Stevenson’s army, October 6

– NYT says 15 senior Trump officials are serving illegally because they are in violation of the Vacancies Act.
– Lawfare notes how court decisions have weakened congressional oversight powers.
– HFAC leaders suggest Pompeo is violating Hatch Act.
– And it’s not just Pompeo.
– NYT says USTR Lighthizer is fighting measures to punish China urged by others, including State push for trade deal with Taiwan.
– RollCall piece says a Democratic Congress would try to claw back power even from a President Biden.
– Lee Drutman explains how hatred has infected US politics.
Recommended viewing: In the past week I watched Netflix’s documentary “Challenger: The Final Flight,” a documentary with amazing archive footage and interviews with former officials and family members of the crew. Episode 4 is especially good at showing the bureaucratic coverup and exposure by a whistleblower. I also just saw a private screening of an upcoming HBO film “The Perfect Weapon” a documentary showing how the US has been a victim and a user of offensive cyber operations.