Congressman David Cicilline, a Democrat from Rhode Island, announced on Tuesday that he will be leaving Congress early at the end of May to take on a new role as President and CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve the people of Rhode Island’s First Congressional District, and will begin his new job on June 1, 2023. His early departure from Congress marks a rare resignation early in a session and will be replaced by a special election to be held in the coming months.
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Rep. David Cicilline (D-R.I.) announced his resignation from Congress on June 1 to become the president and CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation, a philanthropic group that funds nonprofit organizations in the Ocean State. He has served as a House impeachment manager during former President Trump's second impeachment process and has been a vocal advocate for gun control. The Rhode Island Foundation is looking forward to Cicilline's leadership, as board chairperson, John J. Kelly, commented on his commitment to public service, deep roots in Rhode Island, and passion for the Foundation's mission.
US President Joe Biden has arrived in Kyiv, Ukraine for an unannounced visit, in a show of support for the country as it continues to fight against Russia's nearly-year-long invasion. Biden praised the Ukrainian people for their resilience in the face of the conflict and emphasized that there is broad, bipartisan support in Washington for the Ukrainian cause. His visit is seen as a strong show of support for the country and its people, and a reminder of the US's commitment to Ukraine's democracy, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., has amended his “Rescue America” plan, which originally called for all federal legislation to sunset in five years, to include exemptions for Social Security, Medicare, national security, veterans benefits, and other essential services. The proposal has been met with mixed reactions from both sides of the aisle, with Democrats criticizing the potential to weaken the safety net and Republicans expressing frustration with the lack of specifics. The new language is intended to address these concerns, though it is uncertain if it will be enough to gain the support of both parties.
Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) has proposed the "Rescue America" plan to reduce the size of the federal government and increase accountability. The revised version of the plan includes exceptions for Social Security, Medicare, national security, veterans benefits, and other essential services, and has been met with mixed reactions from both sides of the aisle. President Joe Biden has expressed concern that the plan could jeopardize popular programs, and it remains to be seen how the plan will be received by Congress.
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has released its updated 10-year Budget and Economic Outlook, predicting an unemployment rate of 5.1% this year and high interest rates and inflation. In response, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) has made clear that Democrats won't accept cuts to Medicaid, the government health insurance program for low-income Americans. The report serves as a reminder of the need to protect Medicaid and other safety net programs to ensure an equitable and sustainable economic recovery.
The White House has announced the appointment of Lael Brainard of the Federal Reserve as the new director of the National Economic Council. Brainard will be tasked with helping President Biden implement his economic agenda, including pandemic relief, infrastructure, and tax bills. However, the U.S. is currently at risk of defaulting on its debt in July if Congress does not act to raise or suspend the debt limit. Brainard's expertise and experience will be essential in helping the White House navigate this difficult situation.
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released a report on Wednesday warning Congress to address the debt limit before the government runs out of funds, potentially between July and September. The report notes that the government’s spending has increased due to the coronavirus pandemic, resulting in a $3.3 trillion deficit for the 2021 fiscal year. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has said that a default would be economically calamitous.