Politics

GOP blocks Capitol riot probe, displaying loyalty to Trump

Published

5 years ago

May 29, 2021

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republicans blocked creation of a bipartisan panel to investigate the deadly Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, displaying continuing party loyalty to former President Donald Trump and firm determination to shift the political focus away from the violent insurrection by his GOP supporters.

The Senate vote on Friday was 54-35 — six short of the 60 needed — to take up a House-passed bill that would have formed an independent 10-member commission evenly split between the two parties. It came a day after emotional appeals for the commission from police who fought the mob, the family of an officer who died and lawmakers in both parties who fled Capitol chambers in the worst attack on the building in two centuries.

The Republicans were mostly but not totally united: Six voted with Democrats to move forward. Eleven senators — nine Republicans and two Democrats — missed the vote, an unusually high number of absentees for one of the highest-profile votes of the year. At least one of the missing Republicans would have voted in favor of considering the commission, according to his office.

The GOP opposition means that questions about who should bear responsibility for the attack could continue to be filtered through a partisan lens — in congressional committees — rather than addressed by an outside, independent panel modeled after the commission that investigated the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.

“The investigations will happen with or without Republicans,” declared Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy, one of the Republicans who voted to move forward. “To ensure the investigations are fair, impartial and focused on the facts, Republicans need to be involved.”

The vote was in part a GOP attempt to placate Trump, or avoid his reprisals, as he has kept a firm hold on the party since his defeat by Democrat Joe Biden. The former president told his supporters to “fight like hell” to overturn his defeat before the siege and continues to falsely say he won the election — claims shouted by his supporters as they stormed the building. Trump called the commission legislation a “Democrat trap.”

Friday’s vote — the first successful use of a Senate filibuster in the Biden presidency — was emblematic of the profound mistrust between the two parties since the siege, especially among Republicans, with some in the party downplaying the violence and defending the rioters.

The vote also is likely to galvanize Democratic pressure to do away with the filibuster, a time-honored procedure typically used to kill major legislation. It requires 60 votes to move ahead, rather than a simple majority in the 100-member Senate. With the Senate evenly split 50-50, Democrats needed support from 10 Republicans to move to the commission bill.

Speaking to his Republican colleagues, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said after the vote they were “trying to sweep the horrors of that day under the rug” out of “fear or fealty” to Trump. He left open the possibility of another vote in the future on establishing a bipartisan commission, declaring, “The events of Jan. 6 will be investigated.”

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi echoed that commitment, saying Democrats “will find the truth.”

Though the bill to form the commission passed the House earlier this month with the support of almost three dozen Republicans, most GOP senators said they believed the bipartisan panel would eventually be used against them politically. While initially saying he was open to the idea, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell turned firmly against it in recent days, arguing that the panel’s investigation would be partisan despite the even split among party members.

McConnell, who once said Trump was responsible for provoking the mob attack on the Capitol, said dismissively of Democrats, “They’d like to continue to litigate the former president, into the future.”

Still, six in McConnell’s caucus defied him, arguing that an independent look was needed, and Pennsylvania’s Pat Toomey would have brought the total to seven but for a family commitment, his office said. In addition to Cassidy, the Republicans who voted to move forward were Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Susan Collins of Maine, Ben Sasse of Nebraska, Rob Portman of Ohio and Mitt Romney of Utah.

Murkowski said Thursday evening that she needed to know more about what happened before and on the day of the attack, and why.

“Truth is hard stuff, but we’ve got a responsibility to it,” she said. “We just can’t pretend that nothing bad happened, or that people just got too excitable. Something bad happened. And it’s important to lay that out.”

Some Republican colleagues strongly disagree, defending the rioters who supported Trump and his false insistence that the election was stolen from him. A House Republican said this month that one video of the insurrection looked like “a normal tourist visit.”

In reality, the attack was the worst on the Capitol in 200 years. The protesters interrupted the certification of Biden’s win over Trump, constructed a mock gallows in front of the Capitol and called for the hanging of Vice President Mike Pence, who was overseeing the proceedings inside. Lawmakers hid on the floor of the House balcony as the rioters tried to break in, and senators evacuated their chamber mere minutes before it was ransacked.

Four of the protesters died that day, including a woman who was shot and killed by police as she tried to break into the House chamber. Dozens of police officers were injured, and two took their own lives in the days afterward.

Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick collapsed and died after engaging with the rioters, and video showed two men spraying Sicknick and another officer with a chemical. The Washington medical examiner said he suffered a stroke and died from natural causes.

Senate Democrats angrily questioned how the Republicans could vote against an independent investigation.

“An insurrection without consequences — without even a proper investigation — is a dress rehearsal for another insurrection,” said Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin, the No. 2 Democrat in Congress. “When the Capitol police, who protect us with their lives, ask for this commission, we are ingrates to refuse.”

The Republicans’ political arguments over the violent siege — which is still raw for many in the Capitol, almost five months later — have frustrated not only the Democrats and some of their Republican colleagues but also those who fought off the rioters. Sicknick’s mother, girlfriend and two police officers who battled the rioters alongside him went office to office and asked Republicans to support the commission.

Michael Fanone, a Metropolitan Police Department officer who responded to the attack, joined Sicknick’s family on Capitol Hill Thursday. In between meetings with Republican senators, he said a commission is “necessary for us to heal as a nation from the trauma that we all experienced that day.” Fanone has described being dragged down the Capitol steps by rioters who shocked him with a stun gun and beat him.

Sicknick’s mother, Gladys Sicknick, suggested those who opposed the panel visit her son’s grave.

In interview on CNN after the vote, she asked of the Republicans: “What kind of country do they want?”

Related Topics:Capitol riot probe GOP Trump

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Central Florida News

Orange County Commission District 3 Lawsuit Set for July 10 Hearing, Candidate Randy Ross Says

Published

1 hour ago

July 6, 2026

FNN NEWS

Florida National News learned of the July 10 court date following a press conference held by Ross and later received a news release from his campaign announcing the scheduled hearing.

Lawsuit Challenges Election Process

Ross filed the lawsuit after challenging the application of Florida’s resign-to-run law following Orange County Commissioner Mayra Uribe’s decision to seek another elected office.

“This lawsuit has never been about me,” Ross said. “It has always been about the right of District 3 residents to elect their own County Commissioner. On Friday, the people finally get their day in court.”

Ross: ‘The Law Matters’

Ross said his legal challenge is focused on ensuring election laws are applied consistently.

“While others relied on politics, assumptions and opinion, I relied on one thing … the law,” Ross said. “If we expect our citizens to follow the law, then government must follow it too. There cannot be one set of rules for politicians and another for everyone else.”

Concerns Over Election Accountability

Ross said the case raises broader questions about accountability and public confidence in Orange County’s election process.

“Candidates place their trust in our election officials to provide competent, accurate guidance,” Ross said. “Voters deserve confidence that elections are conducted according to Florida law … not political convenience. When government gets it wrong, someone has to stand up. I chose to do exactly that.”

Campaign Message

Ross, a longtime Orange County resident and community leader, said the lawsuit reflects the type of leadership he would bring to the County Commission.

“I don’t back down from difficult fights. I don’t accept government incompetence. And I don’t believe taxpayers or voters should pay the price when public officials fail to do their jobs.”

He also pledged to provide a public update immediately following Friday’s hearing.

“I welcome this opportunity because facts matter. The law matters. Most importantly, the voices of District 3 voters matter. This isn’t about politics … it is about protecting the integrity of our elections and ensuring the people, not government bureaucracy, decide who represents them.”

The hearing is scheduled for Friday, July 10, 2026. The court’s ruling will determine the legal issues presented in the case. The allegations and legal arguments discussed are those advanced by the plaintiff and remain subject to judicial review.

Politics

President Trump Launches Trump Accounts with NYSE, Nasdaq Opening Bell Ceremony from Oval Office

Published

3 hours ago

July 6, 2026

FNN NEWS

NEW YORK (FNN NEWS) — President Donald Trump marked the official launch of Trump Accounts on Monday by participating in a first-of-its-kind opening bell ceremony for both the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq from the Oval Office.

The event celebrated the rollout of the investment account program established under the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, which the Trump administration says is designed to help eligible American children build long-term wealth through tax-advantaged investment accounts.

Investment Accounts for American Children

According to the White House, Trump Accounts are available to U.S. citizens under the age of 18. Children born between Jan. 1, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2028, will automatically receive a $1,000 federal seed investment, while families and eligible contributors may make additional investments over time.

The administration said more than six million Trump Accounts have already been requested, with more than 86% of requests coming from families earning less than $200,000 annually.

President Trump Highlights Economic Opportunity

During the ceremony, President Trump said the accounts are intended to allow children to benefit from long-term economic growth.

“With the ringing of the opening bell for the stock market, Trump Accounts will now begin to grow right along with our booming economy,” Trump said. “Between individual contributions and the seed funds, $800 million in new capital will be invested in the stock market for America’s children this week.”

Business and Government Leaders Voice Support

Several business executives and administration officials participated in the announcement, including:

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent
Michael Dell, founder and CEO of Dell Technologies
Adena Friedman, CEO of Nasdaq
Lynn Martin, president of the New York Stock Exchange Group
Jeffrey Sprecher, CEO of Intercontinental Exchange
Brad Gerstner, chairman and CEO of Altimeter Capital
Ted Cruz

Treasury Secretary Bessent said the initiative is intended to expand access to financial markets for American families.

Michael Dell encouraged additional companies to participate by contributing to employees’ children’s accounts.

Private-Sector Participation

The White House announced that philanthropists Michael and Susan Dell are supporting the initiative and said more than 50 companies have committed to making contributions to Trump Accounts for the children of their employees.

Administration officials described the initiative as part of a broader effort to encourage savings, investing and long-term wealth creation for future generations.

The announcement comes as the United States continues events commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary, with administration officials describing Trump Accounts as an investment in America’s next generation.

Florida

U.S. Embassy Reopens in Caracas, Offering New Opportunities for Venezuelans in Central Florida

Published

2 weeks ago

June 23, 2026

FNN NEWS

WASHINGTON (FNN NEWS) — The United States has formally resumed operations at the U.S. Embassy in Caracas, Venezuela, marking the first permanent diplomatic presence in the country since 2019 and signaling a new phase in U.S.-Venezuela relations.

The reopening could have significant implications for Florida’s growing Venezuelan community, particularly in Central Florida, where thousands of Venezuelan families now call the Orlando region home.

The U.S. Department of State announced that diplomatic operations officially resumed March 30, following years in which U.S. engagement with Venezuela was conducted through the Venezuela Affairs Unit at the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá, Colombia.

In January, Ambassador Laura F. Dogu arrived in Caracas as Chargé d’Affaires to lead U.S. government operations on the ground and oversee preparations for the eventual return of full embassy personnel and consular services.

Potential Impact on Venezuelan Families

For years, many Venezuelans seeking U.S. visa interviews or consular assistance were required to travel to Bogotá, often incurring significant travel expenses and logistical challenges.

While routine visa and passport services have not yet resumed in Caracas, U.S. officials said embassy personnel are working toward restoring full consular operations.

Once fully operational, the embassy could provide Venezuelan families with easier access to visa processing, family reunification services, emergency assistance and other consular support.

Economic and Business Opportunities

The reopening could also strengthen economic and commercial ties between Venezuela and Central Florida.

Florida has become a major destination for Venezuelan entrepreneurs, investors and professionals. Business leaders say a restored diplomatic presence may encourage additional trade, investment and business expansion opportunities between the two regions.

Industries including real estate, healthcare, construction, logistics and professional services could benefit from increased cross-border activity.

Strengthening Community Ties

Community leaders believe renewed diplomatic relations could further strengthen cultural, educational and civic connections between Venezuela and Central Florida.

Orlando-area organizations, universities and business groups may find new opportunities for collaboration, exchanges and partnerships as relations continue to normalize.

Former Florida Lawmaker Welcomes Diplomatic Reengagement

Former Florida State Representative Daisy Morales, who is also a candidate for Florida House District 43, applauded the reopening of the U.S. Embassy in Caracas and highlighted its potential impact on Central Florida’s large Venezuelan and Hispanic communities.

Morales, a retired federal official who served with both the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of State, said the reopening represents an important first step toward strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between the United States and Venezuela.

“I applaud the United States for taking this important first step in reopening the U.S. Embassy in Caracas and strengthening diplomatic relations with Venezuela,” Morales said. “This decision could have a positive impact on Central Florida, particularly for Venezuelan families, businesses and community organizations. As diplomatic relations continue to improve, it could also create opportunities to establish a Venezuelan consulate or honorary consulate in Orlando to better serve the growing Venezuelan population in our region.”

Morales noted that during her tenure in the Florida House, the district she represented was approximately 70 percent Hispanic, providing her with extensive experience working with diverse immigrant communities, foreign nationals and diplomatic representatives of Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Haiti, Grenada and France.

“Throughout my public service, I have worked closely with foreign nationals and diplomats on issues affecting our communities,” Morales said. “As conditions continue to improve and return to normalcy, I would not rule out visiting Venezuela in the future to strengthen relationships and explore opportunities that benefit both our communities and Central Florida.”

Morales also said that while renewed diplomatic engagement presents opportunities, policymakers should remain mindful of past experiences involving U.S. diplomatic relations with other nations.

“When President Barack Obama announced the reopening of the U.S. Embassy in Cuba in 2015, many viewed it as the beginning of a new chapter in U.S.-Cuba relations,” Morales said. “However, diplomatic relationships can evolve over time and are often affected by changing political and security conditions. As the United States begins this new chapter with Venezuela, policymakers should proceed carefully and remain focused on protecting U.S. interests, promoting democratic values and ensuring the safety and well-being of Americans.”

Challenges Remain

Despite the reopening, challenges remain.

The U.S. Embassy in Caracas has not yet resumed routine consular services, and the State Department continues to maintain travel advisories for Venezuela because of ongoing security concerns.

In addition, immigration programs affecting Venezuelans residing in the United States, including asylum and Temporary Protected Status policies, remain separate from the embassy reopening and continue to be governed by federal immigration policy.

For many Venezuelans in Central Florida, however, the return of a U.S. diplomatic presence in Caracas represents an important milestone and a step toward reconnecting families, expanding economic opportunities and strengthening ties between both regions.