AZ-SEN: Martha McSally turns dead sailor's bible into a political prop.

The contrasting styles of Arizona's new senators seem to become clearer with every step they take.

On Thursday, U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, a Democrat, took her ceremonial oath of office using a copy of the Constitution rather than a religious book, as most members usually do.

By contrast, U.S. Sen. Martha McSally, a Republican, took her oath using a Bible recovered from the USS Arizona, which sank during the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.

Sinema's move, while legally irrelevant, may only heighten speculation that she is an atheist.

Vice President Mike Pence ended Sinema's oath with the usual words, "so help you God?" Sinema responded, "I do." Afterward, he noted that he looked forward to working with her in the Senate.

Officially, Sinema identifies herself as religiously unaffiliated, and is the only member of the House or Senate to do so, according to the Pew Research Center for Religion and Public Life.


https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/arizona/2019/01/03/kyrsten-sinema-uses-lawbook-senate-oath-martha-mcsally-uses-bible/2477175002/

"We're gonna impeach the motherfucker."

House Republicans boo AOC as her name was called today

Deb Haaland (D-NM) and Sharice Davids (D-KS) embrace in tears after being sworn in

Ilhan Omar (D-MN) with family and Nancy Pelosi

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Michigan AG to review pipeline deal at governor's request

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan’s new governor and attorney general moved quickly Wednesday to review the legality of a contentious state deal to run an oil pipeline beneath a crucial section of the Great Lakes.

Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced her request for a legal opinion from Attorney General Dana Nessel, a Democrat who welcomed the opportunity and expressed concern with a law that facilitated the agreement between the state and Canadian pipeline company Enbridge. Such opinions, while not the same as legal rulings, are considered to bind state agencies unless reversed by a court. Both Whitmer and Nessel had questioned the deal before taking office Tuesday.

The Republican-led Legislature and GOP former Gov. Rick Snyder rushed to enact the law after Whitmer was elected in November. The new Mackinac Straits Corridor Authority then swiftly approved the proposal to drill a tunnel through bedrock up to 100 feet (30.4 meters) below the more than 4-mile-wide (6.4 kilometer) channel that links Lakes Huron and Michigan. A new segment of pipeline will extend through the tunnel, replacing twin pipes that have lain along the lake bed since 1953. They are part of Enbridge’s Line 5, which carries crude oil and natural gas liquids used in propane from Superior, Wisconsin, through northern Michigan to refineries in Sarnia, Ontario.

“There are serious and significant concerns regarding (Public Act) 359, which the previous governor and legislature initiated and passed without the care and caution one would expect for an issue that will have a monumental impact on our state,” Nessel said in a statement.



https://apnews.com/7406e7f1471d4c2e85d91c3eef8e8b74

House Dem majority welcomes first black female floor director

A veteran House Democratic staffer is set to break racial barriers once the House Democrats take power this week.

Shuwanza Goff will be the first African-American woman to serve as floor director, a low-profile but hugely important position in incoming House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer’s (D-Md.) office.

“It’s a little daunting, but it’s also exciting,” Goff said.

In her current role as director of legislative operations for the minority whip, Goff communicates across the aisle on what legislation can and can’t pass and what Democrats will and won’t accept in bipartisan legislation, such as a bill to end the partial government shutdown.

When Democrats take the majority this week, however, her role will shift from counting votes to managing the floor. She will provide Hoyer with options on what bills will come to the floor, while incoming House Majority Whip James Clyburn’s (D-S.C.) office will make sure the votes are there for passage.

Praise for Goff’s work extends beyond party lines. Matt Bravo, a former floor director for Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.), worked closely alongside Goff for three years, communicating with her almost daily. He considers her a friend.

Floor staff have to “get s--- done,” he said, “and she’s the best.”



https://www.politico.com/story/2019/01/02/steny-hoyer-floor-director-1077180

NY-19 freshman Antonio Delgado brings some important guests to DC

East Coast greets West: Ayanna Pressley and Katie Hill embrace a day before taking their oaths.