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MS-13, Tren de Aragua targeted for death blow in new GOP bill aimed at migrant crime

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FIRST ON FOX: House Republicans introduced a bill Wednesday, the Punishing Illegal Immigrant Felons Act, which would dramatically increase penalties for criminal activity by illegal immigrants, something the bill’s sponsors believe can help deliver a death blow to organized crime by illegals in the U.S.

Rep. Brad Knott, R-N.C., said the bill already has robust support in the House and that key members of the Trump administration have been very «supportive.»

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This comes as the Trump administration has moved quickly to lock down the border and begin arresting the «worst of the worst» illegal aliens present in the country. The Trump administration has promised to be «ruthlessly aggressive» in cracking down on illegal criminal groups endangering Americans.

However, Knott, who introduced the bill Wednesday, told Fox News Digital that, from his experience as a prosecutor, he believes Congress must act quickly to secure the permanent changes needed to deter many of the hardened criminals who have made organized crime in the U.S. «big business.»

NOEM CALLS FOR THE DEATH PENALTY FOLLOWING MARITIME HUMAN SMUGGLING ATTEMPT THAT LEFT CHILD DEAD

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Rep. Brad Knott, R-N.C., and House Republicans are introducing a bill this week to dramatically increase penalties for crimes committed by illegal aliens, something they believe is necessary to deter the «worst of the worst» from entering the country. (House Creative Services via Wikimedia Commons and Alex Pena/Anadolu via Getty Images)

«There is a very real set group of criminals that a wall and deportations alone is wholly insufficient to deter them from coming to the United States to commit crime,» Knott said. «I have prosecuted people who were deported more than ten times. Yet they come back exclusively to commit crime, whether that is human trafficking, whether it’s drug trafficking, whether it’s money laundering, you name it.» 

Knott said, up until now, there has been an «incentive» for criminals, including members of migrant gangs like MS-13 and Tren de Aragua, to come to the U.S. «because they are able to enrich themselves with very low risk of extreme cost.»

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«Two years is no deterrent,» he said. «I prosecuted cartel members, and if they got a 24-month sentence, a two-year sentence, it would not interrupt their criminal operation at all.»

During his time as a federal prosecutor, Knott said, instances of illegal felons returning to commit more crimes after being deported were «too many to remember.»

BLUE CITY MAYOR SAYS ICE ARRESTS OF DANGEROUS CRIMINALS ARE NOT ‘FOCUSED ON MAKING US SAFER’

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A man arrested this week for being a member of the MS-13 Mara Salvatrucha street gang among other crimes, flashes his gang's hand sign from inside a jail cell at a police station in San Salvador October 12, 2012. The U.S. on Thursday imposed financial penalties on violent Latin American street gang MS-13, which has thousands of members operating in the U.S. and has been accused of human trafficking, kidnapping, murder, rape and other criminal activities. MS-13, whose U.S. members are mostly first-generation Salvadorean-Americans or Salvadorean nationals, was added to the Obama administration's list of transnational criminal organizations - a label designed to cripple a criminal group's finances. REUTERS/Ulises Rodriguez (El SALVADOR - Tags: CIVIL UNREST CRIME LAW) - GM2E8AD0RWT01

Alleged MS-13 gang members  (Reuters)

«I talked to someone who was deported more than ten times … and I asked him, ‘Why do you keep coming back to the United States?’ And he was very candid with me. He said, ‘Why wouldn’t I?’» Knott shared. «He could make more money. He could operate in a country that was safer. People were nice. He could enrich himself while poisoning the children that he would sell drugs to.

«This bill in large part closes that gap in the law,» he explained. «It categorizes illegal aliens who commit crimes in a wholly different category.»  

If passed and signed into law, Knott’s bill would increase the punishment for any crime committed by an illegal alien that is punishable by more than one year from a maximum of two years to a minimum of five years.

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Illegals who are removed and then reenter the country illegally can also face up to ten years in prison under the law. 

‘OFF OUR STREETS’: ICE MAKES MAJOR ARREST OF INTERNATIONALLY WANTED ‘SUSPECTED TERRORIST’

gang members behind bars in El Salvador prison

Inmates remain in a cell at the Counter-Terrorism Confinement Center prison, where hundreds of members of the MS-13 and the 18th Street gangs are being held, in Tecoluca, El Salvador, Jan. 27, 2025 (Marvin Recinos/AFP via Getty Images)

For illegal felons who have been previously removed from the country and returned again to commit more crimes, the bill would increase the punishment to a minimum of ten years and up to life in prison.

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Knott explained that the bill still leaves flexibility to federal authorities, leaving the option of deportation on the table while simultaneously increasing the legal penalties available to erase the incentives for illegally entering the country to commit crimes.

He said » flexibility is what law enforcement needs to really combat this on a person-by-person basis.»

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11 ALLEGED TEEN TREN DE ARAGUA GANG MEMBERS ATTACK NYPD OFFICERS: POLICE

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The U.S. Capitol Dec. 12, 2024, in Washington D.C.  (Fox News/Paul Steinhauser)

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«The wall is important. Deportations are important, and we must maintain those. But we also must close the gap in the law so that, regardless of who’s president, we have the tools to fight the illegal immigrant criminals who inflict so much pain on this country,» said Knott.

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«Immigration should be a net benefit to our country,» he added. «If we don’t punish those who want to come here to commit crimes, we will never have a healthy immigration system again. If we don’t fix this problem now, we might not have the chance to do it.«

Migrant Crime,Border security,Illegal Immigrants,House Of Representatives,Donald Trump,Immigration

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113 House Dems vote against GOP resolution to condemn Boulder attack on pro-Israel activists

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More than 100 Democrats voted against a House GOP-led resolution to condemn the accused terror attack in Boulder, Colorado.

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It passed 280-113, with 75 Democrats joining Republicans to vote for the bill. Six lawmakers, five Democrats and one Republican, voted «present.» 

The legislation was introduced by Rep. Gabe Evans, R-Colo., last week in response to the attack. But Democrat lawmakers made clear they were opposed to language in the resolution that they felt was politically charged.

In addition to condemning the attack, Evans’ resolution also appeared to rebuke blue-leaning sanctuary jurisdictions that were at odds with federal immigration authorities, and he condemned illegal immigrants who overstay their visas as well.

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A second bill, led by Reps. Jeff Van Drew, R-N.J., and Joe Neguse, D-Colo., more broadly condemned the rise in antisemitic attacks in the U.S. That legislation netted much wider bipartisan support, passing 400-0, with just two lawmakers voting «present.»

HOUSE GOP TARGETS ANOTHER DEM OFFICIAL ACCUSED OF BLOCKING ICE AMID DELANEY HALL FALLOUT

Police work at the scene after an attack that injured multiple people in Boulder, Colo., on June 1, 2025. (Reuters | Fox News Digital)

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But Evans’ resolution more specifically noted that the case of terror suspect Mohammed Sabry Soliman, who overstayed a tourist visa and a subsequent work authorization, «demonstrates the dangers of not removing from the country aliens who fail to comply with the terms of their visas.»

The Egyptian national is facing federal charges after allegedly attempting to set fire to peaceful demonstrators who were protesting Hamas’ continued possession of Israeli hostages in Gaza.

The Trump administration has vowed that he and his family will be deported from the U.S.

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Evans’ resolution also «affirms that free and open communication between State and local law enforcement and their Federal counterparts remains the bedrock of public safety and is necessary in preventing terrorist attacks» and it «expresses gratitude to law enforcement officers, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel, for protecting the homeland.»

It comes as Democrat-controlled cities like Los Angeles and Nashville, Tennessee, have seen their leaders criticize the Trump administration’s ICE crackdown.

The Trump administration’s handling of anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles has spurred an outpouring of scorn from Democrat officials, particularly the decision to send National Guard troops in to break up the demonstrations.

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House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., criticized Evans’ resolution in comments to reporters on Monday.

Gabe Evans closeup shot

Rep. Gabe Evans led the resolution. (Tierney L. Cross/Getty Images)

«Who is this guy? He’s not seriously concerned with combating antisemitism in America. This is not a serious effort,» Jeffries said. «Antisemitism is a scourge on America. It shouldn’t be weaponized politically.»

Jeffries also called Evans «a joke.»

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Evans responded on X, «I served our nation in uniform in the Middle East, as a cop in Colorado, & now as a Congressman. This wildly offensive sentiment from Democrat’s Leader is why antisemitism persists. The Left is unserious about finding real solutions.»

Rep. Dan Goldman, D-N.Y., who is Jewish, also criticized Evans’ resolution.

MEET THE TRUMP-PICKED LAWMAKERS GIVING SPEAKER JOHNSON A FULL HOUSE GOP CONFERENCE

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«You weren’t here, Mr. Evans, last term, but there were about 10 antisemitism resolutions that effectively said the same thing solely to score political points. We Jews are sick and tired of being used as pawns,» Goldman said during debate on the bill.

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But Van Drew, who is leading a bipartisan resolution that similarly condemns antisemitism but does not discuss immigration, defended Evans’ measure.

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«Yes, it is different than mine. Mine focused purely on antisemitism here in the world. But he brings up a valid point not only for Jews, but for many innocent victims. Whether it was Laken Riley, whether it was the women that were raped, the women and men that were killed, those that were beaten, those that were hurt, who were in law enforcement. Illegal immigration is not a good thing,» Van Drew said.

The two lawmakers who voted «present» on Van Drew’s resolution were Reps. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., and Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga.

Greene wrote on X after the vote, «Antisemitic hate crimes are wrong, but so are all hate crimes. Yet Congress never votes on hate crimes committed against white people, Christians, men, the homeless, or countless others. Tonight, the House passed two more antisemitism-related resolutions, the 20th and 21st I’ve voted on since taking office. Meanwhile, Americans from every background are being murdered — even in the womb — and Congress stays silent.»

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Brasil: comenzaron los interrogatorios a Jair Bolsonaro y sus colaboradores, acusados de intento de golpe de Estado

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La corte suprema de Brasil inició los interrogatorios al expresidente Jair Bolsonaro y colaboradores suyos acusados de intento de golpe de Estado contra Lula en 2022.

La fiscalía acusó en febrero al ex mandatario ultraderechista, de 70 años, de liderar una «organización criminal» para desconocer los resultados de los comicios de octubre de 2022 e impedir la asunción del izquierdista Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

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Por el orden de los testimonios previstos, se espera que Bolsonaro responda a preguntas en el juicio a partir del martes.

De traje oscuro y sin su habitual vestimenta informal, el expresidente se sentó junto a otros acusados y sus abogados en una hilera frente al juez Alexandre De Moraes, relator del caso, a quien Bolsonaro ha llamado de «dictador».

El presunto plan golpista habría fracasado por falta de apoyo de altos mandos militares, pero Bolsonaro y otros siete excolaboradores podrían enfrentar una pena de unos 40 años de prisión si son condenados por los crímenes de intento de abolición violenta del Estado democrático de derecho y de golpe de Estado.

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El líder de la derecha y extrema derecha brasileñas insiste en su regreso político a pesar de estar inhabilitado para las elecciones de 2026 y niega las acusaciones, declarándose un perseguido de la justicia.

El ex presidente de Brasil, Jair Bolsonaro, saluda durante una marcha a favor de la amnistía para los condenados por los disturbios del 8 de enero de 2023, en Brasilia. Foto Reuters

Aunque tiene derecho a quedarse callado, Bolsonaro dijo la semana pasada a periodistas que responderá «sin ningún problema» a los cuestionamientos de la corte.

«Es una excelente idea que hablemos en vivo sobre golpe de Estado, estoy muy feliz de tener la oportunidad de aclarar lo que ocurrió», afirmó el jueves el excapitán del Ejército.

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Al día siguiente, ante un grupo de mujeres de su conservador Partido Liberal mostró un tono conciliador, señalando que comparecerá ante los jueces «sin querer desafiar a nadie».

«Es la hora de la verdad», apuntó.

Los otros acusados

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Los interrogatorios tienen lugar en la sede del Supremo Tribunal Federal en Brasilia, uno de los edificios depredados por seguidores bolsonaristas en enero de 2023 para pedir a los militares que derrocaran a Lula, hechos que la fiscalía también vincula al expresidente.

Son transmitidos en vivo y podrían extenderse toda la semana.

El primer coacusado en declarar es Mauro Cid, exedecán y mano derecha del exmandatario, convertido para el bolsonarismo en traidor por haber colaborado con la fiscalía a cambio de una eventual reducción de pena.

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El testimonio del teniente coronel permitió a la policía identificar a los distintos actores de la trama golpista y sus comprometedores intercambios de información, según la investigación.

En el banquillo, también se hallan cuatro exministros y los exjefes de la Marina y de la agencia brasileña de inteligencia.

Moraes, así como la fiscalía y las defensas, pueden cuestionar a los acusados.

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El proceso judicial ha avanzado con mayor rapidez que el promedio de casos penales en Brasil, según Rogerio Taffarello, experto en derecho penal de la Fundación Getulio Vargas.

Pero la corte suprema aún podría escuchar nuevos testigos, además de los argumentos finales de las partes, antes de que los magistrados empiecen la votación para una eventual condena.

Debido a que el supuesto complot fue ideado durante largo tiempo y algunos crímenes imputados -como abolición violenta del Estado democrático- son nuevos en el estamento brasileño, se espera «una discusión jurídica extremadamente compleja», dijo Taffarello a la AFP.

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Bolsonaro pasó el fin de semana con sus abogados para preparar su testimonio, alojado en la residencia oficial de su aliado y gobernador del estado de San Pablo, Tarcísio de Freitas, según medios locales.

En una fase previa en que la corte escuchó a medio centenar de testigos, Freitas, que fue ministro de Infraestructura de Bolsonaro, salió en su defensa, afirmando que «nunca» oyó al ultraderechista referirse a un plan golpista.

Pero dos excomandantes de las fuerzas armadas confirmaron que Bolsonaro les presentó la posibilidad de eventualmente decretar un estado de «defensa o de sitio» para anular las elecciones y mantenerse en el poder.

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El plan golpista contemplaba incluso el asesinato de Lula y del juez Moraes, según la fiscalía.

«La historia de Brasil se estará escribiendo» durante el juicio, el primero por una tentativa de golpe bajo un régimen democrático en el país, dijo a la AFP Marcio Coimbra, director del «think tank» Casa Política.

Brasil,Lula Da Silva,Jair Bolsonaro

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Power players or baseball players? The history behind the Congressional Baseball Game

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Washington is stocked with power players. The president. White House officials. Cabinet secretaries. U.S. Representatives. Senators. Powerful aides. Lobbyists. Journalists.

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But how about baseball players?

Democrats and Republicans convene Wednesday night at Nats Park just blocks from the Capitol for the annual Congressional game.

REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK: LAWMAKERS TAKE TO THE FIELD IN STRANGE SPECTACLE OF ANNUAL CONGRESSIONAL BASEBALL GAME

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Since 1909, Democrats and Republicans have traded in conference committees for mound visits.

The Congressional Record for scorecards.

And parliamentarians for umpires.

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Republicans are looking to keep their winning streak alive at this year’s Congressional Baseball Game. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

Rep. Roger Williams, R-Texas, is a former Atlanta Braves farmhand. He gets his squad out on the practice diamond nearly every morning when lawmakers are in session at 5:45.

«We’ve been working out since March 1,» said Williams. «I think we’re as good as we were last year.»

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However, he noted that springtime rain limited practice time. And, an injury might beset the GOP squad.

House Republican Conference Vice Chairman Blake Moore, R-Utah, started in center field for Republicans last year. Moore is one of the best overall athletes for either team. Moore won the high school Heisman Trophy in 1997. However, Moore injured his collar bone diving to make a save as a goalie in the Congressional soccer game a few weeks ago.

Yes, there’s a Congressional soccer game, too. And flag football game. And basketball game. And hockey game.

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And voters sometimes wonder why nothing ever gets done in Washington?

UNDER THE DOME AND ON THE DIAMOND

Anyway, Moore says his clavicle has healed. Ironically, he can golf. But can’t play baseball. And can’t reach up to put away the dishes in the cupboard after dinner.

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«That goes over really well with my wife,» said Moore.

A penalty for playing soccer?

«I fined him $500,» said Williams – we believe jokingly.

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Roger Williams

Rep. Roger Williams, R-Texas, coaches his party’s baseball team. (Photo By Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)

Rep. Jake Ellzey, R-Texas, played right field last year. He moves to center field in place of Moore Wednesday night. Rep. Marlin Stutzman, R-Ind., patrols right field for Republicans.

Stutzman returned to Congress this year after an eight-year hiatus. Stutzman played in six games before, hitting .083. Stutzman used to pitch for the GOP. But his services out of the bullpen probably aren’t necessary. After all, Stutzman might not match up to other Hoosier State hurlers like Tommy John and Don Larsen. On the mound, Stutzman sports an 0-2 record with a 14.44 ERA in the Congressional contest.

That said, Williams does have a potential newcomer who can throw: Freshman Rep. Pat Harrigan, R-N.C., is a rookie and a fireballer. 

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«He’s my Ryne Duren,» said Williams of Harrigan.

To the uninitiated, Duren was a flamethrowing all-star in the 1950s and ‘60s – mostly with the New York Yankees and Cincinnati Reds. Duren wore Coke-bottle glasses. The line «Oh say can you see» during «The Star-Spangled Banner» took on a little more meaning for opposing hitters when Duren was on the mound with his fastball.

Williams says Harrigan can bring it. But his control needs work.

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THE TRAGEDY OF PETER EDWARD ROSE

Rep. Linda Sanchez, D-Calif., enters her third year as the Democrats’ skipper. She’s the first woman to manage the team.

Women first played in the game in 1993. Former Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Fla., along with former Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., and current Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., broke the gender barrier. Both Lincoln and Cantwell played as House Members. Sanchez appeared in 11 games and is one of the best women to suit up. She hit .455, going 5-11 with two walks.

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Sanchez bleeds Dodger blue. She historically wears a Fernando Valenzuela jersey while managing. Valenzuela was one of the most iconic Dodgers of all time, capturing the 1981 Cy Young Award with his screwball as «Fernandomania» seized southern California. Valenzuela died last fall.

Linda Sanchez

Rep. Linda Sanchez, D-Calif., coaches the Democrats. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

But Sanchez used to pull for the «California» Angels – now the Los Angeles Angels. Sanchez switched her allegiance from the Halos to the Dodgers after the Angels let Nolan Ryan escape to the Houston Astros in late 1979.

One wonders how Sanchez would have felt if she were a New York Mets fan back when they traded Ryan to the Angels?

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TRUMP’S SPENDING BILL HEADS TO SENATE WHERE REPUBLICANS PLAN STRATEGIC ADJUSTMENTS TO KEY PROVISIONS

Sanchez’s success at the plate hasn’t followed her into the Democrats’ dugout. Republicans have captured the last four contests – including the two which Sanchez managed. Republicans pounded the Democrats last year, 31-11. The GOP topped the Democrats 16-6 in 2023. There was no game in 2020 due to the pandemic. So the Democrats haven’t won since 2019. Republicans hold a 38-23 advantage in the «modern» era of the game. They began playing the Congressional game in 1909. But late House Speaker Sam Rayburn, D-Texas, halted the game because it became too violent.

There was a legendary collision at home plate in the 1956 game. Late Rep. Charles Curtis, R-Mo., was catching for the GOP. Rep. Olin «Tiger» Teague, D-Texas, steamrolled Curtis at the plate. Teague is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. But Teague buried Curtis at home in that game. Orderlies hauled Curtis off the old Griffith Stadium field on a stretcher.

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Lawmakers resumed the game in 1962.

Mannion meets with lawmakers

With her party hemorrhaging talent on the mound in recent years, Sanchez may be buoyed by an influx of freshmen – like Rep. John Mannion, D-N.Y. – in this year’s showdown. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle)

Sanchez is buoyed by at least four new freshmen – or rookies – on her club. Reps. Dave Min, D-Calif., Derek Tran, D-Calif., John Mannion, D-N.Y., and Johnny Olszewski, D-Md.

«Our principal weakness has been not a lot of depth to our bullpen. And this year we’ve got a couple of freshmen that can throw. So we’re hoping that with those additions, we can do a lot better this year,» said Sanchez.

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Expect Mannion to work in relief.

REPUBLICAN LAWMAKERS STAND FIRM AGAINST MUSK’S ‘KILL THE BILL’ ASSAULT ON TRUMP’S AGENDA

Like most Major League clubs, the Democrats need pitching.

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«We had a great run for a little while when Cedric Richmond was on the mound,» said House Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar, D-Calif., who pitches, catches and plays infield for the Democrats.

Former Rep. Cedric Richmond, D-La., is one of the greatest players in Congressional Baseball Game history. He pitched in college. He threw 80-mph-plus to stymie fellow lawmakers. Richmond boasted an 8-0 record and a miniscule 2.64 ERA.

But Richmond left Congress to work for former President Biden in 2021. The Democrats haven’t been formidable since.

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Cedric Richmond

Former Rep. Cedric Richmond, D-La., was one of the best baseball players to have ever seen the halls of Congress. (Photo by Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call)

Heading into Wednesday’s contest, Sanchez teased that her goal with the Republicans in the game is «making them cry.»

«But we come together and do something good for the area,» added Sanchez, noting the $2 million the game raises for children’s charities in the DC area.

But she concedes, «there’s always trash talk.»

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HOUSE REPUBLICANS PUSH FOR SPENDING CANCELLATIONS AS ELON MUSK AND CONSERVATIVES DEMAND DEEPER BUDGET CUTS

So Democrats try to escape from their slump. The Democrats haven’t won under Sanchez. But they’re oh-fer since House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., took over in 2023.

«It’s my expectation that the Democratic comeback is going to begin in 2025 at the Congressional Baseball Game,» said Jeffries last week.

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But the Brooklyn Democrat said the same thing two years ago.

«I think this is the year for the big, Democratic comeback,» said Jeffries in June 2023.

Hakeem Jeffries

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., has been hinging on a Democratic comeback for years. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

So, I questioned Jeffries in the Capitol corridors late last week.

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«You realize since you’ve been the Minority Leader that the Republicans have defeated the Democrats by a combined score of 47 to 1?» asked yours truly.

«I also realize that my record as an active member of the Congressional Baseball Game team, I believe, was 9-1,» replied Jeffries.

But is that because of Jeffries? Or Cedric Richmond?

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Statistics are paramount in baseball. Whether you’re scoring at home. Or using the Congressional Budget Office. Jeffries is 1-6 hitting in his nine games on the Democratic squad. That’s good for a .167 average. Well below the Mendoza Line. But he did swipe seven bases.

And this year, Democrats will again try to steal a win against a talented Republican club.

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Gametime at 7pm ET on FS1 Wednesday. Yours truly will be on the call alongside colleague Kevin Corke.

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