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Shutdown averted, lawmakers fret about next looming deadline on January 21, 2024 at 11:00 am Business News | The Hill
The latest shutdown threat may have been averted but some lawmakers are already worried about the next government funding deadline.
While leaders on both sides of the aisle were able to come to agreement earlier this month on a topline for the 12 annual government funding bills for fiscal year 2024, spending cardinals say they have yet to learn how the dollars will be divided among the measures as spending talks continue.
Without those allocations, lawmakers say they can’t begin crafting the individual bills.
In comments to reporters this week, Sen. Susan Collins (Maine), top Republican on the Senate Appropriations Committee, said she’s “concerned about the lack of a resolution” on the matter of allocations for the individual bills.
“This has been dragging on for a long time and I really don’t know why,” Collins said.
Some senior appropriators say they were hopeful they would receive the allocations last week, others the week before that.
But as talks continue, so-called spending cardinals are pointing to areas like funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and other nondefense programs as potential sticking points for top negotiators.
Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.) — head of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriation subcommittee — expressed confidence earlier this week in top appropriators in either chamber striking a deal.
But he added he thinks “they’re struggling,” while noting a potential dispute “over Labor-H versus Homeland,” referring to the annual DHS and Labor-Health and Human Services (HHS) funding bills.
“Of course, none of us know whether or not the supplemental will pass and that has money for Homeland and that impacts it,” Cole said.
Senators have been negotiating a major border policy and foreign package for weeks. The plan is expected to have severe restrictions on asylum, drum up border security measures like wall construction, and include aid for Ukraine and Israel.
“If the supplemental passes, there’s a lot of money in there, and that may well impact what you would normally do for Homeland as well,” Cole said. “So, I think they’re all trying to be cautious and get there to help.”
Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), who heads the subcommittee that crafts DOL and HHS funding, said on Thursday that top negotiators seem to be “closing in” on a deal, but added that DHS funding “seems to be the real tension.”
Murray also said earlier in the week that she’s heard Democrats are fighting for numbers that resemble the levels of the bipartisan funding bills they marked up in the Senate “as close as possible,” noting “that there’s some resistance in the House to that.”
But she added that she doesn’t believe lawmakers “have the time to wait” until Congress tackles a supplemental bill when it comes to finalizing the subcommittee allocations, particularly if lawmakers hope to avoid passing another stopgap in the weeks ahead.
“Once you have the [allocations] it takes time to write the bills, and it’s not an easy process,” Baldwin said Wednesday, while acknowledging how far apart both chamber’s sets of funding bills are and the difficulties that await in conferencing the legislation into measures that can pass a divided Congress.
In brief comments to The Hill on Wednesday, Senate Appropriations Chair Patty Murray (D-Wash.), who is leading negotiations with House Appropriations Chair Kay Granger (R-Texas), also said that Democrats “are waiting for the House to make a significant move” when asked for an update on negotiations over the allocations.
Thanks to a stopgap measure passed Thursday, Congress was able to punt another shutdown deadline, kicking the next target dates into March to buy time for broader spending talks.
Under the bill, Congress agreed to extend funding at temporary levels for agencies that fall under four of the 12 annual appropriations bills through March 1. That includes dollars for the departments of Agriculture, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, Energy, as well as the Food and Drug Administration and other agencies.
The bill extends the deadline for the remaining eight bills through Mar. 8, when agencies like the departments of Defense (DOD), DOL, Education, State, Homeland Security and others face funding lapses.
Appropriators on both sides of the aisle are confident the extra time will be enough for them to finish crafting the 12 annual funding bills but acknowledge it’s a time crunch that will only get tighter the longer it takes for them to ramp up talks on their own bills.
“We don’t have a hell of a lot of time,” Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.), who heads the subcommittee that oversees funding for the State Department and other agencies, said this week, noting the amount of time it can take to pass the funding bills even after negotiations are finalized.
“Just the technical aspects of it, [the Congressional Budget Office] usually takes about five days to review these bills, and then we’ve got the 72-hour thing here in the House,” he said. “And then you’ve got, for example, the readouts, so the staff has to get together and literally … read every comma, every sentence of the bill and the report.”
“We have enough time today,” he said Wednesday, but he added the cardinals need to receive their subcommittee allocations quickly to finish the work.
Senior appropriators from both chambers will also be heading into negotiations with drastically different funding bills, as the House wrote their spending bills to levels significantly lower than the budget caps agreement struck between President Biden and then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy last year.
The House bills also include a list of riders in areas like abortion and diversity that Democrats have denounced as “poison pills,” while House conservatives have come out strongly against the bills crafted in the Senate that they say are too high.
Also on the minds of lawmakers is an impending April deadline for automatic cuts to defense and nondefense programs if Congress doesn’t finish its funding work on time – a penalty Republicans and Democrats alike are hoping to avoid.
“I’m worried about that,” Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.), spending cardinal for Defense funding in the upper chamber, said on the matter on Thursday. “I mean, the truth is, there needs to be some urgency.”
Rafael Bernal contributed.
Senate, Business, House, News The latest shutdown threat may have been averted but some lawmakers are already worried about the next government funding deadline. While leaders on both sides of the aisle were able to come to agreement earlier this month on a topline for the 12 annual government funding bills for fiscal year 2024, spending cardinals say they have yet to learn…
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.
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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.
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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!
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