Progressive grassroots groups are pressuring Democratic senators to 'hold the line' against Republican efforts to reopen the government, complicating bipartisan negotiations and highlighting internal party tensions amid the ongoing shutdown.
The Texas State Capitol was evacuated and closed after a social media threat amid protests by Democratic lawmakers opposing redistricting plans, with some Democrats staying overnight in the Capitol in defiance of law enforcement directives, highlighting ongoing political tensions over redistricting and legislative procedures.
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker stated he would block any efforts to arrest Democratic lawmakers who fled Texas to prevent GOP redistricting, emphasizing that such actions are illegal and that Illinois law protects lawmakers from unwarranted arrest, contrasting with claims from Texas and federal figures about returning lawmakers to the state.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into the group Powered by People, led by Beto O’Rourke, over their involvement in the Democratic lawmakers' flight to prevent a quorum and block a gerrymandering effort, amid ongoing legal and political battles in Texas.
Texas Republicans, influenced by Trump, are attempting to redraw congressional districts to favor their party ahead of the 2024 midterms, leading to a political standoff as Democratic lawmakers flee the state to block the process, with broader national implications for gerrymandering and electoral strategies.
The Texas redistricting dispute intensifies as Governor Abbott seeks to remove Democratic Rep. Gene Wu from office after Wu and other Democrats fled the state to block a GOP-led redistricting plan, prompting legal actions and nationwide political implications.
Democratic lawmakers in Texas left the state to protest a redistricting plan favored by Republicans, leading Governor Greg Abbott to threaten their removal and arrest, though legal and logistical challenges remain due to the absence of a quorum and jurisdiction issues. The situation highlights ongoing partisan conflicts over redistricting and legislative procedures in Texas.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott threatened to remove Democratic lawmakers who left the state to block a redistricting vote, as Democrats aimed to deny a quorum and prevent the creation of new Republican-leaning House seats, escalating tensions over congressional maps.
Democratic and Republican lawmakers visited the controversial 'Alligator Alcatraz' detention facility in Florida, where they expressed concerns over transparency, costs, and environmental impact, with some accusing the state of staging a pre-planned tour to showcase the facility.
All four Muslim Democratic House members condemned racist and Islamophobic attacks from both parties against Zohran Mamdani following his NYC mayoral primary win, urging leaders to speak out against such hate, amid GOP and some Democratic criticisms.
Democratic lawmakers Elizabeth Warren and Jan Schakowsky have criticized major pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer, Merck, J&J, AbbVie, and Amgen for paying little to no federal taxes by shifting profits offshore, and are questioning their support for extending tax cuts in the GOP reconciliation bill. They highlight the practice enabled by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which they argue benefits wealthy corporations at the expense of American taxpayers, and are seeking responses from these companies about their lobbying efforts and tax liabilities. The issue is part of broader legislative debates over tax reform and pharmaceutical pricing.
Rep. Hillary Scholten canceled a town hall after her name appeared on a target list linked to the Minnesota shooting suspect, reflecting heightened security concerns for Democratic lawmakers following the attack that resulted in two deaths and multiple injuries. Other lawmakers like Rep. Debbie Dingell plan to proceed with their events, while law enforcement continues investigations and briefings.
Democratic lawmakers and their families have been targeted with bomb threats and swatting incidents, reportedly signed with 'MAGA,' prompting calls for increased protection. The FBI is investigating, and no devices have been found. Lawmakers like Reps Rosa DeLauro, Jahana Hayes, Jim Himes, and Seth Magaziner have reported threats, reflecting a rise in security incidents against Congress members. Despite the threats being deemed non-credible, concerns about violence against public officials persist amid growing disrespect for civic institutions.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries condemned bomb threats made against Democratic lawmakers on Thanksgiving, which included threats of pipe bombs and swatting, all signed with 'MAGA.' The threats targeted nearly all Connecticut Democrats, including Sen. Chris Murphy and several representatives, though no devices were found. Jeffries emphasized the need for maximum protection for lawmakers and called for the prosecution of those responsible for political violence.
Several Democratic lawmakers from Connecticut, including Sen. Chris Murphy and Reps. Jim Himes, Joe Courtney, John Larson, and Jahana Hayes, received bomb threats against their homes on Thanksgiving. Police found no explosives, and the threats appear to be part of a coordinated effort targeting multiple public figures. The FBI is investigating these incidents, which follow a politically charged election season marked by violence.