Sen. Cory Booker statement on FBI investigating Kavanaugh allegations

US Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) has released the following statement on the FBI investigating the Kavanaugh allegations:

I was encouraged by the good faith discussion with my judiciary colleagues earlier this afternoon, and Senator Jeff Flake in particular. It's my hope that the FBI will conduct a full, fair, and thorough investigation into the allegations against Judge Kavanaugh.

At a minimum, the FBI investigation should include investigating Dr. Ford’s credible allegations in the following ways:

1. Interviewing each witness Ford identified as being present on the night of the assault – Dr. Ford, Judge Kavanaugh, Mark Judge, PJ Smyth, and Leland Keyser.

2. Investigating where and when this assault could’ve taken place and any other potential witnesses.

3. Interviewing Dr. Ford’s polygrapher and the witnesses she spoke to about the assault.

4. Investigating Kavanaugh’s claims regarding these allegations, including following up on the entries in his calendar and interviewing witnesses who have contradicted his statements about his drinking habits around the time of the assault.

This FBI investigation should also include investigating the other allegations that Ms. Ramirez and Ms. Swetnick have made.

US Rep. Corrine Brown indicted after fraud investigation

U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown of Florida and her chief of staff pleaded not guilty Friday to multiple fraud charges and other federal offenses in a grand jury indictment unsealed after an investigation into what prosecutors call a phony charity turned into a personal slush fund.

Brown, a 69-year-old Democrat, and Chief of Staff Elias "Ronnie" Simmons, 50, entered pleas in Jacksonville federal court on charges of mail and wire fraud, conspiracy, obstruction and filing of false tax returns.

She has represented a Jacksonville-based congressional district since 1993 — one of the first three African-Americans elected to Congress from Florida since Reconstruction— and is seeking re-election in a newly redrawn district. Later Friday, Brown released a statement saying she was temporarily stepping down as ranking member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, in accordance with House rules.

Read more: US Rep. Corrine Brown indicted after fraud investigation

Lawmaker wants the rich to be drug tested before receiving high-dollar tax deductions

A Congresswoman who is “sick and tired” of drug testing welfare recipients has introduced a bill in Congress that would subject the rich to many of those same requirements.

Rep. Gwen Moore, D-Wis., unveiled Thursday the Top 1% Accountability Act, which would require those claiming itemized deductions of more than $150,000 on their tax returns to submit to drug tests or file for less generous tax deductions.

The proposal is a shot across the bow at Republican governors in states, including Moore’s home state of Wisconsin, that require the recipients of certain welfare benefit programs to be drug tested in order to remain eligible to receive assistance.

“As a strong advocate for social programs aimed at combating poverty, it deeply offends me that there is such a deep stigma surrounding those who depend on government benefits, especially as a former welfare recipient,” Moore said in a statement. “Sadly, Republicans across the country continue to implement discriminatory policies that criminalize the less fortunate and perpetuate false narratives about the most vulnerable among us.”

Moore, who represents Milwaukee, used welfare benefits to work herself out of poverty when she was younger and has said that her goal is to ensure others have the same opportunity.

“I’m grateful for the taxpayers for [welfare], and I have given back tenfold,” Moore told the Guardian. “I think everyone should have that same opportunity.”

Read more: Lawmaker wants the rich to be drug tested before receiving high-dollar tax deductions

Virginia Sen. Donald McEachin files papers to run for Congress

Virginia Sen. A. Donald McEachin (D-Henrico) has filed paperwork to run for Congress.

“As I said all along I’m very interested in the fourth congressional seat, but right now I’m busy doing the people’s business here at the General Assembly,” McEachin said through a spokeswoman. “I will have a lot more to say about Congress right after we adjourn.”