House Speaker Mike Johnson dismissed concerns regarding President Trump’s crypto-currency dealings, citing his busy schedule with the reconciliation package. Johnson’s claims of ignorance about a private dinner for top investors in Trump’s cryptocurrency, despite the potential for conflicts of interest and foreign influence, contrast sharply with his previous scrutiny of President Biden. The Trump family’s substantial gains from these investments, coupled with the lack of transparency surrounding the dinner attendees, raise significant ethical questions. Johnson’s repeated dismissal of oversight underscores a perceived double standard in congressional accountability depending on the president’s party affiliation.
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The House passed a bill containing significant Medicaid cuts, justified by Representative Mike Johnson as addressing fraud and promoting work among able-bodied recipients. However, analyses project millions will lose coverage, contradicting claims that the bill doesn’t cut Medicaid or SNAP. The legislation also includes substantial tax cuts for the wealthy and imposes new work requirements despite the vast majority of Medicaid recipients already working or being exempt. Opposition to the bill exists within the Senate GOP caucus, raising the possibility of its failure.
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House Speaker Mike Johnson lauded Donald Trump’s leadership as crucial to the passage of the Republican-backed tax and spending bill, a bill passed by a narrow 215-214 margin. His remarks were met with laughter from House Democrats. Johnson retorted, highlighting the Republican party’s control of the White House and Congress as evidence of Trump’s success. The bill’s passage represents a significant legislative victory for the Republican party.
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Facing criticism over congressional stock trading, Speaker Mike Johnson argued that stagnant congressional salaries since 2009, now 31% lower inflation-adjusted, necessitate supplemental income for members to meet the demands of public service. He defended stock trading as a means for these individuals to support their families and maintain financial stability. However, this practice has drawn increased scrutiny amid allegations of insider trading following market fluctuations related to recent tariff announcements. The upcoming May 15th deadline for financial disclosures promises to shed further light on these concerns.
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House Speaker Mike Johnson deflected inquiries regarding a $400 million Qatari jet offered to President Trump, claiming the matter fell outside his purview. He asserted the jet was a gift to the U.S., not the President, and deferred to the administration for details. However, critics countered that Congressional approval of foreign gifts to U.S. officials is constitutionally mandated, directly contradicting Johnson’s statement. This has sparked accusations of negligence and partisan bias, with many questioning Johnson’s willingness to address the situation given the potential implications. The controversy highlights concerns about both the legality and the oversight of the substantial gift.
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House Speaker Mike Johnson’s proposed budget, utilizing a reconciliation process, would drastically cut Medicaid funding, potentially dismantling the program and undermining the Affordable Care Act. This plan, opposed by numerous labor and progressive groups, also includes significant cuts to education and other social programs to fund tax cuts for the wealthy and increased military spending. The AFL-CIO urges immediate action, providing hotlines for contacting lawmakers to express opposition. These cuts would severely impact millions of Americans reliant on Medicaid for healthcare access, particularly vulnerable populations and children.
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House Democrats, leveraging privileged resolutions of inquiry, are demanding accountability from Secretary of Defense Hegseth regarding U.S. actions in Yemen and handling of classified information, particularly concerning his use of Signal. Republicans, however, have employed a procedural tactic, delaying all resolutions of inquiry until September 30th, effectively stalling the Democratic investigation. This delay is strategically embedded within unrelated resolutions targeting President Biden. The Republican maneuver aims to prevent scrutiny of Hegseth’s actions, dubbed “Signalgate.”
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House Speaker Mike Johnson faces a critical challenge as moderate Republicans threaten to block a budget reconciliation bill containing significant Medicaid cuts, while the House Freedom Caucus demands deeper reductions. This internal conflict jeopardizes the already fragile GOP House majority, particularly given concerns about the 2026 midterms. The dissent highlights growing anxieties within the party regarding its focus on economic policy, with disagreements on the impact of Trump-era tariffs further fueling divisions. The situation is complicated by President Trump’s unexpected withdrawal of a key nomination, underscoring the high stakes involved.
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House Speaker Mike Johnson, despite his professed biblical worldview, blocked a bipartisan bill allowing proxy voting for parental leave, a stark contrast to his past acceptance of morally questionable policies. This action, fueled by a broader Republican effort to restrict women’s roles in public life, aligns with the party’s “Project 2025” initiative aiming to reinforce traditional gender roles. The bill’s defeat, despite some Republican support, highlights the party’s hypocrisy and the growing conflict between female Republican politicians and the party’s agenda. Johnson’s actions, along with broader Republican policies, actively seek to limit women’s participation in the workforce and political life. This ultimately underscores a larger Republican revolt against remote work, viewing it as a threat to traditional gender dynamics and women’s advancement.
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House Speaker Mike Johnson canceled the House’s voting agenda for the week following a rebellion by nine Republicans who joined Democrats to overturn a rule preventing proxy voting for new parents. This vote, spearheaded by Representative Anna Paulina Luna, represents a significant setback for Johnson, hindering his legislative efforts and impacting the progress of bills such as the SAVE Act. The Speaker cited the vote as unconstitutional and a potential precedent for future issues, while supporters of the rule change argued it was a pro-family measure accommodating new parents. The House will reconvene next week to address the issue further.
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John Q. Hosedrinker