We’re back and we’re reading – everything from the “New York Times” to the “Wall Street Journal.” We’re trying to help you keep up with the rapid pace of politics and policy. Today we’ve got the latest on the Kavanaugh investigation, chemical pollutants killing marine life, and a progressive decision made in India.
Kavanaugh vote delayed by up to a week; F.B.I. investigating
President Trump ordered the F.B.I. on Friday to open an investigation into accusations of sexual assault directed against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.
It was a confusing day on Capitol Hill to say the least. The Senate Judiciary Committee voted to advance Kavanaugh’s nomination, only after agreeing to a last minute demand.
Senator Jeff Flake (R-AZ) requested a “time-limited inquiry” into the allegations, according to the New York Times.
“I’ve ordered the F.B.I. to conduct a supplemental investigation to update Judge Kavanaugh’s file,” Trump said. “As the Senate has requested, this update must be limited in scope and completed in less than one week.”
Are trade disputes interfering with military relations?
The trade disputes between the U.S. and China have potentially caused China to cancel friendly engagements with the U.S. Navy, CNBC reported.
China and the U.S. have been exchanging tit-for-tat tariffs and there are suggestions that the trade unrest has started affecting military relations.
According to CNBC, there were reports that China’s top naval commander canceled a planned visit to meet with his American counterpart. The U.S. was then denied a port visit in Hong Kong for its USS Wasp amphibious ship.
Army Lt. Col. Dave Eastburn, a Pentagon spokesperson said, “We were informed that Vice Admiral Shen Jinlong has been recalled to China and will not conduct a visit with Chief of Naval Operations Admiral John Richardson.”
Rosenstein set to meet with lawmakers
Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein has agreed to meet with House lawmakers to discuss the comments made a week ago about secretly recording President Trump.
A Department of Justice source said Rosenstein agreed to the briefing prior to any subpoena threats. The meeting is expected within the next two weeks.
According to Politico, it is unclear whether or not the meeting will be part of a formal House GOP investigation into “allegations of misconduct” by F.B.I. and Justice Department officials in 2016 and 2017.
Chemicals banned 40 years ago, still killing orcas
Chemical pollutants that were banned more than 40 years ago are still affecting marine life.
According to CNN, a study shows that these pollutants could result in the disappearance of half of the world’s killer whale population by the end of the century.
The use and production of polychlorinated biphenyls (PVC’s) were banned in 1979 and in 2001 under international treaty, to which 152 countries are signatories of. But it is still used and it not expected to be completely phased out until 2025.
U.S. concerned about Iranian proxy attacks
An intelligence assessment concluded that the U.S. might be the next target for Iranian-backed militias and proxy forces.
Officials have described the threat of militias located in Syria and other areas in the Middle East as “ongoing and worrisome.”
According to CNN, these militias have increased access to advanced weapons as Iran continues to move weaponry into Syria.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made it clear that Iran’s use of militias and proxies could provoke a U.S. military response if U.S. interests come under attack.
There are no specific indicators that the U.S. will be attacked, officials said.
Progressive ruling by India court
India’s 158 year-old adultery law was struck down yesterday by Chief Justice Dipark Misra and the rest of the five-member court.
Before this, husbands could be imprisoned for up to five years for engaging in sexual relations with a married woman.
According to the New York Times, it was a unanimous decision. They determined that the law was a clear violation of the rights guaranteed in the constitution.
The verdict said, adultery can still be grounds for divorce in India.
That’s all we have for today. Have a great weekend. Check back on Monday for more.
