The Senate has confirmed Jack Lew as the new U.S. ambassador to Israel, with support from only two Republicans. Sen. Lindsey Graham, one of those Republicans, said the ambassadorship is "as important and timely as any nomination" due to the war against Hamas. Lew, who served as Treasury Secretary under President Obama, is expected to take up his post in Jerusalem soon.
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The Senate Judiciary Committee has announced plans to issue subpoenas to three individuals in connection with a probe into ethics practices at the Supreme Court. The 11 Democratic members of the panel are targeting two wealthy Republican donors and an influential conservative legal activist in order to uncover more information about the trips provided to two Supreme Court justices. The investigation is a significant escalation of the Democrats' efforts to hold the high court accountable, and the subpoenas could provide important insight into the relationship between the justices and wealthy donors.
The Senate Judiciary Committee has announced plans to seek subpoenas for three influential conservatives as part of their investigation into Supreme Court ethics. This follows news reports about justices accepting gifts and trips from billionaires without disclosing them, as well as the Wisconsin Supreme Court's decision to shield Gov. Scott Walker from a criminal investigation. The committee is hoping the subpoenas will provide more information about the influence of wealthy donors on the Supreme Court.
House Republicans have proposed a bill that would provide $14.3 billion in emergency funding for Israel, paid for by rescinding the same amount of IRS funding from the Inflation Reduction Act. The bill has been met with criticism from Democrats, and the outcome of the vote in the full House chamber this week will determine the fate of the bill and the funding for Israel. The bill sets up a collision with the White House and Democratic-controlled Senate over how to support a key U.S. ally.
A federal judge in Texas has temporarily blocked the Biden administration from removing razor wire along the U.S.-Mexico border that was placed by the Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's administration. The razor wire was set up to hinder the entry of migrants, and the court's ruling allows federal officials to only remove the wire to provide or obtain emergency medical aid. The ruling has put a temporary hold on the Biden administration's efforts to remove the wire, which is seen as a symbol of the Trump administration's hardline immigration policies.
Key takeaways: Colorado and Minnesota are beginning hearings on lawsuits that could potentially reach the U.S. Supreme Court, which aim to bar former President Donald…
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has apologized for assigning sole responsibility to the country’s security and intelligence services for not preventing an attack by the Hamas militant group on October 7th, which resulted in the deaths of four Israeli civilians and two Israeli soldiers, as well as the death of at least 25 Palestinians. His apology follows a press conference with his war cabinet members Benny Gantz and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and is intended to help de-escalate tensions in the region and lead to a peaceful resolution.
Vice President Harris has made it clear that the U.S. is not sending combat troops to Israel or Gaza, but is providing guidance and equipment to its ally Israel. She is also involved in the administration's efforts on the war in Ukraine and gun violence at home. The Biden administration is trying to balance Israel's need to retaliate against Hamas with the urgent need to get relief to the Palestinian people, and is committed to finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict.