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White House asks Congress for $40B in additional funding on August 10, 2023 at 7:08 pm Business News | The Hill

Published

1 year ago

August 10, 2023

The White House on Thursday outlined a supplemental funding request for Congress for the start of the coming fiscal year, asking for billions more dollars for assistance to Ukraine amid its war with Russia as well as money for domestic priorities like disaster relief and border management.

The Biden administration is asking Congress for roughly $40 billion total for the first quarter of fiscal 2024, providing short-term funds for key priorities as lawmakers are set to negotiate over larger spending bills.

“With the end of the fiscal year quickly approaching, today, the Administration is transmitting a supplemental funding request to the Congress to address three sets of critical needs for emergency funding as part of a potential short-term continuing resolution for the first quarter of FY 2024,” Office of Management and Budget Director Shalanda Young wrote in a letter to Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.)

Here’s a look at what’s in the administration’s supplemental funding request:

Ukraine funding

The Biden administration is asking Congress for a total of $24 billion in military, financial and humanitarian assistance for Ukraine. The request includes about $13 billion in defense funds to assist Ukraine: $9.5 billion for equipment and replenishment of Pentagon stocks, and $3.6 billion for continued military, intelligence and other defense support.

The request also includes $8.5 billion in funding for the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development to provide economic, humanitarian and security assistance, as well as $2.3 billion through the Treasury Department so Ukraine does not have to rely on financing through China or other “coercive” sources.

“The Administration is requesting supplemental security, economic, and humanitarian assistance funding that would support Ukraine as well as countries and vulnerable populations worldwide impacted by Russia’s unprovoked and brutal invasion of Ukraine,” Young wrote in her letter to McCarthy.

President Biden has been adamant that the U.S. will stand with Ukraine “for as long as it takes” as the Russian invasion extends into another month. And while there is broad bipartisan support for Ukraine aid, some Republicans have voiced concerns about providing additional funds to the Ukrainians for a war with no end in sight.

The question for the White House is whether enough Republicans, particularly in the House, can be won over to back the supplemental funding request to provide another burst of funding for Kyiv.

A senior administration official told reporters that there is enough funding already approved for Ukraine aid to last through the end of the current fiscal year. The official added that the White House “won’t be bashful” about going back to Congress to ask for more funding in the future.

Disaster relief

The White House is requesting $12 billion in supplemental funds to ensure the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has enough money to respond to natural disasters, as well as to handle future disasters.

FEMA is projected to have a “significant deficit” in its disaster relief fund, officials said. The $12 billion would help address ongoing disaster response recovery efforts at a time when wildfires have destroyed parts of Hawaii and hurricane season is on the horizon.

A senior administration official said the funding request reflects both current needs and “our best projections” of what is expected to be required.

In addition, the administration is asking for $45 million through the Department of Agriculture and $15 million through the Department of Interior to implement wildland firefighter pay increases for the first quarter of fiscal 2024.

Border and migration

The administration is requesting roughly $4 billion total in supplemental funding for border and migration efforts, an ask that may help to win over some GOP supporters who would otherwise be skeptical of approving more spending.

The White House is specifically asking for $2.65 billion in funding through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Of that, $2.2 billion would be allocated for border management operations and shelter and services for migrants released from DHS custody.

An additional $416 million through DHS would be for nonintrusive inspection system deployment and other measures meant to counter fentanyl trafficking.

The administration is also asking for $59 million for the Executive Office for Immigration Review immigration judge teams and for fentanyl testing, tracing, networking targeting and data systems.

White House officials have argued they inherited a broken immigration system and have been working to streamline it to make it more humane while also getting the flow of migrants under control.

Young, in her letter to McCarthy, wrote that the administration’s plan is “working as intended,” but the additional funds are needed.

“We are operating within a fundamentally broken immigration system–everyone agrees on that point–but only the Congress has the power to update our immigration and asylum laws, and we continue to stand ready to work with the Congress on solutions,” Young wrote.

Administration, Business, News, appropriations, appropriations bills, border security, Ukraine aid The White House on Thursday outlined a supplemental funding request for Congress for the start of the coming fiscal year, asking for billions more dollars for assistance to Ukraine amid its war with Russia as well as money for domestic priorities like disaster relief and border management. The Biden administration is asking Congress for roughly…

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.