Mona Burns
@monaburns.bsky.social
Political writer. Covering Congress. Vincit Omnia Veritas.
Diversity is our strength. Unity is our power. 🩵
"Freedom is not just an absence of evil, but a presence of good."
-Timothy Snyder
Diversity is our strength. Unity is our power. 🩵
"Freedom is not just an absence of evil, but a presence of good."
-Timothy Snyder
Reposted by Mona Burns
WARNOCK: Trump said 'we're going to have a manufacturing boom.' Yes or no, have we had one?
BESSENT: There's the beginnings of a manufacturing boom. We have intentions -- factory groundbreakings
WARNOCK: Do you know how many manufacturing jobs have been lost since 'liberation day'? 72,000
BESSENT: There's the beginnings of a manufacturing boom. We have intentions -- factory groundbreakings
WARNOCK: Do you know how many manufacturing jobs have been lost since 'liberation day'? 72,000
February 5, 2026 at 4:33 PM
WARNOCK: Trump said 'we're going to have a manufacturing boom.' Yes or no, have we had one?
BESSENT: There's the beginnings of a manufacturing boom. We have intentions -- factory groundbreakings
WARNOCK: Do you know how many manufacturing jobs have been lost since 'liberation day'? 72,000
BESSENT: There's the beginnings of a manufacturing boom. We have intentions -- factory groundbreakings
WARNOCK: Do you know how many manufacturing jobs have been lost since 'liberation day'? 72,000
Reposted by Mona Burns
But some Senate Dems are already talking about various ways to give this leverage away.
February 5, 2026 at 4:53 PM
But some Senate Dems are already talking about various ways to give this leverage away.
Reposted by Mona Burns
GALLEGO: Can the president fire you?
BESSENT: He can
GALLEGO: Isn't it a conflict of interest for you to making these decisions and the president has full power?
BESSENT: I am not part of the decision
GALLEGO: Well you hit 'send' on the wire transfer. You're plundering US taxpayer dollars
BESSENT: He can
GALLEGO: Isn't it a conflict of interest for you to making these decisions and the president has full power?
BESSENT: I am not part of the decision
GALLEGO: Well you hit 'send' on the wire transfer. You're plundering US taxpayer dollars
February 5, 2026 at 5:01 PM
GALLEGO: Can the president fire you?
BESSENT: He can
GALLEGO: Isn't it a conflict of interest for you to making these decisions and the president has full power?
BESSENT: I am not part of the decision
GALLEGO: Well you hit 'send' on the wire transfer. You're plundering US taxpayer dollars
BESSENT: He can
GALLEGO: Isn't it a conflict of interest for you to making these decisions and the president has full power?
BESSENT: I am not part of the decision
GALLEGO: Well you hit 'send' on the wire transfer. You're plundering US taxpayer dollars
Reposted by Mona Burns
Where’s Kushner’s FARA filing on the billions he receives from foreign governments?
BESSENT: JARED KUSHNER A 'SPECIAL ENVOY' AND INTERLOCUTOR IN RUSSIA TALKS
February 5, 2026 at 5:03 PM
Where’s Kushner’s FARA filing on the billions he receives from foreign governments?
Reposted by Mona Burns
Other great candidates include my friend and climate activist @cammiecroft.bsky.social
And @popdemocaction.bsky.social co-ED @analiliafornj.bsky.social
And @popdemocaction.bsky.social co-ED @analiliafornj.bsky.social
Today is the special election primary to fill NJ Gov Mikie Sherill's House seat in NJ-11
There are 11 Dems running
Including fmr Dem House Rep Tom Malinowski who held NJ-07 for two terms and lost the seat to Republican Tom Kean in 2022
If you live in that district PLEASE vote today!
There are 11 Dems running
Including fmr Dem House Rep Tom Malinowski who held NJ-07 for two terms and lost the seat to Republican Tom Kean in 2022
If you live in that district PLEASE vote today!
February 5, 2026 at 2:19 PM
Other great candidates include my friend and climate activist @cammiecroft.bsky.social
And @popdemocaction.bsky.social co-ED @analiliafornj.bsky.social
And @popdemocaction.bsky.social co-ED @analiliafornj.bsky.social
Reposted by Mona Burns
Thune thinks an eventual deal IS possible but says some of Dem demands are non-starters (banning masks, for one)
Schumer: "If Republicans don't like our proposal, pouting is not enough"
Schumer: "If Republicans don't like our proposal, pouting is not enough"
February 5, 2026 at 3:41 PM
Thune thinks an eventual deal IS possible but says some of Dem demands are non-starters (banning masks, for one)
Schumer: "If Republicans don't like our proposal, pouting is not enough"
Schumer: "If Republicans don't like our proposal, pouting is not enough"
Reposted by Mona Burns
Deepening DHS standoff --
Thune says Senate may file a CR for DHS on Monday. Length unclear
Schumer says he's ready to negotiate on immigration enforcement; Thune says Britt reached out to Schumer on Wednesday and heard "crickets"
Thune says Senate may file a CR for DHS on Monday. Length unclear
Schumer says he's ready to negotiate on immigration enforcement; Thune says Britt reached out to Schumer on Wednesday and heard "crickets"
February 5, 2026 at 3:41 PM
Deepening DHS standoff --
Thune says Senate may file a CR for DHS on Monday. Length unclear
Schumer says he's ready to negotiate on immigration enforcement; Thune says Britt reached out to Schumer on Wednesday and heard "crickets"
Thune says Senate may file a CR for DHS on Monday. Length unclear
Schumer says he's ready to negotiate on immigration enforcement; Thune says Britt reached out to Schumer on Wednesday and heard "crickets"
Reposted by Mona Burns
Having a lying, cheating, philandering rapist speak at a national prayer breakfast is the kinda shit Jesus would have flipped the tables over.
February 5, 2026 at 2:34 PM
Having a lying, cheating, philandering rapist speak at a national prayer breakfast is the kinda shit Jesus would have flipped the tables over.
Reposted by Mona Burns
Nothing says prayer breakfast like concentration camps
Trump at the National Prayer Breakfast: "One of my favorite people, President Bukele ... he operates rather large prisons. Very strong prisons."
February 5, 2026 at 2:34 PM
Nothing says prayer breakfast like concentration camps
Reposted by Mona Burns
This action suggests that no one in the administration understands the legal status of Puerto Ricans any better than anonymous NFL players. Puerto Ricans _are_ US citizens, but they do not have all the rights of citizens in the 50 states. They cannot vote for President or Congress.
February 5, 2026 at 2:35 PM
This action suggests that no one in the administration understands the legal status of Puerto Ricans any better than anonymous NFL players. Puerto Ricans _are_ US citizens, but they do not have all the rights of citizens in the 50 states. They cannot vote for President or Congress.
Reposted by Mona Burns
February 5, 2026 at 2:36 PM
Reposted by Mona Burns
NEW: The top Trump-appointed proseutor in MN says his office is dropping "pressing priorities" to manage crushing immigration workload.
His short-staffed office is doing constant overtime and bouncing between contempt hearings.
The bleak assessment:
www.politico.com/news/2026/02...
His short-staffed office is doing constant overtime and bouncing between contempt hearings.
The bleak assessment:
www.politico.com/news/2026/02...
February 5, 2026 at 2:29 PM
NEW: The top Trump-appointed proseutor in MN says his office is dropping "pressing priorities" to manage crushing immigration workload.
His short-staffed office is doing constant overtime and bouncing between contempt hearings.
The bleak assessment:
www.politico.com/news/2026/02...
His short-staffed office is doing constant overtime and bouncing between contempt hearings.
The bleak assessment:
www.politico.com/news/2026/02...
Reposted by Mona Burns
Trump: "Mike Johnson is a very religious person. He does not hide it. He'll say to me sometimes at lunch, 'Sir, may we pray.' I'll say, 'Excuse me? We're having lunch.'"
February 5, 2026 at 2:38 PM
Trump: "Mike Johnson is a very religious person. He does not hide it. He'll say to me sometimes at lunch, 'Sir, may we pray.' I'll say, 'Excuse me? We're having lunch.'"
Reposted by Mona Burns
The world factbook was an invaluable resource in asylum petitions—a place where the federal government acknowledged in writing that, for example, Tibetans face systematic repression in China. I don’t like to have it vanish.
Add the CIA World Factbook to the long and growing list of disappearing government datasets: www.cia.gov/stories/stor...
February 5, 2026 at 2:42 PM
The world factbook was an invaluable resource in asylum petitions—a place where the federal government acknowledged in writing that, for example, Tibetans face systematic repression in China. I don’t like to have it vanish.
Reposted by Mona Burns
I sat down with @sarahfenske.bsky.social for the @stlmag.bsky.social 314 Podcast to discuss my campaign for MO-2. We’re in a transitional moment in the US and Missouri. It’s time we had leaders that recognize the crisis and have led lives that understand this moment. @wellmanformo.bsky.social
February 5, 2026 at 1:46 PM
I sat down with @sarahfenske.bsky.social for the @stlmag.bsky.social 314 Podcast to discuss my campaign for MO-2. We’re in a transitional moment in the US and Missouri. It’s time we had leaders that recognize the crisis and have led lives that understand this moment. @wellmanformo.bsky.social
Reposted by Mona Burns
The 2026 primaries haven't started yet and already 50 House members won't be back after the November elections. (Total House turnover was 60 in 2024.)
February 5, 2026 at 1:18 PM
The 2026 primaries haven't started yet and already 50 House members won't be back after the November elections. (Total House turnover was 60 in 2024.)
Today is the special election primary to fill NJ Gov Mikie Sherill's House seat in NJ-11
There are 11 Dems running
Including fmr Dem House Rep Tom Malinowski who held NJ-07 for two terms and lost the seat to Republican Tom Kean in 2022
If you live in that district PLEASE vote today!
There are 11 Dems running
Including fmr Dem House Rep Tom Malinowski who held NJ-07 for two terms and lost the seat to Republican Tom Kean in 2022
If you live in that district PLEASE vote today!
February 5, 2026 at 12:04 PM
Today is the special election primary to fill NJ Gov Mikie Sherill's House seat in NJ-11
There are 11 Dems running
Including fmr Dem House Rep Tom Malinowski who held NJ-07 for two terms and lost the seat to Republican Tom Kean in 2022
If you live in that district PLEASE vote today!
There are 11 Dems running
Including fmr Dem House Rep Tom Malinowski who held NJ-07 for two terms and lost the seat to Republican Tom Kean in 2022
If you live in that district PLEASE vote today!
And another one drops out:
House GOP Rep Barry Loudermilk (GA-11) announced yesterday thta he will not run for reelection
He's the 34th House Republican in this Congress to announce a 'retirement' or that they will not run again
www.politico.com/live-updates...
House GOP Rep Barry Loudermilk (GA-11) announced yesterday thta he will not run for reelection
He's the 34th House Republican in this Congress to announce a 'retirement' or that they will not run again
www.politico.com/live-updates...
Republican Barry Loudermilk won’t seek reelection
The Georgia Republican said he plans to “spend more dedicated time with my family.”
www.politico.com
February 5, 2026 at 12:00 PM
And another one drops out:
House GOP Rep Barry Loudermilk (GA-11) announced yesterday thta he will not run for reelection
He's the 34th House Republican in this Congress to announce a 'retirement' or that they will not run again
www.politico.com/live-updates...
House GOP Rep Barry Loudermilk (GA-11) announced yesterday thta he will not run for reelection
He's the 34th House Republican in this Congress to announce a 'retirement' or that they will not run again
www.politico.com/live-updates...
“'Stop covering for the president. Stop being his flunky,' Meeks shouted across the room, pointing his finger at Bessent."
NOTUS on yesterday's screaming match in the House Financial Services Cmte hearing with Scott Bessent:
Waters: "Can you shut up?"
Bessent: "“Can you maintain some level of dignity?”
And it was on ..
If you missed the hearing you should read this:
www.notus.org/economy/hous...
Waters: "Can you shut up?"
Bessent: "“Can you maintain some level of dignity?”
And it was on ..
If you missed the hearing you should read this:
www.notus.org/economy/hous...
‘Can You Shut Up?’: House Democrats and Scott Bessent Get Into Shouting Matches During Hearing
“I believe in the independence of the Federal Reserve, but I also believe in accountability,” Bessent ultimately told Democrats.
www.notus.org
February 5, 2026 at 11:56 AM
“'Stop covering for the president. Stop being his flunky,' Meeks shouted across the room, pointing his finger at Bessent."
NOTUS on yesterday's screaming match in the House Financial Services Cmte hearing with Scott Bessent:
Waters: "Can you shut up?"
Bessent: "“Can you maintain some level of dignity?”
And it was on ..
If you missed the hearing you should read this:
www.notus.org/economy/hous...
Waters: "Can you shut up?"
Bessent: "“Can you maintain some level of dignity?”
And it was on ..
If you missed the hearing you should read this:
www.notus.org/economy/hous...
‘Can You Shut Up?’: House Democrats and Scott Bessent Get Into Shouting Matches During Hearing
“I believe in the independence of the Federal Reserve, but I also believe in accountability,” Bessent ultimately told Democrats.
www.notus.org
February 5, 2026 at 11:55 AM
NOTUS on yesterday's screaming match in the House Financial Services Cmte hearing with Scott Bessent:
Waters: "Can you shut up?"
Bessent: "“Can you maintain some level of dignity?”
And it was on ..
If you missed the hearing you should read this:
www.notus.org/economy/hous...
Waters: "Can you shut up?"
Bessent: "“Can you maintain some level of dignity?”
And it was on ..
If you missed the hearing you should read this:
www.notus.org/economy/hous...
The office of House Oversight RM Robert Garcia has confirmed that the House Oversight Democrats report on DOGE will be released on February 12
February 5, 2026 at 11:44 AM
The office of House Oversight RM Robert Garcia has confirmed that the House Oversight Democrats report on DOGE will be released on February 12
Garcia on his House Oversight priorities for 2027:
"This is the most corrupt president to ever serve in the history of our country, and it’s the most corrupt admin to ever exist in the history of our country. There’s no scenario where this shouldn’t be at the center of our [work] moving forward.”
"This is the most corrupt president to ever serve in the history of our country, and it’s the most corrupt admin to ever exist in the history of our country. There’s no scenario where this shouldn’t be at the center of our [work] moving forward.”
House Oversight RM Robert Garcia laid out his priorities as Oversight Chair in the 120th Congress if (when) Dems take the House back
Good, detailed interview here:
www.politico.com/news/magazin...
Good, detailed interview here:
www.politico.com/news/magazin...
‘There Will Be Accountability’
The top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee discusses the Epstein files, scrutinizing the Trump administration — and what happens if Democrats take the House this fall.
www.politico.com
February 5, 2026 at 11:40 AM
Garcia on his House Oversight priorities for 2027:
"This is the most corrupt president to ever serve in the history of our country, and it’s the most corrupt admin to ever exist in the history of our country. There’s no scenario where this shouldn’t be at the center of our [work] moving forward.”
"This is the most corrupt president to ever serve in the history of our country, and it’s the most corrupt admin to ever exist in the history of our country. There’s no scenario where this shouldn’t be at the center of our [work] moving forward.”
House Oversight RM Robert Garcia laid out his priorities as Oversight Chair in the 120th Congress if (when) Dems take the House back
Good, detailed interview here:
www.politico.com/news/magazin...
Good, detailed interview here:
www.politico.com/news/magazin...
‘There Will Be Accountability’
The top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee discusses the Epstein files, scrutinizing the Trump administration — and what happens if Democrats take the House this fall.
www.politico.com
February 5, 2026 at 11:37 AM
House Oversight RM Robert Garcia laid out his priorities as Oversight Chair in the 120th Congress if (when) Dems take the House back
Good, detailed interview here:
www.politico.com/news/magazin...
Good, detailed interview here:
www.politico.com/news/magazin...
The 74th National Prayer Breakfast will be held at 7:30 am today
Trump will be in attendance
Hearing that several Dems who will also be there are hoping to corner him to chat about DHS funding
Trump will be in attendance
Hearing that several Dems who will also be there are hoping to corner him to chat about DHS funding
February 5, 2026 at 11:33 AM
The 74th National Prayer Breakfast will be held at 7:30 am today
Trump will be in attendance
Hearing that several Dems who will also be there are hoping to corner him to chat about DHS funding
Trump will be in attendance
Hearing that several Dems who will also be there are hoping to corner him to chat about DHS funding
Watch for Lindsey Graham to start squawking about "sanctuary cities" during the upcoming DHS funding fight with Dems
He's up for reelection again
So we're going to be hearing lots of whining and complaining from him for the next few months
Sad that this is how he campaigns for office ..
He's up for reelection again
So we're going to be hearing lots of whining and complaining from him for the next few months
Sad that this is how he campaigns for office ..
February 5, 2026 at 11:30 AM
Watch for Lindsey Graham to start squawking about "sanctuary cities" during the upcoming DHS funding fight with Dems
He's up for reelection again
So we're going to be hearing lots of whining and complaining from him for the next few months
Sad that this is how he campaigns for office ..
He's up for reelection again
So we're going to be hearing lots of whining and complaining from him for the next few months
Sad that this is how he campaigns for office ..