Diana Harshbarger

DHS releases ‘Rocky Top’ deportation video

Harshbarger touts launch of moms.gov after voting to end tax credit subsidies

White House weighed in on making Memphis’ representation Republican

Don't know much about state government? Here's your guide to what's going on this week at the Capitol and beyond.

More punishments may be coming for House Democrats after Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton stripped caucus members of their committee assignments in retribution for a protest in the chamber as Republicans voted to fracture Black Memphians' voting power.

“It’s quite possible it could extend into next session,” Sexton told reporters on May 14. “It seems to have stung them a little bit.”

His office is monitoring how House Democrats respond and considering further consequences. More could be coming “throughout the summer.”

“There’s only been a couple who have apologized. The rest are doubling down," he said.

There have been calls to expel Memphis Democrat Rep. Justin Pearson — for a second time — after his outburst at a state trooper as his brother Keshaun was arrested. Sexton said expulsion isn't possible when the legislature is not in session.

“I understand there’s a lot of outrage," he said. “I’ve never seen anybody dance on their desk in the Senate."

Sexton’s approval is required for all House office assignments, staff, parking, out-of-session per diem payments and travel expense reimbursements. Those could all be at stake, he said.

“They like to take trips in the summer that they want the state to pay for, that could be off the table,” Sexton said.

Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge, is waiting to see the court decision on redistricting before taking any specific action. But he says it’s coming.

“Most of my Republican colleagues have contacted me and have been in favor of punishment,” McNally told reporters on May 14.

He did not offer specifics on what type of consequences Senate Democrats could face. Senate rules require members to be on at least two committees, so McNally likely won’t take the same tack Sexton has.

It could hit them in the pocketbook. Senators’ out-of-session travel and per diem payments are paid at McNally’s discretion. He said denying those payments “could be” on the table for Senate Democrats.

White House weighed in on making Memphis’ representation Republican

Before unveiling Tennessee’s new congressional map to the public, House and Senate Republicans sought input from the Trump White House on what new districts should look like.

“Talking to the White House, the discussion on our side was more or less about we were trying to split Shelby County three ways and create districts that lean based on population and politics to be more Republican,” Sexton said.

“It’s not surprising. You have those conversations with a lot of people,” he added.

Sexton declined to share what office or official at the White House the House leaders consulted on Tennessee’s map.

DHS releases ‘Rocky Top’ deportation video

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security shared a montage video of masked immigration enforcement officers carrying out deportation arrests in Middle Tennessee this week. "Rocky Top" plays over the video.

“Tennessee, deportations at their best,” the caption read.

It sparked various reactions.

“Strangers ain’t come down from Rocky Top, reckon they never will,” wrote Metro Nashville Council Member Sean Parker, quoting lyrics from the song that imply the killing of outsiders unwelcome in the community. Parker has been critical of the Trump administration's immigration enforcement tactics.

“Tennessee is for Tennesseans,” the House Republican Caucus wrote. “The vast majority of the Volunteer State voted for mass deportations. We’re grateful to President Trump for following through on his promise to put America first, and we’re proud to stand with his administration as they work to protect the safety and sovereignty of our communities.”

State Sen. Heidi Campbell, D-Nashville, called the video “sick, immoral and depraved.”

“I honestly don't understand people who watch and support this hate-driven montage with Tennessee's beloved Rocky-Top in the background,” Campbell wrote. “What has become of our country that people are spinning incarceration as entertainment?”

Harshbarger touts launch of moms.gov after voting to end tax credit subsidies

U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger, R-Kingsport, is celebrating the launch of moms.gov — a “clearinghouse of relevant resources available for pregnant women."

Moms.gov links to databases where women can find privately funded, largely faith-based pregnancy resource centers in their area, after abortion support options and a database of clinics that receive federal funding.

It also includes a link to sign babies up for Tump Accounts and shares basic nutrition information — like advice to eat nutrient-dense foods and discuss taking a prenatal vitamin with a physician.

The site launched in a ceremony with U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz and former collegiate swimmer Riley Gaines.

Hospital expenses for a birth can range from $8,000 to well over $26,000, according to the nonprofit Get Covered Tennessee. Top of mind for most uninsured pregnant women is where to find health insurance.

Pregnant women in Tennessee have access to TennCare if they make less than $68,300 for a household of three (including the baby).

Tennessee is the fifth most expensive state to give birth even with insurance, according to an analysis published by The Hill.

In January, Harshbarger voted against extending federal subsidies that lowered the monthly cost of health insurance for 643,000 Tennesseans insured through the Affordable Care Act Marketplace. Premiums were projected to rise by more than 100%, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. About 71,000 fewer Tennesseans enrolled in marketplace insurance for 2026, an 11% decrease.

Tennessee ranks 39th in the nation for the number of insured women in the state, according to a United Health Foundation analysis. About 13% of Tennessee women of childbearing age are uninsured.

Contact your lawmaker

Have thoughts about bills? Share them with the people who represent you. You can search for your lawmaker and find official contact information on the Tennessee Capitol website at https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/fml/search.

Catch up on the week

Molder relaunches TN-5 Congress bid, says voters 'deserve a choice'

TN congressional map redraw sparks ballot scramble. What's changed

New ACLU lawsuit says TN redistricting is racial discrimination

Judge denies TN Dems' restraining order request in gerrymander suit

ACLU lawsuit alleges First Amendment violations by Memphis Task Force

New TN school voucher data sheds light on how much applicants make

Sexton strips TN Dems' committee posts after redistricting protest

TN Republicans pass map fracturing Black voting power in Memphis

TN parents of children with disabilities shocked by voucher change

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