The week began with reports of violence in Brazil, with a coup attempt mirroring the January 6, 2021 uprising in America. Former President Jair Bolsonaro on Sunday responded to false allegations of electoral fraud in the capital, Brazil.
Back in the US, lawmakers this week called for an investigation and reforms after a Federal Aviation Administration computer outage that halted thousands of flights Wednesday. That's one of the questions Republican members of the House of Representatives want to investigate as they take the oath and run.
The White House is investigating stacks of confidential documents found in President Joe Biden's private office and most recently in the garage of his Delaware home. The story may sound familiar, as former President Donald Trump has been under investigation for months for alleged mishandling of confidential documents. There are parallels between the two situations, but also significant differences.
What happened in politics this week?
The president and the confidential documents, he continued
The White House confirmed on Thursday that additional classified documents were found in President Biden's Delaware garage. It came days after the first batch was reportedly found in Biden's private office.
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan and R. Mike Johnson announced Friday afternoon an investigation led by Attorney General Merrick Garland and the Justice Department. On Thursday, Garland named former Maryland Attorney General Robert Hurr as a special prosecutor in the case.
An investigation has been launched. House Republicans have launched an investigation into Biden's handling of confidential documents
Hur's role and appointment mirrors that of Special Counsel Jack Smith, whom Garland hired in November to lead the Trump investigation, including an investigation into hundreds of the former president's confidential documents. This week's news could become a political burden for Biden, who has previously criticized Trump as "reckless."
There are facts that distinguish Biden's situation from that of Trump, such as the current president's collaboration with the Justice Department and the fewer documents kept by Trump.
Biden "surprised". Government documents found in the president's private office say he doesn't know what's inside
Moreover. The White House refuses to answer key questions about Biden's confidential documents
Clashes in Brazil after January 6
Protesters in Brazil attacked major buildings on Sunday in response to false claims that President Jair Bolsonaro lost his re-election bid due to a malfunctioning electronic voting machine. Bolsonaro is a longtime Trump ally who has also championed voter fraud theories since his re-election and was charged with inciting violence on Capitol Hill on Jan. 6, 2021.
Among those targeted by Trump is Proud Boys leader Enrique Tario's lawyer, who will go on trial Jan. 6 on riot charges along with four other leaders of the far-right group.
“It is too difficult to impeach Trump, it is too difficult to stand up to him with his army of lawyers … Instead, they are attacking an easy target,” said Tario's lawyer, Sabino Giorgi.
Rules and home research
With the Senate still on hold until Jan. 23, members of the Chamber of Deputies got to work last week after voting for a panel of 15 speakers. The members who were sworn in last Saturday returned to the floor on Monday to pass the House rules package by 220 votes to 213.
The Republican majority in the House of Representatives announced Tuesday that it has formed two committees, one to examine the Biden administration and the executive branch, and the second to examine America's competitiveness with China. The GOP is ordering a House Oversight Committee investigation into, among other things, the cost of COVID-19 relief efforts, the southern border and the Biden family.
The latest on George Santos
The first-year rep from Long Island, New York, has more questions about his campaign finances. This follows the controversy surrounding George Santos for lying about his resume and personal background. Two House Democrats, along with a bipartisan watchdog, filed complaints about Santos' finances. In response to calls for his resignation, Santos' Nassau County GOP leaders said, "We don't consider him our Congressman."
In a tweet Wednesday, Santos said he was "elected to serve the people of #NY03" and that he "will NOT resign." This Thursday he represented Florida. asks Matt Getz, guest host of Steve Bannon's War Room. He said he would not respond to "politicians and party bosses".
"142,000 people voted for me, until 142,000 people said, we'll know in two years," Santos said.
California Republican spokesman Kevin McCarthy echoed similar sentiments when asked about the Republican primary at a news conference Thursday.
"Voters voted for George Santos. If there's a concern, it will go through the ethics committee," McCarthy said. “If something is discovered, it is treated as such, but they have a say in the process.”
go deep
This article originally appeared in USA TODAY. Biden's secret documents, revolt in Brazil, Santos' request for resignation, more
