Senate Republicans defeated a Democratic amendment to permanently bar President Donald Trump’s proposed $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” settlement fund. The vote came during debate over a $70 billion immigration-enforcement funding bill.
Posts tagged as “Central Oregon”
Jesse Calhoun pleaded not guilty through his attorney to a fifth second-degree murder charge in the death of Ashley Real. Prosecutors intend to try him in one proceeding for all five killings, The Guardian reported.
The United States Senate is set to vote on a resolution to block President Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs, which were imposed under a national emergency declaration. Spearheaded by Senators Ron Wyden and Rand Paul, the bipartisan effort seeks to nullify the tariffs due to concerns about their economic impact, though it faces an uncertain future in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives. The vote highlights the ongoing tension between the executive and legislative branches over trade policy, with significant implications for international trade and the domestic economy.
Twelve states have filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump's tariff policy, arguing it disrupts the constitutional balance of power by undermining Congress' authority to regulate foreign commerce. Spearheaded by Arizona and Oregon's Attorneys General, the lawsuit seeks to halt the enforcement of tariffs imposed under a wartime law, claiming the application of this law is unlawful and has led to economic instability. The case highlights ongoing debates about presidential powers in trade matters and could significantly impact the balance of power between the executive branch and Congress.
Frank Bisignano, nominated by President Trump to lead the Social Security Administration, faced a Senate confirmation hearing where he addressed concerns about customer service, erroneous payments, and potential privatization of the agency. Senators, particularly Democrats, questioned him on the impact of cost-cutting measures by the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, and sought assurances on maintaining senior benefits. Bisignano emphasized his commitment to protecting the Social Security program, but his possible prior communication with DOGE and its implications for the agency's future operations were points of contention.
A man named Andrew Dutil has been charged with aggravated assault after allegedly driving his vehicle toward protesters outside a Tesla dealership in Palm Beach County, Florida, during a demonstration against Elon Musk and Donald Trump. The protest was part of a nationwide series targeting Tesla due to Musk's collaboration with the Trump administration, but no injuries were reported as the protesters managed to avoid the vehicle. This incident is part of a larger pattern of unrest at Tesla-related sites, with similar violent episodes occurring both in the United States and internationally.
A federal incident management team has taken charge of combating multiple wildfires in Polk County, North Carolina, with additional support from out-of-state firefighters, including a team from Oregon. The fires, exacerbated by dry conditions, have led to mandatory evacuations and a state of emergency declaration, as they threaten areas still recovering from Hurricane Helene. Governor Josh Stein announced FEMA's approval of a grant to aid in the response, emphasizing the collaborative efforts of local and federal agencies to manage the crisis and ensure resident safety.
Democratic Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ron Wyden have raised concerns about potential staff reductions at the Social Security Administration (SSA) under nominee Frank Bisignano, warning that such cuts could disrupt the agency's ability to distribute benefits to over 72 million Americans. Acting Commissioner Leland Dudek has also expressed worries about the agency's stability, particularly following changes implemented by a team from Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency. The situation has highlighted the fragility of the SSA and the potential consequences of leadership changes, drawing significant attention from lawmakers and the public.