Ed from Appalachia: The Donnell Presidency

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Ed Donnell takes office; inauguration attended by 100,000 people
January 20, 2017

At noon, Edward Rourke Donnell has taken office as the 45th President of the United States; the 38 year old being the youngest US President ever, the youngest democratically elected head of government worldwide, and the first Methodist US President.

His inauguration had free drinks, music bands, and large tents, akin to Andrew Jackson's first inauguration. Given this, it was attended by over one hundred thousand people, including all but two members of Congress, every state governor, and all living former Presidents: Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, George H. W. Bush, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama.

Donnell's inaugural address was as follows:

"Hello, dear Americans! Since my teens, I wanted to be President, not for the money, the glory or the fame, but to help YOU! I'm glad this dream has been accomplished, but there's a LOT of work to do, to put America back on track for all our citizens. Unlike most Presidents in our recent past, I will work for each and every American, not just special interests. From the poorest farmer to the richest urbanite, every law-abiding citizen of this country will benefit from the Donnell Administration. Our priorities will be to comprehensively reform healthcare and education, lower taxes while providing tax breaks for those starting new businesses, renegotiate unfair trade agreements such as NAFTA and TPP, withdraw our troops from Afghanistan, protect the right to life and gun rights, and focus on renewable and nuclear energy to help our beautiful planet. For the first time in decades, the strongest government in the world will work for the people, not the other way around. Let's get going with this presidency, and put America back on track!"

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Ed Donnell signs his first executive orders
January 25, 2017

These were:

• Expanding credit for businesses under 100 employees
• Restoring the "wet feet, dry feet" policy
• Transferring $1 million in funding from Planned Parenthood to abstinence-based sex ed organizations
• Doubling pay for nurses and hospital staff across the board
• Ordering all coal-fired power plants to be converted to clean coal by 2020

The orders have gotten a mixed reception, except for small businesses and healthcare.

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Ed Donnell sends healthcare bill to congress
January 30, 2017

The President has just moved his "American Healthcare Act" into the House of Representatives. It has been docketed by Speaker of the House Paul Ryan.

The legislation:

• Fully repeals the Affordable Care Act of 2010;
• Requires healthcare providers to provide $20,000 in reparations for patients who suffered first-degree injuries, $40,000 for patients who suffered second-degree injuries, and $60,000 for patients who suffered third-degree injuries. If the patient dies, the healthcare provider has to provide their family $80,000;
• Begins to provide healthcare vouchers for those below the poverty line;
• Deregulates insurance markets;
• Doubles the deductibility of Health Savings Accounts;
• Boosts the bargaining power of small employers with insurers;
• Creates a refundable $50,000 tax credit destined for the purchase of healthcare.

Republicans have praised the legislation, with Democrats criticizing it. It has proven mildly popular with the public.

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Ed Donnell promises to give Baghdadi a "can of whoopass
February 5, 2017

The President, who visited France during the 2016 Republican primaries, has promised to give Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi a "can of whoopass" in a tweet, which has ignited thousands of internet memes.

"When Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi is found, we'll give him a can of whoopass, as soon as we can. ISIS is going to be expunged off the face of the Earth"

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Going back in time...

Ed Donnell names cabinet
January 24, 2017

This morning, President Ed Donnell has publicly released the composition of his cabinet.

His Administration's team includes a considerable amount of moderate Republicans, such as Olympia Snowe and Scott Brown, and even Arnold Schwarzenegger is included, as Secretary of Interior.

Overall, the composition is as follows:

Secretary of State: John Kasich

Secretary of Defense: Jim Mattis

Secretary of Treasury: Harry Markowitz

Attorney General: Chris Christie

Secretary of Commerce: Pat Buchanan

Secretary of Education Kit Bond

Secretary of Health and Human Services: Newt Gingrich

Postmaster General: Max Baucus

Secretary of Agriculture: Ben Nelson

Secretary of Housing and Urban Development: George Pataki

Secretary of Interior: Arnold Schwarzenegger

Secretary of Labor: Scott Brown

Secretary of Energy: Olympia Snowe

Secretary of Veterans' Affairs: Cristopher Miller

Secretary of Transportation: Joseph H. Broadman

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Ed Donnell's cabinet (except for Buchanan) is confirmed
February 6, 2017

By this afternoon, all of Ed Donnell's Cabinet choices, except for Pat Buchanan, have been confirmed by the US Senate.

Buchanan's hearings were especially contentious; his defense of Nazi war criminals and statements on the Central Park Five caused moderate Republicans and all Democrats to join forces in opposing him.

The voting was as follows:

John Kasich: 89-11

Jim Mattis: Unanimously confirmed

Harry Markowitz: 56-44

Chris Christie: Unanimously confirmed

Pat Buchanan: 40-59

Kit Bond: 60-39

Newt Gingrich: 65-45

Max Baucus: Unanimously confirmed

Ben Nelson: 99-1

George Pataki: Unanimously confirmed

Arnold Schwarzenegger: 54-44

Scott Brown: Unanimously confirmed

Olympia Snowe: 93-7

Cristopher Miller: 87-13

Joseph Broadman: Unanimously confirmed

All confirmed nominees have taken office.

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Ed Donnell names Duncan L. Hunter for Secretary of Commerce
February 7, 2017

After his choice of Pat Buchanan for Secretary of Commerce was rejected by the Senate, the President has named another protectionist Republican to replace him.

Former US Representative for California and chairman of the Armed Services Committee Duncan Hunter has been appointed by Donnell, on the basis of his previous experience in government, and record of voting against free trade agreements.

The Senate will vote on Hunter's nomination on the 9th

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Duncan Hunter confirmed by US Senate; Ed Donnell's cabinet now finished
February 9, 2017

Hunter, who was picked by Donnell due to his previous government experience and protectionist voting record as US Representative, has been accepted by the Senate.

86 Senators voted to confirm Duncan Hunter in the role, with 14 (including John McCain) voting against it.

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Ed Donnell sends "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" to the House of Representatives
February 16, 2017

The President has just submitted a piece of legislation titled "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017" to the House. The bill amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, to among other things:

• Permanently lower the top marginal income tax rate to 28.5%
• Permanently reduce the corporate tax to 25.4%
• Permanently lower the lowest marginal income tax rate to 5.6%;
• Provide an immediate $50,000 tax credit and $45,000 tax deduction for those starting new businesses;
• Reduce the personal exemption to $500, and limit it to extraordinary circumstances;
• Provide tax credits for companies that don't outsource jobs;
• Increase the standard deduction;
• End Obamacare's individual mandate;
• Double the estate tax exemption.

Democrats have said the legislation will "blow a hole" in the national debt, while Republicans have said it will be an "economic windfall"

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

American Healthcare Act hearings held in the House
February 21, 2017

Today, the House Ways and Means Committee held a hearing over Ed Donnell's healthcare reform bill, the American Healthcare Act.

Nurse Peter M. Abraham came in defense of the legislation, saying: "This bill is exactly the way to reform America's healthcare system. Not through socialist tax raises... But the free market! I urge the House of Representatives to support Donnellcare"

On the other hand, Representative John Kennedy III disagreed with the AHA:

"Actually, by repealing Medicaid expansion and protections for those with preexisting conditions, "Donnellcare" will be disastrous for our healthcare system, and especially the middle-class Americans Ed Donnell claims to represent"

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

House Ways and Means Committee passes Donnellcare
February 24, 2017

This afternoon, Ed Donnell's healthcare bill has been passed by the House Ways and Means Committee, with chairman Kevin Brady, and all Republicans but one supporting it; all Democrats voted against the bill, with one abstaining.

The AHA will be voted on March 5.

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

I have no ideas

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

I want Ed Donnell to do a state visit somewhere

[Andrew Yang 2024]

Michigan or Pennsylvania? Wouldn't hurt especially with him embracing fair trade.

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Michigan or Pennsylvania? Wouldn't hurt especially with him embracing fair trade.

I mean visiting a foreign country. He'll visit Mexico City

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Ed Donnell, John Kasich depart on state visit to Mexico
February 28, 2017

The President and Secretary of State have embarked on a trip to the United States' Southern neighbor, where they're set to meet Mexican President Enrique Pena Neto.

Before leaving Dulles International Airport onboard Air Force One, Donnell took pictures with supporters.

Topics discussed will probably be immigration, drug trafficking and a renegotiation of NAFTA.

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Ed Donnell, John Kasich meet President of Mexico
February 2, 2017

The President and his loyal Secretary of State have met with the President of Mexico, Enrique Peña Nieto, and the Foreign Minister of Mexico.

The four discussed immigration reform in the US and more funding for Mexico to prevent illegal immigration, a renegotiation of NAFTA with greater protection for American manufacturing, and cooperation between the two countries in the War on Drugs.

The meeting was a success

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

US House of Representatives passes Donnellcare
March 5, 2017

Tonight, the House has just approved the American Healthcare Act (also known as "Donnellcare"), in a win for President Ed Donnell.

The House of Representatives is composed of 249 Republicans and 186 Democrats.

The AHA passed, with 239 Republicans and one Democrat (Collin Peterson) voting for it. Nine Republicans and all other Democrats (except Kyrsten Sinema, who voted "present" opposed the legislation, with one Republican (Troy Balderson) abstaining.

Ed Donnell has taken to Twitter to celebrate the news.

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Ed Donnell names Andrew Yang White House Chief of Staff
March 8, 2017

The President has chosen his 2016 campaign manager as Chief of Staff, announcing this in a press conference in the White House lawn.

"Yang has stood for entrepreneurship and civil liberties, which attracted him to our presidential campaign, that shared these principles. He did a great job of managing the Donnell candidacy, playing a considerable role in our election. I can't think of anyone more qualified to hold this important role"

Yang has to accept the request.

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Andrew Yang becomes White House Chief of Staff
March 10, 2017

The Asian American entrepreneur, who managed Ed Donnell's 2016 campaign, has officially become the 28th White House Chief of Staff; the position does not require confirmation by the Senate.

Yang has said:

"I will be glad to serve as White House Chief of Staff over the next four years. I will do my best to help President Donnell make America a better place for all its citizens"

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Senate Committee holds Donnellcare hearings
March 15, 2017

The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions has just done a hearing on the American Healthcare Act (also known as "Donnellcare"), Ed Donnell's signature program.

The committee's chairman, Lamar Alexander, spoke in defense of the AHA: "Obamacare has been a failure, increasing healthcare costs without substantially expanding coverage. This legislation will solve the fundamental issues with our healthcare system"

Donnellcare was opposed by Bernie Sanders, who said: "Obamacare does not go far enough, but repealing it would be far worse. The number of uninsured people will skyrocketed, and patients will die from preexisting conditions. I urge my colleagues to vote against Donnellcare"

This caused a heated argument between Pat Roberts and Sanders, which ended when Alexander banged the gavel.

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

House of Representatives holds TCJA hearings
March 19, 2017

The House Financial Services Committee has just done hearings around Ed Donnell's proposal to lower taxes, and estabilish a tax credit for those starting new businesses.

Committee chairman Jeb Hensarling spoke in the legislation's defense, saying "Lowering taxes will benefit all Americans, regardless of income, as investment will increase. I urge my fellow Representatives to support this legislation"

Representative Keith Ellison expressed his opposition to the Donnell tax cuts: "Those voodoo economics are based on magic, rather than what works in other countries, and especially the policies that used to work in America. This legislation will make the national debt skyrocket, especially with the tax breaks for those starting new businesses"

A respectful argument between Hensarling and Ellison ensued.

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Amendments added to Donnellcare on vote-o-rama session
March 21, 2017

This afternoon, the US Senate held a "vote-o-rama" session on the American Healthcare Act, where Senators could offer amendments into the final bill.

Senator Jon Tester proposed requiring corporations to provide up to 20 days of paid sick leave to sick employees. This was voted down, with 54 Senators voting against it.

Bob Corker, on the other hand, submitted an amendment doubling pay for public nurses and other hospital staff across the board; this amendment was added into the final bill, with 59 aye and 41 nay votes.

Amy Klobuchar unsuccessfully tried to amend the AHA to include Medicaid expansion; it failed to pass the partisan line vote.

Joe Manchin successfully amended Donnellcare to protect patients with preexisting conditions; 55 Senators voted for the amendment.

The American Healthcare Act will be voted on March 23.

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Donnellcare passes US Senate; sent to President Donnell's desk
March 23, 2017

The American Healthcare Act, a bill meant to repeal and replace Obamacare, has just gotten through the Senate, with all Republicans (except James Inhofe and ) voting aye; Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, and early Donnell supporter John McCain supported Donnellcare.

With 53 aye, 46 nay and one abstain vote, the bill has been sent to the desk of President Donnell for signing; Democrats are disappointed at the end of Obamacare

[Blow by blow, the passion dies]

Ed Donnell signs American Healthcare Act into law; replacing Obamacare
March 24, 2017

This afternoon, a ceremony was held in the White House lawn. Surrounded by First Lady Stella Donnell, Vice President Scott Walker, and Secretary of Health and Human Services Newt Gingrich, President Donnell signed a bill titled the "American Healthcare Act" into law.

The legislation repeals the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 into law, and replaces it with a package consisting of:

1. The requirement healthcare providers provide $20,000 in reparations for patients who received first degree injuries, $40,000 for patients who suffered second-degree injuries, $60,000 for patients who received third-degree injuries, and $80,000 for the family of patients who died; if they're a result of medical negligence.
2. The federal government automatically providing  healthcare vouchers for those below the poverty line to access private healthcare.
3. The deregulation of insurance markets across the board.
4. A refundable $40,000 tax credit for healthcare costs.
6. The duplication of the deductibility of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
7. A boost in the bargaining power of small employers with insurers.
9. The duplication of the wages of nurses and hospital staff across the board.
10. Protections for patients with preexisting conditions.

The bill has gotten a mixed reception from experts.