Democrats Putting Pedal to the Metal on Agenda – “The Sunday Political Brunch” – March 21, 2021
Mark Curtis, MINDSETTER™
Democrats Putting Pedal to the Metal on Agenda – “The Sunday Political Brunch” – March 21, 2021
“Dreaming for the Dreamers” – On Thursday the House passed a bill that would create a path for citizenship for the so-called “dreamers.” There are approximately two million children who were brought into the country illegally by their parents. Many are now adults, who have succeeded in getting educated and becoming a productive part of the workforce. The argument is that they should not be punished for the wrongdoing of their parents. The House vote was 228-197, with nine Republicans voting yes. The bill will face a much more difficult fight in the 50-50 Senate.
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“Immigration Surge” – Maybe it’s the optimism of a new U.S. administration. Migrants are crossing the U.S. Mexican border illegally by the thousands these past few weeks. Many of them are unaccompanied minors. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R) West Virginia was among a bipartisan group of Senators who traveled to the border Friday. She told me the Biden Administration is to blame saying, “I think it is a deeply concerning crisis. And I think it has a lot to do with the president’s policy of, ‘Come on in for the first 100 days. We’re not going to turn anybody back’” She does not think Biden has the authority to negate the border wall and security funding already approved by the previous Congress. Expect lawsuits to follow!
“The ERA Comes Back to Life!” – Call it an “oldie, but goodie” from the Democrat’s record collection, but the Equal Rights Amendment is back! The long-debated proposed Constitutional Amendment that dates to the 1970s, got a thumbs up in the House of Representatives on Wednesday. The non-binding resolution vote was 222-204, with four Republicans joining the Democrats. It still faces an uphill fight and an uncertain future because many Constitutional analysts believe you’d have to start all over again and get it ratified by 38 states. But the bottom line is, it’s back on the table.
“The Cold War Returns” – This week U.S. intelligence again made the accusations that Russia at least tried to interfere with the 2020 U.S. election. Plus, President Biden accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of being a “killer” this week for the poisoning of opposition leader Aleksei Navalny. Russia promptly recalled its ambassador to the United States. Russian legislative leader Konstantin Kosachev told the New York Times, “Any expectations for the new U.S. administration’s new policy toward Russia have been written off by this boorish statement.” The U.S. in turn is threatening economic sanctions against Russia, and we’re off!
“The Cold War Returns: Chapter 2” – The U.S. and China held diplomatic meetings in Alaska this week, and it was not the most cordial of meetings. CNN reported that the Chinese delegation felt the U.S. was “condescending” in its tone. And the U.S. delegation suggested China was “intent on grandstanding.” It was a fascinating exchange, since many on both sides hoped the relationship could only improve after President Donald Trump was defeated, especially after he often referred to COVID-19 as, “The China virus.” Trump critics blame his rhetoric for the spike in anti-Asian hate crimes in the U.S. since the pandemic began.
“Statehood for Puerto Rico?” – The Democrat Party takeover of DC is once again fueling efforts to have a vote to allow Puerto Rico to become the 51st state. Republicans have long opposed, fearing the state’s Latino population would largely vote Democrat, assuring a further grip on winning Congress and the White House. On the other hand, many Hispanics, especially those of Cuban descent, are very conservative and have bolstered Republican control in big states such as Florida and Texas. In some ways it will be the old question, “Be careful what you ask for!”
“What Hangs in the Balance?” – As we assess these issues and look ahead to the 2022 midterm elections, you must look at the political fallout. With the Senate tied 50-50, Republicans are looking at how to regain control of the upper chamber, where they are defending 20 seats in 2022, while Democrats are defending 14 seats. The biggest GOP dilemma is that five of its incumbents are retiring. They are Sens. Roy Blount (R) Missouri, Rob Portman (R) Ohio, Pat Toomey (R) Pennsylvania, Richard Burr (R) North Carolina and Richard Shelby (R) Alabama. Four of those are in key, swing, battleground states. Only Alabama is solidly red. This will be a big, crucial fight for Republicans and a big opportunity for gains by the Democrats.
What do you think are the top priorities in Washington, DC now that Democrats are back in control? And what should Republicans do to fight it? Leave a comment below.
