U.S. Politics

[Rick Plant]

Biden Administration Announces $3.16 Billion from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to Boost Domestic Battery Manufacturing and Supply Chains

DOE Funding Will Support Growing Electric Vehicle and Energy Storage Demands Through Increased Battery Manufacturing, Processing, and Recycling

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced $3.1 billion in funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to make more batteries and components in America, bolster domestic supply chains, create good-paying jobs, and help lower costs for families. The infrastructure investments will support the creation of new, retrofitted, and expanded commercial facilities as well as manufacturing demonstrations and battery recycling. DOE is also announcing a separate $60 million to support second-life applications for batteries once used to power EVs, as well as new processes for recycling materials back into the battery supply chain. Both funding opportunities are key components of the Administration’s whole-of-government supply chain strategy to strengthen America’s energy independence to reduce our reliance on competing nations and support the President’s goal to have electric vehicles make up half of all vehicles sales in America by 2030.   

“Positioning the United States front and center in meeting the growing demand for advanced batteries is how we boost our competitiveness and electrify our transportation system,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “President Biden’s historic investment in battery production and recycling will give our domestic supply chain the jolt it needs to become more secure and less reliant on other nations—strengthening our clean energy economy, creating good paying jobs, and decarbonizing the transportation sector.”

With the global lithium-ion battery market expected to grow rapidly over the next decade, DOE is working with industry to prepare the United States for increased market demand. As of the end of March 2022, more than 2.5 million plug-in electric vehicles have been sold in America, with more than 800,000 of those having been sold since President Biden took office. Battery costs have fallen more than 90% and since 2008, and energy density and performance have increased rapidly, paving the way for an accelerated transition to zero-emission vehicles. Responsible and sustainable domestic sourcing of the critical materials used to make lithium-ion batteries—such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and graphite—will help avoid or mitigate supply chain disruptions and accelerate battery production in America to meet this demand and support the adoption of electric vehicles.

“For too long, other countries have been outpacing the United States in funding new technologies. We are at a critical moment in our competition to build the next generation of electric vehicles and batteries here in America and to secure Michigan’s automotive leadership in these next generation vehicles. Thanks to our bipartisan efforts in Congress, and with the President’s leadership, this funding will help us win this race by investing in our supply chain and manufacturing here at home. Our workers are the best in the world, and there’s nothing more American than ensuring that our products and technology are built in America,” said Senator Debbie Stabenow (MI). 

“I secured provisions in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support the domestic critical mineral supply chain used in battery production,” said U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (NV). “Nevada’s innovation economy is at the forefront of battery manufacturing and recycling, and the infrastructure law could bring vital new investments to the state. These grants to grow U.S. battery manufacturing are going to create good-paying jobs, spur our economic competitiveness, and help us combat the climate crisis. I appreciate Secretary Granholm and the dedicated staff of the Department of Energy for advancing this priority in timely manner.”

“The future of mobility is electric – and this support could help to ensure Michigan remains on the forefront of innovation by shoring up our supply chains for advanced battery technologies necessary to deploy the next all-electric fleet,” said U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI). “I was proud to help secure this funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to lessen our dependence on foreign producers like the Chinese government for these critical technologies – and help our automakers meet the growing demand for cleaner, safer cars.”

“Establishing a new generation of mobility in this country requires bringing our supply chain home, investing in domestic production of minerals and materials for electric vehicle batteries, and creating good-paying, union jobs here in Michigan and the United States,” said U.S Representative Debbie Dingell (MI-12). “Today’s announcement utilizing funding provided by my battery material legislation enacted under the IIJA demonstrates the Biden Administrations commitment to making good on our promise of ensuring half of all auto sales are electric vehicles by 2030. We have a lot of work to do to meet that goal, but today marks an important milestone in our efforts. In the days and weeks ahead, I will continue to bring labor, environmental advocates, industry leaders, and elected officials together to move us forward.”

“The 13th Congressional District is home to many frontline communities that have already seen the devastating impacts of climate change which underline the urgent need for a just and equitable energy transition,” said U.S. Representative Rashida Tlaib (MI-13). “I am thankful to Secretary Granholm and the Department of Energy for visiting our communities and investing in the future with the announcement of funding to increase battery production. This type of funding is what we need to ensure that a green future is accessible to all.  I look forward to continuing to work with the DOE to ensure we rapidly deliver clean, renewable energy and a livable planet for generations to come.”

The “Battery Materials Processing and Battery Manufacturing” and “Electric Drive Vehicle Battery Recycling and Second Life Applications” funding opportunities are aligned with the National Blueprint for Lithium Batteries, authored by the Federal Consortium for Advanced Batteries, and led by DOE and the Departments of Defense, Commerce, and State. The blueprint details a path to bolstering the domestic battery supply by equitably creating a robust and diverse battery workforce by 2030. In alignment with President Biden’s Justice40 initiative, establishing a goal that 40% of the benefits of Federal investments in climate and clean energy flow to disadvantaged communities, applicants for new funding opportunities will be prompted to consider how project benefits can flow to relevant disadvantaged communities. DOE’s Office of Economic Impact and Diversity today issued a letter to Americans that reiterates this mandate as a priority for President Biden’s Administration.

Strengthening America’s Supply Chains

In response to President Biden’s Executive Order on America’s Supply Chains, DOE issued a 100-day review of the large capacity battery supply chain which recommended establishing domestic production and processing capabilities for critical materials to support a fully domestic end-to-end battery supply chain, as well as investments in battery recycling and the circular economy to increase domestic supply and reduce the future need for new extraction and raw materials.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law directs more than $7 billion to strengthen the U.S. battery supply chain, which includes producing and recycling critical minerals without new extraction or mining and sourcing materials for domestic manufacturing. The funding opportunities mark the first to be released as a collaboration between DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and the new Office of Manufacturing and Supply Chains, created by DOE’s organizational realignment to ensure that the Department has the structure needed to effectively implement the clean energy investments in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Energy Act of 2020. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law also includes $7.5 billion for electric vehicle chargers, $5 billion for electric transit buses, and $5 billion for clean and electric school buses. 

https://www.energy.gov/articles/biden-administration-announces-316-billion-bipartisan-infrastructure-law-boost-domestic

[Rick Plant]

Watch: Marjorie Taylor Greene gets confronted by a veteran for her 'craziness'

First-term Georgia Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene was confronted for her "craziness" by a constituent who said he was ashamed of her conduct.

Bryanna Idzior of WTVC-TV Chattanooga reported on the interaction with veteran Alex Boyle, who was critical of the congresswoman's comments that joining the military is "like throwing your life away."

Boyle, of Chickamauga, did not allow Greene to try and change the subject and then expanded his argument.

"I heard what you said, I read the texts," he said. "Here's the problem, you've cast disparaging things against the Jewish community, you suggested a space laser."

"No, sir, I have not," Greene responded.

"You are disrespecting the United States Congress and you're a shame," he said.

"No sir," she replied.

"You've been watching the fake news," an off-camera woman interjected.

"I'm really, horribly, saddened that the fourteenth district has gone to such craziness," Boyle said.

He then explained that he had just cast his primary vote and hoped to see Greene forced into a run-off.

Watch:

[Rick Plant]

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $10 Million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Investments for Tribal Water Systems

WASHINGTON — The Department of the Interior today announced that $10.65 million provided by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will be used for vital repairs and upgrades for Indian Affairs-owned water systems. These systems serve Tribal workplaces, schools, detention centers and more.  

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests more than $13 billion directly in Tribal communities across the country, including a total of $466 million to the Bureau of Indian Affairs over five years, which includes funding for water and sanitation projects.

“Thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, historic investments in Tribal water infrastructure will help ensure every community has access to safe, clean drinking water,” said Secretary Deb Haaland. “This critical funding in water sanitation and water systems will facilitate much-needed repairs and upgrades for Tribal water systems, supporting our efforts to safeguard sacred water resources and water rights in Indigenous communities.”

“Operational, efficient and resilient water systems are necessary to protect our communities and fulfill our agency’s trust responsibilities,” said Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland. “This investment will allow us to address challenges such as climate change and chemical contamination that impact the aging water systems of Indian Affairs, so that we can continue to provide safe drinking water for Indigenous communities.”

These funds will be used to address Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notice of violations, contamination issues, critical risks of system failure, and other system upgrades as needed.

The following three projects will be supported with the funding:

- $8.72 million for the Hopi Arsenic Management Project in Arizona to cover infrastructure upgrades necessary to connect three BIA-owned water systems with the regional water system funded by the Indian Health Service and EPA. This investment is critical to address naturally occurring elevated arsenic concentrations in the groundwater wells of three water systems.

- $1.05 million for the Nez Perce Northern Idaho Water System to replace current the water storage and distribution system. This investment is critical to address widespread deficiencies and deteriorated infrastructure that resulted in an emergency order from the EPA on the water system in 2018. 

- $880,000 for Columbia River In-lieu Treaty Fishing Sites to cover engineering and design services for infrastructure upgrades needed to address water sanitation and contribute to the progress being made on projects authorized under the Columbia River In-Lieu and Treaty Fishing Access Sites Improvement Act.

Assistant Secretary Newland announced these critical investments today from the banks of the Columbia River along with leadership of the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission who operate and maintain 31 fishing sites along the Columbia River that are for the use of fishers from the commission’s four member Tribes: Warm Springs, Umatilla, Yakama and Nez Perce.

https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/biden-harris-administration-announces-10-million-bipartisan-infrastructure-law

[Rick Plant]

President Biden Releases Bipartisan Infrastructure Law “Rural Playbook”




President Biden has released a “Rural Playbook” for how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) will invest billions in rural communities. This playbook identifies all of the programs and sources of funding set aside for rural communities and provides an overview of the key flexibilities and other benefits available to rural communities under the BIL.

Bottom Line: The BIL provides billions to help strengthen rural communities on multiple levels, notably the BEAD Program will provide $42.45 billion to fund broadband deployment in unserved and underserved areas. Rules on how states will apply for these grant funds will be issued on or before May 16, 2022.

Rural Playbook

Broadband Funding

The BIL invests $65 billion to help deploy high-speed broadband to more rural Americans, provide technical assistance to rural and Tribal communities seeking to expand broadband, and help lower internet costs. The BIL provides funding for key programs such as: the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, the ReConnect Program; the Middle Mile Grants Program, Digital Equity Grants, the Tribal Connectivity Broadband Program, and the Affordable Connectivity Program. Rural communities are encouraged to also work with state legislators and infrastructure coordinators to make use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds that are currently available for broadband deployment.

Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program

The Department of Commerce’s $42.45 billion BEAD Program, to be administered by the National Telecommunications and Infrastructure Administration (NTIA), provides grant funding to states and territories, which in turn will provide subgrants to entities for eligible projects. In order to implement this program, NTIA is required to release a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) on or before May 16, 2022 pursuant to the statutory deadlines established by the BIL. The NOFO will dictate how states apply for grant funds and will set limitations on how they can award subgrants. The BEAD Program has a 25 percent matching requirement that can be waived in certain cases.

ReConnect Program

The BIL provides $1.9 billion for the Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) ReConnect Program, which offers loans, grants, and loan-grant combinations directly to states, territories, local governments, Tribes, and other eligible entities to build the necessary infrastructure and equipment for high-speed broadband in rural communities. Projects are prioritized based on the rurality of the service area, the economic need of the community and the level of existing service. Funds provided by the ReConnect Program can cover the cost of construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment to provide broadband service capable of 100/20 Mbps. Under the BIL, Tribes, Alaska Native Corporations, and projects serving persistent poverty counties and socially vulnerable communities will receive waivers of the matching funds requirement for this program. It is anticipated that the window for filing applications for this program will open in the third quarter of 2022.

Middle Mile Grants Program

The BIL provided $1 billion for this NTIA grant program to fund the construction, improvement, or acquisition of middle mile infrastructure, purposed with lowering the costs of connecting unserved and underserved areas. The grant program is authorized for five years, from FY 2022 through FY 2026. To be eligible, an applicant must prioritize: (1) connecting middle mile infrastructure to last mile networks that provide broadband service to households in unserved areas; (2) connecting non-contiguous trust lands; or (3) offering of wholesale broadband service at reasonable rates. NTIA is required to release a NOFO on or before May 16, 2022 to be able to open the application window and outline the rules of the program. Awards will be made no later than 270 days after the NOFO is issued.

Digital Equity Grants

The BIL created three digital equity grant programs to be administered by NTIA. The first program, the State Digital Equity Planning Program, is a $60 million formula grant program for states and territories to develop digital equity plans. This program is expected to be launched in the second quarter of 2022. After the state digital equity plans are developed, NTIA will launch the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, which is a $1.44 billion formula grant program designed to support the implementation of the state digital equity plans. The formula for determining grants will consider a state’s overall population, the number of individuals likely to be impacted by the digital equity plan, and a comparative ratio of availability of broadband in that state compared to national averages.

Lastly, after awards are made for the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, NTIA will release a NOFO for the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program. This $1.25 billion discretionary grant program will distribute funds over a five-year period to foster broadband adoption in underserved areas and supplement other relevant grant and loan funding. Eligible applicants include community anchor institutions, educational groups, agencies, and nonprofit entities.

Tribal Connectivity Broadband Program

An additional $2 billion has been allocated to NTIA’s Tribal Connectivity Broadband Program to fund broadband deployment on Tribal lands to promote telehealth, distance learning, broadband affordability and digital inclusion. The BIL also granted extensions of certain deadlines (e.g., commitment and expenditure deadlines) within the program.

Affordable Connectivity Program

The BIL allocated $14.2 billion in funding for the Federal Communications Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program, replacing the temporary Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. This program will provide up to a $30 discount for lower-income households per month on internet services as well as a one-time $100 discount on eligible devices (e.g., laptop, desktop, or tablet). Eligible households for this program include households with income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level, those with at least one member eligible for the National School Lunch Program, and those with at least one member that receives benefits through SNAP, WIC, SSI, Medicaid, and other federal assistance programs.

American Rescue Plan Act Funds

ARPA made $350 billion in funds available to help rural communities respond to the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Funding broadband deployment is among the eligible uses of these funds. The State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, administered by the Department of Treasury (USDT), provide funding to states, territories, and localities to fund expansion of broadband in rural unserved and underserved communities.

Additionally, the $10 billion Capital Projects Program, administered by USDT and funded by ARPA, includes broadband deployment projects and digital connectivity projects as eligible uses of these funds. Each state has been allocated more than $100 million, each territory has been allocated more than $14 million, and each Tribal government has been allocated $167,000. States and territories must submit their grant plans explaining how they will distribute funding by September 24, 2022.

Other Available Funding for Rural Communities

The BIL also provides billions in funding to: (1) clean up pollution in rural communities; (2) improve rural Americans’ transportation options; (3) repair rural roads and bridges; (4) ensure clean drinking water and basic sanitation in rural communities; (5) increase resiliency to weather-related hazards; (6) assist rural communities combat cyber threats; (7) upgrade electricity and transmission infrastructure; and [8] support regional commissions and other locally-based authorities.

More information on these programs can be found in the link below 

https://www.womblebonddickinson.com/us/insights/alerts/biden-releases-bipartisan-infrastructure-law-rural-playbook

[Rick Plant]

Tim Ryan wins Democratic nomination for Ohio US Senate, AP projects



Tim Ryan has won the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in Ohio primary election, AP projects.

The 10-term congressman from Ohio’s blue-collar Mahoning Valley defeated progressive Morgan Harper, a former consumer protection attorney, and one other rival to claim the Democratic nomination for the seat being vacated by retiring Republican Rob Portman.

Ryan’s victory was widely expected, given his long history in office and his backing by U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, the state’s highest-ranking Democrat. Democrats see the November election as one of its best chances nationally to flip a seat.

Ryan represented the area from Akron from Lorain and the suburbs in between. Ryan is finishing out his tenth term in Congress. He's been a force in Democratic politics on the national stage challenging Nancy Pelosi for the Speaker of the House position in 2016.

Ryan also ran a short big for Democratic nomination for president in 2019.

Ryan will face the winner of the crowded Republican primary in the November general election. “Hillbilly Elegy” author JD Vance, former state treasurer Josh Mandel and investment banker Mike Gibbons are among the candidates competing for the GOP nomination. Vance was endorsed by former President Donald Trump.

Ryan directed his campaign message at working class Ohio residents, promising to increase jobs and boost wages.

https://www.wlwt.com/article/tim-ryan-us-senate-democrat-nomination-primary-election/39898863

[Rick Plant]

Democrat Glanville scores upset, flips west Michigan GOP state House seat



Democrat Carol Glanville scored an upset victory Tuesday night over Republican Robert Regan in a west Michigan state House race that promised to narrow the GOP's edge in the House.

In state House District 74, Democratic Walker city commissioner Glanville won 5%-40% over Regan with an unusually large 8% going to write-in votes for the seat that was left vacant when former Rep. Mark Huizenga, R-Walker, was elected to the state Senate.

House Republicans currently hold a 55-51 majority. Republicans originally were expected to win three of the four state House races on Tuesday, but Glanville's victory likely means the GOP will hold on two seats and see their edge in the state House fall to 57-53. It had been 58-52.



Regan created the political opportunity for Democrats after being rebuked by party officials, including Michigan Republican Party Chairman Ron Weiser, for comments that touched on rape and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Regan, a Grand Rapids entrepreneur, made a comparison two months ago during a livestream between rape and the abandonment of efforts to decertify the 2020 election.

"Having three daughters, I tell my daughters, well, 'If rape is inevitable, you should just lie back and enjoy it.'" Regan said. "That's not how we roll. That's not how I won this election. We go right at it."

Regan would not say after his primary victory whether he would join a state House resolution condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine, likening opposition to the issue to some sort of conspiracy theory.

“I am so grateful to the voters in the 74th district who showed up tonight to stand up to hate and keep it out of the State House,” Glanville said in a statement.

“My opponent’s extreme, violent, and antisemitic views have no place in state government, and tonight the people of the 74th District made clear that they won’t stand for extremism."

A political action committee connected to the conservative Michigan Freedom Fund reported a $3,500 expenditure in late April to support write-in candidate Mike Milanowski.

"Candidates matter. Voters decide. The GOP won this seat 63%-37% in 2020. We couldn’t support Regan & it’s clear voters couldn’t either," Michigan Freedom Fund Executive Director Tori Sachs said Tuesday night on Twitter.

Glanville's competitiveness Tuesday night was reflected in campaign fundraising.

The Walker Democrat raised $54,424, including $18,554 over the last fundraising period of the campaign. The Michigan Education Association's political action committee gave $2,500 to boost her campaign.

By contrast, Regan’s campaign has reported raising $12,943 with the majority coming from Regan himself. From March 22 through April 17, the final fundraising period before the special election, Regan disclosed raising just $20. Regan also has posted anti-Semitic messages to social media.

Glanville emphasized her union roots — indicating she is a daughter of union workers — and said she would stand up for educators and working families. She also took direct aim at Regan's controversial comments.

© The Detroit News

[Rick Plant]

Biden Comes Out Swinging Against GOP’s 'Extreme' MAGA Agenda



The midterm election season is on, and the bipartisan gloves are off.

President Joe Biden Wednesday cast Republicans as a bunch of extremists bent on taxing low-income families, putting popular programs like Social Security in peril and threatening the rights of women and LGBTQ people.

"This MAGA crowd is really the most extreme political organization that's existed in recent American history," the president said in remarks at the White House.

His comments, part of an event to tout his administration's progress in reducing the federal deficit, marked a shift from his previous rhetoric while speaking from the White House.

In the midst of entrenched partisanship on Capitol Hill and across the country, Biden - a veteran of more cooperative times in Congress - has taken pains to laud individual Republicans for their bipartisan work on legislation, and repeatedly has insisted he is willing to hear the GOP point of view and work together.

"Senator Rick Scott of Florida," who is chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, "released what he called the ultra MAGA agenda. It's a MAGA agenda alright, Biden said, flipping former President Donald Trump's signature phrase against him. “It's extreme, as most MAGA things are."

"It will actually raise taxes on 75 million American families, over 95% of whom make less than $100,000 a year. Among the hardest hit? Working families," the president said accusingly.

A campaign strategy memo Scott wrote includes proposals to require that all Americans - even low-income people - pay taxes, and would make now-permanent federal programs subject to every five years, Biden noted.

"Social Security is something seniors have paid into their whole life, and it has to be reauthorized? It has to be reauthorized every five years?" Biden said, tapping what has long been known as the "third rail of politics," since people old enough to receive Social Security benefits are among the most reliable voters.

"It's hard to make this up. But then again, it's a MAGA agenda," Biden said.

Biden, who served in the Senate for 36 years and often recalls the days when Democrats and Republicans would work together as competitor-friends, was determined to take Washington back to a more bipartisan time after four tumultuous Trump years. That has produced some successes, including a big-ticket bipartisan infrastructure law.

He noted that under Trump - whose name he declined to say, as is usual for him —the deficit went up every year, while under the current administration, the deficit dropped $350 billion, and is projected to drop by another $1.5 trillion this year.

"I don't want to hear Republicans talk about deficits and their ultra MAGA agenda. I want to hear about fairness. I want to hear about decency," Biden said, blaming the GOP's $2 trillion tax cut for both Trump-era deficits and income inequality.

In a response to a question about Tuesday's bombshell leak of a Supreme Court opinion reversing the Roe v Wade ruling guaranteeing legal abortion, Biden warned that Republicans were after much more - including other "privacy" issues such as contraception, sexual orientation and identity.

"What happens if you.. change the law, saying children who are LGBTQ can't be in a classroom with other children. Is that legitimate?" Biden said in a clear reference to a potential 2024 rival, GOP Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

"What are the next things that are going to be attacked?" Biden said.

The draft Supreme Court opinion has angered and energized largely pro-abortion rights Democrats. Republicans - while speedily calling the draft a victory for their antiabortion agenda, have also been avoiding discussing the actual impact on women. Polling shows Americans overwhelmingly support Roe v Wade, although support for abortion rights drops when voters are asked about late-term procedures.

Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky refused to discuss the impact of the ruling on the midterm elections, chiding reporters to focus on what he said was the real story - the shocking leak of a Supreme Court draft.

Democrats are using the draft to cast the GOP as out-of-touch and extreme on social issues. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, promised to push legislation codifying the right to abortion though it stands little chance of passage.

It is not expected to survive a filibuster attempt. But Schumer and Democrats will still get what they want - a way to put the GOP on the record.

AFP

[Rick Plant]

SCOTUS justices lied to pull off a 'religious power grab' -- and here's what the Senate can do about it: conservative columnist



The United States Supreme Court appears poised to overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling and end abortion rights in many states, but one columnist argued the Senate isn't powerless to stop what amounts to a tyrannical move.

The 5-4 decision drafted by Justice Samuel Alito would allow many states to criminalize abortion and severely undermine privacy rights under the 14th Amendment, which would expand government power into Americans' personal lives and endanger a number of basic liberties -- and Congress should take immediate action, argued conservative Washington Post columnist Jennifer Rubin.

"The livid reaction from progressive advocacy groups and Democratic politicians across the country about the potential evisceration of abortion rights — and possibly others protected by the 14th Amendment — should tell the media this is not simply about 'culture' nor is it a 'war,'" Rubin wrote. "It’s a religious power grab by justices who, according to at least two female Republican senators, dissembled under oath about their intentions regarding Roe. The Senate Judiciary Committee should hold hearings and call GOP Sens. Susan Collins (Maine) and Sen. Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) to testify. If those senators were really duped, they should consider advocating for extreme measures, including impeachment and a filibuster exception to codify Roe."

The court's right-wing majority and their supporters have apparently rejected the founding principle that religion shall not be imposed by the government, and Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) revealed in his 11-point plan that Republicans intend to use state power to serve the religious beliefs of some on everyone else.

"It wasn’t so long ago that 'conservatives' stood for the proposition that government, especially the federal government, should not control the totality of traditions, habits and decisions made in civil society," Rubin wrote. "The family, for example, should remain undisturbed to work out arrangements that reflect its members’ values, faith and views in a pluralistic society. The principle of limited government posits that — unlike totalitarian states that override personal conscience, family and religion — free peoples do not tolerate an all-pervasive government."

What's happening is far worse than a culture war, which Rubin said diminishes its threat.

"The Supreme Court is poised to roil the very essence of our constitutional tradition and strike at the heart of a pluralistic democracy," she concluded. "Let’s call it what it really is: state-enforced theocracy, or if you prefer, religious authoritarianism."

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/05/04/culture-wars-diminishes-danger/