Rep. Marjorie Greene (R-Ga.) announced she filed articles of impeachment against Joe Biden. As she promised a week ago, the documents were submitted the day after his inauguration — Jan. 21, 2021.

The articles’ content specifying impeachable offenses has not been released as yet. However, Greene indicated the document accuses Biden of abuse of power during his term as vice president under ex-President Obama. Greene asserts he allowed “his son, Hunter, to serve on the board of a Ukrainian energy company,” reports Cristina Marcos for The Hill.

Greene says the president is not fit to hold office. Biden’s pattern of abuse of power is lengthy and disturbing. She further contends he has proven that bailing his son out by doing whatever it takes.

Moreover, Greene said he lined his pockets and his family with cash from corrupt foreign energy companies.

The president’s son, Hunter Biden, is under Federal investigation that is supported by Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) regarding questionable foreign business dealings. In December 2020, a source told FOX News that the suspicious transactions involved China and other countries.

Both Bidens deny they have done anything warranting such scrutiny. The younger Biden acknowledged the federal probe but adamantly states he handled all of his dealings legitimately and legally.

The White House Secretary Jen Psaki told the press corps that the president would not discuss the investigation.

Written by Cathy Milne-Ware

Sources:

The Hill: Rep. Marjorie Greene files articles of impeachment against Biden; by Cristina Marcos
FOX News: Hunter Biden appears for inauguration ceremonies amid federal probe, says ‘all good;’ by Ronn Blitzer

Featured and Top Image Courtesy of Glenn Sapaden’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image by Unite America First Courtesy of Wikimedia – Creative Commons License

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris took their oaths to uphold the United States Constitution on Jan. 20, 2021. While trimmed down due to the need for an extreme military presence, the pomp and circumstance are still awe-inspiring.

Political figures and their families joined the celebration wearing masks, bundled up against the snow flurries — 35-degree wind-chill factor. Former presidents and first ladies in attendance were George and Laura Bush, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Barack and Michelle Obama. Vice President Mike Pence and Karen were in attendance. Jimmy Carter and Roselyn did not attend due to concerns over COVID-19.

President Donald Trump and Melania chose not to celebrate with the nation.

Honorable Chief Justice John Roberts administered the oath to President Joesph R. Biden at 11:49 a.m. ET. A few minutes earlier, 11:42, Justice Sonya Sotomayer administered the oath to Vice President Kamala M. Harris.

The new Executive Leaders of the United States were surrounded by family when taking their vows.

Biden was joined by his daughter, son, and grandchildren. Harris’s stepchildren were present.

Lady Gaga belted out a heartwarming rendition of “The National Anthem.” Her voice reaffirming the very foundation on which the country is built. Jennifer Lopez offered a stunning version of “This Land is Your Land,” and Garth Brooks invited the nation to sing “Amazing Grace.”

Written by Cathy Milne-Ware

Sources:

CNN: Live
NBC News: Viewers’ guide to Biden’s Inauguration Day: Everything you need to know; Dareh Gregorian

Featured Image Courtesy of Victoria Pickering’s Flickr Page – Creative Common License

As Senators return from their break on Jan. 19, 2021, major changes are on the docket – three new Congressmen to be seated and confirming President-elect Joe Biden’s Cabinet. Now that the Senate is split 50-50, leadership will be shared between Mitch McConnell and Chuck Schumer. Then, there is Donald Trump’s impeachment trial.

Warnock, Ossoff, and Padilla

Once their meeting begins, Democrats Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff of Georgia did not take their oath of office on January 3 when the rest of the Senate was as they did not win their runoff races three days later.

The third new Senator joins Congress as Vice-President-elect Kamala Harris’ replacement — California Secretary of State Alex Padilla. Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed Padilla on Tuesday, January 18, after Harris resigned. His first day in Congress has yet to be announced.

New Balance of Power

Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) entered Congress in 1985, was elected as a minority whip in 2004, was elected as the minority leader, and finally elected as majority leader in 2015. He has held that position for the past five years.

Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) joined Congress in 1999, and in 2017 he was elected as the minority leader.

Once Warnock and Ossoff have taken their oaths, the Senate composition will be 48 Republicans, 48 Democrats, and two independents who vote with the Democrats.

The balance of power will shift. Both McConnell and Schumer will lead the Senate. They “will have to agree on a set of rules, known as an organizing resolution, which governs how the Senate works. The organizing resolution determines everything from committee membership and staff budgets, to who gets the best office space,” according to Time Magazine.

On January 20, Vice President Harris will lead the Senate — she will be the “tie-breaker in chief.”

Written by Cathy Milne-Ware

Sources:

TIME: What Really Happens When There’s a 50-50 Split in the Senate?
The Washington Post: When Exactly Do Democrats Take Control in Washington? By Laura Litvan, Laurence Arnold, and Steven T. Dennis
Science Magazine: Power shift in Senate could bring major changes in U.S. science and climate policy; by David Malakoff
Chicago Tribune: California Secretary of State Alex Padilla appointed to replace Vice President-elect Kamala Harris in US Senate; by Kathleen Ronayne

Featured and Top Image Courtesy of John Brighenti’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Senate Democrats’ Flickr Page – Creative Commons License