President Donald Trump announced he will pardon Democratic Congressman Henry Cuellar, who was charged with accepting bribes and other crimes, claiming the charges were politically motivated. Cuellar, a moderate Democrat from Texas, maintains his innocence and recently filed for re-election. The case involves allegations of foreign influence and money laundering, but Trump has expressed support, suggesting Cuellar was targeted for speaking out on immigration issues. This is part of Trump's broader pattern of issuing pardons for various political and financial crimes.
Democratic congressman Ruben Gallego believes that repealing Arizona's 1864 near-total abortion ban would have little effect due to the damage already done and the potential for future legislative overturn. He advocates for codifying abortion rights in the state's constitution through a public referendum as the best countermeasure. The recent ruling by Arizona's state supreme court has sparked political maneuvering, with Gallego and Republican candidate Kari Lake positioning themselves on opposite sides of the issue as they vie for the US Senate seat in November. Gallego's campaign is working to collect signatures for a referendum to enshrine abortion rights in the state's constitution, while Lake has distanced herself from the 1864 ban after previously expressing support for it.
William Delahunt, a longtime Democratic congressman for Massachusetts and former Norfolk County prosecutor, has passed away at the age of 82. Known for his dedication to public service, he pioneered initiatives to combat violence against women and served as a strong voice for Massachusetts during his time in Congress. Delahunt's political legacy also includes brokering a deal with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez to provide winter heating oil to low-income residents in Massachusetts. After leaving office, he worked at a law firm and had a stint in the state's cannabis industry. Delahunt's contributions were recognized when the Norfolk County Superior Courthouse was named in his honor in October 2022.
Maryland Democratic congressman and US Senate candidate David Trone apologized for using a racist slur, "jigaboo," during a House budget committee hearing, where he intended to say "bugaboo." The offensive term is a derogatory reference to a Black person. Trone expressed deep disappointment and apologized for his mistake, acknowledging the word's offensive history and his responsibility as an elected official. His closest competitor, Angela Alsobrooks, and the director of the Office of Management and Budget, Shalanda Young, both declined to comment.
Democratic Rep. Dan Kildee's 57-year-old brother, Timothy Kildee, was shot and killed in Michigan, and his 27-year-old nephew, believed to be Timothy's son, was arrested in connection with the crime. The suspect allegedly stole Timothy's vehicle, crashed it, and may face charges including murder, carjacking, and armed robbery. Authorities are still investigating the motive behind the killing, and Congressman Kildee has asked for privacy as his family grieves this tragic loss.
Democratic congressman Steve Cohen criticized Super Bowl fans for not standing during the performance of "Lift Every Voice and Sing," known as the "Black National Anthem," calling it "not a very pretty picture." The decision to perform the song at the Super Bowl stirred debate on social media, with critics arguing that the nation has only one true national anthem. The performance was part of the league's renewed emphasis on racial justice causes. Rep. Matt Gaetz and "1619 Project" founder Nikole Hannah-Jones also weighed in on the controversy.
