Treasury Secretary Steven MnuchinSteven Terner MnuchinMnuchin: DOJ ‘absolutely right’ to launch tech anti-trust probe US, China to resume trade talks next week in Shanghai The Hill’s Morning Report — Mueller day finally arrives MORE voiced support Wednesday for a sweeping Justice Department (DOJ) antitrust investigation into the largest U.S. tech companies, taking special aim at Amazon.

Mnuchin told CNBC’s “Squawk Box” that the DOJ was “absolutely right” to investigate whether tech powerhouses like Amazon, Facebook and Google harm consumers by impeding competition. 

The Justice Department announced Tuesday it would probe “whether and how market-leading online platforms have achieved market power and are engaging in practices that have reduced competition, stifled innovation, or otherwise harmed consumers.”

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Mnuchin homed in on Amazon’s impact on U.S. retailers that have suffered as more consumers consumers abandon brick-and-mortar stores for online shopping.

“If you look at Amazon, although there’s certain benefits to it, they’ve destroyed the retail industry across the United States, so there’s no question they’ve limited competition,” Mnuchin said.

“There’s areas where they’ve hurt small businesses, so I don’t think this is a one-size-fits-all and I don’t have an opinion going other than I think it’s absolutely right that the attorney general is looking into these issues.”

Amazon’s massive growth and expansion has triggered bipartisan concern among lawmakers and policymakers. Dozens of Amazon warehouse and distribution center workers have also accused the company of unfair and dangerous working conditions.

But Mnuchin also suffered personal losses from Amazon’s dominance of U.S. commerce.

Mnuchin served on the board of directors of Sears Holding Corp. from 2005 until 2016 as the iconic retailer sunk into bankruptcy under the leadership of former chief executive Eddie Lampert, his college roommate.

President TrumpDonald John Trump Ocasio-Cortez about as well known as top Democrats: poll Protestor yelling about Trump Tower meeting thrown out of Mueller hearing Chris Wallace: ‘This has been a disaster for the Democrats’ and ‘for the reputation of Robert Mueller’ MORE has also frequently blasted Amazon founder and CEO Jeff BezosJeffrey (Jeff) Preston BezosMnuchin: DOJ ‘absolutely right’ to launch tech antitrust probe Big Tech has big credibility gap Hillicon Valley: Intel chief creates new election security position | Privacy groups want role in new tech task force | Republicans urge Trump not to delay Pentagon cloud contract MORE, who also owns The Washington Post, a consistent source of rage for the president. 

Amazon rebuffed Mnuchin’s claims in a Wednesday statement, arguing that “small and medium-sized businesses are thriving with Amazon.

“Today, independent sellers make up more than 58% of physical gross merchandise sales on Amazon, and their sales have grown twice as fast as our own, totaling $160 billion in 2018,” said a company spokesperson.

“Amazon’s retail business competes in worldwide market for retail sales and represents less than 1% of global retail and less than 4% of U.S. retail. And the vast majority of retail sales – 90% – still occur in brick-and-mortar stores according to the U.S. Census Bureau.”

Updated at 4:55 p.m.

Happy Wednesday and welcome to Overnight Defense. I’m Rebecca Kheel, here’s your nightly guide to the latest developments at the Pentagon, on Capitol Hill and beyond. CLICK HERE to subscribe to the newsletter.

THE TOPLINE: The era of Esper is upon us.

Defense Secretary Mark EsperMark EsperWarren spars with Trump’s top Defense nominee over ethics Navy secretary takes over as acting Pentagon chief after Esper formally nominated The Department of Defense needs Mark Esper — and a few policy changes MORE had his first full day on the job Wednesday.

Entering the building Wednesday morning, he told reporters that “the troops and their families are my top priority.”

A few hours later, Esper met with reporters for more a detailed discussion.

There, he announced he will travel to U.S. Central Command (Centcom) headquarters in Florida next week to discuss details of a plan to monitor hostile Iranian activity in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.

Esper said he and Centcom leaders will discuss the U.S.-proposed Operation Sentinel — an effort to escort vessels traveling in the region if requested.

Esper said the U.S. Navy would escort its American vessels “to the degree the threat requires it,” but added later that “escort doesn’t mean [Navy warships] are following right behind.”

“But as long as you are in the area and can react quick enough to deter a provocation, that’s the key,” he said.

First order of business: Esper’s first official act as Defense secretary was to set up a task force to review the military’s obligation in cleaning up contamination from cancer-linked “forever chemicals”

“The Department is committed to taking a strong and proactive stance to address the effects arising out of any releases of these substances from all defense activities including the National Guard and Reserves. We must approach the problem in an aggressive and holistic way, ensuring a coordinated DOD-wide approach to the issue,” Esper wrote in a memo establishing the taskforce.

There are at least 400 military sites reported to have PFAS contamination, and the chemical has often spread to the water supply of nearby communities. The cleanup tab is estimated to be $2 billion.

But the military has come under heavy criticism for it’s response to PFAS, including accusations the agency pushed the Environmental Protection Agency to weaken its proposed regulations on PFAS — a move likely to save the military a substantive amount of money.

The Air Force has already had to divert $66 million designated for other purposes to cover cleanup costs tied to PFAS.

The military’s new PFAS task force would be responsible for devising PFAS cleanup standards, finding an alternative firefighting foam without PFAS, and addressing “Public/Congress perceptions of DoD’s efforts.”

Esper gave the task force six months to report back.

On to the next one: Esper also told reporters that getting his leadership team in place is a top priority.

To that end, the Senate Armed Services Committee held a confirmation hearing Wednesday for the man nominated to be Esper’s deputy, David Norquist.

Norquist had been acting deputy Defense secretary since January, but stepped aside for the confirmation process. He has been the Pentagon’s comptroller since 2017.

The confirmation hearing was largely uneventful, with senators indicating he’ll be easily confirmed.

“I’m probably the wrong one to be chairing this hearing because I’ve already decided and I have strong feelings about you. In fact, I remember telling the president a long time ago it doesn’t matter who ends up being secretary of Defense so long as you have Norquist in here helping,” committee Chairman Jim InhofeJames (Jim) Mountain InhofeOvernight Defense: Esper sworn in as Pentagon chief | Confirmed in 90-8 vote | Takes helm as Trump juggles foreign policy challenges | Senators meet with woman accusing defense nominee of sexual assault Senate panel advances Pentagon chief, Joint Chiefs chairman nominees Trump’s pick to lead Pentagon glides through confirmation hearing MORE (R-Okla.) said.

“Secretary Norquist, we face many challenges that require strong leadership and the ability to make tough decisions. I am very confident you can make those tough decisions,” the committee’s top Democrat, Sen. Jack ReedJohn (Jack) Francis ReedPentagon’s No. 2 policy official to retire Senate panel advances Pentagon chief, Joint Chiefs chairman nominees Democrats warm to idea of studying reparations MORE (D-R.I.), added.

TRUMP VETOES SAUDI RESOLUTIONS: President TrumpDonald John Trump Ocasio-Cortez about as well known as top Democrats: poll Protestor yelling about Trump Tower meeting thrown out of Mueller hearing Chris Wallace: ‘This has been a disaster for the Democrats’ and ‘for the reputation of Robert Mueller’ MORE has vetoed three congressional resolutions that would block his emergency arms sales to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

“This resolution would weaken America’s global competitiveness and damage the important relationships we share with our allies and partners,” Trump wrote in veto messages to Congress released by the White House on Wednesday evening.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnellAddison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellSenate will not vote on bipartisan health costs bill before leaving for August GOP pushback puts Trump judicial nominee at risk Harris sends fundraising email for South Carolina Democratic Party MORE (R-Ky.) earlier in the afternoon entered Trump’s veto messages into the Senate record and set up a vote on the messages before Aug. 2.

Congress is not expected to have the two-thirds majority needed to override Trump’s vetoes.

Background: The move marks the third time Trump has used his veto pen, and it follows an earlier veto of a Saudi-related measure.

The Trump administration in May invoked an emergency provision of the law governing arms sales to push through 22 deals with Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Jordan without the typical 30-day congressional review period.

The Senate voted 53-45 in June to block two of the emergency arms sales, and 51-45 to block the other 20.

The House followed suit by blocking three of the arms sales in mid-July. Two resolutions passed 238-190, and the third passed 237-190.

Next steps: With Congress likely unable to overturn Trump’s vetoes, lawmakers have already begun plotting their next steps. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee is scheduled Thursday to debate competing bills to hold Saudi Arabia accountable for the Khashoggi killing and Yemen civil war.

BUDGET VOTE THURSDAY: Democrats will bring a bipartisan deal to raise spending caps and suspend the debt ceiling to a House vote on Thursday, House Majority Leader Steny HoyerSteny Hamilton HoyerHouse passes bill opposing BDS, exposing divide among Democrats House Problem Solvers are bringing real change to Congress Israel vote will expose Democratic divisions MORE (D-Md.) said Wednesday.

The vote will be among the last the House takes before leaving town for a six-week August recess.

The Senate is expected to take up the vote next week, before it begins its own recess.

The legislation would head off a potential debt default and steep spending cuts.

Top defense Republican onboard: The top Republican on the House Armed Services Committee, Rep. Mac ThornberryWilliam (Mac) McClellan ThornberryHillicon Valley: Intel chief creates new election security position | Privacy groups want role in new tech task force | Republicans urge Trump not to delay Pentagon cloud contract Republican lawmakers ask Trump not to delay Pentagon cloud-computing contract House and Senate head for showdown on must-pass defense bill MORE (R-Texas), met with reporters on Wednesday to affirm his support for the deal.

The agreement sets a defense topline of $738 billion for fiscal year 2020 and $740 billion for fiscal year 2021.

Thornberry voted against House Democrats’ version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in part because he didn’t think its $733 billion topline was high enough.

But he said Wednesday that while he thinks $738 billion is still too low, the benefits of the budget agreement outweigh the drawbacks. In particular, the deal means the Pentagon will likely get appropriations before the start of the fiscal year.

It’s also a two-year deal, meaning it gives the Pentagon predictability and gets past the much-maligned Budget Control Act that expires in 2021.

“Bottom line, I don’t think I’ve met anybody at DoD or industry who doesn’t agree with the fact that $738 [billion] on time is more valuable than $750 [billion] in December of January after you’ve gone through a [continuing resolution] and had all of the uncertainty that goes with that,” Thornberry said.

He added that he’s encouraged other Armed Services Republicans to support the deal, as well.

ON TAP FOR TOMORROW

The Senate Armed Services Committee will hold a business meeting to discuss pending nominations at 9:30 a.m. https://bit.ly/2Mm2Qjg

A House Foreign Affairs Committee subpanel will hold a hearing on human rights in South Asia at 10 a.m. the Rayburn House Office Building, room 2172. https://bit.ly/2JX9RUk

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee will hold a business meeting to consider several bills and nominations at 10:30 a.m. at the Senate, room 116. https://bit.ly/2Z5n0RJ

A House Foreign Affairs subcommittee will hold a hearing on the New START Treaty at 2 p.m. at Rayburn 2172. https://bit.ly/2M02SN4

ICYMI

— The Hill: North Korea launches short-range projectiles: reports

— The Hill: Trump’s Syria envoy talks with Turkish officials in Ankara amid military threats

— The Hill: Opinion: America needs Japan as an economic partner now more than ever

— The Hill: Opinion: America should keep an eye on these events on top of Mueller

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— Washington Post: Trump at odds with Senate GOP over punishing Turkey for purchase of Russian missiles

Several state attorneys general said the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) violated the law by informing them as it planned to scale back fuel efficiency requirements for vehicles.

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The attorneys say an executive order from the Clinton administration requires the agency to consult with states before proposing standards that would freeze Obama-era fuel requirements for new vehicles. 

“The Trump Administration is not only paving the way for polluters, it is doing so illegally. For decades, states have stepped up to protect our planet with cost-saving, pollution-fighting clean car regulations. Trump’s Administration wants to overturn these standards, and failed to follow basic accountability measures in proposing new rules,” New York Attorney General Leticia James said in a statement.

Some states have opposed to the Trump administration’s fuel economy rollback because it would prevent them from adopting the stricter fuel efficiency standards currently allowed in California.

New York, along with 11 other states, say they discovered through a Freedom of Information Act request that the agency was discussing the rollback long before they were alerted and asked EPA to open the rule back up for comment.

“The FOIA responses now confirm that the agencies have not complied with the Executive Order. The agencies should accept this supplemental comment into their rulemaking dockets because the delay in submitting the comment is attributable entirely to the agencies’ late responses to the FOIA requests,” the states said in a letter to EPA.

An EPA spokesperson said the agency would respond to the letter through the proper channels.

“As the Administration has long stated, we are pursuing one national standard to provide safe, affordable vehicles for consumers while also improving environmental outcomes,” the agency said in an email to The Hill. 

The letter was signed by Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Washington in addition to New York.

Democrats will bring a bipartisan deal to raise spending caps and suspend the debt ceiling to a House vote on Thursday, House Majority Leader Steny HoyerSteny Hamilton HoyerHouse passes bill opposing BDS, exposing divide among Democrats House Problem Solvers are bringing real change to Congress Israel vote will expose Democratic divisions MORE (D-Md.) said Wednesday.

The vote will be among the last the House takes before leaving town for a six-week August recess. 

 

The Senate is expected to take up the vote next week, before it begins its own recess. 

 

The legislation would head off a potential debt default and steep spending cuts.

 

President TrumpDonald John Trump Ocasio-Cortez about as well known as top Democrats: poll Protestor yelling about Trump Tower meeting thrown out of Mueller hearing Chris Wallace: ‘This has been a disaster for the Democrats’ and ‘for the reputation of Robert Mueller’ MORE announced the deal on Twitter on Monday, but has faced pressure from conservatives to disavow it. When compared to the potential spending cuts, the deal would add $320 billion to federal spending over two years.

 

Among Democrats, questions remained as to whether progressives would object to increased defense spending, or fiscal conservatives would object to the deficit-financed spending.

 

But Democrats said that the deal was well-received during a morning caucus presentation by the left-leaning Center on Budget and Policy Priorities on the legislation.

 

“We had a whole presentation from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities on how good this deal was, how far above expectations it was, what a great negotiator our Speaker is. No one stood up at all to oppose it,” said Rep. Jan SchakowskyJanice (Jan) Danoff SchakowskyHouse to vote on budget deal Thursday CBP detains 3 children, all US citizens, at Chicago airport Here are the 95 Democrats who voted to support impeachment MORE (D-Ill.), a progressive who intends to vote for it.

 

Speaking to reporters, Hoyer declined to predict a vote count, but said it would easily pass.

 

“We’re going to have a majority of votes,” he said.

 

Rep. Ro KhannaRohit (Ro) KhannaGOP leaders struggle to contain conservative anger over budget deal House to test Trump’s veto pen on Saudi arms sales Sanders campaign vents frustration with media, polls MORE (D-Calif.), a leading progressive who has staunchly opposed large increases to defense spending, said Wednesday that he would vote for the deal.

 

“This deal isn’t perfect but includes $100B more for domestic priorities,” he tweeted.

 

“I’ll vote yes but will fight to reduce defense spending in approps. Every dem should recognize that the Budget Control Act was awful policy & should pledge not to arbitrarily handcuff a future Dem President,” he added.

 

— Updated 12:30 p.m.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin NetanyahuBenjamin (Bibi) NetanyahuMORE praised the House of Representatives for passing a resolution opposing the global boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel.

“I would like to commend the U.S. House of Representatives for overwhelmingly approving, by a great bipartisan majority, Democrats and Republicans alike, a decision against boycotts against Israel,” Netanyahu said in a video tweeted Wednesday.

“This attests to the support for Israel in the U.S.; this support is bipartisan, and it is important to us. I welcome this decision. It is right and it is helpful.”

The resolution passed by an overwhelming 398-17 margin, with 16 Democrats, mostly progressives, voting against it.

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The resolution, authored by Rep. Brad SchneiderBradley (Brad) Scott SchneiderNetanyahu praises House for passing anti-BDS resolution House passes bill opposing BDS, exposing divide among Democrats Israel vote will expose Democratic divisions MORE (D-Ill.), doubles down on support for a two-state solution, saying the BDS movement “undermines” that ultimate goal “because it demands concessions of one party alone and encourages Palestinians to reject negotiations in favor of international pressure.”

“Here’s the thing about the global BDS movement: I don’t believe it promotes racial justice or social change at all. It promotes a one-sided view of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that seeks to marginalize Israel, that would deny the Jewish people the right of national self-determination,” House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot EngelEliot Lance EngelNetanyahu praises House for passing anti-BDS resolution Young Democrats look to replicate Ocasio-Cortez’s primary path House passes bill opposing BDS, exposing divide among Democrats MORE (D-N.Y.) said during floor debate. 

Progressive opponents of the legislation warned it would hinder free speech.

“Our right to free speech is being threatened with this resolution. It sets a dangerous precedent because it attempts to delegitimize a certain people’s political speech and to send a message that our government can and will take action against speech it doesn’t like,” Rep. Rashida TlaibRashida Harbi Tlaib Ocasio-Cortez about as well known as top Democrats: poll Netanyahu praises House for passing anti-BDS resolution Ilhan Omar applauded after calling audience member’s question ‘appalling’ MORE (D-Mich.), who is of Palestinian descent, said in her floor speech.

Rep. Ilhan OmarIlhan Omar Ocasio-Cortez about as well known as top Democrats: poll Kyle Kulinski: Nancy Pelosi is terrified of the ‘Squad’ Netanyahu praises House for passing anti-BDS resolution MORE (D-Minn.), another progressive firebrand who opposed the legislation passed Tuesday, introduced a rival resolution last week that would reaffirm Americans’ rights to boycott “in pursuit of civil and human rights” and oppose “unconstitutional legislative efforts to limit the use of boycotts to further civil rights at home and abroad,” though it does not specifically mention BDS.

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The Department of Justice (DOJ) said Wednesday that federal prosecutors will not prosecute Attorney General William BarrWilliam Pelham BarrFederal judge allows Trump asylum restrictions to continue Media frenzy for Mueller testimony as broadcast, cable networks go wall-to-wall Live coverage: Mueller testifies before Congress MORE and Commerce Secretary Wilbur RossWilbur Louis RossTlaib says Trump wanted ‘to distract us’ with attacks on squad The Hill’s Morning Report — Trump applauds two-year budget deal with 0 billion spending hike House Oversight schedules Thursday vote to hold Kellyanne Conway in contempt MORE following a House vote to hold the officials in contempt for failing to comply with congressional subpoenas.

“The Department of Justice’s long-standing position is that we will not prosecute an official for contempt of Congress for declining to provide information subject to a presidential assertion of executive privilege,” Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen wrote in a letter to Speaker Nancy PelosiNancy PelosiWarren presses Pelosi on impeachment: ‘Some things are above politics’ Mueller Day: What to watch for On The Money: Trump sues to block release of NY state tax returns | Conservatives erupt in outrage against budget deal | White House defends deal amid backlash from allies | Deal’s winners, losers MORE (D-Calif.).

The House had rebuked the Trump Cabinet members by passing a criminal contempt resolution earlier this month, largely along party lines. However, it was widely presumed that the Justice Department would not pursue a criminal referral against the top DOJ official.

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The full House vote came after the House Oversight and Reform Committee subpoenaed the Commerce and Justice departments earlier this year for documents relating to since-abandoned efforts to put a citizenship question on the 2020 census.

The panel voted largely along party lines last month to hold Barr and Ross in contempt for failing to comply with those subpoenas. The agencies told lawmakers shortly before the vote was scheduled to be held that President TrumpDonald John Trump Ocasio-Cortez about as well known as top Democrats: poll Protestor yelling about Trump Tower meeting thrown out of Mueller hearing Chris Wallace: ‘This has been a disaster for the Democrats’ and ‘for the reputation of Robert Mueller’ MORE had asserted executive privilege over the requested documents.

Rosen pointed to Trump’s assertion of executive privilege in his letter to Pelosi on Wednesday. And he highlighted DOJ declining to prosecute officials during previous administrations, such as former Attorney General Eric HolderEric Himpton HolderGinsburg dismisses court packing and term-limits for Supreme Court justices Feds will not charge officer who killed Eric Garner The old ‘state rights’ and the new state power MORE after the House voted to hold him in contempt in 2012.

“Consistent with this long-standing position and uniform practice, the Department has determined that the responses by the Attorney General and the Secretary of Commerce to the subpoenas issued by the Committee on Oversight and Reform did not constitute a crime, and accordingly the Department will not bring the congressional contempt citations before a grand jury or take any other action to prosecute the Attorney General or the Secretary,” Rosen wrote.

The Hill has reached out to the offices of House Oversight and Reform Committee Chairman Elijah CummingsElijah Eugene CummingsHouse Oversight schedules Thursday vote to hold Kellyanne Conway in contempt Trump tweets, rally chant dominate Sunday shows as president continues attacks Sunday shows – Fallout over Trump tweets MORE (D-Md.) and Pelosi for comment.

The announcement came on a busy news day, shortly after former special counsel Robert MuellerRobert (Bob) Swan MuellerMueller Day: What to watch for This week: Mueller dominates chaotic week on Capitol Hill Top Republican considered Mueller subpoena to box in Democrats MORE wrapped up his highly anticipated testimony before a pair of House panels on Capitol Hill.

The Trump administration’s efforts to add a citizenship question to the 2020 census were long challenged by Democrats and advocacy groups, who argued that the question’s addition would lead to an undercount of the population, particularly for immigrant and minority communities.

The matter was challenged in several federal courts, and the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 last month that the question couldn’t be added to the census under the administration’s rationale that it would help to enforce the Voting Rights Act, reasoning the high court called “contrived.”

While Trump initially signaled that he would still try to get the question on next year’s census, he ultimately gave up the effort. He instead announced an executive order directing federal agencies to provide information on citizenship to the Commerce Department.

Secretary Mark EsperMark EsperWarren spars with Trump’s top Defense nominee over ethics Navy secretary takes over as acting Pentagon chief after Esper formally nominated The Department of Defense needs Mark Esper — and a few policy changes MORE created a task force to review the military’s obligation in cleaning up contamination of cancer-linked “forever chemicals” in his first act at the helm of the Department of Defense.

A class of chemicals abbreviated as PFAS are used in non-stick products ranging from teflon pans to raincoats, but the heavy use of PFAS-laden firefighting foam by military has contributed to water contamination across the country. PFAS’s persistence in the environment has earned it the “forever chemical” nickname.

“The Department is committed to taking a strong and proactive stance to address the effects arising out of any releases of these substances from all defense activities including the National Guard and Reserves. We must approach the problem in an aggressive and holistic way, ensuring a coordinated DOD-wide approach to the issue,” Esper wrote in a memo establishing the taskforce.

Esper was sworn in as Secretary of Defense late Tuesday night.

There are at least 400 military sites with PFAS contamination, and the chemical has often spread to the water supply of nearby communities. The cleanup tab is estimated to be $2 billion.

But the military has come under heavy criticism for it’s response to PFAS, including accusations the agency pushed the Environmental Protection Agency to weaken its proposed regulations on PFAS–a move likely to save the military a substantive amount of money. 

The Air Force has already had to divert $66 million designated for other purposes to cover cleanup costs tied to PFAS. 

The military’s new PFAS task force would be responsible for devising PFAS cleanup standards, finding an alternative firefighting foam without PFAS, and addressing “Public/Congress perceptions of DoD’s efforts.” 

Esper gave the task force six months to report back.

Lawmakers have been putting increasing pressure on the military to take greater responsibility for cleanup, including adding several measures to both the House and Senate versions of the defense policy bill that require DOD to work with states to clean up the contamination.

Those bills include the requirement to phase out use of PFAS firefighting foam, hence Esper’s directive to find a replacement. 

President TrumpDonald John Trump Ocasio-Cortez about as well known as top Democrats: poll Protestor yelling about Trump Tower meeting thrown out of Mueller hearing Chris Wallace: ‘This has been a disaster for the Democrats’ and ‘for the reputation of Robert Mueller’ MORE, however, has threatened to veto the House bill, mentioning specifically the portion that requires phasing out such firefighting foams.

Esper’s task force was applauded by Sen. Gary PetersGary Charles PetersHillicon Valley: Trump seeks review of Pentagon cloud-computing contract | FTC weighs updating kids’ internet privacy rules | Schumer calls for FaceApp probe | Report says states need more money to secure elections Senators introduce legislation to boost cyber defense training in high school Alarm sounds over census cybersecurity concerns MORE (D-Mich.), whose state has widespread PFAS contamination.

“I’m encouraged that this is one of the first actions Secretary Esper is taking as Defense Secretary. PFAS contamination exposure and contamination needs to be taken seriously and must be addressed. I look forward to reviewing the task force’s findings, but in the meantime, I’ll continue pressing for additional actions the Department can take,” he said in a statement. 

 

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China has signed a secret deal to gain exclusive rights to a Cambodian naval base, The Wall Street Journal reported Sunday. 

Chinese and Cambodian officials denied the plans, but U.S. and allied officials familiar with the matter told the Journal the agreement was signed this spring. 

The outlet reports an early draft seen by U.S. officials shows the agreement would grant China access to the Cambodian naval installation in the Gulf of Thailand for 30 years, with automatic renewal every 10 years after that. 

Phay Siphan, a Cambodian government spokesman, told the Journal the reported deal is “fake news.” 

“Nothing is happening like that,” he told the paper. 

At the base, which would be Beijing’s first dedicated naval staging facility in Southeast Asia, China would be able to post military personnel, store weapons and berth warships, the Journal reports. 

Emily Zeeberg, a spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh, told the Journal that Washington “is concerned that any steps by the Cambodian government to invite a foreign military presence in Cambodia” would disturb regional peace and stability. 

According to the Journal’s report, U.S. officials are debating if Washington could persuade Phonm Penh to reverse its decision. 

The alleged agreement follows U.S. and allied counterparts lobbying Cambodia not to allow China’s military to use an airport being built at Dara Sakor by a private Chinese company with a 99-year lease on the Cambodian land, the Journal reports. 

The outlet reports that satellite images show that the airport now features two-mile-long runways fit for China’s military vehicles.  

Former Interior Secretary Ryan ZinkeRyan Keith ZinkePuerto Rican police fire tear gas at crowds protesting governor Overnight Energy: Trump officials gut DC staff for public lands agency to move West | Democrats slam EPA over scientific boards | Deepwater Horizon most litigated environmental issue of decade Trump officials gut DC staff as public lands agency preps to move out West MORE is now working for some of the same oil and mining companies he regulated while at the helm of the Department of Interior, according to Bloomberg. 

Documents reviewed by the news service show Zinke is working as a consultant for pipeline supplier Cressman Tubular Products Corp. and Oasis Petroleum Inc., which had previously donated to the former Montana congressman’s campaign. Zinke also joined the board of a small gold mining company in April, where he is slated to receive $90,000 in consulting fees.

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Zinke resigned from the Trump administration in December of last year amid a swirl of ethics investigations. 

He has dismissed accusations of corruption and conflict of interest, telling Bloomberg that probes into his actions as secretary are “BS.”

“There’s an allegation and the opposition demands an investigation with great fanfare,” he said in May. “Washington has become a city that has a lot of anger, a lot of hatred, a lot of fake news and false allegations. The two sides are trying to destroy each other rather than work together.”

Zinke is also working to promote U.S. natural gas overseas as well as working as an adviser for Turnberry Solutions, a lobbying firm.

“I promote energy,” he told Bloomberg. “It is better to produce energy in this country with reasonable regulation then watch it get produced overseas with none.”

Federal law blocks government officials from lobbying for a year after they leave their post, and an executive order from President TrumpDonald John Trump5 things to know about Boris Johnson Conservatives erupt in outrage against budget deal Trump says Omar will help him win Minnesota MORE bars such actions for five years after leaving federal service.

Zinke said he’s abiding by the law because he is advising companies but not lobbying. 

The House on Tuesday passed legislation to oppose the global boycott movement against Israel, laying bare Democratic divisions on relations with the key U.S. ally.

The resolution to put lawmakers on the record opposing the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement to press Israel on human rights issues in its conflict with Palestinians passed easily on a 398-17 vote, with five members voting present. Sixteen Democrats, mostly progressives, voted against it.

The resolution’s opponents included progressive freshmen Reps. Ilhan OmarIlhan OmarWarren introduces bill to cancel student loan debt for millions Trump says Omar will help him win Minnesota Trump says ‘Squad’ and Dems have ‘Trump Derangement Syndrome’ over impeachment MORE (D-Minn.) and Rashida TlaibRashida Harbi TlaibCNN, MSNBC said ‘racist’ more than 4,100 times from July 14-21 Trump says ‘Squad’ and Dems have ‘Trump Derangement Syndrome’ over impeachment 2020 RNC host city Charlotte condemns Trump’s ‘racist and xenophobic’ remarks MORE (D-Mich.), who support the BDS movement.

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House Democratic leaders brought the resolution to the floor under a fast-track process that required a two-thirds majority for passage and limited debate to 40 minutes. No one spoke in opposition to the resolution during the allotted debate, but the two progressives delivered floor speeches earlier in the day to express why they’d vote against it.

Tlaib, citing her family’s Palestinian roots, said she “can’t stand by and watch this attack on our freedom of speech and the right to boycott the racist policies of the government in the state of Israel.”

“Our right to free speech is being threatened with this resolution. It sets a dangerous precedent because it attempts to delegitimize a certain people’s political speech and to send a message that our government can and will take action against speech it doesn’t like,” Tlaib said in her floor speech.

Rep. Mark PocanMark William PocanHouse Democrats delete tweets attacking each other, pledge to unify The Hill’s Morning Report – Trump seizes House impeachment vote to rally GOP Here are the 95 Democrats who voted to support impeachment MORE (D-Wis.), a co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, said ahead of Tuesday’s House floor debate that he felt the resolution opposing BDS went too far, even though he personally does not support the boycott movement.

“It goes too far, in my opinion, in telling people what they can or should think or say about the situation in Israel,” Pocan said. “I also think it is OK to be critical of the Netanyahu administration or government and their policies.”

Pocan expressed frustration that a resolution from Rep. Alan LowenthalAlan Stuart LowenthalHere are the 95 Democrats who voted to support impeachment Overnight Energy: Ocasio-Cortez, Sanders push to declare climate emergency | Lawmakers seek probe into aging pipelines | 23 governors back California in fight over Trump emissions rollback Lawmakers ask for investigation into aging offshore pipelines MORE (D-Calif.) expressing support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict wasn’t also getting a floor vote.

“I was told a resolution advocating for a two-state solution would be up today as well, a resolution I support. But apparently it is not. And that is a mistake,” Pocan said.

A senior Democratic aide said that it’s still possible the Lowenthal resolution could come up for a floor vote this week. 

Omar introduced a resolution last week, which does not explicitly mention Israel or BDS, to affirm the right of Americans to participate “in pursuit of civil and human rights at home and abroad” and oppose “unconstitutional legislative efforts to limit the use of boycotts to further civil rights at home and abroad.”

The resolution opposing BDS, authored by Rep. Brad SchneiderBradley (Brad) Scott SchneiderIsrael vote will expose Democratic divisions Tlaib blasts Foreign Affairs Committee’s anti-BDS bill as ‘unconstitutional’ GOP scores procedural win by securing more funding to enforce Iran sanctions MORE (D-Ill.), reaffirms support for a two-state solution. It argues that the boycott movement seeks to “undermine” a two-state solution “because it demands concessions of one party alone and encourages Palestinians to reject negotiations in favor of international pressure.” 

Lawmakers opposed to BDS stressed that the boycott movement against Israel is unlike other boycotts in American history, arguing that it espouses anti-Semitic views and undermines the prospects for peace in the long-running Palestinian conflict

“Here’s the thing about the global BDS movement: I don’t believe it promotes racial justice or social change at all. It promotes a one-sided view of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that seeks to marginalize Israel, that would deny the Jewish people the right of national self-determination,” House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot EngelEliot Lance EngelIsrael vote will expose Democratic divisions Al Green says impeachment is ‘only solution’ to Trump’s rhetoric Mystery surrounds elusive sanctions on Russia MORE (D-N.Y.) said during floor debate.

“You want to criticize a government, that’s your right. You want to stop buying products from a certain country, that’s also your right. But participating in an international commercial effort that undermines Israel’s legitimacy and scuttles the chances of a two-state solution isn’t the same as an individual exercising First Amendment rights,” Engel added.

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The House also passed legislation by voice vote on Tuesday to authorize more security assistance to Israel.

Both votes came ahead of a planned Democratic delegation to Israel over the August recess, which will include House Majority Leader Steny HoyerSteny Hamilton HoyerHouse Problem Solvers are bringing real change to Congress Israel vote will expose Democratic divisions This week: Mueller dominates chaotic week on Capitol Hill MORE (D-Md.), organized by a charitable organization affiliated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.

Schneider, who introduced the resolution in March, and other fellow members of the Blue Dog Coalition urged House leadership to bring it to the floor before the House adjourns for the August recess later this week. 

A senior aide associated with the Blue Dog Coalition said that the group’s members warned leadership that if the resolution didn’t get a floor vote before recess, they would sign onto a GOP discharge petition for legislation that goes farther in sanctioning BDS.

That bill, which reflects legislation that the Senate passed earlier this year, would allow state or local governments to refuse to do business with companies that boycott Israel.

Discharge petitions are a rarely used procedure that require 218 signatures to automatically trigger a House floor vote on legislation. Republicans would currently need 22 more signatures on their discharge petition to force a vote.

Progressives including Omar, Tlaib and 2020 presidential candidate Sen. Bernie SandersBernie SandersPoll: Biden leads 2020 Democratic field by 15 points, followed by Sanders and Warren Warren introduces bill to cancel student loan debt for millions Democrats, advocacy groups urge Pompeo to abolish new ‘unalienable rights’ commission MORE (I-Vt.), as well as human rights groups, have argued that the Senate legislation undermines constitutional rights to free speech. 

Rep. Lee ZeldinLee ZeldinIsrael vote will expose Democratic divisions NY Republican: Democrats vilifying ICE agents to pander to radical left for votes Bipartisan group of lawmakers invites colleagues to tour DC’s Holocaust museum MORE (R-N.Y.), a vocal critic of BDS and one of two Jewish Republicans in the House, called for a vote on the legislation that goes beyond merely expressing opposition to the boycott movement against Israel.

“I would strongly encourage the Speaker to bring this bill to the floor as well, so that not only are we making a strong statement, but we are doing something about it,” Zeldin said.