A Google executive on Tuesday denied allegations that the company works with the Chinese military, one day after President TrumpDonald John TrumpEsper sidesteps question on whether he aligns more with Mattis or Trump Warren embraces Thiel label: ‘Good’ As tensions escalate, US must intensify pressure on Iran and the IAEA MORE said that his administration would investigate claims of improper ties between China and Google. 

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Karan Bhatia, Google’s vice president of global government affairs and public policy, emphasized during a Senate hearing that Google has little business in China and denied the company has any ties to its military.

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Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, asked Bhatia if Google has found “any evidence of infiltration of your management or your private data by Chinese intelligence.”

“Absolutely not, senator,” Bhatia said.

He said the company has never consulted with China about any of Google’s contracts with the U.S. government and denied allegations that it has turned a blind eye to a leak of its “private data” to Chinese intelligence.

“Absolutely not,” Bhatia maintained. “We take extremely seriously the threat of any penetration of our systems.”

Bhatia testified before the Senate Judiciary subcommittee chaired by Sen. Ted CruzRafael (Ted) Edward CruzThe Hill’s Morning Report – Presented by JUUL Labs – House to vote to condemn Trump tweet Cruz in 2016 said ‘something fundamentally wrong’ with Christians who back Trump: book Hillicon Valley: Twitter says Trump ‘go back’ tweet didn’t violate rules | Unions back protests targeting Amazon ‘Prime Day’ | Mnuchin voices ‘serious concerns’ about Facebook crypto project | Congress mobilizes on cyber threats to electric grid MORE (R-Texas), which centered mostly around allegations that Google routinely censors conservative voices.

The allegations about ties between Google and China surfaced this week after Peter Thiel, a prominent conservative and Trump adviser who sits on Facebook’s board, said the government should open investigations into Google’s relationship with the Chinese military.

Sen. Josh HawleyJoshua (Josh) David HawleyAmazon offering shoppers to track websites they visit Critics slam billion Facebook fine as weak Exclusive: Hawley targets higher ed monopolies with new legislation MORE (Mo.), a prominent Republican tech critic, during the Tuesday hearing also pressed Bhatia over Google’s controversial Project Dragonfly, a search engine the company was creating for China that was going to abide by some of the Chinese government’s censorship demands.

Bhatia told Hawley the project had been “terminated.”

Google shut down its censored Chinese search engine in 2010 amid enormous pressure to stop doing business in the authoritarian country. Then, last year, the company faced widespread protests over Project Dragonfly, which critics said could have aided China in its state surveillance efforts, including the targeting of minorities, human rights advocates and students.

The plans for Project Dragonfly were derided by a variety of internal and external figures, including Vice President Pence.

“We have no current plans to go into the Chinese search market,” Bhatia said, but he declined to pledge that Google never would.

“What we’re willing to commit to … is that any decisions, or effort to go back into the Chinese search market, we would take only in consultation with stakeholders,” Bhatia said.

Former Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens, a leading liberal during his time on the high court, died Tuesday night at the age of 99, the Supreme Court announced.

In a statement, the Court said Stevens died at a hospital in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., due to complications following a stroke he suffered on Monday.

Stevens is survived by his two daughters, nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

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Stevens spent 35 years on the Supreme Court after he was nominated by then-President Gerald Ford in 1975. He saw seven different presidents and three chief justices during his time as a justice.

And he played a crucial role in key Supreme Court decisions, from voting to reinstate the death penalty in 1976 — a vote he later said he regretted — to authoring a blistering dissent of the court’s 2000 ruling in Bush v. Gore.

“He brought to our bench an inimitable blend of kindness, humility, wisdom, and independence,” Chief Justice John Roberts, who served alongside Stevens, said in a statement.

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“His unrelenting commitment to justice has left us a better nation. We extend our deepest condolences to his children Elizabeth and Susan, and to his extended family,” he added.

Stevens retired from the Supreme Court in 2010 at the age of 90, opening the door for former President Obama to appoint Justice Elena KaganElena KaganIndependent redistricting commission needed at state level to fight gerrymandering Elena Kagan issues scathing dissent knocking ‘tragically wrong’ gerrymandering decision Supreme Court rules against Trump on census citizenship question MORE to the court.

But retirement didn’t render Stevens silent: He continued to speak out in recent years and even published a memoir in May.

Stevens also made headlines last year as he weighed in on Justice Brett KavanaughBrett Michael KavanaughThe Hill’s Morning Report – Presented by JUUL Labs – House to vote to condemn Trump tweet Susan Collins raises M in second quarter fundraising, surpassing 2014 reelection bid The Hill’s Campaign Report: Democratic infighting threatens 2020 unity MORE’s tumultuous confirmation process, saying he didn’t believe Kavanaugh should be confirmed due to allegations of sexual harassment against President TrumpDonald John TrumpEsper sidesteps question on whether he aligns more with Mattis or Trump Warren embraces Thiel label: ‘Good’ As tensions escalate, US must intensify pressure on Iran and the IAEA MORE’s then-nominee.

And he didn’t steered clear of criticizing Trump, telling The Wall Street Journal earlier this year that he believes there are “things we should all be concerned about” when it comes to the sitting president’s approach to his executive authorities.

While Stevens led the court’s liberal bloc by the end of his tenure, he wasn’t necessarily eager to take on the label.

“I don’t think of myself as a liberal at all,” he told The New York Times in 2010. “Part of it is that people overlook the distinction between being a judicial liberal and a political liberal. I think as part of my general politics, I’m really pretty darn conservative.”

Ideological leanings aside, Stevens earned praise from those on both sides of the aisle for his service on the high court and his determination to guard it from any appearances that it wasn’t impartial.

“I am prepared to allow history’s judgment of my term in office to rest (if necessary, exclusively) on my nomination thirty years ago of Justice John Paul Stevens to the U.S. Supreme Court,” Ford wrote in a 2005 letter, one year ahead of his death.

Current and former Supreme Court justices across the ideological spectrum joined together in praising the late Justice John Paul Stevens after his death on Tuesday.

In a slate of statements released by the Supreme Court Wednesday, the justices pointed to Stevens’ commitment to the judicial system during his 35 years on the bench, his collegiality and kindness to not just them but also those appearing before the court.

Justice Clarence ThomasClarence ThomasOvernight Health Care — Sponsored by Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids — Harris walks back support for eliminating private insurance | Missouri abortion clinic to remain open through August | Georgia sued over ‘heartbeat’ abortion law Supreme Court rejects bid to restore Alabama abortion law Supreme Court rules against Trump on census citizenship question MORE, who spent nearly two decades serving alongside Stevens, called the late justice an “unfailingly collegial, courteous, and kind colleague.”

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“Since his retirement, we have missed him greatly as a member of the Court, and now will miss him even more profoundly as a friend,” he said.

Justice Ruth Bader GinsburgRuth Bader GinsburgHow much do you know about your government? A July 4 civics quiz  Ruth Bader Ginsburg reveals ‘secret’ to an equal marriage The Hill’s Morning Report – Harris, Warren rise and Biden tumbles after debates MORE said Stevens “was my model for all a collegial judge should be.”

“In a Capital City with no shortage of self-promoters, Justice Stevens set a different tone. Quick as his bright mind was, Justice Stevens remained a genuinely gentle and modest man,” Ginsburg said.

“No jurist with whom I have served was more dedicated to the judicial craft, more open to what he called ‘learning on the job,’ more sensitive to the wellbeing of the community law exists (or should exist) to serve.”

Justice Stephen BreyerStephen BreyerHow much do you know about your government? A July 4 civics quiz  Conservative justices surprise court watchers with swing votes Trump digs in on citizenship question after Supreme Court setback MORE remembered Stevens for his “brilliant mind, which he put to the service of his strong humane instincts.”

“John understood how the rule of law forms a necessary part of our constitutional democracy. He understood that laws are designed primarily to serve those who live under them. His work reveals that understanding,” Breyer said. “The Nation will long benefit from that work; and he will be long remembered.”

And Justice Samuel AlitoSamuel AlitoSupreme Court rules against Trump on census citizenship question Supreme Court finds that courts can’t rule on partisan gerrymandering cases Supreme Court declines to overturn doctrine on regulatory clarity MORE said that Stevens “went out of his way to make me feel at home from my first day on the Court.”

“Throughout his long and dedicated career, he brought a penetrating, pragmatic, and distinctively singular intellect to bear on the most important legal issues of the time. Historians will note his many important contributions to the Court’s work, and those of us who had the privilege of knowing him as a person will surely miss him,” Alito said.

Former Justice David Souter, who stepped down in 2009 – one year before Stevens’ own retirement – kept his remembrance succinct: “He was the soul of principle and an irreplaceable friend.”

Retired Justice Anthony Kennedy similarly remembered Stevens for his conduct on the court.

“He was emphatic always in asking this question: Is what the Court about to do fair to the injured party? He was brilliant at interpreting the law in a way to reach what he considered to be the fair result,” Kennedy said.

The retired justice said that he and Stevens “became close personal friends.”

“We used to say that we should not visit each other’s chambers too often because once we started to talk it was hard to stop,” Kennedy said.

Justices who did not serve alongside Stevens also issued statements honoring the late justice: Justice Elena KaganElena KaganWhite House pays tribute to late Justice Stevens Former Justice John Paul Stevens dies at age 99 Independent redistricting commission needed at state level to fight gerrymandering MORE, who former President Obama nominated for Stevens’ spot on the bench, said she was “honored to succeed” him and that “his extraordinary tenure has inspired me ever since.”

Justice Neil GorsuchNeil GorsuchDem senators demand GOP judicial group discloses donors McConnell’s Democratic challenger says she likely would have voted for Kavanaugh The Hill’s 12:30 Report: Democrats take Trump tax return fight to the courts MORE said that Stevens “will be remembered as one of dedication to his country,” while Justice Brett KavanaughBrett Michael KavanaughThe Hill’s Morning Report – A raucous debate on race ends with Trump admonishment Former Justice John Paul Stevens dies at age 99 Robert De Niro nominated for Emmy for ‘SNL’ role playing Robert Mueller MORE said the late justice “treated others with extraordinary respect and established an enduring model of decency and courtesy for all judges and lawyers.”

Remembrances for Stevens, who died Tuesday at the age of 99, have emerged from both sides of the aisle in Washington since the Supreme Court confirmed his passing. He died from complications following a stroke, according to the court.

President TrumpDonald John TrumpPompeo changes staff for Russia meeting after concerns raised about top negotiator’s ties: report House unravels with rise of ‘Les Enfants Terrible’ Ben Carson: Trump is not a racist and his comments were not racist MORE ordered that flags be flown at half-staff in Stevens’ honor, and Speaker Nancy PelosiNancy PelosiHouse unravels with rise of ‘Les Enfants Terrible’ Will Trump’s racist tweets backfire? Al Green: ‘We have the opportunity to punish’ Trump with impeachment vote MORE said that Stevens will lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda on Monday, with a memorial service held on Tuesday.

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Senate Minority Leader Charles SchumerCharles (Chuck) Ellis SchumerLawmakers pay tribute to late Justice Stevens Trump administration denies temporary immigrant status to Venezuelans in US Colombian official urges more help for Venezuelan migrants MORE (D-N.Y.) is asking the FBI and Federal Trade Commission to investigate FaceApp, a viral photo-aging tool that is sparking privacy concerns. 

Schumer sent a letter on Wednesday to FBI Director Christopher Wray and FTC Chairman Joseph Simons saying he was concerned that the app, which is headquartered in Russia, “could pose national security and privacy risks for millions of U.S. citizens.” 

“In the age of facial recognition technology as both a surveillance and security use, it is essential that users have the information they need to ensure their personal and biometric data remains secure, including from hostile foreign governments,” Schumer wrote. 

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Schumer is asking the FTC to determine if there are “adequate safeguards” in place to prevent Americans’ privacy from being compromised and, if not, to publicly disclose that. 

He separately wants the FBI to find out if data being uploaded to FaceApp by Americans is “finding its way into the hands” of Russia’s government or companies with ties to the government. 

“If so, I would urge that steps be immediately taken by the FBI to mitigate the risk presented by the aggregation of this data,” he wrote. 

Critics have taken issue with FaceApp’s broad language in its privacy policy.

The policy states, “FaceApp cannot ensure the security of any information you transmit to FaceApp or guarantee that information on the Service may not be accessed, disclosed, altered, or destroyed.”

The policy also allows FaceApp to share user content with businesses affiliated in the same group of companies. 

Schumer argued that language means that a username or real name could be shared without consent or that photos taken with the applications “could be used publicly or privately in the future without the user’s consent.” 

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“Opaque disclosures and broader user authorizations can be misleading to consumers and may even constitute a deceptive trade practice. Thus, I have serious concerns regarding both the protection of the data that is being aggregated as well as wether users are aware of who may have access to it,” Schumer added. 

Schumer’s letter comes as the Democratic National Committee (DNC) is urging 2020 candidates not to use FaceApp over fear of security concerns based on the app’s Russian roots. 

“This app allows users to perform different transformations on photos of people, such as aging the person in the picture. Unfortunately, this novelty is not without risk: FaceApp was developed by Russians,” DNC chief security officer Bob Lord wrote in an alert to the campaigns.

FaceApp CEO Yaroslav Goncharov told The Guardian that data is not transferred to Russia but instead stored on U.S.-controlled cloud computing services provided by Amazon and Google. 

He said FaceApp does not sell or share any user data with any third parties. 

Four watchdog groups are calling on Pennsylvania to re-examine a widely used election machine, citing concerns about its security and accessibility.

Citizens for Better Elections, Free Speech for People, Protect Our Vote Philly and the National Election Defense Coalition filed a petition Tuesday requesting acting Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar examine the ExpressVote XL electronic voting machines built by Election Systems & Software, one of the largest election equipment manufacturers in the U.S.

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The groups requested the state agency look into the potential for a manipulated or malfunctioning ExpressVote XL machine to add, modify or invalidate votes after the voter has made their choices, noting that such occurrences “could change election outcomes without detection.”

Ballot secrecy and accessibility for voters with disabilities were other issues raised by the groups.

The groups asked the secretary to re-examine the machines and “issue a report relating to the functionality of the system” as quickly as possible. The state has a Dec. 31 deadline for counties to select new voter-verifiable paper record voting systems, with several considering using the ExpressVote XL.

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A spokesperson for the Pennsylvania State Department told The Hill that “under state law we are required to perform a re-examination of an electronic voting system upon the petition of ten or more registered Pennsylvania voters. Since we have received such a petition, we will move forward expeditiously to schedule a re-examination of the ES&S 6021 XL voting system.”

The spokesperson noted that the ExpressVote XL system is used in other states, where “expert examiners have maintained their opinion that the system meets stringent security standards.”

A spokesperson for Election Systems & Software pushed back on the allegations made in the petition, telling The Hill that the company “firmly disputes the petition’s alleged deficiencies” of its machines.

“The ExpressVote XL has been thoroughly tested and proven to be secure and accurate, and has been certified by the EAC [Election Assistance Commission] and Pennsylvania Department of State,” the spokesperson said. “Ballot cards cannot be changed after they are cast.”

Updated at 5:15 p.m.

The House on Wednesday passed legislation authorizing funding for U.S. intelligence agencies and activities, including key intelligence collection efforts targeting countries like Iran, North Korea, China and Russia.

The bill, which was approved in a bipartisan vote of 397-31 Wednesday evening, authorizes funding for the National Security Agency, CIA, FBI, Office of Director of National Intelligence (DNI) and other key intelligence community agencies.

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The House Intelligence Committee unanimously approved the bill by voice vote in late June.

The Damon Paul Nelson and Matthew Young Pollard Intelligence Authorization Act, named for two House and Senate Intelligence Committee staffers who passed away last year, authorizes funding for intelligence and intelligence-related activities for fiscal 2020.

The legislation aims to prioritize intelligence activities targeting foreign countries like Iran and North Korea while also enabling intelligence collection to support counterterrorism and counterproliferation.

The bill, which stretches hundreds of pages, contains a handful of notable provisions. For example, it establishes a Climate Security Advisory Council under DNI that would be responsible for incorporating climate matters into intelligence analysis.

The chairman and ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee both cheered the bill’s passage in statements Wednesday evening.

Chairman Adam SchiffAdam Bennett SchiffJudge finds Stone violated gag order, blocks him from using social media The peculiar priorities of Adam Schiff Trump knocks Mueller after deal struck for him to testify MORE (D-Calif.) said it “will improve the [intelligence community] IC’s collection and analysis capabilities against hard targets, will help the IC adapt to operate in an environment of rapidly advancing technologies, and will foster a culture in the IC to ensure that we can recruit and retain a highly qualified and diverse workforce.”

Rep. Devin NunesDevin Gerald NunesDemocrats’ opposition research got exposed — this time, not by the Russians GOP consultant sued by Nunes asks for help paying legal costs 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 (Calif.), the committee’s top Republican, described the measure as a “crucial law to keep the Intelligence Community adequately funded and resourced while ensuring congressional oversight of the nation’s most sensitive intelligence programs” and said he looked forward to its “swift enactment into law.”

Republican Reps. Steve ChabotSteven (Steve) Joseph ChabotHouse passes bills to boost small business cybersecurity Juan Williams: GOP in a panic over Mueller Parties unite to move Myanmar sanctions bill MORE (Ohio) and Jeff DuncanJeffrey (Jeff) Darren DuncanConservatives ask Barr to lay out Trump’s rationale for census question House conservatives want information on TSA policies for undocumented immigrants 58 GOP lawmakers vote against disaster aid bill MORE (S.C.) offered an amendment to strike the section establishing the climate advisory council; that amendment was voted down Wednesday evening.

The House debated dozens of amendments Tuesday evening, but a final vote on the bill was delayed until Wednesday because of a separate vote on a resolution condemning President TrumpDonald John TrumpPompeo changes staff for Russia meeting after concerns raised about top negotiator’s ties: report House unravels with rise of ‘Les Enfants Terrible’ Ben Carson: Trump is not a racist and his comments were not racist MORE’s recent comments as “racist.”

The intelligence legislation also requires the executive branch to prepare for Congress a comprehensive report on domestic terrorism annually for five years and to publish annual data on domestic terrorism.

The bill also authorizes funding for programs aimed at understanding foreign influence operations and bolstering U.S. capabilities to counter them. It would mandate a report on foreign cyberattacks against U.S. election infrastructure as well as an assessment of foreign intelligence threats to federal elections.

The bill would establish an intelligence community task force on illicit financing related to espionage efforts and influence operations targeting the Unites States.

The House adopted an amendment Wednesday offered by Rep. Joe KennedyJoseph (Joe) Patrick KennedyPressley responds to Pelosi dismissal of votes against border bill Democratic outrage grows over conditions at border detention centers Democratic lawmakers pay tense visit to Texas migrant facility MORE III (D-Mass.) that would establish a Foreign Threat Response Center within the intelligence community to prepare comprehensive assessments of efforts by Russia, China, Iran, North Korea and other foreign governments to influence U.S. elections.

The bill also includes a provision meant to incentivize research on deepfake technology — the use of artificial intelligence to fabricate video footage — and 5G technology.

The legislation also includes various provisions aimed at Russia and Russian President Vladimir PutinVladimir Vladimirovich PutinFBI’s spreadsheet puts a stake through the heart of Steele’s dossier The peculiar priorities of Adam Schiff Fox News’s Shep Smith blasts Trump over ‘xenophobic eruption’ on minority lawmakers MORE, including one requiring the DNI to submit intelligence assessments of the aims of the Kremlin’s political leadership.

The Senate passed its own version of the Intelligence Authorization Act late last month as part of annual defense policy legislation, after it was approved unanimously by the Senate Intelligence Committee.

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Lawmakers from the two chambers will now go to conference to agree upon a compromise bill.  

–Updated at 7:45 p.m.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Wednesday called new U.S. travel restrictions on Iranian diplomats and their families living in New York “basically inhuman.”

“It is certainly not a friendly action. It puts the members of the mission and their families under basically inhuman conditions,” Zarif told reporters at the United Nations, according to Reuters. “But for me it’s fine because I don’t have any work anywhere other than the three buildings.” 

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Reuters reported late Tuesday that the U.S. sent a note to the Iran mission to the United Nations tightening travel restrictions for more than a dozen Iranian diplomats and their families living in New York.

According to the note, reviewed by the outlet, Iranian diplomats may only travel between the United Nations building, the Iranian U.N. mission, the Iranian U.N. ambassador’s residence and John F. Kennedy International Airport. There is also an exception for six blocks surrounding Queensboro Plaza in Queens; Reuters reported the purpose of that exception was unclear.

The note, dated July 12, said the the travel rules, which are open-ended, apply to “all members of the permanent mission of Iran to the United Nations, their immediate family members, and representatives of the Iranian government to the United Nations.”

According to the note, diplomats require a waiver from the State Department’s Office of Foreign Missions for any other travel. Such requests must be made at least five days in advance, Reuters reported. Under the restrictions, Iran’s U.N. mission is also required to turn in residential and hotel accommodations for approval.

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The new restrictions come amid rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran dating back to President TrumpDonald John TrumpPompeo changes staff for Russia meeting after concerns raised about top negotiator’s ties: report House unravels with rise of ‘Les Enfants Terrible’ Ben Carson: Trump is not a racist and his comments were not racist MORE‘s withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal last year.

Tensions between the two countries have flared since the Trump administration pulled out of the deal, but have escalated particularly in recent weeks. Iran announced earlier this month that it would increase its uranium enrichment and stockpiles; a nuclear monitor confirmed earlier this month that Iran had surpassed enrichment levels agreed to in the deal. 

Army Secretary Mark Esper appears to be on a glide path to confirmation as Pentagon chief after Tuesday’s hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee.

The Defense secretary nominee briefly tangled with 2020 presidential candidate Sen. Elizabeth WarrenElizabeth Ann WarrenWarren embraces Thiel label: ‘Good’ Trump says administration will ‘take a look’ after Thiel raises concerns about Google, China Thiel calls Warren the most ‘dangerous’ Democratic candidate MORE (D-Mass.) over his previous job as a lobbyist for defense contractor Raytheon. But the debate marked the only fireworks at an otherwise uncontentious hearing.

Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman James InhofeJames (Jim) Mountain InhofeThis week: House Democrats voting to hold Barr, Ross in contempt House and Senate head for showdown on must-pass defense bill Overnight Defense: House approves 3 billion defense bill | Liberal sweeteners draw progressive votes | Bill includes measure blocking Trump from military action on Iran MORE (R-Okla.) said after the hearing that he expects the panel to vote on Esper’s nomination as soon as Thursday. That would likely be followed by a procedural vote on the Senate floor as early as Monday evening, Inhofe added.

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Most senators are eager to confirm the West Point graduate to fill the Pentagon’s top civilian job on a permanent basis after going through a record-long period without a confirmed Defense secretary.

The post has been held by acting secretaries since the beginning of the year, after former Defense Secretary James MattisJames Norman MattisEsper sidesteps question on whether he aligns more with Mattis or Trump The Hill’s Morning Report – Presented by JUUL Labs – House to vote to condemn Trump tweet Five things to watch for at Defense nominee’s confirmation hearing MORE resigned amid policy disputes with President TrumpDonald John TrumpEsper sidesteps question on whether he aligns more with Mattis or Trump Warren embraces Thiel label: ‘Good’ As tensions escalate, US must intensify pressure on Iran and the IAEA MORE.

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“Most of us were very discouraged by the resignation of Secretary Mattis, and what we’ve hoped for is a successor who could show the same level of candor and principle and a willingness to remain independent even in the most challenging circumstances,” committee member Sen. Tim KaineTimothy (Tim) Michael KaineAcosta defends Epstein deal, bucking calls for resignation Republican lawmakers on why they haven’t read Mueller report: ‘Tedious’ and ‘what’s the point?’ Schumer calls on Acosta to step down over Epstein MORE (D-Va.) said Tuesday in his opening remarks. “I believe that Dr. Esper has those traits and would encourage all of my colleagues to support this nomination.”

Esper, who in 2017 was confirmed as Army secretary by the Senate in an 89-6 vote, scored points Tuesday by pledging to focus on filling Defense Department vacancies quickly.

“There is a staggering number of senior-level civilian vacancies throughout the department,” said ranking member Jack ReedJohn (Jack) Francis ReedPentagon chief nominee: ‘We need to get back on the diplomatic channel’ with Iran Overnight Defense: House approves 3 billion defense bill | Liberal sweeteners draw progressive votes | Bill includes measure blocking Trump from military action on Iran Senators urge Trump to sanction Turkey for accepting Russian missile shipment MORE (D-R.I.). “I’m concerned that the Defense Department is adrift in a way I’ve not seen in my whole time on Capitol Hill.”

Esper told senators that he met with White House officials on Monday and “went down the list of the 14 current slots that do not have a Senate-confirmed person and talked about each, and obviously I urged them to help us push folks through.”

After the hearing, Reed highlighted Esper’s commitment to fill jobs at the Pentagon as he spoke to reporters about the need for a “rapid” confirmation but without “taking any shortcuts” on vetting.

On touchy subjects, including comparisons to Mattis and standing up to Trump, Esper avoided any landmines that could derail his nomination.

Asked by Sen. Gary PetersGary Charles PetersEsper sidesteps question on whether he aligns more with Mattis or Trump GOP Senate challenger in Michigan raises .5 million in less than a month A better way to protect small businesses from cyberattacks MORE (D-Mich.) whether he more closely aligns with Trump or Mattis, Esper replied, “I don’t know where to pick between the two.”

“But I clearly share Mattis’s views, and I’ve expressed that publicly,” Esper added.

Mattis resigned in December over disagreements with Trump’s now-reversed decision for a full U.S. military withdrawal from Syria.

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In his resignation letter, Mattis laid out that he was leaving because his views did not “align” with Trump’s on the value of alliances such as NATO and the anti-ISIS coalition, in addition to standing firm against adversaries like Russia and China.

Asked if he would resign as Mattis did if he is asked to do something that contradicts his values, Esper said he would “absolutely” be willing to step down if he is asked to do something illegal or immoral.

“My time in the Army — I grew up with this view that if you’re asked to do anything illegal or immoral or unethical, then that would be the point at which you have to consider resignation,” Esper said.

On the Trump administration’s recent tensions with Iran, Esper assured lawmakers that “we do not want war with Iran.”

“We are not seeking war with Iran. We need to get back on the diplomatic channel,” he said.

Trump has said that he was within minutes of striking Iran last month in response to Tehran’s downing of a U.S. surveillance drone. Lawmakers now worry that the president will use a 2001 authorization for the use of military force (AUMF) to take military action against Iran without congressional approval.

Asked whether the 2001 AUMF would justify military action, Esper flatly said, “No.”

He added that the 2001 authorization “applies to terrorist groups and organizations, and that would not be the case here with regard to the country of Iran.”

Esper did argue, though, that Trump has power under Article II of the Constitution to protect U.S. troops and respond to an attack from Iran.

He pledged to keep politics out of the Department of Defense (DOD), another top concern senators have had during the Trump administration.

“It is very important to me to continue the long-held tradition that DOD be apolitical,” Esper said. “I want to be sure we are conducting ourselves in a professional and ethical manner at all times.”

Esper briefly sparred with Warren, who criticized the nominee for not committing to further distance himself from Raytheon and for declining to say he would not return to the defense industry for at least four years after leaving his government job.

“Let me get this straight. You’re still due to get a million-dollar payout from when you lobbied at Raytheon, you won’t commit to recuse yourself, you insist on being free to seek a waiver that would let you make decisions affecting Raytheon’s bottom line and your remaining financial interest, and you won’t rule out taking a trip right back through the revolving door on your way out of government service,” Warren said.

“Secretary Esper, the American people deserve to know that you’re making decisions in our country’s best security interest, not in your own financial interest,” she added. “You can’t make those commitments to this committee, that means you should not be confirmed as secretary of Defense.”

Inhofe intervened in the exchange to allow Esper time to answer and later said Warren had exceeded her time.

“This is outrageous,” Warren exclaimed.

But Warren was alone in her harsh criticism, and several Republican senators leapt to Esper’s defense.

Inhofe told Esper the exchange “was unfair and you handled it beautifully.” Speaking to reporters later, Inhofe added that he found Warren “self-serving, arrogant and … disrespectful.”

Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) said he was “very disappointed that Sen. Warren would demonize you after your decades of service simply because you served in the private sector.”

“I guess she just needed a moment for her presidential campaign,” Scott added.

Warren’s opposition to Esper could slow down the Senate’s plan to fast-track his nomination, but it likely won’t derail it.

German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen has been elected to succeed European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker in November, according to multiple media outlets.

Von der Leyen, who was narrowly elected following a secret ballot among members of the European Parliament on Tuesday, will be the first woman to serve as president of the Commission.

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“The trust you placed in me is confidence you placed in Europe,” von der Leyen said in a speech following the vote, according to the BBC.

“Your confidence in a united and strong Europe, from east to west, from south to north. It is a big responsibility and my work starts now,” she added. “Let us work together constructively.”

Von der Leyen was confirmed in a 383-327 vote, just over the 374 threshold she needed to secure victory.

A member of the center-right Christian Democratic Union Party, von der Leyen was born and raised in Brussels and served under German Chancellor Angela Merkel as minister of family affairs and youth, minister of labor and social affairs and minister of defense. She was previously considered a favorite to succeed Merkel, who will leave office in 2021.

In a speech earlier in the day, von der Leyen made several pledges, including to push to give the Parliament “right of initiative,” or requiring the Commission to legislate on resolutions from members of the European Parliament, according to the BBC.

European Council President Donald Tusk tweeted his congratulations shortly after the vote.

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The Trump administration plans to relocate the headquarters of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) from Washington, D.C., to Colorado, according to two lawmakers.

The reorganization, first considered under former Interior Secretary Ryan ZinkeRyan Keith ZinkePress: Acosta, latest to walk the plank Senior Trump administration official to leave post next week 2020 Democrats vow to get tough on lobbyists MORE, is aimed at putting more agency officials closer to the lands they manage out West, though critics have questioned moving tenured policy officials far from the nation’s capital. 

Currently only about 4 percent of BLM employees live in D.C., but the proposal would shrink that number even further, leaving just 60 of the nearly 400 BLM employees in the nation’s capital, according to a letter from Interior to a Republican lawmaker dated Tuesday, obtained by The Hill.

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Just 27 employees will be moved to the new headquarters in Grand Junction, Colo., with the rest divided among the western states of Utah, Nevada and other existing local offices, according to the document.

Since BLM has nearly 10,000 employees, the reorganization plans would effectively move the agency entirely out of D.C.

Colorado Sen. Cory GardnerCory Scott GardnerBottom Line Congress mobilizes on cyber threats to electric grid The Hill’s Morning Report – 2020 jitters hit both parties in the Senate MORE (R) confirmed the headquarters move on Monday, calling it a “significant win” for his state.

“This means that people will be able to have greater say, greater impact on public lands decisions that affect their community,” Gardner said in a video he tweeted.

“This is an effort I started years ago under the Obama administration so that we could have the policymakers in Washington closer to the people that are most impacted by the decisions that Washington makes.”

The Department of Interior, which oversees BLM, did not respond to requests for comment or details about the plan. The agency is expected to make an announcement later Tuesday.

Democratic lawmakers criticized the administration for failing to alert them earlier of the planned move, which is expected to affect BLM managers and other agency officials.

“This administration has been handing over public lands to fossil fuel companies at record speed, and this move is part of that agenda. Putting BLM headquarters down the road from Secretary Bernhardt’s home town just makes it easier for special interests to walk in the door demanding favors without congressional oversight or accountability,” Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.), chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, said in a statement.

“The BLM officials based in Washington are here to work directly with Congress and their federal colleagues, and that function is going to take a permanent hit if this move goes forward. The agency will lose a lot of good people because of this move, and I suspect that’s the administration’s real goal here.”

Interior Secretary David Bernhardt often failed to provide any details about the move when pushed by lawmakers, typically saying the decision began under Zinke and was still being reviewed. Bernhardt is originally from Rifle, Colo., about 60 miles east of Grand Junction.

“We’ve been asking questions for more than a year about what they’re planning, who and what infrastructure they’re moving, how much this will cost, how they justify it, what impacts they expect on agency missions, etc,” said a senior Democratic staffer on the committee.

“They’ve refused to answer any of those questions.”

However, it’s unclear how much approval from Congress is necessary for the administration to continue with its plans.

The BLM headquarters move could be the first of many reorganizational plans within the Department of Interior. Zinke first announced in January 2018 plans to overhaul the department, arguing that too many bureaucrats lead from Washington rather than the areas they are regulating. His plan, announced last August, would reorganize management of the department through 12 ecosystem and watershed boundaries rather than state lines in what will be called Unified Regions. 

The plans have yet to take root, but Bernhardt has indicated they are forthcoming.

Grand Junction sits outside of Colorado National Monument preserves, which spills across the western border into Utah. The town has an estimated population of a little over 63,000. Most of the area surrounding Grand Junction is public land managed by BLM. The town already has a large percentage of government employment, ranging from the school district to the county and city, according to a report from Grand Junction.

The decision to move West comes as other agencies are also planning to relocate parts of their teams. The Environmental Protection Agency has moved employees around several of its offices outside of D.C., and the U.S. Department of Agriculture gave more than 500 employees until Monday to decide whether to move to the Kansas City area. 

Updated at 2:41 p.m.

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