McGarvey: Democratic party is having 'serious conversations' about presidential race

Welcome back to Kentucky in D.C. — a weekly look at what members of our state's federal delegation have been up to.

It's a little over a month until the Democratic National Convention, and Democrats are still in disarray over what the best path is for securing the party's win. Some still support President Joe Biden (who keeps saying he's running), while other Democrats are calling for Biden to step down as the party's nominee.

Here's what Kentucky's delegation has to say on the upcoming General Election.

McGarvey weighs in on Biden candidacy

Democratic Congressman Morgan McGarvey, who represents Louisville, said in a statement to The Courier Journal that his party is having "serious conversations" about the best way forward.

"Ultimately, this is the President’s decision to make, but we will be unified against a former President who has been impeached twice, convicted of 34 felonies, held liable for sexual abuse, bankrupted numerous businesses and tried to overthrow our democracy on January 6th," McGarvey said.

Vice President Kamala Harris' name as been thrown out as a potential replacement nominee, and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has been floated as a potential pick for vice president on a Harris ticket.

When asked about his reactions, McGarvey said Beshear has done a great job of serving Kentuckians.

"It’s great to see all of the positive coverage of Kentucky right now," he said. "Governor Beshear was a fantastic Attorney General, he’s the best governor in America and has been a friend for a long time. My hope is that his current term as governor is not his last stop in public service."

What's happening in Washington D.C.?

U.S. Rep. James Comer spearheads investigation into Biden's doctor: Comer, who is chair of the House oversight Committee, called on Biden's physician to appear for a transcribed interview about his medical assessments of the president and involvement with the "Biden family's business schemes."

Sen. Rand Paul introduces "Risky Research Review Act": The legislation would establish a Life Sciences Research Security Board within the executive branch, which would oversee research that "poses a threat to public health, safety or national security," according to a press release.

Additionally, the bill would establish a "stringent review process" for the board to assess high-risk research and whether taxpayer dollars should support those proposals.

U.S. Rep. Brett Guthrie supports Refrigerator Freedom Act: Guthrie posted on social media he's backing a bill from Rep. Mariannette Miller Meeks, R-Iowa, that prohibits the Department of Energy from enforcing energy standards on fridges that are not "cost effective" or technologically feasible. The legislation is a response to President Joe Biden's new energy efficient regulations on certain refrigerators and freezers.

In his post, Guthrie said the House Committee on Energy and Commerce has been at the forefront of the "fight to stand up for everyday Americans against the Biden admin’s unrealistic rush-to-Green agenda."

Social media posts of the week

'I'm still standing:" Sen. Paul posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he, his wife and his parents were caught in Hurricane Beryl's pathway. According to the post, Paul and his family survived the storm, including his "Liberty tree."

Fun fact: The original Liberty Tree was a famous elm tree planted in Boston, Massachusetts, and became a symbol of hope and resistance against Parliamentary action, including Britain's Stamp Act, before the American Revolution.

A trip down south: U.S. Rep. Andy Barr posted a video about his recent visit to the southern border and criticized the Biden administration's "reckless policies" for stretching thin the Border Patrol Union. He also called for finishing a wall along the border and pushed for electing former President Donald Trump in November so he can "restore law and order and protect national security."

Reach reporter Hannah Pinski at @hpinski@courier-journal.com or follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @hannahpinski.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky in D.C.: Congressman McGarvey weighs in on Biden candidacy