After a nearly three-month absence due to shingles, Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) is set to return to the Senate this week. Her presence is essential to the passage of important legislation, and her return is welcomed by both Democrats and Republicans alike. Feinstein has served in the Senate since 1992 and is the first woman to serve as the ranking member of the Judiciary Committee.
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Tucker Carlson, former Fox News host, was reportedly worried that Donald Trump's election denialism and false rhetoric would trap him at Fox News for the rest of his career. Texts obtained by The Daily Beast suggest that Carlson was aware of the potential consequences of Trump's actions, and that he was not a fan of the former president. His firing from Fox News last month is still unclear, but the texts provide insight into his private opinion of Trump.
Eleven members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, led by Chairman Dick Durbin, have requested that Harlan Crow, a Republican donor and real estate magnate, provide an itemized list of gifts and real estate transactions given to Supreme Court justices or their family members. The committee has requested that Crow provide the requested information by May 22, 2023 and has not yet received a response. This is part of the committee’s ongoing efforts to craft legislation strengthening the ethical rules and standards that apply to the Supreme Court.
On Tuesday, former Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan was arrested by agents from the country’s anti-corruption body, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). Images of Khan being pulled by security forces towards an armored vehicle were broadcast on Pakistan’s independent GEO TV, drawing nationwide condemnation from Khan’s supporters. The NAB has not commented on the arrest, but has said that it is investigating Khan for alleged corruption and misuse of power, marking a dramatic escalation on Pakistan’s political scene.
President Joe Biden has expressed his support for striking Hollywood writers, calling for a “fair deal” for them as soon as possible. The Writers Guild of America is leading the strike, which began last Tuesday, demanding higher pay for streaming services, better health care coverage, and an end to the practice of “firing and rehiring” writers. Biden’s remarks on Monday were his first public comments on the strike, and his support of the writers is a welcome sign for those on the picket lines.
President Joe Biden is meeting with the top four members of Congress to negotiate a resolution to the looming debt ceiling crisis. Republicans want spending cuts in exchange for raising the borrowing limit, while Democrats, including Mr. Biden, want to increase the debt limit without conditions. The White House has refused to negotiate over the debt ceiling itself, but both sides agree a resolution is essential to avoid the economic calamity of a default.
On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the nation on Victory Day, calling for unity against the West's "untamed ambitions" and warning of a "real war" against Russia. His speech was met with a standing ovation from the crowd and mixed reactions from the international community. The future of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine remains uncertain, but Putin's speech has made it clear that he is determined to protect his nation.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned that if the White House is forced to cite the 14th Amendment to raise the debt ceiling, it could lead to a "constitutional crisis". This week marks a defining challenge for House Speaker Kevin McCarthy as he attempts to strike a deal with President Biden to avert an unprecedented debt default. Yellen urged Congress to act quickly and responsibly to raise the debt ceiling and avoid a potential global economic crisis.