McCarthy’s biggest victory yet comes with political price

Published

2 years ago

June 5, 2023

admin

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) may have proven his bipartisan negotiating chops by steering a debt ceiling increase through a severely divided Congress, but it came with a price.

Members of the hard-line House Freedom Caucus and their allies are lashing out at the deal, saying it does not include steep enough spending cuts and that McCarthy should not have accepted suspending the debt ceiling beyond the 2024 presidential election, a key demand of President Biden.

The frustrations boiled over after the bill passed the House with more votes from Democrats (165) than Republicans (149).

McCarthy did win support from two-thirds of the House GOP conference — a real coup for the Speaker — but conservatives were up in arms that more Democrats backed the legislation, and that the minority party’s votes were required to pass the House rule that brought the final package to the floor.

“My constituents are furious,” fumed Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.), who says his office has been inundated with calls in opposition to both the deal and McCarthy.

“They are not only [saying], ‘Vote against this bill,’ but they are [saying], ‘Take McCarthy out.’ That’s what the calls are coming in.”

Buck stopped short of saying he will file a motion to vacate — the formal term for launching the process of removing a Speaker — but indicated that conservatives no longer trust McCarthy to negotiate through the appropriations process, which will reach a head in September, and that they will begin immediate talks about stripping his gavel.

“The discussion about the motion to vacate is going to happen in the next week or two,” Buck said Wednesday night. “The people in our [districts], outside the Beltway right now, are saying, ‘$4 trillion is too much, you’ve got to get a new Speaker.’”

Buck is not alone.

Rep. Dan Bishop (R-N.C.) was the first conservative to promote the idea of toppling McCarthy after the debt ceiling deal was announced. And Chip Roy (R-Texas), another Freedom Caucus member, said the Speaker has some work to do to mend fences with his right flank.

“There’s going to need to be a bit of a reckoning and a kind of review of how we’re organizing ourselves in order to get things done,” Roy said on Guy Benson’s Fox News radio program Thursday.

“They basically just cut the deal and then told us. And we had to react, because now we’re being asked to respond and vote on a deal that was cut, not with our approval. And I was happy to give him a lot of rope. You know, go out there, do what you can. But you got to kind of come back,” Roy said.

Roy said he has already spoken with McCarthy directly and plans to sit down with him again next week to talk further.

The open rebellion by the Freedom Caucus has been deeply disappointing to Rep. Garret Graves (R-La.), a lead GOP negotiator of the debt limit bill who has helped McCarthy manage the House GOP caucus’s “five families” – a reference to “The Godfather” – since the Speaker’s election. Graves was particularly bothered by the criticism from Roy, whom he said had come to respect.

“We have some relationship repair that needs to happen,” Graves said. “We’re going to need to sit down and talk and probably over several bottles of something initially.”

Hard-line Republicans have always been wary of McCarthy’s conservative bona fides.

They had helped to block McCarthy’s rise to the top of the GOP in 2015, when then-Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) was forced to swoop in reluctantly to rescue the party from leadership chaos. And in January, they led the charge in opposition to McCarthy’s Speakership, agreeing to support the embattled leader only after he promised them a number of concessions, including a vow to hold the conservative line in budget negotiations with Biden.

The bipartisan deal that hit the floor last week, however, was a far cry from the GOP debt ceiling bill that passed through the House last month, which featured a much smaller debt limit increase, much steeper spending cuts and a host of conservative policy provisions excluded in the final agreement with Biden.

“I’m trying to figure out exactly what conservatives should be happy about,” said Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.), another Freedom Caucus member who voted against the package.

Still, Donalds is among those conservatives who are not calling for McCarthy’s scalp — at least not yet.

“We’ve not really had a discussion on that as a House Freedom Caucus,” he said. “He’s the Speaker of the House, so that’s the guy that we’re with. We’re going to roll with him. That’s my opinion.”

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), another sharp critic of the deal, echoed that message, saying she still has confidence in McCarthy.

“I disagree with him vehemently on this thing. … But we can agree to disagree on a lot of things,” she said.

Amid the debate, McCarthy has found some allies on the right, including Reps. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), a Freedom Caucus founder who had opposed McCarthy’s leadership aspirations in 2015, and Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), a conservative firebrand who had been a sharp McCarthy critic in the last Congress.

Both lawmakers supported the debt ceiling deal, and both have emerged in recent days to blast their fellow conservatives for contemplating a bid to oust McCarthy.

“It’d be a really dumb move,” Greene told reporters after the House vote. “I live in reality, not conservative fantasyland.”

McCarthy, for his part, has acknowledged the agreement’s shortcomings from a conservative perspective and has sought to quell an internal uprising with vows to be more transparent in bipartisan negotiations to come.

“Every day, I could wake up and improve. There’s so many times I stumble as we go,” McCarthy said after the vote. “It’s difficult in a time of negotiations to keep your full conference abreast, because as we do, you all leak it, and you can’t negotiate once you leak. So something blows something else up.”

Aaron Cutler, a partner at Hogan Lovells and former aide to former House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.), said McCarthy will have to give the unhappy members of his conference some time and ensure the priorities they care about are getting attention, such as oversight agendas.

“Allowing members to kind of bring their priorities to the floor in the coming months before the August recess, end of the year — I think that’ll be where the speaker can continue to build relationships with all sorts of members in the Republican conference,” Cutler said. Federal court to hear challenge over Prince Harry’s US visa following drug use admission House GOP to turn up heat on feds over gas stoves

McCarthy signaled he will turn more attention to the kind of oversight priorities that animate his critics now that the debt limit has been addressed, such as Republicans threatening to hold FBI Director Christopher Wray in contempt of Congress over a document subpoena dispute.

The Speaker also emphasized the political realities of governing in a divided Washington, which requires compromises that virtually ensure opposition from the ideological fringes of both parties.

“We were never going to get everybody,” he said.

World

Former president of Philippines Rodrigo Duterte appears in court accused of running death squads

Published

2 hours ago

March 14, 2025

admin

Former president of Philippines Rodrigo Duterte appears in court accused of running death squads

Rodrigo Duterte, the former president of the Philippines, has appeared at the International Criminal Court, accused of crimes against humanity.

The 79-year-old appeared in the Netherlands via video link on Friday.

His lawyer said he was suffering from “debilitating medical issues” but the judge in The Hague, Iulia Motoc, said the court doctor had found him to be “fully mentally aware and fit”.

She said he was allowed to appear remotely because he had taken a long flight.

Wearing a jacket and tie, Duterte spoke briefly to confirm his name and date of birth.

He was read his rights and formally informed of the charges. His supporters contest his arrest and say the court does not have jurisdiction.

If convicted, he faces life in prison.

His daughter Sara Duterte, the current vice president of the Philippines, said she was hoping to visit her father and have the hearing moved after meeting supporters outside the court.

Back home in the Philippine capital region, large screens were set up to allow families of suspects killed in the crackdowns to watch the proceedings.

Prosecutors accuse Duterte of forming and arming death squads said to have killed thousands of drug dealers and users during a brutal crackdown on illegal drugs.

Police say more than 6,200 people were killed in what they describe as shootouts while he was president from 2016 to 2022.

They claim he was an “indirect co-perpetrator” in multiple murders, allegedly overseeing killings between November 2011 and March 2019.

Before becoming president, Duterte was the mayor of the southern city of Davao.

According to the prosecution, he issued orders to police and other “hitmen” who formed the so-called “Davao Death Squads” or DDS.

Estimates of the death toll during his six-year presidential term vary, from more than 6,000 reported by national police, to 30,000 claimed by human rights groups.

The warrant for his arrest said there were “reasonable grounds to believe that Mr Duterte bears criminal responsibility for the crime against humanity of murder”.

Duterte has said he takes full responsibility for the “war on drugs”.

He was arrested on Tuesday amid chaotic scenes in Manila, the capital of the Philippines, after returning from a visit to Hong Kong.

He told officers “you have to kill me to bring me to The Hague” during a 12-hour standoff, a Philippine police general said.

He also refused to have his fingerprints taken and threatened Police Major General Nicolas Torre with lawsuits before he was bundled onto a government-chartered jet at a Philippine air base and taken to The Hague, Maj Gen Torre told the Associated Press.

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.

Please refresh the page for the fullest version.

You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow us on WhatsApp and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.

Environment

1,000 kW fast charging?!? BYD teases tech twice as fast as Tesla, debuting March 17

Published

2 hours ago

March 14, 2025

admin

1,000 kW fast charging?!? BYD teases tech twice as fast as Tesla, debuting March 17

Build Your Dreams (BYD) is gearing up for what has the makings of an epic launch event this coming Monday. The Chinese automaker announced several incoming debuts coming early next week, including a new “BYD Super e-Platform,” described as a “new benchmark in electric.” What’s most interesting, however, is that BYD is teasing a new ultra-fast EV charger with up to 1,000 kW of power – that’s twice as powerful as the current best on the market.

Automotive conglomerate BYD is at it again, continuously showcasing its innovation and market expansion as a clear force that will not be ignored by the global automotive segment. In addition to several EV marques, including its new ultra-performance Yangwang brand, BYD develops and implements EV battery technology and EV charging infrastructure.

Earlier this week, BYD shared that Yangwang will be launching its new U7 sedan at an event held at the former’s headquarters in Shenzen, China, later this month. Before then, however, BYD is preparing for a launch event for its own namesake as early as this Monday at HQ.

According to a Weibo post from earlier today, BYD’s launch event on the 17th promises the debut of a new high-performance EV platform, the start of pre-sales of two new models, and an unveiling of new EV charger technology capable of up to 1,000 kW. Eat your heart out, Tesla. You, too, Electrify America.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

BYD to unveil 1,000 kW fast charging tech on 3/17

According to the Weibo Post from BYD, its next launch event will take place this coming Monday, March 17 at 7 PM Beijing time (7 AM EDT). The post was translated to English, but essentially promises the debut of its new “BYD Super e-Platform,” which will reinvent pure electric technology.

As reported by CnEVPost, an invitation to the event elaborated on the capabilities of the Super e-Platform, stating it will “use disruptive technology to completely solve the biggest headache in EV use.” That’s assumedly the charging process and how long even the fastest chargers still take in comparison to a gas station visit.

On that note, the BYD event also includes the debut of a new 1,000 kW EV fast charger. Per the post seen above:

1,000-kW flash charging that allows refueling and charging to have the same speed.

A 1,000 kW BYD fast charger would be a marvel and a potential game changer for EV adoption, doubling the power of current industry leaders like Tesla. The American automaker began rolling out its V4 Superchargers in North America in 2023, which are currently capable of 325 kW. However, Tesla has shared plans to boost those capabilities with 500 kW cabinets this year.

Even so, BYD is on the cusp of introducing EV charging capabilities that are double that prospective target, and it already has the technology out in the wild. CnEVPost also shared reports from several auto bloggers in China that captured images of what seems to be the new BYD charger, relaying that specifications listed on the pile support up to 1,000 volts and power of up to 1,000 kW.

BYD also intends to open pre-sales of its Han L and Tang L EVs at the same event. Because of this, there is speculation that both models will sit atop BYD’s Super e-Platform and support charging power of up to 1,000 kW.

We won’t know for sure until Monday, but this sounds like it will be an exciting one from BYD. Circle back to Electrek on Monday for a full recap.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Environment

Check out Kia’s cool new ‘Unplugged Ground’ EV experience center [Images]

Published

2 hours ago

March 14, 2025

admin

Check out Kia's cool new 'Unplugged Ground' EV experience center [Images]

Kia opened its new “Unplugged Ground” on Friday, a unique EV experience. The complex has Kia’s latest EVs, including the EV4, on display for visitors to meet and interact with.

Kia opens new Unplugged Ground EV experience

The Kia Unplugged Ground first opened in 2021 following the launch of its first dedicated electric vehicle, the EV6. It’s located in

Since then, Kia has revamped the brand with a new logo, branding, and sleek new styling. It has also introduced an entirely new generation of mass-market EVs that are now rolling out globally.

Kia introduced its first electric sedan, the EV4, earlier this year during its 2025 EV Day event (see our event recap). We also got our first look at the PV5, Kia’s first electric van, and the EV2, its smallest, cheapest model set to launch next year.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

These will join the three-row EV9, and smaller EV3 and EV5 electric SUVs in Kia’s wide-ranging lineup. As part of its “EVs for all” strategy, prices will range from under $30,000 to upwards of $80,000.

To coincide with the launch of the EV4, Kia transformed the EV experience center. The upgraded facility opened in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, on Friday with a futuristic look and cool new interactive technology.

The EV experience center now displays Kia’s entire lineup, including the EV4, EV3, EV6, and EV9. Visitors can interact with the vehicles using Apple’s mixed reality headset Vision Pro, racing simulators, and more. They can even try out the EV9’s advanced driver assistance systems virtually.

Kia-EV4-orders-Korea — Kia EV4 sedan (Source: Hyundai Motor)

Kia’s upgraded EV brand experience comes after it opened EV4 orders earlier this week in Korea. The EV4 starts at 41.92 million won, or roughly $29,000.

Kia EV4 Trim	Starting Price
Kia EV4 Standard Air	41.92 million won ($28,900)
Kia EV4 Standard Earth	46.69 million won ($32,000)
Kia EV4 Standard GT-Line	47.83 million won ($32,900)
Kia EV4 Long Range Air	46.29 million won ($31,800)
Kia EV4 Long Range Earth	51.04 million won ($35,000)
Kia EV4 Long Range GT-Line	51.04 million won ($35,900)

Kia EV4 prices in South Korea (Source: Hyundai Motor)

With a 58.3 kWh battery, the standard EV4 Air is rated with up to 237 miles (382 km) driving range. The long-range model, starting at 46.29 million won ($31,800), features an 81.4 kWh battery for up to 331 miles (533 km) range.

Later this year Kia will launch the electric sedan in the US, Europe, and other global markets. Maybe, we could get one of these futuristic EV experience centers, too?

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.