Business
5 House lawmakers to watch in the battle over government funding on August 21, 2023 at 10:00 am Business News | The Hill
The fight over government funding will be top of mind for Congress when lawmakers return to Washington next month, as the Sept. 30 shutdown deadline looms over Capitol Hill.
Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) told members last week that the House will likely have to pass a continuing resolution to keep the government running past that deadline, but the path to clearing such a measure is full of stumbling blocks.
Some Republicans are pushing for stronger border security, others want to see funding for the Justice Department slashed in response to former President Trump’s indictments, and conservatives are continuing their crusade for steeper spending cuts. There is also the question of funding for Ukraine, after the White House unveiled a supplemental request that includes $24 billion for Kyiv as its war against Russia drags on.
Lawmakers in the lower chamber will have just 12 legislative days to hash out their differences and come to a consensus when the chamber reconvenes next month, setting the scene for a mad-dash effort to fund the government and prevent a shutdown.
Here are the five House members to watch in the battle over government funding.
Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.)
Members of the House Freedom Caucus, led by Perry, have been at the center of the appropriations fight as they push for steeper spending cuts — and threaten trouble for McCarthy if they don’t get them.
The group notched a win when the House marked up its spending bills at fiscal 2022 levels, but many have expressed concerns that leadership is using a budgetary gimmick known as rescissions to increase the funding measures. In a letter last month, Perry and 20 other conservatives — many members of the Freedom Caucus — wrote a letter to McCarthy warning that they will vote against appropriations bills in line with levels set in the debt limit deal.
Freedom Caucus member Ben Cline (R-Va.) told Punchbowl News earlier this month that the group has had conversations over recess about strategy for the appropriations process. Those discussions, Cline said, have been convened by Perry and include talks about what measures they should concentrate on, how to secure the cuts they are seeking and how to rally support among other Republicans.
There is also the question of whether members of the Freedom Caucus would support a continuing resolution. Rep. Bob Good (R-Va.) told Fox News Digital last week that Republicans should use support for a continuing resolution as leverage to advance GOP priorities. If that does not come to fruition, however, he said “I’m not certain that I would at this point” when asked if he would support a stopgap bill.
Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas)
Roy is spearheading an effort to beef up border security through the appropriations process, threatening to vote against any spending bills that fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) unless efforts are made to secure the border.
In a dear colleague letter penned earlier this month, Roy and 14 other Texas Republicans said DHS should not be funded “until the necessary steps are taken to ensure the border.”
“No border security, no funding,” the letter reads.
Roy is also expressing skepticism about a potential continuing resolution as the length of such a measure remains an open question. McCarthy told members on a conference call last week that he does not want a stopgap bill to stretch so long that it pushes Congress against the winter holidays, according to sources on the call.
Roy wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, “Under no circumstances will I support a ‘continuing resolution’ to fund the government at the bloated, corrupt 2023 levels,” but he floated the idea of passing a series of 24-hour stopgap bills to keep the lights on as lawmakers hash out spending.
He said that strategy would “create maximum pain for Congress to do its damned job.”
Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas)
Gonzales, whose district includes one-third of the U.S.-Mexico border and has clashed with conservatives on immigration issues, is also speaking out about government funding as it relates to border security.
The moderate lawmaker — who did not sign Roy’s letter — wrote on X, “America demands a secure border,” before threatening to oppose any continuing resolution to the floor “that only kicks the can down the road.”
“Lock Congress in a room until we pass a conservative budget void of excess financial waste,” he added.
Two days before that — and shortly after the GOP member call where McCarthy floated a continuing resolution — Gonzales expressed pessimism about avoiding a shutdown.
“I just got off a member call – it’s clear President Biden and Speaker McCarthy want a government shutdown, so that’s what Congress will do after we return in September. Everyone should plan accordingly,” the Texas Republican said.
Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-Texas)
Jackson is vowing to vote against any continuing resolution brought to the floor that does not slash funding for the Department of Justice (DOJ).
The Texas Republican levied the threat the day after a Georgia grand jury indicted Trump on charges tied to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election. It was the fourth indictment brought against the former president this year — two of which have come from the federal level.
“I WILL NOT vote for any continuing resolution that doesn’t smash Biden’s DOJ into a million pieces. The DOJ has very rapidly become the enemy of the American people, and if nothing is done soon, our rights will be GONE. We MUST defund it!!” Jackson wrote on X.
Jackson is not the only one taking aim at the DOJ through the appropriations process.
Reps. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) and Andy Ogles (R-Texas) have introduced separate pieces of legislation to prohibit federal funding for special counsel Jack Smith, who is behind both federal indictments, and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) vowed this month to utilize the Holman rule “to defund Jack Smith’s special counsel.”
The Holman rule allows lawmakers to propose amendments to appropriations bills that slash salaries for specific federal workers to $1, which effectively defunds them.
Rep. Warren Davidson (R-Ohio)
Rep. Warren Davidson (R-Ohio) is seen during the seventh ballot for Speaker on the third day of the 118th session of Congress on Thursday, January 5, 2023.
A handful of Republicans — including Davidson — are speaking out against the White House’s request for additional aid to Ukraine, setting the stage for another House GOP debate over Washington’s support for Kyiv as its war against Russia continues.
The White House unveiled a $40 billion supplemental request earlier this month, which includes $24 billion for Ukraine. But Davidson and 11 other GOP House members are asking that Biden rescind his request, arguing that the funding violates the spending caps set in the debt limit deal the president struck with McCarthy.
“We ask that you withdraw your request for additional assistance until you provide Congress with a comprehensive strategy and mission for U.S. involvement in Ukraine,” the group wrote. “Without a defined mission, there is no way to develop clear objectives, allocate the proper resources, conduct rigorous oversight, or hold officials accountable for success or failure.”
The supplemental could also cause complications for the appropriations process.
Shalanda Young, director of the Office of Management and Budget, said the White House was requesting the supplemental “as part of a potential short-term continuing resolution for the first quarter of [fiscal 2024],” which Congress did last year.
Top lawmakers have not yet said how they plan to handle the supplemental — Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) declined to discuss the course of action when asked on a call last week. But if it is attached to a continuing resolution, that could chip away at support among Republicans.
Bonus: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.)
With such a small GOP majority in the House, McCarthy can afford to lose only a handful of members on a continuing resolution if all Democrats vote against it.
That raises the question: Would Democrats help Republicans pass a stopgap bill to prevent a government shutdown, similar to what they did to help advance the debt limit bill to avoid an economic default?
Jeffries has not commented on the possibility of passing a continuing resolution since McCarthy floated the prospect. But if enough Republicans oppose the measure for various reasons, Jeffries may have to rally some Democratic troops to keep the government’s lights on past Sept. 30.
House, Appropriations, Business, News The fight over government funding will be top of mind for Congress when lawmakers return to Washington next month, as the Sept. 30 shutdown deadline looms over Capitol Hill. Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) told members last week that the House will likely have to pass a continuing resolution to keep the government running past that deadline, but…
Business
The Cities Bracing for Trump’s Immigration Crackdown
In the wake of Donald Trump’s recent election victory and his promise of “the largest deportation operation in American history,” several major U.S. cities are bracing for potentially seismic shifts in their economic and social landscapes. As the nation grapples with the implications of this proposed policy, urban centers that have long been havens for immigrant communities find themselves at the epicenter of a looming storm.
Los Angeles, often dubbed the “City of Angels,” stands to lose more than its celestial nickname suggests. As a primary gateway for immigrants, the city’s vibrant tapestry of cultures and its economic engine could face significant disruption. From the bustling streets of Koreatown to the sun-drenched orchards of the Central Valley, the absence of undocumented workers could leave gaping holes in the city’s workforce and cultural identity.
Across the country, New York City, with its iconic skyline and melting pot reputation, faces its own reckoning. The Big Apple’s 5.9 million immigrants, many of whom are undocumented, form the backbone of industries ranging from construction to healthcare. The potential exodus could transform neighborhoods like Jackson Heights and Flushing, altering the very essence of what makes New York a global city.In the Sunshine State, Miami’s tropical allure belies the turbulent times ahead. Home to 2.5 million immigrants, the city’s economy relies heavily on sectors like tourism and hospitality – industries where undocumented workers often fill crucial roles. The potential deportation of these workers could send shockwaves through Miami’s economic ecosystem, from South Beach’s glitzy hotels to the agricultural heartlands of South Florida.
Chicago, the “City of Big Shoulders,” may find those shoulders significantly weakened. With 1.7 million immigrants in its metropolitan area, the Windy City’s diverse neighborhoods and industries face an uncertain future. From the meatpacking plants to the tech startups, Chicago’s economic resilience could be tested like never before.
In the Lone Star State, Houston and Dallas stand as twin testaments to the complexities of immigration policy. These Texas titans, each home to large immigrant populations, could see their booming economies stumble. The construction sites that dot their ever-expanding skylines and the service industries that keep these cities humming could face unprecedented labor shortages.
Out West, the San Francisco Bay Area’s reputation as a bastion of innovation and progress could be challenged. The region’s tech industry, often reliant on immigrant talent, might find itself grappling with a new reality. From Silicon Valley’s coding campuses to the agricultural expanses of the Central Valley, California’s economic powerhouse could face a reckoning. Phoenix, rising from the Sonoran Desert, could see its growth trajectory altered. As Arizona’s urban center, it stands at the forefront of the immigration debate, potentially facing not just economic impacts but social and political upheaval as well.
These cities, along with others like San Diego and Las Vegas, are not just facing potential economic disruptions. They are staring down the barrel of profound social change. Family separations, community fragmentation, and the erosion of cultural enclaves built over generations are all possible consequences of mass deportations. Moreover, the fiscal implications are staggering. Undocumented immigrants contribute billions in taxes annually, often without receiving the full benefits of their contributions. Their sudden absence could leave gaping holes in city budgets, potentially affecting public services and infrastructure projects.
As these urban centers brace for impact, the debate rages on. Supporters of stricter immigration policies argue for the need to enforce laws and protect American jobs. Critics warn of economic devastation and the unraveling of America’s urban fabric. What’s clear is that America’s cities stand at a crossroads. The coming months and years will likely reshape urban landscapes in ways both visible and invisible. From the foods we eat to the services we rely on, from the neighborhoods we call home to the very character of our cities, the impacts of this proposed immigration crackdown could be far-reaching and long-lasting. As the nation watches and waits, these cities – vibrant, diverse, and economically vital – find themselves on the front lines of a policy that could redefine what it means to be an American city in the 21st century.
Bolanle Media is excited to announce our partnership with The Newbie Film Academy to offer comprehensive courses designed specifically for aspiring filmmakers. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your skills, our resources will provide you with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in the competitive world of screenwriting. Join us today to unlock your creative potential and take your first steps toward crafting compelling stories that resonate with audiences. Let’s turn your ideas into impactful scripts together!
Business
How Trump’s Deportation Plans Could Reshape Major Cities
In the wake of Donald Trump’s recent election victory, his ambitious plans for mass deportations have thrust America’s urban centers into the spotlight. As the nation grapples with the potential implications of what Trump calls “the largest deportation operation in American history,” cities across the country are bracing for significant changes that could reshape their economic, social, and cultural landscapes.
The stakes are particularly high for metropolitan areas like New York, Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, and Miami, which host the largest populations of unauthorized immigrants. These cities, along with other major urban hubs such as Chicago, Washington D.C., and San Francisco, stand at the forefront of a looming transformation that could reverberate throughout the nation.
Economic Tremors
Economists warn that the proposed deportations could send shockwaves through urban economies. Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s, cautions that businesses would face “significant challenges” if a substantial number of immigrants were removed. Industries such as construction, hospitality, and healthcare—pillars of urban economies—could face severe labor shortages.
Joe Brusuelas, chief economist at RSM, emphasizes the potential ripple effects: “The native-born workforce cannot meet current labor demands.” This labor gap could lead to increased wages, potentially rekindling inflation—a concern that looms large over city planners and policymakers alike.
Community Fabric Under Strain
Beyond economic considerations, the social fabric of cities hangs in the balance. Elena, a Nicaraguan immigrant in Houston, voices a fear echoed in immigrant communities across the nation: “I’m scared… This is my home.” The threat of family separations, particularly in mixed-status households, casts a long shadow over urban neighborhoods.
Immigrant advocacy groups like FIEL are mobilizing, advising clients to prepare for “anything that can happen.” This atmosphere of uncertainty could lead to decreased community engagement and cooperation with local authorities, potentially impacting public safety and community cohesion.
Cities at a Crossroads
As the debate intensifies, cities find themselves at a crossroads. Some, like New York and Los Angeles, have historically positioned themselves as “sanctuary cities,” often at odds with federal immigration enforcement. The impending clash between federal policy and local governance promises to be a defining feature of this new political landscape.
Meanwhile, the logistical challenges of implementing such a massive deportation operation remain daunting. Questions abound regarding detention facilities, transportation networks, and the sheer manpower required to carry out Trump’s vision.
Looking Ahead
As America’s urban centers brace for potential change, the full impact of Trump’s deportation plans remains to be seen. Legal challenges are all but certain, and the resilience of America’s cities will be put to the test.
What is clear is that the coming months and years will be pivotal for urban America. As Jason Miller, a senior Trump adviser, puts it, the plan is to “immediately reinstate” immigration policies from Trump’s first term. For America’s cities, this could mean a period of unprecedented change, challenge, and, potentially, transformation.
As the nation watches and waits, the story of America’s cities in the face of this ambitious deportation plan is just beginning to unfold. The outcome will undoubtedly shape the future of urban life in America for years to come.
Bolanle Media is excited to announce our partnership with The Newbie Film Academy to offer comprehensive courses designed specifically for aspiring screenwriters. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your skills, our resources will provide you with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in the competitive world of screenwriting. Join us today to unlock your creative potential and take your first steps toward crafting compelling stories that resonate with audiences. Let’s turn your ideas into impactful scripts together!
Business
Donald Trump Wins 2024 USA Election
Based on the election results, Donald Trump has indeed won the 2024 U.S. presidential election, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris. Here’s an analysis of the key statistics and implications:
Electoral College Victory
Donald Trump has secured the presidency by winning crucial battleground states and flipping some key states that were previously held by Democrats. The final Electoral College tally is still being determined, but Trump has surpassed the 270 electoral votes needed to win.
Battleground State Performance
Trump’s victory was largely secured by winning several critical swing states:
- Wisconsin: Trump’s win here was pivotal in securing his path to victory.
- Pennsylvania: This state flipped back to Republican control.
- Georgia: Another key state that Trump managed to win back.
- Michigan: Trump successfully flipped this traditionally Democratic stronghold.
Popular Vote and Voter Priorities
While the final popular vote tally is still being calculated, exit polls provide insight into voter priorities:
- Economy and democracy were top concerns for voters.
- Abortion and immigration also played significant roles in voter decision-making.
Congressional Control
The election results extend beyond the presidency:
- Republicans are set to take back the Senate majority, securing at least 51 seats.
- Control of the House of Representatives remains undetermined.
Media Implications
The outcome of this election could be seen as a challenge to mainstream media narratives for several reasons:
- Polling Discrepancies: Many pre-election polls suggested a tight race or even a slight Harris advantage in key states. Trump’s victory, particularly in battleground states, may indicate that polls underestimated his support.
- Narrative Shifts: Throughout the campaign, much of the mainstream media focused on Trump’s legal challenges and controversies. His victory suggests that these issues may not have resonated with voters as much as economic and policy concerns.
- Voter Priorities: The emphasis on issues like the economy and immigration in voter decision-making may indicate a disconnect between media focus and voter concerns.
- Electoral Predictions: Many mainstream outlets were cautious about predicting a Trump victory, even as results began to favor him. This hesitancy could be seen as a reflection of broader media skepticism about Trump’s chances.
- Underestimation of Trump’s Base: The results suggest that Trump’s core support remained strong and potentially grew, despite negative coverage in much of the mainstream media.
It’s important to note that while the election outcome may challenge some media narratives, it doesn’t necessarily invalidate all mainstream reporting. The complex factors influencing voter behavior and the challenges of accurate political forecasting remain subjects of ongoing analysis and debate.
As the dust settles on this historic election, both the media and political analysts will likely engage in extensive reflection on the factors that led to Trump’s victory and the implications for future political coverage and analysis.
Bolanle Media is excited to announce our partnership with The Newbie Film Academy to offer comprehensive courses designed specifically for aspiring screenwriters. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your skills, our resources will provide you with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in the competitive world of screenwriting. Join us today to unlock your creative potential and take your first steps toward crafting compelling stories that resonate with audiences. Let’s turn your ideas into impactful scripts together!
-
News3 weeks ago
The Hemp Village’s Inaugural Brunch: A Celebration of Resilience and Community Spirit
-
Advice4 weeks ago
Advice to New Filmmakers
-
Advice3 weeks ago
How Community Engagement Ignites Cultural Phenomena
-
Advice4 weeks ago
The Power of Misdirection in Storytelling
-
Advice4 weeks ago
The Hidden Magic in Messing Up
-
Advice1 week ago
A Reality Check for Aspiring Filmmakers
-
Advice1 week ago
The 1% Club: Breaking Into the Elite Circle of Sold Screenplays
-
Advice2 weeks ago
Mastering Pacing for Compelling Storytelling