Goodlatte and Gowdy Release Transcript of Interview with Former Director Comey

EXECUTIVE SESSION COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY, JOINT WITH THE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT REFORM AND OVERSIGHT, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, WASHINGTON, D.C. INTERVIEW OF: JAMES COMEY

Friday, December 7, 2018 Washington, D.C.

Links below:

Transcript of Comey Testimony

For We Are [STILL] Opposed Around the World By a Monolithic and Ruthless Conspiracy- TRUST THE PLAN

"The very word "secrecy" is repugnant in a free and open society; and we are as a people inherently and historically opposed to secret societies, to secret oaths and to secret proceedings. We decided long ago that the dangers of excessive and unwarranted concealment of pertinent facts far outweighed the dangers which are cited to justify it. Even today, there is little value in opposing the threat of a closed society by imitating its arbitrary restrictions. Even today, there is little value in insuring the survival of our nation if our traditions do not survive with it. And there is very grave danger that an announced need for increased security will be seized upon by those anxious to expand its meaning to the very limits of official censorship and concealment. That I do not intend to permit to the extent that it is in my control. And no official of my Administration, whether his rank is high or low, civilian or military, should interpret my words here tonight as an excuse to censor the news, to stifle dissent, to cover up our mistakes or to withhold from the press and the public the facts they deserve to know......

....Today no war has been declared—and however fierce the struggle may be—it may never be declared in the traditional fashion. Our way of life is under attack. Those who make themselves our enemy are advancing around the globe. The survival of our friends is in danger. And yet no war has been declared, no borders have been crossed by marching troops, no missiles have been fired.............

......For we are opposed around the world by a monolithic and ruthless conspiracy that relies primarily on covert means for expanding its sphere of influence—on infiltration instead of invasion, on subversion instead of elections, on intimidation instead of free choice, on guerrillas by night instead of armies by day. It is a system which has conscripted vast human and material resources into the building of a tightly knit, highly efficient machine that combines military, diplomatic, intelligence, economic, scientific and political operations.
Its preparations are concealed, not published. Its mistakes are buried, not headlined. Its dissenters are silenced, not praised. No expenditure is questioned, no rumor is printed, no secret is revealed. It conducts the Cold War, in short, with a war-time discipline no democracy would ever hope or wish to match." 

-JFK 1961

TRUST THE PLAN

POTUS Signs "The Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victims Assistance Act" into Law

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 7, 2018

Statement from the Press Secretary Today, President Donald J. Trump signed into law important legislation to help victims of child sexual exploitation, the “Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victims Assistance Act of 2018.” The Trump Administration is prioritizing the fight against this evil through our ongoing commitment to innovative initiatives, including Project Safe Childhood, and we are taking these steps to confront a truly disturbing reality.  Since March 2015, for example, the number of distinct children identified in child pornography material has nearly doubled, from 8,600 to almost 16,000.  We must end this scourge on our children and our society. The bill the President signed today will help ensure that victims of child pornography and other child sexual abuse crimes receive restitution for the harm they have suffered.  It ensures that a minimum amount will be ordered in each case and allows victims to choose from different forms of restitution. Making America safe again starts with protecting our people—especially our children—from the savagery of sexual exploitation and abuse.  The President is proud to have signed the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victims Assistance Act into law.

Presidential Proclamation on National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2018

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 6, 2018 National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2018 - - - - - - - By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation        Today, we honor those who perished 77 years ago at Pearl Harbor, and we salute every veteran who served in World War II over the 4 years that followed that horrific attack.      On December 7, 1941, America was attacked without warning at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, by the air and naval forces of Imperial Japan.  Just before 8:00 a.m., Japanese aircraft ripped through the sky, dropping bombs on ships of the United States Pacific Fleet and on nearby airfields and bases.  The attack took the lives of more than 2,400 American service members and wounded another 1,100 American citizens.  The brutal surprise attack halted only after nearly two hours of chaos, death, and destruction.      Despite the shock and confusion of the moment, American service members and first responders on the island of Oahu mounted an incredibly brave defense against insurmountable odds.  American pilots took to the air to engage enemy aircraft, sailors took their battle stations, and medical personnel cared for the wounded.  Many witnesses to the events of that day perished in the attacks, leaving countless acts of valor unrecorded.  Nevertheless, 15 Medals of Honor were awarded -- 10 of them posthumously -- to United States Navy personnel for acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty.      Although the United States Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor was badly impaired, America did not falter.  One day after the attacks, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt declared to the Congress:  "No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory."  And, in the weeks, months, and years that followed the brutal attack at Pearl Harbor, Americans united with a steadfast resolve to defend the freedoms upon which our great Nation was founded.  Millions of brave men and women answered their country's call to service with unquestionable courage.  These incredible patriots fought, bled, sacrificed, and ultimately triumphed for the cause of freedom.      We are blessed as a Nation to have as examples the incredible heroes of World War II, who fought so valiantly to preserve all that we hold dear.  Earlier this year, I had the tremendous honor of meeting Mr. Ray Chavez, who was the oldest living Pearl Harbor veteran.  Ray passed away only a few weeks ago at the incredible age of 106.  But his legacy is forever etched into our country's rich history, along with the legacies of all our brave veterans.  They tell of the mettle of the American spirit under fire and of the will of our people to stand up to any threat.  The selfless bravery and dedication of these extraordinary Americans will never be forgotten.      Today, we remember all those killed on the island of Oahu on that fateful Sunday morning in 1941, and we honor the American patriots of the Greatest Generation who laid down their lives in the battles of World War II.  America is forever blessed to have strong men and women with exceptional courage who are willing and able to step forward to defend our homeland and our liberty.      The Congress, by Public Law 103-308, as amended, has designated December 7 of each year as "National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day."      NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim December 7, 2018, as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.  I encourage all Americans to observe this solemn day of remembrance and to honor our military, past and present, with appropriate ceremonies and activities.  I urge all Federal agencies and interested organizations, groups, and individuals to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff in honor of those American patriots who died as a result of their service at Pearl Harbor.      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand eighteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-third.                              DONALD J. TRUMP

President Donald J. Trump Announces Intent to Nominate Personnel to Key Administration Posts

POTUS was the only member of the quartet wearing an overcoat. Melania was wearing a two-piece black suit; Laura Bush was wearing a forest green dress. 
 
The two presidents shook hands first, both smiling warmly. Then Laura Bush reached out to Melania and gave her a kiss on the cheek. Melania then gave President Bush a two-cheek kiss. Trump did not apear to kiss Laura Bush. The foursome went inside promptly - Laura led the way by a couple of steps, followed by the other three. Trump had his hand on Bush's back at one point and also repeated the friendly gesture as they walked up the 10 steps into Blair House. The only chill was in the air; the mood was totally convivial.
 
The Bushes did not walk the Trumps back to the curb, making their departures inside against the increasingly brisk weather. Before entering his limo the President waved to the press but did not take any questions.
 
Unclear if other Bush family members participated but the schedule suggested that this was a four-way visit.
 
The print pool was situated across Pennsylvanias Avenue so it was impossible to see, much less hear, anything. Much of this detail is courtesy of the incomparable Doug Mills of the NYTimes.

POTUS AND FLOTUS VISIT BUSH FAMILY AT BLAIR HOUSE

Tuesday, December 4, 2018 5:12 PM
 Pool Report   - Blair House

The President and First Lady  drove by motorcade the 250 yards to Blair House. They arrived ar 4:33 pm. They were met at the curb by George and Laura Bush. President Trump was the only member of the quartet wearing an overcoat. Melania was wearing a two-piece black suit; Laura Bush was wearing a forest green dress. 

The two presidents shook hands first, both smiling warmly. Then Laura Bush reached out to Melania and gave her a kiss on the cheek. Melania then gave President Bush a two-cheek kiss. Trump did not apear to kiss Laura Bush. The foursome went inside promptly - Laura led the way by a couple of steps, followed by the other three. Trump had his hand on Bush's back at one point and also repeated the friendly gesture as they walked up the 10 steps into Blair House. The only chill was in the air; the mood was totally convivial.

The Bushes did not walk the Trumps back to the curb, making their departures inside against the increasingly brisk weather. Before entering his limo the President waved to the press but did not take any questions. They departed at 4:56 pm.

Unclear if other Bush family members participated but the schedule suggested that this was a four-way visit.

The print pool was situated across Pennsylvanias Avenue so it was impossible to see, much less hear, anything. Much of this detail is courtesy of the incomparable Doug Mills of the NYTimes.

 
Tom DeFrank - National Journal

Statement by the President

Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 4, 2018 STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT       Today, I have signed into law S. 140, the "Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018" (the "Act").  The Act authorizes appropriations for the Coast Guard and for the Federal Maritime Commission through Fiscal Year 2019, reauthorizes the Department of Commerce's hydrographic services program administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration through Fiscal Year 2023, and provides for the establishment of uniform standards for the management of vessel discharge.     Several provisions of this Act, however, raise constitutional concerns.  One provision, section 319, purports to require the Secretary of the respective department in which the Coast Guard is operating to notify the Congress and then wait 18 months before closing, ceasing operations, or significantly reducing personnel at a Coast Guard air facility.  I reiterate the longstanding understanding of the executive branch that these types of provisions encompass only actions for which such advance notification is feasible and consistent with the President's exclusive constitutional authorities as Commander in Chief.     Two provisions, sections 317 and 508, purport to require executive branch officials under my supervision to recommend legislative measures to the Congress.  My Administration will treat those provisions consistent with Article II, section 3 of the Constitution, which provides the President the discretion to recommend to the Congress only "such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient."     Finally, the reference in section 709(a)(2) of the Act to the "antitrust laws" should not be interpreted to give the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) the authority to construe the antitrust laws in the first instance, which is a responsibility traditionally within the province of the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice.  Importantly, section 709(b)(1) provides that nothing in section 709(a)(2) "shall be construed to limit the authority of the Department of Justice regarding antitrust matters."  I will interpret section 709(b)(1) to indicate that the FMC should defer to the Department of Justice regarding interpretations of the Federal antitrust laws, including when the FMC applies its section 709(a)(2) authority.                              DONALD J. TRUMP THE WHITE HOUSE,     December 4, 2018.     ###   Unsubscribe The White House · 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW · Washington, DC 20500-0003 · USA · 202-456-1111

President Donald J. Trump will sign S. 140, the “Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018

December 4, 2018
From the White House
Pool, National Review
Tom DeFrank 
Today, President Donald J. Trump will sign S. 140, the “Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018,” into law. This legislation authorizes funding for the United States Coast Guard through fiscal year 2019 and supports its plans to recapitalize and modernize its assets to carry out its critical missions. Specifically, the bill authorizes $7.9 billion for Coast Guard operating expenses and $2.6 billion for procurement, construction, renovation, and facilities improvement in fiscal year 2019. For fiscal year 2018, $12.1 billion was appropriated to the Coast Guard, a $1.7 billion increase from fiscal year 2017. President Trump and his Administration remain committed to prioritizing policies that strengthen and ready our military.

The following individuals are expected to attend:

The White House
President Donald J. Trump
General John Kelly, Chief of Staff
Derek Lyons, White House Staff Secretary
Shahira Knight, Director of the Office of Legislative Affairs
Doug Fears, Deputy Assistant to the President and Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Advisor
Paul Miller, Deputy Senior Director for Legislative Affairs, National Security Council

Trump Administration
Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, Department of Homeland Security
Chad Wolf, Chief of Staff to the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security

Members of Congress
Sen. Roger Wicker, MS
Rep. Frank LoBiondo, NJ
Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer, MO
Rep. Brian Mast, FL
Rep. Mike Rogers, AL
Rep. Bill Shuster, PA
Rep. Jason Smith, MO
Rep. Don Young, AK
Rep. Peter DeFazio, OR

United States Coast Guard
Admiral Karl Schultz, Commandant of the Coast Guard
Master Chief Jason Vanderhaden, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard
CDR Michael R. Sinclair, Legal, USCG
CDR Jessica Styron, Congressional Affairs, USCG
Mr. Nicholas Resendes, Legislative Counsel, USCG
LCDR Luke Petersen, Congressional Affairs, USCG
Scott Austin, Military Fellow, Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs
Justin Smith, Aide to Commandant

POTUS Meets with Foreign Automakers

December 4, 2018
The White House

Automakers Meeting

The President had a brief meeting at the White House with German Automakers including - Herbert Diess, Volkswagen, Dieter Zetsche, Daimler and Oliver Zipse, BMW. 
 
“President Trump met with three German automakers today at the White House. The President shared his vision of all automakers producing in the United States and creating a more friendly business environment. Members of the President’s Cabinet and economic team also met individually with each of the three companies.”
 
A list of the participants is below:

Daimler
Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars
Markus Schäfer, Member of the Divisional Board of Mercedes-Benz Cars
Eckart von Klaeden, Vice President, External Affairs
 
Volkswagen
Dr. Herbert Diess, CEO
Dr. Thomas Steg, General Representative, Head of Public Affairs
Peik von Bestenbostel, Head of Communication
 
BMW
Dr. Nicholas Peter, CFO, Board of Management
Dr. Thomas Becker, VP, Global Head of Government Affairs
Bryan Jacobs, VP, Government and External Affairs


From pool
Lindsay Walters 
The National Journal

‘.

Bush Family Arrive at Blair House

December 4, 2018
The Blair House

Photo credits The GoldFish Report

Photo credits The GoldFish Report

Under very high security, the Bush family envoy arrived at The Blair House in Washington, D.C. yesterday. Larger than the White House inside, the Blair house is one of four buildings combined to serve as the President’s private guest house for foreign dignitaries and other guests. President Trump is expected to visit the Bush family later today. The President tweeted today that the former First Lady will come to the White House to be given a tour of the Christmas decorations by Melania. 

Story by Louisa @ The GoldFish Report

More from NEC Director Larry Kudlow

December 4, 2018
The White House

NEC Chairman Larry Kudlow, who was on the White House grounds on his way to attending a Dow Jones CEO Meeting, offered additional comments to the press regarding the recent G20 meetings  with President Trump and President Xi Jinping. “ I say this with respect and optimism” , with respect to President Xi’s willingness to to act of this agreement, “that President Xi said Yes without hesitation, and that’s the first yes I’ve heard in a while.”

Chairman Kudlow added, “ and another point, “ President Trump asked President Xi if the Chinese would reconsider the Qualcomm deal if it comes up again and President Xi said if it comes up again he said yes and he said it without hesitation”. But Kudlow added that, “two items like that doesn’t make a large trade deal but i just want to tell you that its the first Yes’s i’ve heard, and I think it does reflect the relationship between the two presidents and it does reflect the more positive nature of these talks. I think its a great omen.”

In response to a question about his meeting with Steven Schwartzman and why the President would want him to attend Kudlow responded, “ we may talk about a lot of subjects that may impact China and one of the topics is Artificial Intelligence, AI is going to be on the list, its a very big deal, how fast China is growing and how fast the U.S. is growing”.

Chairman Kudlow referred to himself as a Schumpeterian when it comes to economics. Offering an early morning history lesson on economics, Kudlow referred to the  philosophy of Austrian Economist Joseph Schempeter’s classic book “Capitalism, Socialism, and Democracy” who describes that “ The Gales of Creative Destruction” described entreprenurship as the best model for economics,  that things change, the new replace the old, and innovation is critical”. Kudlow also mentioned that he suggested using the Schumpeter model at the 5G, AI Conference. Kudlow stated that the Schumpeter Entrepreneurial Business Model, has a very positive effect in his opinion. “That’s why we have the best technological innovation and best technological apparatus in the world”.

Chairman Kudlow acknowledged his meeting today with European auto makers but declined to comment about it. When asked how he expects talks will progress with China he responded, “ I don’t think they (Trump and Xi) will meet again (within the 90 days) but said its possible”, but added, “ I think phone calls will probably be more important. I can’t say specifically but I think the two teams will be meeting, we have much work to do, but we don’ know when”.

Lastly, Kudlow added, “ Bob Lighthiser is the best guy in the business for this. We have to make sure that there is enforcement on any so called agreement, that is so imprtant. I don’t want to throw a damper into this, but China has discussed these things with the U.S. throughout the years and the results have not been very good. So this time around I am hopeful, we are covering more groundwork than ever, they are more cooperative than ever, I am sure the team will be meeting”.

Story by Louisa @ The GoldFish Report

Impromtu at White House with NEC Director Larry Kudlow

December 3, 2018

This morning National Economic Council Director Larry Kudlow gave an impromptu press briefing to answer questions regarding the G20 meeting in Argentina. First, Mr. Kudlow paid tribute and homage to George H.W. Bush who he remembered as "an old and personal friend." Mr. Kudlow stated that a team of individuals including Mr. Kudlow himself, Secretary Mnuchin and Ambassador Bob Lighthizer were involved in the negotiations but that he was not the main negotiator. He praised Ambassador Lighthizer stating that he "is a fabulous negotiator,  and what is very important is enforcement mechanisms. Mr Kudlow stated that he and Secretary Mnuchin attended two meetings with Vice Premier Liu He prior to the dinner meeting and that China is ready to move "Immediately on the New Commitments".

Mr Kudlow continued," Ambassador Lighthiser is very good a this i.e., enforcement, monitoring and timetables to try to keep China on track. Literally they can start today. This is the furthest and most specific we have ever come". In a very positive and optimistic manner, Mr Kudlow stated President Xi has never been this involved". Consistent with what President Trump has always stated about his relationship with President Xi, Kudlow stated. "The Presentation Xi gave to President Trump was unbelievable and the chemistry between Xi and Trump is also amazing". 

"President Xi has never been this specific and therefore is being very candid and truthful, we have heard things we have never heard before." Kudlow continued, "They can not slow walk this or stall this, but expect firming results. It was their word "Immediate".

The topics discussed were structural: Tariffs, Intellectual Property Theft, Cyber Security, and licensing issues. Mr Kudlow stated there were "a large number of transactions on energy and agriculture but added that these are private sector transactions not governmental. If they follow through and make America export, sales will boom with regard to China because we are the most competitive country in the world, we have the strongest economy".

When questioned about the 90 day implementation was incremental, Kudlow said this, " At the end of the 90 days they have to show significant progress. Look at it by topics, Tariff reduction, larger exports, larger purchases on their side, various technology issues, cyber security", Kudlow added, "President trump is very personally involved in the details, and why we are all so tired after all these meetings, level of detail never been better from them".

When questioned about China's level of commitment, Kudlow had this to say, " This is YUGE, President Xi has never been involved in that kind of detail, that's huge. At the dinner Xi gave the pitch for China, he was the policy man, not his aids, he was the detail guy. They were so well prepared and so was President Trump, the two of them, and we have come further than we have ever come before".

Mr. Kudlow stated that there weren't any non-negotiables,we have outlines in a number of key areas, nothing is off the table". And on a final point Kudlow said the amount we are dealing with is in the ballpark of over $1.2 Trillion Dollars and that will depend on things like consumer demand, reducing tariffs, structure change, and non-tariff licensing.

Story by Louisa @ The GoldFish Report