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Jan. 29, 2017, 12:38 p.m.

Senate Minority Leader Charles E. SchumerandDemocrats will introduce legislation as soon as Monday to stop President Trump's actions temporarilybanning refugees and arrivals from certain Muslim countries.

House Democrats are taking similar legislative action, and lawmakers from both chambers will rally Monday evening at the Supreme Court to protest Trump's orders.

"This executive order was mean-spirited and un-American," said Schumer, the New York Democrat, choking up as he stood with immigrants and refugees at a press conferenceSunday. "It must be reversed immediately."

Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said House Democratsare exploring legal options, including an amicusbrief in support of the ACLU lawsuit againstthe actions.

The chances of passing a bill through the Republican-controlled Congress are slim, as most GOP leaders and lawmakers have not objected to Trump's ban.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said Sunday that while he was personally opposed to a "religious test" on admissions, it was best left to the courts to resolve the issue.

"It's hopefully going to be decided in the courts as to whether or not this has gone too far," McConnell said on ABC's "This Week."

House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) expressed his support Friday for Trump's action.

A handful of Republicans, though, are uneasy with Trump's orders, and have spoken against them.

Schumer noted that justfew moreRepublicans would be needed to reach the 60-vote threshold for advancing Senate legislation.

"Maybe we can pass something in Congress," Schumer said. "It's up to Republicans."

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Democrats in Congress drafting legislation to repeal Trump's refugee ban, pressuring GOP for support - Los Angeles Times

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Democrats have done a very good job atone thing since the 2016 presidential election: forgetting about the voters they lost.

Less than 100 days after Democratic nominee Hillary Clintons crushing defeat and Republican capture of the White House, Democrats are hammering the identity politics that lost them the presidency in the first place.

Voters that swung from left to right in staunchly blue states like Michigan and Wisconsin are receiving no reassurance from Democrats that they are seen, heard or cared about.

The Democratic Party rallied around and offered support for the hundreds of thousands of people that came to Washington, D.C. for the Womens March on Washington.

Illegal immigrants from the southern border and migrants from across the sea were embraced as the future of the country. They push the narrative of a civil rights battle that places the priority on non-Americans over Americans.

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio called President Donald Trumps executive order barring immigrants from certain Middle Eastern countries un-American, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer described immigrant families as the promise of America.

These are all good and fine battles for the left, but which one of them addresses their millions of constituents who feel the new Democrats arent focused on them? On their issues?

Blue-collar workers werenegatively impacted by then-President Barack Obamas war on coal and his administrations oppressive regulatory burdensfor eight years. Over 10,000 coal miners lost their jobs just between April 2015 and April 2016. Regulations cost American businesses and taxpayers tens of billions of dollars. Companies cut back on staff to ease the strain, and those that lost their jobsfaced a government that was responsible for this,and offered them federal welfare grants as an apology.

The result of these burdens was a fatal Democratic gubernatorial, House, Senate and White House bleed. Republicans control the most state legislatures since the Civil War. Thirty-three of 50governorships are Republican. The right holds 240 seats in the House of Representatives and 52 in the Senate.

The hundreds of millions of dollars and $1.2 billion,in Clintons case the left spent on these races produced monstrous losses for the party.

Now, instead of reflecting on the partys core problems (like Republicans did after their wallop in 2008), Democrats are hunkering down and latching on to the policy anchors they keep mistaking forlife vests.

Democratic leaders did nothing to stem the violent attacks against Trump supporters in the days and weeks after the election, and now theyre focusing all of their energy on topics that blue-collar workers either dont care about or are negatively impacted by.

Working-class Democrats are staring through the window at a party they are no longer invited to.

The economy is not a sexy topic, and does not ignite the passions like social justice issues do, but its a vital one. It impacts the livelihood and well-being of American families. Those families need to know their party is looking out for them; when they dont hear that anymore, they will start to look for someone whos listening.

President Donald Trump is fulfilling his campaign promises. He killed the Trans-Pacific Partnership; ordered the building of a U.S.-Mexico border wall; stopped immigration from certain countries in the Middle East and Africa; began dismantling the Affordable Care Act; reinstated the ban on American tax dollars paying for abortions overseas,and convinced companies to keep jobs in the U.S.

The left held protests that congested airports and clogged city streets.

Even if you dont agree with him, at least Trump is keeping his promises and paying attention to the Middle America Democrats so quickly forgot.

Democrats stopped putting regular Americans first. Its not surprising that Americans stopped putting the Democratic Party first.

The longer they choose to ignore the oldest part of their base, the higher the likelihood those voters wont be there when Democrats realize their mistake.

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Democrats Have Already Forgotten The People That Cost Them The Election - Daily Caller

House Judiciary Committee ranking member John Conyers was one of the lawmakers who signed the letter. | Getty

Top Democrats on committees with judiciary, homeland security and foreign affairs oversight are demanding an emergency meeting with DHS Secretary John Kelly to discuss President Donald Trumps controversial executive action on refugees.

As ranking members of the committees of jurisdiction for matters of immigration, border security, and admission of refugees, we write to you on an emergency basis to request a meeting to discuss the implementation and guidance concerning the Executive Order, the lawmakers wrote in a letter sent to Kelly on Sunday night, exclusively obtained by POLITICO.

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House Judiciary Committee ranking member John Conyers (D-Mich.), Homeland Security ranking member Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), Foreign Affairs Committee ranking member Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.) and Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), top Democrat on Judiciarys immigration panel, all signed on to the letter.

Only two days after the Order was signed, it is clear that it has already led to panic and disorder, not to mention protests, they wrote. Lofgren is planning to introduce legislation to roll back the executive action although its unlikely to go anywhere given House Speaker Paul Ryans endorsement of Trumps plan.

The lawmakers are demanding a meeting with Kelly this Wednesday or sooner, saying the circus of legal issues surrounding detained refugees, visa holders and green-card holders make it necessary.

Separately, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) made a personal call to Kelly on Saturday, urging the administration to rescind the order. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and her staff have also reached out to Kelly.

Democrats have blasted Trumps executive action banning refugees and immigrants from seven majority-Muslims countries since it was signed Friday afternoon. Several Democrats joined with tens of thousands of demonstrators to protest the controversial proposal over the weekend, while other lawmakers camped out at international airports in the U.S., trying to help incoming travelers who were unable to enter the country.

The lawmakers also criticized DHS for reports that customs officials werent complying with court orders granting detainees access to legal counsel.

Given the widespread chaos and confusion caused by the order and the issuance of stays last evening concerning the Order by federal courts in New York, Virginia, and Massachusetts, they wrote, it is vital that we meet as soon as possible so that we may provide needed guidance and information to our committees and our constituents.

DHS issued a statement Sunday evening, before the Democrats letter, saying customs agents were taking steps to comply with judicial orders issued over the weekend blocking aspects of Trumps plan and giving lawyers access to detainees.

We are committed to ensuring that all individuals affected by the executive orders, including those affected by the court orders, are being provided all rights afforded under the law, DHS wrote in an unsigned statement.

We are also working closely with airline partners to prevent travelers who would not be granted entry under the executive orders from boarding international flights to the U.S. Therefore, we do not anticipate that further individuals traveling by air to the United States will be affected.

Separately, Kelly issued a statement Sunday night clarifying that green card holders were exempt from Trumps executive action.

House and Senate Democrats plan to protest Trumps executive action during a rally on the Supreme Court steps Monday evening, in between a series of House and Senate votes. Local immigrants and refugees will join Democrats at the rally, which is expected to end with a candlelight vigil.

We look forward to meeting with you in short order so that we can have an open and candid discussion about how the Trump administration arrived at this chaotic place, what you understand the meaning of the Executive Order to be, and what guidance you have offered to your employees and other stakeholders, the Democrats wrote to Kelly.

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House Democrats demand meeting with DHS chief over Trump ban - Politico

By Susan Stamper Brown | January 29, 2017 | 5:30 p.m.

King Solomon once wrote in Proverbs 19:13 that the most annoying sound on the planet was a nagging wife, but obviously, hed never heard what leftists sound like after they lose elections.

Trump Derangement Syndrome will be around for years to come folks, so it might be wise to invest in a good set of earbuds to drown out the whining. Oh, and maybe consider carrying a fire extinguisher in case another anti-Trumper decides to light himself on fire, like the guy in front of Trump Tower who said he did it as an act of protest.

Congressional Democrats showed who they really are by boycotting President Donald Trumps inauguration while fellow Democrat anarchists chucked bricks, shattered glass, ignited fires and destroyed personal property.

Funny thing is, more than 90 percent of D.C. went for Hillary Clinton, so the destruction spree only served to injure their own.

The following day, anti-Trump womens marches also turned a little nasty. They began with what sounded like a menopausal outburst by Madonna who welcomed protesters to the revolution of love and then shot off a series of F-Bombs on live TV.

Madonna also admitted, Yes, Im angry. Yes, Im outraged. Yes, I have thought an awful lot about blowing up the White House, but I know it wont change anything.

Lovely.

Actress Ashley Judd partnered in the vulgarities which arent fit to post here, but one thing is for sure: Madonnas and Judds clown show inspired lots of people to join the Democratic Party, said no normal person, ever.

I will admit, because of Trumps colorful past, he brought some of this on himself, but thats no excuse for this level of stupidity.

Clinton defended a man charged with raping a 12-year-old-girl. She forced the exclusion of damning evidence that allowed the man to serve only one year for raping and injuring Kathy Shelton, who was made infertile as a result.

I dont think (shes) for women or girls, Shelton said of Clinton in an interview with The Daily Mail.

I think shes lying. I think she said anything she can to get in the campaign and win.

Clinton also publicly smeared multiple women while defending her own man, President Bill Clinton.

Commentators on MSNBC bragged about the crowd size of the womens marches but, as a fellow female, I couldnt help noticing the size of some of the marchers. There is a big difference between crowd numbers and crowd size.

From the TV clips I watched, theres not a lot of cutting back on salt intake and Big Gulps in New York City. Sure, TV cameras always add a few pounds, but not that many.

Some of the footage of the women on bridges was concerning. I recall Rep. Hank Johnson, D-G., lamenting in 2010 the whole island of Guam might tip over due to overpopulation. Someone might want to check the structural integrity of the bridges used during the marches.

I will compliment them for marching. At this point, any cardio will help, but they should also lay off the chocolate bars, like I do when my size 2s get tight. In fact, they should consider marching every day rather than just when Democrats lose elections.

MSNBC said protesters clogged the subways and bus systems. They couldve burned a few extra calories hoofing it to the protest areas. Much of the time the women were immobile, which looked more like a cow auction at the Fort Worth Stockyards than a protest march.

MSNBC said the goal of the marches and speeches was to inspire women to get off the couch and run for office. Just getting off the couch would be a good start. Grazing slowly on smaller portions also helps.

During the marches, MSNBC commentators suggested the outlandish displays were a hint of things to come as the Democratic Party pushes farther left. Obviously, they are clueless these antics are a YUGE! reason why voters handed Trump the presidency.

Susan Stamper Brown writes about culture, politics and current events from her home in Alaska, and is syndicated by Cagle Cartoons. Contact her through Facebook or at [emailprotected]. Click here for previous columns. The opinions expressed are her own.

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Susan Stamper Brown: Democrats' Post-Election Temper-Tantrums Continue - Noozhawk

Democrats spent the weekend building a full-scale opposition push against President Donald Trump's executive order banning entry into the United States for refugees, migrants and even green-card holders from seven mostly Muslim countries.

On Saturday night, elected officials and candidates for Democratic National Committee leadership positions joined protesters at airports around the country. On Sunday, Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (N.Y.) fought back tears as he announced that Democrats would introduce legislation to stop the order.

"This executive order was mean-spirited and un-American," he said, flanked by refugees at a news conference in New York. "Look at these faces! Are they any kind of threat to America? No, they're the promise of America."

Schumer and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., are inviting all Democratic lawmakers to join them at 6 p.m. Monday on the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court to show solidarity with legal attempts to block Trump's travel ban. And in an interview, Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., said he would introduce legislation to overturn Trump's order by forcing him to comply with the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act, which banned discrimination against immigrants on the basis of national origin.

"I think ultimately this ban will be struck down by the courts, but we need to put legislation on the table that Republicans could support, that overturns the ban," Murphy said. "(The president) clearly campaigned on this ban, but the fact that he put no thought into how it was drafted or how it would be implemented is incredibly dangerous."

Given that stance, Murphy said, Democrats must "force a debate" this week on Trump's order by slowing consideration of the president's remaining Cabinet nominees, especially Rex Tillerson, his choice to serve as the next secretary of state.

"We should take every ounce of time that we're allowed on these nominees, to talk about the disaster that has been the first week of this administration, especially when it comes to foreign policy," he said.

Schumer and Democrats are eager to move quickly because they believe there is a rare opportunity to ride a wave of GOP opposition to Trump's moves. Democrats argue that one of the only ways they can influence policymaking in the next two years is to drive a wedge between Trump and members of his own party.

At his news conference, Schumer said he believed legislation could easily move through the Senate given the growing opposition from key Republicans, including John McCain (Ariz.), Lindsey O. Graham (S.C.), Ben Sasse (Neb.) and others.

Details of the legislative proposals were still being sorted out Sunday afternoon, but most are likely to be introduced by Democratic members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which has oversight of refugee and immigrants' rights issues, aides said. Schumer was working to coordinate the proposals Sunday; Murphy said he had received a call from the leader early in the day to confer.

Democratic leaders were also exploring the options for holding more public events to draw attention to the opposition to Trump's orders - with the party seeking to once again tap into the anger that has driven millions of Americans into the streets.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., who has taken a leading role in Democratic messaging, said Sunday that the Senate needs "to pass legislation immediately which effectively rescinds Trump's un-American and unconstitutional ban on people from seven Muslim countries from entering the United States" and to slow the nomination process.

"Almost without exception, Trump's Cabinet nominees are extremely controversial and way outside of the American mainstream," Sanders said. "In my view, the Senate needs to take as much time as possible on the floor for a full discussion and debate about each of these nominees."

For the party's restive base, that fight - just nine days into the new president's term - could not come soon enough. While Democrats have embraced the protests against Trump and Republican policies, and while some helped organize more than 70 rallies on Jan. 15 against repeal of the Affordable Care Act, progressives have criticized the party for not voting en masse against Trump's Cabinet picks.

"You better show up ready to do real work on Monday after all this pro bono work we, the people, did for you on our day off," said CNN host W. Kamau Bell in a Saturday night tweet.

In several cases, Democratic lawmakers took one of the most basic steps available to them as members of Congress: They provided services for constituents. Reps. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., and Nydia M. Velzquez, D-N.Y., who represent parts of Manhattan and Brooklyn, showed up at John F. Kennedy International Airport and helped activists and attorneys seek the quick release of green-card holders and refugees stuck in legal limbo after their arrival.

In Houston, where the candidates for DNC roles participated in the second of four "future forums," activists filled a ballroom at Texas Southern University to ask why Democrats were not doing more. One attendee could be heard shouting, "Elizabeth Warren sold us out," a reference to her committee vote in favor of Ben Carson's nomination to become secretary for health and human services.

On Saturday afternoon, before the protests had gotten fully underway, some of the Houston event's biggest cheers came when the candidates were asked whether they would oppose all of Trump's nominees - something no Democrat has done.

"With what we have seen in the last seven days, I think we may be underreacting," South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg said.

"We've got refugees who were vetted more than the Trump Cabinet was vetted," said former labor secretary Thomas Perez.

Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn., the first Muslim member of Congress, said that the party needs to follow the lead of activists and that those activists are needed for direct action against Trump.

"It is street action that creates the economic and social conditions for legislation to get passed," Ellison said.

After the forum, Buttigieg joined Perez and South Carolina Democratic Party Chairman Jaime Harrison at the protests breaking out at Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

"We knew this would be a day of reckoning when Donald Trump assumed the Oval Office," Perez said to protesters. "Lady Liberty has taken a few body punches, but the American people will fight back."

By Saturday night, many more elected Democrats were joining protests - and enabling them. After the Port Authority suspended the AirTrain that transports people from New York's subway to JFK Airport, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, D-N.Y., reversed its decision. Sen. Robert P. Casey Jr., D-Pa., showed up at Philadelphia's airport in a tuxedo, having left a formal event to help local elected officials negotiate with customs officers to see stranded immigrants and refugees.

At Dulles International Airport, Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., did the same - to little avail. At Boston's Logan International Airport, Warren delivered a speech against Trump's order that was amplified by the crowd, a "people's microphone" that had been used by the Occupy Wall Street movement. And Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., joined marchers protesting Trump's travel ban outside the White House on Sunday afternoon.

Booker, Harris and Warren, considered possible Democratic presidential contenders in 2020, had cast three of just 11 "no" votes against Secretary of Homeland Security John F. Kelly. Murphy noted that the Senate quickly confirmed James Mattis, the revered former Marine general, to serve as defense secretary "because he assured us that he was going to argue against the very ban he watched Trump sign." At a summer 2016 roundtable, Mattis had said the idea of a "Muslim ban" would make actors in the Middle East think America had "completely lost it."

"Many of us gave the president and his Cabinet a little benefit of the doubt last week," Murphy said. "I don't see that there's any reason that that should continue. Almost every single one of these nominees try to prop up their nomination by contradicting Trump in their confirmation hearing. It's pretty clear now that Donald Trump and Steve Bannon are running this administration and the nominees that have been confirmed thus far have been marginalized."

By Sunday afternoon, nearly every congressional Democrat had condemned the executive order, including Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., who faces a 2018 re-election campaign in a state Trump carried by 35 points. None defended it, but several remained silent. Rep. Gerald E. Connolly, D-Va., a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, cautioned that Democrats can only do so much to try to stop Trump, given their diminished powers on Capitol Hill.

"We're going to have to pick our battles in the next two years because we don't have the majority," he said. "There are so many moving parts here, and we need to prioritize what we respond to and what we propound. We have to be proactively propounding an alternative vision that recalls American core values."

In the House, Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif., a longtime advocate for immigrant and refugees' rights, is set to introduce a bill this week that would block implementation of Trump's order, according to senior House aides. And Pelosi informed colleagues Sunday afternoon that among the options her caucus would consider is filing an amicus brief in support of the American Civil Liberties Union if legal cases to block or reverse Trump's travel ban reach the Supreme Court.

Connolly said that he and many other Democrats have been stunned by how organically Americans have been drawn into the streets to protest Trump's early decisions as president. Just days after the Jan. 21 Women's March on Washington, 200 more people than usual showed up at a regular meeting of the Fairfax County Democratic Party.

"That's a sign," he said. "And there are all kinds of people networking and asking the question, 'What can I do?' There's not a sense of 'Throw up your hands, our fate is sealed.' It's quite the opposite. It wasn't a feckless, powerless act. It was a call to arms. And I believe it's going to lead to mass organizing across the country to resist this constitutional assault."

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Democrats join protests against Trump order, vow bill to block travel ban - Chicago Tribune