Embedded Files
Next Meeting - 05/12/25, 7 PM, Ozark-Dale Library
Focus on US Congress (Post 2024 Election):
Politico: Capitol agenda: The megabill has mega issues
Politico: Oversight Committee advances pension benefit overhaul
Politico: Oversight Republicans to vote on changes to federal employee benefits
Politico: Republicans pull passenger vehicle fee after GOP blowback
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/30/republicans-pull-passenger-vehicle-fee-00317786
Comments: Republicans desperate to help find ways to pay for the proposed tax breaks for billionaires?
Politico: House Republicans raise new Medicaid proposal to offset Trump’s megabill
The Hill: Dems take aim at Hegseth in $150B defense budget debate
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5274145-dems-take-aim-at-hegseth-in-150b-defense-budget-debate/
House GOP blocks Democrats from forcing votes on Signal scandal, Musk conflicts of interest
https://www.yahoo.com/news/house-gop-blocks-democrats-forcing-180758087.html
Comment: "The move by the conference — which was approved in a 216-208 vote — marks the latest instance of Republicans using procedural rules, which govern debate for legislation, to shield President Trump."
Comment: With just a few more Democrats in the House, Democrats would control it and we might get some answers to these outrageous actions by the Trump Administration. That's why voting in the Congressional elections in 2026 is so important.
Mike Johnson Quietly Moves to Block Democrats Investigating Trump
https://www.yahoo.com/news/mike-johnson-quietly-moves-block-140946701.html
Elizabeth Warren Marks 100 Days Of Trump By Reading Aloud 100 Reports Of His Corruption
https://www.yahoo.com/news/elizabeth-warren-marks-100-days-210657476.html
Los Angeles Times: Commentary: Inside the GOP's secret plan to destroy Medicaid
https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2025-04-29/inside-the-gops-secret-plan-to-destroy-medicaid
CBS News: Senate Democrats seek inquiry into Kash Patel's use of FBI aircraft
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kash-patel-fbi-aircraft-democrats-gao-inquiry/
Politico: Energy and Commerce Republicans to huddle amid Medicaid debate
The GOP’s proposed cuts to FEMA and Medicaid reveal the paradox of red state dependence
https://www.yahoo.com/news/gop-proposed-cuts-fema-medicaid-172701217.html
Reuters: US Congress wrestles with Trump tax bill, aims to finish by July 4
Government Executive: Republicans tee up federal worker benefit cuts to pay for tax cuts
Republicans Sneak Staggering Asylum Fee Into Budget Bill
https://www.yahoo.com/news/republicans-sneak-staggering-asylum-fee-211803072.html
NPR: Trump needs unity among Republicans to pass his budget bill. Can he get it?
Politico: Mike Johnson’s tight megabill timeline is on a collision course with reality
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/28/gop-megabill-reconciliation-timeline-mike-johnson-00311637
AP News: Republicans in the toughest swing districts become hard to find for people angry about Trump
Axios: Senate awaits Trump judges
https://www.axios.com/2025/04/25/tump-judges-nominee-senate-republicans-john-thune-chuck-grassley
Sen. Jon Ossoff signals support for Trump impeachment
https://www.yahoo.com/news/sen-jon-ossoff-signals-support-035856470.html
Politico: How Adam Schiff is bringing House vibes to the Senate
The Hill: Democrats call on Social Security Administration to keep field offices open
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5265540-democrats-social-security-administration-field-offices/
CBS News: House Republicans face dilemma over Medicaid cuts as they vow to protect benefits
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/medicaid-cuts-house-republicans-energy-commerce-committee/
The Hill: Cutting federal Medicaid expansion funding could lead to 30K additional deaths: Analysis
https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/5261905-medicaid-cuts-house-republican-budget-plan/
Politico: House GOP bumps Pentagon spending, eyes $150B target for party-line package
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/23/house-gop-pentagon-spending-bump-00307100
Comment: Pentagon spending going up, while the rest of the US government faces massive cuts. How much of the proposed Pentagon budget will be spent at the border supporting ICE and migrant deportations?
Center for American Progress: Congressional Republicans’ Proposals To Slash Medicaid Could Cost Tens of Thousands of Lives
Top Armed Services Democrat: Hegseth ‘not up to the task of managing the Pentagon’
https://share.newsbreak.com/crf5pwkm
Raskin calls for FBI investigation into Trump US attorney nominee over Russian media appearances
https://share.newsbreak.com/creszwjr
House Republican: GOP senator ‘peddling conspiracy theories’ about 9/11
https://www.yahoo.com/news/house-republican-gop-senator-peddling-135327562.html
Schumer demands details on DOGE savings claims
https://www.yahoo.com/news/schumer-demands-details-doge-savings-165909252.html
The New Republic: GOP Rep. Lays Out Exactly How Party Will Kick People Off Medicaid
https://newrepublic.com/post/194248/republican-representative-kick-people-off-medicaid
MAGA Republicans Get Ready to Gut Medicaid to Help Trump
https://share.newsbreak.com/crey96ah
Republicans circle wagons in Hegseth’s defense, despite private frustration - POLITICO
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/22/republicans-hegseths-defense-frustration-00304541
Sen. Schiff Asks National Archives To Investigate Trump Admin’s Group Chats
https://share.newsbreak.com/crf4l7tw
Sen. Jack Reed calls for investigation into Pete Hegseth's Signal chat
https://www.npr.org/2025/04/22/nx-s1-5371571/pete-hegseth-signal-chat-security
‘An amateur person’: GOP Rep. Bacon says Hegseth should go - POLITICO
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/21/don-bacon-recommends-firing-hegseth-00301057
Axios: Senate silent caucus: Meet the Republicans who ignore reporters' shouted questions
https://www.axios.com/2025/04/21/senate-republicans-media-questions
GOP lawmakers running out of options to pay for Trump’s costly agenda
https://www.yahoo.com/news/gop-lawmakers-running-options-pay-100000722.html
Ron Johnson says he thinks Senate could hold hearings on 9/11 conspiracies
https://www.yahoo.com/news/ron-johnson-says-thinks-senate-192103198.html
Comment: Is this the priority that you think the GOP controlled US Senate should have?
Senior Republican flounders when asked about Trump plan to deport US citizens to foreign jails
https://www.yahoo.com/news/senior-republican-flounders-asked-trump-193352583.html
The Hill: Van Hollen: Denying constitutional rights of ‘one man’ threatens ‘rights of everybody’
The Bulwark: Health Insurance for Millions Is Now on the Chopping Block
Democrats call for ban on congressional stock trading
https://share.newsbreak.com/co7mypy9
US senator says Kilmar Abrego Garcia case is about far more than one man | AP News
Van Hollen says Abrego Garcia was traumatized in El Salvador after mistaken deportation
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/immigration/sen-chris-van-hollen-kilmar-abrego-garcia-rcna201931
What to know about Sen. Chris Van Hollen's El Salvador trip : NPR
https://www.npr.org/2025/04/17/nx-s1-5367666/abrego-garcia-van-hollen-el-salvador
An influential GOP senator is contradicting Trump’s team — and getting away with it
https://www.yahoo.com/news/influential-gop-senator-contradicting-trump-102307018.html
‘We are all afraid’: Murkowski says fear of retaliation from Trump administration is ‘real’
https://www.yahoo.com/news/afraid-murkowski-says-fear-retaliation-154117390.html
Angry voters ask Senator Grassley if they can ignore court orders like Trump
https://www.yahoo.com/news/angry-voters-ask-senator-grassley-121220655.html
Republicans quietly hope Supreme Court bails them out on Trump’s trade war
https://www.yahoo.com/news/republicans-quietly-hope-supreme-court-100000622.html
Moderate Republicans draw red line on Medicaid cuts in Trump agenda bill
https://www.yahoo.com/news/moderate-republicans-draw-red-line-131703028.html
Republicans Issue Red Line Warning to Mike Johnson - Newsweek
https://www.newsweek.com/republicans-issue-red-line-warning-mike-johnson-2060504
Republicans reconsider their commitment to tax cuts for the rich in Trump agenda bill
https://www.yahoo.com/news/republicans-reconsider-commitment-tax-cuts-090000799.html
Axios: A dozen House Republicans fire warning shot to Mike Johnson on Medicaid cuts
https://www.axios.com/2025/04/16/mike-johnson-budget-medicaid-house-republicans
Sen. Cory Booker says Congress should hold hearings on whether insider trading on Trump's tariffs occurred
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna201032
Opinion | Some members of Congress are starting to talk about impeachment. They’re right.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/opinion-members-congress-starting-talk-100000905.html
Comment: Good idea in theory. Difficult in practice. Nearly impossible to get conviction in GOP controlled Senate.
Politico: JB Pritzker doubts Republican promises on Medicaid
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/13/pritzker-republicans-medicaid-promises-00288024
Battle lines over Trump agenda intensify and put GOP leaders in a jam
https://www.yahoo.com/news/battle-lines-over-trump-agenda-110035655.html
Now that they've passed a budget plan, the hard part begins for Republicans | AP News
https://apnews.com/article/congress-budget-tax-cuts-trump-medicaid-d3ef443d038a5532dea6d8f1f1846b10
House GOP tramples on women’s rights with passage of SAVE Act
https://www.yahoo.com/news/house-gop-tramples-women-rights-225055817.html
AP News: How the House's requirement to prove US citizenship could affect the ability to register to vote
CBS News: House passes bill to require in-person proof of citizenship to register to vote
The House passed a requirement to prove US citizenship to vote. This is how it could affect voting
https://www.yahoo.com/news/house-passed-requirement-prove-us-165710811.html
CNN: House approves key budget blueprint to unlock Trump’s agenda
https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/10/politics/house-budget-vote-trump-agenda/index.html
CBS News: House GOP adopts Trump budget plan after conservatives fold
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/johnson-votes-pass-budget-resolution/
Comment: " 'The budget resolution that passed the House today will set in motion some of the most extreme cuts to health care, nutritional assistance and the things that matter to everyday Americans in our nation's nearly 250-year history,' House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a New York Democrat, said Thursday. 'It's a disgrace.' "
Adam Schiff Calls For Insider Trading Investigation into Trump Over Tariff Pause
https://time.com/7276234/trump-tariff-insider-trading-schiff/
House GOP leaders move to quash vote on Trump’s global tariffs
Trump tariffs face bipartisan challenge, Sen. Maria Cantwell says : NPR
https://www.npr.org/2025/04/09/nx-s1-5354912/trump-tariffs-senate-bill-bipartisan
AP News: Republican-led House passes bill to limit nationwide orders from federal district judges
Comment: If this bill becomes law, will this mean that application of federal law will depend on where you live? How is this going to work?
House GOP cancels budget vote as hard-liners agitate for more spending cuts in Trump’s ‘beautiful’ bill - POLITICO
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/09/house-gop-cancels-budget-vote-00283121
Comment: More spending cuts????
Axios: Jeffries challenges Johnson to "one-on-one" House floor debate
https://www.axios.com/2025/04/08/jeffries-challenges-johnson-debate-budget
Politico: ‘He’s just not going to change my mind’: Freedom Caucus chair defies Trump on budget
Johnson says fluoride should get a second look
Comment: RFK Jr's unscientific insanity has now infected GOP Speaker Mike Johnson.
Politico: ‘Political pettiness’: JD Vance slaps Mitch McConnell over DOD vote
https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2025/04/08/congress/jd-vance-vs-mitch-mcconnell-00279179
CNN: Congress gave presidents power over tariffs. They could aways take it back
https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/08/politics/tariffs-trump-power-constitution-congress/index.html
Politico: Senate Republicans nudge Trump’s trade chief for tariff end game
Axios: Scoop: A dozen House Republicans mull defying Trump on tariff bill
https://www.axios.com/2025/04/08/house-republicans-tariff-bill-trump-don-bacon
The Hill: Thune: Bill to curb Trump’s tariff power doesn’t have a future
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5236599-thune-trump-tariffs-bill/
The Hill: 7 GOP senators sign on to bill to check Trump’s trade authority
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5236142-congress-tariff-bill-trump/
Lawmakers may test Trump on tariffs this week as fears of a GOP election 'decimation' grow
House Speaker Johnson is eyeing big cuts to Medicaid. In his Louisiana district, it's a lifeline. - CBS News
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/house-speaker-mike-johnson-medicaid-cuts-louisiana-district/
Politico: House GOP leaders vow to push forward with budget vote
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/06/house-budget-vote-mike-johnson-00275894
Rep. Don Bacon says he has "beginning support" in the House for measure to claw back authority over trade - CBS News
Senate Republicans approve framework for Trump’s tax breaks and spending cuts | AP News
https://apnews.com/article/senate-budget-tax-cuts-trump-485845a9c0b7dfc5d2194d4c1e4723ae
AP News: Congress has the power to halt Trump’s tariffs. But Republicans aren’t ready to use it
https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-republicans-senate-house-2409e9ff50290edac738ad6e4e8e78b9
Center for American Progress: Senate Republicans Are Ignoring Senate Rules To Cut Taxes for the Rich
Budget experts of all stripes howl about Senate Republicans’ price tag ‘abuse’
NBC News: GOP concerns about tax cut strategy and Medicaid loom over Senate budget
Pro-Ukraine Republicans finding ways to push back on GOP isolationists
https://www.yahoo.com/news/pro-ukraine-republicans-finding-ways-150035475.html
Senators introduce bipartisan bill to expand congressional authority over tariffs | PBS News
Politico: ‘I hope he’s right’: Markets tumble on tariffs — but Trump isn’t flinching
Axios: Senate unveils new blueprint for mega-MAGA package
Comment: The Senate is planning to push this Billionaire tax break through rapidly, using a controversial "gimmick" to bypass historical Senate rules, before the public realizes that government services are being slashed and the deficit is being raised to pay for it.
NPR: Senate rebukes Trump's tariffs on Canada
https://www.npr.org/2025/04/02/nx-s1-5347699/senate-trump-tariffs-canada
Comment: While this is an important bipartisan symbolic resolution, it doesn't have any "teeth," given the House of Representative's GOP opposition and Trump's power to veto any binding legislation that might be put forth later.
Republicans join Democrats in Senate vote to rescind Trump Canada tariffs
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/02/republicans-democrats-canada-tariffs
Senate Republicans set to bypass parliamentarian on Trump tax cuts
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5226747-republicans-tax-cuts-deficit-senate-parliamentarian/
Comment: Senate Republicans use a gimmick to change the rules so they can pass their massive tax cut for the rich.
The Hill: A ‘current policy’ budget baseline would have disastrous consequences
https://thehill.com/opinion/finance/5225797-fiscal-irresponsibility-republicans-budget/
Senate GOP embraces controversial tax cut strategy
https://www.axios.com/2025/04/01/senate-budget-tax-cuts-current-policy-graham
Politico: Senate GOP leaders vow to plow ahead with budget votes
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/01/senate-gop-leaders-budget-votes-00264204
Cory Booker breaks a 68-year-old Senate record with a 25-hour speech
https://www.npr.org/2025/04/01/nx-s1-5347318/cory-booker-senate-speech
Comment: "impassioned speech in protest of the Trump administration's policies."
Cory Booker makes history with longest Senate floor speech in protest of Trump agenda | CNN Politics
https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/31/politics/booker-senate-floor-speech-trump-protest/index.html
Axios: Senate GOP embraces controversial tax cut strategy
https://www.axios.com/2025/04/01/senate-budget-tax-cuts-current-policy-graham
Center for American Progress: Congress’ War on Math
https://www.americanprogress.org/article/congress-war-on-math/
The Hill: Senate Democrats call for special counsel to investigate Signal leak
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5225388-senate-dems-call-special-counsel/
'Made-up emergency': Democrats try to block Trump tariffs on Canada - ABC News
A Senate vote to reverse Trump's tariffs on Canada tests Republican support
https://www.yahoo.com/news/senate-vote-reverse-trumps-tariffs-040406105.html
House cancels rest of votes for week after GOP floor rebellion
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5226248-house-cancels-votes-gop-rebellion/
Republicans and Democrats team up to defy House leadership on voting for new parents
https://www.yahoo.com/news/house-gop-leaders-expected-block-153300560.html
Axios: Scoop: Senate Dems to launch Social Security war room
https://www.axios.com/2025/03/31/senate-democrats-social-security-war-room
CNN: House GOP leaders look to hold off push to impeach judges by prioritizing hearings, bill to limit reach of rulings
https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/31/politics/impeach-judges-house-republican-strategy/index.html
The Hill: GOP leader: Trump ‘messing with’ opponents with third term talk
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5224019-thune-trump-third-term/
Comment: Many of us didn't take seriously Trump's previously crazy statements, until he started implementing those crazy plans. Now we believe he might be capable of trying anything, including ignoring the Constitutional limit of two presidential terms.
POLITICO: ‘Never been done’: Why Republicans might approve a budget whose numbers don’t match up
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/03/30/gop-budget-house-vs-senate-00258076
Comment: Not only are they lying to us, are they now starting to lie to themselves?
Gabbard, Ratcliffe ‘lied repeatedly’ about Signal chat messages, Bennet says
https://www.yahoo.com/news/gabbard-ratcliffe-lied-repeatedly-signal-191448552.html
Senate Democrats to force vote next week on Trump's fentanyl tariffs on Canada - Live Updates - POLITICO
https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2025/03/28/congress/senate-tariff-vote-00258406
Comment: "The lawmakers are tapping a provision in a 1976 law that allows any senator to force a vote to block emergency powers being abused by the president."
POLITICO: Trump’s Big Law freezeout heats up on the Hill
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/03/28/trumps-big-law-freezeout-heats-up-on-the-hill-00258684
The Hill: GOP lawmakers warn against federal records destruction in Signal chats
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5218725-trump-administration-signal-controversy/
NBC News: Senate braces for high-stakes ruling that will decide the fate of Trump's tax cuts
Comment: The GOP Senate wants to know if they are allowed to "cook the books?"
The Hill: GOP lawmakers turn up the pressure on Hegseth
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5216365-hegseth-scrutiny-republican-lawmakers/
POLITICO: Trump allies are starting to notice Hegseth’s growing pile of mistakes
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/03/27/hegseth-mistakes-some-trump-allies-00254817
NPR: Sen. Mark Kelly calls for Pete Hegseth to resign after Signal leak
https://www.npr.org/2025/03/27/nx-s1-5341458/pete-hegseth-signal-war-plans
Senate Republican chair challenges Trump over emergency funding move
https://www.yahoo.com/news/senate-republican-chair-challenges-trump-185922490.html
Comment: But will Susan Collins stand up when it really counts, or will she back down like she often does?
The Hill: Tax, spending divisions rankle Republicans despite momentum on reconciliation
https://thehill.com/business/5215455-republican-tax-cuts-bill-internal-disputes/
The Hill: Hundreds of advocacy groups call on Thune to reject House Republicans’ budget blueprint
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5217551-advocacy-groups-john-thune-house-budget/
Axios: Wary Senate Republicans have demands for John Thune
https://www.axios.com/2025/03/27/senate-republicans-thune-reconciliation-spending
Comment: Maybe "not so fast." Please see article just below.
Axios: Thune eyes earlier deadline for Senate GOP reconciliation bill
https://www.axios.com/2025/03/26/thune-budget-reconciliation-deadline-votes
Comment: GOP plan to jam it through the Senate in a hurry before citizens have a chance to realize what they are doing.
Top Republicans say they're out of the loop as DOGE downsizes Social Security Administration
https://www.yahoo.com/news/top-republicans-theyre-loop-doge-150136214.html
Axios: How Medicaid and SNAP cuts could affect your state
https://www.axios.com/2025/03/26/medicaid-snap-cuts-map
Comment: Click on map for estimated job losses in each state.
Lawmakers were set to bring over $15 billion back to their home states. Then Congress passed the GOP's government funding bill.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/lawmakers-were-set-bring-over-144726756.html
POLITICO: Senate Republicans eye big changes to House budget
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/03/25/senate-republicans-house-budget-reconciliation-00249629
Meeting with House panel, OPM officials cut short after clash between top lawmakers
https://www.yahoo.com/news/meeting-house-panel-opm-officials-210218499.html
NPR: 'Mad House' exposes Congressional disfunction, from petty feuds to physical threats
https://www.npr.org/2025/03/25/nx-s1-5338729/mad-house-congress-maga-annie-karni-luke-broadwater
Speaker Johnson warns Congress has power to stop funding federal courts
https://www.yahoo.com/gma/speaker-johnson-warns-congress-power-155846398.html
Speaker Mike Johnson floats eliminating federal courts as GOP ramps up attacks on judges
Reuters: US House Speaker Johnson says Congress can 'eliminate' district courts
Axios: Congress moves to grill Trump officials over Yemen war plans group text
https://www.axios.com/2025/03/24/congress-yemen-signal-hegseth
Speaker Johnson: Waltz, Hegseth shouldn’t be disciplined over war plans Signal chat
https://share.newsbreak.com/c98cn06c
Comment: Does anyone think that GOP Speaker Johnson would take this position if this breach of security had taken place in a Democratic Administration?
Top national security Democrats demand answers on Pete Hegseth's leak of war plans
https://share.newsbreak.com/c98bn43f
Jeffries calls for investigation of top Trump officials after bombshell military breach
https://share.newsbreak.com/c98w9bvx
The Hill: Schumer blasts Trump officials for war plans Signal chat
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5211367-schumer-trump-administration-war-plans-signal/
US senators push Trump administration on Russian assets, letter says
https://share.newsbreak.com/c98goqgn
Video: Watch "Republicans face hurdles to pass Trump's agenda" on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDOykqZMhFA
GOP heads into key stretch for ambitious Trump tax cut plan
https://www.yahoo.com/news/gop-heads-key-stretch-ambitious-160000347.html
NPR: Members of Congress holding town halls in their home states face tough questions
NPR: A VA rescue effort saved 15,000 veterans' homes. Some in Congress want to scrap it
https://www.npr.org/2025/03/22/nx-s1-5335611/veterans-va-home-loan-mortgage
POLITICO: How Matt Gaetz poisoned the House Ethics Committee
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/03/17/house-ethics-committee-matt-gaetz-00232686
POLITICO: Sheldon Whitehouse understands why some of his fellow Dems voted to avert shutdown
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/03/16/sheldon-whitehouse-senate-cr-schumer-00232304
The Hill: The Republican Medicaid cuts will hurt everyone, not just those in need
https://thehill.com/opinion/healthcare/5195335-medicaid-cuts-healthcare-access/
‘Not quite yet beautiful’: Republicans at odds over spending cuts after meeting Trump
https://thehill.com/business/5195910-senate-republicans-tax-spending/amp/
Comment: This article deals with the long term GOP plan to extend 2017 tax cuts for the wealthy at the expense of government services and social & health care programs. It should not be confused with passage of the continuing resolution to keep the government funded for the next few months.
The Hill: Schumer apologizes for calling Republicans ‘bastards’
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5194615-schumer-republicans-funding-msnbc-progressives/
ABC News: Schumer tells Democrats he won't vote to block GOP funding bill, likely avoiding shutdown: Sources
POLITICO: Capitol agenda: Senate Dems’ last-minute shutdown gambit
Video: Rep. Jeffries slams Trump and House GOP for 'far-right, extreme bill' that will hurt Americans
NPR: Why Sen. Chris Coons is voting "no" on spending bill that would stop a government shutdown
Axios: Senate Democrats embrace hardball on government shutdown
https://www.axios.com/2025/03/12/senate-democrats-government-shutdown
POLITICO: ‘Be careful about this’: Warnings abound as GOP considers writing off tax cuts
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/03/12/gop-considers-writing-off-tax-cuts-00227219
Comment: Republicans plan to cook the books.
Here are 8 things to know about the Trump-backed SAVE Act : NPR
https://www.npr.org/2025/03/12/nx-s1-5301676/save-act-explainer-voter-registration
Congress' Republicans privately press Trump to reverse some DOGE cuts
https://www.axios.com/2025/03/12/house-senate-republicans-trump-doge
Yahoo: Sen. Graham advocates raising the age for Social Security benefits
https://www.yahoo.com/news/sen-graham-advocates-raising-age-131546257.html
CNN: Salesman-in-chief: Trump leans on Freedom Caucus to avert government shutdown
https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/12/politics/trump-house-freedom-caucus-government-shutdown/index.html
Center For American Progress: Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Mapped by 119th Congressional Districts
Trump vows to ‘lead the charge’ to oust Massie
https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-vows-lead-charge-oust-125133684.html
House Democrats have 'a lot of incentives' to vote against short-term funding bill
https://www.yahoo.com/news/house-democrats-lot-incentives-vote-203516886.html
NBC News: GOP-led Congress races to avert government shutdown ahead of Friday deadline
NPR: Republicans say Medicaid is safe. But budget math says otherwise
Video: Rep. Wasserman Schultz calls on three ‘brave’ Republicans to stop ‘train wreck’ of a funding bill
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9doxC3r8JM
Sen. Elissa Slotkin wants assurances Trump will spend money 'the way Congress intends' before she votes for a funding bill
https://www.yahoo.com/news/sen-elissa-slotkin-wants-assurances-165246562.html
GOP funding patch boosts defense and deportations, cuts other programs
https://www.yahoo.com/news/gop-funding-patch-boosts-defense-172021485.html
Axios: House Republicans release 100-page spending bill to prevent shutdown
https://www.axios.com/2025/03/08/house-republicans-release-stopgap-spending-bill-shutfown
Speaker Mike Johnson unveils funding bill one week before potential shutdown
The Associated Press: House Republicans unveil bill to avoid shutdown and they’re daring Democrats to oppose it
POLITICO: Senate Democrats’ impending choice: Shutdown or surrender
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/03/07/senate-democrats-shutdown-decision-00217178
The Seattle Times: More than 70 million Americans are on Medicaid. This is where they live
The Guardian US: GOP budget goals impossible without Medicare and Medicaid cuts, budget office says
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/06/gop-budget-medicare-medicaid-cuts
POLITICO: Veterans cuts spark GOP backlash on Capitol Hill
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/03/06/veterans-cuts-backlash-republicans-doge-00216726
Big oil is waging ‘biggest campaign of political interference in US history’, senator says
https://share.newsbreak.com/bxlf57ky
Senate Dems lay groundwork for floor vote on bipartisan health deal
Republicans need to cut Medicaid to hit budget savings target, CBO finds
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5178944-republicans-medicaid-trump-tax-cuts-cbo-finds/
Video: Trump and Republicans blame town hall backlash on Dems and 'paid troublemakers'
POLITICO: Why Mike Johnson will struggle to keep his promises
GOP chairmen urge leader to battle House on budget, spending strategy
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5170373-senate-republicans-demand-changes/
Speaker Mike Johnson lives at a house at the center of a pastor's secretive influence campaign • Louisiana Illuminator
https://lailluminator.com/2025/03/02/speaker-johnson-house/
The Hill: House budget resolution is ‘screw America bill,’ House Democrat says
The Associated Press: GOP pushes ahead with citizenship voting bill. Some state election officials say it's problematic
Democrats push for Trump spending constraints amid shutdown concerns
https://thehill.com/business/budget/5168196-trump-spending-powers-shutdown-democrats/
The Hill: Everyday Americans, not executives, will feel the pain of Medicaid cuts
https://thehill.com/opinion/healthcare/5165297-trump-medicaid-cuts-health-care-crisis/
Mike Johnson claims ‘paid protesters’ are disrupting GOP town halls — then backtracks when asked for proof
https://www.yahoo.com/news/mike-johnson-claims-paid-protesters-142202159.html
House Republicans hit the brakes on town halls after blowback over Trump's cuts
https://www.yahoo.com/news/house-republicans-hit-brakes-town-052308234.html
CBS News: Experts warn the proposed SAVE Act could make it harder for some married women to vote. Here's who could be affected
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/save-act-voter-registration-citizenship-married-women-name-change/
Senate GOP squirms over U.S. vote with Russia
https://www.axios.com/2025/02/26/senate-republicans-trump-un-vote-ukraine-russia
Shutdown fight could delay GOP budget push, Thune says - Live Updates - POLITICO
POLITICO: Senate Republicans say House budget won’t fly with them
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/26/senate-republicans-reject-house-budget-00206244
Forbes: Student Loan Borrowers Could Face Lifetime Of Debt Under GOP Plan To Gut Loan Forgiveness
House Republicans budget could impact Medicaid. Here's how.
Yahoo Finance: GOP faces unforgiving math after keeping tax cut plan alive
Was No Tax on Tips Bill Passed? House Republican Budget Resolution Explained - Newsweek
https://www.newsweek.com/no-tax-tips-bill-republicans-update-pass-congress-budget-massie-2036301
Comment: Unfortunately, House Republicans used their majority to get their budget resolution passed (barely). However, its implementation details have not yet been worked out. If you want to help protect Medicaid and other social services, you need to contact Barry Moore now and make your voice heard.
KQED: Potential Medicaid Cuts: Who Would Be Affected and What Are Republicans Proposing?
The Latest: House GOP pushes budget resolution to passage
https://www.yahoo.com/news/latest-musk-renews-threat-fire-130817910.html
The Associated Press: House GOP pushes 'big' budget resolution to passage, a crucial step toward delivering Trump's agenda
Axios: Mike Johnson boxed in by House GOP defectors on "big, beautiful bill"
https://www.axios.com/2025/02/25/mike-johnson-house-republicans-trump-budget
Axios: "We must be at full strength": Democrats spot opening to kneecap GOP's budget plans
https://www.axios.com/2025/02/24/hakeem-jeffries-republican-budget-vote-johnson
POLITICO: Budget won't be changed to address Medicaid concerns, Johnson says
https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2025/02/24/congress/mike-johnson-medicaid-cuts-00205771
Comment: "Let them eat cake." (A bit of sarcasm referring to Queen Marie Antoinette's comment during the French Revolution.)
POLITICO: House Republicans unfazed by protests: ‘We’re moving forward with the cuts’
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/24/house-republicans-protests-00205892
POLITICO: It’s the Health Care, Stupid.
https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2025/02/24/medicaid-cuts-republicans-gop-town-halls-00205667
POLITICO: House Republicans scramble for Plan B on Medicaid cuts
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/24/house-budget-medicaid-cuts-plan-b-00205835
Forbes: Trump’s Medicaid Cuts, If Enacted, Will Affect You
Mother Jones: Trump’s Medicaid Cuts Would Leave Millions of Americans Without Health Care
https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2025/02/trump-republican-medicaid-cuts-health-disability/
POLITICO: Capitol agenda: Johnson's make-or-break budget week
https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2025/02/24/congress/what-were-watching-00205664
House Republican Budget Takes Away Health Care, Food Aid to Pay for Expanded Tax Cuts for Wealthy
Trump’s Own Pollster Just Hit Him with Very Bad News—and a Warning
https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-own-pollster-just-hit-110000256.html
Fortune: Senate stays up all night to push $340 billion GOP package for Trump’s mass deportations and security measures
https://fortune.com/2025/02/21/senate-all-night-340-billion-gop-budget-trump-mass-deportations/
Comment: Nice to see the GOP working so hard to spend $340 billion!
Forbes: Medicaid Cuts Still Are On The Table. How They Could Affect Seniors
‘Time is running out’: Lawmakers scramble for a deal to stop a shutdown - POLITICO
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/21/congress-shutdown-funding-trump-00205514
House, Senate GOP to begin undoing Biden regulations
Staff at multiple agencies instructed not to speak to Congress, says Democrat
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5157303-congress-dems-concerns-ban-employees/
The private GOP panic over the slash-and-burn DOGE firings
https://www.yahoo.com/news/gop-members-feel-helpless-doge-212600691.html
Republicans Raise Concerns About Medicaid Cuts in New Budget
https://www.newsweek.com/republicans-raise-concerns-about-medicaid-cuts-budget-proposal-2034011
The Associated Press: Sen. Mitch McConnell won't seek reelection in 2026, ending long tenure as Republican power broker
https://apnews.com/article/mitch-mcconnell-senate-retirement-34c79ef12bf62d14cb71d3c393f23a83
Some lawmakers decry push for sweeping cuts to DOD budget, others see opportunity to reallocate funds | Stars and Stripes
https://www.stripes.com/theaters/us/2025-02-20/lawmakers-defense-budget-cuts-16899385.html
The Washington Post: After ceding power of the purse, GOP lawmakers beg Trump team for funds
Video: WATCH LIVE: Senate Democrats hold news briefing as GOP pushes budget bill
https://www.youtube.com/live/jQLP5IbXVxQ
White House blesses Senate backup plan on Mike Johnson's budget
https://www.axios.com/2025/02/19/trump-vance-thune-johnson-budget
Trump backs House GOP reconciliation bill over Senate version
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5152871-trump-endorses-house-gop-strategy/amp/
Opinion - Who will stop Trump and Elon Musk from dismantling the US government?
https://www.yahoo.com/news/opinion-stop-trump-elon-musk-190000843.html
POLITICO: Grassley on Musk's DOGE cuts: 'Congress can’t do anything except complain'
https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2025/02/18/congress/chuck-grassley-musk-doge-trump-00204687
NPR: Can President Trump ignore Congress' spending laws? The debate over 'impoundment'
Axios: Scoop: Democrats quietly prepare for a Trump constitutional crisis
https://www.axios.com/2025/02/18/democrats-trump-judges-constitution-doge
POLITICO: The House GOP budget resolution is in trouble
https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2025/02/18/congress/budget-reconciliation-trump-whip-00204735
House GOP leaders double down as rival Senate GOP bill moves forward
https://thehill.com/homenews/5151822-house-republicans-doubling-down-on-one-bill/
Senate Republicans edge out the House again, planning budget vote this week - Live Updates - POLITICO
https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2025/02/18/congress/senate-gop-budget-moves-00204706
Medicaid concerns threaten GOP budget resolution
Elon Musk's influence in Donald Trump's administration sparks GOP divisions
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5146881-elon-musk-senate-republicans/
The Hill: House GOP budget resolution in jeopardy amid concerns from moderates
https://thehill.com/homenews/5146860-gop-budget-resolution-moderates-medicaid/
The Center Square: Fiscal hawks: House budget plan could add $25 trillion in debt over next decade
https://www.thecentersquare.com/national/article_6f23327a-ea2b-11ef-a9ad-4b877ab09300.html
House committee passes budget blueprint, targeting $2 trillion in cuts
Comment: Read closely. The 10 year "Blueprint" calls for $2 Trillion in spending cuts; $4.5 Trillion in tax cuts for the very wealthy; $2 - $2.5 Trillion in deficit spending; and a $4 Trillion addition to the debt ceiling in case things turn out worse than they planned for. Sounds like insanity to me.
Sweeping safety-net cuts have GOP centrists questioning Johnson’s budget - POLITICO
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/14/house-gop-budget-centrists-medicaid-00204223
Bracing for a Shutdown Fight, Democrats Warn Their Votes Are Not a Given - The New York Times
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/14/us/politics/democrats-congress-spending-budget.html
Video: Watch "Stop Elon Musk’s Coup" on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/iHxFx7at50U
House Republicans plot impeachment against judges blocking Trump, DOGE
https://www.yahoo.com/news/house-republicans-plot-impeachment-against-203346772.html
Congressional Republicans worry about Trump's cuts at home, but barely speak up | Opinion
https://www.yahoo.com/news/congressional-republicans-worry-trumps-cuts-101129914.html
Moderate House Republican Vows 'No' Vote If Budget Guts Benefits
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/moderate-house-republican-vows-no-184900313.html
POLITICO: Sweeping safety-net cuts have GOP centrists questioning Johnson’s budget
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/14/house-gop-budget-centrists-medicaid-00204223
Forbes: GOP May Cut Off Student Loan Forgiveness For 4.8 Million Healthcare Workers
The New Republic: Republicans Finally Reveal How They’ll Pay for Tax Cuts for the Rich
https://newrepublic.com/post/191458/house-republicans-budget-plan-tax-cuts-rich-debt
House Republicans unveil blueprint to extend $4.5 trillion in tax cuts and lift the debt ceiling - ABC News
Republicans propose at least $100 billion in extra defense spending in the next decade | Stars and Stripes
The Associated Press: House Republicans unveil blueprint to extend $4.5 trillion in tax cuts and lift the debt ceiling
Axios: Trump White House tells Congress it needs border cash now
https://www.axios.com/2025/02/11/white-house-congress-border-funding-reconciliation
brennancenter.org: SAVE Act Would Undermine Voter Registration for All Americans
What is the SAVE Act, the bill requiring proof of citizenship to vote?
https://www.axios.com/2025/02/11/save-act-what-to-know
Axios: The big bet behind Chuck Schumer's shutdown warning
https://www.axios.com/2025/02/11/chuck-schumer-government-shutdown-trump
Spending bill talks bog down after Trump's efforts to slash government | AP News
Axios: Democrats dig in against Mike Johnson on government shutdown
https://www.axios.com/2025/02/07/democrats-mike-johnson-goverment-shutdown-jeffries
Business Insider: A government shutdown could be coming on March 14— and DOGE is a key factor
https://www.businessinsider.com/doge-usaid-funding-government-shutdown-2025-2
WTOP: Republican lawmakers propose bill to end DC’s home rule
https://wtop.com/congress/2025/02/republican-lawmakers-propose-bill-to-end-dcs-home-rule/
POLITICO: Mike Johnson’s budget plan is at risk of collapse
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/04/mike-johnson-budget-plan-00002362
House GOP forced to punt preliminary vote on Trump legislative agenda bill
https://www.yahoo.com/news/house-gop-forced-punt-preliminary-110000543.html
Hakeem Jeffries wants funding freeze 'choked off' in spending deal - Live Updates - POLITICO
ProPublica: To Pay for Trump Tax Cuts, House GOP Floats Plan to Slash Benefits for the Poor and Working Class
https://www.propublica.org/article/trump-tax-cuts-congress-republicans-plan-slash-benefits
Association representing thousands of FBI agents appeals to Congress to protect their jobs | KRON4
GOP rep says he supports ‘purging’ of State Department
POLITICO: Hard-liner rebellion forces House GOP leaders to scramble for deeper cuts
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/02/house-budget-committee-spending-cuts-00002319
Republicans leave Florida frustrated with lack of final plan to pass Trump agenda
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5115079-republicans-frustrated-plan-trump-agenda/
POLITICO: Republicans brace for a messy slog on Capitol Hill
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/01/29/trump-republicans-conflict-florida-retreat-00201333
Democrats leave ’emergency’ meeting vowing ‘street fight’ in response to Trump actions
https://www.yahoo.com/news/democrats-leave-emergency-meeting-vowing-230353177.html
Trump’s agenda is about to hit a make-or-break moment
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/01/27/republican-retreat-trump-doral-gop-agenda-00002101
Trump’s move to freeze Biden-approved funding draws howls from Democrats
https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-move-freeze-biden-approved-110000358.html
Government Executive: Congressional Republicans mull plans to gash feds’ pay, benefits and job security
House Republicans retreat to Trump’s Miami resort to hash out his agenda
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5105756-house-republican-retreat-trump-agenda/
Collins: ‘I don’t understand’ Trump’s inspectors general firings
https://www.yahoo.com/news/collins-don-t-understand-trump-171245300.html
Sunday snapshot: Lawmakers mull presidential pardon limits
https://www.axios.com/2025/01/26/trump-jan-6-pardons-bipartisan-backlash
Tennessee Republican proposes amendment to allow Trump to serve third term
https://www.yahoo.com/news/tennessee-republican-proposes-amendment-allow-000727320.html
The Hill: Kinzinger rips Johnson for defending Trump Jan. 6 pardons
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5102489-trump-jan-6-pardons/
Republicans struggle to answer for Trump’s pardon of January 6 defendants just hours into his presidency
GOP Fears Jan. 6 Probe Will Expose Their X-Rated and ‘Embarrassing’ Texts
https://www.yahoo.com/news/gop-fears-jan-6-probe-211845314.html
Speaker Johnson forms committee to probe Jan. 6, Democrats’ original investigation
https://www.yahoo.com/news/speaker-johnson-forms-committee-probe-203122971.html
Axios: GOP lawmakers coy on Medicaid cuts for tax extension
https://www.axios.com/2025/01/22/gop-lawmakers-medicaid-cuts
POLITICO: Vulnerable House Republicans warn leaders against cutting Obamacare
https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2025/01/23/congress/gop-centrists-defend-obamacare-00200287
Opinion - 10 years later, the House Freedom Caucus is (mostly) a failure
https://www.yahoo.com/news/opinion-10-years-later-house-173000052.html
Axios: Congress set to face chaos with Marjorie Taylor Greene-led DOGE subcommittee
https://www.axios.com/2025/01/22/doge-mtg-crockett-casar-congress-stansbury
Axios: "Troubling": Mike Johnson faces bipartisan shock, fury for ousting Intel chair Turner
https://www.axios.com/2025/01/16/mike-johnson-turner-intelligence-committee-anger
Axios: Capitol Hill shock: The 118th Congress passed the fewest laws in decades
https://www.axios.com/2024/12/30/congress-118th-passed-fewest-laws
Greene promises bill renaming Gulf of Mexico ‘ASAP’
https://www.yahoo.com/news/greene-promises-bill-renaming-gulf-185539217.html
Who answers to who? Fox News demands Speaker Johnson defend spending bill to Elon Musk
https://www.yahoo.com/news/answers-fox-news-demands-speaker-175352102.html
Trump opposes deal to avert government shutdown
https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-opposes-deal-avert-government-223108480.html
Trump: Republicans who back spending bill without debt increase should face primary
https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-republicans-back-spending-bill-002531407.html
GOP Senator Blocks Bill Protecting Federal Worker Classifications | Newsmax.com
https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/eric-schmitt-tim-kaine-russell-vought/2024/12/17/id/1192050/
Newsweek: Donald Trump Demands Republicans Break With Senate Tradition
https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-recess-appointments-republicans-senate-1983545
Rick Scott Puts GOP Hypocrisy Surrounding Pete Hegseth On Full Display
https://www.yahoo.com/news/rick-scott-puts-gop-hypocrisy-025530063.html
Hagerty: The public doesn't care who does Hegseth's background check - ABC News
https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/hagerty-public-care-fbi-background-check-hegseth/story?id=116168369
For News Articles links from before the 2024 election that were previously listed here, please go to:
https://sites.google.com/view/demoldnews/home/old-congress-al-federal-officials?authuser=0
There you will find a continuation of the news links & comments from the period prior to the November 2024 election
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