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.
Posts tagged as “1st Congressional District”
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.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., announced her retirement from the Senate after three decades in office and over 50 years in public service. She will remain in office until the end of next year and intends to accomplish as much as she can for California before her retirement. Feinstein had been under pressure from other Democrats in the state to make room for a younger generation of legislators, and she said she will continue to focus on preventing and combatting wildfires, addressing the needs of her constituents, and working on legislation to protect the environment and promote economic growth.
US military forces have shot down three unidentified objects in North American airspace over the past three days, at the direction of President Joe Biden. Democratic Rep. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan said the objects were taken down by pilots from the US Air Force and National Guard, but the US military has not provided any details on the objects, their origin, or their purpose. The consecutive days of takedowns have raised questions about the security of North American airspace.
Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.) was assaulted in an elevator near the Capitol on Thursday morning, prompting a response from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and an increased focus on safety measures for members of Congress. The assailant, Christopher Hamlin, was arrested and charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, and Craig was able to escape the elevator after throwing a cup of hot coffee at him.
Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., was released from the hospital on Friday after two days of tests and observation. He had been admitted after feeling lightheaded following a lawmakers’ retreat, and underwent a CT, CTA, MRI, and EEG tests, all of which came back normal.
Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) was discharged from George Washington University Hospital on Friday after being admitted for feeling lightheaded during a Senate Democratic retreat. Tests ruled out a stroke and showed no evidence of seizures. He is now looking forward to returning to the Senate on Monday.