The year leading up to a presidential election in the United States is always essential. Decisions made and policies enacted in 2019 had far-reaching consequences for Americans. From healthcare to jobs to international relations, the choices of political leaders impacted daily life. Though most effects were domestic, some reverberated globally. The critical moments of 2019 set the stage for the pivotal 2020 election. Voters now have the opportunity to evaluate the recent political landscape and decide the country’s future direction. We look at the 15 most important moments in 2019 US politics.
More Than 100 Women Are Sworn To The 116th Congress
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The 116th Congress made history by ushering in the most diverse representatives ever. Headlined by a record number of women, including the first Muslim and Native American women, the freshman class symbolized monumental progress. Speaking from experience as the first female Speaker, Nancy Pelosi welcomed the trailblazers. Since her election to the House in 1987, the number of women has quadrupled. While signs of change, parity remains elusive. The milestone class has fueled momentum for further female empowerment and advancement in government. All eyes are on this new generation of leaders as they champion long-overdue reforms. The Center for American Women and Politics reports on all the women sworn into Congress.
The Supreme Court Blocks A Citizenship Question
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In 2019, the Supreme Court blocked the Trump administration from adding a citizenship question to the 2020 census. Critics argued it was a political move to intimidate immigrants and undercount minorities. The Commerce Department claimed it was needed to enforce voting rights. In a 5-4 ruling, the Court said the justification was insufficient. Chief Justice Roberts wrote the explanation did not match the evidence, failing to withstand judicial review. President Trump responded by tweeting plans to delay the census. Opponents celebrated the decision as a victory against potential voter suppression. The divisive case highlighted tensions over immigration policies and fair political representation. The census question became a flashpoint, revealing doubts about the administration’s motives.
The Paycheck Fairness Act
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In 2019, the House passed the Paycheck Fairness Act to strengthen equal pay protections. First introduced in 1997 by Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the bill finally cleared the House after decades of effort. But prior Senate versions stalled with Republican majorities. The landmark legislation closes loopholes in the 1963 Equal Pay Act. It enhances transparency, shifts the burden of proof to employers, and bolsters retaliation protections. Supporters hailed it as an overdue step toward gender pay equity. Critics argued it would spur frivolous lawsuits. The bill reflected Democrats’ renewed commitment to women’s issues upon regaining the House. Its fate hinges on 2020 Senate races determining control of both chambers moving forward. GovTrack reports that Congress has enacted 4-6 million words of the new law in each two-year Congress.
Michael Cohen Testifies To Congress
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In 2019, Michael Cohen, President Trump’s former personal attorney, gave explosive testimony to Congress after being imprisoned for campaign finance violations. Cohen alleged Trump directed hush money payments, knew in advance of WikiLeaks email dumps and routinely engaged in illicit acts. He leveled scathing personal criticism, calling Trump “a racist, a conman and a cheat.” Republicans dismissed Cohen as an untrustworthy felon. But his insider account fueled fresh scrutiny of Trump’s past business dealings and campaign conduct. The dramatic hearing marked a break between two formerly close associates. It reinforced Cohen’s role as a significant cooperating witness against the president in ongoing investigations and court cases.
Julian Assange Is Arrested
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In 2019, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was arrested in London after Ecuador withdrew his asylum status at their embassy. Assange had avoided extradition since 2012 by remaining in the embassy. Ecuador cited Assange’s repeated violations of asylum conditions. The arrest came on behalf of US authorities, who charged Assange with conspiracy over WikiLeaks’ publication of hacked Democratic emails during the 2016 election. President Trump distanced himself, claiming ignorance about WikiLeaks despite having promoted the emails. Critics accused Trump of hypocrisy, given his past praise. Assange now faces potential prison time in the US for his role in revealing stolen campaign information that damaged Hillary Clinton’s presidential bid.
Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló Resigns
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On July 24, 2019, Puerto Rican Gov. Ricardo Rosselló announced his resignation on Facebook amid public outrage over leaked chat messages and corruption investigations. In his recorded statement, he cited his administration’s achievements and the people’s demands as the reason for his resignation. The resignation will take effect on August 2. The news of his resignation was met with joyous uproar and applause from the mass protestors outside the governor’s residence. However, the state of the government is uncertain, and many have expressed concerns about the difficulties faced by his potential successor, Wanda Vázquez, in running the government.
Several States Pass Heartbeat Bills
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Several states passed strict anti-abortion laws banning the procedure after six weeks of pregnancy before many women knew they were pregnant. Alabama approved the most restrictive version, prohibiting abortion even in cases of rape or incest. Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Ohio enacted similar “fetal heartbeat” bills. Supporters hope legal challenges reach the Supreme Court and lead to overturning Roe v. Wade. Opponents dressed as characters from The Handmaid’s Tale to protest the laws they say take away women’s rights. Advocates say the goal is protecting the unborn, not restricting contraception. The bills sparked heated debate about abortion access and government overreach.
President Trump Officially Declares A National Emergency
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In February 2019, President Trump declared a national emergency to secure funding for a border wall, a pivotal campaign promise. The announcement came on the final day before another government shutdown. California immediately vowed to sue over the controversial executive action. Critics argued no true emergency existed and predicted drawn-out legal battles. President Trump acknowledged he anticipated lawsuits and bad rulings before reaching the Supreme Court. By admitting the declaration wasn’t absolutely necessary, opponents said he undermined his case. The emergency order raised concerns over presidential power expansion and became a flashpoint in the immigration debate.
The House Requests Full Access To The Mueller Report And President Trump’s Tax Returns
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The House Democrats issued subpoenas for the full Mueller report. They launched an investigation into the White House security clearance process. Meanwhile, Representative Richard Neal (D-MA) has requested President Trump’s federal income tax returns since 2013. This request also included tax returns from eight of President Trump’s business entities. Republicans criticized the move, calling it a political attack. However, Neal defended it by stating that the Ways and Means Committee is responsible for ensuring that everyone, including those holding the highest office, is complying with the federal tax system. President Trump refused to voluntarily disclose his tax returns, citing ongoing audits.
Supreme Court Rules Federal Courts Cannot Constitutionally Prevent Partisan Gerrymandering
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In 2019, the Supreme Court ruled federal courts cannot stop partisan gerrymandering – manipulating electoral districts for political advantage. Both parties have been accused of the practice of controlling state legislatures. In a 5-4 decision, the Court maintained redistricting falls outside federal purview, even if egregiously unfair. Chief Justice Roberts wrote that the Constitution does not authorize reallocating power between parties. Justice Kagan argued in dissent that free and fair elections are foundational to democracy, which the Court must defend. The controversial decision allowed gerrymandering to continue shaping American politics and inflaming partisan divisions. Critics warned it granted parties unchecked power to entrench themselves.
Roger Stone Is Found Guilty Of Lying To Congress And Witness Tampering
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In 2019, Roger Stone, a longtime associate of President Trump, was convicted of lying to Congress about contacts with WikiLeaks related to hacked Democratic emails. Stone falsely claimed he had no discussions with the Trump campaign about WikiLeaks’ plans to damage Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign. Prosecutors revealed Stone’s communications with Trump officials about the email releases. He also tried to influence another witness’s testimony. The unanimous jury verdict was a victory for Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation. It showed Stone interfered with a congressional probe to protect Trump. The high-profile trial and conviction demonstrated the Trump campaign welcomed and encouraged WikiLeaks’ meddling to help win the election.
Robert Mueller Concludes His Report
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After a two-year probe, Special Counsel Robert Mueller found no evidence of collusion between President Trump’s 2016 campaign and Russia. But his report stopped short of exonerating Trump on obstruction of justice. Attorney General Barr emphasized that point, fueling scrutiny of the president’s actions. Trump had repeatedly dismissed the investigation as a “witch hunt.” Critics hoped Mueller would provide damning revelations. The politically charged process included unverified allegations and claims of bias. In summarizing the findings, Trump tweeted, “complete and total EXONERATION.” However, Mueller later clarified his report did not absolve the president of obstruction. The inconclusive result left room for both sides to claim victory in a controversy that engulfed Trump’s presidency.
The State Of The Union Address And Stacey Abrams’s Rebuttal Are Delivered
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President Trump delivered the 2019 State of the Union after postponing it due to a government shutdown. The lengthy speech doubled down on his immigration agenda and border wall demands. He declared America would never become socialist, rebuking Democrats’ leftward shift. Trump touted the record number of women in Congress but faced criticism for failing to mention the shutdown. Stacey Abrams, the first black woman to give the Democratic response, condemned Trump for harming federal workers to score political points. She also addressed voter suppression and diversity, establishing herself as a rising party leader. The dueling speeches underscored deep partisan divisions and previewed themes for the 2020 election. Each side used the high-profile platform to energetically promote their contrasting visions for America’s future.
Robert Mueller Resigns
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In a rare public statement, special counsel Robert Mueller addressed his investigation of Russian election interference and obstruction allegations against President Trump. Mueller said he lacked the confidence to clear Trump of obstruction. Though unable to charge a sitting president, he implied Congress could pursue impeachment. Mueller formally closed his office, referring to his report as his testimony. He declined further Congressional appearances. After two years, the inquiry ended not with a verdict but ambiguity. Mueller’s remarks fueled fresh debate about presidential misconduct and the limits of his probe. By avoiding firm conclusions, he left the next chapter open on an issue that deeply divided the nation along partisan lines. The unclear outcome ensured the Russia controversy would linger over the Trump presidency.
The Redacted Mueller Report Is Released To The Public
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In 2019, a redacted version of Robert Mueller’s report on Russian election interference became public. The special counsel found insufficient evidence to charge President Trump with a crime but declined to acquit him on obstruction. The report revealed contacts between Trump advisers and Russian-linked individuals. It also detailed Trump’s repeated efforts to undermine the probe, raising obstruction concerns. Reactions fell along partisan lines. Trump supporters insisted it showed no collusion, while critics called it the tip of the iceberg. The inconclusive findings ensured lingering questions about Trump’s conduct. The online debate reflected the nation’s deep divisions over the implications for his presidency. The release marked a pivotal moment but not the final word in a saga that gripped American politics.
President Trump Is Impeached
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In December 2019, the House of Representatives voted to impeach President Donald Trump along party lines. The two articles accused Trump of abusing power and obstructing Congress regarding alleged pressure on Ukraine to investigate political rival Joe Biden. Republicans decried the process as a sham, while Democrats said the president put personal interests above the country. Trump voiced outrage on Twitter before the historic vote, the third presidential impeachment ever. No prior impeached president had been removed, and Trump was expected to be acquitted in the Republican-controlled Senate. Still, the charges underscored accusations of corruption and marked a defining moment of his controversial presidency. According to USA Gov, throughout the history of the United States, there have been a total of 21 impeachments. This number includes impeachments of three presidents, one cabinet secretary, and one senator. However, out of those who were impeached, only eight officials were ultimately found guilty by the Senate and subsequently removed from their respective offices. It is worth noting that all of the eight officials were federal judges.
“No Boomers Allowed”: 15 States Where Retirees Are NOT Welcome
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If you’re planning a significant change during retirement, it’s crucial to think about the kind of home you desire and the aspects you should steer clear of. “If you’re thinking about making a big move in retirement, it’s important to consider what characteristics you want in your new home and which ones to avoid at all costs,” suggests experts. To assist you, we’ve compiled a catalog of the 15 least favorable states for retirement.
“No Boomers Allowed”: 15 States Where Retirees Are NOT Welcome
16 UNACCEPTABLE THINGS BOOMERS GOT AWAY WITH IN THEIR YOUTH THAT WOULD SPARK OUTRAGE TODAY
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Looking back on the childhood of the boomer generation, it becomes evident that certain things once considered appropriate would never pass today’s standards. The cultural landscape has evolved significantly, leading us to recognize 16 aspects of their upbringing that would be deemed wholly unacceptable today. From unsupervised outdoor adventures to unfiltered television content, the boomer generation got away with various experiences that would undoubtedly raise eyebrows in today’s world. Let’s delve into these intriguing elements of their upbringing and reflect on how far society has come.
16 UNACCEPTABLE THINGS BOOMERS GOT AWAY WITH IN THEIR YOUTH THAT WOULD SPARK OUTRAGE TODAY
STUCK IN THE 60S: 10 THINGS BABY BOOMERS REFUSE TO LET GO OF
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Memories of the “good old days” keep us trapped in the past. Baby boomers love to retell tales of how it was “in my day.” At the same time, millennials will tell them to get with the times. Being stuck in a time warp from which they don’t want to snap out of, here are things that baby boomers still think are fantastic. STUCK IN THE 60S: 10 THINGS BABY BOOMERS REFUSE TO LET GO OF
IT’S TIME TO LET GO: 30 OUTDATED BOOMER HOME TRENDS THAT DESPERATELY NEED TO BE SHOWN THE EXIT!
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With the advances of social media, home trends, décor, and fads change faster than ever before. While some trends become instant classics, others can be redundant, unsensible, or just downright hideous. In a popular online forum, users shared the home fads they’re tired of seeing. We’ve compiled a list of these most disliked home décor fads, so grab a cup of coffee, and let’s look into these less-than-inspiring home design options!
IT’S TIME TO LET GO: 30 OUTDATED BOOMER HOME TRENDS THAT DESPERATELY NEED TO BE SHOWN THE EXIT!