'It's already disastrous': Biden campaign fundraising takes a major hit

This NATO Summit Is a Big Win for Biden

Next week, leaders from the 32 members of NATO will gather in Washington to celebrate a truly remarkable achievement: the 75th anniversary of the strongest, most enduring alliance in recorded history. That NATO can also celebrate its powerful resurgence since the Russian invasion of Ukraine is a signature achievement of U.S. President Joe Biden. Under his leadership, the alliance has expanded to include two well-armed, strategically savvy new members, Finland and Sweden. On Biden’s watch, the number of NATO states spending 2 percent or more of their GDP on defense has expanded from nine to 23, with several other countries on course to meet this target soon. At the summit, the Biden administration will rightly press allies to think of 2 percent as a floor, not a target.

During Biden’s term, NATO readiness also has expanded dramatically, including more U.S. soldiers deployed to Europe, more NATO troops in the front-line states closest to Russia, and roughly 500,000 alliance soldiers ready for combat in Europe. Plans are well underway in Europe and the United States to vastly expand the alliance’s collective military-industrial base—alleviating not only shortages of key weapons and munitions for Ukraine but making the alliance as a whole better prepared for future threats.

In 2022, Biden led the alliance in responding quickly and comprehensively to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It seems far-fetched now, but it’s useful to remember how many politicians, analysts, and journalists expected Russian forces to be in downtown Kyiv within days. The world also feared that Russian President Vladimir Putin would succeed in deposing or killing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, install a puppet regime, and thereby gain control of all of Ukraine. That none of this happened, that Ukraine was able to liberate about half of the territory initially occupied by Russian forces, and that it has held the line against relentless Russian assaults—all while a direct conflict between NATO and Russia has been avoided—is a remarkable achievement.

As the war has dragged on, the share of military, economic, and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine from European NATO allies has increased dramatically. Under Biden’s watch, trans-Atlantic burden-sharing has become real, not just a talking point: Today, Europe outspends Washington in terms of total support for Ukraine. In fact, Europe is sending much more aid directly to Ukraine, whereas U.S. military spending stays in the United States to build new weapons for the U.S. military, which then transfers its older, often decommissioned weapons to Ukraine.

None of these achievements were inevitable. After the West won the Cold War in the early 1990s, some European and U.S. leaders argued that NATO should be disbanded since its mission was over. Thankfully, that did not happen, as the security threat posed by Russia to NATO members is as high as it ever was during the Cold War—and arguably higher considering that the Cold War was relatively stable in Europe. Similarly, many have argued over the last three decades against NATO expansion. Thankfully, these voices did not carry the day. Imagine how many more countries on Russia’s borders might be at war or under the threat of invasion from Moscow if they were not under NATO’s umbrella.

https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/07/05/nato-summit-biden-russia-ukraine-europe-defense-security/?twclid=2-7drt53d5xoxgujhpk18klmawn

Congressman Pat Ryan (NY-18)

Senators unveil bipartisan deal on stock trading ban

Source: Axios

A bipartisan group of senators reached a deal Wednesday on legislation to ban stock trading by members of Congress, setting the bill up for action in the Senate later this month.

Why it matters: The agreement breathes new life into the push to ban stock trading by lawmakers, which is supported broadly by voters but has stumbled on Capitol Hill.

Members of both the House and the Senate trade stocks at a high rate, raising questions about ethics.

Zoom in: The deal would immediately prohibit members of Congress from buying stocks and selling stocks 90 days after the bill is signed into law.


Read more: https://www.axios.com/2024/07/10/stock-trading-ban-congress-deal

Statement by Congressman Ritchie Torres (NY-15)

Senator Blumenthal (CT) "deeply concerned" about President Biden winning election, but will support him if he stays in

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: Democrats Rally Behind President Biden

Yesterday, Democrats across the country once again sent the clear message that it’s time to come together behind President Biden to defeat Donald Trump and his MAGA extremism.

In a call with Democratic Mayors last night, President Biden outlined the stakes of this election and discussed their shared commitment to deliver for all Americans. While Donald Trump threatens to divide the country and rip away fundamental rights and freedoms, Democrats are determined to stand united behind President Biden to win in November. Coming out of it, mayors had their own message: They’re all in for Team Biden-Harris.

See what just some Democrats are saying below:

On CNN’s The Lead, Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney: “Every mayor is ready to get on the campaign to start winning and defeating Donald Trump… I saw President Biden win in 2020. I was on the ballot with President Trump in 2016. And I can tell you this: the two different administrations, the four years of Donald Trump versus the four years of Joe Biden are vastly different. We have the most accomplished president in my lifetime, and I believe that he definitely gives the best opportunity to win the White House once again. And so I'm going to encourage him to stick to it, put his head down, and focus on the hard work, and ignore all the noise. Ever since the debate that occurred that we all saw, which he even admitted had a bad night, we need to start focusing on how we go about defeating Donald Trump once again to keep the lawlessness and the chaos out of the White House."

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens: “I just got off the @DemMayors call with The President. He is locked in and determined to beat Donald Trump, build on his outstanding record of job creation, rebuilding our infrastructure, reducing prescription drug prices, and protecting women's rights.”

Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas: “President Biden made time tonight to talk with mayors and share his plans for the next four years. From lowering grocery prices to cutting middle class taxes, he's got a plan for the future of our cities. That's why I, along with hundreds of mayors, proudly stand with Joe!”

Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward: “This evening I had the chance to meet with President Biden and a group of other mayors via Zoom. My simple takeaway: The more voters are reminded of who Donald Trump is and who Joe Biden is the more likely it is that Joe Biden will win. @DemMayors @JoeBiden @TheDemocrats.”

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria: “The President met with @DemMayors tonight to share his vision for a second term. His agenda for cities, families and workers is solid - and far better than Donald Trump’s scary Project 2025. Mayors have @JoeBiden’s back and we’ll help reelect him and @KamalaHarris this fall.”

Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway: “Had a great call tonight with @POTUS & @DemMayors. I asked President Biden about his 2nd term agenda for cities––he spoke about key issues like affordable housing & childcare, which are critical issues for working families in Madison & across the country.”

Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin: “This evening, I joined President Biden and @DemMayors from across the nation as he shared his vision for our country and reminded us of what's at stake for our cities. I am proud to support @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris this November.”

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson: “I am proud to continue supporting President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in this election and I look forward to welcoming Democrats from across the country to Chicago, the greatest city in the world, for the Democratic National Convention next month.”

Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg: "[President Biden] projected a lot of strength. Really good energy is the way I would describe it. He was relaxed. He would have gone longer, I’m sure."

San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg: “It was great hearing @JoeBiden’s plan for the next four years. As a @DemMayors board member and a major city mayor that actually served during the Trump administration, the choice is clear. I’m standing with Biden-Harris because they know that mayors — and cities — matter.”

Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter: “Great meeting with President Biden & @DemMayors today- I’ve been mayor for 2 presidents and it’s not hard to pick productivity over chaos. Excited to keep moving forward on housing, jobs/ infrastructure, community violence prevention, climate & much more! I stand with @POTUS!”

Benton Harbor Mayor Marcus Muhammad: “I second this motion. I've served as Mayor for 3 Presidents and I know what getting things done looks like. Results+ Receipts=Re-election!!! @POTUS @VP @DemMayors”

Former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner: “This evening President @JoeBiden met with @DemMayors and former Mayors to discuss the upcoming election. I was honored to be included. The President was asked questions and focused on housing, infrastructure, childcare, banning assault weapons, and driving down costs. He was on point and funny. Everyone who spoke and those who listened made it clear we are standing with President @JoeBiden. As a national delegate I look forward to casting my vote for the Biden/Harris ticket.”

Shoreline City Councilmember Christopher Roberts: “I joined President Biden & @DemMayors across the country on a call today. I am impressed with the progress made during this administration, from growing the economy to controlling the cost of prescription medication & ready to do the work to make their inspiring agenda a reality.”

On CNN’s Newsroom, Congressman Troy Carter: “The president should in fact be the nominee and the discussion points are very clear. We had a great call with the president. The president was clear, was energized, was motivated and it's clear that he's up for the job… The work that the Biden-Harris administration has done, rather it's the 1.2 trillion dollar infrastructure bill, CHIPS and Science Act, reducing insulin [costs] … These are all things that are receipts. These are actions done, promises made, promises kept…. I want to be abundantly clear as I've gone through my district and others, the people of Louisiana that I've spoken with, particularly the African American community, stands firmly with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.”

On MSNBC’s Morning Joe, Congresswoman Yvette Clarke: “I know that I’m team Biden-Harris… We have a lot of accomplishments that have been gained in the Biden-Harris administration… The contrast is glaring between what the Biden-Harris administration has done for the American people, with respect to Donald Trump and his failed presidency. There's no doubt that when we hit the road, that when we come out of our convention, the electricity that will be in the air will give us the momentum we need to bring this victory home.”

On CNN’s News Central, Congressman Glenn Ivey: “I think our best shot is with the people who have a strong record. The Biden-Harris ticket has that. They've got the apparatus in place. They've got great fundraising capabilities. I think 38 million came in over the two days after the debate. We’re poised to win. Many of the polls are, you know, we're behind at some of those, but many of them are margin of error. So I think we need to relax. My view is stay the course.”

On ABC’s The View, Governor Gretchen Whitmer: “He's the Joe Biden we've all seen working his tail off for decades to serve the public... You can see he's keeping up a very aggressive schedule. He’s going to be in Michigan later this week. He has been doing rallies. I mean, he is absolutely the same Joe Biden we all have known… He has been doing this job and showing up with receipts for the American public. He has delivered more for our country, more for the average person who is just trying to get ahead… I think that we're going to see him have this incredible rigor to his schedule and he’s going to show up and talk about what he’s done and what the future looks like and that's what Americans want and deserve to see from our President.”

On CNN’s Newsroom, Senator Laphonza Butler: “I believe the president is a responsible patriot who's going to take into consideration all of those key points and, you know, the American people are expecting us to get here to do the work, to deliver, and to put forward candidates that are going to deliver on what their will is - issues like abortion and education and housing, and I think this is a president that has demonstrated he's committed to doing that.”

On CNN’s Newsroom, Congressman Maxwell Frost: “I wanted to hear the plan from the campaign, what they were going to do, and that type of ad spend plus the president being out there, being forceful on Project 2025 and the reason that he's running, reassured me and so again, I'll be on the road this weekend in New Hampshire… I feel good about the plan going forward … I believe Democrats will win up and down the ballot. Joe Biden will be re-elected and we’re going to take the House.”

On CNN’s Inside Politics with Dana Bash, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán: “You know what my constituents have said? President Biden has ideas. He has solutions. He has policy ideas. The other guy just lied the entire time. And so besides the threat that is posed by another Trump presidency, it’s the fact that we have a president and an administration that has gotten, as you know, the most historic investments, whether it’s climate change, whether it’s healthcare and making sure we are expanding access to veterans and so much more.”

On CNN’s News Central, Congressman Robert Garcia: “The Biden campaign has had some of the best grassroots fundraising after the debate that they've had the entire cycle. You're seeing energy on the ground. We were hearing from colleagues of where the president has been in the last few days in Pennsylvania, in Wisconsin, in North Carolina, that people are fired up. In fact, I'm hearing from folks back home that there are folks that are even more fired up now because they understand the threat of Donald Trump. They understand how dangerous he is. They understand what Project 2025 means and rolling back the rights that we have earned and gained over the last 50 years. And so everything that happened in this last week… It’s also hardening support and making this choice crystal clear. We must defeat Donald Trump and ensure that he's nowhere near the White House again.”

On CNN’s Erin Burnett OutFront, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty: “I know that President Biden has a track record to run on so when you go out and you campaign, people want to know what you're doing for them. We can talk about what he's done in health care, which is a huge issue. $35 for insulin a month, putting a $2,000 cap on medical expenses. We could look at that he put $16 billion into HBCUs. We could talk about housing. We could talk about climate control, a $1.2 trillion dollar infrastructure bill, a CHIPS act that created jobs and research. This touches all of the individuals out there for what they want…. President Biden is our best candidate to be able to beat Donald Trump.”

Senator Chuck Schumer: “As I’ve said before, I’m with Joe”

Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez: “Joe Biden has been one of the most impactful Presidents in recent memory. I support Joe Biden, and it is time to focus on reelecting him in November.”

Congressman Jerry Nadler: “I'm fully supportive of him. I plan to campaign for him. And it's essential that he wins.”

Congressman Bennie Thompson: “We must unite and support our President. There's no room for division in this election. Let's come together! We have a job to do!”

Congressman Salud Carbajal: “Absolutely” supports President Biden

Congressman Kweisi Mfume: “Joe Biden all the way”

Congressman Lou Correa: “Biden’s the man voters chose to be our nominee.”

Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz: “Joe Biden is, will be and should be our nominee.”

Congressman Jim Clyburn: “We’re riding with Biden.”

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand: “I have full confidence that Joe Biden can kick Trump’s butt”

Florida State Senator Shevrin Jones: “He’s a damn good 81-year-old, who is doing a damn good job.”

Congresswoman Diana DeGette: “Looking ahead, it is a waste of time and potentially dangerous for Democrats to spend the next few months wringing our hands trying to find an alternative path forward. President Biden has been a very successful president: defending our reproductive rights, protecting our environment, and upholding the values of our democracy. Meanwhile, [Donald] Trump is a crazy felonious authoritarian.”

Senator Chris Coons: “Joe Biden has had a historic first term as President. He wakes up every day thinking about doing the right thing for the American people. He is our nominee for President and I look forward to campaigning alongside him. Do not count out Joe.”

Senator John Fetterman: "He won the primary. He's gonna be on the ballot in November. It's strange we're even having this conversation."

Senator Richard Blumenthal: “Joe Biden is the nominee.”

Senator Debbie Stabenow: "President Biden's been the best president Michigan’s ever had… As long as he's our president and our nominee, I'm really strongly with him.”

Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett: “JOE BIDEN IS THE NOMINEE. He said he’s not stepping down & so I, Congresswoman Jasmine Felicia Crockett, Esq., AM RIDING WITH BIDEN; Period! I’ll do everything within my power to educate people about the threat that exists within project 2025, MAGA, Trump, etc. I am ready to work for the PEOPLE!!”

Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi: “I’ve always been committed to him.”
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Paid for by Biden for President

Trump's Project 2025: Gutting the National Weather Service (Bad!)

This is really important. Texans are living in the dark (literally) during a life-threatening heat wave. Donald Trump still won’t acknowledge climate change is real and is running a campaign to make it even worse:

Donald Trump is selling out America’s energy future to oil and gas barons for $1 billion in campaign donations – so they can raise prices on middle class families.

Oil and gas lobbyists are drafting executive orders for Trump to sign.

And his Project 2025, well, it pushes: “gutting key agencies that oversee environmental protection and unwinding most, if not all, of Biden’s marquee climate rules.”

Hell, just look at page 674 and its goals of gutting the National Weather Service:

For folks’ awareness – including Donald Trump’s – eliminating the National Weather Service is opposed by 82% of Americans.

Statement from Biden-Harris 2024 Spokesperson James Singer:

“Donald Trump’s Project 2025 will politicize federal storm tracking and climate science, endangering millions of Americans who rely on the science, data, and warnings that the National Weather Service provides. Donald Trump doesn’t just deny climate change exists, he’s planning to destroy the parts of our government that track it.”
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Paid for by Biden for President

Nancy Pelosi comments today

Rep. Mary Peltola will be absent this week.....