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
I cannot possibly overstate how important it is to pay attention to this:
🚨BREAKING: Republicans are moving quickly to pass a bill requiring voters to show proof of citizenship both to register and at the polls ahead of the 2026 midterm elections — a move that experts warn could disenfranchise millions of Americans. www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/...
GOP fast tracks monster voter suppression bill that could disenfranchise millions by requiring proof of citizenship at polls
In the past few weeks, passing the legislation has been a unifying rally cry for Republicans, a welcome distraction from the party’s cratering public opinion polls.
www.democracydocket.com
February 6, 2026 at 4:11 PM
I cannot possibly overstate how important it is to pay attention to this:
So .. this is interesting
Dem House Rep Ted Lieu to House Judiciary about these video logs:
"You need to call Bill Barr to testify .. the noose at the scene was not what killed Epstein. WAIT WTF? That likely means some individual PLACED A NOOSE at the scene."
www.cbsnews.com/news/epstein...
Dem House Rep Ted Lieu to House Judiciary about these video logs:
"You need to call Bill Barr to testify .. the noose at the scene was not what killed Epstein. WAIT WTF? That likely means some individual PLACED A NOOSE at the scene."
www.cbsnews.com/news/epstein...
Who entered Epstein's jail tier the night of his death? Newly released video logs appear to contradict official accounts.
Newly released documents from the Epstein files raise more questions about activity seen on video from the jail the night he died.
www.cbsnews.com
February 6, 2026 at 4:05 PM
So .. this is interesting
Dem House Rep Ted Lieu to House Judiciary about these video logs:
"You need to call Bill Barr to testify .. the noose at the scene was not what killed Epstein. WAIT WTF? That likely means some individual PLACED A NOOSE at the scene."
www.cbsnews.com/news/epstein...
Dem House Rep Ted Lieu to House Judiciary about these video logs:
"You need to call Bill Barr to testify .. the noose at the scene was not what killed Epstein. WAIT WTF? That likely means some individual PLACED A NOOSE at the scene."
www.cbsnews.com/news/epstein...
MSNOW's Kevin Frey on the "complicated" relationship between Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries
And the "potentially impossible fight" over reforming ICE and funding DHS
www.ms.now/news/unified...
And the "potentially impossible fight" over reforming ICE and funding DHS
www.ms.now/news/unified...
Unified or divided? Inside the complicated relationship of Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries.
The two Democratic leaders have at times seemed like they’re working together. At other times, they’ve seemed like they’re working against each other.
www.ms.now
February 6, 2026 at 3:56 PM
MSNOW's Kevin Frey on the "complicated" relationship between Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries
And the "potentially impossible fight" over reforming ICE and funding DHS
www.ms.now/news/unified...
And the "potentially impossible fight" over reforming ICE and funding DHS
www.ms.now/news/unified...
No stopping arrogant ass Trump lackey Scott Bessent:
He "left the door open" for Trump to sue the next Fed Chair if he doesn't lower interest rates on command
Trump later said he was "kidding" about this threat
Mob arm twisting on an epic level
And Bessent is all in
www.politico.com/live-updates...
He "left the door open" for Trump to sue the next Fed Chair if he doesn't lower interest rates on command
Trump later said he was "kidding" about this threat
Mob arm twisting on an epic level
And Bessent is all in
www.politico.com/live-updates...
Bessent refuses to say the administration will not sue the next Fed chair
"That is up to the president," the Treasury secretary said.
www.politico.com
February 6, 2026 at 3:45 PM
No stopping arrogant ass Trump lackey Scott Bessent:
He "left the door open" for Trump to sue the next Fed Chair if he doesn't lower interest rates on command
Trump later said he was "kidding" about this threat
Mob arm twisting on an epic level
And Bessent is all in
www.politico.com/live-updates...
He "left the door open" for Trump to sue the next Fed Chair if he doesn't lower interest rates on command
Trump later said he was "kidding" about this threat
Mob arm twisting on an epic level
And Bessent is all in
www.politico.com/live-updates...
Reposted by Mona Burns
Soft genocide apologists at DNC wake up with egg on their face.
The progressive wing vs the establishment Dems on display in NJ-11 special election primary 👇
I expect we're going to see a lot more of this in the coming months
Last night the DNC congratulated fmr Rep Tom Malinowski
This morning he's trailing his opponent Analilia Mejia by @ 1% with 91% reporting
I expect we're going to see a lot more of this in the coming months
Last night the DNC congratulated fmr Rep Tom Malinowski
This morning he's trailing his opponent Analilia Mejia by @ 1% with 91% reporting
February 6, 2026 at 3:35 PM
Soft genocide apologists at DNC wake up with egg on their face.
The progressive wing vs the establishment Dems on display in NJ-11 special election primary 👇
I expect we're going to see a lot more of this in the coming months
Last night the DNC congratulated fmr Rep Tom Malinowski
This morning he's trailing his opponent Analilia Mejia by @ 1% with 91% reporting
I expect we're going to see a lot more of this in the coming months
Last night the DNC congratulated fmr Rep Tom Malinowski
This morning he's trailing his opponent Analilia Mejia by @ 1% with 91% reporting
February 6, 2026 at 3:33 PM
The progressive wing vs the establishment Dems on display in NJ-11 special election primary 👇
I expect we're going to see a lot more of this in the coming months
Last night the DNC congratulated fmr Rep Tom Malinowski
This morning he's trailing his opponent Analilia Mejia by @ 1% with 91% reporting
I expect we're going to see a lot more of this in the coming months
Last night the DNC congratulated fmr Rep Tom Malinowski
This morning he's trailing his opponent Analilia Mejia by @ 1% with 91% reporting
GOP House Ethics Cmte will hold a public hearing on House Dem Rep Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (Fla-20) in March
She has been accused stealing $5M in Covid funds
Johnson is "confident" that after the hearing House Dems will vote to expel her
And increase his majority
www.axios.com/2026/02/04/c...
She has been accused stealing $5M in Covid funds
Johnson is "confident" that after the hearing House Dems will vote to expel her
And increase his majority
www.axios.com/2026/02/04/c...
House Ethics eyes "extremely rare" televised trial for Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick
"She's in trouble," said one House Democrat. "Read that report. It's crazy."
www.axios.com
February 6, 2026 at 3:26 PM
GOP House Ethics Cmte will hold a public hearing on House Dem Rep Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (Fla-20) in March
She has been accused stealing $5M in Covid funds
Johnson is "confident" that after the hearing House Dems will vote to expel her
And increase his majority
www.axios.com/2026/02/04/c...
She has been accused stealing $5M in Covid funds
Johnson is "confident" that after the hearing House Dems will vote to expel her
And increase his majority
www.axios.com/2026/02/04/c...
The House and Senate are both out today
Everybody take a deep, cleansing breath ..
And do something today that brings you joy
Everybody take a deep, cleansing breath ..
And do something today that brings you joy
February 6, 2026 at 3:19 PM
The House and Senate are both out today
Everybody take a deep, cleansing breath ..
And do something today that brings you joy
Everybody take a deep, cleansing breath ..
And do something today that brings you joy
Thune doesn't have 60 votes to pass this
But:
He's under pressure to 'soften' the filibuster to get it through the Senate
He denies he agreed to it:
“Triggering a talking filibuster has implications and ramifications that I think everybody needs to be aware of. So we will have those discussions.”
But:
He's under pressure to 'soften' the filibuster to get it through the Senate
He denies he agreed to it:
“Triggering a talking filibuster has implications and ramifications that I think everybody needs to be aware of. So we will have those discussions.”
Heads up:
Under pressure from Trump & Musk
Johnson now says House will vote next week on the SAVE Act
To be clear:
It mandates voters to present proof of citizenship to register, eliminates mail-in registration & requires photo ID in every state
www.politico.com/news/2026/02...
Under pressure from Trump & Musk
Johnson now says House will vote next week on the SAVE Act
To be clear:
It mandates voters to present proof of citizenship to register, eliminates mail-in registration & requires photo ID in every state
www.politico.com/news/2026/02...
Elections overhaul takes center stage in House as hard-right pressure mounts
The SAVE America Act, up for a vote next week in the House, has been a rare rallying point for a divided GOP.
www.politico.com
February 6, 2026 at 3:15 PM
Thune doesn't have 60 votes to pass this
But:
He's under pressure to 'soften' the filibuster to get it through the Senate
He denies he agreed to it:
“Triggering a talking filibuster has implications and ramifications that I think everybody needs to be aware of. So we will have those discussions.”
But:
He's under pressure to 'soften' the filibuster to get it through the Senate
He denies he agreed to it:
“Triggering a talking filibuster has implications and ramifications that I think everybody needs to be aware of. So we will have those discussions.”
Heads up:
Under pressure from Trump & Musk
Johnson now says House will vote next week on the SAVE Act
To be clear:
It mandates voters to present proof of citizenship to register, eliminates mail-in registration & requires photo ID in every state
www.politico.com/news/2026/02...
Under pressure from Trump & Musk
Johnson now says House will vote next week on the SAVE Act
To be clear:
It mandates voters to present proof of citizenship to register, eliminates mail-in registration & requires photo ID in every state
www.politico.com/news/2026/02...
Elections overhaul takes center stage in House as hard-right pressure mounts
The SAVE America Act, up for a vote next week in the House, has been a rare rallying point for a divided GOP.
www.politico.com
February 6, 2026 at 3:12 PM
Heads up:
Under pressure from Trump & Musk
Johnson now says House will vote next week on the SAVE Act
To be clear:
It mandates voters to present proof of citizenship to register, eliminates mail-in registration & requires photo ID in every state
www.politico.com/news/2026/02...
Under pressure from Trump & Musk
Johnson now says House will vote next week on the SAVE Act
To be clear:
It mandates voters to present proof of citizenship to register, eliminates mail-in registration & requires photo ID in every state
www.politico.com/news/2026/02...
If you're not already reading Public Notice
You absolutely should be
If you subscribe today you'll not only get fantastic coverage of the daily chaos
You'll also be helping out the good people of St Paul Minnesota being targeted by ICE
You won't regret signing up for this newsletter!
You absolutely should be
If you subscribe today you'll not only get fantastic coverage of the daily chaos
You'll also be helping out the good people of St Paul Minnesota being targeted by ICE
You won't regret signing up for this newsletter!
In solidarity w/ communities being hurt by ICE, I'm donating all new revenue from today's newsletter to The Energy CENTS Coalition, a St. Paul nonprofit that helps struggling folks pay utility bills. If you'd like to support a good cause & PN, sign up for a sub using the buttons in today's edition 👇
Why Delia Ramirez thinks DHS needs to be dismantled
"Why would we ever want to give them more money to keep doing what they’re doing?"
www.publicnotice.co
February 6, 2026 at 2:56 PM
If you're not already reading Public Notice
You absolutely should be
If you subscribe today you'll not only get fantastic coverage of the daily chaos
You'll also be helping out the good people of St Paul Minnesota being targeted by ICE
You won't regret signing up for this newsletter!
You absolutely should be
If you subscribe today you'll not only get fantastic coverage of the daily chaos
You'll also be helping out the good people of St Paul Minnesota being targeted by ICE
You won't regret signing up for this newsletter!
Reposted by Mona Burns
If you hear someone saying that they hope lawyers are ready to go to court to protect free and fair elections, I suggest you let them know that my law firm is already litigating more than 80 voting and election cases in 40 states.
February 6, 2026 at 2:36 PM
If you hear someone saying that they hope lawyers are ready to go to court to protect free and fair elections, I suggest you let them know that my law firm is already litigating more than 80 voting and election cases in 40 states.
Mother Jones:
"The bored whims and futuristic fantasies of billionaires now shape how and where you live and work. They are remaking the country in their own decadent and extractive image.
Welcome to the American Oligarchy"
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
"The bored whims and futuristic fantasies of billionaires now shape how and where you live and work. They are remaking the country in their own decadent and extractive image.
Welcome to the American Oligarchy"
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
American Oligarchy
www.motherjones.com
February 6, 2026 at 2:49 PM
Mother Jones:
"The bored whims and futuristic fantasies of billionaires now shape how and where you live and work. They are remaking the country in their own decadent and extractive image.
Welcome to the American Oligarchy"
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
"The bored whims and futuristic fantasies of billionaires now shape how and where you live and work. They are remaking the country in their own decadent and extractive image.
Welcome to the American Oligarchy"
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
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...