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  • House returns, set to end record-breaking government shutdown

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    Right now the process is underway to reach that final vote in the House to end this longest government shutdown ever. We also wanted to lay out how it’s currently set to work. Over the last 2 days, House lawmakers have been flying in from across the country as they’ve been on recess during the entire shutdown. Some potentially face shutdown-related flight delays, but they are on their way back to the Capitol. The House agenda today was very specific, swearing in *** new congresswoman from Arizona when the House resumed this. Afternoon then debate and an initial procedural vote scheduled for around 5 p.m. Eastern today. If that passes, the House would debate again and is currently scheduled to hold *** final vote around 7 p.m. Eastern. That vote does not include healthcare subsidies, which started the whole shutdown in the first place. Of course we want to reopen the government. But that we need to decisively address the Republican healthcare crisis, and that begins with extending the Affordable Care Act tax credits. We believe the long national nightmare will be over tonight. It was completely and utterly foolish and pointless in the end, as we said all along. Democrats are largely expected to vote no on this. Republicans who hold *** majority in the House can only afford to lose 2 votes in order to pass this bill. And if that happens, the bill then heads over to President Donald Trump for his signature before the very likely long process of getting the government back up and running again. Reporting on Capitol Hill, I’m Amy Lou.

    House returns, set to end record-breaking government shutdown

    House lawmakers reconvened in Washington on Wednesday to vote on a bill that would end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.

    Updated: 2:05 PM PST Nov 12, 2025

    Editorial Standards ⓘ

    House lawmakers raced back to Washington on Wednesday to vote on a bill that could end the 43-day government shutdown, making it the longest in U.S. history. Over the last two days, lawmakers have been flying in from across the country, some facing their own potential shutdown-related delays, to get to Wednesday’s expected final vote. The House’s agenda included swearing in a new congresswoman from Arizona, followed by debate and an initial procedural vote scheduled for early evening. If that passes, the House debates again before holding a final vote on the bill, expected around 7 p.m. ET. The bill currently does not include Affordable Care Act subsidies, which started the shutdown in the first place.Democrats, who are largely expected to vote “no” on the bill, expressed disappointment.”Of course, we want to reopen the government, but we need to decisively address the Republican health care crisis,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., said. “That begins with extending the Affordable Care Act tax credits.”House Republicans, who hold a majority in the chamber, were largely expected to pass the measure despite Democrats’ objections, but can only afford to lose two votes for the bill to pass. “We believe the long national nightmare will be over tonight,” House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said. “It was completely and utterly foolish and pointless in the end, as we said all along.”If the bill clears the House, it will require President Donald Trump’s signature before beginning the likely lengthy process of getting the government back up and running again.However, full Republican support is not clear-cut ahead of the final vote. The bill includes a controversial provision that would ban most hemp products in the U.S. Supporters say it would close a dangerous loophole on unregulated products, but others argue it would destroy the hemp industry for many farmers. In the Senate, Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., for example, voted against the bill. Similar action in the House on Wednesday could hold up its passage.Watch the latest coverage on the government shutdown:

    WASHINGTON —

    House lawmakers raced back to Washington on Wednesday to vote on a bill that could end the 43-day government shutdown, making it the longest in U.S. history.

    Over the last two days, lawmakers have been flying in from across the country, some facing their own potential shutdown-related delays, to get to Wednesday’s expected final vote.

    The House’s agenda included swearing in a new congresswoman from Arizona, followed by debate and an initial procedural vote scheduled for early evening. If that passes, the House debates again before holding a final vote on the bill, expected around 7 p.m. ET. The bill currently does not include Affordable Care Act subsidies, which started the shutdown in the first place.

    Democrats, who are largely expected to vote “no” on the bill, expressed disappointment.

    “Of course, we want to reopen the government, but we need to decisively address the Republican health care crisis,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., said. “That begins with extending the Affordable Care Act tax credits.”

    House Republicans, who hold a majority in the chamber, were largely expected to pass the measure despite Democrats’ objections, but can only afford to lose two votes for the bill to pass.

    “We believe the long national nightmare will be over tonight,” House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said. “It was completely and utterly foolish and pointless in the end, as we said all along.”

    If the bill clears the House, it will require President Donald Trump’s signature before beginning the likely lengthy process of getting the government back up and running again.

    However, full Republican support is not clear-cut ahead of the final vote. The bill includes a controversial provision that would ban most hemp products in the U.S.

    Supporters say it would close a dangerous loophole on unregulated products, but others argue it would destroy the hemp industry for many farmers.

    In the Senate, Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., for example, voted against the bill. Similar action in the House on Wednesday could hold up its passage.

    Watch the latest coverage on the government shutdown:

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  • Government shutdown enters fourth week, affecting federal workers, services, economy

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    The government shutdown is entering a fourth week as Democrats and Republicans blame each other for holding the country “hostage.” Caught in the middle, federal workers, government services, and the economy are all feeling the impact. Previous shutdowns have seen reduced overall economic growth, disproportionately affecting certain industries. National parks and museums remain closed, flight delays are mounting, and backlogs for new small business loans and flood insurance renewals are growing.Republicans continue to accuse Democrats of blocking paychecks by refusing to reopen the government, while Democrats argue that Republicans are unwilling to negotiate over the core issue of health care funding. “Congressional Democrats seem to want to keep the government shut down even though it would mean that a lot of you would not get your paycheck,” Vice President JD Vance said in remarks to an audience of Marines celebrating the 250th anniversary Saturday.Democrats pushed back in “No Kings” protests across the country.”They’re the ones acting like children refusing to negotiate with Democrats in the Senate who they know have to vote for a budget in order for it to become law,” Sen. Chris Murphy said in an interview Saturday.The shutdown has had a sizable impact as uncertainty weighs on the federal workforce. Under the Trump administration’s direction, federal agencies have been planning not just furloughs but also permanent layoffs. However, a federal judge has temporarily blocked the firings, deeming them potentially illegal.Public perception of who is to blame has been roughly evenly split. A new Associated Press poll finds that a majority, about 6 in 10 Americans, blame President Donald Trump and Republicans for the shutdown. An even larger majority, three-quarters of Americans, believe both sides deserve at least a “moderate” share of the blame, suggesting that no one has truly escaped responsibility for the shutdown.Watch the latest coverage on the federal government shutdown:

    WASHINGTON —

    The government shutdown is entering a fourth week as Democrats and Republicans blame each other for holding the country “hostage.” Caught in the middle, federal workers, government services, and the economy are all feeling the impact.

    Previous shutdowns have seen reduced overall economic growth, disproportionately affecting certain industries.

    National parks and museums remain closed, flight delays are mounting, and backlogs for new small business loans and flood insurance renewals are growing.

    Republicans continue to accuse Democrats of blocking paychecks by refusing to reopen the government, while Democrats argue that Republicans are unwilling to negotiate over the core issue of health care funding.

    “Congressional Democrats seem to want to keep the government shut down even though it would mean that a lot of you would not get your paycheck,” Vice President JD Vance said in remarks to an audience of Marines celebrating the 250th anniversary Saturday.

    Democrats pushed back in “No Kings” protests across the country.

    “They’re the ones acting like children refusing to negotiate with Democrats in the Senate who they know have to vote for a budget in order for it to become law,” Sen. Chris Murphy said in an interview Saturday.

    The shutdown has had a sizable impact as uncertainty weighs on the federal workforce. Under the Trump administration’s direction, federal agencies have been planning not just furloughs but also permanent layoffs. However, a federal judge has temporarily blocked the firings, deeming them potentially illegal.

    Public perception of who is to blame has been roughly evenly split. A new Associated Press poll finds that a majority, about 6 in 10 Americans, blame President Donald Trump and Republicans for the shutdown. An even larger majority, three-quarters of Americans, believe both sides deserve at least a “moderate” share of the blame, suggesting that no one has truly escaped responsibility for the shutdown.

    Watch the latest coverage on the federal government shutdown:

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  • Nonprofits, credit unions help impacted federal workers from government shutdown

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    Nonprofits, credit unions help impacted federal workers from government shutdown

    Updated: 2:41 PM PDT Oct 16, 2025

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    From nonprofits to credit unions, organizations across the country are stepping up to help military families and federal workers as the government shutdown continues. Many are reporting an alarming surge in demand.Since the shutdown, military spouse Alicia Blevins has faced a mountain of stress. Her family’s savings are depleted, stress-related health issues are emerging, and her job search has been put on hold 16 days into the shutdown. “It’s the stress that’s really gotten to us,” Blevins said. “Right now, I’ve got my resume out to every customer service job, entry level or not. I’ve got it out everywhere.”The desperation is being felt at nonprofits like the Military Family Advisory Network (MFAN). This week, the organization launched its emergency grocery support program in response to the shutdown, noting that more than 6,000 verified military families applied for its 1,600 grocery packages in the first 24 hours alone.”This moment really puts families at a very fragile place,” MFAN’s Chief Advancement Officer Kara Pappas said. “The need has so quickly eclipsed the demand that we need support from Americans.”Financial institutions are also escalating aid to military members and federal workers who qualify. The Navy Federal Credit Union, for example, is offering 0% interest loans through its paycheck assistance program.The USAA is offering the same and reports that it’s issued nearly $270 million in loans to more than 71,000 of its members so far.The Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund (FEEA) is giving those eligible up to $150 in micro-grants to support federal employees impacted by the shutdown.Patrick Malone, Director at the Key Executive Leadership Program at American University, emphasizes prioritizing mental health during the shutdown. Malone advises those impacted to reach out and tap into resources immediately and scheduling time for self-care.Watch the latest coverage on the federal government shutdown:

    WASHINGTON —

    From nonprofits to credit unions, organizations across the country are stepping up to help military families and federal workers as the government shutdown continues. Many are reporting an alarming surge in demand.

    Since the shutdown, military spouse Alicia Blevins has faced a mountain of stress. Her family’s savings are depleted, stress-related health issues are emerging, and her job search has been put on hold 16 days into the shutdown.

    “It’s the stress that’s really gotten to us,” Blevins said. “Right now, I’ve got my resume out to every customer service job, entry level or not. I’ve got it out everywhere.”

    The desperation is being felt at nonprofits like the Military Family Advisory Network (MFAN). This week, the organization launched its emergency grocery support program in response to the shutdown, noting that more than 6,000 verified military families applied for its 1,600 grocery packages in the first 24 hours alone.

    “This moment really puts families at a very fragile place,” MFAN’s Chief Advancement Officer Kara Pappas said. “The need has so quickly eclipsed the demand that we need support from Americans.”

    Financial institutions are also escalating aid to military members and federal workers who qualify.

    The Navy Federal Credit Union, for example, is offering 0% interest loans through its paycheck assistance program.

    The USAA is offering the same and reports that it’s issued nearly $270 million in loans to more than 71,000 of its members so far.

    The Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund (FEEA) is giving those eligible up to $150 in micro-grants to support federal employees impacted by the shutdown.

    Patrick Malone, Director at the Key Executive Leadership Program at American University, emphasizes prioritizing mental health during the shutdown. Malone advises those impacted to reach out and tap into resources immediately and scheduling time for self-care.

    Watch the latest coverage on the federal government shutdown:

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  • Missed paychecks, federal layoffs: The government shutdown heading into another weekend

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    The White House has begun laying off federal workers as the government shutdown drags into the weekend, affecting employees at the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Education, according to the Office of Management and Budget. Military families could miss their first paycheck next Wednesday if the government does not reopen. Although the Senate is set to return on Tuesday, the President has publicly assured service members that they will receive pay regardless of the shutdown, though it remains unclear how this will be achieved.Rep. Mike Johnson, the House Speaker, says some people will receive partial paychecks while others won’t receive a check at all. “Real people are being hurt. You got 700,000 federal workers that will receive paychecks today, followed by an additional 400,000 workers on 10/14. That’s their last paycheck. That is the last paycheck they’re going to have until the Democrats reopen the government,” Johnson said.The House Speaker has rejected a standalone bill to pay troops during the shutdown, urging Democrats to support his short-term plan to reopen the government. Democrats have repeatedly voted against this measure, demanding health care extensions.Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, the Minority Leader, said, “Extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits, address the Republican health care crisis, reopen the government, pay our troops, pay our hardworking federal employees, and enact a spending agreement that actually makes life better for the American people.”The Agriculture Department has stated that the WIC program, which provides food benefits for women, infants, and children, will continue operating “for the foreseeable future” using tariff revenue to remain functional.PHNjcmlwdCB0eXBlPSJ0ZXh0L2phdmFzY3JpcHQiPiFmdW5jdGlvbigpeyJ1c2Ugc3RyaWN0Ijt3aW5kb3cuYWRkRXZlbnRMaXN0ZW5lcigibWVzc2FnZSIsKGZ1bmN0aW9uKGUpe2lmKHZvaWQgMCE9PWUuZGF0YVsiZGF0YXdyYXBwZXItaGVpZ2h0Il0pe3ZhciB0PWRvY3VtZW50LnF1ZXJ5U2VsZWN0b3JBbGwoImlmcmFtZSIpO2Zvcih2YXIgYSBpbiBlLmRhdGFbImRhdGF3cmFwcGVyLWhlaWdodCJdKWZvcih2YXIgcj0wO3I8dC5sZW5ndGg7cisrKXtpZih0W3JdLmNvbnRlbnRXaW5kb3c9PT1lLnNvdXJjZSl0W3JdLnN0eWxlLmhlaWdodD1lLmRhdGFbImRhdGF3cmFwcGVyLWhlaWdodCJdW2FdKyJweCJ9fX0pKX0oKTs8L3NjcmlwdD4=

    WASHINGTON —

    The White House has begun laying off federal workers as the government shutdown drags into the weekend, affecting employees at the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Education, according to the Office of Management and Budget.

    Military families could miss their first paycheck next Wednesday if the government does not reopen. Although the Senate is set to return on Tuesday, the President has publicly assured service members that they will receive pay regardless of the shutdown, though it remains unclear how this will be achieved.

    Rep. Mike Johnson, the House Speaker, says some people will receive partial paychecks while others won’t receive a check at all.

    “Real people are being hurt. You got 700,000 federal workers that will receive paychecks today, followed by an additional 400,000 workers on 10/14. That’s their last paycheck. That is the last paycheck they’re going to have until the Democrats reopen the government,” Johnson said.

    The House Speaker has rejected a standalone bill to pay troops during the shutdown, urging Democrats to support his short-term plan to reopen the government. Democrats have repeatedly voted against this measure, demanding health care extensions.

    Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, the Minority Leader, said, “Extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits, address the Republican health care crisis, reopen the government, pay our troops, pay our hardworking federal employees, and enact a spending agreement that actually makes life better for the American people.”

    The Agriculture Department has stated that the WIC program, which provides food benefits for women, infants, and children, will continue operating “for the foreseeable future” using tariff revenue to remain functional.

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  • Missed paychecks, federal layoffs: The government shutdown heading into another weekend

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    The White House has begun laying off federal workers as the government shutdown drags into the weekend, affecting employees at the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Education, according to the Office of Management and Budget. Military families could miss their first paycheck next Wednesday if the government does not reopen. Although the Senate is set to return on Tuesday, the President has publicly assured service members that they will receive pay regardless of the shutdown, though it remains unclear how this will be achieved.Rep. Mike Johnson, the House Speaker, says some people will receive partial paychecks while others won’t receive a check at all. “Real people are being hurt. You got 700,000 federal workers that will receive paychecks today, followed by an additional 400,000 workers on 10/14. That’s their last paycheck. That is the last paycheck they’re going to have until the Democrats reopen the government,” Johnson said.The House Speaker has rejected a standalone bill to pay troops during the shutdown, urging Democrats to support his short-term plan to reopen the government. Democrats have repeatedly voted against this measure, demanding health care extensions.Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, the Minority Leader, said, “Extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits, address the Republican health care crisis, reopen the government, pay our troops, pay our hardworking federal employees, and enact a spending agreement that actually makes life better for the American people.”The Agriculture Department has stated that the WIC program, which provides food benefits for women, infants, and children, will continue operating “for the foreseeable future” using tariff revenue to remain functional.PHNjcmlwdCB0eXBlPSJ0ZXh0L2phdmFzY3JpcHQiPiFmdW5jdGlvbigpeyJ1c2Ugc3RyaWN0Ijt3aW5kb3cuYWRkRXZlbnRMaXN0ZW5lcigibWVzc2FnZSIsKGZ1bmN0aW9uKGUpe2lmKHZvaWQgMCE9PWUuZGF0YVsiZGF0YXdyYXBwZXItaGVpZ2h0Il0pe3ZhciB0PWRvY3VtZW50LnF1ZXJ5U2VsZWN0b3JBbGwoImlmcmFtZSIpO2Zvcih2YXIgYSBpbiBlLmRhdGFbImRhdGF3cmFwcGVyLWhlaWdodCJdKWZvcih2YXIgcj0wO3I8dC5sZW5ndGg7cisrKXtpZih0W3JdLmNvbnRlbnRXaW5kb3c9PT1lLnNvdXJjZSl0W3JdLnN0eWxlLmhlaWdodD1lLmRhdGFbImRhdGF3cmFwcGVyLWhlaWdodCJdW2FdKyJweCJ9fX0pKX0oKTs8L3NjcmlwdD4=

    WASHINGTON —

    The White House has begun laying off federal workers as the government shutdown drags into the weekend, affecting employees at the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Education, according to the Office of Management and Budget.

    Military families could miss their first paycheck next Wednesday if the government does not reopen. Although the Senate is set to return on Tuesday, the President has publicly assured service members that they will receive pay regardless of the shutdown, though it remains unclear how this will be achieved.

    Rep. Mike Johnson, the House Speaker, says some people will receive partial paychecks while others won’t receive a check at all.

    “Real people are being hurt. You got 700,000 federal workers that will receive paychecks today, followed by an additional 400,000 workers on 10/14. That’s their last paycheck. That is the last paycheck they’re going to have until the Democrats reopen the government,” Johnson said.

    The House Speaker has rejected a standalone bill to pay troops during the shutdown, urging Democrats to support his short-term plan to reopen the government. Democrats have repeatedly voted against this measure, demanding health care extensions.

    Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, the Minority Leader, said, “Extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits, address the Republican health care crisis, reopen the government, pay our troops, pay our hardworking federal employees, and enact a spending agreement that actually makes life better for the American people.”

    The Agriculture Department has stated that the WIC program, which provides food benefits for women, infants, and children, will continue operating “for the foreseeable future” using tariff revenue to remain functional.

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  • Survivors, lawmakers demand release of all Jeffrey Epstein files

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    Survivors, lawmakers demand release of all Jeffrey Epstein files

    Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse and a bipartisan group of lawmakers are pushing for a discharge petition, forcing a House floor vote to release nearly everything related to the case.

    Updated: 3:17 PM PDT Sep 3, 2025

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    Demanding transparency, truth and their own healing, survivors of sexual abuse, along with bipartisan lawmakers, called for the release of all documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case. Survivors accuse Epstein of abusing and trafficking countless underage girls for decades before his death in a New York jail cell in 2019. Survivors, including some speaking out for the first time, joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers, pushing for a discharge petition that would force a House floor vote on releasing nearly everything related to the Epstein case. “I am no longer weak, I am no longer powerless and I am no longer alone,” Anouska De Georgiou, a survivor, said before reporters on Wednesday. “With your vote, neither will the next generation be.”On Tuesday, the House Oversight Committee released more than 30,000 pages on the case, which some say were heavily redacted and revealed too little new information. The petition’s supporters want all investigation files released, emphasizing that the issue should be non-partisan.”The American people deserve to see everything,” Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., said. “When you sign this discharge petition, it should mean nothing should be off limits.””The FBI, the DOJ, and the CIA hold the truth. And the truth we are demanding come out,” Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., said.But the petition is already facing some roadblocks. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., says he believes the House Oversight Committee should be responsible for carefully handling the documents, while President Trump dismissed the effort Wednesday, calling it “a Democrat hoax.”Related video below: Speaker Johnson on meeting with Epstein victimsSurvivors responded directly to President Trump’s dismissal, with one registered Republican calling on him to meet her at the Capitol to share her story and explain why the issue is not a hoax. Others pleaded that he recognize the abuse as real and humanize them.Lawmakers leading the petition are close to a House floor vote, needing only two more signatures to reach the required 218. So far, the petition includes all Democrats and at least a handful of Republicans, including Greene and Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C.Lawmakers emphasized the rare coalition of bipartisanship, signifying the growing issue. If the petition passes the House, it still needs to pass the Senate before heading to Trump’s desk.Regardless of the petition’s outcome, survivors are planning their own action for justice by compiling a list of those involved in Epstein’s network of abuse, though they did not specify if or when they would release it. In Wednesday’s press conference, the victims said they aim to hold the powerful accountable and help their healing, despite concerns about retaliation from Epstein’s circle.

    WASHINGTON —

    Demanding transparency, truth and their own healing, survivors of sexual abuse, along with bipartisan lawmakers, called for the release of all documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case.

    Survivors accuse Epstein of abusing and trafficking countless underage girls for decades before his death in a New York jail cell in 2019.

    Survivors, including some speaking out for the first time, joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers, pushing for a discharge petition that would force a House floor vote on releasing nearly everything related to the Epstein case.

    “I am no longer weak, I am no longer powerless and I am no longer alone,” Anouska De Georgiou, a survivor, said before reporters on Wednesday. “With your vote, neither will the next generation be.”

    On Tuesday, the House Oversight Committee released more than 30,000 pages on the case, which some say were heavily redacted and revealed too little new information. The petition’s supporters want all investigation files released, emphasizing that the issue should be non-partisan.

    “The American people deserve to see everything,” Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., said. “When you sign this discharge petition, it should mean nothing should be off limits.”

    “The FBI, the DOJ, and the CIA hold the truth. And the truth we are demanding come out,” Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., said.

    But the petition is already facing some roadblocks. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., says he believes the House Oversight Committee should be responsible for carefully handling the documents, while President Trump dismissed the effort Wednesday, calling it “a Democrat hoax.”

    Related video below: Speaker Johnson on meeting with Epstein victims

    Survivors responded directly to President Trump’s dismissal, with one registered Republican calling on him to meet her at the Capitol to share her story and explain why the issue is not a hoax. Others pleaded that he recognize the abuse as real and humanize them.

    Lawmakers leading the petition are close to a House floor vote, needing only two more signatures to reach the required 218. So far, the petition includes all Democrats and at least a handful of Republicans, including Greene and Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C.

    Lawmakers emphasized the rare coalition of bipartisanship, signifying the growing issue.

    If the petition passes the House, it still needs to pass the Senate before heading to Trump’s desk.

    Regardless of the petition’s outcome, survivors are planning their own action for justice by compiling a list of those involved in Epstein’s network of abuse, though they did not specify if or when they would release it. In Wednesday’s press conference, the victims said they aim to hold the powerful accountable and help their healing, despite concerns about retaliation from Epstein’s circle.

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  • Redistricting battles intensify California, Texas and now Indiana

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    The feud over redistricting continues across the country with new developments in Indiana, California and Texas. Multiple media outlets are reporting that Indiana state lawmakers are in Washington, D.C., Tuesday to meet with President Donald Trump, who has been pushing for more Republican seats in Congress. This comes after Vice President J.D. Vance met privately with Indiana Gov. Mike Braun earlier this month. For any redrawing of the congressional map in Indiana, Braun would have to call a special session to start the process, but lawmakers have the power to draw new maps. Republicans in the U.S. House outnumber Democrats in Indiana, limiting the chances they can pull off an additional seat.Things are also heating up in California. On Monday, Trump threatened to sue California over its plan to allow voters to decide whether to redistrict before next year’s election. Gov. Gavin Newsom posted on social media responding to the president with two words: “Bring it.” Newsom approved a special election that will take place in November for residents to vote on a redrawn congressional map. Republican lawmakers in California filed a lawsuit Monday aiming to remove Newsom’s redistricting plan from the November ballot. If the congressional map is approved, it could help Democrats win five more seats in the House next year.In Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott is planning to sign into law a new congressional map that includes five more districts, favoring Republicans. Trump has pushed for the map to help the GOP maintain its slim majority in Congress in 2026. The timing of this is noteworthy because Republicans normally lose seats in the House during the midterms. Democrats are expected to challenge the new Texas map in court.Keep scrolling for the latest from the Washington News Bureau:

    WASHINGTON —

    The feud over redistricting continues across the country with new developments in Indiana, California and Texas.

    Multiple media outlets are reporting that Indiana state lawmakers are in Washington, D.C., Tuesday to meet with President Donald Trump, who has been pushing for more Republican seats in Congress. This comes after Vice President J.D. Vance met privately with Indiana Gov. Mike Braun earlier this month.

    For any redrawing of the congressional map in Indiana, Braun would have to call a special session to start the process, but lawmakers have the power to draw new maps.

    Republicans in the U.S. House outnumber Democrats in Indiana, limiting the chances they can pull off an additional seat.

    Things are also heating up in California. On Monday, Trump threatened to sue California over its plan to allow voters to decide whether to redistrict before next year’s election. Gov. Gavin Newsom posted on social media responding to the president with two words: “Bring it.”

    Newsom approved a special election that will take place in November for residents to vote on a redrawn congressional map. Republican lawmakers in California filed a lawsuit Monday aiming to remove Newsom’s redistricting plan from the November ballot.

    If the congressional map is approved, it could help Democrats win five more seats in the House next year.

    In Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott is planning to sign into law a new congressional map that includes five more districts, favoring Republicans.

    Trump has pushed for the map to help the GOP maintain its slim majority in Congress in 2026. The timing of this is noteworthy because Republicans normally lose seats in the House during the midterms.

    Democrats are expected to challenge the new Texas map in court.

    Keep scrolling for the latest from the Washington News Bureau:

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  • Candidates focus on immigration as Election Day nears

    Candidates focus on immigration as Election Day nears

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    With fewer than two weeks until Election Day, candidates are focusing on immigration policies to win over undecided voters.”Immediately upon taking the oath of office, I will launch the largest deportation program in American history,” former President Donald Trump said.”I will invoke the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to target and dismantle every migrant criminal network operating on American soil,” Trump added.Vice President Kamala Harris has a different approach, emphasizing the need for more resources at the border.”We need more judges down there to deal with asylum claims. We need more personnel down there to deal with processing,” Harris said.Harris noted that funding for these resources would require congressional action.”We have to understand that, ultimately, this problem is going to be fixed with congressional action. Congress has the authority and the purse. I hate to use D.C. terms, but literally, they write the checks,” Harris said.Political analyst Marc Sandalow highlighted the importance of congressional support for these plans.”For either Trump or Harris to accomplish what they want to accomplish on immigration, for that matter almost every policy, they’re going to need to have a majority in Congress,” Sandalow said.Both Trump and Harris face criticism for their plans.Analysts argue that Trump’s plan would be costly and face legal challenges.Some believe Harris could have done more to address immigration issues during her tenure as vice president.

    With fewer than two weeks until Election Day, candidates are focusing on immigration policies to win over undecided voters.

    “Immediately upon taking the oath of office, I will launch the largest deportation program in American history,” former President Donald Trump said.

    “I will invoke the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to target and dismantle every migrant criminal network operating on American soil,” Trump added.

    Vice President Kamala Harris has a different approach, emphasizing the need for more resources at the border.

    “We need more judges down there to deal with asylum claims. We need more personnel down there to deal with processing,” Harris said.

    Harris noted that funding for these resources would require congressional action.

    “We have to understand that, ultimately, this problem is going to be fixed with congressional action. Congress has the authority and the purse. I hate to use D.C. terms, but literally, they write the checks,” Harris said.

    Political analyst Marc Sandalow highlighted the importance of congressional support for these plans.

    “For either Trump or Harris to accomplish what they want to accomplish on immigration, for that matter almost every policy, they’re going to need to have a majority in Congress,” Sandalow said.

    Both Trump and Harris face criticism for their plans.

    Analysts argue that Trump’s plan would be costly and face legal challenges.

    Some believe Harris could have done more to address immigration issues during her tenure as vice president.

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  • Harris and Trump campaigns appeal to right-leaning, religious voters

    Harris and Trump campaigns appeal to right-leaning, religious voters

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    Both the Harris and Trump campaigns are intensifying their efforts in battleground states with just two weeks left until Election Day.Former President Donald Trump will campaign for a second straight day in North Carolina after making his pitch to Christian voters a day prior. He postponed a speech at a gun rights conference in Georgia and scheduled a last-minute rally in the Tar Heel state Tuesday as some polling suggests Harris is gaining support there.In a rally before faith leaders in the battleground state, Trump touched on culture war issues, including transgender and parental rights.”Christians will not be safe with Kamala Harris as president,” Trump warned. “Your religious liberty will be gone. Your free speech will be gone, your Second Amendment will be gone, and parental rights will be gone forever.”Earlier, Trump surveyed storm damage and repeated false claims about FEMA misusing taxpayer money.”They spent a lot of money on having illegal people come into our country,” Trump said.Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris made her pitch to Trump-hesitant voters in three “Blue wall” states Monday.In separate events in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, she campaigned alongside a familiar but unlikely ally, former Congresswoman Liz Cheney, (R) Wyoming. Both aimed their messages at Trump-wary voters in counties that could decide the election.”We might not agree on every issue but she is somebody you can trust,” Cheney said. “You can vote your conscience and never have to say a word to anybody. There will be millions of Republicans who do that on November 5th.”While Harris will not hold public events, she will sit for an interview that will air Tuesday night on NBC Nightly News.In her place, former President Barack Obama and running mate Tim Walz will host a rally in Wisconsin where in-person, early voting kicks off.Republicans are also holding events to encourage early voting in favor of Trump. His campaign is pushing for all forms of voting, including by mail and in-person, to maximize votes. Trump lost Wisconsin by just under 21,000 votes in the 2020 election.

    WASHINGTON —

    Both the Harris and Trump campaigns are intensifying their efforts in battleground states with just two weeks left until Election Day.

    Former President Donald Trump will campaign for a second straight day in North Carolina after making his pitch to Christian voters a day prior. He postponed a speech at a gun rights conference in Georgia and scheduled a last-minute rally in the Tar Heel state Tuesday as some polling suggests Harris is gaining support there.

    In a rally before faith leaders in the battleground state, Trump touched on culture war issues, including transgender and parental rights.

    “Christians will not be safe with Kamala Harris as president,” Trump warned. “Your religious liberty will be gone. Your free speech will be gone, your Second Amendment will be gone, and parental rights will be gone forever.”

    Earlier, Trump surveyed storm damage and repeated false claims about FEMA misusing taxpayer money.

    “They spent a lot of money on having illegal people come into our country,” Trump said.

    Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris made her pitch to Trump-hesitant voters in three “Blue wall” states Monday.

    In separate events in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, she campaigned alongside a familiar but unlikely ally, former Congresswoman Liz Cheney, (R) Wyoming. Both aimed their messages at Trump-wary voters in counties that could decide the election.

    “We might not agree on every issue but she is somebody you can trust,” Cheney said. “You can vote your conscience and never have to say a word to anybody. There will be millions of Republicans who do that on November 5th.”

    While Harris will not hold public events, she will sit for an interview that will air Tuesday night on NBC Nightly News.

    In her place, former President Barack Obama and running mate Tim Walz will host a rally in Wisconsin where in-person, early voting kicks off.

    Republicans are also holding events to encourage early voting in favor of Trump. His campaign is pushing for all forms of voting, including by mail and in-person, to maximize votes. Trump lost Wisconsin by just under 21,000 votes in the 2020 election.

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  • Biden and Harris to travel, survey Hurricane Helene damage

    Biden and Harris to travel, survey Hurricane Helene damage

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    President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris will visit hurricane-ravaged areas in the Southeast Wednesday to assess the damage and coordinate relief efforts and funding.Biden will travel to North and South Carolina, while Harris will head to Georgia.On Tuesday, Biden directed “every available resource” to rescue and recovery efforts and has committed to helping devastated communities, saying he is prepared to ask Congress for more emergency relief funding.”We have to jump-start this recovery process. People are scared to death. People wonder whether they’re going to make it. We still haven’t heard from a whole lot of people,” Biden said. “This is urgent. People have to know how to get the information they need. So, we’ll be there until this work is done.”Biden says he has been in constant contact with state and local officials and is urging people to apply for federal assistance, including basics like food and water and for funds to help with repairing homes.More than 4,500 federal workers, including 1,000 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, are deployed across the Southeast. Many are working to distribute millions of meals and water, thousands of tarps, and over a hundred generators, while rescue teams hope to help those who remain trapped.Biden and Harris emphasized the timing of their trips, saying they must ensure they do not detract from ongoing rescue and recovery.The White House suggested an earlier visit, like former President Donald Trump’s trip to Georgia on Monday, could take away from resources needed for hurricane victims.During that trip, Trump falsely accused Biden of “sleeping” at his beach house, ignoring the disaster and purposely neglecting Republican states and storm victims. He also falsely stated Biden did not respond to calls for help from Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp.Kemp and Biden had already spoken a day earlier. Kemp and other Republican leaders also said their states were getting everything they need.Wednesday’s trip to Georgia may also present a political opportunity for Harris — a chance to show empathy in the midst of a humanitarian crisis as she campaigns for president.Harris says she also plans to visit North Carolina in the coming days.

    President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris will visit hurricane-ravaged areas in the Southeast Wednesday to assess the damage and coordinate relief efforts and funding.

    Biden will travel to North and South Carolina, while Harris will head to Georgia.

    On Tuesday, Biden directed “every available resource” to rescue and recovery efforts and has committed to helping devastated communities, saying he is prepared to ask Congress for more emergency relief funding.

    “We have to jump-start this recovery process. People are scared to death. People wonder whether they’re going to make it. We still haven’t heard from a whole lot of people,” Biden said. “This is urgent. People have to know how to get the information they need. So, we’ll be there until this work is done.”

    Biden says he has been in constant contact with state and local officials and is urging people to apply for federal assistance, including basics like food and water and for funds to help with repairing homes.

    More than 4,500 federal workers, including 1,000 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, are deployed across the Southeast. Many are working to distribute millions of meals and water, thousands of tarps, and over a hundred generators, while rescue teams hope to help those who remain trapped.

    Biden and Harris emphasized the timing of their trips, saying they must ensure they do not detract from ongoing rescue and recovery.

    The White House suggested an earlier visit, like former President Donald Trump’s trip to Georgia on Monday, could take away from resources needed for hurricane victims.

    During that trip, Trump falsely accused Biden of “sleeping” at his beach house, ignoring the disaster and purposely neglecting Republican states and storm victims. He also falsely stated Biden did not respond to calls for help from Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp.

    Kemp and Biden had already spoken a day earlier. Kemp and other Republican leaders also said their states were getting everything they need.

    Wednesday’s trip to Georgia may also present a political opportunity for Harris — a chance to show empathy in the midst of a humanitarian crisis as she campaigns for president.

    Harris says she also plans to visit North Carolina in the coming days.

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  • Middle East conflict edges closer to ‘open-ended battle’

    Middle East conflict edges closer to ‘open-ended battle’

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    Escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon is raising concerns of a broader conflict in the Middle East, with U.S. efforts to mediate a ceasefire in Gaza facing little to no progress.Overnight, Israel launched airstrikes in southern Lebanon, targeting what officials say were Hezbollah terrorists. The strikes come in response to over 100 rockets fired by Hezbollah over the weekend, following the death of one of its leaders and an attack through communications devices.One Hezbollah leader declared the attacks an “open-ended battle” as both sides spiral closer to an all-out war.”We did not want this war. We are not seeking war,” Israeli President Isaac Herzog said. “Hezbollah’s been attacking us on a daily basis, demolishing Israeli villages and towns. Basically leading to the eviction of 100,000 Israelis from their homes. Life has been shattered in our northern border.””We will take whatever action is necessary to restore security and to bring our people safe back to their homes,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a televised address. “No country can accept the wanton rocketing of its cities. We can’t accept it either.”Meanwhile, U.S. mediators have been working alongside international negotiators to secure a ceasefire deal in Gaza, but stalled progress and the escalating violence are threatening hope of bringing American hostages home.”We have not achieved any progress here in the last week to two weeks- not for lack of trying,” White House National Security Spokesperson John Kirby, said. “We will certainly keep up those conversations as best we can. And we’re talking to both sides here.”President Joe Biden acknowledged the latest surge of violence and expressed concern of spreading conflict.”We’re going to do everything we can to keep from a wider war from breaking out,” he said.There are other concerns that the same type of attacks on explosive communications devices used in Lebanon could happen in the U.S. Experts believe Israel infiltrated the international supply chain and placed the rigged devices in imports headed to Lebanon. According to the Associated Press, the complex operation likely took months to pull off but little evidence has emerged so far.The White House did not comment on whether it is taking steps to protect the U.S. supply chain as a result, offering instead that Biden wants the supply chain to be largely self-sufficient, with most goods originating from within the U.S.Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are scheduled to meet with leaders of the United Arab Emirates Monday before Biden travels to New York for the United Nations General Assembly.

    WASHINGTON —

    Escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon is raising concerns of a broader conflict in the Middle East, with U.S. efforts to mediate a ceasefire in Gaza facing little to no progress.

    Overnight, Israel launched airstrikes in southern Lebanon, targeting what officials say were Hezbollah terrorists. The strikes come in response to over 100 rockets fired by Hezbollah over the weekend, following the death of one of its leaders and an attack through communications devices.

    One Hezbollah leader declared the attacks an “open-ended battle” as both sides spiral closer to an all-out war.

    “We did not want this war. We are not seeking war,” Israeli President Isaac Herzog said. “Hezbollah’s been attacking us on a daily basis, demolishing Israeli villages and towns. Basically leading to the eviction of 100,000 Israelis from their homes. Life has been shattered in our northern border.”

    “We will take whatever action is necessary to restore security and to bring our people safe back to their homes,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a televised address. “No country can accept the wanton rocketing of its cities. We can’t accept it either.”

    Meanwhile, U.S. mediators have been working alongside international negotiators to secure a ceasefire deal in Gaza, but stalled progress and the escalating violence are threatening hope of bringing American hostages home.

    “We have not achieved any progress here in the last week to two weeks- not for lack of trying,” White House National Security Spokesperson John Kirby, said. “We will certainly keep up those conversations as best we can. And we’re talking to both sides here.”

    President Joe Biden acknowledged the latest surge of violence and expressed concern of spreading conflict.

    “We’re going to do everything we can to keep from a wider war from breaking out,” he said.

    There are other concerns that the same type of attacks on explosive communications devices used in Lebanon could happen in the U.S. Experts believe Israel infiltrated the international supply chain and placed the rigged devices in imports headed to Lebanon. According to the Associated Press, the complex operation likely took months to pull off but little evidence has emerged so far.

    The White House did not comment on whether it is taking steps to protect the U.S. supply chain as a result, offering instead that Biden wants the supply chain to be largely self-sufficient, with most goods originating from within the U.S.

    Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are scheduled to meet with leaders of the United Arab Emirates Monday before Biden travels to New York for the United Nations General Assembly.

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  • Step into the Oval Office: New DC exhibit offers life-sized presidential experience

    Step into the Oval Office: New DC exhibit offers life-sized presidential experience

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    “The People’s House” opens Monday to the public in Washington D.C., offering visitors an immersive experience to a life-sized replica of the Oval Office. Curators say the exhibit gives people a chance to act as a sitting president or as a cabinet member.The experience also allows visitors to attend a cabinet meeting and vote on a course of action for the president. There are virtual recreations of other parts of the West Wing, such as the Cabinet Room where leaders advise the president. Innovative technology provides experiences of the State Floor, including the East, Green, Blue, and Red Rooms.The centerpiece of the experience is The Oval Office replica, complete with exact copies of President Joe Biden’s desk and armchairs, even down to the family Bible. The White House Historical Association says the decor will change with each sitting president.”When a family comes to Washington D.C. and they have a limited amount of time, we hope they have the opportunity to get a White House tour, but most won’t have that,” White House Historical Association President Stewart McLaurin said. “So, to learn about the presidency and the White House, you simply come across the street of the White House to 1700 Pennsylvania Avenue and we give you that experience to learn.”The White House Historical Association raised $60 million for the project and is trying to raise $50 million to keep it going. Timed tickets to “The People’s House” are free.

    WASHINGTON —

    “The People’s House” opens Monday to the public in Washington D.C., offering visitors an immersive experience to a life-sized replica of the Oval Office. Curators say the exhibit gives people a chance to act as a sitting president or as a cabinet member.

    The experience also allows visitors to attend a cabinet meeting and vote on a course of action for the president. There are virtual recreations of other parts of the West Wing, such as the Cabinet Room where leaders advise the president. Innovative technology provides experiences of the State Floor, including the East, Green, Blue, and Red Rooms.

    The centerpiece of the experience is The Oval Office replica, complete with exact copies of President Joe Biden’s desk and armchairs, even down to the family Bible. The White House Historical Association says the decor will change with each sitting president.

    “When a family comes to Washington D.C. and they have a limited amount of time, we hope they have the opportunity to get a White House tour, but most won’t have that,” White House Historical Association President Stewart McLaurin said. “So, to learn about the presidency and the White House, you simply come across the street of the White House to 1700 Pennsylvania Avenue and we give you that experience to learn.”

    The White House Historical Association raised $60 million for the project and is trying to raise $50 million to keep it going.

    Timed tickets to “The People’s House” are free.

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  • House Republicans face opposition on spending bill to avoid shutdown

    House Republicans face opposition on spending bill to avoid shutdown

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    House Republicans are pushing forward with a proposal to avoid a government shutdown, but it faces growing opposition from both sides of the aisle.”Once again, House Republicans are leading us toward a government shutdown,” Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-Calif., said.”The House Democrats have consistently put illegal immigrants over law-abiding American citizens,” said Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn.A government shutdown looms as a division in Congress grows over how to avert it.”I am in this to win this,” House Speaker Mike Johnson said.On Tuesday, Johnson doubled down on his party’s proposal to temporarily fund the government. This proposal includes an immigration measure called the “SAVE Act” that requires proof of citizenship for voter registration.”I think this is something that we should do, and that’s what we’re doing. I told the conference that this morning, I’ll say it here again. I am resolved on this,” Johnson said.However, Johnson’s resolve is not swaying Democratic leaders, who argue the bill isn’t serious.”The House should stop wasting time on a partisan C.R. that’s going nowhere and work in a bipartisan way to get this done. We’re ready to sit down with them and discuss a bipartisan bill,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.Another challenge for Johnson is that some far-right Republicans aren’t on board either, accusing him of setting up a fake fight that doesn’t reduce spending.”The worst thing that Republicans in the House can do is create a fake fight that the base knows they’re lying about and frustrate our voters going into November 5th. That’s how you lose the House of Representatives on an election,” said Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga.The House is set to vote on Wednesday, and Speaker Johnson can only afford to lose a handful of votes in his own party if Democrats are all opposed.

    House Republicans are pushing forward with a proposal to avoid a government shutdown, but it faces growing opposition from both sides of the aisle.

    “Once again, House Republicans are leading us toward a government shutdown,” Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-Calif., said.

    “The House Democrats have consistently put illegal immigrants over law-abiding American citizens,” said Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn.

    A government shutdown looms as a division in Congress grows over how to avert it.

    “I am in this to win this,” House Speaker Mike Johnson said.

    On Tuesday, Johnson doubled down on his party’s proposal to temporarily fund the government. This proposal includes an immigration measure called the “SAVE Act” that requires proof of citizenship for voter registration.

    “I think this is something that we should do, and that’s what we’re doing. I told the conference that this morning, I’ll say it here again. I am resolved on this,” Johnson said.

    However, Johnson’s resolve is not swaying Democratic leaders, who argue the bill isn’t serious.

    “The House should stop wasting time on a partisan C.R. that’s going nowhere and work in a bipartisan way to get this done. We’re ready to sit down with them and discuss a bipartisan bill,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.

    Another challenge for Johnson is that some far-right Republicans aren’t on board either, accusing him of setting up a fake fight that doesn’t reduce spending.

    “The worst thing that Republicans in the House can do is create a fake fight that the base knows they’re lying about and frustrate our voters going into November 5th. That’s how you lose the House of Representatives on an election,” said Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga.

    The House is set to vote on Wednesday, and Speaker Johnson can only afford to lose a handful of votes in his own party if Democrats are all opposed.

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  • US and negotiation partners propose ‘final’ ceasefire offer

    US and negotiation partners propose ‘final’ ceasefire offer

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    The U.S., Egypt, and Qatar are working on a new ceasefire proposal to end the war between Israel and Hamas. The deal also hopes to bring hostages and prisoners home.Meanwhile, protests in Israel stretched into a third day Wednesday, calling on the government to reach an agreement after six hostages, including an American, were found killed by Hamas over the weekend.The killings sparked new urgency for a deal.The U.S. says constructive talks are now edging closer to a “bridging proposal” that could get Israel and Hamas to agree.”Every day that goes by without an agreement, there are risks. Obviously one of the risks is region-wide conflict that we’ve worked to try and avoid,” State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a briefing Tuesday. “Another risk is the continued loss of innocent Palestinian lives. Hostages could die and so that’s why we continue to push for this urgency.”The White House is brushing off the deal as a “final” or “take it or leave it” offer but did not go into detail on what would happen if the deal proves unsuccessful.On Tuesday, the Justice Department announced criminal charges against six Hamas leaders connected to the Oct. 7 attack on Israel igniting the war. The indictment includes charges of terrorism and sanctions evasion but the case is mostly symbolic.Hamas’ leader is believed to be hiding in tunnels in Gaza and three other defendants are presumed dead.The United Nations Security Council will meet Wednesday to talk about the fate of the remaining hostages.

    The U.S., Egypt, and Qatar are working on a new ceasefire proposal to end the war between Israel and Hamas. The deal also hopes to bring hostages and prisoners home.

    Meanwhile, protests in Israel stretched into a third day Wednesday, calling on the government to reach an agreement after six hostages, including an American, were found killed by Hamas over the weekend.

    The killings sparked new urgency for a deal.

    The U.S. says constructive talks are now edging closer to a “bridging proposal” that could get Israel and Hamas to agree.

    “Every day that goes by without an agreement, there are risks. Obviously one of the risks is region-wide conflict that we’ve worked to try and avoid,” State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a briefing Tuesday. “Another risk is the continued loss of innocent Palestinian lives. Hostages could die and so that’s why we continue to push for this urgency.”

    The White House is brushing off the deal as a “final” or “take it or leave it” offer but did not go into detail on what would happen if the deal proves unsuccessful.

    On Tuesday, the Justice Department announced criminal charges against six Hamas leaders connected to the Oct. 7 attack on Israel igniting the war. The indictment includes charges of terrorism and sanctions evasion but the case is mostly symbolic.

    Hamas’ leader is believed to be hiding in tunnels in Gaza and three other defendants are presumed dead.

    The United Nations Security Council will meet Wednesday to talk about the fate of the remaining hostages.

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  • President Joe Biden proposes major reforms for Supreme Court

    President Joe Biden proposes major reforms for Supreme Court

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    President Joe Biden is advocating for significant reforms to the United States Supreme Court, following a series of landmark decisions and controversies involving several justices and their spouses.In remarks from the LBJ Presidential Library on Monday, Biden said the court is being used to weaponize an extreme agenda, and, in recent years, extreme opinions have undermined long-established civil rights protections. “In 2022, the court overruled Roe v. Wade, and the right to choose that had been the law of the land for 50 years,” Biden said, “The following year the same court eviscerated affirmative action, which had been upheld and reaffirmed for nearly 50 years as well.”Under Biden’s proposal, each justice would be limited to one 18-year active term, with the current president appointing a new justice every two years. Biden is also asking for an enforceable code of ethics that would require justices to disclose gifts and to recuse themselves when they or their spouses have a conflict of interest. Finally, Biden is asking Congress to start work on a constitutional amendment limiting presidential immunity, stating that no former president is above the law. “We need these reforms to restore trust in the courts. To preserve the system of checks and balances that are vital to our democracy,” Biden said.Biden’s call comes as trust in the high court is dropping among Americans. A June poll from the Associated Press and the NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that seven in 10 Americans think justices are influenced by ideology. Four in 10 say they have hardly any confidence in the people running the Supreme Court. “I think we’ll have a problem if we don’t do something about Supreme Court ethics,” said Alan Morrison, an Associate Dean at the George Washington University Law School.”It would be constitutional to do it by statute, but I do not think that’s a good idea,” Morrison went on to say. “If it’s done by statute, it can be undone by statute.” Accomplishing any reforms will prove challenging, with Republicans already pushing back on the plan. House Speaker Mike Johnson says the proposal would “tilt the balance of power,” and is “dead on arrival.””Democrats want to change the system that has guided our nation since its founding simply because they disagree with some of the court’s recent decisions,” Johnson said.The party split in Congress is not the only reason Morrison believes the plan is unlikely to move forward anytime soon. “That has to go through not only two-thirds of both Houses but also three-quarters of the states. It’ll be a long time coming,” Morrison said. Justice Clarence Thomas, Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Samuel Alito would be the first three justices who could potentially be affected by term limits.

    AUSTIN, Texas —

    President Joe Biden is advocating for significant reforms to the United States Supreme Court, following a series of landmark decisions and controversies involving several justices and their spouses.

    In remarks from the LBJ Presidential Library on Monday, Biden said the court is being used to weaponize an extreme agenda, and, in recent years, extreme opinions have undermined long-established civil rights protections.

    “In 2022, the court overruled Roe v. Wade, and the right to choose that had been the law of the land for 50 years,” Biden said, “The following year the same court eviscerated affirmative action, which had been upheld and reaffirmed for nearly 50 years as well.”

    Under Biden’s proposal, each justice would be limited to one 18-year active term, with the current president appointing a new justice every two years. Biden is also asking for an enforceable code of ethics that would require justices to disclose gifts and to recuse themselves when they or their spouses have a conflict of interest. Finally, Biden is asking Congress to start work on a constitutional amendment limiting presidential immunity, stating that no former president is above the law.

    “We need these reforms to restore trust in the courts. To preserve the system of checks and balances that are vital to our democracy,” Biden said.

    Biden’s call comes as trust in the high court is dropping among Americans. A June poll from the Associated Press and the NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that seven in 10 Americans think justices are influenced by ideology. Four in 10 say they have hardly any confidence in the people running the Supreme Court.

    “I think we’ll have a problem if we don’t do something about Supreme Court ethics,” said Alan Morrison, an Associate Dean at the George Washington University Law School.

    “It would be constitutional to do it by statute, but I do not think that’s a good idea,” Morrison went on to say. “If it’s done by statute, it can be undone by statute.”

    Accomplishing any reforms will prove challenging, with Republicans already pushing back on the plan. House Speaker Mike Johnson says the proposal would “tilt the balance of power,” and is “dead on arrival.”

    “Democrats want to change the system that has guided our nation since its founding simply because they disagree with some of the court’s recent decisions,” Johnson said.

    The party split in Congress is not the only reason Morrison believes the plan is unlikely to move forward anytime soon.

    “That has to go through not only two-thirds of both Houses but also three-quarters of the states. It’ll be a long time coming,” Morrison said.

    Justice Clarence Thomas, Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Samuel Alito would be the first three justices who could potentially be affected by term limits.

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  • Attempted assassination of former President Trump sparks bipartisan condemnation, calls for investigation

    Attempted assassination of former President Trump sparks bipartisan condemnation, calls for investigation

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    In the wake of the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, President Biden cut short his weekend trip to Delaware and returned to Washington, D.C., preparing for a private law enforcement briefing. The White House confirmed Biden spoke with Trump by phone hours after the attack.”There’s no place in America for this kind of violence. It’s sick. It’s sick. It’s one of the reasons why we have to unite this country,” Biden said in an emergency briefing following the attack. “We cannot allow for this to be happening. We cannot condone this.”Meanwhile, a new video overnight showed Trump flanked by security as he landed in New Jersey to spend the night at his private golf club. Hours earlier, Trump had been speaking at a campaign rally in Butler County, Pennsylvania when shots rang out. One bullet, according to the former president, pierced the upper part of his right ear. A bloodied Trump was surrounded by Secret Service and rushed to his SUV as he pumped his fist in the air. Law enforcement says at least one bystander was killed and another two were injured. The shooter was also killed.Condemnation for the attack crossed party lines in the immediate aftermath. The messages of concern also came with a mix of finger-pointing and accusations from some lawmakers blaming Biden for the attack, with at least one Republican calling for the criminal cases against Trump to be dropped.In all, lawmakers, including Democratic leadership, expressed a mix of shock and relief. “I am horrified by what happened at the Trump rally in Pennsylvania and relieved that former President Trump is safe,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer wrote on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. “Political violence has no place in our country.”My thoughts and prayers are with former President Trump…I am thankful for the decisive law enforcement response,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries wrote. “America is a democracy. Political violence of any kind is never acceptable.”Republicans also joined in.”All Americans are grateful that President Trump appears to be fine after a despicable attack on a peaceful rally,” Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell wrote. “Violence has no place in our politics. We appreciate the swift work of the Secret Service and other law enforcement.”And from House Speaker Mike Johnson:”The House will conduct a full investigation of the tragic events today. The American people deserve to know the truth,” he said. “We will have Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle and other appropriate officials from DHS and the FBI appear for a hearing before our committees ASAP.”Republicans are vowing swift action in the aftermath of the attack. Overnight, Republican Rep. James Comer invited Director Cheatle to testify before the House Oversight Committee, claiming that “Americans demand answers.”Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee Senator Josh Hawley also suggested the Senate hold similar hearings.

    WASHINGTON —

    In the wake of the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump,

    President Biden cut short his weekend trip to Delaware and returned to Washington, D.C., preparing for a private law enforcement briefing. The White House confirmed Biden spoke with Trump by phone hours after the attack.

    “There’s no place in America for this kind of violence. It’s sick. It’s sick. It’s one of the reasons why we have to unite this country,” Biden said in an emergency briefing following the attack. “We cannot allow for this to be happening. We cannot condone this.”

    Meanwhile, a new video overnight showed Trump flanked by security as he landed in New Jersey to spend the night at his private golf club.

    Hours earlier, Trump had been speaking at a campaign rally in Butler County, Pennsylvania when shots rang out. One bullet, according to the former president, pierced the upper part of his right ear. A bloodied Trump was surrounded by Secret Service and rushed to his SUV as he pumped his fist in the air. Law enforcement says at least one bystander was killed and another two were injured. The shooter was also killed.

    Condemnation for the attack crossed party lines in the immediate aftermath.

    The messages of concern also came with a mix of finger-pointing and accusations from some lawmakers blaming Biden for the attack, with at least one Republican calling for the criminal cases against Trump to be dropped.

    In all, lawmakers, including Democratic leadership, expressed a mix of shock and relief.

    “I am horrified by what happened at the Trump rally in Pennsylvania and relieved that former President Trump is safe,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer wrote on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. “Political violence has no place in our country.

    “My thoughts and prayers are with former President Trump…I am thankful for the decisive law enforcement response,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries wrote. “America is a democracy. Political violence of any kind is never acceptable.”

    Republicans also joined in.

    “All Americans are grateful that President Trump appears to be fine after a despicable attack on a peaceful rally,” Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell wrote. “Violence has no place in our politics. We appreciate the swift work of the Secret Service and other law enforcement.”

    And from House Speaker Mike Johnson:

    “The House will conduct a full investigation of the tragic events today. The American people deserve to know the truth,” he said. “We will have Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle and other appropriate officials from DHS and the FBI appear for a hearing before our committees ASAP.”

    Republicans are vowing swift action in the aftermath of the attack. Overnight, Republican Rep. James Comer invited Director Cheatle to testify before the House Oversight Committee, claiming that “Americans demand answers.”

    Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee Senator Josh Hawley also suggested the Senate hold similar hearings.

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  • Supreme Court delivers landmark ruling on presidential immunity in Trump case

    Supreme Court delivers landmark ruling on presidential immunity in Trump case

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    The Supreme Court today delivered a landmark ruling on presidential immunity in a case involving former President Donald Trump’s alleged interference in the 2020 election.”The nature of presidential power requires that a former president have some immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts during his tenure in office,” wrote Chief Justice John Roberts for the majority opinion.The justices clarified that any president has absolute immunity for core constitutional powers. For official acts, a president is entitled to immunity. However, for unofficial acts, a president has no immunity.The question now is whether Trump’s alleged actions leading up to and on Jan. 6, 2021, were official acts.Chief Justice John Roberts stated that Trump is “absolutely immune from prosecution for the alleged conduct involving his discussions with Justice Department officials,” including threatening to fire the then Attorney General for refusing to investigate voter fraud.However, when it comes to actions that could be considered unofficial, such as attempts to pressure then Vice President Mike Pence to overturn the election results on Jan. 6, the fake electors scheme, or social media posts encouraging supporters to travel to D.C. on Jan. 6, the majority sent these allegations back to the district court. The district court is to decide whether Trump is entitled to immunity.Video below: Impacts of the Supreme Court immunity rulingAll three liberal justices dissented, with Justice Sonia Sotomayor writing, “Today’s decision to grant former Presidents criminal immunity reshapes the institution of the Presidency. It makes a mockery of the principle, foundational to our Constitution and system of Government, that no man is above the law.””This opinion is very convoluted. It’s inconsistent in parts, but it really is going to have a beehive of litigation activity as a result. Not just in this case, but in other cases in the future,” said Gene Rossi, a former federal prosecutor.The case now returns to D.C., where the judge overseeing the trial will determine if the allegations against Trump were official or unofficial acts. Legal experts believe that regardless of the decision, the case will likely end up back before the High Court.

    The Supreme Court today delivered a landmark ruling on presidential immunity in a case involving former President Donald Trump’s alleged interference in the 2020 election.

    “The nature of presidential power requires that a former president have some immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts during his tenure in office,” wrote Chief Justice John Roberts for the majority opinion.

    The justices clarified that any president has absolute immunity for core constitutional powers. For official acts, a president is entitled to immunity. However, for unofficial acts, a president has no immunity.

    The question now is whether Trump’s alleged actions leading up to and on Jan. 6, 2021, were official acts.

    Chief Justice John Roberts stated that Trump is “absolutely immune from prosecution for the alleged conduct involving his discussions with Justice Department officials,” including threatening to fire the then Attorney General for refusing to investigate voter fraud.

    However, when it comes to actions that could be considered unofficial, such as attempts to pressure then Vice President Mike Pence to overturn the election results on Jan. 6, the fake electors scheme, or social media posts encouraging supporters to travel to D.C. on Jan. 6, the majority sent these allegations back to the district court.

    The district court is to decide whether Trump is entitled to immunity.

    All three liberal justices dissented, with Justice Sonia Sotomayor writing, “Today’s decision to grant former Presidents criminal immunity reshapes the institution of the Presidency. It makes a mockery of the principle, foundational to our Constitution and system of Government, that no man is above the law.”

    “This opinion is very convoluted. It’s inconsistent in parts, but it really is going to have a beehive of litigation activity as a result. Not just in this case, but in other cases in the future,” said Gene Rossi, a former federal prosecutor.

    The case now returns to D.C., where the judge overseeing the trial will determine if the allegations against Trump were official or unofficial acts. Legal experts believe that regardless of the decision, the case will likely end up back before the High Court.

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