#kevin hern

[dadsinsuits]

Kevin Hern

[derekpadron]

MY QUESTION to Senator Joe Manchin, House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senator Mitch McConnell, Senator Chuck Schumer, and Presidents Donald Trump and George W Bush is this: WHY Fight Against Student Loan Forgivenesses when we can create Tax Cuts as Tax Credits Worth BILLION$ and TRILLION$ of Dollars towards Creating Many Capital Market Funds Designed Specifically to Forgive All Student Loans, Business Loans, Credit Card Debts, Home Mortgages, Medical Bills, and Car Loans that can also Relieve Our Family Members who pay Taxes!?? CUTTING TAXES can be the Solution to Everything for Everyone! Think of Capital Markets Funding of Student Loan Forgivenesses as New Christian Charities creating Good Karma for ALL of US! 🍟💵💰🌏🌎🌤️🪐✨

[72crowe89]

People watching the Speaker of House vote

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[dr-archeville]

The US just elected 7 new scientists to Congress, including an ocean expert, a nurse, and a biochemist. Here's the full list.

On Tuesday, seven new science-credentialed candidates were elected: one new Senator and six new members of the House.

The faces of Capitol Hill are changing.

When the 116th Congress heads to Washington in January, there will be a record number of women in the ranks -- at least 123, according to the news website Axios, including the first Muslim women, the first Somali-American, and the first Native American women.

There will be more scientists too.

On Tuesday, at least eight new science-credentialed candidates were elected: one senator and seven members of the House.  Full results are not yet available in Washington state, where a pediatrician is likely to be elected to the House.

The members of the 115th Congress include one physicist, one microbiologist, and one chemist, as well as eight engineers and one mathematician.  The medical professions are slightly better represented, with three nurses and 15 doctors.

The new winners will bolster those science ranks.  The Democratic candidates who won all ran successful campaigns with the support of a nonprofit political-action committee called 314 Action, which started in 2016 and is dedicated to recruiting, training, and funding scientists and healthcare workers who want to run for political office.  (One Republican engineer-turned-businessman won a race in Oklahoma, without support from the PAC.)

"Scientists are essentially problem-solvers," Shaughnessy Naughton, the president of 314 Action, told Business Insider before the election results came in.

Since Congress often wrestles with complex issues like climate change, cybersecurity, and how to provide fairer, cheaper healthcare, Naughton said she thought the US should put more scientists into the decision-making body.

"Who better to be tackling these issues than scientists?" she said.

Here's what to know about the new scientists heading to the Hill.

Jacky Rosen, a computer programmer who positioned herself as a moderate Democrat, beat her Republican opponent, Dean Heller, in the US Senate race in Nevada.

Rosen, who two years ago was elected to represent Nevada's 3rd District in the House, touted her role in the construction of a large solar array in a Las Vegas suburb that she said lowered her synagogue's energy bill by 70%.

During the campaign, she criticized Heller for his deciding vote on a law letting internet service providers sell consumer data without their permission.  Despite initially opposing efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act, Heller also changed his stance on the healthcare law and supported a Republican replacement plan.

Nevada's turnout was enormous, with twice as many early voters as there were in the 2014 midterm elections.

Chrissy Houlahan, an industrial engineer, Democrat, and Air Force veteran, won the House seat in Pennsylvania's 6th District.

Houlahan, who said she would focus on making healthcare more affordable, defeated her Republican challenger, Greg McCauley, a tax lawyer who has owned 20 Wendy's franchises, after Rep. Ryan Costello decided not to seek reelection.

Houlahan is one of several women who will represent states that currently have no women in the House.  She will be the 6th District's first Democratic representative since 2003.

In South Carolina's 1st District, which has been red since 1981, Joe Cunningham, an ocean scientist, defeated the Republican hopeful Katie Arrington.

Cunningham, who is also a lawyer, sparred with Arrington throughout the campaign over the future of offshore drilling.  His expertise in this area won over the Republican mayors of the coastal cities of Folly Beach and Isle of Palms.

Arrington, who has served in South Carolina's House of Representatives, does not oppose offshore drilling.  She emphasized national issues such as immigration and President Donald Trump's proposed wall along the US-Mexico border, while Cunningham focused on local issues.

Cunningham won the race by 4,036 votes, a margin of 1.4 percentage points.  An outcome with a margin of 1 percentage point or less would have triggered an automatic recount.

Sean Casten, a biochemical engineer, defeated Rep. Peter Roskam, the Republican incumbent, in Illinois' 6th District.

Casten, who founded a waste-energy recovery company with his father, was victorious in a district that had been a Republican stronghold since 1970.

Roskam, who has represented the district since 2007, has called the consensus on climate change "junk science."  After Casten decided to run, Roskam joined the bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus.

During his campaign, Casten frequently criticized Trump and focused on healthcare, climate change, gun control, and LGBTQ rights.

Elaine Luria, a nuclear engineer, won her House seat in Virginia, becoming the first Democrat since 2008 to represent the 2nd District.

Luria, who joined the US Navy when she was 17, spent 20 years operating nuclear reactors as an engineer and Navy commander.  She defeated Rep. Scott Taylor on Tuesday after focusing her campaign on expanding the Affordable Care Act, pushing for tighter gun laws, and increasing the minimum wage.

Taylor, a former Navy Seal, was seeking his second term in Congress.  In September, The Virginian-Pilot reported that Taylor was subpoenaed to testify in a lawsuit alleging that some of his campaign staff members circulated fraudulent petitions to help get an independent candidate on the district's ballot.

In Washington state, Kim Schrier, a pediatrician, leads former state Sen. Dino Rossi.  She is on track to become the 8th District's first Democratic representative.

As of Wednesday afternoon, with more than 60% of precincts reporting, Schrier was leading Rossi, 52.9% to 47.1%.

According to The Seattle Times, at least 100,000 ballots had not been counted as of late Tuesday, though Rossi would need to capture about 55% of the remaining votes to upset Schrier.

Since the 8th District was created in 1983, only three Republicans have been elected to represent it. Schrier, who started her medical practice more than 15 years ago, also aims to become the first female doctor in Congress.

In Illinois' 14th District, Lauren Underwood, a registered nurse, unseated Randy Hultgren, the four-term Republican incumbent.

Underwood was a senior adviser at the Department of Health and Human Services under President Barack Obama.  In the role, she focused on preventing and responding to bioterrorism threats, public-health emergencies, and other disasters.

This year, Underwood focused her campaign on expanding access to healthcare, noting that she has a preexisting condition: an irregular heart rhythm.

She will be the first black woman to represent the 14th District, which is about 86% white.

The only new Republican scientist in Congress so far is conservative Kevin Hern, a former aerospace engineer and businessman who handily beat his Democratic challenger, attorney Tim Gilpin, in Oklahoma's 1st District, which includes Tulsa.

Hern's LinkedIn page says he holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Arkansas Tech University.

"While moving around during his early adulthood, Kevin worked a variety of jobs including working in the Aerospace industry for Rockwell, writing computer programs to automate tasks for businesses, real estate, and even hog farming," his campaign website says.

His dream at the time was to be an astronaut.  Then, the Space Shuttle Challenger blew up in 1986, and he pivoted to fast food.

"That was a very humbling experience," he said in a campaign video.  "I'd gone from working with PhD guys to, on Saturday morning, cooking Egg McMuffins with a 16 year old."

Hern is a vocal Trump supporter who wants to build up the Mexican border wall and repeal the Affordable Care Act.  He owns 10 McDonald's restaurants around the Tulsa area.  In Washington, he'll replace Rep. Jim Bridenstine, who's now the NASA administrator.

In New Jersey's southernmost 2nd District, Jeff Van Drew, a dentist, will replace Republican Rep. Frank LoBiondo, who's represented that part of the state since 1995 and is retiring.

Van Drew, who's been a New Jersey state senator since 2008, sponsored legislation to help children with dyslexia, preserve farmland, and stop offshore drilling on the coast.

He has said his biggest focus on Capitol Hill will be increasing the number of jobs in New Jersey.

His opponent, the Republican attorney Seth Grossman, did not immediately concede the race as results poured in early Wednesday, though Van Drew locked in 52% of the vote.

All seven of the scientists endorsed by 314 Action who were up for reelection won their races. So did four other incumbent scientists.

They include:

Democratic Rep. Martin Heinrich of New Mexico, a mechanical engineer.

Democratic Rep. Ami Bera, a doctor and medical-school professor who serves on the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.

Democratic Rep. Jerry McNerney of California, who's also on the House committee.

Democratic Rep. Raul Ruiz of California, an emergency-room doctor.

Democratic Rep. Bill Foster of Illinois, a physicist who's also on the House committee.

Democratic Rep. Paul Tonko of New York, a mechanical and industrial engineer who serves on the House committee.

Democratic Rep. Seth Moulton of Massachusetts, a physicist and Iraq War veteran.

Democratic Rep. Brad Schneider of Illinois, an industrial engineer.

Democratic Rep. Tony Cárdenas of California, a computer scientist.

Democratic Rep. Ted Lieu of California, a computer scientist.

Republican Rep. Chris Collins of New York, a mechanical engineer.

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[derekpadron]

YES! McCongressman Kevin Hern Should Be Our United States House Speaker AND Run for United States President — by Using Campaign Ads detailing how the Hens lay their Eggs for McDonalds and how these Marvelously Beautiful Farm Animals Need Our Votes for Tax Cuts to help the Foods Industries provide Grass and Sunlight to Cows, Hens and Roosters, Chicks, and Pigs in more open and sanitary Spaces! McCongressman Hern will Win by Showing Capitalistic Utopia of Universal Corporate Healthcares through Tax Cuts that create many more health insurance companies — and the Democratic Socialistic Dystopia of Marxist Cannibals being Unleashed from New York City, Quebec, Chicago, Portland, and Seattle to Eat US All, including Children and their Lovely Mothers, the Disabled, the Blind, Amputees, Veterans, Retired Elderly, and Ethically Hard Workers! Cutting Taxes prevents Holocausts and other genocides from occurring! Tax Cuts helps US Citizens become Rich to THEN Invite Immigrants over to US to Feast for Thanksgiving and Break Bread like Jesus Christ! 0.01% tax rates on Rich USA Foods Companies, Rich Capital Gains and Dividends, Banks that Lend to Our Foods Businesses like Bakeries and Franchises like McDonalds, Banks that Lend to Our Healthcare Companies like Hospitals and Clinics, and More!🍟💵💰🛍️🌏🌎🌤️🪐✨

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Kevin McCarthy is out. Who might replace him as speaker?

The House voted to remove McCarthy as speaker. The search for a successor is on — and could drag on for days.

Nicole Narea at Vox:

Now that California Rep. Kevin McCarthy has been removed as speaker of the House, the search is on for a successor who can unite divided Republicans. On Tuesday, a total of eight Republicans joined all present Democrats in voting for a motion to vacate the speaker’s chair. Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC) was appointed interim speaker as Republicans work to figure out who will lead their caucus, and the House, from here. The historic removal was the result of a charge led by Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) to strip McCarthy of the speakership after he cut a deal with Democrats to fund the government for another 45 days — just before it would have otherwise shut down. Gaetz brought a motion to vacate on the House floor Monday night, a procedural move that has never before been successfully used to oust a speaker.

This time, however, was different. Although McCarthy had most of his caucus behind him, he needed a majority of the House to vote against his removal to stay in power. At the moment, the GOP has a four-vote majority, making the eight Republicans who voted against him more than enough to depose the now-former speaker. McCarthy needed Democratic support to retain the speakership, and Democrats — even those with good working relationships with the GOP — decided they wouldn’t come to his rescue. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries gave several reasons for backing McCarthy’s ouster in a letter to his colleagues, including issues with how the majority party set up the chamber’s rules, McCarthy’s legislative practices, and the decision to launch an impeachment inquiry of President Joe Biden.

Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) put it more simply when speaking to reporters Tuesday: “We’re not voting in any way that would help Speaker McCarthy … Nobody trusts Kevin McCarthy, and why should they?” Ahead of the vote, some Democrats suggested they’d be willing to support McCarthy in exchange for concessions. But the California lawmaker quickly ruled out that possibility. Such concessions could have included passing funding for Ukraine — which had become a sticking point in the spending fight amid waning public support for continuing to aid the country’s war efforts against Russia — or ending the Biden impeachment inquiry.

Offering even small concessions would have further weakened McCarthy’s standing among the GOP, however, potentially adding to the list of Republican lawmakers planning to vote for his ouster. But his reluctance to deal with Democrats ultimately led to his demise. “Unless a Republican is willing to work on a consistent basis with Democrats, then the far-right wing, who are more interested in burning the place down than getting something done, will retain control,” said Whit Ayres, a Republican pollster. “It’s a more viable path than bending the knee to people who have no interest whatsoever in governing.”

Regular business in the House will be on hold until someone wins the 218 votes necessary to become the next speaker. McCarthy has already said that he will not run again. House Majority Leader Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA), Judiciary Committee chair Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), and Republican Study Committee head Rep. Kevin Hern (R-OK) have been reportedly trying to drum up support, but others could also emerge as contenders.

Who could be the next speaker?

Scalise, the Republican majority leader, was the heir apparent to the speakership, but a cancer diagnosis could derail those plans. He did announce in September that he has pursued aggressive treatment for his multiple myeloma, which has significantly improved his long-term prognosis. Gaetz, Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX), and House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN), who was originally thought to have ambitions for the speakership himself, have said that they would support Scalise. Scalise was among multiple people who were injured when a gunman fired at lawmakers on a baseball field in 2017. However, McCarthy allies are reportedly trying to torpedo Scalise’s candidacy, and he’s not seen as a strong fundraiser — a major weakness ahead of an election year. That would advantage Jordan, who had previously challenged McCarthy for the speakership but has since become one of his biggest supporters among the party’s right flank. He’s already secured endorsements from Reps. Jim Banks (R-IN) and Thomas Massie (R-KY), and is seen as a strong fundraiser. But both Scalise and Jordan may still struggle to capture moderate support, potentially leaving an opening for other candidates. McHenry has apparently ruled out running for the speakership, despite occupying the position temporarily. Hern had previously put his name in the hat during the January speaker fight, but received only two votes and voted himself for McCarthy.

Other potential contenders could be Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), the conference chair, and Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK), the Rules Committee chairman. Stefanik rose to prominence as a MAGA firebrand during the Trump presidency. She’s a strong fundraiser, and has been focused on expanding — and diversifying — the GOP caucus over the past few years, including by targeting traditionally blue areas. Cole, a bipartisan operator who has been an ally of the past three Republican speakers, warned Tuesday that removing McCarthy would result in chaos and criticized his party’s right wing for seeking his demise. But he shocked many when he voted to overturn the results of the 2020 election in Trump’s favor. That decision wouldn’t necessarily lose him Republican votes, but would mean he’d be unable to rely on Democratic help in taking the speaker’s gavel.

Some Republicans have even floated former President Donald Trump for the speakership. There has never been a House speaker who wasn’t already a sitting member, but outsiders are technically allowed to run. Trump has remained quiet on McCarthy’s ouster, but it’s unclear whether he would seek the speakership given that he’s already declined to run in the past. He also appears to be barred by House Republicans’ own rules, given that he’s been charged with felonies that carry potential prison sentences of two or more years.

With former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R) voted out of his job via a motion to vacate, the next House Speaker will have a very tough time corralling a small GOP majority.

The officially announced candidates so far are Reps. Jim Jordan and Steve Scalise, but other candidates could be throwing their hats into the ring, such as Elise Stefanik, Kevin Hern, Tom Cole, Byron Donalds, and even 4x indicted and 91x felon former "President" Donald Trump.

The House Speaker need not be a member of the House; however, for all practical purposes, it will come from one of the current House members.

[floorcharts]

Who: Rep. Kevin Hern (R-Oklahoma)

Twitter: @repkevinhern

When: February 2019

What: Border security

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