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Tsunami Watches and Warnings After Quake Off Alaska; Next Steps on Immigration; Report: Cavaliers Question Love's Illness. Aired 5- 5:30a ET

Aired January 23, 2018 - 05:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


DAVE BRIGGS, CNN ANCHOR: -- the funding bill ending the three-day government shutdown.

[05:00:03] The bill funds the federal government for less than three weeks.

CHRISTINE ROMANS, CNN ANCHOR: The House and Senate voted to end the stalemate after Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell firmed up assurances on immigration and the measure to protect DREAMers, those undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children.

As the shutdown was coming to an end, the president held two meetings to discuss immigration reform, one with six conservative Republicans, another with two red state Democrats.

BRIGGS: At the White House, some celebration as the president himself was up late, tweeting, big win for Republicans. Democrats cave on shutdown. Now I want a big win for everyone, including Republicans, Democrats and DACA. But especially for our great military and border security, should be able to get there. See you at the negotiating table.

Can a long term deal be reached by February 8th?

We get more now from Phil Mattingly on Capitol Hill.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

PHIL MATTINGLY, CNN CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Now, Christine and Dave, three days, that's how long the government shutdown lasted on Tuesday morning with the government reopen, hundreds of thousands of federal workers will no longer be furloughed.

But the real question is, what did everybody actually get out of this? You can look at the Democratic votes in the final spending bill, both in Senate and House and recognize that not all Democrats were on board with the deal that was eventually made.

The reason why? Concern about the promises, about the word of Senate Majority Leader McConnell, about the fact it wasn't tied into any spending bill.

What is that? The DACA resolution, some type of bipartisan deal to protect those DREAMers, 600,000, 700,000 individuals. That has always been the Democrats' primary purpose, primary goal here. They didn't get any guarantees. But they did get that promise.

That's what Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer was pointing to.

SEN. CHARLES SCHUMER (D-NY), MAJORITY LEADER: I expect the majority leader to fulfill his commitment to the Senate, to me and to the bipartisan group and abide by this agreement. If he does not, of course, and I expect he will, he will have breached the trust of not only the Democratic senators, but members of his own party as well.

MATTINGLY: So, guys, you look at what the deal will actually do. It funds the government through February 8th, but also extends the Children's Health Insurance Program for six years. It delays three Obamacare taxes that are pretty unpopular on a bipartisan basis. So, in some level, there's wins for everybody in it.

But, politically, there's no question about it, Democrats felt like they needed an out. That is exactly why a bipartisan group of senators, 25 in all by the time it was said and done, helped drive this final deal as it is. Still, there are no shortage of huge issues to deal with and a large shortage of time, at least for now, a clean slate or somewhat clean slate -- Christine and Dave.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ROMANS: Phil Mattingly, thanks for that.

Let's discuss this all with "Washington Examiner" commentary writer Siraj Hashmi.

A clean slate? I mean, my god, they should be governing, you know? This is like infuriating. But this is where we are and have been for some time where we can just run the government until February 8th.

BRIGGS: Yes.

ROMANS: Let's talk about this means for Democrats now. Doesn't this set Democrats up for a new fight over DREAMers? What did they get or what did they not get here?

SIRAJ HASHMI, COMMENTARY WRITER, WASHINGTON EXAMINER: Well, Democrats got next to nothing. They got promises and reassurances and Washington is pretty much next to nothing. Pretty much biggest loser is not named like the Jacksonville Jaguars or the Minnesota Vikings. And that's pretty bad if you're considering that Senate Democrats were drawing a line in the sand almost like World War II trench like warfare where they weren't giving up an inch.

ROMANS: Yes.

HASHMI: And they basically gave up a mile by ending the government shutdown. That was only leverage they had. And now, it's gone. Their only hope right now is if three weeks, the government is up for another continuing resolution vote. That might be the only chance they have of really forcing DACA to the table.

BRIGGS: Don't be knocking the Jags, they put up a heck of a fight. This was much more Minnesota Vikings because the Democrats had a chance, you never felt like they were going to win here. Whereas, the Jags at least had a ten-point fourth quarter lead, enough with the sports analogy, though.

Let's look down the road at this deal over DACA. If you are one of the 700,000 DREAMers in this country that want Democrats, need them to stand up for you to stay in this country, I wonder how you are feeling given all this. Here is the ad that Republicans ran, Trump approved over the weekend in the midst of the shutdown.

Listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

AD NARRATOR: President Trump is right. Build the wall. Deport criminals. Stop illegal immigration now.

Democrats who stand in our way will be complicit in every murder committed by illegal immigrants. President Trump will fix our border and keep our families safe.

DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I'm Donald Trump and I approve this message.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BRIGGS: That's some brutal rhetoric there. And here is how Sarah Sanders defended said ad.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SARAH HUCKABEE SANDERS, WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY: I think that if people are unwilling to secure our borders, that they're unwilling to end chain migration, unwilling to end the visa lottery system, unwilling to fix all of the problems that we have in our immigration system and aren't willing to negotiate and actually do things that fix that system that we know to be problematic, then yes, that would be a problem and certainly allow for future incidents to take place.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

[05:05:19] BRIGGS: If that's not enough for deputy press secretary said to pretend Lindsey Graham is someone who wants open borders and amnesty is just disingenuous. Given all of that, if you are one of the 700,000 DREAMers in this country, how do you feel about the prospect of a deal down the road?

HASHMI: Well, right now, the prospect of being held in legal limbo for millions, for a lot of DREAMers at this moment, and I'm sure they're not feeling good at the moment. But despite the fact that it is really tough rhetoric from the White House and Republicans and from Republicans, they really won the messaging battle in terms of who was to blame for the shutdown. You know, they -- President Trump as low of a profile as he maintains, he got kind of ahead of this and started calling #Schumershutdown. They also called it a Trump shutdown. But I think because Democrats caved on the issue with respect to DACA,

they really, you know, basically acknowledged that they were the ones who caused the shutdown and ultimately lost the shutdown.

ROMANS: Let's talk about the other big story this morning, and that is the "Axios" reporting, this exclusively reporting from "Axios" that suggests that there is still pressure in the FBI to get the number two out of there, right? Andrew McCabe and Christopher Wray, the director of the FBI, said, no, I would resign before I would do that. This is all reporting with unnamed sources in Axios.

What kind of -- what does that tell you about what is still happening or not happening in regards to the White House and the Justice Department and their concerns about the FBI?

HASHMI: Well, for one, the "Axios" report by Jonathan Swan, I mean, his reporting is legit. I don't have reason to question his sources because he's had actually good reporting in the past, particularly focusing on this administration. With respect to the Trump White House meddling in the affairs of the FBI, that raises some concerns obviously in terms of what they know and what the FBI knows with respect to the Russia probe and special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation.

You know, it doesn't look good. It's not good optics. It's -- you know, there could be a legitimate reason why the Trump White House wants Andrew McCabe out. But again, this type of is not really going to come out right now concerning the fact that McCabe is only on the verge of retirement and he could obviously receive full pension and benefits and the White House -- they might, it could be just a petty battle to be honest with you.

ROMANS: It's just like the whole FBI issue is a burr in the president's saddle, you know?

BRIGGS: Well, you know, on the complete opposite side of the spectrum, there are several months of missing text messages --

ROMANS: True.

BRIGGS: -- would like to know about. We'll discuss that with you in 30 minutes.

Siraj, thanks.

ROMANS: Come back.

HASHMI: Thank you.

BRIGGS: OK. President Trump expected to invite French President Emmanuel Macron to Washington last year for the first state visit of his presidency. According to two diplomatic sources, the invitation could be extended this week while the president attends the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. A number of world leaders have visited White House over the past year, but none were official state visits. Donald Trump is the first president in decades not to host a state visit during his first year in office.

ROMANS: President Trump is getting tough on America's trade partners, slapping tariffs on solar panels and washing machines to protect U.S. manufacturers from cheap imports. The administration imposed a 30 percent tax on solar panels, up to 50 percent on washing machines.

In a statement, a top trade official said the president's action makes clear again that the Trump administration will always defend American workers, farmers, ranchers and businesses.

The taxes aimed mainly at Asian manufacturers, solar panels from China and South Korean washing machines, particularly LG and Samsung. U.S.- based Whirlpool has accused both companies of selling washers below market value. Whirlpool called the ruling a victory for American workers and consumers. But Samsung warns this could lead to higher prices.

The Chinese commerce ministry blasting this decision, no surprise there, saying it aggravates the global trade environment. The tariff is a blow to China, the largest U.S. supplier of solar panels.

But here's a twist here. It could also put American jobs at risk and here's why. In the United Stats, most solar jobs involve installation and not manufacturing. Advocates say rising costs will make installation more expensive and that threatens tens of thousands of jobs for the people who install them.

BRIGGS: All right. Some breaking news as a big 8.2 quake off the Alaska coast. Tsunami watches now in effect.

Also in music, Neil Diamond has played his last show. We will tell you why in a stunning announcement overnight.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[05:14:00] BRIGGS: Five-thirteen Eastern Time.

And some breaking news: a tsunami watch is in effect on the West Coast after a powerful earthquake off Alaska. Early measurements say an 8.2 magnitude hit southeast of Kodiak, in the Gulf of Alaska. Tsunami watches in effect for Alaska, Washington state, Oregon, California and Hawaii. We'll have more as it becomes available and into "NEW DAY".

ROMANS: All right. Legendary singer Neil Diamond is retiring after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

(VIDEO CLIP PLAYS)

ROMANS: Diamond who turns 77 tomorrow, making that announcement on his Website. He canceled upcoming dates in Australia, New Zealand on his 50th anniversary tour, offering his sincerest apologies to people who had bought tickets to those shows. Diamond says while he's retiring from concert touring, he hopes to keep making music. He plans to continue writing and recording. Diamond is set to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammys on Sunday.

BRIGGS: That voice held up over the years.

[05:15:01] Marijuana is now legal in Vermont. It's the first state to legalize pot through its legislature rather than by ballot measure. The governor signed the law last night which takes effect July 1st. Vermont has long been considered to be the most liberal states in the country. It legalized medical marijuana back in 2004 and recently decriminalized possession of a small amount. The new law does not permit commercial marijuana sales. Nine states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational pot. It is still, though, illegal under federal law.

ROMANS: First on CNN. An ATF special agent suing the ATF and Justice Department, alleging they retaliated against her for exposing sexual harassment. Special agent Lisa Kincaid had served the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for three decades. But when she was tasked with investigating another female agent's harassment claims against a supervisor, Kincaid said she uncovered more disturbing allegations.

BRIGGS: Other women told Kincaid they were harassed and even assaulted. Kincaid said when she reported the claims and urged management to act, she was retailed against. Her career advancement blocked. She says she feels betrayed.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

LISA KINCAID, ATF SPECIAL AGENT: Throughout the whole process, I was naive to think the system would work and the system wasn't going to work. I want to know that -- I want to know that taking a stand wasn't for nothing.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BRIGGS: The ATF would not comment on personnel matters, but did say, we take sexual harassment complaints very seriously and they are thoroughly investigated.

ROMANS: Disgraced former USA gymnastics Dr. Larry Nassar is expected to hear his sentence today. He has pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting and abusing young girls under the guise of providing medical treatment. About a dozen more victim impact statements are expected today at his marathon sentencing hearing. So far, 133 have been read.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: My hate toward you is uncontrollable. Larry Nassar, I hate you. You will probably never talk to a woman again, except for one holding a gun, a taser and a billy club, which is a good thing.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I found a little bit of peace knowing the rest of your life all you will do is be rotting. But I find more peace in knowing that one day, you are going to die and when you do, your pain will not subside.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BRIGGS: Some really powerful impact statements. Three executives with USA Gymnastics, the chairman, vice chairman and treasurer have now resigned under pressure in the wake of the Nassar case. He worked with the governing bodies, part of its medical staff or as national team doctor through four Olympic cycles.

ROMANS: Students at Michigan State plan to protest Friday, demanding the resignation of the university's president. Nassar served as a physician from Michigan State University. Protest organizers say it has become clear the school's president, Lou Anna K. Simon, has intensified the pain of dozens of sexual assault survivors.

Some of the bravest words spoken in a long time in that courtroom.

BRIGGS: Long sentence.

It is Oscar nomination morning. We have dark and early in Hollywood. Here are the nominees for the 90th Academy Awards. The ceremony will start just before 8:30 Eastern. That's 5:30 Pacific.

Among the names you can expect to hear, Frances McDormand after winning a golden Globe and SAG Awards for her role in "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri." She is the favorite for best actress in the year filled with strong female-led films.

ROMANS: Gary Oldman is the one to beat for best actor for his performance as Winston Churchill in "Darkest Hour". Between five and 10 films will be nominated for Best Picture. "Three Billboards" is considered by many to be the front runner. The Academy Awards will be held March 4th.

BRIGGS: Looking forward to that.

All right. The Cleveland Cavaliers cannot put their finger on why they're free falling. They're pointing fingers at one of the team's stars.

Andy Scholes with more in the "Bleacher Report".

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[05:23:23] BRIGGS: Cleveland Cavaliers soap opera season continuing this week. The latest episode as the team reportedly turning on one of its stars, Kevin Love.

ROMANS: Andy Scholes has more in this morning's "Bleacher Report".

Hey, Andy.

ANDY SCHOLES, CNN SPORTS CORRESPONDENT: Hey, good morning, guys.

You know, the Cavs, they're just in a rut. They've lost 10 of their last 14 games and they've been blown out multiple times, including giving up 148 points to the Thunder on Saturday.

Now, in that loss, all star Kevin Love because he felt sick. And then he didn't come to practice the next day.

According to ESPN, the Cavs holding a fiery meeting yesterday where many players challenged why Love left the game and no show at practice. Love reportedly explained himself to diffuse the situation.

The Cavs play in San Antonio tonight. The NBA trade deadline is February 8th.

All right. During last year's Super Bowl, a fan tweeted at tennis player Genie Bouchard and ask if the Patriots came back, would she go on a date. Well, he said yes and the two went on a date game after the Super Bowl. And they've actually out multiple times since.

Well, now, thanks to NFL Canada, they are going to the Super Bowl together. They invited the couple. And Bouchard tweeting back to where it began and with the Patriots too. The fans who name is John tweeting back I'm in. Bouchard, she lost in the second round of the Australian open last week.

All right. The Super Bowl is still almost two weeks away, but the bets are up and running. As you can imagine, there are multiple on President Trump. Here are some of them.

Will Trump attend the game? Yes is paying 4 to 1. Will Donald Trump take part in a pre-game interview on NBC, which is a presidential tradition. Oddsmakers don't think that he's going to be doing that interview this year.

The total number of Donald Trump tweets during the game, the over/under on that is 2.5. And will Justin Timberlake say Trump at half time show? Guys, the oddsmakers do not think it is likely that he will do that.

BRIGGS: The president is a big Patriots fan obviously, a friend of Bob Kraft. You cannot tweet in support of them. Pennsylvania is a pretty important electoral state.

ROMANS: Politics of --

BRIGGS: Yes, politics of football.

SCHOLES: Not a good time to pick sides, yes.

BRIGGS: Yes. All right. Andy, thanks, man.

ROMANS: Twenty-five minutes past the hour.

Just to tell you about tsunami watch now upgraded to warnings in Alaska after the 8.2 magnitude quake. We have more on that.

Plus, the government is back open with commitments made, but all the deep-seated mistrust is very much alive.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. MITCH MCCONNELL (R-KY), SENATE MAJORITY LEADER: I'm glad we gotten past that and we have a chance now to get back to work.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I do not trust him at all.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ROMANS: Can an immigration bill actually get through Congress?