changing the law comes with considerable risk for Merkel: enshrining specific infection rates in legislation could require her government to put the law to endless ad-hoc parliamentary votes as the pandemic situation changes. A more permanent power-grab could in turn be blocked by the Bundesrat, the constitutional body through which the states participate in the legislative process.
Boris Johnson to give go-ahead for trials of Covid passports
News of the trial events comes as senior Tories among a cross-party group have declared they will oppose the use of vaccine certificates, with 72 MPs signing a pledge to oppose the “divisive and discriminatory” scheme. Some have described their use as the creation of “checkpoint Britain”. A government scientific adviser has also warned that they could give people a false sense of security.
The size of the rebellion could create problems for the government, should it conclude that legislation is needed to introduce Covid passports
the crowd here in london is slowly making its way towards buckingham palace and then on to parliament.
people here are loud and energised, chanting “kill the bill”
Hundreds join ‚kill the bill‘ rallies across Britain against proposed protest law
Hundreds of demonstrators joined marches and rallies across Britain on Saturday as part of a “national weekend of action” against a proposed new law that would give police extra powers to curb protests.
Covid laws are extended until SEPTEMBER: Boris sees off Tory rebellion as MPs vote 484 to 76 to KEEP draconian measures in place – despite deaths falling 33% in a week and hospitalisations plummeting
– Boris Johnson and the Government today won a crunch vote on extending coronavirus powers to September
– But the PM suffered a considerable Tory rebellion as 35 of his MPs voted against and a further 20 abstained
– Emergency powers will now be kept in place to September despite lockdown being due to end on June 21
– Rebels questioned need for ’significant draconian powers‘ after life is supposed to be back to normal
Report: Incoming lawmakers planning to legislate against Netanyahu
In turn, Likud party members have begun talks with Mansour Abbas, leader of the Islamist party Ra’am and likely kingmaker in Israel’s March 23 election, who has not ruled out supporting a Netanyahu-led government.
According to online outlet Walla, citing Likud party officials, Abbas is not in favor of passing laws aimed at targeting individuals, but their position is not yet finalized.
Liberman conceives plan for anti-Netanyahu bloc: report
This entails replacing the Knesset Speaker, taking over the chairmanship of the House Committee and the chairmanship of the Finance Committee and the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committees as well, Maariv reported.
Liberman further stressed in discussions the need to advance immediately legislation that will prevent an indicted individual to contend for the premiership.
What is the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill and how will it change protests?
It will also become a crime to fail to follow restrictions the protesters „ought“ to have known about, even if they have not received a direct order from an officer.
At present, police need to prove protesters knew they had been told to move on, before they can be said to have broken the law.
The proposed law includes an offence of „intentionally or recklessly causing public nuisance“.
Civil liberties groups call police plans for demos an ‚assault‘ on right to protest
Among other things, the police, crime, sentencing and courts bill will give Priti Patel powers to create laws to define “serious disruption” to communities and organisations, which police can then rely on to impose conditions on protests.
The HMICFRS report, ordered by Patel following Extinction Rebellion (XR) and Black Lives Matter (BLM) protests, outlines a “need to develop” covert intelligence gathering methods and an expectation of increased use of facial recognition technology, despite a court of appeal ruling last year that its use in south Wales breached privacy rights and broke equalities law.
The House has passed the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, the expansive policing reform bill, on a 220-212 vote.
@RepGolden and @RepRonKind voted against the bill, and GOP Rep. Lance Gooden, R-TX, voted w/ Dems for it.
Democratic voting bill would make biggest changes in decades
As Congress begins debate this week on sweeping voting and ethics legislation, Democrats and Republicans can agree on one thing: If signed into law, it would usher in the biggest overhaul of U.S. elections law in at least a generation.
H.R.255 – Repeal of the Authorization for Use of Military Force
Shown Here:
Introduced in House (01/11/2021)
Repeal of the Authorization for Use of Military Force
This bill repeals the Authorization for Use of Military Force signed into law September 18, 2001.
Barbara Lee has two bills in place to get rid of the 2001 AUMF and the 2002 AUMF. HR 255 and 256 if I recall correctly. Takes a 1 min call to your representative and as few as 8 constituents can be the factor in a rep’s vote.
House passes Joe Biden’s COVID relief bill with $1,400 stimulus checks, legislation heads to Senate
The bill, known as the American Rescue Plan, passed 219-212. No Republicans voted for it, and two Democrats voted against it: Rep. Kurt Schrader, D-Ore., and Jared Golden, D-Maine.
The measure now heads to the Senate where it faces a rocky path in the evenly divided chamber.
House passes major public lands package
The vast majority of the mining portion of the bill, about 1 million acres, would codify prevention on mining specifically around the Grand Canyon.
Coronavirus Live: Knesset Passes Law Allowing Disclosing Identities of Unvaccinated to Authorities
The Knesset approved in a third and final vote a law allowing disclosing personal details of Israelis who have not been vaccinated.
The information will be given to local authorities, the Education Ministry and officials in the Welfare Ministr
Facebook Blocks News In Australia Over Government Plan To Force Payment To Publishers
The moves are a response to proposed legislation that would force social media platforms to pay Australian news organizations for links shared on its sites.
Google Is Suddenly Paying for News in Australia. What About Everywhere Else?
(17.02.2021)
Pathbreaking legislation showed that even a small nation can get the tech giant to bend.
Google threatens to shut down in Australia over proposed tech law
(22.01.2021)
Google has threatened to shut down its search engine in Australia if the government there passes a new law to force big tech companies to pay local news producers for use of their content. The proposed Australian legislation, known as the News Media Bargaining Code, is the first of its kind in the world, and it’s being seen as a test case of the power governments have to regulate big tech firms.
Israel advances bill to compel unvaccinated workers to test for COVID-19 every two days
Israel’s Health Ministry is formulating a legislation that will provide workplaces that receive customers the legal framework to compel employees who refuse to vaccinate against COVID-19 to test for the disease every two days, Health Minister Yuli Edelstein said Monday, according to outlet Ynet.
Netanyahu Labels Unvaccinated Israelis as the New Enemy
Netanyahu has tied his fate in the election to COVID vaccinations, and suspicion arises that his proposals are influenced by personal considerations. Meanwhile, disclosing names of Israelis who have yet to get vaccinated paves way for severe infringement of privacy.
French security bill: ‘Illegal tactics’ used against protesters
Amnesty condemns police arrests of people who attended mass demonstrations against controversial bill.
PSA Reminder: Donald Trump’s personal account was designated a gov’t record by an Appeals Court. That decision prohibits his deleting tweets from it as a viol’n of the Federal Records Act of 1950, or from blocking others (1st Amendment viol’n). Trump v. Knight 1A, No. 20-197
(Nov 12, 2020)
Ohio Senator Brown Joins Sanders in Delaying Senate Holiday Over $2K Stimulus Checks
Ohio Democrat Senator Sherrod Brown said Tuesday that he would push for a Senate vote on $2,000 stimulus checks by joining Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders’s filibuster on the Senate floor.
This is about life and death for millions of people. The Senate must approve the $2000 for every working class adult.
Bernie Sanders on the battle to increase stimulus payments
Efforts to increase stimulus payments to $2,000 were blocked in the U.S. Senate on Tuesday, while Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell put forth a new bill. Sen. Bernie Sanders was one of those making the case for higher stimulus payments. He joins Amna Nawaz to discuss.
Mitch McConnell Ties $2,000 Covid-19 Relief Checks To Repeal Of Section 230; Democrats Call It A “Poison Pill”
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) introduced a bill that ties $2,000-per-person Covid-19 relief checks to a repeal of Section 230, the provision of a 1996 law that protects social media platforms from liability for the way that they moderate third party content.
In doing so, McConnell has likely added a “poison pill” to the effort to increase the Covid-19 relief payments from the current $600.
McConnell Blocks Senate Vote On $2,000 Direct Payments
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell blocked a proposal to vote on the House bill on $2,000 direct payments. Also, the Senate will vote Wednesday to override President Trump’s veto of the NDAA.
Donald Trump Presses Senate On $2,000 Stimulus Checks, Says People ‚Have Suffered Enough‘
Trump responded to comments that Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) could filibuster a move to override the president’s veto of the defense funding bill unless a vote is held on the $2,000 checks.
Replying to details of this potential move, Trump wrote on Twitter: „Give the people $2000, not $600. They have suffered enough!“
Bernie Sanders hopes to force Senate vote on $2,000 stimulus checks
Sanders, an independent from Vermont, made the comments after Democrats in the House – joined by 44 Republicans – voted to more than triple the $600 checks included in the coronavirus relief package signed by President Donald Trump over the weekend.
Sens. Markey and Sanders to stall defense bill veto override vote in effort for $2,000 relief checks
Soon after Sanders’ announcement, Markey said he would join in on the filibuster.
“That relief passed in the House today with 44 Republicans voting for it,” Markey wrote on Twitter. “Senate Republicans must do the same and get the American people the help they need.”
This week on the Senate floor Mitch McConnell wants to vote to override Trump’s veto of the $740 billion defense funding bill and then head home for the New Year. I’m going to object until we get a vote on legislation to provide a $2,000 direct payment to the working class
Sanders to slow down NDAA veto override in bid to get vote on $2K checks proposal
„This week on the Senate floor Mitch McConnell wants to vote to override Trump’s veto of the $740 billion defense funding bill and then head home for the New Year. I’m going to object until we get a vote on legislation to provide a $2,000 direct payment to the working class,“ Sanders tweeted.
House approves stimulus check increase to $2,000
The House on Monday approved a bill that would increase COVID stimulus checks to $2,000. The bill is likely dead on arrival in the GOP-controlled Senate, despite President Trump’s insistence on larger checks. Mr. Trump signed a bill on Sunday night that would distribute $600 stimulus checks. Wall Street Journal congressional reporter Siobhan Hughes joins CBSN to discuss.
I am glad we are finally having a vote tomorrow on a $2000 stimulus. The question remains why we didn’t have this vote in March when @TimRyan and I proposed this. This is a lesson. It should not require permission from Trump or Republicans to vote on and push for bold policies.
Trump signs coronavirus relief bill, still pushes for $2,000 stimulus checks
“As President, I have told Congress that I want far less wasteful spending and more money going to the American people in the form of $2,000 checks per adult and $600 per child,” Trump said in a statement.
“On Monday the House will vote to increase payments to individuals from $600 to $2,000,” he added. “Therefore, a family of four would receive $5,200.”
Trump signs coronavirus relief and government funding bill into law after lengthy delay
The Covid-19 relief legislation was passed by Congress on Monday and was flown to Mar-a-Lago on Thursday to await Trump’s signature. But after sitting on the sidelines during the negotiations, Trump emerged with an eleventh-hour complaint that a separate provision in the deal, which the President’s own White House helped broker, would only provide up to $600 in direct payments. Trump wanted to send out $2,000 checks.
Election prevention bill fails, Israel headed to elections on March 23
47 MKs voted for the bill, while 49 voted against. The 23rd Knesset will be dissolved automatically at midnight on Tuesday night.
Shortly after the vote, Likud MK Michal Shir announced that she would be joining Gideon Sa’ar’s New Hope party, after voting against the bill.
Last-ditch Effort to Avoid Election Fails as Disagreements Between Gantz and Netanyahu Persist
nesset votes down bill that would postpone deadline for passing budget, bringing Israel closer to its fourth election in two years
French parliament drops draft law curtailing right to film police
The French parliament has dropped a controversial bill that would have curbed the right to film police officers in action, the speaker of parliament and leader of President Emmanuel Macron’s ruling party announced on Monday.
France’s ‘global security’ bill
(23.11.2020) Perfectly in line with the trend of the times – and by consequence, we are sorry to have it observed, with very little inventiveness and innovation – these articles impose a general surveillance for the many and a privileged disclosure for the few, as they provide for ground mass surveillance, air mass surveillance and a ban on documenting police action.
France’s new national security bill could jeopardize freedom of expression
(26.11.2020)
That was the second protest gathering thousands of people that week, despite the country’s health crisis and lockdown due to the covid-19 pandemic. The demonstrations related to a new bill accused of obstructing civil liberties. As critics have argued, the “global security bill,” which received a first-reading adoption by the National Assembly on Nov. 24, jeopardizes the freedom of the press and could herald the introduction of a ubiquitous surveillance system.
VIDÉO. Paris : un policier frappé au sol par plusieurs personnes place de la Bastille
La dispersion de la manifestation contre la loi « sécurité globale » a terminé en affrontements avec les forces de l’ordre. Quelques centaines de personnes ont affronté les policiers place de la Bastille.
French parliament gives initial approval to controversial security bill
After days of often tense debate, the bill received 388 yes votes, 104 nos and 66 abstentions
Berlin police forcefully disperse protest over virus rules
German police fired water cannons at demonstrators protesting coronavirus restrictions after saying the crowd ignored warnings to wear masks and to keep their distance from one another
Berlin Covid protest broken up near Brandenburg Gate
Police have used water cannon to break up a protest by thousands of people in the centre of Berlin against changes to the law on coronavirus measures.
Berlin authorities said protesters had ignored requests to wear masks.
French bill banning images of police worries activists and journalists
Critics, however, say the ban would essentially censor journalists by outlawing an activity that could be essential to their work. Images documenting police brutality or misconduct could also fall under the rubric of the ban.
Government spycops law would sanction murder and rape by undercover police, MPs warn
(10.11.2020)
A damning report published on Tuesday said the Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Bill should not be introduced in its current form.
Parliament’s Joint Committee on Human Rights said the proposed law “raises the abhorrent possibility of serious crimes such as rape, murder or torture being carried out under an authorisation”.
AG Bars Netanyahu From Handling Matters in Legal System, Law Enforcement While on Trial
The opinion states that Netanyahu cannot make decisions regarding appointments to the legal system or law enforcment. Netanyahu must also be barred from making decisions regarding witnesses, other defendants or engaging in legislation that could affect the proceedings against him, Mendelblit wrote.
Furthermore, Netanyahu cannot interfere in several areas under the jurisdiction of the Communications Ministry.
Fascism Is Dead, Long Live Dictatorship
It’s important for me to be precise, because I know the mechanisms of thought enforcement in my political camp, which will want to turn my words into support for Netanyahu. I firmly oppose the lockdown, but the fact that Israel is enforcing it by using the army doesn’t make the paratroopers’ presence at checkpoints proof that “the dictatorship is already here.” Certainly no more than the curfew in Spain and the soldiers patrolling the streets there were proof of Franco’s return.
Earlier this week Netanyahu extended the lockdown regulations to include a ban on protesting further than 1km from home. While stifling the regular demonstrations at Balfour and other epicentres, protestors responded by demonstrating at every street corner across the country.
A Body Blow to Democracy
It’s important to be precise: In practice, this legislation does not limit demonstrations, it bans them. The proposed restrictions are so draconian that they amount to a prohibition. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is attempting, in the most cynical fashion, to exploit the coronavirus and the restrictions needed to fight its spread in order to undermine fundamental democratic rights and to suppress the dissent against him and his incorrigible government.
Coronavirus Israel Live: Netanyahu Says Exit Strategy May Take Six Months to a Year
Netanyahu says lockdown won’t be lifted in a month ■ Knesset passes law limiting protests
The High Court of Justice has given little help to the #protest movement against Prime Minister Benjamin #Netanyahu, slow-walking their petition to strike down new corona-era limits on demonstrations. @jeremybob1 reports.
High Court says it won’t block a coronavirus law limiting protests, for now
Justice Neal Hendel has given the government a week — until October 7 — to respond to the Movement for Quality Government’s petition, according to an update by the plaintiffs on their Twitter account.
Israel Didn’t Just Limit Demos. It Neutered the Right to Protest
The right to protest, the beating heart of freedom of political expression, is the cornerstone of democracy. It’s even more so during a health crisis
We need to take back control from the government
Covid authoritarianism is out of control. It’s time the people pushed back.
Army could be used to help police enforce coronavirus laws, warns Boris Johnson
Today’s fresh plan includes:
– A 10pm curfew for all pubs across England – and they will be made to offer table service by law.
– There will be a significant cap on the number of guests allowed at weddings.
– But businesses and schools will be able to stay open as No10 attempts to stave off a second lockdown.
– A dramatic increase in enforcement measures to make sure people are obeying the Rule of Six.
– More fines could be slapped on those flouting the rules with on-the-spot closures for venues that fail to follow the rules.
– Facemasks will be made compulsory for staff in hospitality and close contact places – and taxis too
……….
Brexit: Boris Johnson clears crucial Commons hurdle in bid to push through Internal Market Bill
The Brexit legislation enabling Boris Johnson to alter key parts of the Withdrawal Agreement cleared a major Commons hurdle on Tuesday night….
The government has a Commons majority of 80-87 (depending on definitions). The first key vote on the Internal Market Bill is tonight at 10pm. What do you predict the result will be?
(…)
The only time the Internal Market Bill will come into effect is if the EU continues to negotiate in bad faith and no agreement is made.
Boris has, in effect, created our very own backstop.
Oh the irony.
In Full: Tory MPs Opposing the Internal Market Bill as it Stands
1. Bob Neil
2. Geoffrey Cox
3. Simon Hoare
4. George Freeman
5. Tobias Ellwood
6. Damian Green
7. Damian Collins
8. Sir Oliver Heald
9. Sir Roger Gale
10. Gary Streeter
11. Rehman Chishti
12. Jack Lopresti
13. Sajid Javid
14. Charles Walker
15. Jeremy Wright
16. Andrew Mitchell
The UK’s Internal Market Bill – Protects the sovereignty of the United Kingdom – Provides certainty for business – Preserves our commitment to the people of Northern Ireland
Boris Johnson accuses the EU of putting a ‚revolver on the table‘ during trade talks by threatening to block GB food exports to Northern Ireland as he tries to win over Tory rebels who are against his plans to tear up parts of the Brexit divorce deal
– Sajid Javid and Geoffrey Cox have both said they cannot support PM’s proposal
LIVE: MPs debate UK Internal Market Bill in House of Commons 14 September 2020
Watch the House of Commons from 2:30pm on Monday as three days of intensive debate and scrutiny on the United Kingdom Internal Market Bill begins.
Published last Wednesday, the Bill sets out rules for the operation of the UK internal market- trade between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland- after the end of the transition period in January.
Order Paper for Monday 14 September 2020
BUSINESS OF THE DAY
1. United Kingdom Internal Market Bill: Second Reading
Until 10.00pm (Standing Order No. 9(3))
The UK has to defend itself against predatory diplomacy, deal or no deal
Europe’s refusal to offer its neighbour and security ally even a bare-bones trade deal is a hostile posture that has consequences
New nuclear legislation set to provide toxic dumping ground in South Australia
30 August 2020 – UNDER THE PRESSURE of The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), The Australian Government is in a hurry to get a new bill passed. It’s not really a new bill, it’s actually a new bit tacked on to an existing one. It’s called the National Radioactive Waste Management Amendment (Site Specification, Community Fund and Other Measures) Bill 2020.
The amendment does two important things: it selects a definite place in South Australia, a farmer’s property called Napandee, as a radioactive waste dump and it removes the possibility of a judicial review of that selection.
Not surprising that Major and Blair who were amongst the most extreme proponents of Brexit are supporting the EU position on free trade throughout the UK. I predict an even bigger majority for the Internal Market Bill tomorrow
#rightthingtodo
House passes $25B bill to boost Postal Service
The House on Saturday passed legislation that would prevent the U.S. Postal Service from making any changes to its operations that could slow delivery of mailed-in ballots for this fall’s elections.
The bill passed largely along party lines, 257-150, with 26 Republicans bucking party leaders to support it.
Report: Netanyahu aware of Emirati arms deal, UAE official says
The UAE official added that Israel, the United States and the Emiratis agreed to bolster the military capabilities of the Gulf kingdom as an integral part of the peace deal.
Israel procured its first two F-35 jets in 2016 and has reportedly been using the aircraft in some of the strikes in Syria, becoming the first nation to deploy the jets in combat.
As of today, the Jewish state is also the only Middle East nation to have the jet in its air force, with Turkey booted out of the F-35 program in 2019.
UAE Is an ‚Advanced Democracy,‘ Netanyahu Said – Then Deleted
In an interview with Sky News Arabia, the leading television channel in the UAE, Netanyahu was asked how the normalization deal between the UAE and Israel will serve regional peace. He answered: „Vastly. The deal connects the UAE with Israel; both of them are advanced democracies and their societies are advanced.“ Netanyahu uploaded a video of the interview to his Twitter account, and deleted it shortly after.
Netanyahu denies Israel-UAE deal included secret clause on F-35s
Why it matters: U.S. law requires the administration to consult with Israel before selling arms to any Arab country to ensure Israel can maintain its qualitative military edge. It must also report to Congress on the matter.
This morning, Israel’s Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper reported that the normalization deal included a secret clause, approved by Netanyahu, about F-35 sales to the UAE.
Streit um Briefwahl: US-Post schiebt Reformen auf
In mehreren Bundesstaaten hatte die Post gewarnt, Wahlunterlagen würden eventuell nicht rechtzeitig zugestellt werden können, um alle Stimmen zu zählen. Interne Unterlagen tauchten auf, denen zufolge Sortiermaschinen und Briefkästen abgebaut würden.
Eben solche Maßnahmen würden nun vorerst auf Eis gelegt, so DeJoy. Außerdem sollen die Öffnungszeiten von Postämtern nicht eingeschränkt werden, deren Mitarbeiter könnten im notwendigen Umfang Überstunden leisten, um den erwarteten Mehraufwand zu stemmen.
Pelosi on postmaster general pausing changes: ‚They felt the heat‘
Pelosi first announced on Sunday that she would call the House back early from its August recess to vote on legislation that would prevent the Postal Service from making changes to delivery operations during the coronavirus pandemic. The House is scheduled to convene on Saturday to vote on the bill in a rare weekend session sandwiched between the Democratic and Republican conventions.
Dear Colleague on House Returning to Save the Postal Service
That is why I am calling upon the House to return to session later this week to vote on Oversight and Reform Committee Chairwoman Maloney’s “Delivering for America Act,” which prohibits the Postal Service from implementing any changes to operations or level of service it had in place on January 1, 2020. House Democratic Leader Hoyer will soon be announcing the legislative schedule for the coming week.
To save the Postal Service, I am also calling upon Members to participate in a Day of Action on Tuesday by appearing at a Post Office in their districts for a press event.
Internet Australia says flawed Encryption Bill weakens, not protects, Australian’s security
The Assistance and Access Bill was passed in late 2018 but despite its nickname „the encryption bill“ it promotes insecurity and a dangerous global precedent, says the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor. Expecting Parliament to commence a review of the bill today, Internet Australia calls for the INSLM recommendations to be accepted.
House passes major conservation bill, sending it to Trump’s desk
Trump announced his support for fully funding the LWCF and addressing the parks maintenance backlog in March. His support for the LWCF marks an election year reversal, as he had previously proposed slashing the fund’s budget by about 97 percent.
Trump credited two GOP senators facing competitive races, Cory Gardner (Colo.) and Steve Daines (Mont.), who have been among the bill’s major backers.
AKP, MHP submit bill to regulate social media platforms
Turkey’s government will restrict 90 percent of traffic to social network platforms that receive more than 1 million visits per day if the companies do not establish a legal presence in Turkey, according to a draft bill submitted to parliament by the Justice and Development Party (AKP) and Nationalist Movement Party (MHP).
Government Seeks Power to Keep Israelis in Locked-down Areas From Protests
The legislation, titled “Special Powers for Dealing with the Novel Coronavirus,” would essentially give the government the power to decide whether to let people living in restricted areas attend mass demonstrations, such as those that took place this week in Tel Aviv’s Rabin Square and outside the prime minister’s residence in Jerusalem.
“Under the proposed wording, the government won’t have an obligation to let people leave a restricted area to attend demonstrations,” a source familiar with the bill explained.
Thousands of Greeks protest against bill to regulate demonstrations
Thousands of Greek protesters rallied in central Athens on Thursday against government plans to regulate frequent street demonstrations which often cause disruption in the city.
Brazil’s Proposed ‚Fake News‘ Law Says Internet Users Are Guilty Until Proven Innocent, Demands Constant Logging From ISPs
Brazilians will pretty much need a license to communicate with others — something achieved by turning platforms and app makers into bouncers at the internet nightclub.
Bill to Ban Face Surveillance Introduced in Congress
EPIC has repeatedly called for a moratorium on the use of face surveillance and the Facial Recognition and Biometric Technology Moratorium Act of 2020 would stop the use of this dangerous technology.
House passes police reform bill that faces dead end in Senate
The House on Thursday passed sweeping criminal justice reforms aimed at curbing the use of excessive force by law enforcement after the death of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man who was killed by Minneapolis police one month ago.
The package was crafted exclusively by the majority Democrats — drawing howls of criticism from GOP leaders — and its passage was never in doubt, as Democrats of all stripes united in a 236 to 181 vote to send the measure to the Senate.
GOP senator blocks bill to boost mail-in and early voting during pandemic
Blunt, who serves as chairman of the elections-focused Senate Rules Committee, blocked Klobuchar’s attempt to pass the bill in a Senate by unanimous consent due to concerns that it would federalize the election process.
Germany’s hate speech law gets stricter, raises privacy concerns
Despite already having some of the strictest laws in the world surrounding “hate speech,” Germany is looking to tighten the leash further where it comes to social media. The new provision, when passed, will require online platforms to directly report to the federal police when any criminal activity is reported by users on these platforms.
Colorado governor signs sweeping police reform bill ending qualified immunity, banning chokeholds
The bill also asks cops to report their colleagues for wrongdoing, and will make officers personally liable for up to $25,000 in damages if they violate someone’s civil rights.
Victory for free speech as France’s supreme court crushes authoritarian “hate speech” laws
France’s Supreme Court equivalent rejected most parts of a bill that would obligate social media companies to remove so-called hate speech within 24 hours.
The ruling by the Constitutional Council on Thursday, June 18, 2020, is a win for free speech and even for big social media companies such as Twitter and Facebook.
Workers can’t be fired for being gay or transgender, Supreme Court rules
The Supreme Court on Monday ruled 6-3 in a landmark decision that gay and transgender employees are protected by civil rights laws against employer discrimination.
A set of cases that came before the court had asked the justices to decide whether Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which forbids discrimination on the basis of „sex,“ applies to gay and transgender people.
Cuomo gave immunity to nursing home executives after big campaign donations
(26.05.2020)
Less than two years after that flood of cash from the Greater New York Hospital Association (GNYHA), Cuomo signed legislation last month quietly shielding hospital and nursing home executives from the threat of lawsuits stemming from the coronavirus outbreak. The provision, inserted into an annual budget bill by Cuomo’s aides, created one of the nation’s most explicit immunity protections for healthcare industry officials, according to legal experts.
Critics say Cuomo removed a key deterrent against nursing home and hospital corporations cutting corners in ways that jeopardize lives.
This is the issue w/ many “reforms”: yes, you can pass certain laws, but the problem is police *breaking the law.* Murder is already illegal, but the officers who killed Breonna Taylor STILL haven’t been arrested. Taking on that abuse of power often takes major political risk.
Louisville city council unanimously pass ‚Breonna’s Law‘ to ban no-knock warrants
The unanimously passed ordinance, which still needs to be approved by the mayor, bans any search warrant that does not require police to announce themselves and their purpose at the premises. It requires any Louisville Metro Police Department or Metro law enforcement to knock and wait a minimum of 15 seconds for a response.
Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer vowed to pass the ban as “soon as it hits my desk.”
House Democrats set to introduce proposed ban on chemical weapons
The bill, dubbed „Prohibiting Law Enforcement Use of Chemical Weapons Act,“ is being spearheaded by Democratic Reps. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez (N.Y.), Mark Takano (Calif.) and Chuy Garcia (Ill.).
Israel’s High Court Strikes Down West Bank Land-grab Law as ‚Unconstitutional‘
Israel’s High Court of Justice ordered on Tuesday to nullify a law that would legalize the status of settlements partially built on privately owned Palestinian land under the claim that it is „unconstitutional.“
Just now the New York State Senate officially passed the bill to repeal 50a — the 1970s law used to keep police disciplinary records secret. It’s hard to underscore just how unlikely this seemed only a few weeks ago
#NYSenate Bill S8496, sponsored by Senator @jamaaltbailey , passed 40-22 (unofficial). Relates to the disclosure of law enforcement disciplinary records; and to repeal section 50-a of the civil rights law relating thereto:
Pentagon chief does not support invoking Insurrection Act
„I’ve always believed and continue to believe that the National Guard is best suited for performing domestic support to civil authorities in these situations in support of local law enforcement,“ Esper said at a news conference Wednesday.
„I say this not only as secretary of Defense, but also as a former soldier and a former member of the National Guard, the option to use active duty forces in a law enforcement role should only be used as a matter of last resort and only in the most urgent and dire of situations,“ he added. „We are not in one of those situations now. I do not support invoking the Insurrection Act.“
10 U.S. Code § 252. Use of militia and armed forces to enforce Federal authority
Whenever the President considers that unlawful obstructions, combinations, or assemblages, or rebellion against the authority of the United States, make it impracticable to enforce the laws of the United States in any State by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings, he may call into Federal service such of the militia of any State, and use such of the armed forces, as he considers necessary to enforce those laws or to suppress the rebellion.
10 U.S. Code § 252. Use of militia and armed forces to enforce Federal authority
Whenever the President considers that unlawful obstructions, combinations, or assemblages, or rebellion against the authority of the United States, make it impracticable to enforce the laws of the United States in any State by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings, he may call into Federal service such of the militia of any State, and use such of the armed forces, as he considers necessary to enforce those laws or to suppress the rebellion.
The Senate voted to let the government keep surveilling your online life without a warrant
(14.05.2020)
Many senators wanted to forbid the government from secretly collecting information about your internet habits, but an amendment failed by just one vote.
Sen. @RandPaul : „The PATRIOT Act in the end is not patriotic.“
The Senate voted to let the government keep surveilling your online life without a warrant
The measure needed 60 votes to pass. It got 59.
The outcome is especially frustrating since four senators didn’t vote on the amendment at all, and at least one would have voted yes. Lamar Alexander couldn’t vote because he’s quarantined. Two others — Ben Sasse and Bernie Sanders — didn’t respond to request for comment on where they were during the vote. An aide told Politico that Patty Murray would have voted yes had she been there, but the senator was not in Washington, DC, when the vote occurred.
Rand Paul, citing Flynn case, proposes FISA amendment to curb surveillance of Americans
Sen. Rand Paul on Tuesday introduced an amendment to the House-passed Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act to protect Americans’ privacy, citing the case against former national security adviser Michael Flynn as an example of “abuse” and saying it “should never be allowed to happen again.”
Paul, R-Ky., who is an outspoken advocate for privacy reforms, proposed an amendment to the USA FREEDOM Reauthorization Act of 2020 – which passed the House on a bipartisan basis earlier this year – to protect Americans’ privacy, ensure due process and “reassert the Fourth Amendment.”
Senate revives surveillance brawl
The Senate is set to revive a fight over a shadowy surveillance court, bringing to a head a months-long stalemate that resulted in the lapse of three intelligence programs.
The looming debate, which will pit some of President Trump’s biggest allies against one another, comes on the heels of growing questions about the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) court after the Justice Department inspector general found widespread errors as part of an interim report on warrant applications.