Speaker Mike Johnson stated that the House will not reconvene until the government shutdown ends, intending to pressure Senate Democrats to support the GOP-led stopgap spending bill. Johnson canceled previously scheduled House votes and announced the cancellation of the upcoming Tuesday session, with further cancellations expected. This decision has drawn criticism from Democratic leaders, who are demanding negotiations for a bipartisan spending bill. Johnson denies these actions are politically motivated, citing the need for lawmakers to assist constituents during the shutdown.
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In a recent interview, a former ambassador asserted that Donald Trump’s willingness to wield power garnered him credibility in the Middle East. This approach, distinct from previous administrations, involved assertive actions that were perceived as decisive. The ambassador explained that this willingness to act, regardless of potential criticism, resonated with leaders in the region. Ultimately, this created a different dynamic in the area, separating him from other leaders.
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The Independent’s reporting highlights a developing situation where the Trump administration is deploying federal law enforcement to Democratic-led cities, with Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker accusing the administration of using the situation as a pretext to invoke the Insurrection Act. Pritzker argues that Trump is exaggerating the violence in cities like Chicago to justify military intervention, a move that is facing legal challenges. Trump has stated he would consider invoking the Act if necessary, but the governor and other officials believe state and local police can handle any situation, and his actions appear to violate the Posse Comitatus Act. The Insurrection Act, which was last invoked in 1992, could suspend that Act, potentially allowing federal troops to enforce domestic law.
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During a recent social media livestream, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez suggested that the best way to counter Trump administration officials, such as Stephen Miller, is to ridicule them, particularly focusing on their “insecure masculinity.” She asserted that humor is a potent tool to dismantle movements built on such foundations. Ocasio-Cortez’s remarks came amidst her ongoing engagement with supporters and following interactions with figures like Miller, who recently engaged in a heated exchange with Representative Dan Goldman. She also dismissed claims from Republicans.
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The current political climate necessitates that Democrats understand how to confront those in power, especially when dealing with Donald Trump’s abusive tactics. With Trump punishing Democratic states by freezing federal funding, New Jersey should respond by withholding federal taxes to backfill illegally cut funding and using eminent domain on Trump’s Bedminster golf course for affordable housing. These actions are crucial, as Trump has demonstrated a willingness to act outside the law, even endangering citizens and attempting to cancel crucial infrastructure projects. It is imperative that Democrats show resolve, mirroring the strategies of survivors by setting boundaries and fighting back against such abuse of power.
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Democrats are facing a politically challenging situation by potentially shutting down the government to protect Obamacare subsidies, which disproportionately benefit residents in red states. Allowing these subsidies to expire would significantly increase average Obamacare premiums, affecting millions of people and possibly impacting the upcoming midterm elections. The author argues that Democrats should allow Republicans to bear the consequences of ending the subsidies, as this could backfire and cost the GOP vulnerable House seats in key states. Ultimately, the author believes that Democrats should resist the urge to intervene and let the Republicans face the consequences.
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President Trump, after distancing himself from Project 2025 during the campaign, is now embracing its conservative blueprint. The president has announced meetings with budget chief Russ Vought, an architect of Project 2025, to determine cuts to Democratic agencies. The administration is also using the government shutdown to accelerate these goals, including preparing for mass firings of federal workers and targeting projects championed by Democrats. These actions reflect a broader effort to concentrate federal authority in the presidency as outlined in the project.
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President Trump has publicly embraced his administration’s ties to Project 2025, a stark contrast to his previous attempts to distance himself from the far-right manifesto during the 2024 presidential campaign. He recently announced a meeting with Russ Vought, a key architect of Project 2025 and head of the Office of Management and Budget, to discuss potential cuts to various government agencies. This shift follows Trump’s previous denial of any association with the project, despite having implemented nearly half of its goals since taking office. Vought’s influence is evident as the administration aims to dismantle regulations and potentially establish a precedent for presidential control over government spending.
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In an interview, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries stated that no substantive conversations had occurred with Republican leadership or the White House since the government shutdown began. He maintained that Democrats are ready to negotiate and address the Republican health care crisis. Jeffries emphasized that Republicans, holding control of the House, Senate, and presidency, initiated the shutdown. He also pointed out the upcoming increase in healthcare costs for Americans.
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Protecting the public from misinformation requires vigilance, especially when it comes to health and medicine. The organization is committed to delivering unbiased, factual reporting to combat the spread of dangerous medical myths. Readers’ past support was crucial to the organization’s success and has allowed them to remain strong. Now, they are calling on readers to join and contribute once more to safeguard science and protect public health.
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John Q. Hosedrinker