Dan Sutter: Accountability for a lab leak
Back in 2020, I wrote about legal efforts to sue China over the COVID-19 pandemic. A recent report from the U.S. Senate Committee on Health Education, Labor and Pensions and an expose from Pro Publica, and Vanity Fair provide more evidence for a lab leak origin of COVID. How does a lab lead potentially affect accountability? I remain agnostic on the virus’ origins. The Pro Publica expose documents a serious safety emergency at the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) in November 2019 based on interpretation by multiple experts of communications posted on WIV’s website. The experts agreed that the exchanges were urgent, highly unusual, and involved top CCP officials. The expose also argues that the patent submission for a Chinese vaccine suggests work began in November 2019 or earlier, or before the virus allegedly emerged in December. Other prominent voices also promote the lab leak hypothesis. Two points seem particularly relevant. A virus usually requires some time to “learn” to spread efficiently in humans, yet SARS-CoV-2 spread remarkably efficiently by January 2020. And evidence of the virus in animals in the wild has yet to be documented. Economics uses methodological individualism to examine human interaction. We start with individuals’ goals, incentives, and actions. Methodological individualism precludes viewing any organization, firm, or government as a “unitary actor.” Governments employ thousands (or millions) of persons with divergent goals, while groups face significant challenges getting members to do what is in the common interest. This matters or evaluating the actions of top Chinese officials. WIV directors likely concealed details if a leak did occur. Decisions by top Chinese officials might seem malicious if we do not recognize they may not have had full information. The WIV’s culpability for a lab leak is clear. But what if the U.S. funded gain-of-function (GoF) research at WIV? Senator Rand Paul has interrogated Dr. Anthony Fauci over the possibility of such funding. Some commentators suggest banning GoF research. Although beyond my expertise, GoF research seemingly can provide valuable knowledge. Furthermore, I doubt research can be banned without draconian controls over research labs worldwide. We could halt NIH funding but cannot control what researchers do with private funding. A better approach might limit GoF research to the very most secure Biolabs. What about the Chinese government’s liability? I am not a lawyer and will not examine legal considerations. Most significantly, China almost certainly could not afford full compensation. The value of a “statistical” life, economists’ preferred way to evaluate deadly tradeoffs, is approximately $10 million. Two adjustments must be made for COVID. First, a downward adjustment based on the average age of victims. Second, an upward adjustment since values of statistical lives is based on voluntarily assumed risks, and “involuntary” risks are viewed differently. Suppose we decide on $5 million. The global COVID death toll currently exceeds 5.6 million. Some deaths have likely been “with” as opposed to “from” COVID, so let’s say 5 million deaths deserve compensation. This is $25 trillion. Only a fraction of China’s $18 trillion GDP could be taken annually for compensation. And then add in medical expenditures, school disruptions, and economic losses. What about partial compensation? Suppose a friend borrows and wrecks your car, and insurance will not pay. Your friend may be unable to fully cover your loss, but an offer to pay what he can afford would still be appreciated. The offer signals a lack of malevolent intent. Markets acknowledge the moral value of all participants, who must voluntarily consent to exchange and employment. Authoritarian nations do not respect the moral value of all. Market exchange is part of civilized behavior, and authoritarian nations are not entirely civilized. Does their government’s recent authoritarian turn and allegations of forced labor disqualify China from the global economy? Opinions will differ. Cooperation on the origins of COVID-19 and an offer of compensation if the lab leak hypothesis validates would signal a desire to remain in civilized company. Daniel Sutter is the Charles G. Koch Professor of Economics with the Manuel H. Johnson Center for Political Economy at Troy University and host of Econversations on TrojanVision. The opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the views of Troy University.
Anthony Fauci to retire in December; Jerry Carl critical of the USA’s top doctor
On Monday, Dr. Anthony Fauci announced that he will step down from his role as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and the Chief Medical Advisor to the President in December. Fauci served various Presidents over decades, but COVID-19 and the U.S. response to the global pandemic vaulted Fauci into being one of the most controversial men in America. Congressman Jerry Carl has long been a critic of Dr. Fauci. “Fauci just announced he’s resigning. It’s about dang time!” Rep. Carl said on Twitter. “I called for his immediate removal last summer, and I’ve also introduced a bill to strip him of his pension since he LIED to the American people. We will hold him accountable.” “After more than 50 years of government service, I plan to pursue the next phase of my career while I still have so much energy and passion for my field,” Fauci said in a statement. “I want to use what I have learned as NIAID Director to continue to advance science and public health and to inspire and mentor the next generation of scientific leaders as they help prepare the world to face future infectious disease threats.” U.S. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Kentucky) has also been a harsh critic of Dr. Fauci and his handling of the COVID-19 global pandemic. “Fauci’s resignation will not prevent a full-throated investigation into the origins of the pandemic,” Sen. Paul said on social media. “He will be asked to testify under oath regarding any discussions he participated in concerning the lab leak.” Fauci first went to work at the NIH in 1968. Paul and some experts believe that the source of the SARS-CoV-2 strain of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 escaped from a lab studying variations of the coronavirus. This lab received some funding from the NIH. Fauci denies the conjecture that the virus escaped from a lab. President Joseph Biden praised Fauci in a statement. “Dr. Fauci has served under seven Republican and Democratic Presidents during his career, beginning with Ronald Reagan,” Biden wrote. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2008 under President George W. Bush. For almost four decades, he has served as Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, helping our country navigate health crises ranging from HIV/AIDS to COVID-19. Because of Dr. Fauci’s many contributions to public health, lives here in the United States and around the world have been saved. As he leaves his position in the U.S. Government, I know the American people and the entire world will continue to benefit from Dr. Fauci’s expertise in whatever he does next. Whether you’ve met him personally or not, he has touched all Americans’ lives with his work. I extend my deepest thanks for his public service. The United States of America is stronger, more resilient, and healthier because of him.” Jerry Carl represents Alabama’s First Congressional District. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
What to watch in Alabama Senate runoff, DC mayor’s race
The two Republican candidates in Alabama’s U.S. Senate primary runoff on Tuesday can each boast that at one point, they had Donald Trump’s endorsement in the race. Trump first backed U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks in the spring of 2021. That endorsement stood for nearly a year until Trump rescinded it as the conservative firebrand languished in the polls. The former president took his time in issuing a second endorsement, supporting Katie Britt in the race only after she emerged as the top vote-getter in the state’s May 24 primary. In other races Tuesday, Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser is facing voters amid growing concerns about crime. Runoffs in Georgia will resolve close contests in several congressional races and a secretary of state nomination, while primaries in Virginia will set up competitive congressional contests for the fall. Arkansas is holding primary runoffs for several legislative races. What to watch in Tuesday’s primaries: ALABAMA The Senate runoff will decide the GOP nominee for the seat being vacated by 88-year-old Republican Sen. Richard Shelby, who announced his retirement in February 2021 after serving six terms. Two months later, Trump announced his endorsement of Brooks, rewarding the six-term congressman who had objected to the certification of the 2020 presidential election and spoke at the “Stop the Steal” rally that preceded the January 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. But Trump soured on Brooks as the primary campaign progressed, growing unhappy with his showing in the race and some of his comments urging the party to move on from the former president’s fixation on his 2020 election defeat. He pulled his endorsement last March. Britt, Shelby’s former chief of staff and a former leader of a state business group, won the most votes in last month’s primary, capturing nearly 45% of the ballots compared to Brooks’ 29%. Britt had needed to earn more than 50% of the vote to win outright and avoid a runoff. Another top candidate, Mike Durant, best known as the helicopter pilot who was held captive in Somalia during the 1993 battle chronicled in the book and film “Black Hawk Down,” finished in third place and failed to advance to the runoff. Brooks has been backed by Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, both of whom campaigned with him. Britt comes into Tuesday’s runoff with a fundraising advantage and a shiny new endorsement from Trump, which came a couple of weeks after the primary. The former president, who has a mixed record of success in backing winning candidates in this year’s midterm elections, waited to make an endorsement to help stave off the embarrassment of backing a losing candidate in a high-profile race. The winner of the GOP race will face Democrat Will Boyd in November, though Democrats have found limited success in the deep-red state in the last 20 years. GEORGIA A Democratic contest for secretary of state headlines the Tuesday runoffs in Georgia, while Republicans will settle three congressional nominations. State Rep. Bee Nguyen, backed by Democratic gubernatorial nominee Stacey Abrams, is trying to defeat former state Rep. Dee Dawkins-Haigler in the secretary of state’s race. The winner will face Republican Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger in the fall. Raffensperger beat back a challenge in his May 24 primary from U.S. Rep. Jody Hice, who was endorsed by Trump. Trump made Raffensperger a top target for rebuffing his efforts to “find” enough votes to overturn Joe Biden’s win in the state’s 2020 presidential election. In congressional runoffs, Vernon Jones, a Trump-backed candidate and former Democrat, is competing against trucking company owner Mike Collins for the Republican nomination for the 10th Congressional District seat east of Atlanta. Collins was endorsed by Republican Gov. Brian Kemp, who also won his primary over a Trump-backed challenger. In the 6th District in Atlanta’s northern suburbs, emergency room physician Rich McCormick is trying to hold off Trump-backed lawyer Jake Evans. That race has revolved around accusations by each candidate that the other is insufficiently conservative. The Republican winners in the 6th and 10th are heavy favorites in the November election over their Democratic opponents. Republicans also have high hopes of knocking off 30-year Democratic Rep. Sanford Bishop in southwest Georgia’s 2nd District. The GOP is choosing between former Army officer Jeremy Hunt and real estate developer Chris West. VIRGINIA In Virginia, voters will be picking Republican nominees to take on Democratic U.S. House incumbents in two of the most highly competitive districts in the country. In the coastal 2nd District, which includes the state’s most populous city, Virginia Beach, four military veterans are competing for the GOP nomination. With a big fundraising lead and the backing of the Congressional Leadership Fund, a super PAC dedicated to electing House Republicans, state Sen. Jen Kiggans is widely seen as the front-runner. The winner will face Democrat Elaine Luria, a retired Naval commander and member of the January 6 committee, in the general election. In central Virginia’s 7th District, six candidates are jockeying to take on Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger, a former CIA officer. WASHINGTON, D.C. Bowser, the two-term mayor of Washington, D.C., is trying to fend off challenges from a pair of Council members as the district contends with rising crime rates and homelessness concerns. Bowser has had a tumultuous second term that saw her repeatedly face off against Trump and walk a public tightrope between her own police department and a vocal coalition of activists led by Black Lives Matter. She is campaigning on the need for proven leadership and her history as one of the faces of Washington’s ongoing quest for statehood. Her primary challengers are Robert White and Trayon White, who are not related to each other. Both accuse Bowser of favoring developers as spiraling costs of living drive Black families out of the city and of mishandling public safety issues amid rising rates of violent crime, like a Sunday night shooting that left a 15-year-old boy dead and a police officer and at least two other adults wounded. The Democratic primary essentially decides the mayoral race in deeply blue Washington, D.C. Robert White has a history of successful insurgent campaigns, having unseated an entrenched incumbent for an at-large
Rand Paul to headline two events for Mo Brooks Friday. Pundits note the future of U.S. Senate leadership is on the line
Dr. Rand Paul will be headlining two campaign townhalls in Alabama for Congressman Mo Brooks for U.S. Senate. On Friday, June 17, Sen. Paul and Rep. Brooks will be at the Valley Hotel in Homewood, Alabama at 12 pm. At 3 pm, the duo will head to the Four Points by Sheraton in Huntsville. National media and insiders have noted that the Senate race between Brooks and opponent Katie Britt has become a proxy battle between Mitch McConnell and President Donald Trump supporters within the party. While Trump pulled his endorsement of Brooks and endorsed Katie Britt, it hasn’t stopped Trump-like and Trump-supporting senators Rand Paul and Ted Cruz from going all-in in their support of the firebrand congressman. Meanwhile, McConnell and his team favor Britt, the former president of the Business Council of Alabama and chief of staff to Richard Shelby. Both Paul and Cruz have campaigned on behalf of Brooks. Notably, Brooks’s first endorsement for his campaign was from Paul, back in May 2021. Paul stated, “I’m happy to endorse my friend Mo Brooks today for the U.S. Senate. Mo has proven time and time again he will stand up for liberty and do what he thinks is right. He will join me in fighting to lower spending, cut the size and power of government, curtail foreign aid, and stop our endless wars overseas. Mo will stand for the Bill of Rights and against the entrenched bipartisan power and big spenders in the Senate just as he has done in the House.”
Alabama Senate runoff national bellwether for Mitch McConnell vs. Donald Trump for Senate leadership
National media and insiders are all abuzz watching the U.S. Senate race in Alabama, noting that it has become a proxy battle between Mitch McConnell and President Donald Trump supporters within the party. While Trump pulled his endorsement in the race, just as Congressman Mo Brooks found his footing again, it hasn’t stopped Trump-like and Trump-supporting senators Rand Paul and Ted Cruz from going all-in in their support of the firebrand congressman. Brooks continues to wage war on the same establishment supporters who fought Trump tooth and nail as a candidate. Both Paul and Cruz have campaigned on behalf of Brooks, the Alabama congressman who staunchly supported Trump, and urged a crowd of Trump supporters to start “taking down names and kicking ass” before the storming of the U.S. Capitol on January 6. Meanwhile, McConnell and his team favor Katie Britt, the former president of the Business Council of Alabama and chief of staff to Richard Shelby. “The people who I trust that I know really well from my state, Thomas Massie and others, tell me he has a great voting record … It takes somebody who’s willing to stir the pot, who is willing and unafraid,” Paul commented during a Monday evening tele-townhall for Brooks. “We need hard-hitters who are unafraid to tell the truth, and I think Mo Brooks is one of those.” Brooks sees the upcoming June runoff as a battle between McConnell Republicans and MAGA Republicans. “This Senate runoff is a battle for the soul of the Republican Party. It is Mitch McConnell’s Katie Britt versus Senator Ted Cruz, Senator Rand Paul, and America First’s MAGA Mo Brooks,” Brooks said after Tuesday’s primary. “Katie Britt is a Chamber of Commerce lobbyist backed by McConnell and the Swamp. They are bragging about trying to buy this seat for Britt.” AL.Com reported shortly after Trump pulled his endorsement of Brooks that, “Britt made it a point of stopping short of calling the election stolen.” In a nearly 20-minute interview on Capitol Journal, while Britt praised Trump fawningly, she again dodged addressing the issue outright twice when directly asked. Instead, opting to talk about election fraud in general terms and the changes in procedures that were seen due to COVID-19. Brooks, however, continues to argue that Trump won and that the election was stolen from him. According to a McClatchy DC report, a super PAC run by McConnell’s former chief of staff donated $2 million to an Alabama group designed to take down Brooks and assist Britt. Stephen Law, who runs the Senate Leadership Fund, told The Hill earlier this month that Brooks has historically been “a very weak candidate…a bad fundraiser, prone to gaffes.” Additionally, McConnell allies in Washington have quietly sent financial contributions to Britt. Monica Popp, a GOP consultant who is married to David Popp, McConnell’s communications director, Brian McGuire, a former McConnell chief of staff, and Megan Hauck, a former health policy adviser to McConnell, have all sent Britt personal donations. While Britt may have the support of the D.C. fundraising circuit, Brooks believes that separating himself from the likes of McConnell and what he sees as the “anti-Trump movement” is a good strategy. Three of Brooks’ television ads have shown images of McConnell with labels like “debt junkie” and “weak.” Earlier in the month, Brooks held a series of rallies around Alabama that were titled “Fire McConnell townhalls.” Brooks said in a campaign statement, “This race is not about me: it’s the America First agenda vs. the swamp, Mitch McConnell, and the bought and paid for special interest agenda. It is time for conservatives to choose sides. In 2017, McConnell spent more than ten million dollars lying about me and my record. Now he’s at it again.” One poll showed McConnell’s favorability rating among Alabama Republicans is just 27%, with 54% viewing the McConnell unfavorably. The McClatchy DC report quoted Apryl Marie Fogel, radio host and conservative activist in the state as saying, “Mitch McConnell is viewed here in Alabama as the epitome of all that is wrong with the party. He represents the establishment in a state that prides itself on a base that is anti-establishment.” Fogel went on to say, “On the other hand, this is a state that has long embraced Ted Cruz and Rand Paul style conservatism. They’d love to see more of that fiery brand senator on the floor.” Fogel added, “There’s a lot more riding on this election and runoff than just who is going to hold this seat; McConnell and team has the money, but Cruz and Paul have the hearts of the voters.” The attention on McConnell also takes away attention from the fact that Trump revoked his support of Brooks during his campaign. “I’ll tell you this: I don’t believe Donald Trump is going to get conned by McConnell twice,” Brooks said after qualifying for the runoff. “He’s not going to side with Mitch McConnell and against the Alabama grassroots. At the end of the day, he’s going to stand with the America First movement.” In an interview late last year, Brooks suggested Paul and Cruz would be preferable leaders of the Senate Republican caucus over McConnell. “I anticipate that once in the Senate, the people of Alabama are going to want me to support as the Republican Leader in the Senate, whoever is the most conservative senator running for that position, and that’s what I will do,” Brooks said at the time. Paul has already indicated he will help Brooks. “If you get into the runoff, I’m looking at my calendar,” Paul told Brooks on a Monday evening call. “I think I might want to come down to Alabama and help.”
Jessica Taylor endorses Mo Brooks for Senate
Jessica Taylor, a former candidate for the U.S. Senate and a Mike Durant surrogate, has endorsed Mo Brook’s candidacy for the same open Senate seat. Taylor endorsed Durant during the primary and was critical of Britt’s campaign, stating that Britt’s TV ads aimed to “destroy the legacy and good name of Mike Durant.” “Katie Britt will be just another cog in Mitch McConnell’s wheel,” Taylor stated in a press release. “She will be a big-spending Republican who continues to cede power to the federal government. Mo Brooks is a true conservative and has proven he’s not afraid to drain the Swamp and has my full endorsement and support.” Brooks thanked Taylor and welcomed her support. “I thank Jessica Taylor for her strong endorsement, and I welcome the support and vote of all Mike Durant voters like her. This is an epic Republican runoff battle that will affect America’s future for years to come,” Brooks stated. “It is the Mitch McConnell Establishment versus the Senator Ted Cruz and Senator Rand Paul conservative and liberty GOP wings. It is David versus the Swamp’s Goliath. It is the Special Interest Machine versus the People.” Brooks continued, “It is anti-MAGA versus MAGA. In sum, if you like how GOP RINOs sunk President Trump’s ship in 2017 and 2018, failing to build the wall or repeal ObamaCare, then you will love Katie Britt because she is wed to those political forces that prevented conservatives from fulfilling our campaign promises on border security, ObamaCare, deficits, and debt.”
Barry Moore joins lawsuit to end mask mandate for air travel
Representative Barry Moore has joined sixteen of his colleagues in a lawsuit against the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The lawsuit, Massie et al v. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, seeks to end the CDC’s mask mandate for individuals traveling on commercial airlines. Reports indicate the Biden Administration is extending the CDC’s mask mandate until April 18. Massie et al. v. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. The named defendants are Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Rochelle P. Walensky in her official capacity as Director of the CDC, and Sherri A. Berger in her official capacity as Chief of Staff of the CDC. The lawsuit contains two primary claims: First, none of the statutes or regulations cited by the CDC for the authority to mandate that individuals wear masks on commercial airlines, conveyances, and at transportation hubs, permit the CDC to implement or enforce this mandate. Second, even if Congress had granted the CDC the authority to promulgate the mask mandate, the granting of this authority would violate a principle known as the “non-delegation doctrine.” Moore and his co-plaintiffs are asking a federal court to declare that “the mask mandate is beyond the CDC’s statutory authority or is unconstitutional.” The plaintiffs are also seeking an injunction that prohibits the CDC, or anyone acting on the CDC’s behalf, from enforcing the mask mandate. Rep. Thomas Massie argued that the CDC doesn’t have the authority to force people to wear masks on airplanes because Congress never passed a law requiring it. “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not have the legal authority to force people traveling on commercial airlines to wear masks,” stated Massie. “Congress never passed a law requiring masks on commercial flights. This lawsuit targets the faceless bureaucrats who are behind the CDC’s unscientific regulation so that this illegal mask mandate can be brought to a permanent end.” Moore argued that the mandate should end immediately because it infringes on constitutional freedoms. “Government bureaucrats desperate for relevancy are waging a war against everyday American citizens and their constitutional freedoms,” stated Rep. Moore. “The unscientific mask mandate for commercial air travel should be ended immediately, and I am proud to join my friend Rep. Massie in this lawsuit to end this charade permanently.” Additional plaintiffs for the lawsuit include Reps. Thomas Massie, Rand Paul, Andy Biggs, Dan Bishop, Lauren Boebert, Andrew Clyde, Warren Davidson, Bob Good, Paul Gosar, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Brian Mast, Alex Mooney, Ralph Norman, Bill Posey, Matt Rosendale, and Chip Roy.
Tommy Tuberville continues push to fully reopen U.S. Capitol, Senate to visitors
U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville joined U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty in introducing a resolution supporting the full reopening of the U.S. Capitol and Senate Office Buildings to the American public. Tuberville has been vocal on returning the U.S. Capitol and Senate Office Buildings to pre-COVID visitation policies. The Capitol and Senate office buildings have remained largely closed to the public for nearly two years. This closure has restricted lawmakers’ ability to welcome constituents to their offices and arrange for Capitol tours. The resolution aims to recognize the importance of reopening the U.S. Capitol and Senate office buildings and support returning to the pre-COVID public visitation policies for areas within Senate jurisdiction. Senator Tuberville expressed the need to open the Capitol so that the public can watch the democratic process. “Two years ago, it was reasonable to close public access in the name of public health. But now, it is no longer justifiable to restrict the public’s access to Capitol Hill, and we must accept the reality that we will be living with COVID for the foreseeable future,” Tuberville commented. “It should not be the case that only Members of Congress, their staff, and a few select people be the only ones who can access the Capitol. Americans deserve to visit their country’s beacon of democracy.” Hagerty argued that the Capitol needs to be reopened because the rest of the U.S. has reopened. “It is long past time for the Senate to re-open its doors to those who sent us here to represent them—the American people,” stated Hagerty. “Thanks to Operation Warp Speed, vaccines have been available for over a year for those who want them, and Americans from coast to coast have learned to live their lives safely despite the pandemic. From stores to venues and most workplaces and schools, the rest of the United States has re-opened, and it’s time for the Senate to do the same.” Other senators who support the resolution include Senators John Thune (R-SD), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Rick Scott (R-FL), James Inhofe (R-OK), James Lankford (R-OK), Mike Braun (R-IN), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), John Cornyn (R-TX), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Rand Paul (R-KY), John Hoeven (R-ND), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), John Kennedy (R-LA), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Ron Johnson (R-WI), John Boozman (R-AR), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Jim Risch (R-ID), and John Barrasso (R-WY).
Anthony Fauci, Rand Paul clash on virus origins, trade charges of lying
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, angrily confronted Kentucky GOP Sen. Rand Paul on Tuesday in testimony on Capitol Hill, rejecting Paul’s insinuation that the U.S. helped fund research at a Chinese lab that could have sparked the COVID-19 outbreak. Paul suggested that Fauci had lied before Congress when in May, he denied that the National Institutes of Health funded so-called “gain of function” research — the practice of enhancing a virus in a lab to study its potential impact in the real world — at a Wuhan virology lab. U.S. intelligence agencies are currently exploring theories that an accidental leak from that lab could have led to the global pandemic. “I have not lied before Congress. I have never lied. Certainly not before Congress. Case closed,” Fauci told Paul before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, saying a study the senator mentioned referenced a different sort of virus entirely from the one responsible for the coronavirus outbreak. “Senator Paul, you do not know what you’re talking about, quite frankly,” Fauci said. “And I want to say that officially. You do not know what you’re talking about.” He added, “If anybody is lying here, senator, it is you.” It was the latest in a series of clashes between Paul and Fauci over the origins of the virus that caused the global pandemic. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Mo Brooks acquires first Senate endorsement from Rand Paul in race to become Alabama’s next U.S. Senator
Congressman Mo Brooks acquired his first endorsement from the Senate Tuesday from Kentucky Senator Rand Paul, according to an announcement from the Brooks campaign. Paul expressed, “I’m happy to endorse my friend Mo Brooks today for the U.S. Senate. Mo has proven time and time again he will stand up for liberty and do what he thinks is right. He will join me in fighting to lower spending, cut the size and power of government, curtail foreign aid, and stop our endless wars overseas. Mo will stand for the Bill of Rights and against the entrenched bipartisan power and big spenders in the Senate just as he has done in the House.” Brooks’ response highlighted their paralleled goals to defend liberty, freedom, and individual liberty as he replied, “I am honored by Senator Rand Paul’s endorsement and look forward to fighting with him in the U.S. Senate to limit and reverse exploding federal government growth; stop endless wars that cost too many American lives while depleting our treasury; promote and defend liberty, freedom and America’s foundational principles that have combined to make America the greatest nation in world history; and lower federal taxes so that American citizens can keep more of their hard-earned money so that they can better take care of themselves and their families.” Endorsed by President Donald Trump, the Senate Conservatives Fund, Alabama Congressman Barry Moore, and many others, Brooks is positioning himself to replace six-term Senator Richard Shelby in Alabama’s race for U.S. Senate next year. 🚨 PRESIDENT TRUMP ENDORSED MY CAMPAIGN🚨 I am honored and humbled by President Trump's strong endorsement. I ask all Americans who share our America First vision to heed and honor President Trump's request by joining our campaign >> https://t.co/ADCPfMqXqL pic.twitter.com/LpvsDcSXoh — Mo Brooks (@MoBrooks) April 7, 2021
Tommy Tuberville joins other leaders to change sexual assault investigations in the military
U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville has joined a bipartisan group of senators to support a bill that will change the way the military conducts sexual assault investigations and prosecutions. Tuberville, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee Subcommittee on Personnel, joined U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and 28 other Senators to introduce the Military Justice Improvement and Increasing Prevention Act. According to the press release, the legislation “keeps the prosecution of sexual assault crimes within the military but moves the decision to prosecute to independent, trained, professional military prosecutors, and provides for several new prevention provisions such as better training for commanders and increased physical security measures, while ensuring that commanders still have the ability to provide strong leadership and ensure a successful command climate.” Tuberville stated, “Our men and women in uniform sacrifice every day to keep us safe, often working in some pretty unsafe places around the world. The last thing they should be worrying about is whether they’re unsafe within their ranks, and they certainly shouldn’t have to fear retaliation if they report a sexual assault. This bill is what happens when a bipartisan group of senators come together to get something done. I’m thankful that Senator Gillibrand and Senator Ernst have led the charge, and I’m glad to join my colleagues in support of this bill that will help improve the way the military handles sexual assaults so survivors can get the justice they deserve.” The bill was introduced in 2019, but did not receive a vote. Specifically, the legislation would: Move the decision on whether to prosecute serious crimes to independent, trained, and professional military prosecutors, while leaving misdemeanors and uniquely military crimes within the chain of command. Ensure the Department of Defense supports criminal investigators and military prosecutors through the development of unique skills needed to properly handle investigations and cases related to sexual assault and domestic violence. Require the Secretary of Defense to survey and improve the physical security of military installations– including locks, security cameras, and other passive security measures – to increase safety in lodging and living spaces for service members. Increase, and improve training and education on military sexual assault throughout our armed services. Kirsten Gillibrand stated on Twitter, “Here’s a bipartisan mission we can all support: Survivors of military sexual assault deserve justice. I’m proud to have @JoniErnst join me this week to introduce our new, improved bill to reform the military justice system and invest in prevention.” Here’s a bipartisan mission we can all support: Survivors of military sexual assault deserve justice. I’m proud to have @joniernst join me this week to introduce our new, improved bill to reform the military justice system and invest in prevention. https://t.co/pYYUL6IRyA — Kirsten Gillibrand (@SenGillibrand) April 27, 2021 The legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Angus King (I-ME), Michael Braun (R-IN), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Rand Paul (R-KY), Chris Coons (D-DE), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Bob Casey Jr. (D-PA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Patrick Leahy (D-VT),Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Gary C. Peters (D-MI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), and Martin Heinrich (D-NM).
Three Alabama congressmen support Right to Work Act
Three Alabama congressmen have co-sponsored a bill called the National Right to Work Act. Mo Brooks, Gary Palmer, and Jerry Carl all support the bill. South Carolina congressman Joe Wilson, along with Rand Paul, reintroduced the bill in February. According to the congressional summary, the bill “repeals those provisions of the National Labor Relations Act and the Railway Labor Act that permit employers to make an agreement with a labor union to require employees to join such union as a condition of employment.” Wilson stated in a press release, “I, along with over 80 percent of the American people, believe that every worker should have the power to decide whether or not to negotiate for themselves with their employer. This bill is about giving freedom to hard-working Americans. As one of twenty-seven right-to-work states, South Carolina has seen firsthand the job creation when we protect freedoms for American workers, with Michelin, BMW, and Boeing, among many others. I look forward to continuing to protect expanded freedom and promote jobs in the 117th Congress.” Brooks posted on Twitter, “I’ve cosponsored @ReJoeWilson’s National Right to Work Act. As evidenced by last week’s vote against unionization at Amazon, Alabamians understand Alabama’s right to work reputation is a major reason for Alabama’s success in recruiting job creators.” I’ve cosponsored @RepJoeWilson‘s National Right to Work Act. As evidenced by last week’s vote against unionization at Amazon, Alabamians understand Alabama’s Right to Work reputation is a major reason for Alabama’s success in recruiting job creators. https://t.co/4EvrXYnD99 — Mo Brooks (@RepMoBrooks) April 13, 2021 Gary Palmer posted on Twitter in February, stating “I’m proud to support the National #RightToWork Act. No one should be force to pay union fees simply to find a job or keep a job. It’s time for Congress to listen to the 80% of Americans who oppose forced unionization. Thanks @RepJoeWilson for your great work on this issue!” I’m proud to support the National #RightToWork Act. No one should be forced to pay union fees simply to find a job or keep a job. It’s time for Congress to listen to the 80% of Americans who oppose forced unionization. Thanks @RepJoeWilson for your great work on this issue! https://t.co/9ORjinSuMD — Gary Palmer (@USRepGaryPalmer) February 24, 2021 Mark Mix, president of the National Right to Work Committee (NRTWC), praised the bill. “We’re extremely pleased that Senator Rand Paul and Congressman Joe Wilson have introduced the National Right to Work Act, intensifying a growing debate about Big Labor’s coercive power to keep American workers in chains. This legislation would enshrine the common-sense principle – already enforced in more than half of U.S. states – that no worker should be compelled to join or pay dues to a union just to get or keep a job.”
