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Sex crimes could cost lawmakers taxpayer-funded pensions under Hawley’s new proposal

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FIRST ON FOX – A Senate Republican wants to prevent lawmakers convicted of sex crimes from receiving their taxpayer-funded retirements after leaving office.

Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., is introducing new legislation, first obtained by Fox News Digital, to close a gap in federal law that strips pensions for some felonies, but not sexual abuse.

It comes as Congress is having another reckoning over their members’ actions after sexual misconduct and rape allegations this month against two House lawmakers resulted in their back-to-back resignations.

SENATOR GALLEGO SAYS LONGTIME FRIENDSHIP WITH SWALWELL ‘CLOUDED MY JUDGMENT’ AS RUMORS SWIRLED IN DC

Lawmakers are required to forfeit their pensions if convicted of a spate of felonies, including fraud, treason, bribery and perjury. But there is no such law that would require a lawmaker convicted of felony sexual abuse to forfeit a pension.

Hawley’s bill, the “No Pensions for Congressional Predators Act,” seeks to fix that inconsistency.

“Right now, a member of Congress can be convicted of sexual abuse and still receive a taxpayer-funded pension. That is unacceptable,” Hawley told Fox News Digital in a statement. “I’m introducing legislation to end this loophole and ensure that lawmakers are never compensated with taxpayer dollars after such a breach of trust. The only thing the government should be paying for for these people is a jail cell.”

His legislation comes on the heels of bombshell allegations against former Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., who resigned from Congress on Tuesday. Five women, including a former member of Swalwell’s staff, have accused the ex-lawmaker of sexual misconduct and rape.

SWALWELL OUT AMID SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATIONS AFTER 13 YEARS IN CONGRESS

While no charges have been filed against him, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department opened an investigation into Swalwell following allegations from Lonna Drewes that he drugged and raped her.

And, even if convicted, Swalwell would still be eligible for his pension, given that he met the minimum five-year requirement to earn a pension after having served in the House for over a decade. He could earn $22,000 per year in taxpayer funding starting at age 62.

Former Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, who resigned from Congress just moments before Swalwell after admitting to an affair with a former staffer who later died by suicide, is also eligible for his congressional pension. He’s similarly been accused by another former aide of sexual misconduct that he has not acknowledged.

Like Swalwell, Gonzales currently faces no charges.

PELOSI, CALIFORNIA DEMS SLAM SWALWELL OVER BOMBSHELL SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATIONS: ‘INDEFENSIBLE’

Gonzales hit the minimum time-served threshold earlier this year and could earn over $8,000 annually when he turns 62.

Hawley’s legislation also comes as misconduct allegations have made their way to the Senate. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., said on X on Wednesday that “the Senate has its own trash to take out.”

Luna told Senate Majority Leader John Thune, “You need to look into the allegations against one of your Senators, it’s very disturbing. My chief will be contacting your chief.”

The South Dakota Republican confirmed that his office received the information Thursday morning.

“I don’t know what the particulars are about this,” Thune said. “All I know is that we referred it to the proper authorities, which, in this case, would be the Senate Ethics Committee.”

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Lindsay Lohan’s stepmother arrested for allegedly punching and throwing a knife at Michael Lohan

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Lindsay Lohan’s stepmother, Kate Major Lohan, was arrested in Harris County, Texas on Tuesday for allegedly attacking her husband, Michael Lohan.

According to inmate records obtained by Fox News Digital, Kate was booked on suspicion of assaulting a family or household member with a previous conviction on April 14. She is set to be arraigned in court on Thursday.

According to documents obtained by TMZ, Kate — who shares two children with Michael, allegedly punched her estranged husband and gave him a bloody nose during a physical altercation at her home.

LINDSAY LOHAN’S FATHER MICHAEL LOHAN ARRESTED ON FELONY ASSAULT CHARGE IN TEXAS

Additionally, Kate allegedly threw a steak knife at Michael.

‘BACHELORETTE’ STAR TAYLOR FRANKIE PAUL WON’T FACE NEW DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CHARGES

The outlet reported that Kate was allegedly intoxicated at the time of her arrest.

Throughout their relationship, the pair — who married in 2014, have had their share of run-ins with the law.

Last year, Michael was arrested in Palm Beach, Florida, for violating probation, according to documents obtained by Fox News Digital.

“Michael voluntarily self-surrendered yesterday and has a hearing scheduled on my pleadings for his release tomorrow,” Lohan’s attorney, Robert Gershman, told Fox News Digital. “We are confident Her Honor will give the matter fair and thoughtful consideration. Based on the circumstances, we anticipate Mr. Lohan’s release.”

The arrest came just weeks after Michael was busted for allegedly assaulting Kate in Texas.

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In court documents obtained by Fox News Digital at the time, Lohan was charged in February 2025 with a felony assault called “continuous violence against the family.”

At the time, a representative for the Harris County Sheriff’s Office told Fox News Digital, “On Friday February 21, 2025, the complainant (Kate Lohan) was at a medical follow up, when the defendant (Michael Lohan) was observed by Ms. Lohan in the parking lot of the building.  A 911 call was placed, and deputies responded.”

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“She told deputies that Lohan had flipped her out of a chair at their residence a few days earlier. The complainant felt pain and discomfort. A female deputy was able to witness the bruising on the complainants body,” the statement continued. 

In a statement exclusively to Fox News Digital, Kate said, “I’m praying for privacy for the sake of my kids and myself and pray justice is finally served.”

At the time of the February arrest, Mike Quinn, representative for Lohan, shared a statement with Fox News Digital, writing, “We want to take a moment to recognize Michael Lohan as a devoted father, and I’ve only known him as a loving husband, and a man who has proudly maintained his sobriety for over a decade. His dedication to his younger boys and his unwavering support for his wife, Kate, reflect his deep love and commitment to his family. Michael has consistently stood by Kate’s side, offering his support through her own journey toward sobriety—a challenge they’ve faced together with courage and compassion. As friends of both Michael and Kate, my wife and I truly care for them and believe in their character. We are confident that Michael will be fully cleared in this matter.” 

Lohan and Kate share two sons, Landon Major Lohan and Logan Michael Lohan. 

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Harris stops in key presidential primary state after leaving door wide open to 2028 run

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Former Vice President Kamala Harris is sparking more speculation about whether she will launch another presidential run in 2028 by making stops this week in a crucial presidential primary state.

Harris is in Columbia, South Carolina, on Thursday after making stops Wednesday in Greenville. For more than two decades, South Carolina has been one of the key early-voting states in the Democratic Party’s nominating calendar, and visits by potential presidential contenders generate buzz about their national ambitions.

The South Carolina swing by the former vice president comes less than a week after she dropped a tantalizing comment at the first major cattle call of Democratic presidential contenders.

HARRIS DROPS BIGGEST HINT YET ABOUT 2028

“I might. I might. I’m thinking about it… I’ll keep you posted,” Harris said last Friday at the National Action Network’s 35th Anniversary Convention last Friday, when asked by the event founder Rev. Al Sharpton if she would seek the presidency in 2028.

Harris, who replaced then-President Joe Biden as the 2024 Democratic presidential nominee but later lost the election to President Donald Trump, was greeted by the crowd with chants of “run again.”

The civil rights organization’s gathering gave Harris and eight other Democratic White House hopefuls an opportunity to speak directly to an influential group of Black leaders and activists who are key members of the Democratic Party’s base.

Black voters are also key players in South Carolina’s Democratic Party electorate. And Harris, the first female and Black vice president in the nation’s history, received a warm welcome when she arrived Wednesday at a South Carolina Democratic Party fundraiser and reception in Greenville.

HARRIS, NEWSOM, STIR 2028 SPECULATION AT MAJOR DEMOCRATIC PARTY MEETING

Harris is holding a book tour event on Thursday for her memoir, “107 Days,” her look back at her abbreviated 2024 campaign.

Harris was mostly out of the headlines for a couple of months after the end the Biden administration. She began stepping back into the political spotlight last spring and summer, including headlining Democratic National Committee fundraisers.

Her decision last summer to pass on launching a 2026 gubernatorial campaign in her home state of California was seen as clearing the runway for a 2028 presidential bid. Her nationwide book tour has helped keep her visible while building email lists and boosting donor interest.

The former vice president’s current southern swing also includes fundraising appearances for the state Democratic Parties in Georgia and North Carolina, two crucial general election battlegrounds.

Harris narrowly lost both those states and the five other key battlegrounds to Trump in the 2024 election.

Pointing to Harris’ schedule, a veteran strategist in the former vice president’s political orbit recently told Fox News Digital, “of course we are reading tea leaves.”

21 DEMOCRATS WHO MAY RUN FOR THE WHITE HOUSE IN 2028

The strategist, who asked to remain anonymous to speak more freely, said “no one knows what she is planning to do for 2028, but until she tells us herself, she is going to continue to travel, speak up about the issues she cares about the most.”

If she does run again in 2028, Harris would be considered one of the early frontrunners in what’s expected to be a crowded and competitive race for the Democratic nomination.

The Republican National Committee (RNC) is giving thumbs down to the White House hopefuls.

“Democrats are kicking off the 2028 primary by parading Kamala Harris and a roster of failed governors trying to outrun their own records,” RNC national press secretary Kiersten Pels told Fox News last week as she pointed to potential contenders who appeared at Sharpton’s convention.

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Reporter’s Notebook: GOP clash over ‘skinny’ vs ‘obese’ DHS bill as Trump agenda looms

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If it’s up to top Senate GOP leaders, the next budget reconciliation package to finally fund the Department of Homeland Security will be on a fiscal cocktail of Wegovy and Ozempic.

But other Republicans want this measure to be a high-calorie, political feast. Pop-Tarts, Sour Cream and Onion potato chips from Pringles, topped with Reese’s Pieces and a side of Häagen-Dazs chocolate peanut butter ice cream. All washed down with an entire two-liter of Mountain Dew.

Stymied by Democrats — and in many cases themselves — congressional Republicans are now teeing up a reconciliation package to end the two-month-long DHS funding stalemate. By using budget reconciliation as a tool, Republicans can ignore Democrats, sidestep a Senate filibuster and prospectively pass the bill on their own.

If they all stick together.

GOP INFIGHTING REPLACES CLASH WITH DEMS, DERAILS PATH TO END HISTORIC DHS SHUTDOWN

There’s a push by Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., to prep a bill as svelte as possible, since DHS has been penniless for so long.

“We’re going to move quickly, decisively, and hopefully in a very focused way,” said Thune.

This is why Republicans call this a “skinny” bill, devoted to ending the shutdown.

“We want to fund ICE and Border Patrol and maybe a few other things. But very narrow. Very focused,” said Senate Budget Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.

But not everyone in the Senate Republican Conference is on parliamentary Weight Watchers.

Some want to stuff the reconciliation bill with tens of billions of dollars to cover the cost of the war in Iran. Others want to include the touchstone of Trump’s legislative agenda, the SAVE America Act. It requires proof of citizenship in order to vote. There’s a push to tack on farm aid. Others are arguing for disaster relief.

HOUSE CONSERVATIVES RAGE AGAINST SENATE DHS SHUTDOWN DEAL

“It doesn’t need to be skinny. We need to do the SAVE America Act. We need to fund the war. We need to do whatever President Trump needs to do with DHS and TSA,” said Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., on Fox Business. “Let’s put as much stuff in there as we can get now.”

But loading up the bill could slow it down. Especially when time is of the essence.

“The broader you make this, the longer it’s going to take to pass the bill,” yours truly pointed out to Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn.

“That’s a fair assumption,” replied Hagerty. “But we have some critical needs as well. We’re going to have to debate all of this and decide exactly how far we’re going to go. Speed is critical.”

I asked Thune if he was “worried” that some Republican senators may ask to dump “other things” into the legislation.

“Well, they could,” replied Thune. “We have members who want other things. I mean, I want other things. But obviously we have a specific mission and purpose here.”

Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., opined on what skinny or fat means for the fate of the legislation.

“If John [Thune] holds firm, then the bill will remain skinny. If he doesn’t, it’ll jeopardize the bill being passed,” said Kennedy. “If he starts making deals, there will be four or five senators who take a run at it to try to have their stuff included. If he starts making deals to get their votes, it’ll be a huge mistake because you’re talking to one senator, and he is going to insist that [his] stuff be included, too.” 

Kennedy called adding legislative sweeteners — increasing the political caloric count — into the legislation to convince reluctant senators to vote yes would be “a huge mistake.” Kennedy noted that “this skinny bill is going to become obese very quickly.”

So adding Iran dollars into the bill is one option, but some Republicans are reluctant to spend any more money on Iran until they get some answers about what’s next. 

“It’s going to be very difficult to get my support for any funding, or any additional resources from Congress until I have a clear, articulated strategy, how this is going to be ramping down over the next 60 or 30 to 35 days. Or, if it’s going to be escalated,” said Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C. “We need a clearly articulated plan if we’re going to be there for the long term.”

‘WE DIDN’T CAVE’: THUNE HIGHLIGHTS SCHUMER, DEMS’ LOSSES IN DHS FUNDING DEAL

Other Republicans are willing to give the administration some leeway on Iran.

“We can’t control the time it’s going to take to accomplish the mission. So the mission should be the goal. Not the time it takes to accomplish the goal. We’re in it. We need to be in it to win it,” said Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo. “Look at Vietnam. The reason we lost is because that war was being managed by LBJ from the White House. And when the White House tries to manage the military and call the shots and make the day-to-day decisions, we fail.” 

This is an apples-and-oranges question, but some Republicans are not-so-quietly getting skittish about how long the U.S. will be on the hook for the war. Especially as the conflict creeps toward the 60-day mark later this month.

“I think it will be solved by then,” said a confident Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio.

But even if the battle is over, it’s probable the U.S. would still maintain military assets in the region. There’s a running cost on that. That bill will come due at some point. And that’s why this reconciliation bill is such a ripe target for additional items like Iran war funding.

But Republicans are already promising an additional reconciliation bill. If the first bill remains lean, GOPers will inevitably push to stash whatever they can in the later package. Still, that’s hard. And with DHS unfunded for so long, that’s why Thune is trained just on approving DHS money.

But reconciliation bills are complex. The House and Senate consumed the entire period from early February through July 3 last year just to pass the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act. Thune and the president want the DHS funding bill wrapped up in the next few weeks. So a third bill?

“Those who tell us that we’re going to have a third reconciliation bill have been smoking the devil’s lettuce. We will never have a third reconciliation bill,” said Kennedy. “This is the last major piece of legislation that we will likely pass until the midterms. There’s a feeling which I share among the Senate caucus that this is the last train leaving the station. We had better get all our cargo aboard. Now.”

Most diets fail. It’s not a question of willpower. But sometimes dieting is a challenge the deeper you get into it.

The House and Senate are just beginning the current effort to pass the reconciliation bill for DHS funding. It may start out slender, but maintenance is hard.

Here’s something else working against lawmakers: history.

Congress is used to piling lots of things into “must-pass” bills. That’s where the extra parliamentary pounds come from.

Diets often succeed because someone makes lifestyle changes. Will Congress make a “lifestyle change” and pass a reconciliation that only ends the DHS shutdown?

It’s a weighty question.

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