In Context: The Origin of Lawlessness

After diverting $120 million away from law enforcement last year, San Francisco has seen a rise in crime this year. People now leave their vehicles physically open so thieves have less reason smash the windows while looking for things to steal. The mayor's response calls for more surveillance and less street vending to suppress reselling of stolen goods.

Speaker Pelosi was asked about a federal response in support of local efforts, and she mentioned “legislation that would require those who were selling online, especially, to establish their legitimacy as to where these products came from, because what people do is they steal things and then sell them online. They have to establish their legitimacy if they're going to be sold online. … And it is, you know, absolutely out of the question that people should be able to think that they can just steal things, profit from them and not have any accountability on it.”

When further asked about crime and retailers leaving the city, Speaker Pelosi said, “What it is, it's absolutely outrageous. Obviously, it cannot continue. But the fact is that there is an attitude of lawlessness in our country that springs from I don't know where, maybe you do, and we cannot have that lawlessness become the norm.”

“I don't know … maybe you do”

Congress Update

Daily Digests – House • Senate — Prayers — Committee Reports

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Senate Moves Jan. 6 Reforms as House Democrats Obsess on Trump Role

Senate Passes Legislation to Prevent Dishonorable Discharges for Unvaccinated Servicemembers

Rashad Hussain Confirmed as New International Religious Freedom Ambassador

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Senate confirms big slate of Biden ambassadors, adjourns for Christmas break without BBB vote


House of Representatives — Bills • Actions passed, summarized

Republicans: If a Special Envoy Is to Monitor and Combat ‘Islamophobia’ It Needs to Be Defined • Pelosi Fast-Tracks ‘Anti-Islamophobia’ Bill To Appease Omar • House Democrats pass bill to combat Islamophobia — H.R. 5665

House votes to hold Mark Meadows in contempt of Congress (H.Res. 851) • 'This is so wrong': Jim Jordan delivers fiery rebuke of effort to hold Mark Meadows in contempt

Congress passes bill allowing for easier National Guard defense of Capitol after Jan. 6 — S. 3377