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
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 ..
Thune says he's open to another 2 wk DHS CR
And “it may be the best way to deal with this particular appropriations bill is a year-long CR"
(he doesn't have 60 votes for either rn)
There is some chatter he could start laying the procedural groundwork for a CR before the Senate adjourns today
And “it may be the best way to deal with this particular appropriations bill is a year-long CR"
(he doesn't have 60 votes for either rn)
There is some chatter he could start laying the procedural groundwork for a CR before the Senate adjourns today
February 5, 2026 at 11:24 AM
Thune says he's open to another 2 wk DHS CR
And “it may be the best way to deal with this particular appropriations bill is a year-long CR"
(he doesn't have 60 votes for either rn)
There is some chatter he could start laying the procedural groundwork for a CR before the Senate adjourns today
And “it may be the best way to deal with this particular appropriations bill is a year-long CR"
(he doesn't have 60 votes for either rn)
There is some chatter he could start laying the procedural groundwork for a CR before the Senate adjourns today
Here is the list of requirements for DHS funding sent by Jeffries & Schumer to Johnson & Thune yesterday
Senate GOP negotiator Katie Britt called it "a ridiculous Christmas list of demands for the press"
And GOP leaders are looking at a new CR
We shall see ..
www.politico.com/f/?id=000001...
Senate GOP negotiator Katie Britt called it "a ridiculous Christmas list of demands for the press"
And GOP leaders are looking at a new CR
We shall see ..
www.politico.com/f/?id=000001...
www.politico.com
February 5, 2026 at 11:20 AM
Here is the list of requirements for DHS funding sent by Jeffries & Schumer to Johnson & Thune yesterday
Senate GOP negotiator Katie Britt called it "a ridiculous Christmas list of demands for the press"
And GOP leaders are looking at a new CR
We shall see ..
www.politico.com/f/?id=000001...
Senate GOP negotiator Katie Britt called it "a ridiculous Christmas list of demands for the press"
And GOP leaders are looking at a new CR
We shall see ..
www.politico.com/f/?id=000001...
Reposted by Mona Burns
Breaking:
Fulton County just announced it has filed a motion "seeking the return of all files from the 2020 Election that were confiscated by the FBI" last week.
Fulton County just announced it has filed a motion "seeking the return of all files from the 2020 Election that were confiscated by the FBI" last week.
February 4, 2026 at 3:15 PM
Breaking:
Fulton County just announced it has filed a motion "seeking the return of all files from the 2020 Election that were confiscated by the FBI" last week.
Fulton County just announced it has filed a motion "seeking the return of all files from the 2020 Election that were confiscated by the FBI" last week.
'Reliable Sources' this morning:
At the behest of Jeff Bezos, WaPo gutted 1/3 of it's staffers
More:
view.newsletters.cnn.com/messages/177...
At the behest of Jeff Bezos, WaPo gutted 1/3 of it's staffers
More:
view.newsletters.cnn.com/messages/177...
Despite his unfathomably deep pockets, Jeff Bezos values profitability more than he values the people at The Washington Post.
view.newsletters.cnn.com
February 4, 2026 at 3:57 PM
'Reliable Sources' this morning:
At the behest of Jeff Bezos, WaPo gutted 1/3 of it's staffers
More:
view.newsletters.cnn.com/messages/177...
At the behest of Jeff Bezos, WaPo gutted 1/3 of it's staffers
More:
view.newsletters.cnn.com/messages/177...
Wondering why the Trump admin finally sidelined Ed Martin?
Welp:
A DOJ review found that Ed Martin leaked grand jury material to the public during the DOJ targeting of Adam Schiff and Tish James
This is quite a story:
www.alternet.org/ed-martin-26...
Welp:
A DOJ review found that Ed Martin leaked grand jury material to the public during the DOJ targeting of Adam Schiff and Tish James
This is quite a story:
www.alternet.org/ed-martin-26...
Trump’s DOJ leak scandal explodes from within
It was reported earlier this week that Ed Martin, President Donald Trump's leader on his "anti-weaponization" effort, was sidelined and is expected to leave the Justice Department altogether. Accordin...
www.alternet.org
February 4, 2026 at 3:54 PM
Wondering why the Trump admin finally sidelined Ed Martin?
Welp:
A DOJ review found that Ed Martin leaked grand jury material to the public during the DOJ targeting of Adam Schiff and Tish James
This is quite a story:
www.alternet.org/ed-martin-26...
Welp:
A DOJ review found that Ed Martin leaked grand jury material to the public during the DOJ targeting of Adam Schiff and Tish James
This is quite a story:
www.alternet.org/ed-martin-26...
CREW:
"Over 55% of presidentially appointed inspectors general positions are vacant in the offices charged with preventing waste, fraud and abuse. Trump has gutted and undermined independent oversight at the very time it is needed most."
www.citizensforethics.org/news/analysi...
"Over 55% of presidentially appointed inspectors general positions are vacant in the offices charged with preventing waste, fraud and abuse. Trump has gutted and undermined independent oversight at the very time it is needed most."
www.citizensforethics.org/news/analysi...
By leaving over 55% of presidentially appointed IG posts vacant, Trump is opening the door for waste, fraud and abuse - CREW | Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington
At the end of 2025, over half of the 38 presidentially appointed federal inspector general positions remained vacant.
www.citizensforethics.org
February 4, 2026 at 3:44 PM
CREW:
"Over 55% of presidentially appointed inspectors general positions are vacant in the offices charged with preventing waste, fraud and abuse. Trump has gutted and undermined independent oversight at the very time it is needed most."
www.citizensforethics.org/news/analysi...
"Over 55% of presidentially appointed inspectors general positions are vacant in the offices charged with preventing waste, fraud and abuse. Trump has gutted and undermined independent oversight at the very time it is needed most."
www.citizensforethics.org/news/analysi...
Thune is telling press repeatedly that he's "in favor" of another DHS CR or full year funding
He knows full well he doesn't have 60 votes for either
Feels like Thune is just throwing random words at Hill press .. again
He knows full well he doesn't have 60 votes for either
Feels like Thune is just throwing random words at Hill press .. again
February 4, 2026 at 3:40 PM
Thune is telling press repeatedly that he's "in favor" of another DHS CR or full year funding
He knows full well he doesn't have 60 votes for either
Feels like Thune is just throwing random words at Hill press .. again
He knows full well he doesn't have 60 votes for either
Feels like Thune is just throwing random words at Hill press .. again
GOP Senator Thom Tillis hits Stephen Miller when Hill press asked Tillis about Trump's call to "nationalize" elections:
“He's probably focused too much on his Duke education, and should go back to third grade math. My granddaughter can figure out we don't have the votes to get that done.”
“He's probably focused too much on his Duke education, and should go back to third grade math. My granddaughter can figure out we don't have the votes to get that done.”
February 4, 2026 at 3:34 PM
GOP Senator Thom Tillis hits Stephen Miller when Hill press asked Tillis about Trump's call to "nationalize" elections:
“He's probably focused too much on his Duke education, and should go back to third grade math. My granddaughter can figure out we don't have the votes to get that done.”
“He's probably focused too much on his Duke education, and should go back to third grade math. My granddaughter can figure out we don't have the votes to get that done.”
House Dem Rep Maxwell Frost (Fla-10) on the Clintons:
“We want to be more aggressive and find the truth, and it’s less about allegiances to, you know, individuals, and more about what’s best for our party and what’s best for this country,” www.politico.com/news/2026/02...
“We want to be more aggressive and find the truth, and it’s less about allegiances to, you know, individuals, and more about what’s best for our party and what’s best for this country,” www.politico.com/news/2026/02...
‘Comeback Kid’ no more: Dems aren’t protecting the Clintons from Epstein scrutiny
The party-wide reluctance to defend two former standard-bearers signals a rejection of the Clinton brand.
www.politico.com
February 4, 2026 at 3:21 PM
House Dem Rep Maxwell Frost (Fla-10) on the Clintons:
“We want to be more aggressive and find the truth, and it’s less about allegiances to, you know, individuals, and more about what’s best for our party and what’s best for this country,” www.politico.com/news/2026/02...
“We want to be more aggressive and find the truth, and it’s less about allegiances to, you know, individuals, and more about what’s best for our party and what’s best for this country,” www.politico.com/news/2026/02...
CNN:
The push for a real ICE overhaul bill has all but collapsed on the Hill
GOP have ruled out most Dem requirements
Dems say they'll take nothing less than drastic changes
Both sides hardening stances with no dealmaking in sight
DHS loses funding in just 9 days ..
www.cnn.com/2026/02/04/p...
The push for a real ICE overhaul bill has all but collapsed on the Hill
GOP have ruled out most Dem requirements
Dems say they'll take nothing less than drastic changes
Both sides hardening stances with no dealmaking in sight
DHS loses funding in just 9 days ..
www.cnn.com/2026/02/04/p...
Prospects for ICE deal sour on Capitol Hill as shutdown deadline nears for critical agency | CNN Politics
For a fleeting moment in Washington, top Democrats believed last week they could reach a deal with the GOP to set new limits on President Donald Trump’s nationwide immigration enforcement after federa...
www.cnn.com
February 4, 2026 at 3:18 PM
CNN:
The push for a real ICE overhaul bill has all but collapsed on the Hill
GOP have ruled out most Dem requirements
Dems say they'll take nothing less than drastic changes
Both sides hardening stances with no dealmaking in sight
DHS loses funding in just 9 days ..
www.cnn.com/2026/02/04/p...
The push for a real ICE overhaul bill has all but collapsed on the Hill
GOP have ruled out most Dem requirements
Dems say they'll take nothing less than drastic changes
Both sides hardening stances with no dealmaking in sight
DHS loses funding in just 9 days ..
www.cnn.com/2026/02/04/p...
Jeffries on the Clintons:
“[F]rom the very beginning [they] have worked hard to reach an accommodation so that they can provide testimony on this matter. The problem to date has been that [House Oversight chair] James Comer and Republicans are trying to create a circus, not a serious engagement.”
“[F]rom the very beginning [they] have worked hard to reach an accommodation so that they can provide testimony on this matter. The problem to date has been that [House Oversight chair] James Comer and Republicans are trying to create a circus, not a serious engagement.”
February 4, 2026 at 3:15 PM
Jeffries on the Clintons:
“[F]rom the very beginning [they] have worked hard to reach an accommodation so that they can provide testimony on this matter. The problem to date has been that [House Oversight chair] James Comer and Republicans are trying to create a circus, not a serious engagement.”
“[F]rom the very beginning [they] have worked hard to reach an accommodation so that they can provide testimony on this matter. The problem to date has been that [House Oversight chair] James Comer and Republicans are trying to create a circus, not a serious engagement.”
"[The House was] barely able to clear a 10-day CR on the promise that Trump would negotiate. .. Johnson will have a very tough time passing a rule to bring a DHS funding bill to the floor.
Plus, we can’t foresee a scenario in which dozens of House Dems vote for a DHS bill in any form."
Plus, we can’t foresee a scenario in which dozens of House Dems vote for a DHS bill in any form."
Trump signed a bill funding most of the gov't til Sept 30
But DHS is only funded thru Feb 13 (9 days)
Johnson says he wants to "use this opportunity" to go after "sanctuary cities" that "won't cooperate" with ICE
But he needs Dem support
Brace for a rough 2 wks, kids
punchbowl.news/article/bord...
But DHS is only funded thru Feb 13 (9 days)
Johnson says he wants to "use this opportunity" to go after "sanctuary cities" that "won't cooperate" with ICE
But he needs Dem support
Brace for a rough 2 wks, kids
punchbowl.news/article/bord...
DHS is funded for 9 days. And then what?
Congress put out one fire just to start another. With most of the government funded through Sept. 30, DHS is now facing a funding cliff in just nine days.
punchbowl.news
February 4, 2026 at 3:07 PM
"[The House was] barely able to clear a 10-day CR on the promise that Trump would negotiate. .. Johnson will have a very tough time passing a rule to bring a DHS funding bill to the floor.
Plus, we can’t foresee a scenario in which dozens of House Dems vote for a DHS bill in any form."
Plus, we can’t foresee a scenario in which dozens of House Dems vote for a DHS bill in any form."
Trump signed a bill funding most of the gov't til Sept 30
But DHS is only funded thru Feb 13 (9 days)
Johnson says he wants to "use this opportunity" to go after "sanctuary cities" that "won't cooperate" with ICE
But he needs Dem support
Brace for a rough 2 wks, kids
punchbowl.news/article/bord...
But DHS is only funded thru Feb 13 (9 days)
Johnson says he wants to "use this opportunity" to go after "sanctuary cities" that "won't cooperate" with ICE
But he needs Dem support
Brace for a rough 2 wks, kids
punchbowl.news/article/bord...
DHS is funded for 9 days. And then what?
Congress put out one fire just to start another. With most of the government funded through Sept. 30, DHS is now facing a funding cliff in just nine days.
punchbowl.news
February 4, 2026 at 3:03 PM
Trump signed a bill funding most of the gov't til Sept 30
But DHS is only funded thru Feb 13 (9 days)
Johnson says he wants to "use this opportunity" to go after "sanctuary cities" that "won't cooperate" with ICE
But he needs Dem support
Brace for a rough 2 wks, kids
punchbowl.news/article/bord...
But DHS is only funded thru Feb 13 (9 days)
Johnson says he wants to "use this opportunity" to go after "sanctuary cities" that "won't cooperate" with ICE
But he needs Dem support
Brace for a rough 2 wks, kids
punchbowl.news/article/bord...
WaPo 'race & ethnicity' reporter Emmanuel Felton this morning:
"I'm among the hundreds of people laid off by The Post. This comes six months after hearing in a national meeting that race coverage drives subscriptions. This wasn't a financial decision, it was an ideological one."
"I'm among the hundreds of people laid off by The Post. This comes six months after hearing in a national meeting that race coverage drives subscriptions. This wasn't a financial decision, it was an ideological one."
February 4, 2026 at 2:54 PM
WaPo 'race & ethnicity' reporter Emmanuel Felton this morning:
"I'm among the hundreds of people laid off by The Post. This comes six months after hearing in a national meeting that race coverage drives subscriptions. This wasn't a financial decision, it was an ideological one."
"I'm among the hundreds of people laid off by The Post. This comes six months after hearing in a national meeting that race coverage drives subscriptions. This wasn't a financial decision, it was an ideological one."
WaPo cuts are so widespread that they're sending emails to staff who AREN'T being removed
Amazing
Devastating
And freaking *dangerous* to democracy
Example (courtesy Brian Stelter):
Amazing
Devastating
And freaking *dangerous* to democracy
Example (courtesy Brian Stelter):
February 4, 2026 at 2:48 PM
WaPo cuts are so widespread that they're sending emails to staff who AREN'T being removed
Amazing
Devastating
And freaking *dangerous* to democracy
Example (courtesy Brian Stelter):
Amazing
Devastating
And freaking *dangerous* to democracy
Example (courtesy Brian Stelter):
Full (staggering) statement from fmr WaPo Exec Editor Marty Baron on today's massive WaPo cuts:
Bezos often "spoke forcefully and eloquently of a free press and The Post’s mission, demonstrating his commitment in concrete terms .. I wish I detected the same spirit today. There is no sign of it."
Bezos often "spoke forcefully and eloquently of a free press and The Post’s mission, demonstrating his commitment in concrete terms .. I wish I detected the same spirit today. There is no sign of it."
February 4, 2026 at 2:43 PM
Full (staggering) statement from fmr WaPo Exec Editor Marty Baron on today's massive WaPo cuts:
Bezos often "spoke forcefully and eloquently of a free press and The Post’s mission, demonstrating his commitment in concrete terms .. I wish I detected the same spirit today. There is no sign of it."
Bezos often "spoke forcefully and eloquently of a free press and The Post’s mission, demonstrating his commitment in concrete terms .. I wish I detected the same spirit today. There is no sign of it."