The Supreme Court appears likely to rule against a New York law that imposes strict limits on who can carry guns in public, which could radically reshape the nation’s relationship with guns.

This is undoubtedly a big deal — the court’s first major Second Amendment case in more than decade — but you might be wondering what it has to do with California.

Well, California is one of a few states with concealed carry restrictions similar to New York’s. So the fate of our state’s law, which greatly limits the number of people here with weapons in public, hinges on the Supreme Court decision.

“If the New York law fails, then basically, automatically California’s law is also invalid,” Gabriel Chin, a law professor at the University of California, Davis, told me.

Such a change would probably lead to a major jump in the number of Californians able to carry guns in public, particularly in places where concealed carry permits are currently rare, such as the Bay Area, Los Angeles and San Diego.

How we got here

Since the early 1980s, states have been relaxing gun laws and making it easier for people to carry loaded weapons in public.

Most Americans now live in a state that either doesn’t require a permit to carry a concealed weapon or that grants one to anyone who meets basic criteria, such as passing a background check and being older than 21.

Between 1999 and 2016, the number of Americans with concealed carry permits skyrocketed to more than 14.5 million from 2.7 million.

But about seven states — home to a quarter of the U.S. population — have retained laws that make it tougher to obtain the permits.

In California and New York, for example, people who want to carry a weapon in public must show a specific reason they need a gun more than the average person, such as an ongoing threat to their safety. This “good cause” criteria gives officials discretion to deny concealed carry permits if they don’t think the applicant deserves one.

And that is what’s at issue in the Supreme Court case — whether New York’s limitations on who can obtain concealed carry permits violates the Second Amendment. The plaintiffs in the case received licenses to carry weapons for hunting but were denied permission to keep guns on them at all times because they couldn’t prove they had a special need for them.

Similar gun lawsuits have been taken up by lower courts in recent years, but the Supreme Court has declined to weigh in until now, following recent appointments of conservative justices.

“The question has to be, ‘Why did they do so now?’” Chin said. “And I think the answer is that now they’re confident about how it’s going to come out.”

How this could play out in California

Currently, about 120,000 Californians have concealed carry permits. But they’re heavily concentrated in San Bernardino, Shasta, Fresno, Orange, Sacramento and Kern counties.

That’s because law enforcement officials in each county determine who can receive a permit. In Fresno County, where more people are authorized to carry a weapon than anywhere else in the state, the sheriff sometimes carries the paper applications around and hands them out to encourage people to apply, according to The Fresno Bee.

By contrast, in San Francisco, there are only two active concealed carry permits in the whole city. And while Los Angeles County accounts for more than 25% of the state’s population, it’s home to less than half a percent of California’s concealed carry permits.

If the New York law (and therefore the California law) is found unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, the California Legislature is likely to try to find other ways to regulate guns, experts say. Intense political will here has led California to enact more gun control laws than any other state.

But still, without a “good cause” provision, California counties would in most cases be unable to deny concealed carry permits to people who want them.

“The fact that there are just a handful of permits in San Francisco County and Los Angeles County isn’t because of a lack of desire for concealed carry permits — it’s because of the restrictive policy,” Chin said. “I think there’s a high probability that in the near future we’re going to have a lot more permits.”

The Supreme Court appears likely to rule against a New York law that imposes strict limits on who can carry guns in public, which could radically reshape the nation’s relationship with guns.

The Supreme Court appears likely to rule against a New York law that imposes strict limits on who can carry guns in public, which could radically reshape the nation’s relationship with guns. This is undoubtedly a big deal — the court’s first major Second Amendment case in more than decade — but you might be wondering what it has to do with California. Well, California is one of a few states with concealed carry restrictions similar to New York’s. So the fate of our state’s law, which greatly limits the number of people here with weapons in public, hinges on the Supreme Court decision. “If the New York law fails, then basically, automatically California’s law is also invalid,” Gabriel Chin, a law professor at the University of California, Davis, told me. Such a change would probably lead to a major jump in the number of Californians able to carry guns in public, particularly in places where concealed carry permits are currently rare, such as the Bay Area, Los Angeles and San Diego. How we got here Since the early 1980s, states have been relaxing gun laws and making it easier for people to carry loaded weapons in public. Most Americans now live in a state that either doesn’t require a permit to carry a concealed weapon or that grants one to anyone who meets basic criteria, such as passing a background check and being older than 21. Between 1999 and 2016, the number of Americans with concealed carry permits skyrocketed to more than 14.5 million from 2.7 million. But about seven states — home to a quarter of the U.S. population — have retained laws that make it tougher to obtain the permits. In California and New York, for example, people who want to carry a weapon in public must show a specific reason they need a gun more than the average person, such as an ongoing threat to their safety. This “good cause” criteria gives officials discretion to deny concealed carry permits if they don’t think the applicant deserves one. And that is what’s at issue in the Supreme Court case — whether New York’s limitations on who can obtain concealed carry permits violates the Second Amendment. The plaintiffs in the case received licenses to carry weapons for hunting but were denied permission to keep guns on them at all times because they couldn’t prove they had a special need for them. Similar gun lawsuits have been taken up by lower courts in recent years, but the Supreme Court has declined to weigh in until now, following recent appointments of conservative justices. “The question has to be, ‘Why did they do so now?’” Chin said. “And I think the answer is that now they’re confident about how it’s going to come out.” How this could play out in California Currently, about 120,000 Californians have concealed carry permits. But they’re heavily concentrated in San Bernardino, Shasta, Fresno, Orange, Sacramento and Kern counties. That’s because law enforcement officials in each county determine who can receive a permit. In Fresno County, where more people are authorized to carry a weapon than anywhere else in the state, the sheriff sometimes carries the paper applications around and hands them out to encourage people to apply, according to The Fresno Bee. By contrast, in San Francisco, there are only two active concealed carry permits in the whole city. And while Los Angeles County accounts for more than 25% of the state’s population, it’s home to less than half a percent of California’s concealed carry permits. If the New York law (and therefore the California law) is found unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, the California Legislature is likely to try to find other ways to regulate guns, experts say. Intense political will here has led California to enact more gun control laws than any other state. But still, without a “good cause” provision, California counties would in most cases be unable to deny concealed carry permits to people who want them. “The fact that there are just a handful of permits in San Francisco County and Los Angeles County isn’t because of a lack of desire for concealed carry permits — it’s because of the restrictive policy,” Chin said. “I think there’s a high probability that in the near future we’re going to have a lot more permits.”

How the SC’s gun case could affect California

New South Wales Police in Australia on Wednesday arrested a fugitive dubbed 'Australia's most wanted man' on Wednesday. Mostafa Baluch, the fugitive, was on the run after cutting off an ankle bracelet that was tracking his location. Baluch was out on bail.

The police had to launch a 17-day nationwide manhunt to recapture Baluch. On Wednesday, he was caught when trying to cross from New South Wales to Queensland.

When he went on the run, Baluch was wanted for attempting to smuggle 900 kg cocaine from Ecuador.

On Wednesday he was caught while inside a car placed inside a shipping container, which in turn was being hauled in a lorry. The police halted the lorry after a tipoff.

When police knocked on the container, they heard someone knocking back from the inside. The container was opened and Mostafa Baluch was arrested.

"Today will be considered one of the great days of NSW Police," state Police Minister David Elliott was quoted as saying by BBC. Elliott questioned the decision to give Baluch a bail as "extraordinary" amount of resources were used to capture Baluch again.

New South Wales Police in Australia on Wednesday arrested a fugitive dubbed 'Australia's most wanted man' on Wednesday. Mostafa Baluch, the fugitive, was on the run after cutting off an ankle bracelet that was tracking his location.

New South Wales Police in Australia on Wednesday arrested a fugitive dubbed 'Australia's most wanted man' on Wednesday. Mostafa Baluch, the fugitive, was on the run after cutting off an ankle bracelet that was tracking his location. Baluch was out on bail. The police had to launch a 17-day nationwide manhunt to recapture Baluch. On Wednesday, he was caught when trying to cross from New South Wales to Queensland. When he went on the run, Baluch was wanted for attempting to smuggle 900 kg cocaine from Ecuador. On Wednesday he was caught while inside a car placed inside a shipping container, which in turn was being hauled in a lorry. The police halted the lorry after a tipoff. When police knocked on the container, they heard someone knocking back from the inside. The container was opened and Mostafa Baluch was arrested. "Today will be considered one of the great days of NSW Police," state Police Minister David Elliott was quoted as saying by BBC. Elliott questioned the decision to give Baluch a bail as "extraordinary" amount of resources were used to capture Baluch again.

'Australia's most wanted man' found in lorry after 17-day manhunt

China President Xi Jinping on Wednesday called for co-operation between US and China. His words have come ahead of long-awaited talks with Joe Biden. Relations between the two powers have been strained lately. Both the leaders have not met in person since Biden was elected as US president.

As per diplomats, the two presidents are expected to hold a virtual summit soon. CNN quoted sources as saying the talks could take place next week.

In a letter read by China's ambassador Qin Gang, Xi Jinping set a conciliatory tone.

"Right now, China-US relations are at a critical historical juncture. Both countries will gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation," Xi said, according to an embassy statement.

"Cooperation is the only right choice," he said.

"China stands ready to work with the United States to enhance exchanges and cooperation across the board, jointly address regional and international issues as well as global challenges and, in the meantime, properly manage differences."

Relations between the United States and China have deteriorated sharply in recent years, with the US worried about Xi's assertive push both at home and abroad.

Tensions have risen in particular over Taiwan, a self-ruling democracy claimed by China and backed by the United States, with Beijing last month making a record number of incursions near the island.

Other areas of tension include human rights, with the United States asserting that Beijing is carrying out genocide against the Uyghur minority, and trade policies that the United States says are unfair.

Biden has largely kept the tougher approach on China of his predecessor Donald Trump, with both administrations considering a rising China to be the top challenge of the 21st century.

But Biden, who as vice president met extensively with Xi, has also indicated he will take a more diplomatic tone and prioritize working with allies on concerns about China.

Biden initially hoped to meet Xi on the sidelines of the recent Group of 20 summit in Rome but the Chinese leader has not gone abroad since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

(With inputs from agencies)

China President Xi Jinping on Wednesday called for co-operation between US and China. His words have come ahead of long-awaited talks with Joe Biden. Relations between the two powers have been strained lately.

China President Xi Jinping on Wednesday called for co-operation between US and China. His words have come ahead of long-awaited talks with Joe Biden. Relations between the two powers have been strained lately. Both the leaders have not met in person since Biden was elected as US president. As per diplomats, the two presidents are expected to hold a virtual summit soon. CNN quoted sources as saying the talks could take place next week. In a letter read by China's ambassador Qin Gang, Xi Jinping set a conciliatory tone. "Right now, China-US relations are at a critical historical juncture. Both countries will gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation," Xi said, according to an embassy statement. "Cooperation is the only right choice," he said. "China stands ready to work with the United States to enhance exchanges and cooperation across the board, jointly address regional and international issues as well as global challenges and, in the meantime, properly manage differences." Relations between the United States and China have deteriorated sharply in recent years, with the US worried about Xi's assertive push both at home and abroad. Tensions have risen in particular over Taiwan, a self-ruling democracy claimed by China and backed by the United States, with Beijing last month making a record number of incursions near the island. Other areas of tension include human rights, with the United States asserting that Beijing is carrying out genocide against the Uyghur minority, and trade policies that the United States says are unfair. Biden has largely kept the tougher approach on China of his predecessor Donald Trump, with both administrations considering a rising China to be the top challenge of the 21st century. But Biden, who as vice president met extensively with Xi, has also indicated he will take a more diplomatic tone and prioritize working with allies on concerns about China. Biden initially hoped to meet Xi on the sidelines of the recent Group of 20 summit in Rome but the Chinese leader has not gone abroad since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. (With inputs from agencies)

Xi Jinping sets conciliatory tone ahead of Biden talks

Prosecutors in Russia on Wednesday dismissed a case against a jail-torture whistleblower. The former prison inmate had leaked videos of torture inside Russian jail. He is now seeking asylum in France.

Last month, the Gulagu.net NGO published footage of abuse at a prison in the central city of Saratov. The videos were leaked by Sergei Savelyev -- a Belarus national who had served time there for drug trafficking.&nbsp;

Savelyev has since fled Russia and asked for asylum in France. He was charged with "illegal access to computer information". A court ordered him arrested in absentia.

According to a document published on Wednesday by Gulagu.net, the prosecutor for the Saratov region ordered that the charges be dropped due to their "illegality and groundlessness".

Savelyev was also removed from the interior ministry's wanted list, the Interfax news agency reported.

Earlier on Wednesday, the head of the prison service in the Saratov region, Anton Yefarkin, said 18 officials had been fired and 11 had faced "the strictest" disciplinary measures.

Five criminal cases have been opened in connection with the videos, he said.

"We are doing everything to work things out and draw the appropriate conclusions," Yefarkin told regional state television.

"I am sure that in the future this will not repeat itself," he said.&nbsp;

During his prison term, Savelyev worked as an IT maintenance officer, earning access to the prison's internal server and those of other jails, where he found surveillance footage showing abuse.

He saved them on a USB stick that he hid near the prison exit.

After NGO Gulagu.net published the videos of the abuse, the head of the jail, where prisoners needing medical attention for tuberculosis are held, was sacked, along with three regional prison officials.

Russia's vast prison system has long a place of torture and sexual violence inflicted on inmates, monitors say, but the videos have cast new light on abuses.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prosecutors in Russia on Wednesday dismissed a case against a jail-torture whistleblower. The former prison inmate had leaked videos of torture inside Russian jail.

Prosecutors in Russia on Wednesday dismissed a case against a jail-torture whistleblower. The former prison inmate had leaked videos of torture inside Russian jail. He is now seeking asylum in France. Last month, the Gulagu.net NGO published footage of abuse at a prison in the central city of Saratov. The videos were leaked by Sergei Savelyev -- a Belarus national who had served time there for drug trafficking. Savelyev has since fled Russia and asked for asylum in France. He was charged with "illegal access to computer information". A court ordered him arrested in absentia. According to a document published on Wednesday by Gulagu.net, the prosecutor for the Saratov region ordered that the charges be dropped due to their "illegality and groundlessness". Savelyev was also removed from the interior ministry's wanted list, the Interfax news agency reported. Earlier on Wednesday, the head of the prison service in the Saratov region, Anton Yefarkin, said 18 officials had been fired and 11 had faced "the strictest" disciplinary measures. Five criminal cases have been opened in connection with the videos, he said. "We are doing everything to work things out and draw the appropriate conclusions," Yefarkin told regional state television. "I am sure that in the future this will not repeat itself," he said. During his prison term, Savelyev worked as an IT maintenance officer, earning access to the prison's internal server and those of other jails, where he found surveillance footage showing abuse. He saved them on a USB stick that he hid near the prison exit. After NGO Gulagu.net published the videos of the abuse, the head of the jail, where prisoners needing medical attention for tuberculosis are held, was sacked, along with three regional prison officials. Russia's vast prison system has long a place of torture and sexual violence inflicted on inmates, monitors say, but the videos have cast new light on abuses. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia: Case against prison torture whistleblower dropped

Apple-1, the original Apple computer hand-built by company founders Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak,&nbsp;went for $400,000&nbsp;at&nbsp;an auction&nbsp;in the US.&nbsp;

John Moran Auctioneers in Monrovia, California, auctioned it off on Tuesday&nbsp;one of 200 Apple-1 computers that was made 45 years ago.

The so-called "Chaffey College" Apple-1 is one of only 200 made by Jobs and Wozniak at the very start of the company's odyssey from garage start-up to megalith worth $2 trillion.

The auctioned computer is called "Chaffey College" is because its original owner was a professor at Chaffey College in Rancho Cucamonga, California. He later sold the computer to a student in 1977 so that he could buy an Apple-II computer.&nbsp;

The student, who remains unidentified, has kept the computer until now.

The functioning Apple-1 is the great-great-grandfather of today's sleek chrome-and-glass Macbooks. It is expected that the computer will fetch USD 600,000 at the auction in California.

The piece to be auctioned is rarer still than most other Apple-1 computers. This one is encased in koa wood, a richly patinated wood native to Hawaii. Only a handful of the original 200 were made in this way.

Jobs and Wozniak mostly sold Apple-1s as component parts. One computer shop that took a delivery of around 50 units decided to encase some of them in wood, the auction house said.

"This is kind of the holy grail for vintage electronics and computer tech collectors," Apple-1 expert Corey Cohen told the Los Angeles Times. "That really makes it exciting for a lot of people."

Auction house John Moran Auctioneers says the device, which comes with a 1986 Panasonic video monitor, has only ever had two owners.

"It was originally purchased by an electronics professor at Chaffey College in Rancho Cucamonga, California, who then sold it to his student in 1977," a listing on the auction house's website says.

The Los Angeles Times reported the student -- who has not been named -- paid just $650 for it at the time. 
That student now stands to make a pretty penny: a working Apple-1 that came to the market in 2014 was sold by Bonhams for more than $900,000.

"A lot of people just want to know what kind of a person collects Apple-1 computers and it's not just people in the tech industry," Cohen said.

Apple raced to success in the late 1970s and early 1980s, but floundered after the departure of Jobs and Wozniak.

The company was reinvigorated in the late 1990s, and Jobs was brought back into the fold as the chief executive.

He oversaw the launch of the iPod, and later the world-changing iPhone, before his death in 2011.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Apple-1, the original Apple computer hand-built by company founders Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, went for $400,000 at an auction in the US. John Moran Auctioneers in Monrovia, California, auctioned it off on Tuesday one of 200 Apple-1 computers that was made 45 years ago.

Apple-1, the original Apple computer hand-built by company founders Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, went for $400,000 at an auction in the US. John Moran Auctioneers in Monrovia, California, auctioned it off on Tuesday one of 200 Apple-1 computers that was made 45 years ago. The so-called "Chaffey College" Apple-1 is one of only 200 made by Jobs and Wozniak at the very start of the company's odyssey from garage start-up to megalith worth $2 trillion. The auctioned computer is called "Chaffey College" is because its original owner was a professor at Chaffey College in Rancho Cucamonga, California. He later sold the computer to a student in 1977 so that he could buy an Apple-II computer. The student, who remains unidentified, has kept the computer until now. The functioning Apple-1 is the great-great-grandfather of today's sleek chrome-and-glass Macbooks. It is expected that the computer will fetch USD 600,000 at the auction in California. The piece to be auctioned is rarer still than most other Apple-1 computers. This one is encased in koa wood, a richly patinated wood native to Hawaii. Only a handful of the original 200 were made in this way. Jobs and Wozniak mostly sold Apple-1s as component parts. One computer shop that took a delivery of around 50 units decided to encase some of them in wood, the auction house said. "This is kind of the holy grail for vintage electronics and computer tech collectors," Apple-1 expert Corey Cohen told the Los Angeles Times. "That really makes it exciting for a lot of people." Auction house John Moran Auctioneers says the device, which comes with a 1986 Panasonic video monitor, has only ever had two owners. "It was originally purchased by an electronics professor at Chaffey College in Rancho Cucamonga, California, who then sold it to his student in 1977," a listing on the auction house's website says. The Los Angeles Times reported the student -- who has not been named -- paid just $650 for it at the time. That student now stands to make a pretty penny: a working Apple-1 that came to the market in 2014 was sold by Bonhams for more than $900,000. "A lot of people just want to know what kind of a person collects Apple-1 computers and it's not just people in the tech industry," Cohen said. Apple raced to success in the late 1970s and early 1980s, but floundered after the departure of Jobs and Wozniak. The company was reinvigorated in the late 1990s, and Jobs was brought back into the fold as the chief executive. He oversaw the launch of the iPod, and later the world-changing iPhone, before his death in 2011. (With inputs from agencies)

Apple's first computer hand-built by Jobs and Wozniak sells for $400,000

The USA on Wednesday joined International Solar Alliance (ISA). With this, the US has become 101st country to become part of the grouping by signing the framework of the ISA. As its name suggests, the International Solar Alliance (ISA) seeks to bring about global energy transition to solar power.

John Kerry, U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate made the announcement on behalf of the US at COP26 climate summit on Wednesday. He met India's Minister for Environment Bhupender Yadav.

Yadav said that USA's entry into the ISA would further strengthen the grouping.

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COP26 Diary | US joins <a href="https://twitter.com/isolaralliance?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@isolaralliance</a> <a href="https://t.co/SE2K2rbRYT">https://t.co/SE2K2rbRYT</a>
— Bhupender Yadav (@byadavbjp) <a href="https://twitter.com/byadavbjp/status/1458447764556181507?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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“It has long been coming, and we are happy to join the International Solar Alliance, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the lead in making. We worked out the details and this is a process we are pleased to be a part of. This will be an important contribution to more rapid deployment of solar globally. It will be particularly important for developing countries,” said John Kerry.

Kerry even posted a tweet about it.

"Accelerating solar energy deployment globally is critical to keeping a limit of 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming within reach. The U.S. is pleased to join the @isolaralliance at #COP26. Thank you, Prime Minister @narendramodi and @byadavbjp for championing this important endeavor," he said in his tweet.

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Accelerating solar energy deployment globally is critical to keeping a limit of 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming within reach. The U.S. is pleased to join the <a href="https://twitter.com/isolaralliance?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@isolaralliance</a> at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COP26?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COP26</a>. Thank you, Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/byadavbjp?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@byadavbjp</a> for championing this important endeavor.
— Special Presidential Envoy John Kerry (@ClimateEnvoy) <a href="https://twitter.com/ClimateEnvoy/status/1458420862290386949?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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“The US’ endorsement of ISA’s framework and approach is an heartening development, especially as our 101st member nation, which is a significant milestone in itself, demonstrating that nations across the world are recognizing the economic and climate mitigating value of solar, as well as this energy source’s potential as a catalyst for global energy transition,” said Dr. Ajay Mathur, Director General, the ISA.

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former French President Francois Hollande announced launch of the ISA on November 30, 2015. The announcement was made at 21st session of United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP-21) in Paris, France.

The USA on Wednesday joined International Solar Alliance (ISA). With this, the US has become 101st country to become part of the grouping by signing the framework of the ISA.

The USA on Wednesday joined International Solar Alliance (ISA). With this, the US has become 101st country to become part of the grouping by signing the framework of the ISA. As its name suggests, the International Solar Alliance (ISA) seeks to bring about global energy transition to solar power. John Kerry, U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate made the announcement on behalf of the US at COP26 climate summit on Wednesday. He met India's Minister for Environment Bhupender Yadav. Yadav said that USA's entry into the ISA would further strengthen the grouping. COP26 Diary | US joins @isolaralliance https://t.co/SE2K2rbRYT — Bhupender Yadav (@byadavbjp) November 10, 2021 × “It has long been coming, and we are happy to join the International Solar Alliance, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the lead in making. We worked out the details and this is a process we are pleased to be a part of. This will be an important contribution to more rapid deployment of solar globally. It will be particularly important for developing countries,” said John Kerry. Kerry even posted a tweet about it. "Accelerating solar energy deployment globally is critical to keeping a limit of 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming within reach. The U.S. is pleased to join the @isolaralliance at #COP26. Thank you, Prime Minister @narendramodi and @byadavbjp for championing this important endeavor," he said in his tweet. Accelerating solar energy deployment globally is critical to keeping a limit of 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming within reach. The U.S. is pleased to join the @isolaralliance at #COP26. Thank you, Prime Minister @narendramodi and @byadavbjp for championing this important endeavor. — Special Presidential Envoy John Kerry (@ClimateEnvoy) November 10, 2021 × “The US’ endorsement of ISA’s framework and approach is an heartening development, especially as our 101st member nation, which is a significant milestone in itself, demonstrating that nations across the world are recognizing the economic and climate mitigating value of solar, as well as this energy source’s potential as a catalyst for global energy transition,” said Dr. Ajay Mathur, Director General, the ISA. India Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former French President Francois Hollande announced launch of the ISA on November 30, 2015. The announcement was made at 21st session of United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP-21) in Paris, France.

USA joins India-led International Solar Alliance, becomes 101st country to do so

Following a report that said that Conservative Party lawmaker Geoffrey Cox earned more than 1 million pounds from a second job. This has deepened accusations of sleaze faced by the Tories led by UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.&nbsp;

Geoffrey Cox, a lawyer and former attorney general, netted the lucrative sums for legal work while collecting his annual MP's salary of around £82,000 ($111,000, 96,000 euros), the Daily Mail said.

The additional pay, detailed in parliament's register of interests, came in part from advising the government of the British Virgin Islands, a UK overseas territory and tax haven accused of corruption, it added.

Cox also took benefit of the changes made in parliamentary attendance rules that were made during the pandemic to vote remotely in the House of Commons from the Caribbean while working there, the paper found.

Cox's office did not comment immediately.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unvaccinated-nhs-workers-in-england-to-lose-jobs-health-minister-428058">Unvaccinated NHS workers in England to lose jobs: Health minister</a>

Johnson's spokesman declined to discuss the case directly but said the British leader believes that "MPs' primary job is, and must be, to serve their constituents".

But he said Johnson "doesn't back an outright ban on second jobs", noting it could target lawmakers who also work as teachers, doctors and nurses.

The revelations intensify the pressure on Johnson, following days of criticism over sleaze and cronyism claims against his government which began with the botched handling of another Conservative lawmaker's case.&nbsp;

The UK leader sparked outrage last week when he tried to overhaul parliament's internal disciplinary process, which would have prevented the 30-day suspension of Owen Paterson.

Paterson was found to have committed an "egregious" rules breach, after repeatedly lobbying ministers and officials on behalf of two companies paying him more than £100,000 a year.

Although Johnson swiftly abandoned the unprecedented overhaul attempts -- prompting Paterson to resign from parliament -- it led to fierce criticism and threw the spotlight on a raft of allegations around MPs' behaviour.

(With inputs from agencies)

Following a report that said that Conservative Party lawmaker Geoffrey Cox earned more than 1 million pounds from a second job. This has deepened accusations of sleaze faced by the Tories led by UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Following a report that said that Conservative Party lawmaker Geoffrey Cox earned more than 1 million pounds from a second job. This has deepened accusations of sleaze faced by the Tories led by UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Geoffrey Cox, a lawyer and former attorney general, netted the lucrative sums for legal work while collecting his annual MP's salary of around £82,000 ($111,000, 96,000 euros), the Daily Mail said. The additional pay, detailed in parliament's register of interests, came in part from advising the government of the British Virgin Islands, a UK overseas territory and tax haven accused of corruption, it added. Cox also took benefit of the changes made in parliamentary attendance rules that were made during the pandemic to vote remotely in the House of Commons from the Caribbean while working there, the paper found. Cox's office did not comment immediately. Also Read: Unvaccinated NHS workers in England to lose jobs: Health minister Johnson's spokesman declined to discuss the case directly but said the British leader believes that "MPs' primary job is, and must be, to serve their constituents". But he said Johnson "doesn't back an outright ban on second jobs", noting it could target lawmakers who also work as teachers, doctors and nurses. The revelations intensify the pressure on Johnson, following days of criticism over sleaze and cronyism claims against his government which began with the botched handling of another Conservative lawmaker's case. The UK leader sparked outrage last week when he tried to overhaul parliament's internal disciplinary process, which would have prevented the 30-day suspension of Owen Paterson. Paterson was found to have committed an "egregious" rules breach, after repeatedly lobbying ministers and officials on behalf of two companies paying him more than £100,000 a year. Although Johnson swiftly abandoned the unprecedented overhaul attempts -- prompting Paterson to resign from parliament -- it led to fierce criticism and threw the spotlight on a raft of allegations around MPs' behaviour. (With inputs from agencies)

UK: Former minister's second job attracts more allegation on Johnson government

In a shocking reveal, a Taiwanese minister told the Taiwanese parliament that government agencies faced around five million cyber attacks a day. The minister's statement came after a report warned of increasing Chinese warfare targetting Taiwan.

Taiwanese officials have said earlier that the island faces millions cyber attacks every month. They have said that around half of these attacks are believed to have originated from China.

Speaking in parliament, cyber security department director Chien Hung-wei said Taiwan's government network faces "five million attacks and scans a day".&nbsp;

In the field of cyber security, a scan refers to an attempt to locate weakness in a server.

"We are strengthening the government's defensive measures and collecting relevant data for analysis in a bid to stop the attacks when they are initiated," Chien told lawmakers.

Taiwan accuses that China ramped up its cyber warfare against the island nation post 2016 when Taiwan Tsai Ing-wen as its president. Tsai Ing-wen views Taiwan as an independent nation.

Beijing views democratic Taiwan as part of its own territory and has vowed to one day seize the island, by force if necessary.

In a report released on Tuesday, Taiwan's defence ministry warned that China has been "vigorously enhancing" its cyber warfare capabilities as part of the strategy to bring the island to heel.

The ministry's information security and protection centre detected and handled around 1.4 billion "anomalies" from 2019 to August 2021 to prevent potential hacking, according to the report.

In July, Taiwan's police launched an investigation after the Line messaging app reported abnormal account activities to the authorities.&nbsp;

Local media said the hacked accounts belonged to "high ranking officials" in various government branches.

Last year, Taiwanese authorities said Chinese hackers infiltrated at least 10 Taiwan government agencies and gained access to around 6,000 email accounts in an attempt to steal data.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In a shocking reveal, a Taiwanese minister told the Taiwanese parliament that government agencies faced around five million cyber attacks a day. The minister's statement came after a report warned of increasing Chinese warfare targetting Taiwan.

In a shocking reveal, a Taiwanese minister told the Taiwanese parliament that government agencies faced around five million cyber attacks a day. The minister's statement came after a report warned of increasing Chinese warfare targetting Taiwan. Taiwanese officials have said earlier that the island faces millions cyber attacks every month. They have said that around half of these attacks are believed to have originated from China. Speaking in parliament, cyber security department director Chien Hung-wei said Taiwan's government network faces "five million attacks and scans a day". In the field of cyber security, a scan refers to an attempt to locate weakness in a server. "We are strengthening the government's defensive measures and collecting relevant data for analysis in a bid to stop the attacks when they are initiated," Chien told lawmakers. Taiwan accuses that China ramped up its cyber warfare against the island nation post 2016 when Taiwan Tsai Ing-wen as its president. Tsai Ing-wen views Taiwan as an independent nation. Beijing views democratic Taiwan as part of its own territory and has vowed to one day seize the island, by force if necessary. In a report released on Tuesday, Taiwan's defence ministry warned that China has been "vigorously enhancing" its cyber warfare capabilities as part of the strategy to bring the island to heel. The ministry's information security and protection centre detected and handled around 1.4 billion "anomalies" from 2019 to August 2021 to prevent potential hacking, according to the report. In July, Taiwan's police launched an investigation after the Line messaging app reported abnormal account activities to the authorities. Local media said the hacked accounts belonged to "high ranking officials" in various government branches. Last year, Taiwanese authorities said Chinese hackers infiltrated at least 10 Taiwan government agencies and gained access to around 6,000 email accounts in an attempt to steal data. (With inputs from agencies)

Official says Taiwan government faces 5 million cyber attacks daily

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday said that there were 'no holy cows' in Pakistan as he&nbsp;was grilled by Pakistan Supreme Court in a case related to the 2014 school massacre carried out by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terror group.

He claimed that a national action plan was introduced after the Army Public School (APS) terror attack. Khan was not in office when the attack happened, but his government is under pressure after reaching a truce with TTP.

TTP militants attacked APS&nbsp;in December, 2014 resulting in more than 150 deaths, mostly schoolchildren.

Parents of the children had made a plea to the Supreme Court demanding action against leadership of the country.&nbsp;Chief Justice of Pakistan had summoned PM Imran Khan in connection with this.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-and-local-taliban-terror-group-on-road-to-peace-agree-to-one-month-ceasefire-427875">Pakistan and local Taliban terror group on road to peace; agree to one-month ceasefire</a>

"Parents are asking where was the security system [that day]? Despite our comprehensive orders, nothing was done," Pakistan's chief justice was quoted as saying by Geo TV, a Pakistani news outlet.

Asking Imran Khan government to implement its October 20 verdict, the court told the prime minister to ensure that justice was done in the matter. On October 20, the court had asked the federal government for a report on security lapses during the attack.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/good-terrorists-bad-terrorists-minister-fawad-chaudhry-sees-both-types-in-pak-taliban-group-428237">Good terrorists, bad terrorists: Minister Fawad Chaudhry sees both types in Pak Taliban group</a>

Pakistan government is currently in talks with TTP in what it calls a reconciliation process

The court grilled Imran Khan over this.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pm-imran-khan-is-my-boss-not-my-friend-says-pak-army-chief-bajwa-428226">‘PM Imran Khan is my boss, not my friend,’ says Pak Army chief Bajwa</a>

"We are bringing them [TTP] back to the negotiating table instead of taking action against them?" asked the court.&nbsp;"Are we going to surrender once again?"

Pakistan's information minister Fawad Chaudhry said this week that "complete ceasefire" was reached with TTP. The banned terror group is responsible for at least 70,000 killings.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday said that there were 'no holy cows' in Pakistan as he was grilled by Pakistan Supreme Court in a case related to the 2014 school massacre carried out by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terror group.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday said that there were 'no holy cows' in Pakistan as he was grilled by Pakistan Supreme Court in a case related to the 2014 school massacre carried out by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terror group. He claimed that a national action plan was introduced after the Army Public School (APS) terror attack. Khan was not in office when the attack happened, but his government is under pressure after reaching a truce with TTP. TTP militants attacked APS in December, 2014 resulting in more than 150 deaths, mostly schoolchildren. Parents of the children had made a plea to the Supreme Court demanding action against leadership of the country. Chief Justice of Pakistan had summoned PM Imran Khan in connection with this. Also Read | Pakistan and local Taliban terror group on road to peace; agree to one-month ceasefire "Parents are asking where was the security system [that day]? Despite our comprehensive orders, nothing was done," Pakistan's chief justice was quoted as saying by Geo TV, a Pakistani news outlet. Asking Imran Khan government to implement its October 20 verdict, the court told the prime minister to ensure that justice was done in the matter. On October 20, the court had asked the federal government for a report on security lapses during the attack. Also Read | Good terrorists, bad terrorists: Minister Fawad Chaudhry sees both types in Pak Taliban group Pakistan government is currently in talks with TTP in what it calls a reconciliation process The court grilled Imran Khan over this. Also Read | ‘PM Imran Khan is my boss, not my friend,’ says Pak Army chief Bajwa "We are bringing them [TTP] back to the negotiating table instead of taking action against them?" asked the court. "Are we going to surrender once again?" Pakistan's information minister Fawad Chaudhry said this week that "complete ceasefire" was reached with TTP. The banned terror group is responsible for at least 70,000 killings.

'No holy cows', says Pak PM Imran Khan as SC grills him on 2014 terror case

You are hiking. It suddenly starts raining. You've haven't packed a tent because you had plans to return that day. There is no roof in sight and though people advise against standing under trees when it's raining, you just HAVE TO find a quick shelter during spell of rain you think would be over soon.

You stand under a tree. Sheltered from the downpour somewhat. And breathe some sigh of relief.

And all hell breaks loose!

Your skin starts itching. The mild sensation quickly turns into outright burning. It soon starts to feel like your whole body is on fire. What was meant to be a pleasant hike in the woods soon becomes a horrible story to tell...if you survive.

Reason for all this? You were standing under a tree called Arbol de la muerte in Spanish. Literal translation: The tree of death.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astronomers-offer-hint-on-how-suns-death-might-unfold-428057">Astronomers offer hint on how Sun's death might unfold</a>

This is the most feared tree in the Caribbean and some other tropical climes. EVERY part of this tree is poisonous to humans. The tree literally oozes poison. Its sap contains number of toxins. To top it all, this sap is water soluble. This means it can easily fall on anyone below along with rainwater.

The death tree or Manchineel tree is so poisonous, that even Guinness Book of World Records has recorded it to be the most dangerous tree in the world.

The poisonous sap oozes out of everything, the bark, leaves and even the fruit.

To make things even worse, the fruit of this tree has a sweet smell and looks like a guava or an apple. This may trick someone who has lost his way in the woods to take a bite. What follows is a nightmare.

It begins with a burning sensation in mouth. It soon gives way to tightness in throat that becomes so excruciating that swallowing anything becomes difficult. If the person doesn't get medical attention quickly enough, this may even result in death.

The tree is so horrible that we can just remove it right?

The Manchineel tree may have horrible effects on humans, but it helps in stopping soil erosion that takes place due to waves of the sea, something that is important in the Caribbean.

You are hiking. It suddenly starts raining. You've haven't packed a tent because you had plans to return that day. There is no roof in sight and though people advise against standing under trees when it's raining, you just HAVE TO find a quick shelter during spell of rain you think would be over soon.

You are hiking. It suddenly starts raining. You've haven't packed a tent because you had plans to return that day. There is no roof in sight and though people advise against standing under trees when it's raining, you just HAVE TO find a quick shelter during spell of rain you think would be over soon. You stand under a tree. Sheltered from the downpour somewhat. And breathe some sigh of relief. And all hell breaks loose! Your skin starts itching. The mild sensation quickly turns into outright burning. It soon starts to feel like your whole body is on fire. What was meant to be a pleasant hike in the woods soon becomes a horrible story to tell...if you survive. Reason for all this? You were standing under a tree called Arbol de la muerte in Spanish. Literal translation: The tree of death. Also Read | Astronomers offer hint on how Sun's death might unfold This is the most feared tree in the Caribbean and some other tropical climes. EVERY part of this tree is poisonous to humans. The tree literally oozes poison. Its sap contains number of toxins. To top it all, this sap is water soluble. This means it can easily fall on anyone below along with rainwater. The death tree or Manchineel tree is so poisonous, that even Guinness Book of World Records has recorded it to be the most dangerous tree in the world. The poisonous sap oozes out of everything, the bark, leaves and even the fruit. To make things even worse, the fruit of this tree has a sweet smell and looks like a guava or an apple. This may trick someone who has lost his way in the woods to take a bite. What follows is a nightmare. It begins with a burning sensation in mouth. It soon gives way to tightness in throat that becomes so excruciating that swallowing anything becomes difficult. If the person doesn't get medical attention quickly enough, this may even result in death. The tree is so horrible that we can just remove it right? The Manchineel tree may have horrible effects on humans, but it helps in stopping soil erosion that takes place due to waves of the sea, something that is important in the Caribbean.

You can't stand under this toxic 'tree of death' when it is raining

A COP26 climate summit draft text on Wednesday urged countries to boost emission cutting goals by 2022, three years ahead of schedule. The text came after data showed that the world was far off track to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;

The text called on nations to "revisit and strengthen" their decarbonisation plans by next year. Delegates from nearly 200 nations have been holding discussions on how the world can implement the Paris Agreement temperature goals.

The draft said "rapid, deep and sustained reductions in global greenhouse gas emissions" were needed to avert the worst impacts of heating, which has already seen countries worldwide slammed by fiercer floods, droughts and storms. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-china-other-developing-nations-propose-13-trillion-per-year-in-climate-finance-428142">India, China, other developing nations propose $1.3 trillion per year in climate finance</a>

COP26 was billed by host Britain as an opportunity to "keep 1.5C" alive after a year-long delay due to Covid-19.&nbsp;

However, countries' latest decarbonisation plans are likely to see Earth warm 2.7C this century, according to a United Nations assessment of the pledges.&nbsp;

The 2015 Paris accord contains a "ratchet" mechanism requiring countries to update emissions plans ever five years.&nbsp;

Several large emitters missed the 2020 deadline for submitting new plans, known as nationally determined contributions (NDCs).&nbsp;

Vulnerable nations say that the next deadline, in 2025, is too distant to deliver the short-term emissions cuts needed to avoid disastrous heating.

In what observers said was a "significant first mention" of the fuels driving global warming, the draft summit called on countries to "accelerate the phasing out of coal and subsidies for fossil fuels".&nbsp;

Previous climate summit decisions and the Paris Agreement itself do not so much as mention fossil fuels, focusing instead on emissions.

One senior negotiator told AFP they were confident that the fossil fuel mention would appear in the final text, "in some form or another".

But environmental groups criticised the draft for failing to reflect the urgency of the crisis facing the planet.

"This draft deal is not a plan to solve the climate crisis, it's an agreement that we'll all cross our fingers and hope for the best," said Greenpeace International Director Jennifer Morgan.&nbsp;

"It's a polite request that countries maybe, possibly, do more next year."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A COP26 climate summit draft text on Wednesday urged countries to boost emission cutting goals by 2022, three years ahead of schedule. The text came after data showed that the world was far off track to limit warming to 1.

A COP26 climate summit draft text on Wednesday urged countries to boost emission cutting goals by 2022, three years ahead of schedule. The text came after data showed that the world was far off track to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The text called on nations to "revisit and strengthen" their decarbonisation plans by next year. Delegates from nearly 200 nations have been holding discussions on how the world can implement the Paris Agreement temperature goals. The draft said "rapid, deep and sustained reductions in global greenhouse gas emissions" were needed to avert the worst impacts of heating, which has already seen countries worldwide slammed by fiercer floods, droughts and storms. Also Read | India, China, other developing nations propose $1.3 trillion per year in climate finance COP26 was billed by host Britain as an opportunity to "keep 1.5C" alive after a year-long delay due to Covid-19. However, countries' latest decarbonisation plans are likely to see Earth warm 2.7C this century, according to a United Nations assessment of the pledges. The 2015 Paris accord contains a "ratchet" mechanism requiring countries to update emissions plans ever five years. Several large emitters missed the 2020 deadline for submitting new plans, known as nationally determined contributions (NDCs). Vulnerable nations say that the next deadline, in 2025, is too distant to deliver the short-term emissions cuts needed to avoid disastrous heating. In what observers said was a "significant first mention" of the fuels driving global warming, the draft summit called on countries to "accelerate the phasing out of coal and subsidies for fossil fuels". Previous climate summit decisions and the Paris Agreement itself do not so much as mention fossil fuels, focusing instead on emissions. One senior negotiator told AFP they were confident that the fossil fuel mention would appear in the final text, "in some form or another". But environmental groups criticised the draft for failing to reflect the urgency of the crisis facing the planet. "This draft deal is not a plan to solve the climate crisis, it's an agreement that we'll all cross our fingers and hope for the best," said Greenpeace International Director Jennifer Morgan. "It's a polite request that countries maybe, possibly, do more next year." (With inputs from agencies)

COP26 climate summit: Draft deal urges nations to speed up emission goals in 2022

Infrastructure funding has traditionally been a broadly bipartisan issue on Capitol Hill, but President Joe Biden’s sweeping infrastructure bill passed Friday night mostly along party lines.

Only 19 members of Congress broke with their parties on the bill, which passed 228-206 with Democrats largely supporting the legislation and Republicans mostly opposed.

So who were those 19 lawmakers — 13 Republicans and six Democrats — who bucked their parties? They can be broken down roughly into three camps: Republicans who consulted with negotiators on the bill; Republicans who maintain the party’s traditional view that funding infrastructure is more important than fighting a president of a different party; and members of the liberal group known as the Squad.

The Squad

Six Democrats who are part of the progressive group known as “The Squad” — Jamaal Bowman of New York, Cori Bush of Missouri, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, Ayanna S. Pressley of Massachusetts and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan — voted against Biden’s plan to spend $550 billion in new funds over 10 years to shore up roads, bridges and highways, improve internet access and modernize the nation’s power grid.

The Squad has grown from four to six members since 2019, when Ocasio-Cortez, the highest-profile progressive on Capitol Hill, entered Congress. Its members were among the leading supporters of the strategy to use the infrastructure bill as leverage for passing Biden’s broader agenda: a $1.85 trillion social safety net and climate change bill.

Ocasio-Cortez has argued that the provisions in Biden’s bill to fight climate change are needed to offset the impact on the environment from a surge in funding for construction projects.

Passing the infrastructure bill without the larger domestic policy package “makes our emissions &amp; climate crisis worse,” she wrote on Twitter in October. “It keeps us in the emissions red.”

Her position was shared by the nearly 100-member Congressional Progressive Caucus until centrist Democrats who had been holdouts on the broader bill pledged Friday night that they would vote for it no later than the week of Nov. 15, unless the Congressional Budget Office determines its costs are “inconsistent” with the $1.85 trillion estimate put forth by Biden’s staff.

While most progressives then agreed to vote for the bill, members of the Squad did not view the centrists’ assurances as good enough and chose to stick with their position of demanding both bills pass at the same time. Bush said that passing the infrastructure bill alone “jeopardized our leverage” on the broader bill — which includes monthly payments to families with children, universal prekindergarten, health care subsidies and a four-week paid family and medical leave program — and endangered progressives’ ability to “improve the livelihood of our health care workers, our children, our caregivers, our seniors, and the future of our environment.”

Still, Pressley cast her vote against the infrastructure bill after it had enough votes to pass.

That position infuriated some moderate Democrats. One of them, Rep. Tom Suozzi of New York, equated the opposition of left-leaning fellow New Yorkers like Ocasio-Cortez and Bowman with far-right Republicans like Lee Zeldin of New York for voting against a bill that would funnel billions of dollars into the state for subways, sewers and broadband.

“That doesn’t make any sense,” Suozzi, who is contemplating a run for governor, told reporters at a New York political conclave in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Saturday. “These are two sides of the same coin: People so far out on the fringe instead of trying to get stuff done to help people and make people's lives better. That’s what people are sick and tired of.”

Republican ‘Problem Solvers’

Eight Republicans who voted in favor of the infrastructure bill — Don Bacon of Nebraska, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, Andrew Garbarino of New York, Anthony Gonzalez of Ohio, John Katko of New York, Tom Reed of New York, Christopher H. Smith of New Jersey and Fred Upton of Michigan — were part of a bipartisan group of lawmakers who helped negotiate the infrastructure bill this summer, consulting with centrists in the Senate.

The group known as the Problem Solvers Caucus, including Fitzpatrick, the Republican co-chairman, had once hoped to deliver as many as 29 Republican House votes for the bill but saw members fall away once Rep. Kevin McCarthy, the House minority leader, and other top Republicans opposed it as they ramped up their campaign against Biden’s agenda.

Still, with improvements to highways, bridges, dams, public transit, rail, ports, airports, water quality and broadband coming to the districts, eight members of the group cast their votes in favor of the plan.

Garbarino, who represents part of Long Island, cited the benefits for New York — including $24.9 billion for highways, bridges and transit; $15 billion to replace lead service lines for drinking water; and $470 million for New York’s Kennedy, La Guardia, MacArthur and Republic airports — among his reasons for embracing the bill.

The vote “was about roads, bridges, and clean water,” he said. “It was about real people, and the tangible action Congress could take to better their lives by rebuilding and revitalizing our nation’s crumbling infrastructure.”

The Republicans who voted in favor of the bill faced backlash from some hard-right members of their party. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., posted their office phone numbers on Twitter and accused them of handing over their “voting cards to Nancy Pelosi to pass Joe Biden’s communist takeover of America.”

Republican Traditionalists on Infrastructure

A final group of five House Republicans joined members of the Problem Solvers Caucus in bucking their party to support the bill. This group — Adam Kinzinger of Illinois, Don Young of Alaska, Nicole Malliotakis of New York, David B. McKinley of West Virginia and Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey — can be roughly defined as embracing the party’s traditionalist view of funding infrastructure.

Young, 88, is the Republican Party’s longest-serving member, having represented Alaska for 25 terms. He endorsed the bill in September, arguing the party has always supported funding roads and bridges and emphasizing that past infrastructure votes were “darn near” unanimous.

“We need infrastructure in this country now,” Young said. “This is the last opportunity we have to make sure those potholes are filled, those airports run right, that bridges are safe and our economy can continue to grow.”

Others, much newer to Congress, said they shared Young’s view on the issue.

Malliotakis, who is in her first term representing Staten Island, released a statement explaining her vote that listed various projects the funding could support in her community, including “completing the High-Occupancy Vehicles lane on the Staten Island Expressway,” fortifying coastal neighborhoods and expanding “our sewer systems to deal with the next Superstorm Sandy or Hurricane Ida.”

“Simply put, it’s this type of investment that will not only save city residents’ time and money, but also their properties and lives,” she said.

Infrastructure funding has traditionally been a broadly bipartisan issue on Capitol Hill, but President Joe Biden’s sweeping infrastructure bill passed Friday night mostly along party lines.

Infrastructure funding has traditionally been a broadly bipartisan issue on Capitol Hill, but President Joe Biden’s sweeping infrastructure bill passed Friday night mostly along party lines. Only 19 members of Congress broke with their parties on the bill, which passed 228-206 with Democrats largely supporting the legislation and Republicans mostly opposed. So who were those 19 lawmakers — 13 Republicans and six Democrats — who bucked their parties? They can be broken down roughly into three camps: Republicans who consulted with negotiators on the bill; Republicans who maintain the party’s traditional view that funding infrastructure is more important than fighting a president of a different party; and members of the liberal group known as the Squad. The Squad Six Democrats who are part of the progressive group known as “The Squad” — Jamaal Bowman of New York, Cori Bush of Missouri, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, Ayanna S. Pressley of Massachusetts and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan — voted against Biden’s plan to spend $550 billion in new funds over 10 years to shore up roads, bridges and highways, improve internet access and modernize the nation’s power grid. The Squad has grown from four to six members since 2019, when Ocasio-Cortez, the highest-profile progressive on Capitol Hill, entered Congress. Its members were among the leading supporters of the strategy to use the infrastructure bill as leverage for passing Biden’s broader agenda: a $1.85 trillion social safety net and climate change bill. Ocasio-Cortez has argued that the provisions in Biden’s bill to fight climate change are needed to offset the impact on the environment from a surge in funding for construction projects. Passing the infrastructure bill without the larger domestic policy package “makes our emissions & climate crisis worse,” she wrote on Twitter in October. “It keeps us in the emissions red.” Her position was shared by the nearly 100-member Congressional Progressive Caucus until centrist Democrats who had been holdouts on the broader bill pledged Friday night that they would vote for it no later than the week of Nov. 15, unless the Congressional Budget Office determines its costs are “inconsistent” with the $1.85 trillion estimate put forth by Biden’s staff. While most progressives then agreed to vote for the bill, members of the Squad did not view the centrists’ assurances as good enough and chose to stick with their position of demanding both bills pass at the same time. Bush said that passing the infrastructure bill alone “jeopardized our leverage” on the broader bill — which includes monthly payments to families with children, universal prekindergarten, health care subsidies and a four-week paid family and medical leave program — and endangered progressives’ ability to “improve the livelihood of our health care workers, our children, our caregivers, our seniors, and the future of our environment.” Still, Pressley cast her vote against the infrastructure bill after it had enough votes to pass. That position infuriated some moderate Democrats. One of them, Rep. Tom Suozzi of New York, equated the opposition of left-leaning fellow New Yorkers like Ocasio-Cortez and Bowman with far-right Republicans like Lee Zeldin of New York for voting against a bill that would funnel billions of dollars into the state for subways, sewers and broadband. “That doesn’t make any sense,” Suozzi, who is contemplating a run for governor, told reporters at a New York political conclave in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Saturday. “These are two sides of the same coin: People so far out on the fringe instead of trying to get stuff done to help people and make people's lives better. That’s what people are sick and tired of.” Republican ‘Problem Solvers’ Eight Republicans who voted in favor of the infrastructure bill — Don Bacon of Nebraska, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, Andrew Garbarino of New York, Anthony Gonzalez of Ohio, John Katko of New York, Tom Reed of New York, Christopher H. Smith of New Jersey and Fred Upton of Michigan — were part of a bipartisan group of lawmakers who helped negotiate the infrastructure bill this summer, consulting with centrists in the Senate. The group known as the Problem Solvers Caucus, including Fitzpatrick, the Republican co-chairman, had once hoped to deliver as many as 29 Republican House votes for the bill but saw members fall away once Rep. Kevin McCarthy, the House minority leader, and other top Republicans opposed it as they ramped up their campaign against Biden’s agenda. Still, with improvements to highways, bridges, dams, public transit, rail, ports, airports, water quality and broadband coming to the districts, eight members of the group cast their votes in favor of the plan. Garbarino, who represents part of Long Island, cited the benefits for New York — including $24.9 billion for highways, bridges and transit; $15 billion to replace lead service lines for drinking water; and $470 million for New York’s Kennedy, La Guardia, MacArthur and Republic airports — among his reasons for embracing the bill. The vote “was about roads, bridges, and clean water,” he said. “It was about real people, and the tangible action Congress could take to better their lives by rebuilding and revitalizing our nation’s crumbling infrastructure.” The Republicans who voted in favor of the bill faced backlash from some hard-right members of their party. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., posted their office phone numbers on Twitter and accused them of handing over their “voting cards to Nancy Pelosi to pass Joe Biden’s communist takeover of America.” Republican Traditionalists on Infrastructure A final group of five House Republicans joined members of the Problem Solvers Caucus in bucking their party to support the bill. This group — Adam Kinzinger of Illinois, Don Young of Alaska, Nicole Malliotakis of New York, David B. McKinley of West Virginia and Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey — can be roughly defined as embracing the party’s traditionalist view of funding infrastructure. Young, 88, is the Republican Party’s longest-serving member, having represented Alaska for 25 terms. He endorsed the bill in September, arguing the party has always supported funding roads and bridges and emphasizing that past infrastructure votes were “darn near” unanimous. “We need infrastructure in this country now,” Young said. “This is the last opportunity we have to make sure those potholes are filled, those airports run right, that bridges are safe and our economy can continue to grow.” Others, much newer to Congress, said they shared Young’s view on the issue. Malliotakis, who is in her first term representing Staten Island, released a statement explaining her vote that listed various projects the funding could support in her community, including “completing the High-Occupancy Vehicles lane on the Staten Island Expressway,” fortifying coastal neighborhoods and expanding “our sewer systems to deal with the next Superstorm Sandy or Hurricane Ida.” “Simply put, it’s this type of investment that will not only save city residents’ time and money, but also their properties and lives,” she said.

In infrastructure votes, 19 members broke with their party

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