The White House has issued a veto threat against the Secure the Border Act of 2023, a bill proposed by House Republicans to address immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border. The Office of Management and Budget said the bill would make elements of the immigration system worse, not better, and does very little to increase border security. The White House has urged Congress to reject the bill and instead focus on finding solutions that will actually increase border security and uphold the nation’s core values and international obligations.
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Texas Representative Bryan Slaton resigned from office after an investigation found that he had engaged in sexual harassment and retaliation against a 19-year-old intern, as well as providing her with alcohol and demanding her silence. The House General Investigative Committee concluded that Slaton had violated House rules and the Republican Party of Texas chair Matt Rinaldi said Slaton resigned one day before the House was set to vote on expelling him. Slaton did not mention the investigation in his letter of resignation to Texas Governor Greg Abbott.
The California Reparations Task Force has concluded their two-year effort by approving a list of proposals to be considered by state lawmakers, which include providing financial assistance to Black Californians, creating a center to study the economic and social effects of slavery, and establishing a memorial to honor the victims of slavery and discrimination. The task force also recommended that the state create a commission to study the effects of slavery and discrimination, and to make recommendations on how to address them. If passed, the proposals would be the first of their kind in the United States.
Key takeaways: The proposed rule would require airlines to provide refunds and compensation to passengers, as well as meals, overnight accommodations and rebooking for passengers…
The White House is taking action to avoid a catastrophic default on the nation's debt by targeting House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and other GOP House members in competitive districts. They are hoping to pass a bill that will benefit veterans and the economy, but it remains to be seen if the President's strategy will be successful. The proposed bill is a $2 trillion infrastructure plan funded by raising the corporate tax rate from 21% to 28%, while Republicans have proposed a $568 billion counteroffer.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned of an economic "calamity" if Congress does not raise the nation's borrowing limit, adding urgency to a meeting between President Joe Biden and congressional leaders. Yellen said a default could cause a "severe" economic downturn with a "ripple effect" felt around the world, and that the government would have to choose between paying Social Security benefits, military salaries, or interest on the debt.
Former President Donald Trump has declined his last chance to testify in a civil trial where longtime advice columnist E. Jean Carroll has accused him of raping her in a luxury department store dressing room in 1996. The jury has watched lengthy excerpts from an October videotaped deposition in which Trump vehemently denied the allegations, and Carroll is seeking compensatory and punitive damages totaling millions of dollars. The outcome of the trial could have a major impact on Trump's political future.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has warned of "economic and financial catastrophe" if the debt ceiling is not lifted or suspended by June 1. Congressman Patrick McHenry of North Carolina, Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, is working to come up with a solution to the debt ceiling issue, noting that a "protracted" default could trigger a Great Recession type of scenario. Both are urging Congress and the White House to come to an agreement before the June 1 deadline in order to avoid economic disaster.