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Republican North Carolina Senator Expresses Skepticism on Trump Tariffs’ Odds to Succeed

Matt OHern
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Republican North Carolina Senator Expresses Skepticism on Trump Tariffs’ Odds to Succeed

During a Senate Finance Committee hearing yesterday, North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis (R) expressed skepticism about President Trump’s comprehensive tariff strategy. Addressing U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Tillis asked, “Whose throat do I get to choke if this proves to be wrong?”

Tillis questioned the administration’s “alla prima,” or all-at-once, approach to imposing tariffs on multiple countries at the same time. He raised concerns about the potential negative impacts on American citizens, particularly those in lower-income brackets who might experience increased costs and job losses. Reflecting on his upbringing, Tillis asked, “Do you believe that over the next 14 months… the people in the trailer park where I grew up… how are they going to be feeling on Groundhog Day 2026?”

Greer acknowledged that he is “at the tip of the spear” in implementing trade policies but emphasized that President Trump is the ultimate decision-maker. He noted that the administration does not plan to offer exclusions, even for essential materials like steel and aluminum.

The hearing highlighted bipartisan concerns about the potential economic repercussions of the tariff strategy, with lawmakers seeking clearer accountability and objectives from the administration.

North Carolina Governor Stein Creates Council to Focus on School Safety

Press Release
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North Carolina Governor Stein Creates Council to Focus on School Safety

RALEIGH, NC – Today at Moore Square Magnet Middle School, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein announced the formation of his Advisory Council on Student Safety and Well-Being. The council will be co-chaired by Senate Democratic Leader Sydney Batch, Deputy Secretary William “Billy” Lassiter of the Department of Public Safety, and Heather Smith, the 2024 North Carolina Teacher of the Year.

“North Carolina’s children are our future, and it is crucial that they grow and learn in a safe environment that sets them on the right trajectory to thrive,” Stein said. “I am proud to establish this council of educators, mental health professionals, and law enforcement to identify ways to better keep our classrooms safe and our children healthy.”

Governor Stein’s advisory council will collaborate with state agencies and local leaders to propose policies that enhance student safety and wellbeing. The council will prioritize working with the General Assembly to implement cell phone-free classrooms and share best practices with communities.

“Student and school staff security and wellbeing is an essential part of public safety,” said Deputy Secretary of Public Safety William L. Lassiter, who oversees the Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. “We must use the tools at our disposal to upgrade the physical infrastructure of our schools and train our school staff how to recognize and respond to the early warning signs that can lead to public safety threats. We know our students must feel safe and have a healthy mental well-being to achieve academically. Working together, we can keep our students and our schools safe.” 

Click here to read Governor Stein’s executive order establishing the Council on Student Safety & Well-Being.

The members of the Advisory Council are as follows:

  • Senate Democratic Leader Sydney Batch (co-chair)
  • William L. Lassiter, Deputy Secretary for the Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Department of Public Safety (co-chair)
  • Heather Smith, 2024 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teacher of the Year (co-chair)
  • Senator David W. Craven, Jr.
  • Representative Brian Biggs
  • Representative Lindsey Prather
  • Alan Duncan, Vice-Chair of the State Board of Education
  • Bettina Umstead, Board of Education Member, Durham Public Schools
  • Sharon Bell, Deputy Director, Division of Child and Family Wellbeing, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
  • Natalia Botella, Director, Public Protection Section, North Carolina Department of Justice
  • Dr. Ellen Essick, Section Chief for NC Healthy Schools, Department of Public Instruction
  • Karen Fairley, Executive Director of Center for Safer Schools, A Division of the State Bureau of Investigation
  • Anne Goldberg, School Counselor, Alamance-Burlington School System
  • Tara Hardy, School Social Worker, Craven County Schools
  • Roger “Chip” Hawley, Director of The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation
  • Emma Hodson, In-House Counsel, Pitt County Schools
  • Kristie Howell, Chief Court Counselor-District 8, Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, North Carolina Department of Public Safety
  • Melissa Lassen, BSN, RN, NCSN, Lead School Nurse, Chatham County Schools
  • Mark McHugh, Director of Safety, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
  • Dr. Shaneeka Moore-Brown, President, North Carolina Parent Teacher Association
  • Asia Prince, Director of Court Programs, North Carolina Administrative Offices of the Courts
  • Deputy Rhyne Rankins, School Resource Officer, Iredell County Sheriff’s Office
  • Dr. Paul Smokowski, Executive Director, North Carolina Youth Violence Prevention Center
  • Beckie Spears, Principal, Wilkesboro Elementary School & 2024 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year
  • Mary Katherine Stiles, M.A./S.S.P., School Psychologist, Cumberland County Schools
  • Justice Warren, Assistant Legal Counsel, North Carolina School Boards Association
  • Julie Cecelia Werry, Scholar Advisor, Morehead-Cain Foundation
  • Dr. Freddie Williamson, Superintendent of Public Schools of Robeson County

Sen. Ossoff Working Across the Aisle to Strengthen Oversight of Federal Prisons

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Sen. Ossoff Working Across the Aisle to Strengthen Oversight of Federal Prisons

 U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is working across the aisle to strengthen Federal oversight and accountability of the Federal prison system.

Today, Sen. Ossoff launched a push to pass the bipartisan Federal Prisons Accountability Act of 2025, legislation he co-sponsored to make the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Director a U.S. Senate-confirmed position with a single 10-year term, following a nomination from the President of the United States. The bipartisan bill was recently introduced by Senators Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Rand Paul (R-KY), James Lankford (R-OK), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and Dr. Bill Cassidy (R-LA).

Sens. Ossoff and McConnell previously introduced the bill last Congress.

Currently, the BOP Director is appointed by U.S. Attorney General (AG) and not subject to Senate confirmation, despite having significant authority over taxpayer dollars and over 30,000 Federal employees. 

“In 2022, my bipartisan investigations as chair of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations revealed the depth of chaos and dysfunction that has undermined security and civil rights in the Bureau of Prisons for over a decade. This bill asserts the Senate’s authority to confirm nominees for BOP’s leadership and hold them to the highest standards,” Sen. Ossoff said.

Sen. Ossoff continues to work to reform the Federal prison system.

Last month, Sen. Ossoff warned AG Pam Bondi and BOP Associate Deputy Director Kathleen Toomey that their efforts to reduce pay for prison staff threaten the safety and security of prisons amid pre-existing staffing shortages.

In February, Sens. Ossoff and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) introduced the bipartisan Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Stopping Prison Contraband Act, which would crack down on the smuggling of contraband cellphones into Federal prisons by upgrading the charge of smuggling of a contraband cellphone into a Federal prison from a misdemeanor offense to a felony.

Last year, President Biden signed into law Sen. Ossoff’s bipartisan Federal Prison Oversight Act, historic prison reform legislation to overhaul independent oversight of the Federal Bureau of Prison’s 122 facilities nationwide by mandating routine inspections of all facilities by the DOJ Inspector General and establishing a new Ombudsman to investigate the health, safety, welfare, and rights of incarcerated people and staff.

Sen. Ossoff also passed into law his bipartisan Prison Camera Reform ActThis is an external link to reduce violence and civil rights abuses in America’s prisons.

Click here to read the bipartisan Federal Prisons Accountability Act of 2025.

Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul Among Few Republicans to Oppose Trump Tariffs

Matt OHern
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Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul Among Few Republicans to Oppose Trump Tariffs

As stock market investors experience a week-long sell-off, Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky is publicly opposing President Donald Trump’s recent tariff policies, describing them as detrimental both economically and politically. Paul emphasized that tariffs function like taxes on American consumers, leading to higher prices for various goods, including vehicles, energy, and construction materials. He pointed out that historical implementations of tariffs have often resulted in significant economic downturns and political losses for the Republican Party. Paul referenced past examples such as the McKinley Tariff of 1890 and the Smoot-Hawley Tariff of 1930, both of which preceded considerable defeats for the Republicans in subsequent elections.

Paul warned that the current tariff strategy could cause similar political ramifications, potentially harming the party’s prospects in future elections. Additionally, Senator Paul co-sponsored a bipartisan resolution with Virginia Senator Tim Kaine aimed at revoking the tariffs imposed on Canadian imports. This resolution successfully passed in the Senate with a 51-48 vote, with Paul and three other Republican senators—Mitch McConnell, Susan Collins, and Lisa Murkowski—joining Democrats in support. The resolution challenges the President’s use of emergency powers to impose tariffs without congressional approval, raising concerns about the constitutional allocation of taxing authority.

Senator Paul has been vocal about the need for Congress to reclaim its constitutional role in trade policy. He advocates for legislative measures that would require congressional approval for any imposition of tariffs. He believes that these steps are critical to prevent economic harm to American families and to maintain the system of checks and balances envisioned by the Constitution.

Lucy McBath Suspends Georgia Gubernatorial Campaign

Matt OHern
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Lucy McBath Suspends Georgia Gubernatorial Campaign

Georgia Congresswoman Lucy McBath (D) has decided to put her potential run for Georgia governor on hold to prioritize her husband’s health as he undergoes treatment for complications stemming from a recent cancer diagnosis.

In an interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Monday, McBath announced that she is suspending the exploratory committee she launched just weeks ago. While she has not completely ruled out a future gubernatorial bid, she emphasized that her focus must remain on her family for now.

“It’s a hard decision. It’s really difficult to make,” McBath said. “Right now, I can’t decide whether or not to run for governor. I’ve always said my priorities should be where I’m needed most — and that’s helping my husband.”

Earlier this month, McBath became the first Georgia Democrat to establish an exploratory committee for the 2026 governor’s race, sparking speculation that she would formally enter the race. Her candidacy would have been historic, as she would have been positioned to become Georgia’s first female and Black governor, as well as the first Black female governor in U.S. history.

However, her husband, Curtis McBath, recently faced complications from cancer surgery, which revealed a longer and more challenging recovery path than expected.

Despite stepping back from the gubernatorial race for now, McBath, 64, made it clear that she is not resigning from her congressional seat. “At this time, I need to assess everything organically and ensure I’m where I’m most needed,” she stated.

McBath had hoped to generate early momentum and fend off potential challengers in what promises to be a competitive race to succeed term-limited Republican Gov. Brian Kemp. Her decision leaves the Democratic field wide open, with other possible contenders including Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, state Sen. Jason Esteves, and former DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond. Stacey Abrams, who lost twice to Kemp, has not ruled out a third run.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Party of Georgia is facing internal upheaval. U.S. Rep. Nikema Williams resigned as state party chair on Monday amid mounting pressure from activists, donors, and fellow officials, including U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff, who reportedly urged her to step down.

As Democrats work to clarify their lineup, the GOP race is already heating up. Attorney General Chris Carr has formally launched his campaign and is expected to face stiff competition from Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who is likely to enter the race soon.

McBath’s decision adds new uncertainty to the Democratic field as the party seeks to reclaim the Governor’s Mansion for the first time in over 20 years.

Feds Terminate UNC Charlotte LGBTQ Research Grant

Matt OHern
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Feds Terminate UNC Charlotte LGBTQ Research Grant

Earlier today, the Charlotte Observer reported that the University of North Carolina at Charlotte had a federal grant for LGBTQ research terminated, along with 67 other LGBTQ-related grants across 49 universities, totaling $40 million in cuts by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in March. The termination comes less than six weeks after the university joined the top tier of research institutions in the nation with its new R1 classification.

All four terminated grants at UNC Charlotte were linked to LGBTQ issues or diversity and inclusion, totaling $905,873.

Professor Mennicke and her team had pursued federal funding for six years before receiving the grant last April, but it was abruptly terminated on March 20.

Mennicke described the situation as “traumatic,” noting that the grant focused on improving mental health outcomes for LGBTQ survivors of sexual violence. The termination letter criticized the project as “unscientific” and stated it no longer aligned with agency priorities.

This news coincided with biologist Jerry Coyne’s op-ed in the Wall Street Journal, “Losing my non-religion”, in which he explains why he resigned from a leading atheist group, the Freedom From Religion Foundation, when it turned into a “gender fundamentalist organization.” due to its refusal to publish content implying that gender is biologically determined. Richard Dawkins left the organization for similar reasons a few months earlier.

As for Mennicke’s team at UNC-C, they had received just over $450,000 for a three-year study, with about $400,000 remaining unspent after six months. The research aimed to train peers in support techniques for survivors of sexual violence. “People often disclose to friends first, and if the response is harmful, it can worsen trauma,” she explained. Sonyia Richardson, a former researcher at UNC Charlotte, also lost NIH funding for her study on suicide prevention among Black youth, which included sexual orientation as a risk factor. The NIH is the largest public funder of medical research in the U.S. and supports many universities in North Carolina. Mennicke warned that these funding cuts could lead to worse mental health outcomes for LGBTQ survivors and decreased safety in the community. The economic impact is also significant, as NIH data indicates that every $1 in funding generates about $2.46 in economic activity.

Georgia Gov. Kemp: U.S. DOJ Dismisses Biden-era Lawsuit Against SB 202

Matt OHern
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Georgia Gov. Kemp: U.S. DOJ Dismisses Biden-era Lawsuit Against SB 202

ATLANTA – Georgia Governor Brian Kemp welcomed the announcement that U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi directed the Department of Justice to dismiss its Biden-era lawsuit challenging SB 202 – the Georgia Election Integrity Act of 2021.

“Despite the lies and misinformation from Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Stacey Abrams, and their allies, Georgia is one of the top states in the country for early voting and experienced record voter turnout in multiple elections since the passage of the Elections Integrity Act,'” Kemp said.‘. “I am grateful that under the leadership of Attorney General Pam Bondi and President Trump, the DOJ has followed the truth: in Georgia, it’s easy to vote and hard to cheat!”

In the 2024 General Election, a record 5.29 million Georgians turned out to vote with no significant issues or complications, breaking the previous record set in the 2020 General Election. The 2024 General Election continued the successes of the 2022 Midterm election, where a federal report a federal report ranked Georgia as the No. 2 state in the country for early voter turnout.

North Carolina Governor Stein Announces District Court Appointments

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North Carolina Governor Stein Announces District Court Appointments

Earlier today, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein announced the following judicial appointments:

Tia Hudgins Taylor to the District Court for Judicial District 8, serving Edgecombe, Nash, and Wilson Counties. Taylor is filling the vacancy created after Judge William Solomon retired. 

  • Taylor most recently worked as an associate attorney at Lassiter and Sperati, PLLC. She received her B.A. from Queens University of Charlotte and her J.D. from Elon University School of Law. 

Sonya Davis to the District Court for Judicial District 9, serving Greene, Lenoir, and Wayne Counties. Davis is filling the vacancy created after Judge Beth Heath retired.

  • Davis most recently worked as a solo practitioner in Kinston, specializing in domestic matters, real estate, and criminal defense. She received her B.A. from North Carolina Central University and her J.D. from North Carolina Central University School of Law.

“Tia Hudgins Taylor and Sonya Davis are exceptional attorneys who have dedicated themselves to the practice of the law,” said Governor Josh Stein. “They will be impartial and hard-working jurists, and I look forward to their service.”  

For Suprerior Court, Stein nominated Stephanie Brennan as a Special Superior Court judge. Brennan is filling the vacancy created after the Hon. Louis A. Bledsoe, III, retired. For Brennan’s position, the General Assembly, which must confirm the appointment by joint resolution.

  • Brennan currently serves as a Special Deputy Attorney General and Section Head for Special Litigation at the North Carolina Department of Justice. She received her B.A. from Dartmouth College and her J.D. from Yale Law School.

“Stephanie is an exceptional litigator, and I witnessed her legal acumen and leadership firsthand during my time as Attorney General,” said Governor Josh Stein. “She is committed to excellence and fairness, and I look forward to her service on the court.”

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