Good morning and welcome to Fox News First. Here's what you need to know as you start your day
Texas Speaker calls on state Democrats who fled to Washington to forfeit their pay
Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan on Wednesday called on state Democratic lawmakers to give up their daily stipend of $221 as they hunker down in Washington, D.C. to avoid passing a voting reform bill.
At least 51 of the state’s 67 House Democrats boarded a private plane for the nation’s capital Monday in an effort to prevent a quorum and deny Republicans the ability to pass a controversial voting bill.
Another nine Democratic Senators are believed to have joined the House members in D.C.
"While these Texas Democrats collect taxpayer money as they ride on private jets to meet with the Washington elite, those who remain in the chamber await their return to begin work on providing our retired teachers a 13th check, protecting our foster kids, and providing taxpayer relief," Phelan said in a statement Wednesday. "Those who are intentionally denying quorum should return their per diem to the State Treasury immediately upon receipt."
Texas Democrats flew to D.C. to meet with President Biden and encourage Congress to pass federal legislation barring increased voter regulations under the "For the People Act" and the "John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act."
While Texas House members have been unable to pass a voting reform bill under the special session called by Gov. Greg Abbott, Senate Republicans passed their version titled Senate Bill 1 Tuesday. CLICK HERE FOR MORE ON OUR TOP STORY.
In other developments:
- Texas Dems fled the state in dramatic move to stall GOP election bills, but why to Washington, DC?
- Gov. Abbott dubs Texas Dems 'filibustering' in DC ‘height of hypocrisy’
- Liberals fuming after DeSantis website sells beer koozies saying 'Don't Fauci my Florida'
- Randi Weingarten claims 'millions' will die as DeSantis sells anti-Fauci merchandise
- Hannity rips Democrats' fight against Texas voting bill, attributes to concerns over chances in 2022 elections
Cuba’s president admits to shortcomings; takes some blame for protests
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, who days ago called on revolutionaries to counter anti-government protesters in the streets, acknowledged Wednesday government shortcomings in the lead-up to the unrest in the country.
Díaz-Canel, who has been widely criticized for the country’s violent crackdown and Internet blackouts, gave a televised address Wednesday night and acknowledged that his government failures played a role in the protests over food shortages and other problems.
"We have to gain experience from the disturbances," he said, according to the Associated Press. "We also have to carry out a critical analysis of our problems in order to act and overcome, and avoid their repetition."
Historic protests broke out across Cuba on Sunday night. Díaz-Canel, who heads the Communist Party, seemed uninterested in making any concessions. He placed the blame squarely on the U.S. for stoking resentment and called the protesters mercenaries. At one point, he said, "The order to fight has been given—into the street, revolutionaries!"
Cuba is going through its worst economic crisis in decades, along with a resurgence of coronavirus cases, as it suffers the consequences of U.S. sanctions imposed by the Trump administration. Some protesters have demanded a change in government, so although Díaz-Canel seemed to tone down the rhetoric, it remains to be seen if there will be any concessions by the government. CLICK HERE FOR MORE.
In other developments:
- James Craig blasts Biden admin asking for UN probe of US racism: 'Go to Cuba'
- Pitbull posts impassioned appeal for swift assistance for Cubans
- Mayorkas accused of denying Cubans, Haitians US entry because they'd 'vote against the commie bulls---'
- UFC's Jorge Masvidal sheds light on Cuba, calls the country a 'killing machine'
McConnell condemns Biden fury over GOP voting reform as 'utter nonsense'
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell on Wednesday condemned a fiery speech by President Biden as "utter nonsense" for alleging GOP voting reform laws were comparable to the Civil War.
"This is our new president who promised to lower the temperature, bring America back together and rebuild a civil society where we can dialogue as fellow citizens," McConnell said from the Senate floor.
"We’ve won two World Wars, faced down the Soviets, unwound brutal segregation, defeated actual Jim Crow laws, and endured the 9/11 attacks," he said. "But now the sky is falling?"
McConnell’s exasperation was over an address given by the president Tuesday, where he called on congressional Republicans to help stop the "concerted" effort by GOP-led states to "undermine" the electoral process.
"We’re facing the most significant test of our democracy since the Civil War," Biden said in a rebuttal to GOP calls for voter reform. CLICK HERE FOR MORE.
In other developments:
- John James slams Biden on 'Outnumbered': Go to Detroit to see '21st century Jim Crow'
- Ted Cruz mocks VP Harris' 'ridiculous' comparison of fleeing Texas Dems to civil rights leaders
- Ingraham slams Biden's Philadelphia voter rights speech: 'As usual, liberals are at war with the facts'
- Biden calls on GOP to protect voting rights 'for God's sake' in fiery address
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
TODAY'S MUST-READS:
- Shocking video allegedly shows accused Parkland school shooter attack jail officer
- California woman first to face federal charges over fake COVID immunizations, vaccination cards
- McConnell condemns Biden fury over GOP voting reform as 'utter nonsense'
- Britney Spears joins #FreeBritney chorus after new representation in conservatorship is approved: 'Blessed'
- Giannis Antetokounmpo's crucial block, Khris Middleton's 40 points lead Bucks to Game 4 win
THE LATEST FROM FOX BUSINESS:
- US urges 50,000 Chevy Bolt owners to park outside because of fire risks
- China's economic growth slows to still-robust 7.9%
- Giants' Saquon Barkley will have endorsement money converted to Bitcoin
- Two-thirds of Miami condo buildings are older than 30 years. The repair bills are coming due
- Despite lumber price plunge, high prices here to stay: experts
SOME PARTING WORDS
Sean Hannity mocked Joe Biden's claims America is "facing the most significant test of our democracy since the Civil War," on "Hannity" Wednesday, saying the president believes "millions of Americans are worse than Jim Crow, all because they support simple election integrity measures."
"This bill bans paid ballot harvesting. Do you have a problem with that?" he asked. "It requires voter ID for mail-in ballots. Alternatively, voters can provide the last four digits of their Social Security number if they prefer. The bill sets uniform times for early voting, all while expanding early voting hours on the weekend. It ensures that poll watchers are able, according to law, observe vote counting, start to finish. All sides get to observe. It strengthens the ban on unmanned mail-in drop boxes so nothing nefarious can happen."
Not signed up yet for Fox News First? Click here to find out what you're missing.
Fox News’ Go Watch page is now available, providing visitors with Pay TV provider options in their area carrying Fox News Channel & Fox Business Network.
Fox News First was compiled by Fox News' Jack Durschlag. Thank you for making us your first choice in the morning! We’ll see you in your inbox first thing Friday.
The hottest stories ripped from the headlines, from crime to courts, legal and scandal.
