Facing a potential defeat of his tax bill, the president urged Republican unity on Truth Social, demanding they support “THE ONE, BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL!” He decried internal dissent as grandstanding and blamed the Democrats for the current economic situation. Despite the president’s pleas, however, committee members expressed their weariness with the situation.
A new Verasight U.S. poll reveals President Trump holds a negative approval rating across most policy areas, with the exception of border security. His overall presidential approval stands at 40 percent, while disapproval sits at 56 percent. Significant negative ratings were recorded on issues such as inflation, the economy, foreign policy, and education. These findings are largely consistent with other recent polls, though some conflicting data exists.
Using the rarely invoked “previous question” rule, Missouri Republicans swiftly overturned both Amendment 3, restoring abortion rights, and Proposition A, guaranteeing paid sick leave, despite their passage in the November 2024 election. This action, which followed a Democratic filibuster, has drawn sharp criticism for disregarding voter mandates. The abortion reversal will likely face another ballot initiative, while the paid sick leave repeal takes effect August 28th, impacting over 700,000 workers. Republicans cited economic concerns and ideological objections to justify their actions.
The House GOP’s sweeping domestic policy bill, intended to enact President Trump’s agenda, is facing criticism for its significant Medicaid cuts. Senator Josh Hawley, a strong Trump supporter, publicly condemned these cuts as a betrayal of Republican and MAGA voters. This action highlights a key tension within the party and poses a serious challenge to Trump and the MAGA movement’s image. The bill’s impact on working-class voters raises questions about the GOP’s commitment to its base, particularly given the bill’s potential to benefit the wealthy. This situation tests whether past patterns of Republican rhetoric masking policies detrimental to their voters will continue.
Over two dozen protesters were arrested at the Rayburn House Office Building for demonstrating against Republican plans to cut Medicaid within a broader reconciliation package. These cuts, projected to leave millions uninsured by 2034, are part of a bill providing tax breaks for the wealthy. Protesters, many with disabilities reliant on Medicaid, directly confronted lawmakers during a House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing, highlighting the potentially fatal consequences of the proposed legislation. The arrests sparked outrage, with activists urging constituents to contact their representatives and oppose the bill.
President Trump’s acceptance of a $400 million Boeing 747 from Qatar as a replacement Air Force One has sparked controversy, drawing criticism for potential violations of constitutional gift rules and foreign influence concerns. Republican lawmakers, including Senators Graham, Scott, Hawley, Paul, and Collins, have voiced concerns ranging from national security risks to ethical improprieties related to the gift’s origin. The situation highlights a significant rift within the Republican party, with even staunch Trump allies expressing apprehension. While the White House maintains compliance with all applicable laws, the deal’s future remains uncertain.
During a House Oversight subcommittee hearing, Rep. Jasmine Crockett decried the “rage-baiting” attacks on transgender Americans, highlighting the disproportionate focus on restricting trans athletes while ignoring broader economic harms under the Trump administration. Crockett contrasted the Republicans’ vilification of transgender individuals with the Trump administration’s policies that negatively impacted all Americans, exemplified by cuts to Medicaid affecting hundreds of thousands of children. She further criticized the committee’s lack of genuine oversight, suggesting potential financial misconduct among members, specifically referencing Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s stock purchases. This led to a brief recess before Greene dropped a motion to strike Crockett’s remarks from the record.
The Republican Party’s recent show of support for Democratic Senator John Fetterman is undeniably unusual, prompting considerable discussion and speculation. This unexpected alliance, where Republican senators publicly defended Fetterman against what they termed a media smear campaign, raises questions about the motivations behind this seemingly incongruous political maneuver.
The fact that this defense comes at a time when Fetterman is facing intense scrutiny regarding his health and fitness for office is especially noteworthy. His struggles following a stroke have become a subject of public debate, with some questioning his ability to effectively fulfill his senatorial duties. This situation creates fertile ground for political maneuvering, and the Republicans’ actions might be interpreted as an opportunistic attempt to capitalize on this vulnerability.… Continue reading
Retired Supreme Court Justice David Souter, a New Hampshire Republican appointed by President George H.W. Bush, passed away at 85. Initially viewed as a conservative, Souter became known for his liberal stances on key issues, including abortion rights and church-state separation, often dissenting from conservative colleagues. His unexpected liberal leanings surprised many, including those who initially opposed his nomination. Following his retirement in 2009, Souter remained active in promoting civics education and advocating for a strong understanding of American government.
Following President Trump’s executive order, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a bill renaming the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America,” with a vote of 211 to 206. The bill, spearheaded by Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, allocates funds for updating government maps. While one Republican opposed the measure, citing its “juvenile” nature, the White House has already begun enforcing the name change, even barring news outlets that refuse to comply. The bill’s future remains uncertain, however, as it faces an uphill battle in the Senate.
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood