Senators are poised to vote on a bill that would allow members of Congress and their staff to demand the removal of personal information from websites. This legislation, introduced by Senators Amy Klobuchar and Ted Cruz, aims to enhance member security amidst rising political threats. However, watchdogs and media advocates express concerns that the bill could hinder journalistic efforts and limit accountability. They argue that despite the inclusion of a carve-out for journalists, the legislation may still empower Congress with censorship, potentially impacting public discourse.
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The House of Representatives is cutting its session short and heading into recess early due to mounting pressure regarding the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files. A bipartisan group of lawmakers is pushing for a vote to force the release of these files, fueling frustration and hindering the progression of other legislation. Speaker Mike Johnson maintains that the Trump administration needs time to carefully handle the file’s release while Democrats are using the files as a political weapon. Despite the early departure, some Republican lawmakers believe the resolution has the votes to pass if it comes to a vote.
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The Independent continues to report on crucial issues, providing in-depth coverage without paywalls. A recent development involves Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez’s proposal to assess members of Congress for cognitive impairment. This amendment, aimed at addressing concerns about the aging of lawmakers, ultimately failed to pass during a markup. Despite the lack of success, the proposition reflects the need for open conversations about the capabilities of those in office, as many senior lawmakers have faced scrutiny regarding their ability to continue their duties.
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Ghislaine Maxwell, convicted in 2022 for child sex trafficking related to Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes, is willing to testify before Congress, potentially offering new details regarding the sex trafficking scheme involving underage girls. Her willingness follows the release of a Justice Department memo that found no evidence of a client list or blackmail, drawing criticism and prompting former President Donald Trump to defend the handling of the investigation. Maxwell’s appeal to the Supreme Court hinges on a non-prosecution agreement made with Epstein in 2008. Meanwhile, Maxwell’s team insists the files do not reflect the full scope of Epstein’s dealings.
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Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a Democrat from Florida, recently discussed the implications of President Trump’s extensive spending bill on healthcare and other key areas. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries attempted to stall the final vote, speaking for more than five hours in an effort to delay the proceedings. The discussion centered on the bill’s potential impact, highlighting the deep divisions in Congress over the proposed legislation. The focus remained on the significant healthcare provisions within the bill.
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To fund President Trump’s budget bill, Senate Republicans proposed significantly increasing retirement contributions for federal employees, raising them to 15.6% of their salaries. This measure exempts members of Congress, their staff, and federal law enforcement from the increased contributions, as well as a 10% fee on union dues deductions. The bill is being pushed through the reconciliation process to bypass the filibuster, despite opposition within the GOP and criticism of its impact on the deficit and potential cuts to social programs. This is occurring amidst the Trump administration’s efforts to reshape the federal workforce.
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Following a leak of the early assessment of U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, the White House plans to limit intelligence sharing with Congress, specifically through the CAPNET system. This decision, which is likely to draw criticism from Democrats, comes ahead of a classified briefing for Senate members on Thursday regarding the strikes. Republicans, like Speaker Mike Johnson, are also expressing outrage over the leak, with suspicions directed towards Congress. The administration is defending the military’s actions and claiming significant damage to Iran’s nuclear program, while also downplaying the significance of the leaked assessment.
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While promoting his “big, beautiful bill,” President Trump faced a significant setback in Congress as Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough struck down key provisions related to Medicaid and public benefits for undocumented immigrants. This decision forced Senate Republicans to revisit the bill and created division among GOP senators, some of whom called for MacDonough’s removal. Despite the challenges, the White House expressed optimism about the bill’s passage before July 4th, while House Republicans, particularly conservatives, threatened to reject the Senate’s version due to concerns over its impact on key priorities and the deficit. Furthermore, more measures in the legislation are still awaiting a ruling from the Parliamentarian, which could create more obstacles.
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The Onion published a full-page ad in the New York Times, and sent copies to all members of Congress, satirizing their inaction in the face of the Trump administration’s actions. The editorial, mocking congressional cowardice, urged lawmakers to remain passive amidst growing authoritarianism. A faux CEO’s accompanying letter celebrated the resulting economic benefits for the wealthy. The Onion’s actual CEO highlighted the prescience of the piece, given the current political climate, calling for complete congressional surrender.
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Trump faces significant pushback in Congress following his authorization of the Iranian air strikes, a development initially portrayed as bipartisan opposition but quickly revealing itself as more nuanced. While the initial headlines suggested widespread condemnation, a closer look reveals a far less unified front than initially presented. The number of outspoken critics within Congress, across both Republican and Democratic parties, appears surprisingly limited, especially considering the gravity of the situation.
The reaction from Democrats, while largely critical of the President’s unilateral action, doesn’t represent complete party unity either. While several prominent Democrats have voiced strong disapproval and called for increased accountability, the party hasn’t rallied behind a single, unified response.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood
Onion Mocks Congress’ Cowardice in NYT Editorial
The Onion published a full-page ad in the New York Times, and sent copies to all members of Congress, satirizing their inaction in the face of the Trump administration’s actions. The editorial, mocking congressional cowardice, urged lawmakers to remain passive amidst growing authoritarianism. A faux CEO’s accompanying letter celebrated the resulting economic benefits for the wealthy. The Onion’s actual CEO highlighted the prescience of the piece, given the current political climate, calling for complete congressional surrender.
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