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Senate speeds modified block grant agreement with feds; House suspends rules for consideration
The Tennessee General Assembly is roaring ahead with a modified Medicaid block grant program for the state’s poorest residents despite the possibility the Biden Administration could rescind it. Two Senate panels — the Senate Health and Welfare Committee and the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee — approved the federal agreement Wednesday, with dissent coming only […]
Hargett remains Secretary of State despite modicum of Democratic opposition
The General Assembly overwhelmingly re-elected Secretary of State Tre Hargett to the constitutional office, despite opposition from some Democrats, and elevated former legislator Jason Mumpower to the post of Tennessee Comptroller, replacing the retiring Justin Wilson. Twelve Democrats out of 132 members in the 112th General Assembly voted against Hargett’s re-election Wednesday at the War […]
Smith sidesteps questions about FBI raid but won’t deny she could be subject of probe
Days after the FBI raided her office and home, state Rep. Robin Smith denied being a “target” of a federal investigation but stopped short of saying she’s not a “subject” of the FBI probe. “My attorney issued a statement on Friday. It’s an accurate statement. I am fully cooperating. I plan to be doing that. […]
U.S. Capitol attack looms over Legislature as lawmakers downplay insurrection
A Republican Tennessee lawmaker who attended the Washington, D.C. protest-turned-riot denied Tuesday she did anything wrong as she faces potential removal for supporting the insurrection. State Rep. Terri Lynn Weaver, a Lancaster Republican representing the 40th House District, acted as if she was unaware of the Jan. 6 attack in which five people died as […]
Targets of FBI raid lawyer up
A new Marshall County Republican legislator targeted by the FBI in a Friday morning raid has hired a prominent Nashville criminal defense attorney to represent him. Todd Warner, a Chapel Hill farmer and businessman, retained Peter Strianse after federal agents swooped down on his home and business early Jan. 8. Warner also could face renewed […]
Cooper: House to seek removal of President Trump
Congressman Jim Cooper predicted Monday the U.S. House will seek to remove President Donald Trump this week for inciting insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, either by invoking the 25th Amendment or impeaching the commander in chief as he leaves office. Cooper, a Nashville Democrat, was set to return to Washington, D.C., Monday where he said […]
Cooper urges Biden to reverse TennCare block grant
Three days after Tennessee officials announced approval of a Medicaid block grant to fund TennCare, the state’s program for sick and needy residents, Congressman Jim Cooper sent President-elect Joe Biden a letter asking him to rescind the plan. Tennessee’s Republican leaders say a block grant will enable the state to run the healthcare program more […]
FBI raids homes, legislative offices; Three legislative staff members placed on leave
The FBI raided the legislative offices and homes of state lawmakers as well as current and former aides, multiple sources confirmed to the Tennessee Lookout. The raids were first reported by the Tennessean. State Rep. Glen Casada, state Rep. Robin Smith, newly elected state Rep. Todd Warner and former Casada aide Cade Cothren were among […]
Putting the presidency back together: McNally recognizes Biden presidency as congressmen seek Trump removal
Recognition of Joe Biden’s presidential election victory started trickling in Thursday from Tennessee Republicans as congressional leaders tried to figure out the nation’s next step in the wake of a U.S. Capitol insurrection by Trump supporters. At least four people died, including one Air Force veteran shot by U.S. Capitol Police, in the melee, and […]
Camper asks governor to call virtual session, State of State
House Minority Leader Karen Camper, still feeling the ill effects of COVID-19, is asking Gov. Bill Lee to give his State of the State address virtually and order the Legislature to hold its sessions online as the 112th General Assembly convenes. In a pre-Christmas letter to the governor, the Memphis Democrat requested Lee also send […]
How Tennessee leaders responded to uprising at U.S. Capitol
Members of Tennessee’s Congressional delegation called for peace following insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday during a Senate debate about whether to certify the presidential election results. Congress members and their staff reported being safe following a dramatic scene in which armed protesters stormed the Senate chambers, overrunning the Capitol police following a rally […]
Sexton balks at masks, but Legislature to take other COVID-19 precautions
House Speaker Cameron Sexton told lawmakers Tuesday masks won’t be required during 2021 sessions because their effectiveness is disputable, yet both the House and Senate are taking other steps to stem COVID-19 as the 112th General Assembly convenes. Among the new measures, an antibacterial mist will be sprayed in the Senate and House chambers in […]