Spin Zone - Q2, 2026

[Vesica]

You know what to do, spin away!

[camilodeso]

Name: Rafael Coleman (D-CO)

Reason: Power-Crazed Republicans and their Credit-Hungry Friends

Target: National Center

• Here’s what Republicans won’t admit about the Secretary of Treasury confirmation: President Kyle Van Horn fumbled this from day one. When President Allred nominated individuals like Nikki Haley and John Kelly, Democrats could have mounted opposition. Instead, we gave them a fair hearing. I even praised those nominees for their qualifications, and they were confirmed with wide bipartisan support. The same cannot be said for President Van Horn, whose mismanagement and partisan loyalty have led to an absolute debacle.

• Let’s not forget: the first nominee for Secretary of Treasury, Rob Portman, never even made it to the hearing stage because the Van Horn administration unceremoniously withdrew his name and then wasted everyone’s time. For seven months, there was no action, no replacement, and no communication. And when Van Horn finally made his move, he chose one of the most unqualified and tone-deaf nominees in modern history.

• This is no longer about competence; it’s about cronyism. President Van Horn is alienating moderates and centrists across the country by consistently appointing far-right ideologues to positions that demand expertise and impartiality. Say what you will about President Allred, but at least he considered the needs of the entire nation when making key appointments. Van Horn, on the other hand, thinks it’s a great idea to put a billionaire in charge of holding other billionaires accountable for paying their fair share of taxes. This isn’t just poor judgment, it’s an outright betrayal of public trust.

• And how did Republicans respond? By skirting Senate rules and treating it like a political stunt. Instead of honoring the 60-vote threshold to close debate, a precedent set long before this administration, they bulldozed over Senate traditions with blatant disregard for bipartisanship or accountability. This isn’t governance; it’s arrogance.

• To make matters worse, the White House Chief of Staff decided to make a meme out of this travesty. Really? Reducing a gross abuse of institutional norms to an internet joke is as petty as it is shameful. “Oh, look at us,” they say, “we owned the Dems by stomping on Senate traditions and undermining public faith in government.” Wow. How inspiring. The American people deserve better than this circus. What we’re seeing is not leadership; it’s a power grab at the expense of our democracy.

[Blake]

Name and State: Charlotte O'Hare (D-HI)

Reason: Current House Docket

Target: National Center, Left Wing

• The House remains committed to fighting for key pledges. While the Republican Senate is unwilling to debate issues that would truly improve education, empower unions to fight for higher wages, and protect threatened NATO members. The house is bringing up these important issues to the floor and making sure that working families are put first. Republicans have talked and talked about how much they want to help working families, but what has the Senate done lately to help American families struggling with the rising cost of living? 
• All throughout the session House Democrats have been working to improve the lives of working Americans, through raising the minimum wage, addressing rising prices. The PRO Act is the next step. Stopping so called Right to Work laws will empower workers to bargain or better wages on an even playing field. The evidence is clear states with Right to Work laws have a significantly lower median salary for workers, and much higher executive salaries. This bill is the right step forward.
• When so called moderate republicans are once again pushing for a nationwide right to work act. We must fight against any effort to pass such a law. Unions gave us the weekend and built the middle class. Wealthy companies and multinational corporations want to weaken unions because they know it means they can pay increasingly lower wages to American workers. If unions weren't effective companies like Walmart and Amazon would not be fighting tooth and nail to prevent workers from unionizing. 
• Where Van Horn cannot even keep track of the details of the peace agreements he signs, Democrats remain committed to protecting NATO allies against aggression. The NATO Defense and Support Enhancement Act gives immediate aid to NATO members most at risk of Russian aggression. We are not going to faulter in protecting our allies. I implore Senate Republicans to bring the bill up for debate as soon as possible. 
• The final bill I want to highlight is another one that shows our commitment to improving education access. The Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act would double the current award for the Pell Grant and index it to inflation. This would lower the cost of higher education on the poorest students, meaning more of the best and brightest can afford to get the college education they deserve. Democrats remain committed to improving education quality and access in each and every state, this bill is step forward to improving college affordability. We are also going to in the coming months put up a bill to address the growing crisis of out-of-control student loans. 

[DMH]

Name: Ammon Rasmussen - WH Press Secretary
Reason: Bipartisan Confirmation of Levi Koenig
Target: Center, Left

• "Let's be clear here folks, Levi Koenig was confirmed by a bipartisan majority of the United States Senate to serve as the next Secretary of the Treasury. Democrats came together with Republicans to confirm this well-qualified individual to serve at the Treasury Department. Democratic Leadership can choose to ignore this reality all they want but the people of America see it clearly."
• "I think the premature rush by many Senate Democrats to express immediate rejection of Secretary Koenig's nomination was unfair to the former Senator and that sentiment was felt by many across the country. Secretary Koenig is a colorful figure, I'll give the Democrats that, but he is a figure that delivers and a figure that brings a sharp mind to the Treasury Department.
• "We want folks who can deliver for the American People with a track record to show for it and look no further than Higher Wages Act and Permanent Tax Cuts Act, the signature achievements thus far of this Congress. Secretary Koenig was heavily involved in moving these groundbreaking pieces of legislation as Senate Majority Leader and brokered this major deal with the very Senators who attacked him right off the bat."
• "Had more Democrats actually bothered to show up to Secretary Koenig's confirmation hearing, they would have seen the thoughtful and innovative nominee that President Van Horn saw in Secretary Koenig. He took questions on a range of subjects from trade deals to cryptocurrency and he showed a command of the issues we expect from a Treasury Secretary. The White House thanks Senate Democrats who stood for a qualified nominee."

[Dogslife]

Name: Samuel Crafts (D-WA)

Reason: SB.8 Defending American Energy Independence Act Votes

Target: Local, national left

- SB8 is one step forward and two steps back in the fight against climate change

- Allows for unrestricted expansion of polluting fossil fuel - oil

- Voted yes on amendment to protect washing state's ability to make its own offshore energy laws

- Voted yes to give more funding to small module nuclear reactors

-- Nuclear is clean. Oil is not. 

- Voted against more damaging and polluting dams on water ways

-- Dams release methane and the concrete has a high carbon footprint

-- Damage the ecosystem

-- We've seen how better rivers can be without dams when we removed the Klamath Dam

- Will continue to protect washington natural beauty and the environment for our kids

[Knightley]

Name: U.S. Senator Arthur Conroy (D-NM)
Reason: Confirmation of Levi Koenig as Treasury Secretary.
Target: Center, Right

• "The truth of the matter is that the White House and Senate Republicans supported and eventually voted for the confirmation of an individual that, while curious and innovative in his character and proposals, lacks the temperance to become a public servant. Levi Koenig's position on cryptocurrency raises significant concerns about the suitability to lead and maintain the stability of our nation's economy. I still believe he would be better as Senator Koenig."
• "You know, it's pretty annoying to see the White House speaking on a supposedly "bipartisan" confirmation process. So, not only do we have a controversial nominee, but the confirmation vote turned controversial with a deliberate disregard for Senate traditions, rules, and its institutions. This "maneuver" highlights the growing erosion of bipartisan cooperation - made worse by Senate Republican leadership - and sets yet another dangerous precedent in this Senate. Let me be clear: nothing was "bipartisan" in this process."
• "My whole life I've tried to build bridges and consensus in a polarized country and all of this recent behavior just sidelines any intent to compromise and find a middle ground with the Republican Party. In a time when unity is critical for progress, even the White House deepens divisions and actively contributes to making it harder to build consensus on future policies and undermining the public's faith in the ability of the government to represent all Americans fairly. You won't like to hear it, but Senate Republicans and the White House are not being serious today."

[camilodeso]

Name: Rafael Coleman (D-CO)
Target: Center, Left
Reason: Republican Lies on Koenig Confirmation

• The Republicans continue to flood the airwaves with their revisionist history tour. Let’s set the record straight: Levi Koenig’s confirmation was not bipartisan. Only three Democrats voted to confirm him which is way beneath the threshold required to properly close a debate. That’s hardly the broad, cross-party support the American people associate with bipartisanship. It’s misleading to frame this as Democrats and Republicans coming together, especially when nearly every Democrat recognized Koenig’s troubling record and refused to back his nomination. Bipartisanship means more than a couple of token votes. It means genuine collaboration, and this confirmation didn’t come close to meeting that standard.
• Senate Democrats didn’t rush to judgment on Koenig’s nomination. We raised legitimate concerns about his divisive record as Senate Majority Leader and his lack of commitment to policies that help working families. During his time in the Senate, Koenig often fought against raising the minimum wage, and he himself has said he doesn’t even believe in a federal minimum wage. His eventual support for the Higher Wages Act was not a reflection of conviction but rather a hunger for a legislative win, even if it meant going against his own stated values. That is not the kind of leadership we need at the helm of the Treasury Department.
• The so-called “signature achievements” being used to justify Koenig’s confirmation, such as the Higher Wages Act and the Permanent Tax Cuts Act, were far from perfect wins. While Democrats ultimately supported these bills after tough negotiations to make them more equitable, it’s important to remember that Republicans, including Koenig, ought for years against raising the minimum wage. Koenig’s support for the Higher Wages Act was about optics. These bills passed with Democratic improvements, not because of Koenig’s leadership.
• Criticizing Democrats for not attending Koenig’s confirmation hearing is a complete distraction. Many Democrats were fully engaged in the confirmation process, asking tough questions and holding Koenig accountable for his record. No amount of attendance or polished answers from Koenig could change his long-standing prioritization of corporate interests over everyday Americans. The hearings made it clear that Koenig is not the right fit for a role that demands a genuine commitment to economic fairness and opportunity for all.
• Levi Koenig may have been a Senator and Majority Leader, but that doesn’t make him the right choice for Treasury Secretary. While he is undoubtedly skilled at brokering deals that serve his political interests, his record shows a consistent pattern of prioritizing the wealthy and powerful over working families. Democrats stood firm against his nomination because we believe the Treasury Department should be led by someone who puts the American people first, not someone who makes deals purely for personal or political gain. The country deserves better, and our caucus made that clear.

Edited December 14, 2024 by camilodeso

[Alaskansockeyepuffs]

Name: Hannah Trujillo Kahiona (D-HI)

Reason: Van Horn's Pardoning of Snowden, and General Weakness

Target: National Left, National Center

 

• Edward Snowden is not a whistleblower; he is a criminal who betrayed his country by leaking classified information that endangered American lives and compromised our national security. By pardoning Snowden, President Van Horn is sending a dangerous message that betraying the United States is acceptable under his administration".
• President Van Horn claims to be 'America First,' but his actions scream 'Russia First.' By pardoning Snowden, he aligns himself with a man who fled to Russia and remains a pawn in Vladimir Putin's propaganda machine. This is just another example of how President Van Horn is willing to appease adversaries like Russia and North Korea instead of standing up for the safety and interests of the American people.
• From cutting off aid to Ukraine, to cozying up to Vladimir Putin, to this pardon, President Van Horn has shown time and again that he is more interested in pleasing our adversaries than defending democracy. This pardon is a slap in the face to every brave man and woman serving in our intelligence and armed forces.
• The President claims to be tough on America’s enemies, but his actions show he’s weak when it comes to standing up to Russia and protecting American values. This is not leadership. This is capitulation. Van Horn’s administration is the weakest we’ve seen in modern history.
• America deserves a president who puts the safety and interests of its citizens first—not one who bows to adversaries and pardons traitors. We must hold President Van Horn accountable for his actions and demand better leadership for our country.

[Blake]

Name and State: Charlotte O'Hare (D-HI)

Reason: Opposition to a Nation-wide Right to Work Law

Target: National Center, Left Wing

• While the Republican Party cannot make up their mind on whether they as a whole support so called right to work laws. I want them and every union worker across this country know that I will always fight for protecting American unions' ability to fight for higher wages, better benefits, and improved working conditions. American Unions are the lifeblood of the middle class, and we cannot realistically expect that we can rebuild the middle-class while we continue hamstringing workers in negotiations against multinational corporations. They gave us the weekend and are the only way workers can unite with one voice against the power of corporate conglomerates like Amazon and Walmart. 
• The President and I rarely see eye to eye on policy, but we both oppose right to work laws. He voted against the law when his own party forced the law through. He knows that unions significantly help working class Americans. It is quite concerning given his history that he would be silent while a so-called moderate republican from Ohio pushes a nationwide right to work law. I guess his claims that the Republican party will no longer put multinational corporations first hasn't reached all corners of his own party. 
• It is funny to me that the main proponent of the nationwide right to work bill is from a state that isn't even right to work. Most Republicans in Ohio know how damaging these kinds of laws are on average Americans. In the long run they know that it will lower the wages of hard-working families and raise the income of the wealthiest even more. 
• Here in Hawaii, over twenty percent of our workforce are union members. The uninsured rate in Hawaii is nearly five percent under the national average, we rank seventh in the nation on median household income. The average CEO in Hawaii makes hundreds of thousands of dollars less than the nationwide average. If anyone is curious about whether or not unions are beneficial to hard working Americans.  Look no further than Hawaii, for all the evidence you need. 
• But that is why these companies are pushing so hard to fight unionization efforts across the country and are looking for allies in Congress to pass a nationwide right to work. These companies know that if you join or form a union that they are going to have to pay you a higher wage in the long run. American workers deserve a voice, and I pledge that if the GOP brings a nationwide right to work law to the table, I will launch a filibuster against it. 

[DMH]

Name: Ammon Rasmussen - WH Press Secretary
Reason: Democratic Struggle to Comprehend Levi Koenig's Existence
Target: Center, Right

• "At this point, Democrats in the Senate are just throwing the kitchen sink at Levi Koenig to see what sticks! Why they continue to try to spin up a narrative about a guy that shepherded major reform through Congress and continues to rack up legislative wins when he isn't even a Senator anymore is beyond me. Secretary Koenig was confirmed with a bipartisan majority of the U.S. Senate and he is now faithfully serving in the cabinet. It is bordering on obsessive at this point."
• "What I don't understand is the level of vitriol the majority of the minority Senate Democratic conference have for a guy they've struck multiple bipartisan deals with? Is he the monster they are conjuring in the media who embodies the broken nature of politics or is he what people in the real world see, a tough and thorough legislator who delivered the goods? Levi's style might not be for everyone but the bipartisan landmark results speak for themselves."
• "While Senate Democrats, like their own leader, scoff at the idea of three of their colleagues crossing the aisle as not representative of bipartisanship, the White House thanks and welcomes the three individuals who showed political courage in these unfortunate hyper-partisan times. Their presence and their votes matter and we thank them for their conviction. Americans want to see the parties come together, as they did time and time again while Levi Koenig was Majority Leader."
• "President Van Horn picked Secretary Koenig to serve at the Treasury Department because we need a dynamic secretary at the helm of such a critical department who is ready to implement the People First Agenda on day one while also making moves in areas previously ignored by the Washington orthodoxy. This administration is serious on providing continued relief for working families and a pro-growth environment that allows them to strive. It's committed to making meaningful dialogue on the world stage to strengthen American trade, tackling hot-button issues like cryptocurrency, and providing clear benefit to the American People. Secretary Koenig isn't distracted by the naysayers and neither should you."

[Alaskansockeyepuffs]

Name: Hannah Trujillo Kahiona (D-HI)

Reason: Prioritizing our Allies instead of Enemies

Target: National Left, National Center

• We have our priorities all wrong when it comes to foreign policy. The Van Horn administration is trying to cozy up to Putin and North Korea, instead of working closer with our allies, and establishing more meaningful connections across Africa, Asia, and our neighbor to the north especially.
• Canada is not just our neighbor; they are our closest ally and one of our largest trading partners. Our shared values of democracy, freedom, and human rights make our partnership essential for the 21st century.Instead of cozying up to authoritarian regimes like Russia and North Korea, we should be focusing on deepening ties with Canada, our strongest partner in North America
• I propose pursuing an agreement similar to what we see in New Zealand and Australia, or within the European Union—a system that allows Americans and Canadians who are legal citizens to travel, work, and live freely between our two countries. This kind of policy would benefit families, strengthen economic opportunities, and solidify the bond between two nations that already share so much culture, history, and trade.
• While the Van Horn administration lifts sanctions on North Korea, a country with a long record of human rights abuses, they neglect to prioritize our strongest allies. That is not just poor judgment it’s dangerous. Under this administration, we’ve seen a willingness to appease authoritarian leaders, whether it’s Vladimir Putin or the junta in North Korea, instead of standing firm with democratic allies like Canada, the EU, and NATO
• The Van Horn administration’s reckless foreign policy choices are setting America back. My vision is one of partnership, progress, and strengthening the bonds with allies who have stood with us for generations. Let’s choose cooperation over division, democracy over dictatorship, and friendship over appeasement.

[DMH]

Name: Earl Duplantis (R-LA)
Reason: Snowden Pardon and Civil Liberties
Target: Center, Right

• "The pearl clutching in corners of Congress over a justifiable pardon of an individual who exposed the excesses of the security state simply is not in line with where the American People are. Americans want a transparent, limited government that works for them. Our allies deserve a partner who trusts in them and has confidence in their leadership as mutual partners in peace. The harmful programs Edward Snowden exposed shed a necessary light."
• "Its not always I find myself on the same side of this issue as Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders but I welcome them in being voices of reason on the need for reform and better treatment of our privacy rights. This shouldn't be a hyper-partisan issue but it unfortunately is with folks busy scoring political points instead of seeking legitimate change to our security state."
• "I think the Congress could consider legislation in the future on the issue of rolling back these excesses. We've already seen a judge strike down one of the agencies exposed as unconstitutional and invasive to the American People. We ought to take the issue of civil liberties seriously, just as the Founders did when they built the foundations of our republic. I think the President made a bold move and it's one we are better off for."

[DMH]

Name: Earl Duplantis (R-LA)
Reason: Passage of Abraham Accords Science and Medical Research Collaboration Act
Target: Center, International

• "This Congress is working in a unified fashion on key global issues and I think that is a testament to the steady-handed leadership of President Van Horn. We secured bipartisan passage of an aid package to Venezuela's burgeoning democracy and now we've come together to unanimously pass the Abraham Accords Science and Medical Research Collaboration Act." 
• "The Abraham Accords, a historic series of agreements brokered between Israel and multiple majority-Muslim nations, has been affirmed once again as the groundbreaking diplomatic achievement accomplished during the Trump Administration. President Trump always believed in robust support of Israel and that legacy continues to this day in the GOP."
• "Republicans wanted to see these accords receive the status it deserves with a designated Special Envoy dedicated to further expanding on the Abraham Accords and further implement the science and medical research goals of the legislation. The Abraham Accords provide a blueprint to further expand upon to bring attention to the issues in the Middle East and secure the preservation of Israel. This bipartisan achievement further solidifies our bond with Israel as we stand behind their efforts to throw Hamas into the trash bin of history."

[Dogslife]

Name: Samuel Crafts (D-WA)

Reason: Leading Bipartisan Rafting Trip to Promote Wilderness Bill

Target: Local, national center

- Sen. Crafts continues to live up to his pragmatic progressive moniker. This time, he has put in the work to create a bipartisan coalition in favor of preserving the environment. While the rest of the beltway is fighting each other, Sen. Crafts is bringing people together without compromising values.

- The Wild Olympics Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers Act will preserve over 126,000 acres of pristine natural beauty and designate 19 new Wild and Scenic Rivers. It strikes a compromise with the balance of protecting old growth forests while not impacting timber jobs.

- Sen. Crafts continues fighting for working Washingtonians by fighting to add $270 million in economic impact, focused mainly in the working-class outdoor recreation economy.

[camilodeso]

Name: Rafael Coleman (D-CO)
Reason: Resignation of John Kelly
Target: Center

• President Van Horn’s unilateral decision to pardon Edward Snowden, reportedly without consulting his top national security officials, is a troubling departure from the principles of collaborative and accountable governance. This kind of impulsive decision-making leaves Americans questioning whether their president values expertise and deliberation in matters of national security. By sidelining his advisors, Van Horn has shown a disregard for the processes that protect our democracy. Leaders should prioritize unity and institutional integrity, not bypass the very systems designed to guide sound policymaking. This isn’t just poor leadership, it’s dangerous precedent-setting that erodes trust in the highest office of the land.
• The resignation of Secretary John Kelly is a glaring warning that President Van Horn is steering the country into uncharted territory. Kelly, a respected public servant, has been driven out in what appears to be frustration with a president who prioritizes optics over security. Decisions about individuals like Snowden, who leaked classified information and fled accountability, should involve a measured, consultative process. By acting alone, Van Horn is playing a reckless game with our national security. Americans, regardless of political affiliation, deserve a president who takes the counsel of experts seriously, not one who abandons due process for personal political gain.
• There is every reason to believe that President Van Horn will use this opportunity to fill the Department of Homeland Security with another far-right loyalist, continuing his campaign to shift the government into dangerous, extremist territory. His recent actions suggest a presidency more committed to ideological purity than to competent governance. This trend echoes the worst of the Trump era but goes even further, putting at risk the bipartisan foundations of America’s most critical institutions. The country needs a president who unites us and governs for all Americans, not someone who caters to the fringes of his base while dismantling our government’s balance.
• Van Horn’s presidency is beginning to resemble something even more dangerous than Donald Trump’s divisive tenure. Where Trump was chaotic, Van Horn is methodical in his efforts to sideline advisors, erode transparency, and pack the government with far-right ideologues. These calculated moves reveal a president who is not just impulsive but determined to reshape the government in his image, regardless of the consequences. Americans have a choice to make: Will we tolerate this unchecked drift toward authoritarianism, or will we demand accountability and a return to principled, centrist leadership? The stakes for our democracy could not be higher.

[Blake]

Name and State: Charlotte O'Hare (D-HI)

Reason: The Necessary Student Loan Relief Act and making college more affordable 

Target: National Center, Left Wing

• The Necessary Student Loan Relief Act would not only provide the loan forgiveness that was stopped by an activist court determined to limit executive powers when Democrats hold the White House but give a pass for nearly everything done by Republicans. It also provides student loan relief for teachers to help encourage people to become teachers. 
• The amount of student loan debt that is owed in this country is astronomical. Republicans might want to continue ignoring the problem, but I am determined to see help provided to the millions of American families unable to realize their dreams because of the shackles that we have put on them for merely wanting to get an education to have a better chance of realizing those dreams. Hardworking Americans should no longer be stopped from buying homes because they are under a burden of unending student loan debt. 
• Education cannot truly be a silver bullet while it comes with a chain that is almost impossible to escape from for over a decade. People who go to college and get a good job afterwards should have the same ability to achieve their dreams no matter how wealthy their parents are.
• As more and more jobs are requiring a good college education, we as policy makers must do everything in our power to equip the next generation with the skills and qualifications they need to get great jobs, which means that college and university should be affordable for everyone. Let aptitude be the true determination for if someone can go to college not affordability. 
• With this bill helping out those who have gone to college, and my bill to expand the Pell Grant we are taking a two-prong approach to solving the student debt and college affordability crisis. We must lower the debt that people currently owe and prevent those who come after them from creating the same crisis a decade from now. Democrats will keep working at addressing this crisis until every child in America who works hard can afford to go to Public College or University. 

[Alaskansockeyepuffs]

Name: Hannah Trujillo Kahiona (D-HI)

Reason: Resignation of John Kelly, and Republican General Dysfunction

Target: National Left, National Center

• The resignation of Secretary Kelly is yet another example of the chaos and dysfunction in this administration. It highlights a lack of respect for the rule of law and the responsibilities that come with holding the highest offices in our nation. The American people deserve a government that upholds transparency and accountability, not one that operates on impulsive decisions that undermine trust in our institutions.
• Edward Snowden's actions sparked an important debate about privacy and government surveillance, but they also exposed classified information that endangered national security and the lives of Americans. Pardoning him without a thorough review process sends a dangerous message to whistleblowers and leakers alike.
• While I haven’t always agreed with Secretary Kelly’s policies, his resignation over the Snowden pardon demonstrates his commitment to principles and the rule of law. His departure is a loss to an administration already struggling to maintain stability. Leaders like Secretary Kelly remind us of the importance of integrity and service to the country above all else.
• This pardon undermines the message we send to those entrusted with sensitive information: that there are consequences for actions that jeopardize national security. At a time when trust in government is already fragile, this decision only deepens the divide and raises questions about the administration’s priorities

[Alaskansockeyepuffs]

Name: Hannah Trujillo Kahiona (D-HI)

Reason:  Why an Investigation into Van Horn is needed

Target: National Left, National Center

• The Edward Snowden pardon raises serious concerns about national security. An investigation is needed to determine whether this decision jeopardized ongoing intelligence operations or exposed classified information to further risk. We must ensure that the pardon does not encourage similar actions that could weaken our nation’s security infrastructure or undermine the trust placed in those with access to sensitive information.
• This pardon seems to have bypassed traditional processes and ignored the advice of national security experts. An investigation must clarify how this decision was reached and whether due diligence was followed. Who was consulted? What factors were considered? Did the President act against the advice of his own intelligence community? These are questions that demand answers.
• A pardon is a powerful tool, but it must be wielded responsibly. If this decision was made for political reasons rather than based on careful consideration, it undermines the rule of law and sets a dangerous precedent.We need to know if this pardon was granted to serve justice or to score political points. An investigation will ensure accountability and restore faith in the process
• This pardon creates confusion about the distinction between whistleblowing and leaking classified information. An investigation is necessary to clarify the implications of this decision for future whistleblowers and national security protocols.
• The presidential pardon is a critical tool, but it is not above scrutiny. If misused, it can erode public trust and undermine the very justice it is meant to uphold. This investigation is about safeguarding the integrity of this constitutional power. We must ensure that this pardon wasn’t granted to settle political debts or as a reward for actions that harm the country.

[Goldie]

Name: Senator Vini Vinachelli of New Jersey

Reason: Let’s Keep Our Priorities Straight

Target: National Center, Local

• I’m disappointed in some of my colleagues’ priorities today. 50,000 tweets about Presidential pardons and only two statements about Israel is disappointing, to say the least. Jewish Americans deserve better. Few things matter more to national security than standing by our allies in Israel, celebrating their victory over Hamas, and mourning those lost following the vicious October 7th attacks on Israel.
• Instead of fighting with each other, we should be fighting to defend those brave Americans who fought and died for our allies. People like New Jersey’s own Edan Alexander, a young man who bravely went to serve as a soldier in the Israeli Defense Forces and died in Hamas’ captivity as a prisoner of war. I met with his family whose main request to us now is bringing the remaining hostages home safe.
• Israel just delivered an enormous victory against terrorism by destroying Hamas’ last stronghold and recovering 64 of the remaining hostages. 3 American hostages remain missing, however, and our top priority should be assisting our allies in finding them and bringing them to safety.
• We should be seizing the moment right now to demonstrate the strength of American leadership in working with Prime Minister Gantz to rescue the remaining hostages, honor their sacrifices, and securing a lasting peace. Like President Van Horn signing Senator Mofaz’ Abraham Accords Science and Medical Research Collaboration Act to strengthen Israel’s cooperative ties and collaboration with other powers in the region. Or honoring the sacrifices of people like Edan Alexander by passing a resolution to honor his bravery and reaffirm our commitment to Israel. 
• I applaud the bipartisan effort on Senafor Mofaz’ bill, and invites all of my colleagues from both sides to join my resolution as well. In the final analysis, people will remember our actions, not our tweets.

[Blake]

Name and State: Charlotte O'Hare (D-HI)

Reason: Republican Inaction on Gun Control

Target: National Center, Left Wing

• As we move to closer to the two-year anniversary of the King of Prussia Mall massacre. I cannot help but be disappointed that the Republican Party has chosen to put the crisis into out of sight out of mind. House Democrats immediately got to work to help reduce further mass shootings. While Democrats have chosen to lead on this issue, Republicans have elected to fail the victims of the shooting. 
• The first docket included my bill the Protecting Our Communities through Safer Gun Ownership act. It passed the House, and since that day Levi Koenig and Earl Duplantis have decided to let the bill collect dust. The bill would include Ethan's Law which is a requirement for safe storage which would hopefully massively reduce the number of children that are killed or injured because they get access to their parent's firearms, universal background checks, banning bump stocks, closing the gun show loophole, and mental health funding to take a multiprong approach at addressing the larger gun and mental health crisis in this country. 
• It is a shame because David Joyce seemed to indicate the GOP were at least interested in sitting down at the table to discuss a bipartisan bill. But no, they have elected to do nothing. Americans are actively being killed, and we have ways to keep them safer, but they have chosen to instead focus on pleasing the NRA who opposes even the simplest measures like having gun owners have a background check, preventing domestic abusers from buying guns, and they even oppose preventing people on the terrorist watchlist from buying guns.
• This closest thing this GOP has decided to even come to discussing gun control or mental health in public is the President celebrating in a tweet about getting Russian firearms on American streets. An absolutely disgusting and tone death display but the President showing that he truly does not care about the American children who have needlessly lost their lives either due to failure to properly store their guns by their parents or in school shootings. 
• I for one am sick and tired of reading about another mass shooting. Another community in shock over a preventable gun death. We must do something.