We’ve survived 100 days of Trump. (Has it really been only 100 days?) Here’s the latest news.
This week, the Senate confirmed:
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R. Alexander Acosta to be labor secretary (both Senator Cardin and Senator Van Hollen opposed his nomination),
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Sonny Perdue to be agriculture secretary (both Senator Cardin and Senator Van Hollen supported his nomination), and
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Maryland’s Rod Rosenstein to be deputy attorney general (both Senator Cardin and Senator Van Hollen supported his nomination; Senator Cardin also called on Rosenstein to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate Russian interference in the 2016 election).
That leaves just one Cabinet-level nominee to confirm: Robert Lighthizer for U.S. Trade Representative. The Senate Finance Committee unanimously approved Lighthizer’s nomination, clearing the way for a full Senate vote. (Neither Senator Cardin nor Senator Van Hollen has said if he supports Lighthizer’s nomination.)
Government shutdown
The House passed a short-term extension to keep the government operating one more week, and the Senate also voted to pass the short-term spending bill, known as a continuing resolution.
Trump’s businesses
Senator Cardin confirmed that Senate Democrats are exploring a lawsuit against President Trump on the grounds that his businesses create conflicts of interest that violate the Constitution. Meanwhile, Congressman Cummings (MD-7) and Representative Chaffetz asked the Trump Organization to explain its plans to donate profits from payments made by officials of foreign governments. (More here.)
Michael Flynn
Congressman Cummings (MD-7) said that Michael Flynn took money from Russia and must give it back.
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More on the investigation’s findings here
Congressman Cummings (MD-7) said the White House is stonewalling, covering up for Flynn.
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More here.
Legislation
Congressman Sarbanes (MD-3) is pushing a bill to increase federal funds for aging water systems
Trump’s tax returns
Congressman Sarbanes (MD-3) spoke yesterday about why Americans deserve to see Trump’s tax returns.
Trump’s EO on sanctuary cities
Congressman Cummings (MD-7) applauds a judge’s ruling finding Trump’s executive order on sanctuary cities unconstitutional.
