ONEST Pulse: Monday, July 29th 2024 Recap
POTUS in Austin, TX to mark the 60th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act & share his vision to reform SCOTUS, VP Harris speaks on abortion ban in Iowa, Team Harris debunks lies & more ACTUAL news.
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President Biden's Vision for Reforming Supreme Court
Since his inauguration, President Biden has been committed to reinforcing American democracy and upholding the rule of law.
Recent Supreme Court decisions have dismantled long-standing legal precedents safeguarding fundamental rights. The Court has weakened civil rights protections, eliminated a woman's right to choose, and now affords Presidents broad immunity from prosecution for in-office crimes.
Additionally, recent ethics scandals involving some Justices have led to public doubts about the fairness and independence crucial for the Court to fulfill its mission of delivering justice for all Americans.
President Biden asserts that neither the President nor the Supreme Court is above the law. In response to the erosion of confidence in America's democratic institutions, he advocates for three significant reforms to restore trust and accountability:
1. No Immunity for Presidential Crimes: President Biden proposes a constitutional amendment to affirm that no President is above the law. The "No One Is Above the Law Amendment" would eliminate immunity from federal criminal indictment, trial, conviction, or sentencing for crimes committed while in office, aligning with the Founders’ belief in limited presidential power.
2. Term Limits for Supreme Court Justices: Just as term limits for the Presidency were established over 75 years ago, President Biden supports implementing term limits for Supreme Court Justices. Introducing term limits would ensure regular changes in Court membership, make nominations more predictable, and prevent any single presidency from exerting undue influence over the Court for generations. He advocates for a system where a President appoints a Justice every two years for an eighteen-year term.
3. Binding Code of Conduct for the Supreme Court: President Biden calls for Congress to enact enforceable conduct and ethics rules for Supreme Court Justices, requiring disclosure of gifts, prohibition of public political activity, and recusal from cases with financial or other conflicts of interest. Justices should adhere to the same ethical standards as other federal judges.
President Biden and Vice President Harris are committed to collaborating with Congress and empowering the American people to prevent presidential abuse, restore faith in the Supreme Court, and fortify democratic principles. They also appreciate the Presidential Commission on the Supreme Court of the United States for its valuable analysis of reform proposals. The Administration remains dedicated to ensuring that no one is above the law and that the people maintain their rule in America.
President Biden marks 60th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act in Austin, TX
Today, President Biden spoke at the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library to mark the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Civil Rights Act. In his address, he reiterated his strong commitment to advancing civil rights for all Americans and called for reforms to the Supreme Court.
The Biden-Harris Administration has made significant investments in enforcing civil rights laws, securing over $2 billion in funding for federal Offices of Civil Rights. This marks a 23% increase in annual funding for these offices.
Additionally, President Biden has issued two groundbreaking Executive Orders aimed at promoting racial equity and supporting underserved communities.
In conjunction with the anniversary, the White House Council of Economic Advisers released a new brief titled "Racial Discrimination in Contemporary America," which is available for review here.
President has also issued the following video marking the special day.
Later the same day, President Biden traveled to Houston, Texas, to pay his respects to Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee.
President Biden Highlights Historic Drop in Violent Crime for 2024
President Joe Biden announced a significant decrease in violent crime in the first half of 2024, citing preliminary data that shows historic lows in various crime categories. He attributed this progress to his administration's initiatives, including the American Rescue Plan and the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which provided funding for police recruitment and community safety measures. Despite these advancements, Biden stressed the need for ongoing efforts, including increased funding for police and stricter gun control measures.
VP Harris spoke out on Iowa Abortion Ban
The 'Fight for Reproductive Freedom' Week of Action begins as Iowa becomes the 22nd state with an abortion ban in effect, following Donald Trump's overturning of Roe v. Wade.
Anti-Abortion Leaders Endorse Trump’s Platform for National Ban, Harris Team Responds
Recent media reports suggesting that Donald Trump has softened his stance on abortion are contradicted by statements from anti-abortion advocates.
Kristan Hawkins, President of Students for Life, praised Trump’s RNC platform for its commitment to a national abortion ban, highlighting the inclusion of the 14th Amendment, which she believes supports a federal ban on abortion.
Hawkins on the importance of a national ban:
“Yeah. I don’t think [a national abortion ban] has been a hidden agenda at all within the pro-life movement. We have said from the very beginning, even when we were suffering under the tyranny of Roe v. Wade, that the ultimate goal of the pro-life movement is to see no abortions in any state and women and families served and protected from the predatory abortion industry.”
Similarly, Marjorie Dannenfelser of SBA Pro-Life America applauded the platform’s pro-life stance and its emphasis on the 14th Amendment. Legal experts caution that this interpretation could impose nationwide abortion bans and affect access to IVF and birth control.
Harris for President Spokesperson Sarafina Chitika released the following statement:
“Donald Trump’s own words, his platform, his running mate, and his Project 2025 agenda all make it clear: He will ban abortion nationwide if he wins this November. The anti-abortion extremists he so proudly fights ‘side by side’ with know it, and voters do too. Women across the country are already suffering from the extreme abortion bans that Trump unleashed, and if he wins, he will go even further to rip away women’s freedoms, punish women, and restrict access to birth control. Trump and his Project 2025 allies are determined to drag us backwards – but women will turn out to protect our freedoms and send Vice President Harris to the White House.”
Team Harris Breaks Records with $200 Million Raised
Since President Biden's endorsement last Sunday, Team #Harris has shattered fundraising records with $200 million. Notably, 66% of this amount came from first-time donors, underscoring the strong grassroots support for the Vice President.
The campaign has also experienced a surge in grassroots involvement, with over 170,000 new volunteers joining since last Sunday.
“We’re not taking this excitement for granted,” said the campaign. “This weekend, we will mobilize thousands of supporters across more than 2,300 events in battleground states. Additionally, we’re engaging with supporters online and through traditional media, with the Vice President herself joining TikTok and gaining millions of followers.”
Climate Groups, Gore Endorse Kamala Harris for President
Former Vice President Al Gore announced his support for Vice President Kamala Harris for president. In his endorsement, former Vice President Gore cited Harris’ long record of standing up against oil and gas executives in support of the middle class and our climate. As an attorney general, she sued Big Oil and won, and, as vice president, she helped pass the largest-ever investment to tackle the climate crisis and create hundreds of thousands of clean energy jobs.
Earlier this week, four leading environmental groups also announced their endorsement of Vice President Harris for President of the United States. The environmental groups endorsing Harris for President include the League of Conservation Voters Action Fund, the Sierra Club, the NRDC Action Fund, and Clean Energy for America Action. These endorsements follow the massive groundswell of support for the Vice President’s candidacy, including endorsements from youth organizing groups, labor unions, advocacy groups, and dozens of Democratic elected officials.
Al Gore wrote in a post on X:
“As a prosecutor, @KamalaHarris took on Big Oil companies – and won. As @VP, she cast the tie-breaking vote to pass the most significant investment in climate solutions in history, the Inflation Reduction Act. That’s the kind of climate champion we need in the White House. With so much at stake in this year’s election – from strengthening democracy in the US and abroad, to expanding opportunity for the American people, to accelerating climate action – I’m proud to endorse Kamala Harris for President.”
VP Kamala Harris spoke at the Voters Of Tomorrow summit
VP’s travel schedule for the next few days
On Tuesday, July 30, the Vice President will return to Atlanta, GA where she will deliver remarks at a campaign event. It will be her sixth visit to Georgia this year.
On Wednesday, July 31, the Vice President will return to Houston, TX where she will deliver remarks at a political event.
On Thursday, August 1, the Vice President will deliver a eulogy at the Homegoing Service for the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee in Houston, TX.
Trump promises "No need to vote once he is elected"
At a recent event, Donald Trump stated that he is not a Christian and suggested that Christians should vote because, once he is elected, "everything will be fixed so well that you won’t have to do it anymore."
Many were shocked by the declaration, but the MAGA fanbase dismissed it as just another example of "typical Trumpism."
Let’s remember what Liz Cheney had to say on that matter.
I want to emphasize that removing the ability to vote—a core democratic right—means undermining a fundamental freedom. Please don't dismiss these statements as merely "crazy" or "weird." They are not just odd; they are deeply concerning and deserve our utmost attention.
Please watch the video featuring Project 2025 leader Kevin Roberts on the upcoming “fight”.
In contrast to the Trump agenda, Pete Buttigieg emphasized that freedom is at the heart of Kamala Harris's campaign.
It’s time for a FACTCHECK
As Republicans launch their barrage of false attacks on Vice President Kamala Harris, it's important to set the record straight with these clear facts:
Last year, violent crime fell to a near 50-year-low as murder rates fell 13% nationally and plummeted in major cities. This trend is continuing in 2024, with violent crime and the murder rate on track for the sharpest decrease in history.
The Biden-Harris administration has invested billions of dollars in funding for public safety – funding that Republicans opposed. Just ask the executive director of the Fraternal Order of Police: “During [the Biden-Harris] administration, there’s no doubt we have seen historic increases in the amounts of federal money going to law enforcement.”
After Trump demanded Republicans block the strongest border security bill in decades – the Biden-Harris administration took executive action – resulting in border crossings falling to 2020 levels.
Just last week, the Biden-Harris administration captured two of the most notorious and dangerous drug lords in Mexico.
Trump’s record is quite the opposite:
FACT: Migrants were more likely to be released after a border arrest under President Trump than under the Biden-Harris administration.
As president, Donald Trump oversaw the largest single-year spike in the murder rate in more than a century.
As president, Trump proposed a $400 million cut to local law enforcement funding.
Trump has demanded the defunding of federal law enforcement, while proposing using the FBI and Justice Department to go after his political enemies.
JD Vance said, “I hate the police.”
New Private Sector Investments in U.S. Maritime Industries Highlight Biden-Harris Administration’s Efforts
The Biden-Harris Administration has recently catalyzed significant private sector investments in American maritime industries, aiming to enhance the U.S. shipbuilding sector and strengthen global maritime security. These investments are a direct result of the administration's commitment to collaborating with international allies and partners to bolster American maritime capabilities and job creation.
Several prominent companies have announced new or expanded operations in the U.S. maritime sector, driven by recent governmental and collaborative actions:
HD Hyundai: This South Korean shipbuilding giant will intensify its support for the U.S. Navy’s shipbuilding program through joint projects and educational exchange initiatives. HD Hyundai is engaging with U.S. universities and vocational programs to address workforce needs, and has partnered with the University of Michigan and Seoul National University to create a shipbuilding design and engineering exchange program.
Bollinger Shipyards: As the only U.S. shipbuilder to design and construct a heavy polar icebreaker in over 50 years, Bollinger is investing over $20 million in its shipyard. It will play a key role in the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE Pact), contributing to the development of polar icebreakers for the U.S. Coast Guard and allies.
Davie Shipbuilding: Canada’s largest shipbuilder, Davie, plans a major investment in a U.S. shipyard, pending site selection. With a history of supporting American shipbuilders, Davie aims to enhance U.S. shipbuilding capacity and collaborate on strategic projects.
Konecranes: This Finnish port equipment manufacturer is establishing a U.S. consortium to build ship-to-shore cranes for North American ports. Konecranes’ investment will create significant local job opportunities and increase U.S. steel production.
Government Actions Supporting Maritime Industry
The U.S. government has also been proactive in supporting the maritime sector:
On July 25, the U.S. Maritime Administration released a fact sheet detailing grant and financing programs to support American shipbuilding and anticipated vessel demand over the next decade.
On July 22, the Secretary of the Navy announced the Michigan Maritime Manufacturing Initiative to revitalize the maritime industrial base workforce, focusing initially on submarine production skills.
On July 11, the U.S., Canada, and Finland launched the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE Pact) to coordinate the production of polar icebreakers, inviting allies to participate and purchase icebreakers.
On July 10, the U.S. Maritime Administration awarded $8.75 million in grants to 15 small shipyards across 12 states to modernize operations and create local jobs.
These combined efforts by the administration and private sector partners reflect a strategic push to enhance U.S. maritime capabilities and ensure long-term competitiveness in the global shipbuilding industry.
Kamala Harris on North Carolina’s Medical Debt Announcement
Original statement by the Vice President:
“No one should be denied access to economic opportunity simply because they experienced a medical emergency. Yet today, more than 100 million Americans struggle with medical debt – making it more difficult for them to be approved for a car loan, a home loan, or a small-business loan, which makes it more difficult for them to just get by, much less get ahead.
That is why President Biden and I have already forgiven over $650 million in medical debt – part of our overall plan to forgive $7 billion by 2026 – with support from our American Rescue Plan, legislation that I was proud to advance with my tie-breaking vote in the Senate. In addition to this, soon we will make it so medical debt can no longer be included in your credit score, impacting millions of Americans. Last month, I issued a call to states, cities, and hospitals across our nation to join us in forgiving medical debt.
I applaud North Carolina for setting an example that other states can follow by advancing a plan that has the potential to relieve $4 billion in medical debt for two million individuals and families. This critical step also strengthens financial assistance for emergency medical procedures moving forward.
As someone who has spent my entire career fighting to protect consumers and lower medical bills, I am committed to continuing to relieve the burden of medical debt and creating a future where every person has the opportunity to build wealth and thrive.“
DoD Announces $200 Million PDA and $1.5 Billion USAI Package for Ukraine
The Department of Defense (DoD) has announced new security assistance for Ukraine, including a $200 million Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) package and a $1.5 billion Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) package.
The $200 million PDA package will provide Ukraine with essential capabilities, such as air defense interceptors, munitions for rocket systems and artillery, and anti-tank weapons.
The $1.5 billion USAI package will enhance Ukraine’s air defenses, fires, and anti-tank capabilities. It includes:
Munitions for National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS)
Short- and medium-range air defense munitions
RIM-7 missiles for air defense
Electronic warfare equipment
Ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS)
155mm and 105mm artillery rounds
120mm mortar rounds
Precision aerial munitions
Tube-Launched, Optically-Tracked, Wire-Guided (TOW) missiles
Javelin and AT-4 anti-armor systems
Small arms
Explosives material and demolitions equipment
Secure communications systems
Commercial satellite imagery services
Spare parts, maintenance, sustainment support, and other ancillary equipment
This announcement represents the Biden Administration’s twentieth USAI package and the sixty-second tranche of equipment from DoD inventories provided to Ukraine since August 2021. The U.S. will continue working with over 50 Allies and partners to ensure Ukraine receives the critical support needed to counter Russian aggression.
Putin spreads falsehoods and stokes fears of a new Cold War during a parade for Russian Navy Day
Sailors' 'Navy Salute' to Putin raises questions…
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin condemns Hizballah attack and reaffirms support for Israel
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant regarding the July 27 attack by Lebanese Hizballah on Majdal Shams, which killed 12 children and injured many civilians. Austin strongly condemned the attack, extended condolences to the victims' families, and offered prayers for the injured. He discussed ongoing threats from Iranian-backed terrorist groups, including Hizballah, and explored opportunities for a ceasefire deal in Gaza and a diplomatic solution to halt attacks along the Israel-Lebanon border. Austin reaffirmed his steadfast commitment to Israel's security and right to self-defense.
Concerns over Venezuelan election integrity amidst growing Russian influence
Recent reports indicate that Nicolás Maduro has declared victory in Venezuela’s election with 51.2% of the vote. However, exit polls suggested a much different outcome, with challenger María Corina González reportedly leading with 65% and Maduro at 31%. This discrepancy raises serious questions about the accuracy of the exit polls and the legitimacy of the election results.
The situation has prompted a call to action from democratic leaders worldwide. They are urged to stand with the Venezuelan people to prevent what could be a significant theft of the election by Maduro. The stakes are high, as the credibility of Venezuela’s democratic process is on the line.
Adding to the complexity, Russian Ambassador Sergey Melik-Bagdasarov has praised Maduro’s victory, suggesting it will strengthen the strategic partnership between Russia and Venezuela. This endorsement from Russia, coupled with Putin's early congratulations, has fueled concerns about Venezuela's increasing alignment with Russian interests.
The close ties between Venezuela and Russia have been growing for years. Russian President Vladimir Putin intervened in 2019 by sending Wagner Group mercenaries to support Maduro. This intervention was followed by significant shifts in Venezuela’s economic and political landscape: Venezuela’s gold reserves were transferred to Russia, the country’s oil company headquarters were relocated to Moscow, and its banking operations were moved to GazpromBank.
This alignment with Russia has raised concerns that Venezuela is becoming a de facto extension of Russian influence, similar to Belarus. The implications of this shift are far-reaching, as it places Venezuela within Putin's broader geopolitical strategy, which includes expanding Russian influence in the region.
In response to the recent election, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has called for Venezuela to provide comprehensive details for an international investigation into the election’s legitimacy.
This move aims to ensure transparency and uphold democratic standards in the face of mounting allegations of electoral fraud.
As the international community watches closely, the situation in Venezuela remains fluid and charged with geopolitical significance. The global response to these developments will be crucial in shaping the future of Venezuelan democracy and its relationship with major powers like Russia.