Business

House GOP pulls second funding bill in a week on November 9, 2023 at 4:10 pm Business News | The Hill

Published

1 year ago

November 9, 2023

House Republicans on Thursday pulled their annual financial services and general government funding bill amid divisions on abortion-related provisions and FBI funding.

It was the second time in a week GOP leaders opted to punt a vote on a funding bill over divisions within the party.

GOP leadership hoped to pass the conference’s partisan plan laying out fiscal 2024 funding for the White House, the Treasury Department and other offices this week. But a planned vote was pulled at the last minute on Thursday as the conference struggled to unify behind the measure.

Some moderate Republicans came out in opposition against language seeking to prohibit Washington, D.C., from carrying out a law that aims to protect people from employer discrimination based on their reproductive health decisions.

“I think that we need to be much more respectful of the difficult decision that women have to make,” Rep. Marc Molinaro (R-N.Y.) said of the thorny policy rider on Wednesday. “I think we need to respect the city’s determination, and I think it’s a provision that is unnecessary in the bill.”

He told reporters shortly ahead of the planned vote on Thursday that he was prepared to vote against the measure and suggested “there’s probably about five to eight of us that have expressed a concern regarding the one provision being placed in the bill.”

In the House Republicans’ narrow majority, just a handful of members can sink any partisan bill.

The bill has also faced opposition from the right flank amid scrutiny around the FBI as some conservatives have accused the agency of political weaponization.

An amendment pushed by Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) earlier this week sought to bar funding from being used “for the acquisition of property” for a new FBI headquarters.

“I don’t believe that the FBI deserves a massive new headquarters or Washington field office,” he said, while accusing the agency of working to “censor factual information harmful to their preferred political candidates.”

Rep. Steve Womack (R-Ark.), who heads the subcommittee that crafted the bill, pushed back on Gaetz’s criticism at the time, saying “it is bad policy for the Congress to be taking steps to deny a federal agency that is in serious need, in my opinion, of an improvement to their headquarters.”

“Notice I said improvement,” Womack said on the floor. “I didn’t say some massive big expansion, necessarily. But what I do know is that when I toured the FBI headquarters, I saw it in a state of disrepair that is going to need the attention of the owners of that property. And that’s us.”

But other conservatives are still critical of FBI funding. Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) signaled he was a part of that camp in remarks to reporters on Thursday, while saying he also planned to vote against the bill.

“FBI was a big deal. I raised that on the floor with Womack. It’s in disrepair. Well, the FBI is in disrepair as well,” he said, adding the bill didn’t go far enough to cut spending.

“I mean, we’re just nibbling around the edges,” he said, telling The Hill the public is “tired of just going around in circles, and [if] we’re not going to cut, let’s just tell the American people we’re going bankrupt.”

The bill is among the 12 annual government funding bills House Republicans sought to pass this month as they look to strengthen their hand in spending talks with Senate Democrats later this year.

Like a chunk of the proposals, the bill considered on Thursday seeks to cut spending partly by rolling back funding for Democratic priorities approved in the previous Congress, with previous legislative summary detailing a pitch for clawing back billions of dollars in IRS funding.

Republicans have defended the cuts, pointing to the rising national debt and inflation, and hardline conservatives are pressing for further reductions to spending.

But Democrats have panned the proposed cuts to nondefense programs for going beyond a budget caps deal brokered between President Biden and House GOP leadership earlier this year, along with policy riders they call “poison pills.”

The partisan plan comes as House Republicans are looking to stake out what they’ve described as the most conservative starting point before negotiations ramp up with the Democratic-led Senate. But the approach has also made it difficult for House Republicans to pass the legislation with a narrow majority.

“We don’t have the Democrats voting for it because the bills are so conservative,” Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart (R-Fla.), another spending cardinal, said on Thursday. But he also discussed the insufficient GOP support behind the plan.

“They have the right to do that,” he said. “But it’s unfortunate because then we just lose leverage.”

Earlier this week, House Republicans also punted plans to vote on a housing and transportation government funding bill over concerns from some in the party about a proposed drop in dollars for Amtrak.

–Mychael Schnell contributed to this report, which was updated at 12:07 p.m.

House, Appropriations, Business, News House Republicans on Thursday pulled their annual financial services and general government funding bill amid divisions on abortion-related provisions and FBI funding. It was the second time in a week GOP leaders opted to punt a vote on a funding bill over divisions within the party. GOP leadership hoped to pass the conference’s partisan plan laying…

Business

When TikTok and CapCut Vanished from America

Published

3 weeks ago

January 19, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

In a shocking turn of events, TikTok and CapCut, two of America’s most popular social media and video editing apps, vanished from U.S. app stores and became inaccessible to users on Saturday evening, January 18, 2025. This unprecedented digital blackout affected approximately 170 million American users, leaving them stunned and searching for alternatives.

The Sudden Shutdown

As the clock struck 10:50 PM Eastern Time on Saturday, both TikTok and CapCut disappeared from Apple and Google app stores. Users attempting to access the apps were greeted with a stark message: “Sorry, TikTok isn’t available now. A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now”.

The ban wasn’t limited to just TikTok and CapCut. Other ByteDance-owned apps, including Lemon8, Hypic, and Gauth, also became unavailable to U.S. users. This sweeping action effectively cut off access to a suite of popular digital tools that millions had come to rely on for entertainment, content creation, and even business purposes.

The Legal Battle

The shutdown came after a tumultuous legal battle that culminated in a Supreme Court decision upholding a federal law requiring ByteDance, the Chinese parent company of TikTok and CapCut, to either sell its U.S. operations or face a ban. The legislation, passed in April 2024, cited national security concerns related to data privacy and potential foreign influence.

Impact on Users and Creators

The sudden disappearance of TikTok and CapCut has left content creators and everyday users in a state of digital limbo. Many relied on these platforms not just for entertainment, but as essential tools for their livelihoods and creative expression. The ban has disrupted a thriving ecosystem of digital content creation, leaving millions to scramble for alternative platforms and editing tools.

Political Implications and Future Uncertainties

As the dust settles, all eyes are on the incoming administration. President-elect Donald Trump, set to take office on January 20, has hinted at a potential 90-day extension for ByteDance to sell TikTok. This development has injected a new layer of uncertainty into an already complex situation.

What’s Next?

While the apps remain inaccessible, ByteDance and TikTok officials continue to work towards a resolution. TikTok’s message to users ends on a hopeful note, stating, “We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned”.

As America grapples with this digital void, questions about data privacy, national security, and the future of social media regulation loom large. The TikTok and CapCut ban marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate over the influence of foreign-owned technology companies in the United States, with far-reaching implications for users, creators, and the tech industry as a whole.

Bolanle Media covers a wide range of topics, including film, technology, and culture. Our team creates easy-to-understand articles and news pieces that keep readers informed about the latest trends and events. If you’re looking for press coverage or want to share your story with a wider audience, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your news to life.

Business

TikTok Ban Drives 216% Rise in U.S. Users Learning Chinese on Duolingo

Published

3 weeks ago

January 16, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

Duolingo has reported a remarkable 216% increase in U.S. users learning Mandarin Chinese, coinciding with the impending ban on TikTok, set to take effect on January 19, 2025. This surge is attributed to many TikTok users migrating to a new Chinese social media platform called RedNote (also known as Xiaohongshu), which defaults to Mandarin as its primary language. As TikTok users seek alternatives amidst concerns over data privacy and app availability, they are turning to RedNote, prompting a cultural exchange that has driven interest in learning Chinese.

The spike in Mandarin learners began around mid-January, aligning with the growing popularity of RedNote among former TikTok users. Duolingo’s marketing team has actively engaged with this trend on social media, humorously acknowledging the phenomenon with posts like “Learning Mandarin out of spite? You’re not alone”.

Additionally, Duolingo has seen a 36% increase in downloads in the U.S., reflecting heightened consumer demand for language learning resources as users adapt to the new social media landscape.

The transition from TikTok to RedNote has not been without challenges, as some users have encountered technical issues during registration and account suspensions.

Nevertheless, this shift underscores a significant demand for social networking experiences that resonate with American users while navigating the complexities of Chinese platforms.

Business

TikTok’s Final Countdown: The Sunday Shutdown

Published

3 weeks ago

January 16, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

As the clock ticks down to January 19, 2025, TikTok users in the United States are bracing for a significant disruption. The app, which boasts approximately 170 million users in the country, faces a potential ban that could render it non-functional by this Sunday. Here’s what you need to know about the impending ban and its implications.

Key Details of the Ban

The anticipated ban comes amid ongoing national security concerns regarding TikTok’s Chinese ownership. Government officials have raised alarms about the possibility of sensitive user data being accessed by Chinese authorities. As a result, the app is expected to be removed from digital app stores, effectively cutting off new downloads and updates.

What Will Happen?

Removal from App Stores: On January 19, TikTok will likely be taken down from platforms like the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Existing Users Affected: Current users may find that their app becomes non-functional, losing access to new content creation and updates.
Data Preservation Challenges: Users may face difficulties in preserving their data and content as the deadline approaches.

Recommendations for Users

In light of the impending ban, TikTok users should take proactive steps to safeguard their content and data:

Download Personal Data: Users can access their TikTok settings to download their data before it’s too late.
Export Saved Videos: Save any cherished videos or content that you wish to keep.
Backup Content: Consider backing up your videos on alternative platforms.
Explore Alternatives: As TikTok faces its potential shutdown, consider migrating to other platforms such as:

Instagram Reels
YouTube Shorts
Lemon8
Triller

Potential Scenarios

While the ban is set for this Sunday, there are several scenarios that could unfold in the coming days:

Last-Minute Legal Intervention: There remains a possibility of a legal challenge that could delay or halt the ban.
Temporary Injunction: Courts may issue a temporary injunction allowing TikTok to operate while legal proceedings continue.
Complete Shutdown: If no intervention occurs, users will face a complete shutdown of the platform in the U.S. market.

Emotional Impact on Users

The potential ban is not just a technical disruption; it carries significant emotional weight for many users. Content creators who have built their brands on TikTok may experience economic repercussions as they lose a primary platform for engagement. Additionally, the shift could lead to broader changes in the social media landscape as users seek new avenues for expression and connection.

Conclusion

As we approach this critical deadline, TikTok users should remain vigilant and prepared for possible changes. Whether through legal maneuvers or a complete shutdown, the future of TikTok in the United States hangs in the balance. Stay tuned for real-time updates as we navigate this evolving situation together.