The government in action

Monday, April 2

á           The Washington Post reported that on Sunday, a Tweet from the ÒPeopleÕs Daily,Ó a Chinese government controlled news outlet, announced China is imposing tariffs on 128 items imported from the U.S. starting Monday as a ÒcountermeasureÓ in response to tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump last month.

á           The White house announced Trump will host Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at Mar-a-Lago in mid April to discuss ways to keep pressure on North Korea in advance of TrumpÕs meeting next month with Kim Jong Un.

á           USA Today reported that House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi has been featured in about one third of GOP broadcast ads in House races this year, compared to 9 percent in 2016 and 13 percent in 2014.

Tuesday, April 3

á           TrumpÕs infrastructure policy adviser D.J. Gribbin is departing the White House. His exit as the Trump administrationÕs efforts to promote a sweeping infrastructure package appear to have stalled in Congress.

á           Former international corporate lawyer Alex van der Zwaan, who is also the son-in-law of a Russian billionaire, was sentenced to 30 days in prison for lying to investigators in the special counsel inquiry about his communications with a Trump campaign aide and a Ukrainian businessman. He was also fined $20,000.

Wednesday, April 4

á           Trump ordered National Guard troops to the U.S. southern border as a way to toughen immigration enforcement. No details were shared about how many troops will  be sent, the length of deployment or its cost. The announcement came at a time when the number of people crossing illegally into the country from Mexico has plummeted, reaching its lowest level since 1971.

á           The Washington Post reported that Trump has instructed military leaders to prepare to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria, but has not set a date for them to do so. He also said the U.S. role there would not extend beyond the destruction of ISI.

Thursday, April 5

á           Trump ordered the U.S. Trade Representative to consider an additional $100 billion in tariffs on China, escalating a trade dispute between Washington and Beijing.

á           Politico reported that the EPAÕs inspector general is reviewing requests for an investigation into Administrator Scott PruitÕs condo lease in Washington, D.C., at well below market rates. The inspector general is already conducting at least three investigations into PruittÕs travel expenses, his use of a special hiring authority and his spending on a soundproof phone booth for his office.

á           In a letter to the Justice Department, Rep. Devin Nunes, chair of the House Intelligence Committee, asked for an unredacted copy of the document that initiated the FBIÕs investigation of links between Russia and TrumpÕs 2016 presidential campaign.

Friday, April 6

á           The Wall Street Journal reported that White House Chief of Staff John Kelly told Trump last week that EPA head Scott Pruitt needs to step down. The report also said Trump is not ready to fire Pruitt because he welcomes the deregulation Pruitt has accomplished.

á           An analysis by the Cook political report said there are 36 districts where Republicans are not running for re-election in 2016, including 12 at Òserious riskÓ of going Democratic. Only 18 Democrats are not running and only four are in districts at serious risk of falling to Republicans.

á           ChinaÕs Ministry of Commerce said that if the U.S. goes through with an additional $100 billion in tariffs, China will Òimmediately fight back with a major response.Ó

á           White House Correspondents' Association President Margaret Talev said Trump once again does not plan to participate in this yearÕs White House CorrespondentsÕ dinner.

Saturday, April 7

á           The Associated Press reported that Defense Secretary James Mattis approved paying for up to 4,000 National Guard troops to guard the Mexico/U.S. border through the end of September. So far Arizona has said it would deploy about 150 Guard members and Texas will send about 250 in an Òinitial surge.Ó

á           Reuters reported that EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt held 25 times as many meetings with industry representatives that with environmental advocates during his first seven months in office.

Sunday, April 8

á                                Trump administration officials said North Korea has confirmed directly to the Trump administration that it is willing to negotiate potential denuclearization.

á                                Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) said on CNNÕs ÒState of the UnionÓ that she does not think Scott Pruitt is the right person to head the EPA.