Rep. Davis: ‘Intrigued’ by Trump wiretapping claims

Posted on March 8, 2017

By Eric Stock

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis said he was ‘intrigued’ by President Donald Trump’s claims that then-President Barack Obama had ordered surveillance of Trump tower shortly before the election.

“(I was) wondering what is he talking about?,” Davis asked.

The Taylorville Republican told WJBC’s Scott Laughlin any surveillance, if it actually happened, would have to be approved by a FISA court order.

PODCAST: Listen to Scott and Patti’s interview with Davis on WJBC.

“If there is no FISA authorization and we do see evidence the federal government and intelligence agencies spied on am American citizen in any capacity, then we’ve got issues,” Davis said.

Davis said President Trump will have to explain why he chose to make the claims on social media without providing any evidence, but said the president has a higher learning curve because he has never served public office.

Davis says the GOP’s proposed changes to the Affordable Care Act are just a starting point.

“This first iteration of a bill begins the process of negotiating, amending, debating and then coming out with a final plan that I hope and I want to make sure makes health care more affordable for every single person in this country and more accessible.

Davis said Republicans plan to introduce a measure to allow buying health care across state lines in a second phase of reforms. Davis didn’t say if he opposes any of the changes, but added he’s looking forward to the debate.

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year. It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city. Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University. We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk. Going to work every day for some people means…