After a tumultuous few weeks in the Capitol, the House of Representatives passed a clean continuing resolution with bipartisan support, avoiding a potential government shutdown. This displeased some of the more hard-right members of the House, who had to compromise in order to pass the resolution, and there were even allegations of kidney punching in the House. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) commented on the situation, saying “They were better behaved than some of the people in this place.” The resolution has averted a potential government shutdown, but tensions remain high in the Capitol.
Posts published in “Politics”
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted a targeted operation against Hamas in Al-Shifa hospital, the largest hospital in Gaza, after President Biden called for its protection. The IDF had given a 12-hour ultimatum to cease all military activities within the hospital, but Hamas had not complied. The operation is based on intelligence and “operation necessity”, but the outcome is yet to be seen.
Samuel Miele, a 27 year old fundraiser for Rep. George Santos' 2022 campaign, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of wire fraud and access device fraud. He admitted to posing as a top aide to then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to raise money for the campaign and enriching himself with 15% commissions on each donation. He also charged credit cards without authorization for contributions to the campaigns and himself. He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
Michigan judge has ruled that former President Donald Trump can remain on the state's ballot for the 2024 presidential primaries, despite a legal challenge from a group of Michigan voters. Trump then brought a suit of his own, asking the same judge to bar Michigan election officials from knocking him off the ballot. The judge's decision means that Trump will remain on the ballot at least through the 2024 presidential primaries in the state, and it is unclear if the decision will be appealed or if other states will follow suit.
House Speaker Mike Johnson is set to face a major test on Tuesday as the House of Representatives votes on a two-step proposal to fund federal agencies and avert a government shutdown. Johnson will need the support of Democrats to pass the measure, as well as the backing of House Republicans who have shown reluctance to shut the government down. The outcome of the vote will be a major indicator of Johnson's ability to lead the House and work with both sides of the aisle.
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is seeking an emergency protective order after confidential video recordings of key witnesses in her election interference case against former President Donald Trump were leaked to two news outlets. The videos include statements from lawyers Jenna Ellis, Sidney Powell, Kenneth Chesebro and bail bondsman Scott Hall, with Ellis saying a senior White House official insisted Trump had no plans to leave office despite losing the election. Willis's office believes the leak was intended to intimidate witnesses and is now seeking an emergency protective order to prevent further disclosure.
Thousands of people from around the U.S. gathered in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday for the March for Israel rally in support of Israel, to free hostages, and to protest the increasing antisemitism in the U.S. since the Israel-Hamas war began last month. Attendees expressed their commitment to justice and their belief in the state of Israel, while remaining critical of the government's policies.
On Tuesday, a heated exchange between Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma and Sean O'Brien, the president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, almost turned into a fistfight during a Senate hearing on labor unions. Mullin, a former MMA fighter, had challenged O'Brien to a physical fight for charity, but the exchange was eventually brought back to order. Mullin and O'Brien have since apologized for their behavior, sparking a debate over the appropriateness of physical confrontations in the Senate.