Democrats on Wednesday muscled through a nearly $1 trillion spending bill that attempts to block President TrumpDonald John TrumpGOP senator introduces bill to hold online platforms liable for political bias Rubio responds to journalist who called it ‘strange’ to see him at Trump rally Rubio responds to journalist who called it ‘strange’ to see him at Trump rally MORE‘s policies on climate change, abortion and immigration, underscoring Speaker Nancy PelosiNancy PelosiPelosi slated to deliver remarks during panel hearing on poverty The DNC’s climate problems run deep Cracks form in Democratic dam against impeachment MORE‘s (D-Calif.) argument that the House can work as a check on the administration.

Lawmakers passed the spending package in a 226-203 vote that fell largely along party lines. Seven Democrats voted against the measure, as did all Republicans.

The legislation includes the two largest government spending bills — one for Defense and one covering Labor, Health and Human Services and Education. It also covers funding bills for foreign operations and energy and water.

The measure takes aim at a slew of Trump’s funding goals, starting with a rejection of his budget request, which proposed deep cuts to the State Department, cuts to the National Institutes of Health, the elimination of advanced energy research and a massive increase in defense spending.

“This bill rejects the administration’s unacceptable budget request and irresponsible policies and, rather, strives to uphold many bipartisan congressional priorities,” said House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Rep. Nita LoweyNita Sue LoweyCongressional leaders, White House officials to meet Wednesday on spending Congressional leaders, White House officials to meet Wednesday on spending House panel wraps up final 2020 spending bill as Senate lags MORE (D-N.Y.) ahead of the floor vote.

The Democratic bill would eliminate what’s known as the Mexico City policy, which blocks the U.S. from funding foreign groups that promote abortion, and it would prevent withdrawal from the 2015 Paris climate accord. Another provision would fund research into the causes of gun violence.

The measure also includes language that would block funds from being used to ban transgender people from serving in the military and prevent the sale of nuclear technology to Saudi Arabia.

The seven Democrats who voted against the measure were Reps. Denny HeckDennis (Denny) Lynn HeckExclusive: Guccifer 2.0 hacked memos expand on Pennsylvania House races Heck enjoys second political wind Incoming lawmaker feeling a bit overwhelmed MORE (Wash.), Ben McAdams (Utah), Alexandria Ocasio-CortezAlexandria Ocasio-CortezDem senator: American Jews ‘disgusted’ by treatment of migrants at border Dem senator: American Jews ‘disgusted’ by treatment of migrants at border Auschwitz Memorial responds to MSNBC host Chris Hayes over comments on concentration camps MORE (N.Y.), Ilhan OmarIlhan OmarOcasio-Cortez under fire for concentration camp remarks Ocasio-Cortez under fire for concentration camp remarks Omar blasts Trump’s comment about accepting foreign campaign dirt as ‘un-American’ MORE (Minn.), Collin PetersonCollin Clark PetersonHouse passes amendment to block funding for transgender troops ban House passes amendment to block funding for transgender troops ban Overnight Health Care: Democratic bill would require insurance to cover OTC birth control | House Dems vote to overturn ban on fetal tissue research | New rule aims to expand health choices for small businesses MORE (Minn.), Ayanna PressleyAyanna PressleyAyanna Pressley celebrates daughter’s 5th grade graduation Ayanna Pressley celebrates daughter’s 5th grade graduation Cruz, Ocasio-Cortez efforts on birth control access face major obstacles MORE (Mass.) and Rashida TlaibRashida Harbi TlaibOcasio-Cortez under fire for concentration camp remarks Ocasio-Cortez under fire for concentration camp remarks Hillicon Valley: Hacker group targeted electric grid | House Democrats press CBP over facial recognition program | Senators offer bill to protect health data | Groups file FCC complaint over carriers’ use of location data MORE (Mich.).

Republicans slammed the spending package, saying it includes provisions that will invite a veto from Trump.

“This package has become a partisan vehicle, under-funding defense priorities, over-funding non-defense programs, carrying poison pills, and delaying action to address the crisis at our southern border,” said Rep. Kay GrangerNorvell (Kay) Kay GrangerCongressional leaders, White House officials to meet Wednesday on spending Congressional leaders, White House officials to meet Wednesday on spending Democrats set stage for next shutdown fight with wall-free spending bill MORE (Texas), the top Republican on the Appropriations Committee.

While the legislation is unlikely to become law in its current form, it nonetheless gives Pelosi more leverage in spending talks with Senate Republicans, who have not passed any government funding bills for fiscal 2020.

Many of the provisions in the House bill are unlikely to make it through the Senate, which has lagged in producing its own spending measures. Senators say they are waiting until the House, Senate and White House agree on overall spending caps.

Pelosi hosted a meeting Wednesday afternoon to discuss raising the statutory caps, which could pave the way for the Senate to start passing its own appropriations bills. But no agreement was reached between congressional leaders and senior administration officials.

Without a deal, Congress and the White House may face a heavy fiscal lift in the fall. The deadline for raising the debt ceiling is expected to hit around that time, and missing it would lead to a U.S. debt default that would shock global financial markets.

Even if a deal is reached, the Senate will be well behind the House, which began consideration of a second, five-bill package covering $383 billion in spending on Wednesday afternoon. Democrats expect to complete passage of all 12 annual spending bills by the end of the month.

Wednesday’s House-passed measure gives Pelosi an opportunity to argue that congressional Democrats are standing up to Trump at a time when dozens of caucus members are calling for initiating an impeachment inquiry against the president.

When asked about impeachment, Pelosi frequently pivots to talk about legislative accomplishments.

“I want to get back to our legislation, because that is what the American people elected us to do,” she said last week when the topic of impeachment came up.

Chris Mills Rodrigo contributed.

Updated at 5:37 p.m.

Sen. Chris MurphyChristopher (Chris) Scott MurphyOvernight Defense: Shanahan exit shocks Washington | Pentagon left rudderless | Lawmakers want answers on Mideast troop deployment | Senate could vote on Saudi arms deal this week | Pompeo says Trump doesn’t want war with Iran Senators demand Trump explain decision to deploy troops amid Iran tensions Senators demand Trump explain decision to deploy troops amid Iran tensions MORE (D-Conn.) said Wednesday he may vote against a bipartisan measure to lower health care costs next week unless it addresses a GOP “sabotage” of ObamaCare.

Murphy told reporters he is worried that there is “no language in the measure to counteract the massive sabotage campaign that’s happening by the administration.” The measure is currently before members of the Senate Health Committee.

The package in question was released earlier Wednesday by Sens. Lamar AlexanderAndrew (Lamar) Lamar AlexanderOvernight Health Care: Poll finds most Americans misunderstand scope of ‘Medicare for All’ | Planned Parenthood chief readies for 2020 | Drugmakers’ lawsuit ramps up fight with Trump Overnight Health Care: Poll finds most Americans misunderstand scope of ‘Medicare for All’ | Planned Parenthood chief readies for 2020 | Drugmakers’ lawsuit ramps up fight with Trump Trump’s health care focus puts GOP on edge MORE (R-Tenn.) and Patty MurrayPatricia (Patty) Lynn MurrayOvernight Health Care: Poll finds most Americans misunderstand scope of ‘Medicare for All’ | Planned Parenthood chief readies for 2020 | Drugmakers’ lawsuit ramps up fight with Trump Overnight Health Care: Poll finds most Americans misunderstand scope of ‘Medicare for All’ | Planned Parenthood chief readies for 2020 | Drugmakers’ lawsuit ramps up fight with Trump Trump’s health care focus puts GOP on edge MORE (D-Wash.), the panel’s leaders, and includes a range of measures aimed at lowering health care costs, such as protecting patients from massive “surprise” medical bills they get from out-of-network doctors.

But the measure steers clear of the divisive debate over ObamaCare, which Alexander says is by design after his previous effort with Murray to shore up the health care law ran aground because of the deep divide over ObamaCare.

Murphy, one of Democrats’ top advocates for the Affordable Care Act (ACA), says that the health care package should not move forward without addressing President TrumpDonald John TrumpGOP senator introduces bill to hold online platforms liable for political bias Rubio responds to journalist who called it ‘strange’ to see him at Trump rally Rubio responds to journalist who called it ‘strange’ to see him at Trump rally MORE’s actions, which include slashing funding for enrollment outreach, opening up skimpier, cheaper health plans and backing a lawsuit to overturn the entire ACA.

“I’m not planning to; I’m considering it,” Murphy told reporters when asked about voting no in the committee markup next week.

He said he might also offer amendments to try to address the administration’s actions, but those are sure to be rejected by Republicans on the committee.

Democrats are trying to strike a balance between attacking Republicans for their assaults on ObamaCare, an issue that has borne political fruit, and working in a bipartisan way on health care legislation.

Murphy’s opinion differs from that of Murray, the top Democrat on the committee, who negotiated the package with Alexander and is supporting it.

When asked about Murphy’s comments on Wednesday, Murray told reporters that she also wants to address the administration’s actions on ObamaCare but indicated she will not vote against the package over Republicans’ refusal to address ObamaCare in the legislation.

“I adamantly oppose what the administration has been doing,” Murray said. “We’re working on a much smaller package of bills, but I still agree with Chris and all of us that we need to address sabotage.”

Alexander said in a statement in response to Murphy’s comments that the issue of ObamaCare should be handled separately from the bipartisan package.

“What to do about ObamaCare is a different debate that I’m sure will continue,” Alexander said. “In the end, it is hard to lower the cost of health insurance without first lowering the cost of health care.”

Murphy said he has been talking to his Democratic colleagues about his concerns and said others share them, though no other Senate Democrat has threatened to oppose the package because of the ObamaCare concerns.

A spokesperson for Sen. Tammy BaldwinTammy Suzanne BaldwinOvernight Health Care: Poll finds most Americans misunderstand scope of ‘Medicare for All’ | Planned Parenthood chief readies for 2020 | Drugmakers’ lawsuit ramps up fight with Trump Overnight Health Care: Poll finds most Americans misunderstand scope of ‘Medicare for All’ | Planned Parenthood chief readies for 2020 | Drugmakers’ lawsuit ramps up fight with Trump Valedictorian says he was not allowed to use graduation speech to come out as gay MORE (D-Wis.), who has partnered with Murphy in the past on calling attention to ObamaCare “sabotage,” said that Baldwin is more concerned with adding a drug pricing transparency measure to the package than addressing ObamaCare in it.

“Senator Baldwin made it clear yesterday she would like her bipartisan FAIR Drug Pricing Act included in this legislation,” the Baldwin spokesperson said. “So she is not a yes on the larger HELP package at this time.”

The president of the largest labor organization in the U.S. reportedly laughed at President TrumpDonald John TrumpTrump says ‘Failing New York Times’ should be held ‘fully accountable’ over Russia report Trump says ‘Failing New York Times’ should be held ‘fully accountable’ over Russia report Trump tweets ICE will begin removing ‘millions’ of undocumented migrants MORE’s repeated assertions that unions support the new North American trade agreement, according to Politico.

AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka told the outlet that maybe Trump is “talking about the unions in some other country” while laughing at the fact Trump said unions are “in favor” of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in line to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

“I don’t have a clue” where Trump gets that from, Trumka told Politico, adding that unions are “pretty united.”

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Trump is pushing for the USMCA to pass Congress this year, with Canadian Prime Minister Justin TrudeauJustin Pierre James TrudeauOn The Money: Democrats move funding bills as budget caps deal remains elusive | Companies line up to weigh in on 0B China tariffs | Trudeau to talk trade with Pelosi, McConnell On The Money: Democrats move funding bills as budget caps deal remains elusive | Companies line up to weigh in on 0B China tariffs | Trudeau to talk trade with Pelosi, McConnell Trudeau plans to meet with Pelosi, McConnell to talk trade: report MORE meeting with him and party leadership this week to discuss the deal.

Trumka said while the new deal has some improvements from NAFTA, work still needs to be done on it to garner support from organized labor.

“We still have a lot of work to do and rushing this thing or trying to push it through to a vote will backfire, because if people were forced to vote on the current text, they would have to vote ‘no,'” Trumka told the news outlet.

Trumka cautioned rushing the deal to a vote before hammering out details with Speaker Nancy PelosiNancy PelosiCalifornia Democrat in swing district calls for Trump impeachment inquiry California Democrat in swing district calls for Trump impeachment inquiry Overnight Defense: US to send 1K more troops to Mideast amid Iran tensions | Iran threatens to break limit on uranium production in 10 days | US accuses Iran of ‘nuclear blackmail’ | Details on key defense bill amendments MORE (D-Calif.), who will control when it hits the House floor for a vote.

“There are people in the Trump administration that are trying to rush this thing through and I think it’s a terrible, foolish strategy because it will blow up in their face,” he said. “I think the reasonable people in the Trump administration know it’s more important to get this right than to do it tomorrow.”

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Sen. Elizabeth WarrenElizabeth Ann WarrenTrump hits polling on Fox News: ‘Something weird going on at Fox’ Trump hits polling on Fox News: ‘Something weird going on at Fox’ 2020 Democrats look to cut into Biden’s lead with black voters MORE (D-Mass.) and Rep. Deb HaalandDebra HaalandOvernight Energy: Dems press Interior chief to embrace climate action | Lawmakers at odds on how to regulate chemicals in water | Warren releases climate plan for military Warren releases plan to tackle climate change threats to military House Dem’s bill would require ride-hailing companies to cover drivers’ Social Security costs MORE (D-N.M.) introduced legislation Tuesday that would use federal funds to establish universal child care. 

The Universal Child Care and Early Learning Act seeks to combat the rise of rising child care costs in the face of stagnated wages with a focus on low-income families. The bicameral bill is cosponsored by Sens. Cory BookerCory Anthony Booker2020 Democrats look to cut into Biden’s lead with black voters 2020 Democrats look to cut into Biden’s lead with black voters Overnight Health Care: Democrats attack after Trump revives talk of ObamaCare replacement | Cruz, Ocasio-Cortez efforts on birth control face major obstacles | CVS investing M to fight teen e-cig use MORE (D-N.J.) — like Warren, a 2020 White House hopeful — and Jeff MerkleyJeffrey (Jeff) Alan MerkleyDemocratic White House hopefuls push to expand health care in US territories Democratic White House hopefuls push to expand health care in US territories Hillicon Valley: Assange hit with 17 more charges | Facebook removes record 2.2B fake profiles | Senate passes anti-robocall bill | Senators offer bill to help companies remove Huawei equipment MORE (D-Ore.) and Democratic Reps. Barbara LeeBarbara Jean LeeDems eye repeal of Justice rule barring presidential indictments Dems eye repeal of Justice rule barring presidential indictments Democrats set stage for next shutdown fight with wall-free spending bill MORE (Calif.), Mark PocanMark William PocanOn The Money: DOJ offers legal opinion backing refusal to release Trump tax returns | Centrist Democrats raise concerns over minimum wage | Trump bashes Powell ahead of crucial Fed meeting | Design leaks for Harriet Tubman bill On The Money: DOJ offers legal opinion backing refusal to release Trump tax returns | Centrist Democrats raise concerns over minimum wage | Trump bashes Powell ahead of crucial Fed meeting | Design leaks for Harriet Tubman bill Centrist Democrats raise concerns over minimum wage push MORE (Wis.), Jamie RaskinJamin (Jamie) Ben RaskinDem committees win new powers to investigate Trump Dem committees win new powers to investigate Trump Congress and contempt: What you need to know MORE (Md.), John Larson John Barry LarsonUnchain seniors from chained inflation index A tax increase is simply not the answer to fund Social Security Social Security is approaching crisis territory MORE (Conn.), Grace MengGrace MengFrance grants asylum to Interpol ex-president’s family while he’s detained by China House ethics panel renews probes into three GOP lawmakers Live coverage: Barr faces House panel amid questions over Mueller report MORE (N.Y.) and Stephen Horsford (Nev.), as well as Del. Eleanor Holmes NortonEleanor Holmes NortonDC officials say Trump still owes city over million from inauguration DC officials say Trump still owes city over million from inauguration First hearing on DC statehood in House in 26 years scheduled for July MORE (D-D.C.).

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“As the wealthiest country in the world, access to affordable and high-quality child care and early education should be a right for all families rather than a privilege for only the rich,” Warren said in a statement. “Our legislation would give all parents the opportunity to choose the right child care and early learning opportunities for their kids.” 

“Childcare and early learning should not be a luxury that only people with money have access to, but right now that’s the status quo in this country,” Haaland echoed. “If we’re going to get serious about ending the cycle of poverty in New Mexico and the entire country, we need to invest in universal childcare and early learning.” 

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The bill would mandate an unquantified federal investment to establish and support a network of locally-run Child Care and Early Learning Centers and Family Child Care Homes to ensure that every family can access affordable child care options from birth to school entry. It also provides free child care to families below 200 percent of the poverty line, while families with higher incomes would pay a subsidized fee on a sliding scale based on their income.

The network of Centers and Family Child Care Homes would provide pre-K education and offer mental and physical health, dental, and other services to children who need them.

The legislation also mandates that wages and benefits for child care workers be comparable to those of local public school teachers and that investments are made in worker training and professional development.

Warren and Haaland touted the endorsements of several national advocacy and social justice organizations.

“I applaud the work by Senator Warren and Representative Haaland to ensure that every child, regardless of background or social status, has equal access to the high-quality, affordable child care and education opportunities that lay the foundation for our children’s success in school and in life,” said Lily Eskelsen García, president of the National Education Association. 

Warren and Haaland noted that the introduction comes after the Annie E. Casey Foundation ranked New Mexico, Haaland’s home state, 50th in overall child wellbeing.

Warren has enjoyed a boost in 2020 primary polls after unveiling a slate of detailed policy proposals, largely focused on economic issues.

Twenty-two Democratic state attorneys general demanded Tuesday that Congress take action to secure election systems ahead of the 2020 vote.

The group of attorneys general, led by Minnesota’s Keith EllisonKeith Maurice EllisonDemocrats face new civil war in primary fight 18 state attorneys general call on Justice Dept to release Mueller report Keith Ellison: Evidence points to Trump being ‘sympathetic’ to white nationalist point of view MORE, sent a letter to the leaders from each party of the Senate Appropriations Committee and the Senate Rules Committee begging them to work together to bolster election security in the states, including passing legislation.

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“Our state and local election officials are on the front-lines of the fight to protect our election infrastructure, but they lack the resources necessary to combat a sophisticated foreign adversary like Russia,” they wrote. 

The group of attorneys general asked the senators for “sustained” federal funding to secure election infrastructure against potential interference, for updating the equipment itself and for information technology and cybersecurity training for election officials. 

They also asked that Congress “support the establishment of cybersecurity and audit standards for election systems,” and argued that the federal government needs to keep state election officials informed about suspected breaches and other security intelligence. 

And the attorneys general pushed the senators to support and pass election security legislation, such as the Secure Elections Act. This bill, which Sen. James LankfordJames Paul LankfordOvernight Defense: US to send 1K more troops to Mideast amid Iran tensions | Iran threatens to break limit on uranium production in 10 days | US accuses Iran of ‘nuclear blackmail’ | Details on key defense bill amendments Overnight Defense: US to send 1K more troops to Mideast amid Iran tensions | Iran threatens to break limit on uranium production in 10 days | US accuses Iran of ‘nuclear blackmail’ | Details on key defense bill amendments Senators revive effort to create McCain human rights commission MORE (R-Okla.) told The Hill he plans to reintroduce soon, would improve information-sharing and strengthen the security of voting systems. 

“Securing our election systems is a matter of national security and we hope that you will take immediate action to protect our election infrastructure and restore Americans’ trust in our election systems,” the group wrote. 

The letter was sent in the midst of a sustained push by Senate Democrats to push through election security legislation in the Senate, where Majority Leader Mitch McConnellAddison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellJon Stewart rips into McConnell for saying he’s ‘bent out of shape’ over 9/11 victim fund Jon Stewart rips into McConnell for saying he’s ‘bent out of shape’ over 9/11 victim fund Tensions with Iran reach new stage over uranium threat MORE (R-Ky.) has so far refused to allow a vote on legislation related to the topic. 

Last week, Sen. Mark WarnerMark Robert WarnerDemocratic senator accuses White House of blocking election security legislation Democratic senator accuses White House of blocking election security legislation Election security bills face GOP buzzsaw MORE (D-Va.) tried to push through by unanimous consent legislation to require campaigns to notify the FBI and the Federal Election Commission about attempts by foreign governments and nationals to influence the election; the bill, however, was blocked by Senate Republicans. 

On Tuesday, Senate Minority Leader Charles SchumerCharles (Chuck) Ellis SchumerEx-state senator in North Carolina enters race against Tillis Ex-state senator in North Carolina enters race against Tillis Election security bills face GOP buzzsaw MORE (D-N.Y.) told reporters that Democrats will try to bring up multiple election security bills by unanimous consent, which would force McConnell to either allow a vote or block the bills. Senate Democrats will also push for more funding to secure election systems.

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President TrumpDonald John TrumpTrump says ‘Failing New York Times’ should be held ‘fully accountable’ over Russia report Trump says ‘Failing New York Times’ should be held ‘fully accountable’ over Russia report Trump tweets ICE will begin removing ‘millions’ of undocumented migrants MORE claimed during his campaign launch on Tuesday night that the United States has “among the cleanest and sharpest” air and water on Earth.

“Something I want to make clear to the media: We have among the cleanest and sharpest — crystal clean, you’ve heard me say, I want crystal clean — air and water anywhere on Earth,” Trump said during his rally in Florida on Tuesday. 

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“We are creating a future of American energy independence, and yet our air and water are the cleanest they’ve ever been by far,” Trump continued, referring to the fact that the country recently emerged as the leading global producer of oil and natural gas under his administration.

His comments came just hours after a report citing federal data from The New York Times showed that the country experienced a stark increase in polluted air days in each of the past two years compared to any of the previous four years under the Obama administration.

According to the report, during that specific period under the Obama administration, the country experienced its lowest number of polluted air days since at least 1980. 

Earlier this year, data from the Environmental Protection Agency also found that reductions in greenhouse gas emissions significantly slowed under the Trump administration in 2017 as his office continues to work to roll back Obama-era regulations designed to reduce emissions of the harmful gasses.

China on Tuesday reportedly called for the U.S. to alter its Iran strategy and pursue deescalation amid rising tensions over attacks on oil tankers and the Iran nuclear deal.

“We call on all sides to remain rational and exercise restraint, and not take any escalatory actions that irritate regional tensions, and not open a Pandora’s box,” Chinese State Councillor Wang Yi told reporters in Beijing, according to Reuters.

“In particular, the U.S. side should alter its extreme pressure methods,” he added. “Any unilateral behavior has no basis in international law. Not only will it not resolve the problem, it will only create an even greater crisis.”

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Wang, the Chinese government’s top diplomat, made the remarks a day after acting Defense Secretary Patrick ShanahanPatrick Michael ShanahanUS to send 1K additional troops to Middle East amid Iran tensions US to send 1K additional troops to Middle East amid Iran tensions Overnight Defense: US to send 1K more troops to Mideast amid Iran tensions | Iran threatens to break limit on uranium production in 10 days | US accuses Iran of ‘nuclear blackmail’ | Details on key defense bill amendments MORE announced the U.S. would be deploying 1,000 troops to the Middle East, citing concerns about a threat from Tehran.

The announcement comes amid escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran following an attack on two tankers in the Gulf of Oman last week.

The U.S. has blamed Iran for the attack and produced images it claims show Iranians removing a mine from the hull of one ship, though Iran has strongly denied responsibility.

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The U.K. and Saudi Arabia have backed the U.S. on blaming Iran for the incident, but Germany’s foreign minister has said more compelling evidence is needed, and the owner of one of the ships, the Japanese-owned Kokuka Courageous, has contradicted the U.S.’s account of the attack.

Relations between the U.S. and Iran have deteriorated since President TrumpDonald John TrumpTrump says ‘Failing New York Times’ should be held ‘fully accountable’ over Russia report Trump says ‘Failing New York Times’ should be held ‘fully accountable’ over Russia report Trump tweets ICE will begin removing ‘millions’ of undocumented migrants MORE‘s withdrawal from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal last year.

On Monday, Tehran announced that it would soon exceed the limit on its uranium stockpile agreed to in the accord.

Wang on Tuesday said re-committing to the deal was key to assuage concerns about Iran’s nuclear capability.

“We understand that relevant parties may have different concerns, but first of all, the comprehensive nuclear deal should be properly implemented,” he said, according to Reuters. 

“We hope that Iran is cautious with its decisionmaking and not lightly abandon this agreement.”

The House on Tuesday rejected an amendment that would have limited the government’s ability to collect Americans’ personal communications without a warrant.

The House voted 175-253 against the amendment introduced by Reps. Justin AmashJustin AmashJohn Oliver advocates Trump impeachment inquiry for ‘high crimes and misdemeanors’ John Oliver advocates Trump impeachment inquiry for ‘high crimes and misdemeanors’ The Hill’s Morning Report – Is US weighing military action against Iran? MORE (R-Mich.) and Zoe LofgrenZoe Ellen LofgrenCriticism punctuates Nadler’s leadership of Trump probe Criticism punctuates Nadler’s leadership of Trump probe Mueller remarks put renewed focus on election security bills MORE (D-Calif.) amid opposition from national security hawks. 

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Amash and Lofgren tried to pass the measure as part of an appropriations bill that funds several federal departments, including the Labor Department, Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Defense.

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The amendment would have curtailed a controversial law that allows the U.S. government to collect communications from foreigners located outside of the U.S. without a warrant.

Pro-privacy lawmakers like Amash and Lofgren have long argued that one of the law’s provisions – Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) – allows the government to collect data on Americans who are communicating with non-U.S. citizens outside of the country without a warrant. Their one-page amendment would have barred the government from collecting communications under FISA on Americans without a warrant. 

Digital rights group Fight for the Future in a statement after the vote pointed out that more Democrats had voted against the amendment than Republicans.

“It’s good to know that House Democrats like Adam SchiffAdam Bennett SchiffThe Hill’s Morning Report – Is US weighing military action against Iran? The Hill’s Morning Report – Is US weighing military action against Iran? Schiff: Intelligence agencies focused on Russian interference ‘even if the president isn’t’ MORE are ‘resisting’ Trump by voting to ensure that he has limitless authority to conduct mass warrantless surveillance,” Evan Greer, deputy director of Fight for the Future, said in a statement. “The Democrats who voted against this common sense amendment just threw immigrants, LGBTQ folks, activists, journalists, and political dissidents under the bus by voting to rubberstamp the Trump administration’s Orwellian domestic spying capabilities.” 

Congress last year reauthorized Section 702 of FISA with few alterations after a bitter battle between privacy activists and security hawks in both chambers.

Lofgren and Amash’s amendment attracted enormous support from civil liberties activists throughout Tuesday, after Amash announced the House would be voting on the measure. 

“We just got handed a potentially historic opportunity to finally finally close the gaping loopholes in Section 702 of the FISA Amendments Act that the [National Security Agency] abuses to conduct warrantless dragnet surveillance of our Internet activity, email, text messages, etc,” Fight for the Future wrote in a blog post. 

Forty-two civil society groups signed onto an impromptu letter in support of the Amash-Lofgren amendment, writing it would “significantly advance the privacy rights of people within the Unties States.”

“We represent a cross-partisan coalition of civil liberties, transparency and government oversight organizations committed to reining in the warrantless surveillance of people in the United States,” wrote the groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the Arab American Institute, and digital civil rights group Color of Change. 

In April 2019, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) said U.S. intelligence agencies conducted 9,637 queries for search terms concerning a U.S. person in 2018. 

Amash on the House floor earlier on Tuesday said Republican and Democrats’ resistance to reforming Section 702 exemplifies “what’s wrong with Washington.” 

“The government can search and sweep in billions of communications, including communications of Americans, and then query that data,” Amash said. “The Amash-Lofgren amendment puts in basic safeguards to allow the government to continue using Section 702 for its stated purpose of gathering foreign intelligence, while limiting the government’s warrantless collection of American’s communications under FISA.” 

Rep. Pete Visclosky (D-Ind.) in a rebuttal on the floor said the amendment would have made “it more difficult for the NSA to target foreign nationals if the intended target is in communication with someone in the United States.” 

“I would point out … that this is an appropriations bill, this is not an authorization bill,” Visclosky said. “The amendment is a serious change in policy and deserves more than ten minutes of debate in this chamber.” 

The progressive oversight group Restore Public Trust on Monday requested that the Department of Transportation (DOT) inspector general investigate Transportation Secretary Elaine ChaoElaine Lan ChaoTransportation Secretary Chao sells stock in Vulcan after pledge to divest by 2018 Transportation Secretary Chao sells stock in Vulcan after pledge to divest by 2018 McConnell brushes off question about special treatment from Chao MORE over potential financial conflicts of interest.

The group noted that when Chao was appointed by President TrumpDonald John TrumpTrump cites tax cuts over judges as having biggest impact of his presidency Trump cites tax cuts over judges as having biggest impact of his presidency Ocasio-Cortez claps back at Trump after he cites her in tweet rejecting impeachment MORE in 2017, she promised to divest from paving-materials company Vulcan Materials Co.

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However, reports emerged this month that she did not sell her shares in the company until June 3 of this year.

Vulcan’s shares rose more than 16 percent while they were in her possession, resulting in more than $50,000 in earnings, according to the Wall Street Journal.

“Every new story makes it clear that the depths of Secretary Chao’s corruption seem to be never-ending,” Kyle Herrig, senior adviser for Restore Public Trust, said in a statement taking aim at a number of ethics issues that have been raised regarding Chao.

“Whether it’s helping her family’s shipping business, prioritizing contracts and grants to her state where her husband, the Senate Majority Leader, is running for reelection, or failing to divest her own financial conflicts, instances of Chao’s corruption continue to pile up. Even in an Administration that has shown a disdain for ethics and the rule of law, Chao’s actions stand out.”

“Despite Chao’s pledge to Congress and the American people that she would divest from Vulcan Materials, she failed to do so. The clear conflicts of interest between the work of the transportation department and the work of Vulcan Materials should be fully investigated by the Office of Inspector General immediately.”

A spokesperson for the DOT slammed Restore Public Trust’s complaint, calling it a “political hit job.” 

“By virtue of her position in the Cabinet and who she is married to, the Secretary is a convenient target for those who oppose the work she is doing for the American people,” the spokesperson told The Hill.

“These disingenuous attacks are simply political hit jobs filled with innuendos that continue to be rejected every time they are recycled.” 

The spokesperson also noted that the stocks in Vulcan that Chao received as part of deferred compensation packages have been determined by department ethics officials to not create a conflict of interest.

–Updated at 11:59 a.m.

The Kremlin on Monday reportedly said it is possible the U.S. put implants into Russian power grids.

The New York Times first reported the U.S. allegedly gearing up for a cyberattack last week, citing unnamed officials describing the types of actions that had been taken toward Russian power grids. 

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Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Reuters, “Undoubtedly this information shows the hypothetical possibility … all signs of cyber war and military cyber action against the Russian Federation.”

The Hill has reached out to the Kremlin for comment.

Peskov told Reuters that Russian authorities are working to keep its economy safe after unnamed strategic parts had endured foreign cyberattacks. 

According to the New York Times report, probes in control systems have been in place since at least 2012 but now the strategy is shifting toward offense.

Officials told the Times the U.S. had deployed computer code within Russia’s grid to combat Russian disinformation and hacking in 2018 elections. 

“It has gotten far, far more aggressive over the past year,” one senior intelligence official told The New York Times. “We are doing things at a scale that we never contemplated a few years ago.”

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President TrumpDonald John TrumpTrump cites tax cuts over judges as having biggest impact of his presidency Trump cites tax cuts over judges as having biggest impact of his presidency Ocasio-Cortez claps back at Trump after he cites her in tweet rejecting impeachment MORE denied the report, tweeting the story is “a virtual act of Treason by a once great paper so desperate for a story.”