Politics
Democrats subpoena Mueller report amid calls for impeachment
Published
7 years agoon
WASHINGTON (AP) — The chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, Rep. Jerrold Nadler, has issued a subpoena for special counsel Robert Mueller’s full report as Democrats intensified their investigation of President Donald Trump, but leaders stopped short of liberal demands for impeachment proceedings.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has insisted on a methodical, step-by-step approach to the House’s oversight of the Trump administration, and she refuses to consider impeachment without public support, including from Republicans, which seems unlikely. But in light of Mueller’s findings , Democratic leaders are under mounting pressure from the party’s rising stars, deep-pocketed donors and even a presidential contender to seize the moment as a jumping-off point for trying to remove Trump from office.
Speaking Friday in Belfast as Pelosi wrapped up a congressional visit to Ireland, she declined to signal action beyond Congress’ role as a check and balance for the White House.
“Let me assure you that whatever the issue and challenge we face, the Congress of the United States will honor its oath of office to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States to protect our democracy,” she told reporters. “We believe that the first article — Article 1, the legislative branch — has the responsibility of oversight of our democracy, and we will exercise that.”
That approach isn’t enough for some liberals who see in Trump’s actions not just a president unfit for office but evidence of obstruction serious enough that Mueller said he could not declare Trump exonerated.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., is now signed on to an impeachment resolution from fellow Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, bringing new energy to the effort. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., a presidential candidate, said Friday the House “should initiate impeachment proceedings against the president.” And billionaire Tom Steyer, a leading advocate of impeachment, has grown impatient with the House’s pace of investigations and wants televised hearings to focus Americans’ attention on Trump.
“Let’s get the show on the road,” Steyer said in an interview Friday. “The Mueller report very clearly outlined obstruction by the president and basically said, I can’t do anything about it, it’s up to Congress to hold the president accountable.”
Democrats, though, may see greater power in pursuing an investigative effort, leaving impeachment on the shelf as a break-glass option.
The Judiciary chairman, Nadler, D-N.Y., says he expects the Justice Department to comply with the committee’s subpoena for the full report by May 1.
That’s the same day Attorney General William Barr is to testify before a Senate committee and one day before Barr is to appear before Nadler’s panel. Nadler also has summoned Mueller to testify by May 23.
“It now falls to Congress to determine the full scope of that alleged misconduct and to decide what steps we must take going forward,” Nadler said.
A Justice Department spokeswoman, Kerri Kupac, called Nadler’s move “premature and unnecessary.”
Barr sent Congress a redacted version of the Mueller report, blacking out several types of material, including classified information, material pertaining to ongoing investigations and grand jury evidence.
Nadler said he was open to working with the department on accommodations, but he also said the committee “needs and is entitled to the full version of the report and the underlying evidence consistent with past practice.”
But the committee’s top Republican, Rep. Doug Collins of Georgia, said the subpoena was “wildly overbroad” and that Trump already had declined to assert executive privilege over the Mueller report in a move of “unprecedented openness.”
“This is politically convenient,” Collins said, allowing the chairman “to grandstand and rail against the attorney general for not cooperating on an impossible timeline.”
Mueller’s report provides fresh evidence of Trump’s interference in the Russia investigation and challenges lawmakers to respond.
For Congress, though, organizing an immediate response been complicated by the spring recess that left leadership in both parties away from Washington and rank-and-file lawmakers.
GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy has been on a delegation trip to South America, and GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham, the top Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, has been in Africa.
One Republican, Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah was one of the few who spoke out Friday, saying he was “sickened” by the report’s findings of dishonesty at the highest levels of the administration, “including the president,” and appalled that some Americans were working with Russians during the 2016 election.
Pelosi will convene House Democrats for a conference call Monday, after the holiday weekend when many lawmakers are celebrating Easter and Passover.
With Barr, Democrats expect a long battle ahead. The attorney general has come under intense scrutiny over his handling of the Mueller report and subsequent comments that have left him exposed to criticism he is acting in Trump’s interest.
Late Friday Democrats rejected an offer from Barr for a limited number of congressional leaders to view some of the redacted materials in a confidential setting. They said it was inadequate.
It’s unlikely that the full Mueller report or the special counsel’s public testimony will untangle the dilemma that Democrats face. Mueller laid out multiple episodes in which Trump directed others to influence or curtail the Russia investigation after the special counsel’s appointment in May 2017, and Trump made clear that he viewed the probe as a potential mortal blow — “the end of my presidency.”
Democratic leaders are walking a delicate line on what to do with Mueller’s findings.
The No. 2 Democrat, Rep. Steny Hoyer of Maryland, drew criticism for refusing to consider impeachment, and quickly revised his comments to say “all options ought to remain on the table.”
And Pelosi, in an interview last week, before the report’s release, reiterated her “high bar” for impeachment. But she also didn’t close the door on the option.
“The fact is the president has engaged in activities that are unethical, un-American. … In every way he is unfit to be president of the United States. Does that make it — is that an impeachable offense? Well it depends on what we see in the report.”
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Florida
Vilchez Santiago Wins Union Backing; Daisy Morales Says Voters — Not Political Endorsements — Decide Elections
Published
6 days agoon
July 10, 2026
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — The Democratic primary for Florida House District 43 intensified this week after candidate Samuel Vilchez Santiago announced endorsements from a coalition of labor organizations, prompting former State Rep. Daisy Morales to respond that while endorsements are important, elections are ultimately decided by voters.
Vilchez Santiago announced support from 12 labor organizations, including the Florida AFL-CIO, Central Florida AFL-CIO, SEIU Florida, the Florida Education Association, the Orange County Fire Fighters Association, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1625, the Orange County Classroom Teachers Association, the United Auto Workers, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 606, the Laborers’ International Union of North America Local 517, SMART Transportation Division PAC, and the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1596.
“I am incredibly honored to earn the support of these outstanding labor organizations,” Vilchez Santiago said.
He said the endorsements were especially meaningful because he grew up in a union household.
“These endorsements are deeply personal to me. As someone who grew up in a union household, I understand firsthand that unions create pathways into the middle class and give working families the opportunity to build a better future.”
Vilchez Santiago said he would continue advocating for workers’ rights and policies that strengthen Florida’s middle class if elected.
Morales Congratulates Opponent, Recognizes Union Members
In response, Morales congratulated Vilchez Santiago on receiving the endorsements while recognizing the contributions of organized labor across Florida.
“I congratulate Mr. Vilchez Santiago on earning the support of these organizations and appreciate every group that participates in our democratic process,” Morales said.
Morales praised union members working as teachers, firefighters, law enforcement officers, healthcare professionals, skilled trades workers, transportation employees and others who contribute to Florida’s economy.
“Every worker deserves respect, opportunity, safe workplaces, fair wages, and the opportunity to achieve the American Dream.”
Morales Points to 2020 Democratic Primary
Morales said endorsements are valued but do not determine election outcomes.
She cited the 2020 Democratic Primary for Florida House District 48, when Vilchez Santiago received endorsements from elected officials, political organizations and advocacy groups before Morales defeated him and three other Democratic candidates to win the Democratic nomination.
Following that election, Florida Politics wrote that endorsements “didn’t matter” after Morales emerged victorious.
“That election demonstrated a principle that remains true today,” Morales said. “Political endorsements are valued expressions of support, but they never replace the judgment of the voters. The people—not political insiders or special interests—have the final say on Election Day.”
Morales later won the general election and represented House District 48 from 2020 to 2022.
Contrasting Campaign Messages
The exchange highlights the different messages each campaign is emphasizing as the Aug. 18 Democratic primary approaches.
Vilchez Santiago has focused on labor support, workers’ rights, affordability, housing, healthcare and reducing the influence of special interests.
Morales has centered her campaign on her legislative experience, bipartisan record and accomplishments during her term in the Florida House.
Morales said her official legislative record includes sponsoring and co-sponsoring more than 110 bills during the 2021 and 2022 legislative sessions and helping secure more than $12.5 million in state appropriations supporting higher education, healthcare, workforce development, nonprofit organizations, infrastructure improvements and community projects.
Among the legislative priorities Morales highlighted were educational opportunities for disabled veterans, property tax relief, consumer protection, public safety, workforce development, healthcare initiatives, infrastructure investments and services benefiting veterans, seniors and individuals with disabilities.
“Working families deserve representatives who deliver results—not just campaign promises,” Morales said.
Leadership and Experience
Morales said voters should evaluate candidates based on their accomplishments in public office.
“There is a clear difference in this race. My opponent is asking voters to consider who has endorsed his campaign. I am asking voters to examine my record of public service, legislative accomplishments, and proven results. Experience matters because results matter.”
She encouraged voters to review her official legislative record on the Florida House of Representatives website, which includes sponsored and co-sponsored legislation, committee assignments, voting history and appropriations.
Primary Election Approaches
The Democratic primary for Florida House District 43 will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026, with early voting scheduled for Aug. 3–16. The winner will advance to the Nov. 3 general election.
House District 43 includes portions of east Orange County, including Azalea Park, Union Park, Alafaya, Orlando, Rio Pinar and surrounding communities.
Both campaigns are expected to continue emphasizing their respective strengths as voters begin casting ballots in one of Central Florida’s most closely watched Democratic legislative primaries.
Central Florida News
Orlando Begins Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget Review, Addresses Property Tax Reform and Future Spending
Published
6 days agoon
July 10, 2026
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — The City of Orlando will officially begin its Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget process on Monday, July 13, with a public budget workshop outlining Mayor Buddy Dyer’s proposed spending plan for the coming fiscal year.
City officials said the proposed budget is balanced, does not increase the city’s millage rate, and continues to prioritize the core municipal services residents rely on every day.
Budget Workshop Scheduled for July 13
The budget process begins with a workshop at 10 a.m. in the City Council Chambers on the second floor of Orlando City Hall.
During the workshop, Mayor Buddy Dyer and members of the Orlando City Council will receive an overview of the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget from Chief Financial Officer Jose Fernandez and Assistant Chief Financial Officer Jason Wojkiewicz.
In addition to presenting the proposed spending plan, city financial officials will discuss proposed property tax reform and its potential impact on future city budgets and long-term financial planning.
Public Hearings Scheduled for September
Following the budget workshop, Orlando residents will have opportunities to provide public input during two public hearings in September.
Budget Hearing No. 1
Monday, Sept. 14, 2026
5:01 p.m.
City Council Chambers, Orlando City Hall
During the first hearing, the City Council is expected to adopt a proposed millage rate and establish a tentative Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget and Capital Improvement Program.
Budget Hearing No. 2
Monday, Sept. 28, 2026
5:01 p.m.
City Council Chambers, Orlando City Hall
The second and final public hearing will include the City Council’s vote to adopt the final millage rate, Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget and Capital Improvement Program.
Budget Takes Effect Oct. 1
If approved, Orlando’s Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget will take effect on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, marking the beginning of the city’s new fiscal year.
FY 2026-27 Budget Timeline
- Monday, July 13 — Budget Workshop (10 a.m.)
- Monday, Sept. 14 — First Public Budget Hearing (5:01 p.m.)
- Monday, Sept. 28 — Final Public Budget Hearing and Adoption Vote (5:01 p.m.)
- Thursday, Oct. 1 — Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget Implementation
The annual budget process establishes funding priorities for city operations, public safety, transportation, parks, infrastructure, capital improvements and other municipal services while determining the city’s property tax rate for the upcoming fiscal year.
Politics
State Rep. Angie Nixon Condemns Deadly ICE Shooting, Calls for Independent Investigation
Published
6 days agoon
July 10, 2026
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Following the fatal shooting of 52-year-old father and construction worker Lorenzo Salgado Araujo by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Houston, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate and Florida State Representative Angie Nixon released the following statement:
Statement from Rep. Angie Nixon
“Lorenzo Salgado Araujo was a father who spent decades building homes and providing for his family. He was fatally shot in the street by an ICE agent operating from an unmarked vehicle. My heart breaks for his wife and three sons.
“Our nation faces a moral choice. We must stop investing billions of taxpayer dollars in an agency that, in my view, terrorizes communities, operates with too little accountability, and often conducts enforcement actions without body cameras or clear identification. Those resources should instead be invested in strengthening our communities and helping families meet their basic needs. I believe ICE should be abolished.
“I stand in full solidarity with Lorenzo’s family in calling for a fully independent and transparent investigation into his death. I also call for the immediate release of his brother and the other individuals who were detained during this incident if they are being held without legal justification.”
Key Points
- Rep. Angie Nixon expressed condolences to the family of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo.
- She called for a fully independent and transparent investigation into the fatal shooting.
- Nixon criticized ICE’s enforcement practices and renewed her call to abolish the agency.
- She urged the release of Lorenzo’s brother and others detained during the incident if their continued detention is not legally justified.
