James Applauds SCOTUS Ruling Protecting DACA
New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) released a statement yesterday following the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
The Court ruled that the Trump Administration cannot go through with its plan to shut down the program, on the grounds that it did not present an adequate justification for ending it.
“Today’s decision reaffirms that there is no question that home is here for more than 700,000 Dreamers across the country,” said James. “America is a country of immigrants; our culture made richer by their contributions and our economy made more prosperous because of their work. I am proud to have co-led the fight to protect this critical program and the more than 700,000 DACA recipients across the country, and more than 150,000 right here in New York. To our Dreamers, know that you are valued, that you are loved, and that we will always fight to protect you. Si se puede!”
Nadler Denounces Trump for Trying to Block Publication of Bolton’s Book
U.S. Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-Manhattan, Brooklyn) released a statement yesterday regarding the Trump Administration’s attempts to halt the publication of former national security advisor John R. Bolton’s memoir.
The book, entitled “The Room Where It Happened”, features a sobering account of Bolton’s experiences working for Trump. The President denounced the book as “a compilation of lies and made-up stories”, and is trying to block its publication on the grounds that it contains classified material.
“Most Americans already knew that President Trump is unfit for office, having abused his office again and again,” said Nadler. “That is precisely what was laid out during the House’s impeachment inquiry, and throughout the Senate trial. John Bolton’s book only confirms the case that we made, and shows the complete abdication by Senate Republicans to put country above party and consider the interest of the United States and of America’s national security and democratic interests ahead of their own or Donald Trump’s.
“Now, in the middle of a global pandemic and near universal recognition of the urgent need for greater racial justice and equality in our country, President Trump and Attorney General Barr have instead prioritized a misguided, bad faith, last-minute lawsuit to prevent Mr. Bolton from publishing a book, the facts of which are already know. While thousands of Americans are marching in the streets to demand their civil rights, the Trump Administration has once again weaponized the Department of Justice to serve the President’s petty, personal, political interests.”
De Blasio Announces Outdoor Dining Guidance for Restaurants
Yesterday, Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) announced official guidelines for the City’s Open Restaurants program.
The program will allow certain bars and restaurants to expand their outdoor dining areas as New York prepares for Phase 2 of reopening. It includes a streamlined, expedited process by which restaurants can prove their eligibility for expansion.
“Restaurants are the backbone of New York City’s neighborhood culture, and they’ve done their part in slowing the spread of COVID-19. It’s our City’s turn to help them reopen safely and responsibly,” said de Blasio. “These commonsense guidelines will help local businesses get back on their feet – and let New Yorkers safely enjoy the meal they’ve earned.”
Johnson, Torres Demand Investigation into False Comments Made by Police Unions
Yesterday, Council Speaker Corey Johnson (D-Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen) and Councilmember Ritchie Torres (D-Bronx) called on the NYPD to investigate false and inflammatory comments made by the Police Benevolent Association (PBA) and the Detectives’ Endowment Association (DEA).
Recently, representatives from both organizations falsely accused Shake Shake of intentionally poisoning officers. In a letter to the NYPD, Johnson and Torres called for an investigation into these remarks to find out if they violate City laws and rules. They also called for a probe into the misogynistic comments the Sergeants Benevolent Association (SBA) made about Health Commissioner Oxiris Barbot.
“Releasing confidential information is wrong,” said Johnson. “Making false statements is wrong. And making vile and misogynistic comments about the first Latina Health Commissioner is wrong. These inflammatory actions not only further damage the relationship between police and the public; they violate city rules. We wouldn’t tolerate this kind of behavior from any other City employees and we should not tolerate it from police union leaders. We need to hold them accountable.”
