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GOP doubts rise on Ukraine-border deal despite last-ditch Zelensky trip on December 12, 2023 at 11:00 am

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Senate Republicans on the eve of Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky’s arrival in Washington are casting increasing doubt they will reach a deal unlocking aid to his country by the end of the year.

Help for Ukraine is linked to talks on a border deal, and senators on Monday said they were no closer to reaching an agreement on the issue, which would push work on the $111 billion package requested by President Biden into 2024. The package was to cover money for Ukraine, Israel, the border and other priorities.

On Monday, the lead GOP negotiator conceded that time was almost up on the talks.

Asked if the border talks are set to spill into the new year, Sen. James Lankford (Okla.) responded, “At this point, yeah.”

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“The clock’s been running out over the weekend,” he added.

The Senate is scheduled to leave town by the end of the week, and the House departs a day earlier, giving negotiators only days to strike a deal — something both sides see as a massive, if not impossible, hill to climb even after weekend talks. 

Democrats say they made slow progress over the weekend, with the White House becoming more involved. 

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), who is leading negotiations for Democrats, told reporters that discussions will continue throughout the week and that senators will “continue to try to get to a result.” 

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But Lankford complained that the talks over the weekend were largely between Democrats and the White House, saying that he was not “looped in” and that discussions among all parties needed to happen in the coming days.

“We’re at a bit of a standstill,” Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) said Monday. 

The standstill would be a significant loss for Zelensky, who is arriving to Washington in a last-ditch effort to win over support. 

Zelensky will address senators Tuesday morning and is set for separate sit-downs with Biden and Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), who has signaled support for another round of aid, though it is conditional on border talks.

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Senate Democrats were hopeful Zelensky could help convince Republicans that time is of the extreme essence. 

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) argued Zelensky’s visit, his third to Washington, will be his “most important visit of all.” 

Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Schumer’s deputy, told reporters that some lawmakers are suffering from “limited attention spans” after the U.S. urged Zelensky and Ukraine to fight head-on in the months immediately after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. 

“They are ready to turn the channel … away from Ukraine. I think that’s unfair and unrealistic,” Durbin said. 

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Republicans said they wanted to hear from Zelensky but dismissed the possibility that he could change their minds.

“Obviously, we want to be able to hear … what’s going on,” Lankford said, pointing to what Ukraine’s partners across the globe are doing to help in the war. “That’s important to hear. We want to hear progress in what’s occurring. Those things are incredibly important.”

“But if you’re talking about anything [Zelensky] could say to say, ‘Hey, pay attention to us but not your own country’ — no,” Lankford said. “We’ve got to be able to deal with all these things together.”

Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) was even more blunt, saying he was “offended” by the visit.

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“Zelensky is parachuting into this domestic political debate about prioritizing our own border. He’s not here to tell us anything we haven’t heard before, he’s here to badger and browbeat Speaker Johnson and Senate Republicans into forgoing our negotiations on border security in order to write him another blank check,” Vance said on Steve Bannon’s “War Room.”

Despite the pessimism from Republicans, Democrats maintained that a path still exists toward striking a deal eventually. Murphy said that he believes a bill could be crafted that could win north of 70 votes in the upper chamber — a stark reversal in rhetoric from last week, when he and Senate Democrats walked away from the negotiating table. 

The Connecticut Democrat, though, has a problem on his left flank. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Rep. Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.), the chairwoman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, issued the following joint statement calling on Biden to reject “Trump-era immigration policies” that are being discussed in the border negotiations. 

“We are deeply concerned that the President would consider advancing Trump-era immigration policies that Democrats fought so hard against — and that he himself campaigned against — in exchange for aid to our allies that Republicans already support,” the pair said in a statement, adding that “caving” to the demands would set a “dangerous precedent.” 

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Without a deal, the Senate is expected to adjourn at the end of the week after the chamber passes the annual defense policy bill — though Schumer has also indicated that he wants to advance the promotions of roughly a dozen 4-star generals still being held by Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.). 

However, top Democrats indicated they are willing to see where discussions go. Durbin told reporters that the situation at the border is “not sustainable,” pointing to the number of crossings last week that hit record highs — figures that Lankford repeatedly brought up to reporters during the course of negotiations. 

However, they are ready to pin the blame on the GOP if talks go south. 

“We are not there yet, but as a sign of good faith, Democrats are going to keep trying,” Schumer said. “If Republicans keep insisting on Donald Trump’s border policies, then they will be at fault when a deal for aid to Ukraine, Israel and humanitarian aid to Gaza fall apart.”

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​ Senate Republicans on the eve of Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky’s arrival in Washington are casting increasing doubt they will reach a deal unlocking aid to his country by the end of the year. Help for Ukraine is linked to talks on a border deal, and senators on Monday said they were no closer to reaching… 

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GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY SUMMIT RETURNS FOR ITS 5TH EDITION AT THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT – HOUSE OF LORDS, PALACE OF WESTMINSTER

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Theme: “People, Planet, and Profit in the Age of AI and Innovation”

London, United Kingdom — The Global Sustainability Summit (GSS) is officially back for its landmark 5th Edition, continuing its legacy as one of the leading international platforms driving sustainable development, climate action, ethical investment, innovation, and global collaboration.

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Convened annually at the prestigious British Parliament, House of Lords, Palace of Westminster, by Ambassador Canon Chinenem Otto, the Summit has, over the last four years, successfully fostered international dialogue and partnerships that have contributed to the advancement of global sustainability goals, the establishment of sustainability-focused ministries, departments and policy structures across national and subnational governments, and the attraction of major investors into sustainable development projects, corporations and emerging economies.

This year’s summit, themed “People, Planet, and Profit in the Age of AI and Innovation,” will explore how emerging technologies, responsible leadership, sustainable finance, innovation, and global partnerships can shape a more inclusive, resilient and environmentally conscious future.

The 5th Edition promises to be the most impactful yet, bringing together world leaders, policymakers, diplomats, investors, academics, innovators, climate experts and youth leaders from across the globe to discuss actionable solutions toward achieving a sustainable and equitable future.

Among the distinguished speakers, delegates and honorees already lined up for the Summit are:

• His Excellency Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq — Executive Governor of Kwara State, Nigeria and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum

• His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Otu — Executive Governor of Cross River State, Nigeria

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• Ambassador Patricia Espinosa Cantellano — Former Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Former Foreign Minister of Mexico

• Lord Marvin Rees, Baron Rees of Easton OBE — Member of the House of Lords, United Kingdom

• Hon. Neema K. Lugangira — Secretary-General of Women Political Leaders (WPL), Brussels and Former Member of Parliament

• Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah — President of the Republic of Namibia

• His Excellency Nangolo Mbumba — Former President of Namibia

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• Former President of Tanzania

• Her Excellency Ambassador Professor Olufolake AbdulRazaq — First Lady of Kwara State, Nigeria and Chairperson of Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum

• Your Excellency Dr. Dikko Umar Radda, PhD, CON — Executive Governor of Katsina State and Chairman of the Northwest Governors Forum, Nigeria

• Hon. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma — Governor of Khomas Region, Namibia

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• H.E. Mr. Veiccoh Nghiwete — High Commissioner of the Republic of Namibia to the United Kingdom

• Her Excellency Ms. Macenje “Che Che” Mazoka — High Commissioner of Zambia to the United Kingdom

• Ms. Danielle Newman — Partner Lead, ICT, World Economic Forum

• Leanne Elliott Young — Co-founder, Institute of Digital Fashion & CommuneEast

• Ms. Chloe Russell — Producer & Presenter, Art, Science and Nature

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• Professor Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger — University of Cambridge & University of Waterloo

• Dr. Alexandra R. Harrington — IUCN World Commission on Environmental Law (WCEL)

• Professor Payam Akhavan — Massey College, University of Toronto

• Mr. Mallai C. E. Sathya — President, Dravida Vetri Kazhagam and International Movement for Tamil Culture Asia

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The Summit will feature high-level panel discussions, strategic investment conversations, sustainability awards, policy dialogues, innovation showcases, youth engagement sessions and international networking opportunities focused on climate resilience, ethical financing, food-water-energy sustainability, circular economy, artificial intelligence, diplomacy and sustainable development.

Speaking ahead of the Summit, Convener Ambassador Canon Chinenem Otto noted:

“As the world rapidly evolves through artificial intelligence and technological innovation, we must ensure that sustainability remains people-centered, environmentally responsible and economically inclusive. The Global Sustainability Summit continues to serve as a bridge connecting governments, institutions, innovators and investors to accelerate practical sustainability solutions globally. Our fifth edition is not only a celebration of progress made over the years, but also a renewed call for global collaboration and actionable impact toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and Net Zero ambitions.”

The Global Sustainability Summit continues to position itself as a catalyst for transformative partnerships and sustainable global progress, reinforcing the urgent need for collective action toward a more resilient and sustainable future.

More announcements regarding additional speakers, partners and summit activities will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

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US May Completely Cut Income Tax Due to Tariff Revenue

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President Donald Trump says the United States might one day get rid of federal income tax because of money the government collects from tariffs on imported goods. Tariffs are extra taxes the U.S. puts on products that come from other countries.

What Trump Is Saying

Trump has said that tariff money could become so large that it might allow the government to cut income taxes “almost completely.” He has also talked about possibly phasing out income tax over the next few years if tariff money keeps going up.

How Taxes Work Now

Right now, the federal government gets much more money from income taxes than from tariffs. Income taxes bring in trillions of dollars each year, while tariffs bring in only a small part of that total. Because of this gap, experts say tariffs would need to grow by many times to replace income tax money.

Questions From Experts

Many economists and tax experts doubt that tariffs alone could pay for the whole federal budget. They warn that very high tariffs could make many imported goods more expensive for shoppers in the United States. This could hit lower- and middle‑income families hardest, because they spend a big share of their money on everyday items.

What Congress Must Do

The president can change some tariffs, but only Congress can change or end the federal income tax. That means any real plan to remove income tax would need new laws passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate. So far, there is no detailed law or full budget plan on this idea.

What It Means Right Now

For now, Trump’s comments are a proposal, not a change in the law. People and businesses still have to pay federal income tax under the current rules. The debate over using tariffs instead of income taxes is likely to continue among lawmakers, experts, and voters.

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Epstein Files to Be Declassified After Trump Order

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Former President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing federal agencies to declassify all government files related to Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier whose death in 2019 continues to fuel controversy and speculation.

The order, signed Wednesday at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, instructs the FBI, Department of Justice, and intelligence agencies to release documents detailing Epstein’s network, finances, and alleged connections to high-profile figures. Trump described the move as “a step toward transparency and public trust,” promising that no names would be shielded from scrutiny.

“This information belongs to the American people,” Trump said in a televised statement. “For too long, powerful interests have tried to bury the truth. That ends now.”

U.S. intelligence officials confirmed that preparations for the release are already underway. According to sources familiar with the process, the first batch of documents is expected to be made public within the next 30 days, with additional releases scheduled over several months.

Reactions poured in across the political spectrum. Supporters praised the decision as a bold act of accountability, while critics alleged it was politically motivated, timed to draw attention during a volatile election season. Civil rights advocates, meanwhile, emphasized caution, warning that some records could expose private victims or ongoing legal matters.

The Epstein case, which implicated figures in politics, business, and entertainment, remains one of the most talked-about scandals of the past decade. Epstein’s connections to influential individuals—including politicians, royals, and executives—have long sparked speculation about the extent of his operations and who may have been involved.

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Former federal prosecutor Lauren Fields said the release could mark a turning point in public discourse surrounding government transparency. “Regardless of political stance, this declassification has the potential to reshape how Americans view power and accountability,” Fields noted.

Officials say redactions may still occur to protect sensitive intelligence or personal information, but the intent is a near-complete disclosure. For years, critics of the government’s handling of Epstein’s case have accused agencies of concealing evidence or shielding elites from exposure. Trump’s order promises to change that narrative.

As anticipation builds, journalists, legal analysts, and online commentators are preparing for what could be one of the most consequential information releases in recent history.

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