$1 trillion infrastructure bill advances in U.S. Senate
Video Credit: Reuters - Politics - Duration: 01:47s - Published
$1 trillion infrastructure bill advances in U.S. Senate
The U.S. Senate voted to advance a $1 trillion infrastructure package on Saturday, an important procedural step forward after months of negotiations between President Joe Biden and a bipartisan group of senators.
In another rare weekend session, the U.S. Senate on Saturday voted to advance a $1 trillion infrastructure package - a procedural yet important step forward after months of negotiations between President Joe Biden and a bipartisan group of senators.
The vote came after an impassioned plea from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
“We can get this done the easy way or the hard way.
In either case, the Senate will stay in session until we finish our work.
It's up to my Republican colleagues how long it takes." Senators agreed to limit debate on the legislation, which represents the biggest investment in decades in America's physical infrastructure including roads, bridges, airports and waterways.
The chamber's top Republican, Mitch McConnell, also signaled support for the bill.
“I hope senators can work together in a bipartisan way to get more amendments up and continue improving this important bill.
Our colleagues on both sides deserve to be heard." The timing for passage remains unclear, as lawmakers prepare for possible votes on amendments and are working behind closed doors to reach an agreement that would allow the Senate to complete its work on the legislation quickly.
Passage would be a major victory for Schumer, Biden and a bipartisan group of senators who spent months crafting the package, and would send the bill on to the House of Representatives.
In a tweet Saturday, Biden wrote: "The Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal is a historic, once-in-a-generation investment in our nation's infrastructure…… We can't afford not to do it."
The Senate has passed $95bn (£76.2bn) in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan after months of delays and rows - with Joe Biden set to sign the legislation.. Sky News
FTC to Decide , Whether Noncompete Agreements , Should Be Banned.
After receiving over 26,000 public comments about the issue, the Federal Trade Commission is set to deliver its verdict on April 30, NPR reports. .
The commission said that if approved, the
final rule "would generally prevent most
employers from using noncompete clauses.".
The commission said that if approved, the
final rule "would generally prevent most
employers from using noncompete clauses.".
Approximately one in five Americans, spanning minimum wage workers to CEOs, are subject to noncompete agreements, the FTC estimates. .
The Biden administration says that these types of agreements hurt workers by decreasing wages.
The White House also argues that these
agreements harm the U.S. economy because entrepreneurship isn't allowed to freely flourish. .
FTC Chair Lina M. Khan issued a statement when
the proposed ban was initially introduced.
The freedom to change jobs is
core to economic liberty and to
a competitive, thriving economy, FTC Chair Lina M. Khan, via statement.
Noncompetes block workers from
freely switching jobs, depriving
them of higher wages and better
working conditions, and depriving
businesses of a talent pool that
they need to build and expand, FTC Chair Lina M. Khan, via statement.
Businesses argue that noncompete agreements are essential for safeguarding investments and proprietary information.
Those businesses also question whether
the agency has the power "to regulate
such agreements," NPR reports. .
If the FTC votes to issue a final rule, enforcement wouldn't occur for 180 days,
and legal challenges would likely ensue.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
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
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 ‘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
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
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 nation’s 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 Department’s 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 – 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.
There’s 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, , “We know what Republicans are going to do; we can’t
stop them from that. But it’s also not going to stop the president from acting and taking action, like he is today.”
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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Mitch McConnell , Backs Trump Despite , Acrimonious Relationship.
On March 6, Mitch McConnell, the United States
Senate's leading Republican, endorsed
Donald Trump's bid for the 2024 election.
On March 6, Mitch McConnell, the United States
Senate's leading Republican, endorsed
Donald Trump's bid for the 2024 election.
It is abundantly clear that
former President Trump has
earned the requisite support of
Republican voters to be our nominee
for President of the United States, Mitch McConnell, Republican
Senate leader, via 'The Guardian'.
It is abundantly clear that
former President Trump has
earned the requisite support of
Republican voters to be our nominee
for President of the United States, Mitch McConnell, Republican
Senate leader, via 'The Guardian'.
'The Guardian' reports that the news comes after
Trump dominated Super Tuesday primaries,
and Nikki Haley pulled out of the race. .
'The Guardian' reports that the news comes after
Trump dominated Super Tuesday primaries,
and Nikki Haley pulled out of the race. .
It should come as no surprise, that as
nominee, he will have my support, Mitch McConnell, Republican
Senate leader, via 'The Guardian'.
During his presidency, we worked
together to accomplish great things
for the American people including
tax reform that supercharged our
economy and a generational change
of our federal judiciary – most
importantly, the Supreme Court, Mitch McConnell, Republican
Senate leader, via 'The Guardian'.
Trump and McConnell fell out over Trump's challenge
of the 2020 election results, which led to the
January 6 riot at the U.S. Congress.
Trump and McConnell fell out over Trump's challenge
of the 2020 election results, which led to the
January 6 riot at the U.S. Congress.
Ultimately, McConnell voted to acquit Trump
during the former president's impeachment trial.
Last week, McConnell said he plans to step down
as leader at the end of 2024, following elections
which the GOP hopes will give them control of the Senate.
McConnell is the longest-serving
Senate party leader ever, after
first becoming a senator in 1985. .
'The Guardian' reports that the current
list of contenders to replace McConnell
include John Thune of South Dakota
and John Cornyn of Texas. .
'The Guardian' reports that the current
list of contenders to replace McConnell
include John Thune of South Dakota
and John Cornyn of Texas.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
John Cornyn Wants to Be , the Senate’s Next GOP Leader.
On Feb. 28, Mitch McConnell announced that he
is stepping down as Senate Minority Leader.
The next day, Sen. Cornyn threw hit hat into the
ring to succeed McConnell, 'The Hill' reports. .
I am asking my Republican colleagues
to give me the opportunity to
succeed Leader McConnell, Sen. John Cornyn, via statement.
Throughout my time I’ve built a track
record of listening to colleagues and seeking
consensus, while leading the fight to stop
bad policies that are harmful to our
nation and the Conservative cause, Sen. John Cornyn, via statement.
The Republican from Texas went on to
call the Senate "broken" and said he
could perform a "major role" in fixing it. .
From experience, I have learned what
works in the Senate and what does not,
and I am confident Senate Republicans can
restore our institution to the essential role
it serves in our constitutional republic, Sen. John Cornyn, via statement.
We will improve communication,
increase transparency, and ensure
inclusion of every Member’s
expertise and opinion. , Sen. John Cornyn, via statement.
We will restore the important role of
Senate committees and reestablish the
regular appropriations process, rather
than lurch from one crisis to another, Sen. John Cornyn, via statement.
While Cornyn is the first candidate to
announce an official bid for the position, .
other senators that are expected to
make a run for leader include John Thune
and John Barrasso, 'The Hill' reports. .
other senators that are expected to
make a run for leader include John Thune
and John Barrasso, 'The Hill' reports.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
McConnell to Step Down , as Senate Republican Leader.
The Senate's longest-serving leader
ever, Mitch McConnell, will step
down in November, AP reports.
The 82-year-old made the
announcement on Feb. 28.
One of life’s most underappreciated talents
is to know when it’s time to
move on to life’s next chapter, Mitch McConnell, via statement.
So I stand before you today ... to
say that this will be my last term
as Republican leader of the Senate, Mitch McConnell, via statement.
While McConnell will no longer serve as the Senate's Republican leader, he will complete his term,
"albeit from a different seat in the chamber," he said.
That term ends in January 2027.
President Biden, 81, commented
on the development.
I’ve trusted him and we have
a great relationship. We fight like
hell. But he has never, never,
never misrepresented anything, President Joe Biden, via statement.
According to McConnell's aides, the
announcement was not related to health issues.
As I have been thinking about when I would
deliver some news to the Senate, I always
imagined a moment when I had total clarity
and peace about the sunset of my work, Mitch McConnell, via statement.
A moment when I am certain I have
helped preserve the ideals I so
strongly believe. It arrived today, Mitch McConnell, via statement
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders have applauded the US for passing a vital €89 billion aid bill which has been struggling to make it through the House of Representatives for months.
Credit: euronews (in English) Duration: 01:00Published
Catch up on the latest news as the US House of Representatives approves a $95 billion aid package for Ukraine and Israel. Learn more about the details and implications of this significant decision.
#USNews #USA #USBill #USHouse #USAidPackage #USAidBill #USUkraineRelations #USIsraelRelations #USTaiwanRelations #IsraelIranConflict #RussiaUkraineWar #ChinaTaiwanTensions #JoeBiden #Oneindia
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TikTok could be banned in the US if the social media app's Chinese owner doesn't sell its stake after the House of Representatives voted in support of the.. Sky News
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
Sen. Rob Portman talks to WCPO's Tanya O'Rourke about the likelihood of a span being constructed to complement the Brent Spence bridge now that an infrastructure bill has been passed by the senate.
Hours after the U.S. Senate approved a $3.5 trillion budget blueprint chock-full of investments in new domestic programs, new fissures emerged between the moderate and liberal wings of the Democratic..