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5 things to watch as shutdown deadline looms on January 13, 2024 at 11:00 am Business News | The Hill

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Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are growing concerned about the chances of a partial government shutdown as tensions rise over spending.  

With less than a week until some agencies could face a lapse in funding, there is plenty of uncertainty around what kind of legislation could muster enough support to pass both chambers.

Here’s what to watch as Congress inches closer to the shutdown threat.

Will Johnson continue to hold the line? 

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) announced a bipartisan spending deal last weekend, setting top-line number for negotiators to work from when crafting Congress’s 12 annual government funding bills for fiscal 2024.  

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But the deal outraged conservatives, who staged a floor revolt Wednesday and demanded lower funding levels.

Hard-line conservatives met with Johnson in his office Thursday to try to sell him on an alternative spending plan, a meeting that caused consternation across the Capitol and left many lawmakers, including Republicans, worried that the chances of a shutdown could be growing.

Johnson told reporters Friday that the “top-line agreement remains.” 

“We are getting our next steps together, and we are working toward a robust appropriations process. So, stay tuned for all that,” he said.  

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Johnson also met with moderate Republicans, and Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) left that meeting saying that based on his “informed intuition,” the Speaker is not considering reneging on the deal.

But conservatives are holding out hope. Rep. Bob Good (R-Va.), the chair of the House Freedom Caucus, said Friday he was “quite certain [Johnson] is legitimately considering alternatives.”

What a stopgap could look like? 

Leaders are making clear that a stopgap known as a continuing resolution (CR) will be needed next week to prevent a partial government shutdown.

Rep. Rosa DeLauro (Conn.), the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, said Friday that “it’s about a month that we need to put these bills together” once negotiators receive allocations for each of the 12 full-year bills. 

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“I can’t sit down and decide what is going in Labor-HHS or not going without knowing what we’re marking to,” DeLauro said. 

But it’s not yet clear what that stopgap would look like, how long it would last, and whether it would mirror the two-tiered deadlines in the previous CR.

Sen. John Thune (S.D.), the upper chamber’s No. 2 Republican, suggested a CR heading into the “March time frame” as a potential option to buy appropriators enough time to conference the funding bills, while also noting ramped talks around a foreign aid package. 

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) announced plans to bring up a stopgap next week to prevent a shutdown. 

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“Unfortunately, it has become crystal clear that it will take more than a week to finish the appropriations process. So, today I am taking the first procedural step for the Senate to pass a temporary extension of government funding, so the government does not shut down,” he said. 

Funding allocations 

Negotiators have yet to receive the funding allocations for each of the 12 spending bills, though some hope they will in the next few days as they look to quickly conference spending measures.

Appropriators initially said they expected to receive their allocations this week, though some are already speculating more time is needed for top negotiators to hash out numbers for the funding bills.

“I mean the difficulty is that, with less money, everybody’s trying to figure out how to make this work,” Sen. Jerry Moran (Kan.), the top Republican on the subcommittee that crafts funding for departments of Commerce and Justice, said this week.  

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While some negotiators have said they’ve had informal spending talks with their counterparts in the opposite chamber, they’ve also cited the lack of allocations as a key holdup keeping them from putting together their spending bills.

Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), another appropriator, said Wednesday that appropriators “can’t do anything” until they receive another batch of numbers setting the levels for each of the 12 bills. 

In comments to reporters Friday, Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.), a spending cardinal, also cited the Department of Homeland Security as a potential factor behind the delay as senators negotiate a separate border and foreign aid package.

“If there’s going to be additional money there, that would affect potentially what you would want to put in a regular appropriations bill,” Cole said, adding, “They’re not directly related, but it’s a legitimate issue to raise, and I think Democrats in particular are very concerned about that.” 

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What will conservatives do?

Conservatives have been fuming since Johnson announced the top-line deal, adding to some speculation that his job could be at risk.  

With just a two-vote margin in the lower chamber, all eyes are on the Freedom Caucus and its allies to see if they will throw up additional hurdles.

While many Republicans have sought to shut down chatter around ousting Johnson, the right flank has been upping the pressure.

Johnson said Wednesday he was “not concerned” about being ousted after Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), a prominent member of the House Freedom Caucus, didn’t rule out backing a motion to remove the Speaker over the top-line deal. 

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“Chip Roy is one of my closest friends. We agree on almost everything in principle,” the leader said. “Look, leadership is tough. You take a lot of criticism. But remember: I am a hard-line conservative. That’s what they used to call me.” 

The effort by the right flank also has not gone without pushback from others in the party who have voiced frustration with the so-called “temper tantrums” of their colleagues.  

What agencies are at risk? 

Under the last stopgap measure passed by Congress, funding is expected to lapse for several agencies after Jan. 19, including the departments of Transportation; Housing and Urban Development; Energy; and Agriculture. 

The deadline for the remaining government agencies with funding subject to the annual appropriations process is Feb. 2. 

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​House, Business, News, Senate Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are growing concerned about the chances of a partial government shutdown as tensions rise over spending. With less than a week until some agencies could face a lapse in funding, there is plenty of uncertainty around what kind of legislation could muster enough support to pass both…  

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The Cities Bracing for Trump’s Immigration Crackdown

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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.

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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.

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How Trump’s Deportation Plans Could Reshape Major Cities

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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.

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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!

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Donald Trump Wins 2024 USA Election

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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.

While the final popular vote tally is still being calculated, exit polls provide insight into voter priorities:

Congressional Control

The election results extend beyond the presidency:

Media Implications

The outcome of this election could be seen as a challenge to mainstream media narratives for several reasons:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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!

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