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1 Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer Says The Votes Aren't There To Pass Funding Bill
As the current government funding deadline approaches, Senate Democrats are deliberating their response to a stopgap funding bill passed Tuesday by House Republicans. The continuing resolution passed by the House proposes increased defense spending and cuts to domestic programs, which many Democrats oppose. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has indicated that Democrats are unlikely to support the bill in its current form, raising the possibility of a government shutdown if a consensus isn't reached by Friday night. The Senate's 60-vote requirement means Republicans will need at least eight Democrats to vote for the bill. Senator Rand Paul has already stated that he won't be voting for the CR as is. Senate Democrats are now considering their options, which include negotiating amendments to the House bill or proposing an alternative funding measure to prevent the shutdown. However, time is running out with tomorrow night’s deadline looming.
2 EPA Administrator Announces Huge Rollback Of Environmental Regulations
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced a comprehensive plan to roll back 31 environmental regulations yesterday, marking what he described as the "most consequential day of deregulation in American history." This initiative aims to stimulate economic growth by reducing what the administration views as burdensome restrictions on industries. Included in the rollbacks: Power plant emission standards for coal and gas-fired power plants will be reevaluated. Fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas emission standards for light, medium, and heavy-duty vehicles will be reconsidered. A challenge is planned on the 2009 Endangerment Finding that identified greenhouse gases as dangerous to public health. National ambient air quality standards for pollutants like particulate matter will be reconsidered. Initiatives focused on addressing pollution in disadvantaged communities will be eliminated. Critics argue that these rollbacks could lead to increased pollution, adverse health effects, and hinder efforts to combat climate change. Legal challenges are anticipated as environmental groups and some state governments prepare to contest the deregulatory measures.
3 Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnik Says Trump Administration Wants To Eliminate Income Tax For Those Making Below $150k
During an interview with CBS News yesterday, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnik made a claim that got a lot of attention. Talking about changes to the tax system in America by President Donald Trump, Lutnick said, “I know his goal. His goal is no tax for anybody earning less than $150-thousand a year.” No details were discussed about how such a change would be possible, but the president has previously said he’d like income taxes to be replaced with revenue from tariffs.
