All articles tagged with #congressman
A Satena flight crashed in Colombia's Catatumbo region after takeoff from Cúcuta, killing 15 people, including congress member Diógenes Quintero. Satena says there were no prior weather warnings, while civil authorities investigate; investigators note persistent adverse weather at the crash site and have completed body recovery as they determine external factors, if any, involved in the crash.
A Satena-operated plane carrying 15 people (13 passengers, 2 crew) crashed shortly after taking off from Cúcuta, Colombia, en route to Ocaña in Norte de Santander; authorities say there are no survivors and the wreckage was found in a rural area near La Playa de Belén after a search by multiple aircraft. Among the victims was congressman Diógenes Quintero, a member of the House representing special peace constituencies; last contact with air traffic control was around 11:54 a.m., with the last phones location listed at Camilo Daza airport before takeoff.
A Satena passenger plane flying from Cúcuta to Ocaña crashed in a mountainous area of Norte de Santander, Colombia, killing all 15 on board, including congressman Diógenes Quintero; authorities confirmed no survivors and opened an investigation after loss of contact with air traffic control.
Republican congressman Tim Walberg of Michigan faced backlash after suggesting that the US should bomb Gaza "like Nagasaki and Hiroshima" instead of providing humanitarian aid, drawing condemnation from progressive groups and the Council on American-Islamic Relations. Walberg also expressed support for similar treatment in Ukraine to defeat Putin's forces quickly. His remarks come amid increasing pressure on President Biden to cut off military aid to Israel, which has hindered the delivery of humanitarian relief in Gaza, despite the US abstaining from a UN vote demanding an immediate ceasefire.
Congressman and Senate hopeful Rep. David Trone used a racial slur during a congressional budget hearing, later apologizing and stating that he misspoke and did not know the word's meaning. Trone, a leading Democrat in the Maryland Senate race, is facing criticism for his remark, which he used in a speech praising President Biden's tax proposals. The incident has sparked controversy and drawn attention to the ongoing primary race.
Congressman Earl Blumenauer is seeking clarification from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regarding its reported request for a legal opinion from the Justice Department on the potential implications of marijuana rescheduling. The Biden administration's review of marijuana scheduling has sparked tension, with opponents of reform urging the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to keep cannabis in Schedule I due to international treaty concerns. Legal experts and lawmakers have disputed this argument, emphasizing that rescheduling to Schedule III would better align with international obligations while promoting public health and safety. Blumenauer and Rep. Andy Harris have expressed frustration over the lack of progress in implementing cannabis research legislation.
Tim Kildee, the brother of Michigan Congressman Dan Kildee, was shot and killed by his 27-year-old son after a confrontation at his home in Vienna Township. The son, who was involved in a domestic incident earlier, demanded Kildee's wallet and car key before the fatal shooting. The family is grieving, and potential charges are being reviewed as the investigation continues.
Michigan Rep. Dan Kildee's brother, Tim Kildee, was fatally shot in Genesee County, with the suspect identified as the victim's son and the congressman's nephew. The suspect, who had mental health and substance abuse issues, is in custody after a related high-impact accident. Rep. Kildee requested privacy, expressing grief and heartbreak, while the sheriff's office continues its investigation into the tragic incident.
Far-right Montana congressman Matt Rosendale is quitting politics after receiving a death threat and facing false and defamatory rumors following his failed bid for the US Senate. Rosendale, a member of the House freedom caucus, initially planned to seek re-election but encountered political headwinds, including a lawsuit threat against a former Democratic senator and criticism from fellow rightwing extremist Marjorie Taylor Greene. Rosendale's term expires in early 2025, and he has decided not to seek office again due to the toll the attacks have taken on him and his family.
Massachusetts congressman Stephen Lynch called for the U.S. to send aid to Ukraine during a rally in Boston, emphasizing the need for food and weapons to help the country defend itself against Russian forces. Lynch believes there are enough votes in the U.S. House to pass an aid bill for Ukraine, but Republican leadership is not allowing a bill to come to a vote. The rally also marked the 10th anniversary of Russia's occupation of Crimea, which was denounced as illegal by most of the world.
Republican Congressman Mike Gallagher, known for his work on national security and China-related issues, announced his retirement from Congress, citing his belief in term limits and the intention of the Framers for citizens to serve in Congress for a season. His decision comes after he voted against the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, a move that highlighted the GOP's narrow House majority and the ongoing tensions within the party.
GOP Congressman Troy Nehls opposes passing legislation that President Biden could use for campaigning, particularly on border security and immigration, citing Biden's low approval ratings and suggesting that helping him is unnecessary. Other Republican lawmakers, including Sen. Chuck Grassley, also express concerns about passing bills that could boost Biden's image. This sets up a showdown between the Senate and former President Trump over key issues central to the 2024 campaign, such as immigration and aid for Ukraine and Israel.
Melody Duncan, the wife of Republican Congressman Jeff Duncan from South Carolina, has filed for divorce, alleging that he had at least one extramarital affair. In the court filing, Melody accused her husband of having multiple affairs and leaving their home to live with another woman, identified as Liz Williams, a lobbyist in Washington, D.C. Duncan, who presents himself as a strong advocate for traditional family values, has been married to Melody since 1988. The complaint also claimed that Duncan has admitted to the affair to their sons and members of his staff. Melody is seeking alimony, possession of their marital residence, and other financial support in the divorce proceedings.
Republican Congressman Derrick Van Orden reportedly cursed out a group of Senate pages in the Capitol Rotunda, calling them "lazy s----" and telling them to "get the f--- up" off the floor. Van Orden defended his actions, stating that the Rotunda should be treated with respect due to its historical significance. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell condemned Van Orden's behavior, with Schumer calling him "utterly despicable." This is not the first time Van Orden has been accused of a public outburst, as he previously complained about an LGBTQ+ Pride Month display at a library.
A man has been charged with assault on a federal employee after attacking two staffers at a Virginia office of Rep. Gerald E. Connolly with a baseball bat. The victims suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The attacker, Xuan Kha Tran Pham, had previously been charged with aggravated malicious wounding and malicious wounding in connection with the incident. Authorities suspect Pham was suffering a mental health episode at the time of the attack, and there was no indication it was motivated by a political agenda.