Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman is defying strict Senate dress code regulations by wearing gym shorts and hoodies, causing somewhat of a sensation in the chamber. However, his casual dress is said to demonstrate his relaxed and rejuvenated approach following six weeks in inpatient treatment for clinical depression earlier this year. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas is also known for attending in gym clothes, however, Fetterman's signature Carhartt sweatshirts and gym shorts are shaking up convention within the Senate building. His recovery is said to resemble the same person he was before last year when he suffered from a stroke while campaigning for re-election.
Ralph "Deej" Babet, an Australian senator from the Liberal Democratic Party, has stepped down as a director of his family real estate company. The move was aimed at avoiding a conflict of interest, although he claimed to continue to work for the company at weekends. Babet was initially elected in 2019 after Clive Palmer spent AUD116m ($87m) funding his campaign. Babet has raised controversy in parliament by criticising drag queen story time and the United Nations.
Ralph Babet, the Australian senator for Victoria, has relinquished his directorship of the family estate agency Babet Brothers. He said that although he continues to work for the firm, he was too busy with his parliamentary duties to remain a director. He has transferred full control of the business to his brother Bertrand. Babet is one of the Australian Conservatives' elected representatives and was elected after receiving significant electoral funding from mining magnate Clive Palmer. Although nominally a member of the party, Babet has vocally criticised his colleagues and complained that his Senator's income, which is over AUD $200,000 ($145,193), was a pay cut from his previous earnings in real estate.
Democrats have increased criticism of the US Supreme Court, claiming the court's conservative justices are corrupt, partisan and extreme. Last year, only 25% of Americans said they had a lot of confidence in the court, down from 50% as recently as 2002, according to Gallup. The Republican-appointed justices have pursued an ambitious agenda that overrules public opinion, according to the Democrats, while most of the nine justices refuse to address questions about their ethical standards. Republicans believe Democrats are being sore losers, trying to subvert legitimate court decisions they disagree with. However, Democrats hope to lay the groundwork for laws which could constrain the court’s authority or change its makeup. Republicans refused to allow Barack Obama to fill a court opening in his final year in office, then paved the way for Donald Trump to fill three positions. The Democrats’ criticism seeks to damage the court’s credibility with other political leaders and the public, making it uncomfortable for the justices to issue unpopular rulings.
Senator Tim Scott, the only Black Republican in the US Senate, has announced his bid for the Republican nomination for president. In his announcement, he criticised the Biden administration and Democrats for denigrating police and allowing crime to rise, and spoke about how the Republican Party can offer opportunities for marginalised communities. Scott will likely compete in South Carolina’s primary, but notable Republicans in his home state, such as former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley, have already endorsed former President Donald Trump. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is also expected to enter the Republican presidential primary.
Republican senator Tim Scott announced his bid for the 2024 presidential race with an optimistic message. Speaking in his hometown, North Charleston, Mr Scott said that he was the living proof that America was the land of opportunity. He criticised his opponents Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis for their suspicious approach towards those who disagree with them. Scott is polling in low single digits against Trump and DeSantis, with 49% of Republicans choosing Trump so far. However, he has a war chest of $22m, the backing of billionaire Larry Ellison and strong popularity in his home state of South Carolina.
Republican state senator Christy Armendariz, who represents Nebraska’s 18th district, has admitted to not paying attention to a combined anti-trans and anti-abortion bill that she voted for in the state legislature, which was subsequently passed by a single vote. Writing in New York magazine, journalist Lila Shapiro relayed that Armendariz said she did “not watch the news or get the newspaper” and “did not know” that anyone was covering the bill. Armendariz stated that she wished the legislation had never been presented, and said that no regular Nebraska citizens had mentioned the issue to her.
