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Congressman (D-CA)
Democratic Congressman Xavier Becerra, who represents California's 31st District (Eagle Rock, Echo Park, parts of Hollywood and Central Los Angeles), is chairman of the California Democratic Caucus.
PROFILE
Xavier Becerra
Guest
FROM Xavier Becerra
Olney in L.A.
A nightmare for Dreamers "Dreamers" were brought to this country and raised as Americans, but their parents were never were naturalized. With Donald Trump's promise of deportation many worry they'll be rounded up and sent out of the country.
To the Point
Pope Francis Makes History on Capitol Hill Before a packed chamber today, Francis became the first Pope to address a joint meeting of the House and the Senate. Speaking slowly and in heavily accented English, Pope Francis said he was grateful for a historic invitation. He called for unity and denounced political and ideological “polarization”—but did not shy away from Washington's most divisive issues. They included abortion, same sex marriage and climate change — each provoking a standing ovation from a different part of the audience. Afterward, there was no handshaking with dignitaries: the Pope had a meeting with homeless people.
Which Way, L.A.?
Xavier Becerra Named to the Super Committee The infamous debt-ceiling deal created a so-called Super Committee of six Senators and six members of Congress. It's their job, between now and Thanksgiving, to find $1.2 trillion in savings over ten years. If they come to agreement, then both houses of Congress will have to vote up or down. No amendments. No filibusters. No delays. The Super Committee is now complete, with three members appointed by leaders of each party in each house. Minority leader Nancy Pelosi has named Xavier Becerra of Los Angeles as one of three Democrats from Congress.
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To the Point
Human Rights in the era of Donald Trump President Trump’s UN Ambassador, Nikki Haley, said today the US might pull out of the United Nations’ Human Rights Council. Serious violators of human rights are members of the Council itself–and a US resignation could make things worse. Later on today’s show, now that he’s into his second term, comedian turned US Senator Al Franken is telling jokes again.
To the Point
Who's to blame for the opioid crisis? Some of the lawyers who took on Big Tobacco are now going after Big Pharma. It’s all about the deadly epidemic of opioid use. Are the drug companies to blame? What about the users? Later, on today’s Talking Point: making sense of Britain’s upset election.
To the Point
Is the threat from Russia missing from the Russia meddling probe? There's much being made about the Trump administration's possible ties with Russia. But the bottom line is Russia's effort to influence American democracy. Do the President and his aides care enough to take action before voters go back to the polls?