Rep. Victoria Spartz’s refusal to caucus with Republicans shrinks the GOP’s House majority to a razor-thin margin, potentially as low as one seat, following the resignations of Reps. Matt Gaetz and expected departures of Reps. Elise Stefanik and Mike Waltz. This dramatically hinders Speaker Mike Johnson’s ability to pass legislation, including essential spending bills and President-elect Trump’s agenda. The narrow majority increases reliance on Democratic cooperation, which is now less likely given the change in presidential administration. The situation could improve if Democrats also vacate seats, but the GOP’s immediate legislative prospects are severely challenged.
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Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s bid for a key leadership position on the House Oversight Committee was unsuccessful, losing to veteran Democrat Gerry Connolly. This defeat, viewed by some as a rejection of her progressive platform, highlights the continued influence of moderate Democrats within the party. However, Ocasio-Cortez’s growing influence and ongoing efforts suggest this setback may not impede her long-term political ambitions. The vote was further complicated by speculation regarding Nancy Pelosi’s involvement in supporting Connolly.
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An intercepted phone call, purportedly between a Moscow hospital nurse and her soldier husband in Kursk Oblast, indicates that hundreds of wounded North Korean troops are arriving by train, filling hospital wards. This aligns with recent Western reports estimating substantial North Korean casualties in the region, possibly due to inexperience. While verification is pending, the claims suggest heavy losses among the reportedly 10,000 North Korean soldiers deployed to support Russia’s offensive in Kursk Oblast. Despite these losses, Russia and its allies maintain a significant offensive pressure in the area.
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Representative Greg Lopez (R-Colo.) confirmed that cuts to Social Security and Medicare are under consideration, stating that reducing the national debt necessitates evaluating these programs. This statement was made outside the first meeting of the newly formed House DOGE Caucus, a group supporting an advisory commission led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, both known critics of the programs. The caucus, with overwhelmingly Republican membership, aims to reduce government spending, raising concerns among advocates about potential cuts to vital social safety nets. While some members remained noncommittal, the meeting highlighted growing momentum within the Republican party to reform entitlement programs.
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China’s military expansion, including its growing nuclear arsenal exceeding 600 warheads and projected to surpass 1,000 by 2030, coupled with increased pressure on Taiwan and strengthened ties with Russia, presents a significant challenge to the U.S. However, widespread corruption within the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) may be hindering China’s modernization efforts. Despite setbacks, China continues to advance its military capabilities, particularly in unmanned aerial systems, while engaging in unsafe operations near U.S. and allied forces. The U.S. is responding by increasing its military presence in the Asia-Pacific region and maintaining diplomatic engagement with China.
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The House Ethics Committee is poised to release its report on former Representative Matt Gaetz, detailing allegations of sexual misconduct and drug use. Gaetz preemptively addressed the impending report, admitting to past excesses but vehemently denying any criminal activity, asserting that the Department of Justice’s exhaustive investigation yielded no charges. He criticized the committee’s process, claiming a lack of opportunity to confront accusers, and described the report as a partisan attack based on unreliable witnesses. Despite Gaetz’s denials and claims of exoneration, the report’s imminent release marks the culmination of a long-running investigation.
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The Biden administration is confident that planned military aid to Ukraine, to be completed by the end of his presidency, will sustain Ukrainian resistance against Russia through 2025. This assessment encompasses both already delivered and forthcoming resources. Further details regarding the specific breakdown of aid provided and planned can be obtained from the US Department of Defense. This confidence comes alongside recent large-scale US financial commitments to Ukraine, totaling over $20 billion for a World Bank fund and over $440 million for agricultural and economic support.
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A bipartisan spending deal passed by the House includes a cost-of-living pay raise for lawmakers—their first since 2009—and an opt-out from the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance requirements. These provisions, slipped into the bill unnoticed, are likely to face criticism; the pay raise is politically sensitive given Congress’s unpopularity, while the Obamacare opt-out could draw opposition from Democrats who were unaware of its inclusion. The pay raise has been sought for years, but its timing may prove detrimental. Republicans have long sought the ACA opt-out, while Democrats remain upset at its clandestine addition.
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Ukraine’s military has announced the operational deployment of a new laser weapon system capable of destroying airborne targets, a significant development in the ongoing conflict. This laser weapon, reportedly named ‘Tryzub’ – Ukrainian for ‘trident’ – is said to have a range of up to two kilometers. The commander of Ukraine’s drone forces personally confirmed its operational status, highlighting its effectiveness in shooting down aircraft at altitudes exceeding two kilometers.
The announcement paints a picture of a rapidly evolving technological landscape on the battlefield. While the specifics remain scarce, the fact that this system is reportedly already operational represents a notable leap forward in Ukraine’s defensive capabilities against the ongoing drone threat.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood