Welcome to Friday, January 31st, YEAs and NAYs...

This is it. The Senate will decide today whether or not to call witnesses.

Your reps need to hear from you. Now. Click the image below.

Lead impeachment manager Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) made an appeal to lawmakers leaning against calling witnesses late last night:

“They make the astounding claim if their case is so good, let them try without witnesses. That wouldn’t fly before any judge in America. And it shouldn’t fly here, either.”

But Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN), who was seen as a possible swing-vote, said Thursday night he plans to vote against allowing witnesses and evidence into the impeachment trial.

"There is no need for more evidence to conclude that the president withheld United States aid, at least in part, to pressure Ukraine to investigate the Bidens; the House managers have proved this with what they call a 'mountain of overwhelming evidence,'" Alexander said in a statement.

He added: "Our founding documents provide for duly elected presidents who serve with 'the consent of the governed,' not at the pleasure of the United States Congress. Let the people decide."
You're the people. So:

On the Radar

WHO Declares Coronavirus Outbreak a Global Health Emergency

The World Health Organization has declared that the coronavirus outbreak is a global health emergency, acknowledging that the virus now represents a risk beyond China.

"The main reason for the declaration is not because of what is happening in China, but because of what is happening in other countries," said WHO head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

The announcement comes as the U.S. reports its first case of person-to-person transmission of the virus that began in the Wuhan region of China. The virus has killed at least 171 people in China and infected over 8,000.

Labeling the coronavirus a "Public Health Emergency of International Concern" alerts all United Nations member states that the world's top health advisory agency rates the situation as serious.

The CDC and HHS are evacuating approximately 200 U.S. citizens from Wuhan back to the U.S.

Read what else the government is doing, then tell your reps:

How should the U.S. respond to the coronavirus outbreak?

What You're Saying

Here's how you're answering Should the Use of Force Against Iran Be Blocked & the Iraq War Authorization Be Repealed?

UGC2

UGC3

Also Worth a Click

Democratic State AGs Sue to Demand Certification of Equal Rights Amendment

And, in the End...

It's Hug an Economist Day.

Here's Ronald Reagan congratulating economist Milton Friedman on receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

PIC-END

An advisor to Reagan and Margaret Thatcher, Friedman argued for free trade and minimal government intervention.

I can't see any of the above celebrating January 30's other holiday: Appreciate Your Social Security Check Day,

—Josh Herman

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