President Donald Trump's Tax Policy

The House and Senate are working on President Donald Trump's tax policy, with the Senate undergoing a 'vote-a-rama' process to move forward. The process may take months to complete, with various steps and potential challenges ahead.

Signal Group Chat Controversy Shifts Focus for Democrats

The Signal group chat controversy involving Trump administration officials provided a welcome distraction for Senate Leader Chuck Schumer and Democrats. It shifted the focus away from Democratic divisions and allowed them to rally around a common cause. The controversy also led to questions about handling sensitive information and upcoming battles over budget and tax cuts.

Democrats' stance on continuing resolution and budget

Rep. Beyer predicts nearly all Democrats in Congress will vote against continuing resolution due to cuts in veterans' benefits and medical research, as well as concerns over President Trump's ability to ignore the budget. Swing district members may have leeway to vote as they see fit.

House Republicans' Budget and Tax Cuts Plan

House Republicans are working on passing a spending bill and extending tax cuts, facing challenges with budget cuts and potential impacts on Medicaid and Medicare.

Government Budget Negotiation to Avoid Shutdown

Republicans are gearing up for a budget negotiation to avoid a government shutdown with a bill that would keep federal agencies funded until September 30. President Trump is urging Republicans to support the bill, while some Republicans are already signaling they would not vote for it. The bill includes provisions for defense and non-defense spending, as well as additional funding for veterans' healthcare and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Democrats are troubled by the bill, particularly its impact on programs like Social Security and Medicaid.

Government Budget Negotiations and Risk of Shutdown

Rep. Blake Moore, R-Utah discusses ongoing House budget negotiations and the risk of a government shutdown. A bill has been released to avert a partial government shutdown during the first 100 days of President Donald Trump's term. The bill maintains current government funding levels and includes additional funding for defense, healthcare for veterans, and ICE operations. Democrats are opposing the bill, accusing Republicans of trying to cut funding for healthcare, nutritional assistance, and veterans benefits.

United Nations preparing for funding cuts amid financial challenges

United Nations is preparing for U.S. funding cuts, as Department of Government Efficiency works to root out waste. Secretary-General issues directive to manage cashflow conservatively and suspend hiring, causing concern among insiders.

Russia's Invasion of Ukraine and European Defense Proposal

The roots of Russia's invasion of Ukraine go back decades and run deep. The current conflict is a shift in the world order. European Commission President proposes an $840 billion plan to build up defense budgets in Europe amidst U.S. pausing military aid to Ukraine. EU ready to boost defense spending.

House Republican Budget Resolution and its Impact on Medicaid

Democrats and Republicans are in disagreement over the House Republican budget resolution's impact on Medicaid, with Democrats claiming inevitable cuts and Republicans denying any specific mention of Medicaid in the bill. The resolution aims to cut $880 billion in spending over 10 years, primarily affecting Medicaid and Medicare. The bill still needs to pass the Senate and faces various legislative hurdles. Both parties have made speculative comments without concrete details on the specific cuts. President Trump has pledged not to cut Medicare or Social Security but has left room for reducing waste or fraud. The potential cuts to Medicaid could have significant impacts on hospitals, nursing homes, and health coverage for millions of Americans.

Impact of Migrant Children on Maine's Education System

Maine's schools are experiencing plummeting test scores as they focus on children of illegal migrants, leading to low proficiency in math and reading. The state's education system is spending above the national average per student. The influx of migrants, many of whom are illegal, has strained the education system, with a significant number of students requiring special language classes.

Senate Democrats Challenge Republicans on Medicaid Cuts

Democrats are planning to make Republicans in the Senate go on the record on Medicaid during Thursday evening's 'Vote-a-Rama' as potential cuts to the program become a sore point in budget discussions. Senator Tammy Baldwin is introducing amendments to protect Medicaid access and funding for various groups. Senate Democrats are lining up numerous amendment votes to challenge Republicans on tax cuts and Medicaid cuts.

California's Healthcare Spending on Illegal Immigrants

California is spending $9.5 billion on healthcare for illegal immigrants, which is more than previously known, causing budget concerns and criticisms from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers.

Financial Troubles at the Kennedy Center

The Kennedy Center in Washington, DC is facing financial troubles, with no cash on hand and a $240 million budget. Interim executive director Ric Grenell is working to restore the institution by cutting executive salaries and making budget changes. The center was opened in 1971 as a memorial to President John F. Kennedy.

House GOP's Efforts to Advance President Trump's Agenda

Rep. Kevin Hern discusses the House's upcoming budget vote as Republicans work to advance President Donald Trump’s agenda. The budget battles are heating up under the dome of the U.S. Capitol building.

President Trump's Cost-Cutting Efforts on Pentagon Budget

President Trump's team led by Elon Musk plans to target the U.S.'s largest discretionary budget, the Pentagon, in a cost-cutting effort. They aim to find billions of dollars of fraud and abuse, potentially looking to eliminate programs like the F-35 fighter jet. However, facing opposition from Congress and various interests, the success of these initiatives remains uncertain.

Closure of USAID Headquarters in Washington

USAID headquarters in Washington was shut down after Elon Musk announced President Trump agreed to close the agency. Musk and Trump criticized USAID for alleged misuse of funds and political agendas. The agency's website disappeared, and Trump froze foreign assistance spending for 90 days. USAID's budget for 2023 was around $40bn, with 10,235 employees in 2016.

Government Efficiency and Budget Cuts

Rep. Ashley Hinson discusses trillions in cuts at the Department of Government Efficiency, focusing on real savings, efficiencies, and fundamental changes in government operations to benefit taxpayers.

Apple TV+ series Severance

Apple TV+ is facing challenges with its expensive new series Severance, with a budget of $200 million causing concern about the viability of its business model, despite critical acclaim and high audience demand.

François Bayrou appointed as France's new prime minister

President Emmanuel Macron named centrist ally François Bayrou as France's new prime minister following a no-confidence vote that toppled former Prime Minister Michel Barnier's government. Bayrou faces the challenge of uniting a divided parliament to address France's economic issues and draft an approved budget.

French President Macron's Political Challenges

President Macron faces opposition from both the extreme right and left in France, as he plans to appoint a new prime minister and draft a new budget. The public is divided, with some calling for his resignation.

French Prime Minister ousted in historic no-confidence vote

French lawmakers vote to oust Prime Minister Michel Barnier in a historic no-confidence vote, dealing a blow to President Emmanuel Macron. Barnier, who survived an earlier vote, forced to step down after pushing through a budget without legislative approval. New elections cannot be held until next summer, and a caretaker government must pass emergency laws to manage national debts and salaries.

Illinois State Budget and Tax Hike for Migrant Spending

Illinois passes largest tax hike in state history, with nearly $1 billion in new taxes in a $53 billion budget. Majority of the tax hike allocated to migrant spending. Republican Senator McConchie criticizes tax increase as funding for Joe Biden's migrant problem.

California State Budget Cuts and Deficit

Gov. Gavin Newsom of California announced a proposed $288 billion state budget to address a $27.6 billion deficit, involving cuts to vacant state jobs and funding for over 200 state programs to achieve accountability and responsibility. The budget aims to make government leaner without imposing new taxes on Californians.

Renovation of the Mona Lisa Display at the Louvre Museum

The Louvre Museum in Paris is considering further upgrades to the room housing the Mona Lisa to improve visitor experience, including potentially moving the painting to a separate underground room. The proposed renovation budget is 500 million euros. The Mona Lisa has been a target of attacks in the past and is often criticized for long wait times and limited viewing time.

Criticism of House Speaker Mike Johnson by Sen. Rand Paul for voting with Democrats on FISA and budget package

Sen. Rand Paul criticizes House Speaker Mike Johnson for voting with Democrats on FISA renewal and budget package, accusing him of abdicating the power of the purse.

DHS Secretary Testifying Before Congress on 2025 Budget Request

DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas will testify before Congress on the Department of Homeland Security’s requested budget for 2025 on Wednesday.

Mississippi Legislature Budget

Budget writers in the Mississippi Legislature set a revenue estimate of $7.6 billion for the year that begins July 1, which is a decrease of 1% from the current year. Legislators are in a session to finish writing the budget for schools, prisons, health care, and other services.

New York State Budget Extension

New York lawmakers passed an extension for the state's budget to ensure state workers get paid and operations continue undisrupted. Progress is being made on funding for schools, education funding remains a point of contention. Budget talks are ongoing with a focus on housing deals.

Kansas Legislature's Actions and Budget Proposals

Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach is taking legal action over Biden's vow to forgive student loan debt. The Kansas Legislature is addressing tax cuts, funding for disability services, and immigration issues. Lawmakers are working on a proposed $25 billion budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1.

Minnesota Legislature Post-Easter Break Update

The Minnesota Legislature will return from its Easter break with bills on sports betting, cannabis, rights for trans people, and maintaining infrastructure. The budget is set at $72 billion. Proponents are pushing for sports betting and cannabis laws. Lawmakers are also addressing issues related to policing, voting, religion, and assisted suicide.

Illinois Plans to Cut Health Insurance Programs for Non-Citizens and Illegal Immigrants Due to Soaring Costs

Illinois officials are planning to cut state-funded health insurance programs for non-citizens and illegal immigrants due to soaring costs, with at least 6,000 individuals set to lose coverage. The state had initially estimated a budget of $220 million for the programs, but costs ballooned to over $1 billion. The move aims to save the state over $13 million by removing ineligible recipients.

Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra Testifying on President Biden’s Budget Request

Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra will testify on President Joe Biden’s requested budget for the agency on Thursday, March 14.

South Carolina's 2024-25 Budget

South Carolina's $13.2 billion budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year was approved by the House with raises for teachers and state employees, property tax relief, bridge funding, and long-term income tax cuts.

President Biden's Budget and Fiscal Responsibility

White House Office of Management and Budget Shalanda Young discusses President Joe Biden's budget, emphasizing fiscal responsibility and the prioritization of the middle class and working families over the wealthiest in the country.

President Biden's Budget Proposal

President Biden's budget proposal includes $3 trillion in deficit reduction, focusing on tax increases for the ultra-rich. The U.S. is facing a large deficit, and the budget projects a decrease in the fiscal deficit by 2025. However, the plan relies on low short-term interest rates.

Denver's Overflowing Migrant Shelters

Denver officials are asking local landlords to take in illegal migrants as the city's migrant shelters are overwhelmed. Mayor Johnston's office announced the closure of four shelters, prompting the need for housing solutions. The city has granted work permits to 1,300 illegal migrants and is facing challenges with the influx of migrants in both shelters and the healthcare system.

Government Spending

The budget bill in Congress contains over 6,000 earmarks costing taxpayers more than $12.7 billion, with some questionable projects like a $1.4 million solar energy project in Wisconsin and a $4 million grant for the 'Alaska King Crab Enhancement Project'. Earmarks are seen as wasteful and Congress should not be putting taxpayers on the hook for frivolous handouts.

Political Dispute Over State of the Union Address

Sen. Joni Ernst and Rep. Buddy Carter consider stopping President Biden from delivering the State of the Union due to the absence of a national security strategy and budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

Minnesota Budget Outlook

Minnesota's budget outlook has improved with a bigger surplus forecast for the current budget, giving the Legislature more breathing room. Corporate tax revenues are up, and a smaller potential deficit is projected for the next two-year budget.

Georgia Lawmakers' Plan to Renovate Capitol Building and Construct New Legislative Office

Georgia lawmakers are planning to spend $392 million to build a new legislative office building and renovate the 1889 Capitol building, following the death of nursing student Laken Riley. The project aims to address long-term capital needs and historical integrity of the Capitol complex.

SUBMIT IT Act and President Biden's Delayed Budget and National Security Plans

The SUBMIT IT Act proposes penalties for presidents who do not submit budget and national security plans on time, affecting their ability to deliver a State of the Union address. President Biden and past presidents have been late in submitting these plans. The Act aims to hold presidents accountable and ensure timely evaluation of their requests.