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The UtahPolicy.com daily newsletter gets you up to speed on the top local and national news about politics and public policy. Send news tips or feedback to bschott@utahpolicy.com, or message us on Twitter.


Situational awareness - December 20, 2019

Good morning from Salt Lake City and TGIF!


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Here are the stories you need to pay attention to this morning:

  • The House and Senate are facing off over President Trump's impeachment trial.
  • Herbert pushes back against tax reform critics.
  • Former White House officials say Vladimir Putin is why President Trump believes Ukraine interfered in the 2016 election.

FRIDAY TRIVIA

Last week's winner, Mike Mower, sends along today's question:

Which Utah County was named for a Republican Utah Territory Governor who liked the Mormons?

If you know the answer, send your response to me at bschott@utahpolicy.com.

The THIRD correct answer will get to ask the next trivia question.


PROGRAMMING NOTE

This newsletter is taking Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of next week off for the Christmas holiday. We'll return on Monday, December 30.


TICK TOCK

Days to the first day of the 2020 Utah Legislature: 38 (1/27/2020)

Days to the 2020 Iowa Caucuses: 45 (2/3/2020)

Days to the Utah presidential primaries: 74 (3/3/2020)

Days to the final day of the 2020 Utah Legislature: 83 (3/12/2020)

Days to the 2020 Utah primary elections: 193 (6/30/2020)

Days to the 2020 election: 319 (11/3/2020)



Today At Utah Policy

images/1000px_Screenshots/20191219_Lee_Fox.jpgLee rips Pelosi's delay tactics on impeachment. 'She knows it will end badly for her'
By Bryan Schott, Managing Editor
Sen. Mike Lee said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's gambit to possibly delay a Senate impeachment trial will eventually have little to zero impact on the eventual outcome.
images/1000px_Mugs/20191219_Herbert_KUED.jpgHerbert defends tax reform against growing criticism
By Bryan Schott, Managing Editor
Governor Gary Herbert pushed back against critics of the recently passed tax reform bill on Thursday, brushing back assertions that the process was rushed or that it hurts lower-income Utahns.
images/1000px_Logos/Cities_Work_Logo.jpgCities Work podcast: Our shared national interests -- What we want in a president
By Utah League of Cities and Towns
Whether it's infrastructure or workforce, there are certain issues that are community priorities across the nation. ULCT's Executive Director Cameron Diehl and other members of the National League of Cities' Presidential Platform Task Force discuss an evaluation process for each of the candidates. This is a non-partisan effort. After all, there's no Democratic or Republican way to fill a pothole.

OTHER UTAH HEADLINES

Deseret News

Salt Lake Tribune

Other



NATIONAL HEADLINES

Stall tale

The House and Senate are in a standoff over President Donald Trump's impeachment trial. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is delaying transmitting the articles of impeachment to the Senate until Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell sets rules for the trial that are acceptable to Senate Democrats [Washington Post].


Mayor Pete's turn in the barrel

Pete Buttigieg took fire from the six other Democrats on the stage during Thursday night's Democratic debate [Politico].


Trade deal

The House approved a new North American trade deal on Thursday, delivering an end of year victory for both President Trump and House Democrats [Washington Post].


Whiskey. Tango. Foxtrot.

Former White House officials say they believe Russian President Vladimir Putin is the genesis of President Trump's belief in the discredited conspiracy theory that Ukraine, not Russia, interfered in the 2016 election. "Putin told me," is what Trump told one former senior White House official [Washington Post].


Wow!

An influential evangelical magazine says President Trump should be removed from office [Christianity Today].


Watching

The U.S. is keeping a close eye on North Korea for signs of a possible missile launch or nuclear test in the coming days [AP].



BUSINESS HEADLINES



Policy News

images/1000px_Logos/Congressional_News_05.jpgBishop statement on passage of new trade deal with Canada and Mexico
The House of Representatives voted on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Following the vote, Congressman Bishop stated:"It is about time!
images/1000px_Logos/Congressional_News_04.jpgUtah priorities included in end of year funding bills
U.S. Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT) today voted in favor of two Fiscal Year 2020 appropriations bills, which include legislation he fought for to reduce youth vaping, support Hill Air Force Base, repeal Obamacare taxes, and protect rural Utah communities.
images/1000px_Logos/Congressional_News_03.jpgMcAdams votes for trade agreement to strengthen Utah economy; support Utah jobs
Congressman Ben McAdams joined in the bipartisan vote to approve the U.S. Mexico Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA). McAdams has been a strong advocate for passage, urging all sides to reach an agreement and for Democratic leadership to bring it to the House floor for a vote before the end of 2019.
images/1000px_Logos/Congressional_News_02.jpgStewart proposes budget process reform
Congressman Chris Stewart (R-UT) introduced legislation requiring that the annual Presidential budget provide an estimate of the per taxpayer cost of the deficit and of the public debt.
images/1000px_Logos/SL_Chamber_Logo_1000.jpgGovernor Gary R. Herbert to be honored as 41st Giant in our City
The Salt Lake Chamber has announced that Governor Gary R. Herbert will be honored as the 41st Giant in our City. The award honors those with exceptional and distinguished service and extraordinary professional achievement and is widely recognized as the most prestigious business award given in Utah.
Casual Friday: Weekend Events & Outdoors Report
Outdoors Report--Salt Lake Tribune: Feds shift gears, now may let major highway cut across southern Utah tortoise preserve...

More National Headlines


ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY

1606 - The Virginia Company loads three ships with settlers and sets sail to establish Jamestown, Virginia, the first permanent English settlement in the Americas.

1803 - The United States formally took over territory acquired from France in the Louisiana Purchase.

1860 - South Carolina becomes the first state to attempt to secede from the United States.

1946 - The film It's a Wonderful Life is first released in New York City.

1971 - Doctors without Borders is founded in Paris, France.

1989 - The United States invaded Panama to oust Manuel Noriega and install the duly elected civilian government.


Wise Words

Greatest Happiness


"Our greatest happiness does not depend on the condition of life in which chance has placed us, but is always the result of a good conscience, good health, occupation, and freedom in all just pursuits."Thomas Jefferson

Lighter Side

Carnival


"Greta famously sailed across the Atlantic Ocean on a boat with no kitchen, no showers and no toilets. And anyone who's ever been on a carnival cruise was, like 'Hey, I did that. Where is my award?'"- JIMMY FALLON

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