Robert Reich: What To Say To A Republican Who Complains About The Federal Debt – OpEd

Advocates Fight For Those Sickened By US Nuclear Testing Program on Capitol Hill

Advocates Fight For Those , Sickened By US Nuclear Testing , Program on Capitol Hill. On June 7, the federal Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) program is set to expire, ending a lifeline for families sickened by the country's nuclear testing. . On June 7, the federal Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) program is set to expire, ending a lifeline for families sickened by the country's nuclear testing. . NPR reports that advocates have gathered on Capitol Hill to fight for so-called atomic veterans and save the RECA program. Over the past year, multiple bipartisan bills were approved by the Senate to reauthorize and expand the program. . Those bills stalled out in the House, due to some Republicans objecting to the cost of the program. . According to sponsors of the bills, those concerns were addressed by reducing the initial 2023 estimate of $143 billion down to between $50 and $60 billion. . NPR reports that RECA has provided payments up to $75,000 to those sickened by the nuclear testing program, totaling $2.7 billion to over 400,000 recipients. . One of the groups fighting to have the program extended is the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium. . The group works to raise awareness of illnesses linked to Trinity, the government's code word for the first nuclear bomb test, which took place in 1945. Martinez White, a member of the group, says fallout from those tests resulted in at least six cases of cancer in her family of ten. . I would often go home for funerals and everybody in Tularosa was dying of cancer. We knew something was very weird. , Martinez White, Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium member, via NPR. There's no industry in the whole Tularosa Basin but for White Sands Missile Range, where the Trinity bomb was detonated, Martinez White, Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium member, via NPR

Youth Vote: Challenges and Strategies in the US Presidential Election Campaign | Oneindia News

In the United States, the presidential election campaign is in full swing. Young voters are often considered difficult to reach. And with both Democrats and Republicans fielding candidates born in the 1940s, the parties are worried about how to get the youth vote out. #USPolitics #ElectionCampaign #YouthVote #VoterEngagement #PoliticalParties #GenerationZ #MillennialVoters #GetOutTheVote #YouthEngagement #USPresidentialElection #OIDW #DWVideos ~HT.178~PR.152~ED.103~GR.124~

Biden Asserts Executive Privilege Over Audio of Interview With Robert Hur

Biden Asserts Executive Privilege , Over Audio of Interview With Robert Hur. In February, Hur's yearlong investigation into whether President Biden mishandled classified documents ended without enough evidence to support criminal charges. In February, Hur's yearlong investigation into whether President Biden mishandled classified documents ended without enough evidence to support criminal charges. House Republicans were provided a transcript of Biden's interview with Hur, but they wanted the audio, which the DOJ denied. As a result, House Republicans were moving to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt of Congress. On May 16, the Department of Justice told House Republicans that the president asserted executive privilege over audio from his interview with the special counsel. The move protects Garland from criminal exposure as GOP lawmakers seek to hold him accountable. Assistant Attorney General Carlos Uriarte explained the DOJ's actions in a letter. The Attorney General must draw a line that safeguards the Department from improper political influence and protects our principles, our law enforcement work, and the people who carry out that work independently, without fear or favor, Assistant Attorney General Carlos Uriarte, via letter . The Committees seek to hold the Attorney General in contempt not for failing in his duties, but for upholding them, Assistant Attorney General Carlos Uriarte, via letter . With the information you now have, the Committees ought not to proceed with contempt and should instead avoid unnecessary and unwarranted conflict, Assistant Attorney General Carlos Uriarte, via letter . White House Counsel Ed Siskel also wrote a letter supporting the assertion of executive privilege. . The absence of a legitimate need for the audio recordings lays bare your likely goal—to chop them up, distort them, and use them for partisan political purposes, White House Counsel Ed Siskel, via letter

‘New York Times’ Poll Indicates Trouble for Biden

‘New York Times’ Poll , Indicates Trouble for Biden. Donald Trump was found to be "leading in five out of six swing states," 'The Hill' reports. . Wisconsin is the only swing state where Biden is leading. In 2020, Biden won all six swing states. The May 13 poll also indicated that support for Biden is dwindling among young voters, as well as Black and Hispanic voters. What’s so impressive about this is polls have historically underestimated Trump’s support, not overestimated Trump’s support, Ford O’Connell, a Republican strategist, via 'The Hill'. And then if you couple this poll with nearly 100,000 people showing up in Arctic blue New Jersey, this is a disaster for Biden, Ford O’Connell, a Republican strategist, via 'The Hill'. And then if you couple this poll with nearly 100,000 people showing up in Arctic blue New Jersey, this is a disaster for Biden, Ford O’Connell, a Republican strategist, via 'The Hill'. Biden supporters, however, say that polling conducted this far away from election day should be taken with a grain of salt. The only consistency in recent public polls is inconsistency. , Geoff Garin, Biden campaign pollster, via 'The Hill'. These results need to be weighed against the 30-plus polls that show Biden up and gaining — which is exactly why drawing broad conclusions about the race based on results from one poll is a mistake. , Geoff Garin, Biden campaign pollster, via 'The Hill'. The reality is that many voters are not paying close attention to the election and have not started making up their minds — a dynamic also reflected in today’s poll. , Geoff Garin, Biden campaign pollster, via 'The Hill'. These voters will decide this election, and only the Biden campaign is doing the work to win them over, Geoff Garin, Biden campaign pollster, via 'The Hill'

Senate Passes $95 Billion Foreign Aid Package

Senate Passes $95 Billion , Foreign Aid Package. On April 23, the U.S. Senate voted 79-18 to approve foreign aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, 'The Guardian' reports. . Today the Senate sends a unified message to the entire world: America will always defend democracy in its hour of need, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, via statement. Make no mistake, America will deliver on its promise to act like a leader on the world stage, to hold the line against autocratic thugs like Vladimir Putin. , Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, via statement. The package includes $60.8 billion for Ukraine, $26.3 billion for Israel and $8.1 billion for Taiwan. The package includes $60.8 billion for Ukraine, $26.3 billion for Israel and $8.1 billion for Taiwan. The package includes $60.8 billion for Ukraine, $26.3 billion for Israel and $8.1 billion for Taiwan. A provision to ban TikTok after the election if ByteDance refuses to sell the platform is also included. The legislation will now head to President Biden, who told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on April 23 that he will "move quickly" to provide aid. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer praised House Speaker Mike Johnson, . Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer praised House Speaker Mike Johnson, . with whom he worked "hand in hand and shoulder to shoulder to get this bill done.". A lot of people inside and outside the Congress wanted this package to fail. But today those in Congress who stand on the side of democracy are winning the day, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, via statement. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell also issued a statement. Today’s action is overdue, but our work does not end here. Trust in American resolve is not rebuilt overnight. Expanding and restocking the arsenal of democracy doesn’t just happen by magic, Senate Majority Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, via statement

House GOP Advances Aid Bills for Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan

House GOP Advances Aid Bills , for Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan. The foreign aid bills were advanced by a 9-3 vote, thanks to the help of four Democrats on the committee, CBS News reports. . Those Democrats are Jim McGovern, Mary Gay Scanlon, Joe Neguse and Teresa Leger Fernández. Those Democrats are Jim McGovern, Mary Gay Scanlon, Joe Neguse and Teresa Leger Fernández. Those Democrats are Jim McGovern, Mary Gay Scanlon, Joe Neguse and Teresa Leger Fernández. Those Democrats are Jim McGovern, Mary Gay Scanlon, Joe Neguse and Teresa Leger Fernández. Conservatives who voted against the bills, because border security wasn't lumped in, include Tom Massie, Ralph Norman and Chip Roy. . Conservatives who voted against the bills, because border security wasn't lumped in, include Tom Massie, Ralph Norman and Chip Roy. . A final vote on the foreign aid package will take place on April 20. . The three bills would support Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan with $26.4 billion, $60.8 billion and $8.1 billion, respectively. . The three bills would support Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan with $26.4 billion, $60.8 billion and $8.1 billion, respectively. . The three bills would support Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan with $26.4 billion, $60.8 billion and $8.1 billion, respectively. . $9.1 billion of the Israel package would go toward Palestinian humanitarian efforts. . A fourth bill seeks to allow the sale of Russian oligarchs' assets that have been frozen in order to continue funding Ukraine. possibly "force the sale of TikTok and authorize stricter sanctions on Russia, China and Iran," CBS News reports. . possibly "force the sale of TikTok and authorize stricter sanctions on Russia, China and Iran," CBS News reports. . Some far-right Republicans have threatened to remove House Speaker Mike Johnson from his position for supporting additional Ukraine funding. Johnson defended his actions, calling lethal aid for Ukraine "critically important.". If I operated out of fear over a motion to vacate, I would never be able to do my job, House Speaker Mike Johnson, via statement. Look, history judges us for what we do. This is a critical time right now critical time on the world stage. , House Speaker Mike Johnson, via statement. I could make a, you know I can make a selfish decision and do something that, that's different. But I'm doing here what I believe to be the right thing, House Speaker Mike Johnson, via statement

Zelensky Says Ukraine ‘Will Lose the War’ if US Doesn’t Approve More Aid

Zelensky Says Ukraine ‘Will Lose the War’ , if US Doesn’t Approve More Aid. The president of Ukraine made the remarks on April 7 during a video meeting with UNITED24, a Ukrainian fundraising group, CNN reports. . It’s important to specifically address the Congress: if the Congress doesn’t help Ukraine, Ukraine will lose the war, Volodymyr Zelensky, president of Ukraine, via video meeting with UNITED24. If Ukraine loses this war, other countries will be attacked. This is a fact, Volodymyr Zelensky, president of Ukraine, via video meeting with UNITED24. Zelensky's statement comes as Congress has failed to pass an aid package for the war-torn nation in months, CNN reports. . A $95.3 billion foreign aid bill, which contained aid for both Ukraine and Israel, was passed by the Senate in February. but House Speaker Mike Johnson has not yet held a vote on it. According to Franz-Stefan Gady of the International Institute for Strategic Studies. Ukraine has entered a "transitional phase" of the war. Russia is conducting probing attacks along the front line. It is trying to advance where it can. And it is preparing what seems to be a future offensive down the road, Franz-Stefan Gady, an associate fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, to CNN. This year, Ukraine really needs U.S. support. There’s certain weapons systems, certain logistical support which the European countries simply cannot provide to Ukraine, Franz-Stefan Gady, an associate fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, to CNN

Warnock Calls GOP’s Criticism of Trans Visibility Day ‘Opposite of Christian Faith’

Warnock Calls GOP’s Criticism , of Trans Visibility Day , ‘Opposite of Christian Faith’. This year, Trans Day of Visibility coincidentally fell on Easter Sunday. President Joe Biden was attacked by Conservatives for making a declaration about the day, as he does every year, because it fell on the Christian holiday. One of Biden's critics, Speaker Mike Johnson, called Biden's declaration an "outrageous and abhorrent" attack on the religion. . One of Biden's critics, Speaker Mike Johnson, called Biden's declaration an "outrageous and abhorrent" attack on the religion. . Senator Raphael Warnock, a reverend, has denounced GOP criticism, calling it the "opposite of the Christian faith," 'The Hill' reports. . Apparently, the Speaker finds trans people abhorrent, and I think he ought to think about that, Sen. Warnock, via interview with CNN's Dana Bash. This is just one more instance of folks who do not know how to lead us trying to divide us, Sen. Warnock, via interview with CNN's Dana Bash. This is the opposite of the Christian faith. Jesus centered the marginalized. He centered the poor, Sen. Warnock, via interview with CNN's Dana Bash. And in a moment like this, we need voices, particularly voices of faith, who would use our faith not as a weapon to beat other people down but as a bridge to bring all of us together, Sen. Warnock, via interview with CNN's Dana Bash. The White House also issued a statement. As a Christian who celebrates Easter with Family, President Biden stands for bringing people together and upholding the dignity and freedoms of every American, White House spokesperson Andrew Bates, via statement. Sadly, it’s unsurprising politicians are seeking to divide and weaken our country with cruel, hateful, and dishonest rhetoric. President Biden will never abuse his faith for political purposes or for profit, White House spokesperson Andrew Bates, via statement

Trump Accepts Offer to Debate Biden

Trump Accepts Offer , to Debate Biden. On May 15, President Biden revealed that he agreed to an offer from CNN to debate Donald Trump and then challenged his predecessor to do the same. I’ve received and accepted an invitation from @CNN for a debate on June 27th. Over to you, Donald. As you said: anywhere, any time, any place, President Joe Biden, via X. Donald Trump lost two debates to me in 2020. Since then he hasn’t shown up for a debate. Now he’s acting like he wants to debate me again, President Joe Biden, via video message. Well, make my day, pal, I’ll even do it twice. So let’s pick the dates, Donald – I hear you’re free on Wednesdays, President Joe Biden, via video message. Trump took to Truth Social to respond. I am Ready and Willing to Debate Crooked Joe at the two proposed times in June and September, Donald Trump, via Truth Social. Both candidates have expressed a preference to debate sooner than the fall dates initially proposed by the Commission on Presidential Debates. Both candidates have expressed a preference to debate sooner than the fall dates initially proposed by the Commission on Presidential Debates. According to Biden campaign chair Jen O'Malley Dillion, those dates are "out of step with changes in the structure of our elections and the interests of voters.". Trump went on to say that he'd like to debate Biden more than twice. I would strongly recommend more than two debates and, for excitement purposes, a very large venue, although Biden is supposedly afraid of crowds - , Donald Trump, via Truth Social. That’s only because he doesn’t get them. Just tell me when, I’ll be there. 'Let’s get ready to Rumble!!!', Donald Trump, via Truth Social. That’s only because he doesn’t get them. Just tell me when, I’ll be there. 'Let’s get ready to Rumble!!!', Donald Trump, via Truth Social. The first debate between the two presidential candidates will be June 27. The first debate between the two presidential candidates will be June 27

Ukraine Mobilizes: 500,000 New Soldiers Needed to Hold Off Russian Troops | Oneindia

Ukraine's army urgently needs 500,000 new soldiers to hold off Russian troops in the east. With a new mobilisation law, Kyiv now ups the ante on men fit for military service to sign up. DW's Carolina Chimoy reports. #Ukraine #RussianTroops #MilitaryMobilization #UrgentCall #DefenseEfforts #Kyiv #Security #NationalDefense #MilitaryService #TroopDeployment #Conflict #NationalSecurity #MilitaryDraft #DefenseStrategy #EasternFront #RussiaKharkivAttack #KharkivInvasion #RussiaAttacksKharkiv #Ukraine #Kharkiv #Frontline #Intel #Putin #Zelensky #NATO #US #Military #Defense #Security #War #Russia #Admission #Crisis ~PR.152~ED.155~HT.178~GR.124~

Putin's Ally Fico Shot Because He Stopped Sending Weapons To Ukraine; Slovakia Minister's Big Claim

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico faced a critical assassination attempt by Juraj Cintula, a 71-year-old man with dissent against Fico's policies, particularly regarding arms shipments to Ukraine. Fico's decision to halt arms deliveries after his election victory drew backlash, allegedly motivating Cintula's actions. Described as a "lone wolf" with no extremist affiliations, Cintula's frustrations with government decisions may have been accelerated by the recent presidential election results. Both allies and opposition leaders denounced the attack, highlighting its threat to Slovakia's democracy. Cintula's background as a former security guard and poet adds complexity to the situation. The incident occurred amid debates over the dissolution of Slovakia's public broadcaster, further heightening concerns about political stability. Fico's condition remains serious as Slovakia awaits updates on his recovery. #Slovakia #RobertFico #PrimeMinister #Attack #SuspectDetained #Police #Shooting #Turmoil #PoliticalCrisis #Leadership #Security #PrayersForFico #Stability #LawEnforcement #CurrentEvents ~HT.178~PR.152~ED.103~GR.124~

Former Senator Joe Lieberman Dead at 82

Former Senator Joe Lieberman , Dead at 82. Lieberman died in New York on March 27 after suffering complications from a fall, NBC News reports. Senator Lieberman’s love of God, his family, and America endured throughout his life of service in the public interest, Joe Lieberman's family, via statement. Lieberman was the 2000 vice presidential nominee who ran for office with Al Gore. Gore took to X on March 27 to offer his condolences. . I am profoundly saddened by the loss of Joe Lieberman... Joe was a man of deep integrity who dedicated his life to serving his country, Al Gore, via X. It was an honor to stand side-by-side with him on the campaign trail. , Al Gore, via X. I’ll remain forever grateful for his tireless efforts to build a better future for America, Al Gore, via X. Former President George W. Bush also issued a statement, calling Lieberman "one of the most decent people I met during my time in Washington.". Former President George W. Bush also issued a statement, calling Lieberman "one of the most decent people I met during my time in Washington.". As Laura and I pray for Hadassah and the Lieberman family, we also pray that Joe’s example of decency guides our Nation’s leaders now and into the future, George W. Bush, via statement. Other colleagues and international leaders weighed in as well. Other colleagues and international leaders weighed in as well. In an era of political carbon copies, Joe Lieberman was a singularity. One of one. , Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., via X. In my very first meeting with him decades ago, I was struck by his integrity, decency and civic courage. He had a deep moral sense and common sense and was fearless in the defense of truth, Benjamin Netanyahu, prime minister of Israel, via statement

This Day in History: The War in Iraq Begins

This Day in History: , The War in Iraq Begins. March 19, 2003. In a televised address to the American people, U.S. President George W. Bush announced the beginning of a war that would end up lasting eight years. 48 hours earlier, the U.S. had issued an ultimatum to Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein to leave his country. As justification for the war, Bush cited the existence of weapons of mass destruction and the country's support of terrorist groups. The Hussein regime was toppled within just a few weeks, but insurgents continued a bloody guerrilla war against coalition forces. In 2006, U.S. soldiers captured Saddam Hussein while he was hiding in a hole not far from his hometown. He was tried, found guilty and executed for crimes against the Iraqi people. On December 15, 2011, the U.S. military declared the end of its mission in Iraq. Despite an extended investigation, U.N. inspectors found no evidence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq

Moderators Announced for Biden-Trump Presidential Debate

Moderators Announced , for Biden-Trump Presidential Debate. On May 15, President Biden and former President Trump agreed to debate each other on June 27 and Sept. 10, Politico reports. . On May 15, President Biden and former President Trump agreed to debate each other on June 27 and Sept. 10, Politico reports. . The first debate will air on CNN, and the second one will be shown on ABC News. . CNN has revealed that its debate moderators will be Jake Tapper and Dana Bash. The debate will take place in Atlanta at 9 p.m. EST. There will be no live audience. . The early debates come as both Biden and Trump have declined to "participate in the Commission on Presidential Debates' proposed schedule," Politico reports. The debates will also occur before either candidate formally accepts their respective party's nominations. Meanwhile, the accelerated timeline will prevent any third-party or independent candidate from potentially participating in the debates. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. took to X to make his opinion known. Presidents Trump and Biden are colluding to lock America into a head-to-head match-up that 70% say they do not want, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., via X. They are trying to exclude me from their debate because they are afraid I would win. Keeping viable candidates off the debate stage undermines democracy, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., via X. By excluding me from the stage, Presidents Biden and Trump seek to avoid discussion of their eight years of mutual failure including deficits, wars, lockdowns, chronic disease, and inflation, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., via X

How the EU is plotting a course out of COVID debt to greener future

The next EU Commission will have to cope with a legacy of debt accummulated out of necessity by its predecessor in response to the Covid crisis and the Ukraine War. Instruments are in place to both control debt and invest in the future, but challenging times lie ahead.

From crisis to cooperation: how the EU handled the troubled 2019-2024 era

The current EU Parliament and Commission had just begun the work of their five-year agenda when it was derailed by Covid-19 and then the Ukraine war. As the institutions' mandate enters a final phase, Real Economy gets the views of key players in Brussels on one of the EU's most difficult chapters.

O'Neill apologises for attending funeral during Covid

Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill has apologised for the hurt that was caused by her attendance at the funeral of republican Bobby Storey during the Covid-19 pandemic. "I know that my actions also angered the families and for that I'm truly sorry,” she told the Covid-19 Inquiry. Report by Jonesia. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn