The Senate is garnering bipartisan support for new sanctions against Russia to pressure an end to the Ukraine war, though President Trump’s stance remains unclear. While expressing frustration with the conflict and lack of progress in peace talks, the White House hasn’t confirmed Trump’s support for the Senate bill, potentially signifying a reluctance to cede foreign policy control to Congress. This potential conflict with the legislative branch could complicate Trump’s efforts to negotiate a settlement. Despite recent verbal threats of sanctions following a deadly Russian assault, doubt persists regarding Trump’s commitment to implementing them.
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Representative Thanedar initiated impeachment proceedings against President Trump, citing multiple constitutional violations including accepting a $400 million private jet and illegal use of executive power. However, he subsequently withdrew the immediate floor vote, opting to expand the articles of impeachment while continuing to garner bipartisan support. This decision reflects significant intra-party divisions and highlights the challenges of holding Trump accountable given the current political climate. The episode underscores the ongoing tension surrounding Trump’s actions and the unlikelihood of a successful impeachment with the current Republican-controlled Congress.
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In an unprecedented move, all 50 state attorneys general filed an amicus brief urging the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims to grant full GI Bill benefits to two veterans wrongly denied them. This bipartisan effort follows a Supreme Court ruling affirming veterans’ entitlement to 48 months of benefits under both the Montgomery and Post-9/11 GI Bills. The attorneys general argue the Department of Veterans Affairs is contradicting this ruling with a restrictive interpretation. The case highlights the importance of upholding the nation’s promise of education benefits to veterans and underscores the rare unity across state political lines on this issue.
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The Laken Riley Act, passed by Congress with bipartisan support, expands mandatory detention for undocumented immigrants accused of crimes, even minor ones. Rep. Ocasio-Cortez decried the bill as a “right-wing power grab,” alleging it funnels billions of taxpayer dollars to private prisons while undermining core American values like the presumption of innocence. This follows President Trump’s reversal of an executive order phasing out private prison contracts, leading to a significant increase in private prison stock values. Critics argue the bill represents a lucrative “sweetheart deal” for the private prison industry, exploiting a tragic death for profit.
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The House passed the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, 218-206, with bipartisan support. The legislation amends Title IX to bar transgender women and girls from women’s sports in federally funded schools, defining sex based solely on birth biology. Two Democrats, Representatives Vicente Gonzalez and Henry Cuellar, joined Republicans in voting for the bill, despite criticism from other Democrats who argued the bill is discriminatory and distracts from more pressing issues. Gonzalez and Cuellar have previously expressed opposition to transgender rights.
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A Gallup poll reveals that 62 percent of Americans—the highest percentage in over a decade—believe the government should ensure healthcare access for all citizens. This marks a significant increase from 42 percent in 2013 and reflects growing bipartisan support, with increases among Republicans and Independents. While support for a government-run healthcare system remains nearly evenly divided, the public’s renewed emphasis on government responsibility for healthcare contrasts with potential Republican plans to cut spending on programs like Obamacare and Medicaid to fund tax cuts. Despite this, the Affordable Care Act itself enjoys higher public approval than ever before.
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The House passed the $895 billion 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes a pay raise for service members and significant military funding for Israel. However, the NDAA also incorporates restrictive measures barring the use of Department of Defense funds for gender-affirming care, including surgeries and hormone therapy for minors. These provisions, found in Sections 708 and 709, are based on misleading claims about the effects of such treatments. Despite the bill’s controversial elements, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries allowed a member-by-member vote, resulting in bipartisan support for its passage.
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A bipartisan group of House representatives urged President Biden to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) before leaving office, citing its importance in protecting rights regardless of sex. The letter highlights the ERA’s fulfillment of constitutional ratification requirements, despite past delays and rescissions by some states. Supporters argue the ERA’s ratification is crucial given the incoming administration’s stance on women’s and LGBTQIA+ rights. This action would solidify President Biden’s legacy and align with the strong public support for enshrining gender equality in the Constitution.
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Following a public argument at their hotel, Hegseth’s behavior escalated, leading to Doe’s report of sexual assault. Doe alleges that after her memory became impaired, Hegseth prevented her from leaving a room and subsequently assaulted her. She reported subsequently experiencing nightmares and memory loss. Hegseth denied being intoxicated, while Doe suspects her drink was spiked.
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Joe Biden’s Supreme Court reforms are making waves, even among Donald Trump supporters. It’s intriguing to think about how many initiatives would garner bipartisan support if they weren’t labeled as Democratic proposals. The idea of term limits for Supreme Court justices seems to strike a chord with a majority of Americans, regardless of their political affiliation.
I’ve had similar experiences with family members who seemed to flip-flop on issues based solely on party lines. It’s disheartening to see the level of polarization in our country, where practical and common-sense reforms are dismissed simply because they are associated with a particular political figure.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker