Expanded abortion bans in Iowa, MTG gets the boot and a challenge to the "Death Star"
- Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and GOP legislature prepare to introduce a new, six-week abortion ban next week.
- Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers, who helped defeat Joe Biden’s student debt relief plan, places liability on Biden for creating “false expectations."
- End of student loan forgiveness could also create new opportunities for grift.
- RNC doctors quote to obscure Trump criticism.
MTG removed from Congressional Freedom Caucus
Following a clandestine vote, members of the ultra-conservative House Freedom Caucus have removed Congress’ most contentious member: U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA). The internal plebiscite occurred before the Fourth of July recess.
The decision to convene over Greene’s standing with the caucus was “for some of the things she’s done,” Freedom Caucus member Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD) told Politico
“I think the straw that broke the camel’s back was publicly saying things about another member in terms that no one should,” he added.
Harris is most likely referring to an incident that occurred in late June when Greene and fellow Freedom Caucus phenom Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) openly argued on the House floor. Greene reportedly called Boebert a “little b—-.” Greene confirmed the accusations and added that Boebert has “a great skill and talent for making most people here not like her.”
Conflict between Greene and the caucus had been brewing since the controversial congresswoman broke rank with the far-right and supported the speakership of Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA).
Houston sues state of Texas over new, overreaching ‘Death Star’ bill
Texas’s largest city is attempting to block the implementation of a bill recently signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott (R) that would severely limit the ability of municipal governments from enacting ordinances and other regulations. The city of Houston announced the suit on Monday.
House Bill 2127, also known as the “Death Star” bill, restricts the kinds of localized social and economic policy — concerning everything from workers' rights to environmental interventions — that have made Texas cities like Austin, El Paso, Houston and San Antonio progressive strongholds in an otherwise conservative state.
For example, HB 2127 would eliminate a requirement in Austin that construction workers be granted a water break every four hours.
“It is no secret the Legislature for years has been eating away at local control and governance, but House Bill 2127 has gone way out of bounds. It is extreme, and I don’t think that is an overstatement.” Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said at a press conference on Monday.
“That is a total reversal from the way things have been in this state for more than a century.”
The language in the bill is so imprecise that it is unclear what municipal and county laws will be eliminated: “In recent years, several local jurisdictions have sought to establish their own regulations of commerce that are different than the state’s regulations; and the local regulations have led to a patchwork of regulations across this state that provide inconsistency,” the bill reads.
HB 2127 has unsurprisingly been supported by affluent business lobbyists and far-right Texas legislators.
“I am not surprised that leftist cities are working with activists from California to try and slow down the implementation of the Texas Regulatory Consistency Act. I have confidence this bill will become law, and help ensure Texas’ economy thrives for future generations,” tweeted the bill’s author, state Rep. Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock).