In a blow to Democrats, the Senate parliamentarian ruled the chamber cannot include President Joe Biden's proposed $15-an-hour minimum wage in a $1.9 trillion coronavirus bill the party aims to pass without Republican votes, lawmakers said on Thursday.
Prospects for raising the U.S. minimum wage took a potentially fatal blow Thursday as a Senate official ruled that Democratic lawmakers cannot fast-track the proposal through Congress.
Democrats had hoped to include the minimum wage hike in their $1.9 trillion relief bill, which they intended to pass through the Democratic-controlled Senate without Republican votes.
In a statement, White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said President Joe Biden was "disappointed" in the decision.
The current federal minimum wage is $7.25 an hour and was last raised in 2009.
Biden and most of his fellow Democrats want to double the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2025.
But Thursday's ruling means that Democrats will likely have to pass a separate bill, and undertake the difficult task of garnering some Republican support for the measure.
Senator Lindsey Graham, the top Republican on the Senate Budget Committee, welcomed the Senate parliamentarian's ruling on Twitter, writing that quote "reconciliation cannot be used as a vehicle to pass major legislative change - by either party - on a simple majority vote." Yet despite Thursday's decision, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that the Democratic-controlled chamber would still include the minimum wage provision before sending the relief bill to the Senate.
That would leave Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer with the consequential choice of either removing the provision or challenging Thursday's decision.
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 FernĂĄndez.
Those Democrats are Jim McGovern, Mary Gay Scanlon, Joe Neguse and Teresa Leger FernĂĄndez.
Those Democrats are Jim McGovern, Mary Gay Scanlon, Joe Neguse and Teresa Leger FernĂĄndez.
Those Democrats are Jim McGovern, Mary Gay Scanlon, Joe Neguse and Teresa Leger FernĂĄndez.
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
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
South Koreaâs Opposition , Dominates Parliamentary Elections.
South Korea's Democratic Party won
"175 seats in the 300-member single-chamber parliament" on April 10, NPR reports.
The ruling right-wing People Power Party became a smaller minority with only 108 seats. .
The outcome is considered to be a blow to conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol.
The country's prime minister and
other presidential officials offered
to resign after the crushing defeat. .
The country's prime minister and
other presidential officials offered
to resign after the crushing defeat. .
I apologize to the people on behalf
of our party, which wasnât good
enough to win the peopleâs choices, Han Dong-hoon, People Power Party leader, via statement.
While Yoon said that he intends to
"humbly uphold" the will of the people
as indicated by the election results, .
it is not known if he will accept his
staff's offers to resign. .
Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party leader who
is considering running for president again, .
said there is a need for both parties to
"pull together" to "resolve economic
and public livelihood problems.".
The results of the parliamentary
elections are not the victory by
the Democratic Party, but the
great victory by our people, Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party leader.
Now, the elections are over. Both
the ruling and opposition political
parties must pull together all their
strength to resolve economic and
public livelihood problems, Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party leader.
According to the National Election Commission, voter turnout reached its
highest level in over three decades for
a parliamentary election, NPR reports.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Donald Trump Says States , Should Decide Abortion Legislation.
On April 8, the former president set
the record straight about where he
stands on abortion rights, CNN reports. .
My view is now that we have abortion
where everyone wanted it from a legal
standpoint, the states will determine by
vote or legislation, or perhaps both. , Donald Trump, via Truth Social video.
And whatever they decide must
be the law of the land. In this
case, the law of the state, Donald Trump, via Truth Social video.
Many states will be different. Many will
have a different number of weeks, or
some will have more conservative than
others, and thatâs what they will be. , Donald Trump, via Truth Social video.
At the end of the day, this is all
about the will of the people, Donald Trump, via Truth Social video.
Trump also said he was "proudly the
person responsible" for Roe v. Wade
being overturned in 2022.
He went on to say that the decision removed the issue from "federal hands and brought it into the hearts, minds and vote of the people in each state.".
Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America President Marjorie Dannenfelser said that her organization was "deeply disappointed"
by what Trump had to say, CNN reports. .
Saying the issue is âback to the statesâ
cedes the national debate to the Democrats
who are working relentlessly to enact
legislation mandating abortion throughout
all nine months of pregnancy. , Marjorie Dannenfelser, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life
America president, via statement.
If successful, they will wipe
out statesâ rights. , Marjorie Dannenfelser, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life
America president, via statement
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
A recent poll suggests that Donald Trump holds a lead over Joe Biden in six of the seven swing states, with margins ranging from 2 to 8 percentage points. Negative perceptions of Biden's performance outweigh positive ones in several states, while Trump is seen as a better fit for the presidential role, particularly regarding mental and physical health.
#DonaldTrump #JoeBiden #BidenvsTrump #Trump #USelections #PresidentialElections2024 #USelections2024 #Biden2024 #Trump2024 #Worldnews #Oneindia #Oneindianews
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Biden Looks to Energize , Young Voters With Earth Day , Solar Energy Grants.
Biden Looks to Energize , Young Voters With Earth Day , Solar Energy Grants.
NBC reports that President Joe Biden will mark
Earth Day with the announcement of $7 billion
in federal grants for residential solar projects.
NBC reports that President Joe Biden will mark
Earth Day with the announcement of $7 billion
in federal grants for residential solar projects.
The grants will bring solar energy
to over 900,000 households in both
low- and middle-income communities. .
According to senior administration officials, the
projects receiving additional funding will reduce emissions
by 30 million metric tons and save $350 million every year. .
According to senior administration officials, the
projects receiving additional funding will reduce emissions
by 30 million metric tons and save $350 million every year. .
NBC reports that solar power has gained
traction as a clean energy source that could
help reduce U.S. reliance on fossil fuels.
However, the high cost of initial installation
makes solar energy inaccessible
for many households in the U.S.
However, the high cost of initial installation
makes solar energy inaccessible
for many households in the U.S.
49 of the new grants will be awarded at
the state level, six more will serve Native American
tribes and another five are multi-state awards.
The grants will be used for renewable
investments that include rooftop solar
and community solar gardens. .
The grants will be used for renewable
investments that include rooftop solar
and community solar gardens. .
Officials say that the latest environmental
announcements are part of an effort to energize
young voters ahead of his upcoming reelection campaign.
Biden also reportedly plans to expand the
American Climate Corps green jobs training program,
which was created last year by executive action. .
Biden also reportedly plans to expand the
American Climate Corps green jobs training program,
which was created last year by executive action. .
The corps, which will offer nearly 2,000 positions across
36 states, is meant to offer young Americans the chance
to help enact the Biden administration's climate agenda. .
The corps, which will offer nearly 2,000 positions across
36 states, is meant to offer young Americans the chance
to help enact the Biden administration's climate agenda.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Papua New Guinea's prime minister has accused Joe Biden of insulting his country after the US president implied his uncle had been eaten by cannibals on the.. Sky News
United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin rejects claims of genocide by Israel in Gaza but acknowledges the need for sustainable improvements. The remarks came during a Senate hearing, where concerns over civilian casualties and humanitarian conditions were raised. Efforts to press Israel to protect civilians continue amid ongoing conflict, with the US emphasising the importance of addressing the humanitarian crisis.
#UnitedStates #LloydAustin #IsraelGaza #Israel #Gazawar #Israelnews #Biden #Israelwar #Worldnews #Oneindia #Oneindianews
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Zelensky Says Ukraine âWill Lose the Warâ , if US Doesnât 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. .
Itâs important to specifically
address the Congress: if the
Congress doesnât 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. Thereâs 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
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
This Day in History: , The United States Officially Enters World War I.
April 6, 1917.
War against Germany was
declared in both the Senate and
House of Representatives by votes
of 82-6 and 373-50, respectively.
President Woodrow Wilson had called for
the declaration of war four days earlier.
The U.S. had been preparing for
war since the passage of a $250 million arms
appropriations bill in Feb.
Though initially against joining the war in Europe,
American public opinion shifted as German
attacks on ocean liners escalated.
The first U.S. troops landed
in France in late June.
The arrival of fresh and well-supplied
forces proved to be a turning point in
the war after four years of bloody combat
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 00:51Published
Former Treasury Secretary , Looking to Form Investor Group , to Purchase TikTok.
NBC reports that former Treasury Secretary
Steven Mnuchin is looking to put together an
investor group to acquire ByteDance's TikTok.
NBC reports that former Treasury Secretary
Steven Mnuchin is looking to put together an
investor group to acquire ByteDance's TikTok.
The news comes as a bipartisan bill works its
way through Congress that threatens to bring an
end to the platform's existence in the United States.
The news comes as a bipartisan bill works its
way through Congress that threatens to bring an
end to the platform's existence in the United States.
On March 13, the House of Representatives passed
the bill, which would force ByteDance to divest
the platform or face a ban on the app in the U.S.
I think the legislation should
pass and I think it should be sold.
Itâs a great business and Iâm going
to put together a group to buy TikTok, Steven Mnuchin, Former Treasury Secretary, via CNBCâs âSquawk Boxâ.
This should be owned by
U.S. businesses. Thereâs no
way that the Chinese would
ever let a U.S. company own
something like this in China, Steven Mnuchin, Former Treasury Secretary, via CNBCâs âSquawk Boxâ.
NBC points out that the bill still requires Senate approval
before it heads to President Joe Biden, who has indicated
that he would support the bill if it passes through Congress.
NBC points out that the bill still requires Senate approval
before it heads to President Joe Biden, who has indicated
that he would support the bill if it passes through Congress.
However, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew has said
that selling TikTok is not a viable option. .
According to PitchBook data, , ByteDance was valued at , $220 billion in 2023. .
Mnuchin has yet to specify the potential valuation
of a deal to acquire the social media platform
or which investors may be interested in the deal.
At the same time, the 'Wall Street Journal' reported that
former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick has also
expressed interest in a deal to purchase TikTok.
At the same time, the 'Wall Street Journal' reported that
former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick has also
expressed interest in a deal to purchase TikTok
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Title IX Regulations Add Protections , for Transgender Students.
Title IX prohibits "sex-based discrimination at government-funded schools," 'The Hill' reports. .
On April 19, the Biden administration revealed the last of its changes to the federal civil rights law. .
The new regulations expand how sex discrimination is defined, now including
sexual orientation and gender identity. .
These final regulations build on the
legacy of Title IX by clarifying that
all our nationâs students can access
schools that are safe, welcoming,
and respect their rights. , Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, via statement.
The update also reinstates "protections for student survivors of sexual assault and harassment" which were changed under President Trump, 'The Hill' reports.
Catherine Lhamon, the Education Departmentâs assistant secretary for civil rights, .
says the new rules will help schools
respond to "all sex discrimination,
not limited to sexual harassment.".
Biden's final changes to Title IX
are sure to be condemned by Republicans
who view transgender protections as failing
to protect cisgender women and girls.
The new changes will take effect Aug. 1.
The Biden administration has not yet finalized an additional rule pertaining to sports eligibility. .
Since 2021, 24 states have passed laws prohibiting transgender student-athletes from playing on
sports teams that align with their gender identity
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
House Republican leaders have lambasted President Joe Biden for his perceived inaction in enforcing existing measures against Iran. Representative Steve Scalise, the No. 2 House Republican, voiced concerns over the administration's policies allegedly facilitating Iran's oil sales, which fund terrorism. The Biden administration faces mounting pressure to deter future attacks without exacerbating regional tensions or antagonising China, a major buyer of Iranian oil.
#Biden #BidenSanctions #BidenIraq #AlSudani #BidenGaffee #USnews #Politics #IsraelIran #IranAttacksIsrael #Worldnews #Oneindia #Oneindianews
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Rob Schneider is calling BS on the notion he bombed in front of a bunch of Republican lawmakers -- calling the report a hit piece ... and even labeling it as.. TMZ.com
Biden Cancels Over $7 Billion in Student Debt , for More Than 277,000 Borrowers.
On April 12, President Joe Biden said that over 277,000 borrowers in more than
40 states will have $7.4 billion in student
loan debt wiped out, 'The Hill' reports. .
To date, the Biden administration has canceled $153 billion in student loan debt. .
From day one of my administration,
I promised to fight to ensure higher
education is a ticket to the middle class,
not a barrier to opportunity. , President Joe Biden, via statement.
I will never stop working to cancel
student debt â no matter how
many times Republican elected
officials try to stop us, President Joe Biden, via statement.
'The Hill' reports that Biden's loan forgiveness has largely been aimed at helping
"public service workers, those on IDR plans," .
people who've been defrauded by educational institutions and those with disabilities. .
Republican Rep. Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Education Committee, issued a statement in response to Biden's actions. .
The administration is tone deaf.
Thereâs no other way to put it, Rep. Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Education Committee, via statement.
We know that instead of doing its
job the administration focused
time, energy, and resources on
its illegal student loan scheme. , Rep. Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Education Committee, via statement.
And that has been frustrating, especially
since it has jeopardized the academic
journey of millions of students, Rep. Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Education Committee, via statement.
But what is absolutely maddening is
that the administration is STILL not
doing its job and instead focusing on
its student loan shenanigans. , Rep. Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Education Committee, via statement.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said, , âWe know what Republicans are going to do; we canât
stop them from that. But itâs also not going to stop the president from acting and taking action, like he is today.â
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will address the Republican-led US Congress on Thursday amid continued scepticism of the role of the US in international conflicts such as the Ukraine and Israel-Hamas wars.
Credit: euronews (in English) Duration: 01:20Published
President Biden supports Senator Schumer's call for new elections in Israel amid strained relations over the Gaza conflict. Schumer's criticism of PM Netanyahu's leadership reverberates in both nations. Biden's measured response reflects frustration with Netanyahu's hindrance of humanitarian efforts. Tensions rise over Israeli military operations in Rafah. The U.S. seeks a clear plan to protect civilians while facilitating ceasefire talks.
#Israel #Gaza #IsraelGazawar #Schumer #SenatorSchumer #PMNetanyahu #Rafah #Netanyahu #Oneindia #Oneindianews
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US President Joe Biden condemns Israel for the deadly airstrike in Gaza that killed seven aid workers, including an American citizen. Biden expresses outrage, calling for a swift investigation and accountability. Israel's military chief acknowledges the airstrike as a grave mistake. Pelosi and Senator Murphy join in condemning the incident, urging Israel to ensure unimpeded aid flow to Gaza's civilians amidst the ongoing conflict.
#WorldCentralKitchen #Gazawar #Israelwar #IsraelGaza #JoeBiden #USPresident #Biden #Worldnews #Oneindia #Oneindianews
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John Oliver is the latest to mock Nancy Pelosi for her widely ridiculed TikTok pun. On HBO's 'Last Week Tonight,' the host brought up how the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that would lead to a ban on TikTok if its China-based owner doesn't sell its stake. The bill passed on concerns that the app poses a national security threat under the ownership of Chinese technology firm ByteDance Ltd.
Credit: The Hollywood Reporter Duration: 01:18Published
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched another attack on Congress, claiming that the party has criminalised even listening to Hanuman Chalisa. He.. IndiaTimes
Before the final act of the nation's electoral drama unfolds and two weeks before Gujarat's inaugural ballot, the state has already dispatched a representative.. IndiaTimes
Congress called upon the Election Commission to halt the Surat elections, claiming that the BJP orchestrated a "match fixing" due to apprehensions about the.. IndiaTimes
Millennials Want a 4-Day Workweek, , Poll Indicates.
Redfield and Wilton Strategies recently conducted a poll for 'Newsweek' to find
out how Americans feel about the idea of moving toward a four-day workweek.
4,000 U.S. voters were
surveyed between April 6 and 7.
63% were in favor of a four-day workweek.
46% think the model makes
employees more productive.
Out of all age groups surveyed,
millennials accounted for 74% of those
who want to work less hours.
Of that 74%, 44% "were strongly in favor of a shorter working week," 'Newsweek' reports.
50% of people born in 1964 and before supported a four-day workweek.
The results come as more companies are adopting shorter workweeks, and politicians are pushing to advance the trend in Congress.
The results come as more companies are adopting shorter workweeks, and politicians are pushing to advance the trend in Congress.
The sad reality is, Americans now
work more hours than the people
of most other wealthy nations, Bernie Sanders, via March 2024 health committee hearing.
Lisa Countryman-Quiroz, CEO of non-profit JVS, called a 5-day, 40-hour workweek outdated.
The five-day workweek was created in a
different time. It served its purpose, but
today's world is more fast-paced and
technology-driven than our workplace
predecessors could have imagined, Lisa Countryman-Quiroz, CEO of non-profit JVS, via 'Newsweek'.
Since implementing a
four-day workweek, our
results have been incredible. , Lisa Countryman-Quiroz, CEO of non-profit JVS, via 'Newsweek'.
We've found our employees are more
productive, report better work-life balance,
and experience less burnout. Incredibly, our
turnover rate has been cut nearly in half, Lisa Countryman-Quiroz, CEO of non-profit JVS, via 'Newsweek'
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
CNNâs Van Jones underscores the importance of the minimum wage fight for Democrats as President Joe Bidenâs proposal to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour through his Covid-19 relief package..