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The Social Security Administration (SSA) sent an email claiming a recent spending bill, signed by Donald Trump, eliminated taxes on social security benefits for most recipients, which critics have labeled misleading. The bill actually provides a temporary tax deduction for seniors, not a complete elimination of taxes, and the benefits phase out at certain income levels. Former SSA officials and other critics argue that the administration’s framing of the bill is inaccurate and politically charged, calling the email a misrepresentation of the legislation’s actual impact. Representative Frank Pallone accused the SSA of spreading misinformation through the email.
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President Trump signed a comprehensive tax and spending bill on the Fourth of July, fulfilling campaign promises. The legislation includes significant tax cuts, increased spending on immigration enforcement and the military, and cuts to Medicaid. The bill is projected to add trillions to the national debt while reducing tax revenues and potentially leading to millions losing health insurance. Despite some Republican opposition, the bill narrowly passed Congress, setting the stage for a political battle over its economic impact.
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House Speaker Mike Johnson faced unexpected delays as he attempted to advance the tax and Medicaid-cutting bill passed by the Senate, encountering resistance from within his own party. Procedural votes stalled the process as some Republicans expressed concerns about the Senate version, creating a tense standoff. Despite the slim majority and several holdouts, Johnson kept the vote open, eventually leading to some Republicans changing their positions after pressure from Donald Trump and other officials. The situation highlighted the challenges in meeting Trump’s deadline, with the bill facing criticism for its substantial tax cuts paired with spending reductions that are expected to increase the national debt.
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Texas Representative Chip Roy, a member of the House Rules Committee, is withholding support for the GOP tax and spending bill, criticizing the Senate for failing to address spending cuts. Roy views the bill, which includes $4 trillion in tax cuts and could increase the federal deficit by nearly $3.3 trillion, as a betrayal of conservative principles. Despite President Trump’s deadline for passing the bill, Roy believes its chances of passing in its current form are slim, while Republican leaders remain confident in their ability to gain support.
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The Senate voted to remove a provision that would have prevented US states from regulating artificial intelligence, dealing a blow to Silicon Valley and White House officials who backed the measure. During an overnight voting session, senators overwhelmingly opposed the language, with a vote of 99-1. This rejection occurred despite support for the pause on state AI legislation from GOP allies in the tech industry and White House technology advisors.
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President Trump urges Republican unity to pass his “big, beautiful bill,” claiming it will cut taxes for all Americans. However, analysis reveals the bill will raise taxes on those earning under $30,000 annually while significantly cutting taxes for millionaires. The legislation faces internal GOP opposition due to concerns over Medicaid cuts and the slow repeal of Inflation Reduction Act provisions. Despite these flaws, the party appears determined to push the bill through Congress, prioritizing the president’s agenda over the financial well-being of working-class Americans.
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