Mona Burns
@monaburns.bsky.social
Political writer. Covering Congress. Vincit Omnia Veritas.
Diversity is our strength. Unity is our power. 🩵
No DMs please
Diversity is our strength. Unity is our power. 🩵
No DMs please
This is a great point
We should all be watching Senate GOP and Thune very carefully on this
This logic would make it critical for Thune to keep the Epstein Files DP off the Senate floor
Because the pressure on Senate GOP to pass this will be profound
And if it gets a vote ..
We should all be watching Senate GOP and Thune very carefully on this
This logic would make it critical for Thune to keep the Epstein Files DP off the Senate floor
Because the pressure on Senate GOP to pass this will be profound
And if it gets a vote ..
November 17, 2025 at 3:20 PM
This is a great point
We should all be watching Senate GOP and Thune very carefully on this
This logic would make it critical for Thune to keep the Epstein Files DP off the Senate floor
Because the pressure on Senate GOP to pass this will be profound
And if it gets a vote ..
We should all be watching Senate GOP and Thune very carefully on this
This logic would make it critical for Thune to keep the Epstein Files DP off the Senate floor
Because the pressure on Senate GOP to pass this will be profound
And if it gets a vote ..
People are still weeding thru the 20k pages of Epstein Files released last wk
Interesting from Keith Edwards:
"Two weeks before he’s arrested, Epstein texts Steve Bannon:
'Now you can understand why Trump wakes up in the middle of the night sweating when he hears you and I are friends.'”
Interesting from Keith Edwards:
"Two weeks before he’s arrested, Epstein texts Steve Bannon:
'Now you can understand why Trump wakes up in the middle of the night sweating when he hears you and I are friends.'”
November 17, 2025 at 3:14 PM
People are still weeding thru the 20k pages of Epstein Files released last wk
Interesting from Keith Edwards:
"Two weeks before he’s arrested, Epstein texts Steve Bannon:
'Now you can understand why Trump wakes up in the middle of the night sweating when he hears you and I are friends.'”
Interesting from Keith Edwards:
"Two weeks before he’s arrested, Epstein texts Steve Bannon:
'Now you can understand why Trump wakes up in the middle of the night sweating when he hears you and I are friends.'”
Annie Karni on the upcoming House Epstein Files vote:
"We may be looking at the incredibly rare unanimous House vote now. Usually there is a Massie to hold out, but now the holdouts are in charge."
"We may be looking at the incredibly rare unanimous House vote now. Usually there is a Massie to hold out, but now the holdouts are in charge."
November 17, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Annie Karni on the upcoming House Epstein Files vote:
"We may be looking at the incredibly rare unanimous House vote now. Usually there is a Massie to hold out, but now the holdouts are in charge."
"We may be looking at the incredibly rare unanimous House vote now. Usually there is a Massie to hold out, but now the holdouts are in charge."
"Dem in-fighting: It’s been a week since eight Senate Dems joined [GOP] in voting to reopen the gov't, prompting fierce backlash from progressives
That tension..seems likely to last a while longer-a big problem for Schumer..much more difficult for him to manage the upcoming approps fights"
That tension..seems likely to last a while longer-a big problem for Schumer..much more difficult for him to manage the upcoming approps fights"
Senate is back Tuesday
They'll likely adjourn for Thanksgiving recess on Thursday afternoon:
Thune has to get approps moving
He'll need UC (all 100) to agree to combine Defense, Labor-HHS, C-J-S & Transportation-HUD bills into a 'minibus'
What will Dems do?
More:
punchbowl.news/article/sena...
They'll likely adjourn for Thanksgiving recess on Thursday afternoon:
Thune has to get approps moving
He'll need UC (all 100) to agree to combine Defense, Labor-HHS, C-J-S & Transportation-HUD bills into a 'minibus'
What will Dems do?
More:
punchbowl.news/article/sena...
Thune eyes vote to advance next funding package
With the shutdown in the rear-view mirror, Senate Majority Leader John Thune is eager to tee up the next slate of full-year FY2026 funding bills.
punchbowl.news
November 17, 2025 at 3:05 PM
"Dem in-fighting: It’s been a week since eight Senate Dems joined [GOP] in voting to reopen the gov't, prompting fierce backlash from progressives
That tension..seems likely to last a while longer-a big problem for Schumer..much more difficult for him to manage the upcoming approps fights"
That tension..seems likely to last a while longer-a big problem for Schumer..much more difficult for him to manage the upcoming approps fights"
Reposted by Mona Burns
I agree, the game will continue while Trump finds a way to keep his actions from coming under the scrutiny of our laws. Trump certainly only cares for himself, that's the bottom line.
Here's the deal:
Something broke thru Trump's Esptein panic
MTG, Boebert, Mace didn't back down
He realized other House GOP would take the momentum
Be emboldened to stand up to him on this & more
He can stop files release with DOJ investigations
Say "it's not my fault"
And keep control of Congress
Something broke thru Trump's Esptein panic
MTG, Boebert, Mace didn't back down
He realized other House GOP would take the momentum
Be emboldened to stand up to him on this & more
He can stop files release with DOJ investigations
Say "it's not my fault"
And keep control of Congress
November 17, 2025 at 2:52 PM
I agree, the game will continue while Trump finds a way to keep his actions from coming under the scrutiny of our laws. Trump certainly only cares for himself, that's the bottom line.
Senate is back Tuesday
They'll likely adjourn for Thanksgiving recess on Thursday afternoon:
Thune has to get approps moving
He'll need UC (all 100) to agree to combine Defense, Labor-HHS, C-J-S & Transportation-HUD bills into a 'minibus'
What will Dems do?
More:
punchbowl.news/article/sena...
They'll likely adjourn for Thanksgiving recess on Thursday afternoon:
Thune has to get approps moving
He'll need UC (all 100) to agree to combine Defense, Labor-HHS, C-J-S & Transportation-HUD bills into a 'minibus'
What will Dems do?
More:
punchbowl.news/article/sena...
Thune eyes vote to advance next funding package
With the shutdown in the rear-view mirror, Senate Majority Leader John Thune is eager to tee up the next slate of full-year FY2026 funding bills.
punchbowl.news
November 17, 2025 at 2:57 PM
Senate is back Tuesday
They'll likely adjourn for Thanksgiving recess on Thursday afternoon:
Thune has to get approps moving
He'll need UC (all 100) to agree to combine Defense, Labor-HHS, C-J-S & Transportation-HUD bills into a 'minibus'
What will Dems do?
More:
punchbowl.news/article/sena...
They'll likely adjourn for Thanksgiving recess on Thursday afternoon:
Thune has to get approps moving
He'll need UC (all 100) to agree to combine Defense, Labor-HHS, C-J-S & Transportation-HUD bills into a 'minibus'
What will Dems do?
More:
punchbowl.news/article/sena...
Reposted by Mona Burns
It is rather transparent, though, and I do not think it will get those voting for release off his back, especially since there apparently was not reason for an investigation before and now there suddenly is while nothing changed but the upcoming vote.
Dems, keep up the heat. He is sweating.
Dems, keep up the heat. He is sweating.
November 17, 2025 at 2:35 PM
It is rather transparent, though, and I do not think it will get those voting for release off his back, especially since there apparently was not reason for an investigation before and now there suddenly is while nothing changed but the upcoming vote.
Dems, keep up the heat. He is sweating.
Dems, keep up the heat. He is sweating.
House is in:
Vote on the Epstein Files DP Tuesday
It'll pass
House GOP weren't waiting on Trump's okay to vote yes
At least 100 were prepping to vote for it without his nod
Senate GOP ldrshp have "no interest" in holding this vote
400 House yes votes could be a problem for Thune 👇
Vote on the Epstein Files DP Tuesday
It'll pass
House GOP weren't waiting on Trump's okay to vote yes
At least 100 were prepping to vote for it without his nod
Senate GOP ldrshp have "no interest" in holding this vote
400 House yes votes could be a problem for Thune 👇
November 17, 2025 at 2:50 PM
House is in:
Vote on the Epstein Files DP Tuesday
It'll pass
House GOP weren't waiting on Trump's okay to vote yes
At least 100 were prepping to vote for it without his nod
Senate GOP ldrshp have "no interest" in holding this vote
400 House yes votes could be a problem for Thune 👇
Vote on the Epstein Files DP Tuesday
It'll pass
House GOP weren't waiting on Trump's okay to vote yes
At least 100 were prepping to vote for it without his nod
Senate GOP ldrshp have "no interest" in holding this vote
400 House yes votes could be a problem for Thune 👇
Now that Trump has informed House GOP they should vote to release the Epstein Files
I'm hoping they'll understand that he did so because some of them pressured him by standing up to him
And that standing up to him can be effective
Something broke
I hope they don't ignore that
Any bets?
I'm hoping they'll understand that he did so because some of them pressured him by standing up to him
And that standing up to him can be effective
Something broke
I hope they don't ignore that
Any bets?
November 17, 2025 at 2:27 PM
Now that Trump has informed House GOP they should vote to release the Epstein Files
I'm hoping they'll understand that he did so because some of them pressured him by standing up to him
And that standing up to him can be effective
Something broke
I hope they don't ignore that
Any bets?
I'm hoping they'll understand that he did so because some of them pressured him by standing up to him
And that standing up to him can be effective
Something broke
I hope they don't ignore that
Any bets?
Here's the deal:
Something broke thru Trump's Esptein panic
MTG, Boebert, Mace didn't back down
He realized other House GOP would take the momentum
Be emboldened to stand up to him on this & more
He can stop files release with DOJ investigations
Say "it's not my fault"
And keep control of Congress
Something broke thru Trump's Esptein panic
MTG, Boebert, Mace didn't back down
He realized other House GOP would take the momentum
Be emboldened to stand up to him on this & more
He can stop files release with DOJ investigations
Say "it's not my fault"
And keep control of Congress
November 17, 2025 at 2:21 PM
Here's the deal:
Something broke thru Trump's Esptein panic
MTG, Boebert, Mace didn't back down
He realized other House GOP would take the momentum
Be emboldened to stand up to him on this & more
He can stop files release with DOJ investigations
Say "it's not my fault"
And keep control of Congress
Something broke thru Trump's Esptein panic
MTG, Boebert, Mace didn't back down
He realized other House GOP would take the momentum
Be emboldened to stand up to him on this & more
He can stop files release with DOJ investigations
Say "it's not my fault"
And keep control of Congress
There's been a fair amt of chatter in DC for weeks now that Ted Cruz was laying the groundwork to run for the Oval in 2028
And now ..
It's hit the press
God HELP us
All of the noise he's been making with Tucker Carlson is (of course) calculated for a run against Vance
www.axios.com/2025/11/17/t...
And now ..
It's hit the press
God HELP us
All of the noise he's been making with Tucker Carlson is (of course) calculated for a run against Vance
www.axios.com/2025/11/17/t...
Scoop: Ted Cruz sets stage for 2028 run with Tucker Carlson jabs
Cruz is putting himself on a collision course with Vice President Vance, a Carlson ally widely seen as the 2028 GOP frontrunner.
www.axios.com
November 17, 2025 at 2:15 PM
There's been a fair amt of chatter in DC for weeks now that Ted Cruz was laying the groundwork to run for the Oval in 2028
And now ..
It's hit the press
God HELP us
All of the noise he's been making with Tucker Carlson is (of course) calculated for a run against Vance
www.axios.com/2025/11/17/t...
And now ..
It's hit the press
God HELP us
All of the noise he's been making with Tucker Carlson is (of course) calculated for a run against Vance
www.axios.com/2025/11/17/t...
Reposted by Mona Burns
Here's the deal:
Something broke thru Trump's Esptein panic
MTG, Boebert, Mace didn't back down
He realized other House GOP would take the momentum
Be emboldened to stand up to him on this & more
He can stop files release with DOJ investigations
Say "it's not my fault"
And keep control of Congress
Something broke thru Trump's Esptein panic
MTG, Boebert, Mace didn't back down
He realized other House GOP would take the momentum
Be emboldened to stand up to him on this & more
He can stop files release with DOJ investigations
Say "it's not my fault"
And keep control of Congress
November 17, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Here's the deal:
Something broke thru Trump's Esptein panic
MTG, Boebert, Mace didn't back down
He realized other House GOP would take the momentum
Be emboldened to stand up to him on this & more
He can stop files release with DOJ investigations
Say "it's not my fault"
And keep control of Congress
Something broke thru Trump's Esptein panic
MTG, Boebert, Mace didn't back down
He realized other House GOP would take the momentum
Be emboldened to stand up to him on this & more
He can stop files release with DOJ investigations
Say "it's not my fault"
And keep control of Congress
Here's the deal:
Something broke thru Trump's Esptein panic
MTG, Boebert, Mace didn't back down
He realized other House GOP would take the momentum
Be emboldened to stand up to him on this & more
He can stop files release with DOJ investigations
Say "it's not my fault"
And keep control of Congress
Something broke thru Trump's Esptein panic
MTG, Boebert, Mace didn't back down
He realized other House GOP would take the momentum
Be emboldened to stand up to him on this & more
He can stop files release with DOJ investigations
Say "it's not my fault"
And keep control of Congress
November 17, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Here's the deal:
Something broke thru Trump's Esptein panic
MTG, Boebert, Mace didn't back down
He realized other House GOP would take the momentum
Be emboldened to stand up to him on this & more
He can stop files release with DOJ investigations
Say "it's not my fault"
And keep control of Congress
Something broke thru Trump's Esptein panic
MTG, Boebert, Mace didn't back down
He realized other House GOP would take the momentum
Be emboldened to stand up to him on this & more
He can stop files release with DOJ investigations
Say "it's not my fault"
And keep control of Congress
Reposted by Mona Burns
Pretty horrible incident
A huge section of a copper mine collapsed on workers in the DRC
According to various reports, between 30 and 50 people were killed, and dozens of miners are still trapped under the rubble.
According to various reports, between 30 and 50 people were killed, and dozens of miners are still trapped under the rubble.
November 16, 2025 at 11:16 PM
Pretty horrible incident
Reposted by Mona Burns
Austin Petersen:
"Contrarianism can be a useful instinct. But too often its an excuse to elevate the village idiot."
"Contrarianism can be a useful instinct. But too often its an excuse to elevate the village idiot."
November 16, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Austin Petersen:
"Contrarianism can be a useful instinct. But too often its an excuse to elevate the village idiot."
"Contrarianism can be a useful instinct. But too often its an excuse to elevate the village idiot."
Reposted by Mona Burns
"Jeffries concluded, 'Pulte knows what he is doing is lawless... Accountability is coming. The statute of limitations is five years. Every single corrupt sycophant, including Bill Pulte, who continues to disgrace the law will have to answer for their actions'...”
www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
Hakeem Jeffries sends a provocative shot across FHFA chief Bill Pulte’s bow
The House Democratic leader referred to Pulte as “a malignant hack” and a “corrupt sycophant” who might be held criminally liable for his recent actions.
www.ms.now
November 16, 2025 at 3:27 PM
"Jeffries concluded, 'Pulte knows what he is doing is lawless... Accountability is coming. The statute of limitations is five years. Every single corrupt sycophant, including Bill Pulte, who continues to disgrace the law will have to answer for their actions'...”
www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
Reposted by Mona Burns
Dr. Oz is a con man trying to make Americans sicker so he can get richer.
Dr Oz: "If you had a check in the mail, you could buy the insurance you thought was best for you"
November 16, 2025 at 3:37 PM
Dr. Oz is a con man trying to make Americans sicker so he can get richer.
Reposted by Mona Burns
Quality Community Note on Troy Nehls.
November 16, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Quality Community Note on Troy Nehls.
Austin Petersen:
"Contrarianism can be a useful instinct. But too often its an excuse to elevate the village idiot."
"Contrarianism can be a useful instinct. But too often its an excuse to elevate the village idiot."
November 16, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Austin Petersen:
"Contrarianism can be a useful instinct. But too often its an excuse to elevate the village idiot."
"Contrarianism can be a useful instinct. But too often its an excuse to elevate the village idiot."
Reposted by Mona Burns
The language of the draft allows the DOJ to do just that: bsky.app/profile/info...
Important note re: the Epstein files bill:
SEC. 2.(c)(1) The Attorney General may withhold or redact the segregable portions of records that—
(C) would jeopardize an active federal investigation or ongoing prosecution, provided that such withholding is narrowly tailored and temporary
👇👀
SEC. 2.(c)(1) The Attorney General may withhold or redact the segregable portions of records that—
(C) would jeopardize an active federal investigation or ongoing prosecution, provided that such withholding is narrowly tailored and temporary
👇👀
November 16, 2025 at 3:36 PM
The language of the draft allows the DOJ to do just that: bsky.app/profile/info...
Reposted by Mona Burns
Signing the discharge petition does not commit them to vote for the measures when they come to the Floor.
November 16, 2025 at 3:22 PM
Signing the discharge petition does not commit them to vote for the measures when they come to the Floor.
Thomas Massie calling Trump out
This is the reason the Trump admin has called to investigate the Dems named in the Epstein Files 👇
It's all about obstruction
As usual ..
This is the reason the Trump admin has called to investigate the Dems named in the Epstein Files 👇
It's all about obstruction
As usual ..
Massie: "The president has been saying this is a hoax. Well, he's just now decided to investigate a hoax, if it's a hoax. And I have another concern about these investigations he's announced. If they have ongoing investigations, those documents can't be released. So this might be a big smokescreen."
November 16, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Thomas Massie calling Trump out
This is the reason the Trump admin has called to investigate the Dems named in the Epstein Files 👇
It's all about obstruction
As usual ..
This is the reason the Trump admin has called to investigate the Dems named in the Epstein Files 👇
It's all about obstruction
As usual ..
Thomas Massie on ABC today
A heads up to House GOP voting on the Epstein Files DP this week:
“The record of this vote will last longer than Donald Trump’s presidency.”
Word is he's been actively pursuing private convos with all of them the past couple of days
A heads up to House GOP voting on the Epstein Files DP this week:
“The record of this vote will last longer than Donald Trump’s presidency.”
Word is he's been actively pursuing private convos with all of them the past couple of days
Massie: "I would remind my Republican colleagues who are decided how to vote, Donald Trump can protect you in red districts right now by giving you an endorsement, but by 2030, he's not gonna be the president and you will have voted to protect pedophiles if you don't vote to release those files."
November 16, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Thomas Massie on ABC today
A heads up to House GOP voting on the Epstein Files DP this week:
“The record of this vote will last longer than Donald Trump’s presidency.”
Word is he's been actively pursuing private convos with all of them the past couple of days
A heads up to House GOP voting on the Epstein Files DP this week:
“The record of this vote will last longer than Donald Trump’s presidency.”
Word is he's been actively pursuing private convos with all of them the past couple of days
Ali Velshi just made a very important point:
Now that the Epstein Files discharge petition has been filed and is on the House calendar for a vote next week
It is TOO LATE for MTG, Boebert and Mace to remove their signatures
Trump was so busy hiding from this that he missed his moment
Too late, pal
Now that the Epstein Files discharge petition has been filed and is on the House calendar for a vote next week
It is TOO LATE for MTG, Boebert and Mace to remove their signatures
Trump was so busy hiding from this that he missed his moment
Too late, pal
November 16, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Ali Velshi just made a very important point:
Now that the Epstein Files discharge petition has been filed and is on the House calendar for a vote next week
It is TOO LATE for MTG, Boebert and Mace to remove their signatures
Trump was so busy hiding from this that he missed his moment
Too late, pal
Now that the Epstein Files discharge petition has been filed and is on the House calendar for a vote next week
It is TOO LATE for MTG, Boebert and Mace to remove their signatures
Trump was so busy hiding from this that he missed his moment
Too late, pal
Bash:
"There's free speech and then there's hate speech .."
MTG:
"I'm committed to ending the toxic politics .."
And then 💥👇
Can't ride the fence on this Marge
You're either committed to ending that which promotes the violence you're speaking out against
Or .. you're not
"There's free speech and then there's hate speech .."
MTG:
"I'm committed to ending the toxic politics .."
And then 💥👇
Can't ride the fence on this Marge
You're either committed to ending that which promotes the violence you're speaking out against
Or .. you're not
Marjorie Taylor Greene to Dana Bash: "You should have Nick Fuentes on your show"
November 16, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Bash:
"There's free speech and then there's hate speech .."
MTG:
"I'm committed to ending the toxic politics .."
And then 💥👇
Can't ride the fence on this Marge
You're either committed to ending that which promotes the violence you're speaking out against
Or .. you're not
"There's free speech and then there's hate speech .."
MTG:
"I'm committed to ending the toxic politics .."
And then 💥👇
Can't ride the fence on this Marge
You're either committed to ending that which promotes the violence you're speaking out against
Or .. you're not