The rise of President Pence

[Senator Spark]

September 3, 2017



President Pence hosts Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan at the White House.

I would like to let Mr. Abe know that the United States is committed to standing in solidarity with Japan. As the Third World War has displayed, countries will attempt to challenge our resolve to see if we will falter. It is not possible for us to make any missteps if we all stand together and remain faithful in the pursuit of democracy.

[Senator Spark]

September 4, 2017



President Pence nominates Gov. John Kasich of Ohio as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget

Kasich: Thank you for this nomination, Mr. President. It is greatly appreciated, and you may remember that I served as Chair of the House Budget Committee in the 1990s. My experience in the House of Representatives can prove to be very valuable in this position of Director of OMB. I sincerely am humbled to serve you.



President Pence nominates Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb of Oklahoma as the 15th Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency

Lamb: President Pence, it is my distinct honor to be here today and gracefully accept your nomination as the next EPA administrator. A clean environment is important for a thriving society, and we must be sure to not excessively regulated certain industries which hurts local businesses. Once again I appreciate this opportunity.

[Senator Spark]

September 5, 2017

President Pence makes his first Supreme Court appointment

Time for speculation . . .

[Senator Spark]

To be continued . . .

Feedback, comments, questions, or suggestions? Should I do a monthly or yearly summary instead to make the timeline progress faster to 2021?

[Senator Spark]

no summaries.

Why?

[Senator Spark]

well i think it would be good for you to have summaries alongside your current style...but summaries as the only way for you to have updates is not a good idea imo. like if you went through all of 2017, you sum up the year and mention the most prominent and important things that happened in said year.

How about a monthly summary of events?

[Senator Spark]

September 2017



President Pence nominates Bobby Jindal as 28th Secretary of Labor



President Pence holds meeting with Sen. John McCain regarding VA Accountability



President Pence nominates Tim Pawlenty as Trade Representative

President Pence cancels European tour to focus on his domestic agenda


President Pence nominates Condoleezza Rice as 28th White House Chief of Staff



President Pence meets with OMB Director John Kasich who was approved unanimously by the Senate to begin budget discussions

[Senator Spark]

President Pence's Cabinet Selection

1. President of the United States - Michael R. Pence (R-IN), (2017-)
2. Vice President of the United States - (TBA)
3. Secretary of State- John Bolton (R-MD)
4. Secretary of the Treasury- Mitt Romney (R-MA)
5. Secretary of Defense
6. Attorney General
7. Secretary of the Interior- Kris Kobach (R-KS)
8. Secretary of Agriculture- Brian Sandoval (R-NV)
9. Secretary of Commerce- John E. Bush (R-FL)
10. Secretary of Labor- Bobby Jindal (R-LA)
11. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
12. Secretary of Education
13. Secretary of Transportation
14. Secretary of Health and Human Services
15. Secretary of Veterans' Affairs
16. Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency- Todd Lamb (R-OK)
17. Director of OMB- John Kasich (R-OH)
18. U.S. Trade Representative- Tim Pawlenty (R-MN)

[Senator Spark]

October 1, 2017

President Pence Approval Rating:



Approve: 52%
Disapprove: 47%

[Senator Spark]

October 2017

President Pence's budget passes OMB



Government shutdown occurs due to failure to pass the budget for the 2017-18 fiscal year

Pence's budget passes through U.S. Congress with a narrow vote of 51-49 in the Senate.



President Pence signs Budget Act of 2017 into law

Highlights of the bill:

-Tax reform
-Lowers income taxes for all tax brackets
-Closure of more loopholes

American Health Care Act collapses

25 million people in the United States without health insurance



Mitch McConnell resigns as Senate Majority Leader and takes full responsibility for the catastrophe



Congress convenes to debate and vote on a bill introduced by Sen. Bernie Sanders called the Emergency Care Act of 2017

700,000 people die as a result of having no health insurance



Statement by Sen. Bernie Sanders

I will not allow such a tragedy to ever occur again. Just remember, the Republican Party in control of both houses of Congress are responsible for the deaths of 700,000 citizens. This is a result of their negligence and haste to rush a bill through the Senate and House of Representatives. It is an abomination and I cannot let this stand. I have introduced and sponsored a bill which will allow every American the right to health insurance. The bill includes a higher tax and premiums on the wealthy while expanding access to Medicaid, which so many of our people need to survive. It is entirely unacceptable and ridiculous for people to die without being able to pay their insurance costs.

Debate begins in the Senate regarding the Emergency Care Act of 2017

Emergency Care Act of 2017 goes to a full Senate vote

Emergency Care Act of 2017 passes in Senate by a vote of 50-48-2



President Pence statement

It is a terrible tragedy for those who lost their lives during this time of transition from Obamacare to the ACA. I regretfully say that 700,000 people have died during a period of 3 weeks as a result of no health insurance. Mitch McConnell has resigned as Senate Majority Leader and the Senate expects to have a replacement for him soon. I will not hesitate to sign any bill put on my desk in this time of dire need in our country. I cannot be playing politics when many millions of peoples' lives are at stake and on the line. I look forward to reviewing and signing the new bill into law as soon as possible.

[Senator Spark]

November 2017

In the midst of a health care crisis,



President Pence nominates former Secretary of Urban Development and neurosurgeon Ben Carson of Michigan as the 24th Secretary of Health and Human Services.



Secretary of State John Bolton confirmed 99-0-1



Secretary of the Interior Kris Kobach confirmed by a vote of 60-40



Secretary of the Treasury Mitt Romney confirmed by a vote of 55-45



Sebastian Gorka appointed as National Security Advisor



Bill O'Reilly appointed as Counselor to the President

2017 Gubernatorial Elections



Phil Murphy defeats Kim Guadagno in a landslide in New Jersey



Ed Gillespie who defeated Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam 52-47% will become the next Governor of Virginia

[Senator Spark]

President Pence's Cabinet Selection

1. President of the United States - Michael R. Pence (R-IN), (2017-)
2. Vice President of the United States - (TBA)
3. Secretary of State- John Bolton (R-MD) conf. 99-0-1
4. Secretary of the Treasury- Mitt Romney (R-MA) conf. 55-45
5. Secretary of Defense- TBA
6. Attorney General- TBA
7. Secretary of the Interior- Kris Kobach (R-KS) conf.  60-40
8. Secretary of Agriculture- Brian Sandoval (R-NV)
9. Secretary of Commerce- John E. Bush (R-FL)* nominee
10. Secretary of Labor- Bobby Jindal (R-LA)* nominee
11. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development- TBA
12. Secretary of Education- TBA
13. Secretary of Transportation- TBA
14. Secretary of Health and Human Services- Ben Carson (R-MI)* nominee
15. Secretary of Veterans' Affairs- TBA
16. Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency- Todd Lamb (R-OK)* nominee
17. Director of OMB- John Kasich (R-OH) conf. 100-0
18. U.S. Trade Representative- Tim Pawlenty (R-MN)* nominee

[Senator Spark]

December 2017

President Pence hosts Justin Trudeau of Canada at the White House

The bond of our friendship will extend into the future . . .



President Pence signs Emergency Care Act of 2017 into law

Highlights:

-Coverage for all Americans
-Expansion of Medicaid
-Increased taxes on wealthy



President Pence Speech

Campaign rally

Toledo, Ohio

We all stand together here as Americans, the economy is going strong, we have healthcare reform, we have tax reform. There is nothing we cannot accomplish together. Manufacturing jobs are staying at home and we always need to put our workers first. We must prevent illegal immigrants from taking our citizens' jobs away from them. This is the reason I made an executive order to end catch-and-release at the U.S.-Mexico border. Vote for a President who you believe has shown proven results and who has had experience serving as Vice President. I will continue to serve you for as long as I need and it is my most privileged calling and duty. Thank you and God Bless America.



Kevin McCarthy to take on role of Senate Majority Leader



President Pence nominates Mary Mayhew of Maine to serve as 19th Secretary of Transportation



Secretary of Health and Human Services Ben Carson confirmed by Senate 75-25



Secretary of Commerce Jeb! Bush confirmed by Senate 53-47

[Senator Spark]

Mid-December 2017

Secretary of State John Bolton meets with Russian Ambassador Sergei Lavrov

National Security Advisor urges President Pence to select a Vice Presidential nominee

Veep Search and Finalists:



1. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL)



2. Former UN Ambassador and Governor Nikki Haley (R-SC)



3. Former Ambassador and Governor Terry Branstad (R-IA)

[Senator Spark]

President Pence's Cabinet Selection

1. President of the United States - Michael R. Pence (R-IN), (2017-)
2. Vice President of the United States - TBA, selection in Jan
3. Secretary of State- John Bolton (R-MD) conf. 99-0-1 (2017-)
4. Secretary of the Treasury- Mitt Romney (R-MA) conf. 55-45, (2017-)
5. Secretary of Defense- TBA
6. Attorney General- TBA
7. Secretary of the Interior- Kris Kobach (R-KS) conf.  60-40, (2017-)
8. Secretary of Agriculture- Brian Sandoval (R-NV) hearing in January
9. Secretary of Commerce- John E. Bush (R-FL) conf 53-47, (2017-)
10. Secretary of Labor- Bobby Jindal (R-LA)* nominee, hearing in Jan
11. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development- TBA
12. Secretary of Education- TBA
13. Secretary of Transportation- TBA
14. Secretary of Health and Human Services- Ben Carson (R-MI), conf 75-25, (2017-)
15. Secretary of Veterans' Affairs- TBA
16. Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency- Todd Lamb (R-OK)* nominee
17. Director of OMB- John Kasich (R-OH) conf. 100-0
18. U.S. Trade Representative- Tim Pawlenty (R-MN)* nominee

[Senator Spark]

Not a bad story but feels rushed

Trying to get this finished before I return to school in August, sorry.

[Senator Spark]

January 2018



Bobby Jindal confirmed as Secretary of Labor by a 57-43 vote.



Brian Sandoval confirmed as Secretary of Agriculture by a 55-45 vote.



Todd Lamb confirmed as EPA Administrator.



Mary Mayhew confirmed as Secretary of Transportation by a vote of 53-47





President Pence chooses former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley as Vice Presidential nominee

She is the first woman to be nominated for the office of the vice presidency.



President Pence announcement

White House East Room

1 PM

Pence: I am here today to inform you that I am nominating former UN Ambassador and Governor Nikki Haley as my vice presidential nominee. I believe that Nikki Haley is exceptionally qualified for the office of Vice President because of her foreign policy credentials and expertise. She has much talent and would become the first female Vice President of the United States in the history of our country. I'd like a steady hand to be in charge under me, God forbid a tragedy occurs during the rest of my term. It is my constitutional duty to appoint a vice presidential nominee to ensure the continuation of government and I believe that Nikki Haley is the best person for that role. Thank you very much.

Haley: Thank you very much Mr. President. I am honored to be here today and especially to be your VP nominee. As my record displays, I am a competnant and steady leader with many foreign policy credintials and accomplishments. My tenure at the United Nations can speak to that. I've dealt with many foreign entities and represented the United States on numerous occasions. I am proud to serve you and look forward to my confirmation and making history as the first woman to be Vice President of the United States. God bless you.



President Pence speech

January 15, 2018

Joint Session of U.S. Congress

U.S. Capitol Building

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Majority Leader, and members of Congress, I come before you today having made substantial progress on many areas of policy that matter to the American people such as health care, tax reform, and increasing spending for infrastructure, among other accomplishments. Both parties must cooperate and work together to achieve long lasting progress, this will benefit our citizens. On the foreign policy front, we have survived through a World War that has galvanized many world leaders and devastated areas of the globe.

The American dream and resolve cannot be broken, we must remain vigilant and hold true to our ideals and values. It has withstood the test and trials of time presented to it. Our freedoms rely on the foundation that this nation embodies, and it is through our strength and pride as Americans that will allow us to reach heights never seen before. We will continue to move towards progress and revitalization. World peace can be achieved for the foreseeable peace if we all work toward a peaceful resolution and resolve our disagreements.

We must come to a middle ground and make compromises as I did with the health care bill to provide health insurance to millions of Americans. I, unfortunately, took over as President during a tumultuous time in our nation after the resignation of my predecessor. However, my duty was, as Vice President, to be prepared for any situation that may have arisen. I willingly took the obligation to be chosen and I am now fulfilled my sole duty to you, my fellow citizens, and to the American people. My cabinet is still in the process of selection and currently being assembled. I have just nominated the widely revered and renouned Former UN Ambassador and Governor Nikki Haley as my vice presidential nominee *appaluse*, she will be presiding over this body in the Senate to cast tie breaking votes. I know that she will serve diligently as Vice President and undertake any obligation that is necessary. I would like to thank everyone for allowing me to speak to you today. Just remember that anything is possible when you Believe in America. God bless you all and God bless the United States of America.



President Pence Campaign Rally

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania


My faithful Americans, I hope you will support me in my campaign for re-election. I am a proven leader with results. I am principled and have put forward a conservative agenda. The economy is performing well, we have made meaningful progress on tax reform, increased spending for infrastructure here at home, and decreased foreign spending. I am honored and privileged to serve as your President and we can all work toward a better future for our posterity. Thank you and God Bless America.



President Pence Approval rating:

Approve: 54%
Disapprove: 46%

[Senator Spark]

President Pence's Cabinet Selection

1. President of the United States - Michael R. Pence (R-IN), (2017-)
2. Vice President of the United States - Nikki Haley (R-SC), nominee
3. Secretary of State- John Bolton (R-MD) conf. 99-0-1 (2017-)
4. Secretary of the Treasury- Mitt Romney (R-MA) conf. 55-45, (2017-)
5. Secretary of Defense- TBA
6. Attorney General- TBA
7. Secretary of the Interior- Kris Kobach (R-KS) conf.  60-40, (2017-)
8. Secretary of Agriculture- Brian Sandoval (R-NV) conf. 55-45 (2018-)
9. Secretary of Commerce- John E. Bush (R-FL) conf 53-47, (2017-)
10. Secretary of Labor- Bobby Jindal (R-LA) conf 57-43, (2018-)
11. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development- TBA
12. Secretary of Education- TBA
13. Secretary of Transportation- Mary Mayhew (R-ME), conf. 53-47, (2018-)
14. Secretary of Health and Human Services- Ben Carson (R-MI), conf 75-25, (2017-)
15. Secretary of Veterans' Affairs- TBA
16. Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency- Todd Lamb (R-OK), conf. 56-44, (2018-)
17. Director of OMB- John Kasich (R-OH) conf. 100-0, (2017-)
18. U.S. Trade Representative- Tim Pawlenty (R-MN)* nominee

[Senator Spark]

February 2018



President Pence nominates Sen. Joni Ernst to become the 15th Secretary of Energy



President Pence selects Trey Gowdy to head Justice Department as 85th Attorney General



President Pence nominates former FL Gov. Rick Scott as 18th Secretary of Housing and Urban Development



Tim Pawlenty confirmed as Trade Representative by a vote of 61-39.



President Pence nominates Sen. Ted Cruz to serve as Associate Justice of the United States

Cruz will be replacing Anthony Kennedy who retired in August 2017.

Pence: I am proud to announce that I will be choosing Senator Ted Cruz of Texas to fill the vacancy left by Anthony Kennedy. Mr. Cruz is a principled conservative leader with strong values. I need someone I can confide in on the Supreme Court who will strive to demonstrate a conservative agenda. We must protect the rights of the unborn and overturn Roe v. Wade and make significant progress on social issues. I believe that Ted Cruz will seek to accomplish that and change the course of the high court for many generations. He is a scholarly individual, graduating from the top of his class at Harvard Law school and I believe that he is particularly skilled and adept in jurisprudence. I will not take any questions at this time, but feel free to ask Mr. Cruz if he has any thoughts to share.

Cruz: Mr. President, this is a high honor bestowed upon me asking me to serve on the highest court in our land. I accept that nomination without hesitation and I would like to thank you for choosing me to fill a vacancy left by an austere Associate Justice. Thank you very much I will not be taking any subsequent questions at this time.



President Pence Interview - CBS

Reporter: Hello Mr. President, thank you for joining us here this morning.

Pence: Thank you for having me here I sincerely appreciate it.

Reporter: I just would like to ask a few questions about the state of the country and your recent Supreme Court appointment of Sen. Ted Cruz. What makes you think he is the best choice?

Pence: Well, Mr. Cruz is the best choice because of his principles. He does not compromise his own values and he is a strong conservative. I believe he will fight to advance the conservative agenda and decide cases in a fair and honest manner. Ted Cruz is a champion for conservative social advocacy and has staunch Tea Party credentials. I cannot think of another name to be Associate Justice.

Reporter: Thank you for that. I would like to clarify on your 'bipartisan bill' proposed by Sen. Bernie Sanders. It came during a tough time when many Americans were losing their healthcare. Why would you choose to sign a bill when it can have some serious consequences for your re-election prospects and it can possibly alienate your base as well.

Pence: Well Lisa, it was not about which party I belonged to in making that decision. Sometimes, we need to set differences aside and come together for the good of the people. Many Americans were dying as a result of having no healthcare, and I did my best to compromise with the Democrats in the Senate. I have spoken with Minority Leader Schumer on many occasions on how we can build a better foundation and relationship between our two parties. Again, I do what is in the best interest for the American people, and I believe that it was.

Reporter: Thank you Mr. President, and one last question. You seem to have no clear opponent as of yet to challenge you in your bid for re-election. Are you concerned that a prominent Democrat might paint you as out of touch and abandoning your own party?

Pence: No, I am not. I'm not concerned at all and will continue to lead this country on the right course we are currently on. I believe that any Democrat would not have the sufficient credentials to lead our nation during these turbulent times. Lisa, being President is a terrifically hard job and the last thing I am worried about is the next election. I have a very important job to fulfill and serve to the best of my ability for the sake of the American people.

Reporter: Thank you Mr. President, those are all the questions I have for today. Thank you once again for joining us on the program.

Pence: It is no problem at all, thank you for having me. I sincerely appreciate it.

[Senator Spark]

March 2018



Senate Judiciary Committee hearings begin for Supreme Court nominee Ted Cruz



Secretary of Energy Joni Ernst confirmed by 51-48 Senate vote.



Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Rick Scott confirmed 52-47.



President Pence nominates Former Gov. Mike Huckabee of Arkansas as 10th Secretary of Veterans' Affairs



U.S. Secretary of State meets with Benjamin Netanyahu to re-affirm U.S. commitment to Israel.



President Pence hosts Justin Trudeau of Canada and Enrique Pena Nieto of Mexico to discuss negotiations for NAFTA.

[Senator Spark]

President Pence's Cabinet Selection

1. President of the United States - Michael R. Pence (R-IN), (2017-)
2. Vice President of the United States - Nikki Haley (R-SC), nominee
3. Secretary of State- John Bolton (R-MD) conf. 99-0-1 (2017-)
4. Secretary of the Treasury- Mitt Romney (R-MA) conf. 55-45, (2017-)
5. Secretary of Defense- TBA
6. Attorney General- Trey Gowdy (R-SC), nominee
7. Secretary of the Interior- Kris Kobach (R-KS) conf.  60-40, (2017-)
8. Secretary of Agriculture- Brian Sandoval (R-NV) conf. 55-45 (2018-)
9. Secretary of Commerce- John E. Bush (R-FL) conf 53-47, (2017-)
10. Secretary of Labor- Bobby Jindal (R-LA) conf 57-43, (2018-)
11. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development- Rick Scott (R-FL), conf 52-47, (2018-)
12. Secretary of Education- TBA
13. Secretary of Energy- Joni Ernst (R-IA), conf. 51-48, (2018-)
14. Secretary of Transportation- Mary Mayhew (R-ME), conf. 53-47, (2018-)
15. Secretary of Health and Human Services- Ben Carson (R-MI), conf 75-25, (2017-)
16. Secretary of Veterans' Affairs- Mike Huckabee (R-AR), nominee
17. Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency- Todd Lamb (R-OK), conf. 56-44, (2018-)
18. Director of OMB- John Kasich (R-OH) conf. 100-0, (2017-)
19. U.S. Trade Representative- Tim Pawlenty (R-MN) conf 61-39, (2018-)

[Senator Spark]

April 2018



Nikki Haley takes oath of office as 49th Vice President of the United States
Vice President Nikki Haley conf. 100-0

Nikki Haley will become the first female Vice President of the United States

Pence: Are you ready to take the oath of office Madam Ambassador?

Haley: I am, Mr. President.

Pence: Please repeat after me.

Haley: I will.

Pence: Do you Nikki Haley solemnly swear and affirm that you will support and defend the Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic?

Haley: I, Nikki Haley, solemnly swear and affirm that I will support and defend the Constitution from all enemies foreign and domestic.

Pence: Will you bear true faith and allegiance to the same?

Haley: I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same.

Pence: Do you take this obligation freely?

Haley: I take this obligation freely.

Pence: Without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion

Haley: Without any mental reservation, or purpose of evasion.

Pence: And that you will well and faithfully discharge

Haley: I will well and faithfully discharge . .

Pence: The duties of the office in which I am about to enter.

Haley: The duties of the office in which I am about to enter.

Pence: So help me God.

Haley: So help me God

Pence: Congratulations Madam Vice President.

Haley: Thank you very much.

Haley: I would like to thank my family for being here today and my best wishes to you Mr. President. I hope to serve to the best of my ability and in fullest capacity as Vice President of the United States. Today marks a monumental feat in American history, with the first female VP in the United States. I will conduct my duties diligently and serve all Americans. Thank you very much and I look forward to working with you on many issues and presiding over the Senate.



President Pence signs executive order to continue construction of Keystone XL Pipeline.

President Pence signs executive order to expand offshore drilling in Alaska.




High school graduation rates in Southern U.S. at a historic low of 24%



President Pence nominates Hanna Skandera as 12th Secretary of Education



FED raises interest rates to 9.5% in the midst of good economy



Trey Gowdy confirmed as Attorney General 51-49.

President Pence block grants to build schools in Mississippi

Government grants rare subsidies to local farms

[Senator Spark]

President Pence's Cabinet Selection

1. President of the United States - Michael R. Pence (R-IN), (2017-)
2. Vice President of the United States - Nikki Haley (R-SC), conf. 100-0, (2018-)
3. Secretary of State- John Bolton (R-MD) conf. 99-0-1 (2017-)
4. Secretary of the Treasury- Mitt Romney (R-MA) conf. 55-45, (2017-)
5. Secretary of Defense- TBA
6. Attorney General- Trey Gowdy (R-SC), conf. 51-49, (2018-)
7. Secretary of the Interior- Kris Kobach (R-KS) conf.  60-40, (2017-)
8. Secretary of Agriculture- Brian Sandoval (R-NV) conf. 55-45 (2018-)
9. Secretary of Commerce- John E. Bush (R-FL) conf 53-47, (2017-)
10. Secretary of Labor- Bobby Jindal (R-LA) conf 57-43, (2018-)
11. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development- Rick Scott (R-FL), conf 52-47, (2018-)
12. Secretary of Education- Hanna Skandera, nominee*
13. Secretary of Energy- Joni Ernst (R-IA), conf. 51-48, (2018-)
14. Secretary of Transportation- Mary Mayhew (R-ME), conf. 53-47, (2018-)
15. Secretary of Health and Human Services- Ben Carson (R-MI), conf 75-25, (2017-)
16. Secretary of Veterans' Affairs- Mike Huckabee (R-AR), nominee
17. Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency- Todd Lamb (R-OK), conf. 56-44, (2018-)
18. Director of OMB- John Kasich (R-OH) conf. 100-0, (2017-)
19. U.S. Trade Representative- Tim Pawlenty (R-MN) conf 61-39, (2018-)

[Senator Spark]

Awesome TL. Very entertaining and easy read. One complaint though. How in the world does Pence have a 52% approval after 700,000 people die as a result of a bill he supported and signed into law??

Thank you. McConnell took responsibility and resigned as a result.

[Senator Spark]

May 2018



Mike Huckabee confirmed as Secretary of VA by a vote of 56-44.



Hanna Skandera confirmed as Secretary of Education by a vote of 55-45.



President Pence nominates H.R. McMaster as 27th Secretary of Defense and is confirmed a week later by a unanimous 100-0 vote.