Joe Biden, Barack Obama, and Bill Clinton unite for a rare fundraiser in New York City, boosting Democratic support. Watch in for more details!

US: Barack Obama, Bill Clinton back Joe Biden at fundraiser event

Democrat leader&nbsp;Tom Suozzi has won the special election to New York's 3rd District, beating&nbsp;Republican candidate Mazi Pilip,&nbsp;according to US media reports.&nbsp;Suozzi's victory means he will be replacing embattled former GOP Rep. George Santos.&nbsp;

The seat had been vacant since Santos was ousted from the Congressional chamber late last year over a plethora of high-profile scandals and criminal charges.&nbsp;

“The people of Queens and Long Island are sick and tired of political bickering.&nbsp;They want us to come together and solve problems,"&nbsp;Suozzi said in a victory speech.

“Let’s send a message to our friends running the Congress these days: Stop running around for Trump, and start running the country,” he added.&nbsp;

Pilip conceded the race and said she had called Suozzi to congratulate him on the victory.&nbsp;

“Yes we lost, but it doesn’t mean we are going to end here,” Pilip told supporters at her election watch party.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/embattled-republican-leader-george-santos-accused-of-sexual-harassment-by-a-former-aide-559139">Also read | Embattled Republican leader George Santos accused of sexual harassment by a former aide</a>

<h2>What does the win signify?</h2>

With the win, the Democrats have narrowed the already razor-thin House majority enjoyed by the Republicans - making passing of legislation even more difficult. The House Democrats have risen to 213, closing in on the 219-member GOP majority.&nbsp;

Effectively, it means that Republicans can allow only two defectors to break ranks and still pass legislation along the party&nbsp;high-command lines.&nbsp;

The thin margin for error has already embarrassed the GOP lawmakers in the chamber. Last week, Homeland Security Chief Alejandro Mayorkas avoided impeachment following a 214-216 vote which marked a blow for Speaker Mike Johnson and other Republican leaders.

Colorado Rep. Ken Buck, Wisconsin Rep. Mike Gallagher and California Rep. Tom McClintock were the three Republicans who halted Mayorkas' exit after Mark Green, who presides over the Homeland Security Committee, sent the impeachment articles.&nbsp;

It took another attempt by the Republicans on Tuesday (Feb 13) to finally get rid of&nbsp;Mayorkas, whom they blame for the surge in migrants illegally crossing the southern border.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-dreamers-left-in-lurch-by-senate-border-bill-687433">Watch | US: 'Dreamers' left in lurch by Senate Border Bill</a>

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" data-gtm-yt-inspected-20="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-dreamers-left-in-lurch-by-senate-border-bill-687433/embed" width="560"></iframe>

<h2>What happened to Santos?&nbsp;</h2>

The seat in New York's influential district is being regarded as a key indicator of voter sentiment ahead of the potential Biden-Trump showdown later this year.

President Biden won the district in 2020 but the area turned Red in the 2022 midterm elections when Santos was elected.&nbsp;

However, after over 20 counts of fraud were levelled against him, Santos was expelled from Congress.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Democrat leader Tom Suozzi has won the special election to New York's 3rd District, beating Republican candidate Mazi Pilip, according to US media reports. Suozzi's victory means he will be replacing embattled former GOP Rep.

Democrat leader Tom Suozzi has won the special election to New York's 3rd District, beating Republican candidate Mazi Pilip, according to US media reports. Suozzi's victory means he will be replacing embattled former GOP Rep. George Santos. The seat had been vacant since Santos was ousted from the Congressional chamber late last year over a plethora of high-profile scandals and criminal charges. “The people of Queens and Long Island are sick and tired of political bickering. They want us to come together and solve problems," Suozzi said in a victory speech. “Let’s send a message to our friends running the Congress these days: Stop running around for Trump, and start running the country,” he added. Pilip conceded the race and said she had called Suozzi to congratulate him on the victory. “Yes we lost, but it doesn’t mean we are going to end here,” Pilip told supporters at her election watch party. Also read | Embattled Republican leader George Santos accused of sexual harassment by a former aide What does the win signify? With the win, the Democrats have narrowed the already razor-thin House majority enjoyed by the Republicans - making passing of legislation even more difficult. The House Democrats have risen to 213, closing in on the 219-member GOP majority. Effectively, it means that Republicans can allow only two defectors to break ranks and still pass legislation along the party high-command lines. The thin margin for error has already embarrassed the GOP lawmakers in the chamber. Last week, Homeland Security Chief Alejandro Mayorkas avoided impeachment following a 214-216 vote which marked a blow for Speaker Mike Johnson and other Republican leaders. Colorado Rep. Ken Buck, Wisconsin Rep. Mike Gallagher and California Rep. Tom McClintock were the three Republicans who halted Mayorkas' exit after Mark Green, who presides over the Homeland Security Committee, sent the impeachment articles. It took another attempt by the Republicans on Tuesday (Feb 13) to finally get rid of Mayorkas, whom they blame for the surge in migrants illegally crossing the southern border. Watch | US: 'Dreamers' left in lurch by Senate Border Bill What happened to Santos? The seat in New York's influential district is being regarded as a key indicator of voter sentiment ahead of the potential Biden-Trump showdown later this year. President Biden won the district in 2020 but the area turned Red in the 2022 midterm elections when Santos was elected. However, after over 20 counts of fraud were levelled against him, Santos was expelled from Congress. (With inputs from agencies)

Democrat Tom Suozzi wins New York special election, replacing ousted Republican George Santos

A US foreign aid package including $60 billion for Ukraine passed a key procedural vote. It is now up to the Republican lead house to take it up change it or let it die. The $95 billion package includes funding for Israel's fight against Hamas militants and for key strategic ally Taiwan. Majority of it would help Pro Western Ukraine restock its depleted ammunition supplies weapons and other crucial need as it enters a third year. Watch to know more!

US: Republicans oppose aid package for Ukraine as Senate passes bill

The US House of Representatives on Tuesday (Feb 6) voted against a standalone $17.6 billion Israel aid bill brought by the Republicans. The bill was aimed at thwarting an all-encompassing Senate border security bill that would provide&nbsp;additional aid to both Ukraine and Israel as well as secure the southern border&nbsp;introduced over the weekend.&nbsp;

Although the House voted 250-180 in favour of the bill, it was short of the two-thirds majority needed to approve it under a&nbsp;fast-tracked legislative process. The failure of the bill to get through the House marked another embarrassment for Speaker Mike Johnson after the Homeland Security chief narrowly survived impeachment in the same chamber&nbsp;minutes ago.&nbsp;

Earlier on Monday&nbsp;(Feb 5), the Senate&nbsp;agreed on a bipartisan $118 billion deal that attempts to overhaul the immigration policy and provide foreign emergency aid to friendly nations&nbsp;currently in crisis.&nbsp;

Despite the bill receiving a rare bipartisan nod in the Senate, Johnson said it would be "dead on arrival" in the chamber.

While not being involved in the thick of things, former president Donald Trump has been pulling the strings from outside and egging his GOP lawmakers to dump the bill.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-us-house-proposes-176-billion-in-military-aid-to-israel-686867">Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: US House proposes $17.6 billion in military aid to Israel</a>

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<h2>Democrats against the standalone bill</h2>

The standalone bill was an attempt by the Republicans to move quickly to support Israel with the leaders insisting it was not a political stunt. However, the Democrats believe otherwise.&nbsp;

"This accomplishes nothing and delays aid getting out to our allies and providing humanitarian relief.&nbsp;Our allies are facing existential threats and our friends and foes around the globe are watching, waiting to see how America will respond," said Democrat leader&nbsp;Rosa DeLauro.&nbsp;

Even if the bill was passed in the House, experts believe the Senate would have not taken it up as President Joe Biden threatened to veto it on Monday, calling it a&nbsp;“cynical political manoeuvre”.

"The Administration strongly encourages both chambers of the Congress to reject this political ploy and instead quickly send the bipartisan Emergency National Security Supplemental Appropriations Act to the President’s desk," the White House Office of Management and Budget said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-stands-in-way-of-118bn-immigration-ukraine-and-israel-package-deal-passed-by-senate-687347">Also read |&nbsp;Trump stands in way of $118bn immigration, Ukraine and Israel package deal, passed by Senate</a>

The Democrat-led bill earmarks $14 billion for Israel and $60 billion for Ukraine in foreign aid while diverting $20 billion to shore up the southern US borders. Republicans have batted against this bill saying it is "insufficient" on all counts.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The US House of Representatives on Tuesday (Feb 6) voted against a standalone $17.6 billion Israel aid bill brought by the Republicans. The bill was aimed at thwarting an all-encompassing Senate border security bill that would provide additional aid to both Ukraine and Israel as well as secure the southern border introduced over the weekend.

The US House of Representatives on Tuesday (Feb 6) voted against a standalone $17.6 billion Israel aid bill brought by the Republicans. The bill was aimed at thwarting an all-encompassing Senate border security bill that would provide additional aid to both Ukraine and Israel as well as secure the southern border introduced over the weekend. Although the House voted 250-180 in favour of the bill, it was short of the two-thirds majority needed to approve it under a fast-tracked legislative process. The failure of the bill to get through the House marked another embarrassment for Speaker Mike Johnson after the Homeland Security chief narrowly survived impeachment in the same chamber minutes ago. Earlier on Monday (Feb 5), the Senate agreed on a bipartisan $118 billion deal that attempts to overhaul the immigration policy and provide foreign emergency aid to friendly nations currently in crisis. Despite the bill receiving a rare bipartisan nod in the Senate, Johnson said it would be "dead on arrival" in the chamber. While not being involved in the thick of things, former president Donald Trump has been pulling the strings from outside and egging his GOP lawmakers to dump the bill. Watch | Israel-Hamas war: US House proposes $17.6 billion in military aid to Israel × Democrats against the standalone bill The standalone bill was an attempt by the Republicans to move quickly to support Israel with the leaders insisting it was not a political stunt. However, the Democrats believe otherwise. "This accomplishes nothing and delays aid getting out to our allies and providing humanitarian relief. Our allies are facing existential threats and our friends and foes around the globe are watching, waiting to see how America will respond," said Democrat leader Rosa DeLauro. Even if the bill was passed in the House, experts believe the Senate would have not taken it up as President Joe Biden threatened to veto it on Monday, calling it a “cynical political manoeuvre”. "The Administration strongly encourages both chambers of the Congress to reject this political ploy and instead quickly send the bipartisan Emergency National Security Supplemental Appropriations Act to the President’s desk," the White House Office of Management and Budget said in a statement. Also read | Trump stands in way of $118bn immigration, Ukraine and Israel package deal, passed by Senate The Democrat-led bill earmarks $14 billion for Israel and $60 billion for Ukraine in foreign aid while diverting $20 billion to shore up the southern US borders. Republicans have batted against this bill saying it is "insufficient" on all counts. (With inputs from agencies)

Republican-led $17.6 billion Israel-only aid bill rejected in US House

Republican leader Nikki Haley became the target of a second "swatting" attempt earlier this month on New Year's Day, according to a report by news agency Reuters.

Republican leader Nikki Haley became the target of a second "swatting" attempt earlier this month on New Year's Day, according to a report by news agency Reuters. The hoax caller told law enforcement agencies that Haley had shot her daughter who was lying in a pool of blood. After the 911 call, Charleston County sheriff's deputy responded to Haley's home. The deputy spoke to an unidentified woman at the front door, who matched Haley's description and concluded that the call was a hoax, according to a sheriff’s office report. The January 1 swatting attempt had not been previously reported but Haley alluded to the incident during NBC's "Meet the Press" programme on Sunday (Jan 28). Although Haley didn't provide a date for the incident or share details of what happened but added that it had happened twice already. “I will tell you that the last thing you want is to see multiple law enforcement officials with guns drawn pointing at my parents and thinking that something happened. It was an awful situation,” the former South Carolina governor added. Also read | New Hampshire Republican primary: Donald Trump delivers knockout blow to Nikki Haley Previous incident Prior to the New Year's Day incident, Haley's Kiawah Island home had also been swatted on December 30 last year. At the time, a man called the police and claimed to have shot a woman and threatened to harm himself at her home. Craig Harris, Kiawah Island director of public safety, cleared that it was a fake emergency as Haley was not on the island. “It was determined to be a hoax. Nikki Haley is not on the island and her son is with her,” Harris wrote in the email. Watch | US elections 2024: Donald Trump, Nikki Haley slam Biden over Jordan strikes × What is swatting? Swatting is the filing of false reports to the police to set off a potentially dangerous response by officers. It is often employed as a means to terrorise civil servants to impede the progress of democratic institutions. Haley, a former UN ambassador and a prominent political leader is the only candidate left in the race with ex-president Donald Trump to secure a presidential nomination from the Republican party. So far, she has suffered defeats in the Iowa and New Hampshire primaries but has vowed to keep going till the end. Authorities believe that owing to Haley's high-profile nomination race, she has become the target of unruly members of society who are attempting to silence her voice. Since 2020, swatting incidents against political figures has been on the rise in the US. Previous targets include House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, as well as Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene. (With inputs from agencies)

US: Nikki Haley targeted in second 'swatting' incident, hoax caller claims she shot her daughter

Republican candidates are gearing up for their first primary vote. On January 23rd, voters in New Hampshire will weigh in on what appears to be a rather settled field. To cement his stance further, former president Donald Trump rallied supporters in portsmouth.

Republican candidates campaign for first primary vote in New Hampshire | Race to Power

The American Democrat Shamaine Daniels Congressional Campaign has been aided by an AI-powered volunteer. Now using an AI poll campaigner who's capable of speaking about 20 different languages is believed to diversify water outreach.

AI powered campaigns debut in US politics

The United States House of Representatives, on Wednesday (Dec 13) voted to formally authorise its ongoing impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden over his son Hunter’s controversial international dealings even though they are yet to find evidence of wrongdoing by the Democratic incumbent. Biden has since slammed the vote as a “baseless political stunt".

<h2>About the vote</h2>

The GOP-led House voted 221-212 along party lines to approve the probe with all Republicans voting in favour and all Democrats voting against it. The inquiry is examining whether Biden improperly benefited from his 53-year-old son Hunter Biden’s foreign business dealings.&nbsp;

The vote came hours after the US president’s son refused a call to testify behind closed doors and defied a subpoena.&nbsp;

While House Republicans are yet to provide evidence of corruption. The Democratic-led Senate is unlikely to convict the incumbent president even if the inquiry did lead to an actual impeachment trial.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-to-vote-on-formalising-bidens-impeachment-inquiry-on-wednesday-report-668862">US House to vote on formalising Biden's impeachment inquiry on Wednesday: Report</a>

The vote also took place as the House was due to leave Washington for a year-end holiday break of more than three weeks.&nbsp;

House Republicans have accused the incumbent Democratic president and his family of improperly profiting from policy decisions that Biden made when he was serving as the vice president during President Barack Obama’s administration between 2009 and 2017.&nbsp;

<h2>Biden slams ‘baseless political stunt’</h2>

The incumbent president swiftly denounced the vote and said, “Instead of doing their job on the urgent work that needs to be done, they (Republicans) are choosing to waste time on this baseless political stunt that even Republicans in Congress admit is not supported by facts.”&nbsp;

<h2>No evidence&nbsp;</h2>

The effort which will almost certainly fail to remove Biden from office has time and time again been dismissed by the White House and said that the inquiry is unsubstantiated by facts and politically motivated.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-says-not-sure-if-hed-be-seeking-reelection-next-year-if-not-for-rival-trump-666650">Biden says 'not sure' if he'd be seeking re-election next year if Trump wasn't his rival</a>

Republicans ramped up efforts to impeach Biden ahead of the 2024 presidential election where he might potentially face a rematch with his Republican predecessor, Donald Trump who became the first US president in American history to be impeached twice and is currently preparing for four upcoming criminal trials.

The Wednesday vote comes three months after Republicans informally began the probe when then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy directed a House committee to open an impeachment inquiry, which alone would not be a required step to remove a president or other official from office.

However, the recent vote and authorisation could give Republicans more legal authority to force the Biden administration to cooperate. So far, Republicans have highlighted Hunter’s business ventures in Ukraine and China when Biden was the VP.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-us-house-republican-mccarthy-calls-for-prez-bidens-impeachment-inquiry-white-house-slams-move-635383">US House Speaker McCarthy orders Prez Biden's impeachment inquiry; White House slams move</a>

They have also turned up evidence that the 53-year-old son of the incumbent president led clients to believe that he could provide access to the vice president’s office, but they are yet to provide any proof that Biden himself took any official action to help those businesses or benefited financially from them.

“There is no evidence to support the allegations that my father was financially involved in my business because it did not happen,” said Hunter. On Monday (Dec 11), he defied a committee subpoena to testify behind closed doors, saying that he would only testify in public amid fears that his words would otherwise be misrepresented.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States House of Representatives, on Wednesday (Dec 13) voted to formally authorise its ongoing impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden over his son Hunter’s controversial international dealings even though they are yet to find evidence of wrongdoing by the Democratic incumbent.

The United States House of Representatives, on Wednesday (Dec 13) voted to formally authorise its ongoing impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden over his son Hunter’s controversial international dealings even though they are yet to find evidence of wrongdoing by the Democratic incumbent. Biden has since slammed the vote as a “baseless political stunt". About the vote The GOP-led House voted 221-212 along party lines to approve the probe with all Republicans voting in favour and all Democrats voting against it. The inquiry is examining whether Biden improperly benefited from his 53-year-old son Hunter Biden’s foreign business dealings. The vote came hours after the US president’s son refused a call to testify behind closed doors and defied a subpoena. While House Republicans are yet to provide evidence of corruption. The Democratic-led Senate is unlikely to convict the incumbent president even if the inquiry did lead to an actual impeachment trial. ALSO READ | US House to vote on formalising Biden's impeachment inquiry on Wednesday: Report The vote also took place as the House was due to leave Washington for a year-end holiday break of more than three weeks. House Republicans have accused the incumbent Democratic president and his family of improperly profiting from policy decisions that Biden made when he was serving as the vice president during President Barack Obama’s administration between 2009 and 2017. Biden slams ‘baseless political stunt’ The incumbent president swiftly denounced the vote and said, “Instead of doing their job on the urgent work that needs to be done, they (Republicans) are choosing to waste time on this baseless political stunt that even Republicans in Congress admit is not supported by facts.” No evidence The effort which will almost certainly fail to remove Biden from office has time and time again been dismissed by the White House and said that the inquiry is unsubstantiated by facts and politically motivated. ALSO READ | Biden says 'not sure' if he'd be seeking re-election next year if Trump wasn't his rival Republicans ramped up efforts to impeach Biden ahead of the 2024 presidential election where he might potentially face a rematch with his Republican predecessor, Donald Trump who became the first US president in American history to be impeached twice and is currently preparing for four upcoming criminal trials. The Wednesday vote comes three months after Republicans informally began the probe when then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy directed a House committee to open an impeachment inquiry, which alone would not be a required step to remove a president or other official from office. However, the recent vote and authorisation could give Republicans more legal authority to force the Biden administration to cooperate. So far, Republicans have highlighted Hunter’s business ventures in Ukraine and China when Biden was the VP. ALSO READ | US House Speaker McCarthy orders Prez Biden's impeachment inquiry; White House slams move They have also turned up evidence that the 53-year-old son of the incumbent president led clients to believe that he could provide access to the vice president’s office, but they are yet to provide any proof that Biden himself took any official action to help those businesses or benefited financially from them. “There is no evidence to support the allegations that my father was financially involved in my business because it did not happen,” said Hunter. On Monday (Dec 11), he defied a committee subpoena to testify behind closed doors, saying that he would only testify in public amid fears that his words would otherwise be misrepresented. (With inputs from agencies)

Republican-led House authorises Biden impeachment inquiry; US prez calls it ‘baseless political stunt’

US presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has admitted that he flew on disgraced paedophile Jeffrey Epstein's infamous private jet twice, whilst adding that his then-wife had a relationship with Ghislaine Maxwell.

US presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has admitted that he flew on disgraced paedophile Jeffrey Epstein's infamous private jet twice, whilst adding that his then-wife had a relationship with Ghislaine Maxwell. In an interview with Jesse Watters on Fox News, Kennedy made the revelation about his Epstein connection, one that could potentially have a significant impact on his presidential campaign. “I was on Jeffrey Epstein’s jet two times. I was on it in 1993 and I was on it in — and I went to Florida with my wife and two children to visit my mom over Easter,” he said, “My wife had some kind of relationship with Ghislaine Maxwell, and they offered us a ride to Palm Beach,” said Kennedy, whose late ex-wife, Mary Richardson Kennedy died by suicide in 2012. Speaking about the second incident when he chauffeured Epstein's plane, Kennedy revealed: "I went then, and on another occasion I flew again with my family with, I think, four of my children and Mary, my wife, to Rapid City, South Dakota, to go fossil hunting for a weekend." He claimed that he had been "very open" about his relationship with Epstein and that he took the jet in 1993, almost 30 years before Epstein's crimes came out in the open. Kennedy, who is running as an independent in the presidential race, having quit the Democratic primary bid party earlier this year, said he wanted real information regarding Epstein to come out in the public domain. “I agree with you that all of this information should be released, and we should get real answers on what happened to Jeffrey Epstein and any of the high-level political people that he was involved with, all of that should be open to the public, ” Kennedy said. “It should absolutely be transparent, and I don’t see why any of those records would have any redactions in them,” he said. “Why would we be hiding that from the American public?” Notably, this is not the first instance when Epstein has been linked to the Kennedy's. The criminal was once a guest at the high-profile wedding of former New York governor Andrew Cuomo and Kerry Kennedy. WATCH | Private Islands owned by Jeffrey Epstein What did Epstein do? Epstein was accused of sexually exploiting dozens of underage girls, some as young as 14, at his homes in Manhattan and Palm Beach, Florida between 2002 and 2005. However, the majority of his sexual exploits took place on the 72-acre Little St. James Island which he purchased in 1998 for $7.95 million. He later bought the 160-acre Great St. James Island for $20 million in 2016 and brought his victims there using the private jet. Also read | JPMorgan settles Epstein sex trafficking lawsuit with US Virgin Islands, to pay $75million After Epstein's alleged suicide, Maxwell was arrested in the United States and charged with sex trafficking minors for him on July 2, 2020. After a very public trial where Maxwell became the face of Epstein's sex-fuelled empire, she was handed a 20-year prison sentence by a court in New York in June, earlier this year. (With inputs from agencies)

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. admits he flew on Epstein's 'infamous' jet twice & wife had 'relationship' with Maxwell

The United States House of Representatives&nbsp;on Thursday (Nov 30) passed a resolution which would block Iran from ever accessing the $6 billion that Washington recently transferred to Qatar as part of a controversial prisoner swap which took place earlier this year.&nbsp;

The House Republicans pushed the measure in response to Tehran’s alleged role in the deadly October 7 attacks by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on Israel.&nbsp;

In September, Iran and the US held a prisoner swap which saw the exchange of five American citizens who were detained in Tehran with the same number of Iranians held in Washington. The swap also included the unfreezing of at least $6 billion of Iranian money by US President Joe Biden’s administration.&nbsp;

<h2>‘No Funds for Iranian Terrorism Act’</h2>

The resolution titled ‘No Funds for Iranian Terrorism Act’ in the lower chamber of Congress was passed with 307-119 votes as Republicans supposedly sought to hold the Biden administration accountable for what they called complicity in funding Iranian-backed terrorism in the Middle East.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-american-detainees-fly-out-of-iran-in-swap-deal-after-6-billion-unfrozen-637211">US and Iran swap prisoners after Qatar-brokered deal unfreezes $6 billion of Iranian oil money</a>

“With such instability in the region, the last thing we need to do is to give access to $6 billion to be diverted to more Iranian-sponsored terrorism,” said Representative Michael McCaul, the Republican chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, during the debate, as quoted by the Associated Press.&nbsp;

However, US officials have maintained they have not transferred even a single dollar to Iran yet and even when they do, it will be used for humanitarian needs.&nbsp;

But critics, including several House Republicans, have said that despite the money being used for humanitarian aid, it could free up other funds for Iran to provide support to Hamas.&nbsp;

This comes amid reports of Tehran’s alleged involvement and support for the Palestinian militant group ahead of their October 7 attacks on Israel.&nbsp;

The resolution also includes measures like imposing new sanctions on the funds to prevent the transfer of any monies to Iran and threatens to sanction any government or individual involved in the processing of the transfer of the funds.

<h2>Did US, Qatar agree to freeze Iran’s $6 billion after the prisoner swap?</h2>

The $6 billion frozen in South Korea had been generated by Iran through oil sales to Seoul. It was stuck after the US under former president Donald Trump reimposed sanctions as he withdrew from a landmark nuclear accord of 2015.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-truce-should-continue-as-its-producing-results-says-blinken-664846">Gaza truce should continue as it's 'producing results,' says Blinken</a>

However, days after Hamas attacked Israel, American media citing sources said that the US and the Qatari governments have agreed to block Iran from accessing any of the $6 billion it gained access to as part of a prisoner swap deal without&nbsp;any timeframe for how long the two governments plan to do so.

The Republican-backed resolution will now go to the Senate but may not receive any backing from the Democratic majority.&nbsp;

This comes as Democrats have defended the Biden administration’s decision to transfer the money in exchange for the American citizens held in Tehran saying that Iran has lost the leverage of holding US nationals as hostages.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States House of Representatives on Thursday (Nov 30) passed a resolution which would block Iran from ever accessing the $6 billion that Washington recently transferred to Qatar as part of a controversial prisoner swap which took place earlier this year.

The United States House of Representatives on Thursday (Nov 30) passed a resolution which would block Iran from ever accessing the $6 billion that Washington recently transferred to Qatar as part of a controversial prisoner swap which took place earlier this year. The House Republicans pushed the measure in response to Tehran’s alleged role in the deadly October 7 attacks by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on Israel. In September, Iran and the US held a prisoner swap which saw the exchange of five American citizens who were detained in Tehran with the same number of Iranians held in Washington. The swap also included the unfreezing of at least $6 billion of Iranian money by US President Joe Biden’s administration. ‘No Funds for Iranian Terrorism Act’ The resolution titled ‘No Funds for Iranian Terrorism Act’ in the lower chamber of Congress was passed with 307-119 votes as Republicans supposedly sought to hold the Biden administration accountable for what they called complicity in funding Iranian-backed terrorism in the Middle East. ALSO READ | US and Iran swap prisoners after Qatar-brokered deal unfreezes $6 billion of Iranian oil money “With such instability in the region, the last thing we need to do is to give access to $6 billion to be diverted to more Iranian-sponsored terrorism,” said Representative Michael McCaul, the Republican chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, during the debate, as quoted by the Associated Press. However, US officials have maintained they have not transferred even a single dollar to Iran yet and even when they do, it will be used for humanitarian needs. But critics, including several House Republicans, have said that despite the money being used for humanitarian aid, it could free up other funds for Iran to provide support to Hamas. This comes amid reports of Tehran’s alleged involvement and support for the Palestinian militant group ahead of their October 7 attacks on Israel. The resolution also includes measures like imposing new sanctions on the funds to prevent the transfer of any monies to Iran and threatens to sanction any government or individual involved in the processing of the transfer of the funds. Did US, Qatar agree to freeze Iran’s $6 billion after the prisoner swap? The $6 billion frozen in South Korea had been generated by Iran through oil sales to Seoul. It was stuck after the US under former president Donald Trump reimposed sanctions as he withdrew from a landmark nuclear accord of 2015. ALSO READ | Gaza truce should continue as it's 'producing results,' says Blinken However, days after Hamas attacked Israel, American media citing sources said that the US and the Qatari governments have agreed to block Iran from accessing any of the $6 billion it gained access to as part of a prisoner swap deal without any timeframe for how long the two governments plan to do so. The Republican-backed resolution will now go to the Senate but may not receive any backing from the Democratic majority. This comes as Democrats have defended the Biden administration’s decision to transfer the money in exchange for the American citizens held in Tehran saying that Iran has lost the leverage of holding US nationals as hostages. (With inputs from agencies)

US House passes resolution to block Iran’s access to $6 bn oil money after prisoner swap

It was a Tuesday worth remembering for the Democrats as the party&nbsp;reaped significant gains in the off-year elections in some states, offering them a glimmer of hope ahead of the 2024 US presidential polls.

In two states, Democrats-backed candidates were handed victory, while in Ohio, the abortion rights activists prevailed over the naysayers, which experts believe would set the tone for national debates in the upcoming presidential polls.

The off-year elections are considered to be the bellwether of the 2024 presidential elections, and it is believed that Tuesday’s win would have major implications in US politics.

<h2>Democrats win in Trump’s county</h2>

Kentucky has historically elected the Republicans in the national elections. Donald Trump’s victory by a wide margin in 2020 is a testament to that.

But incumbent Democrat Governor Andy Beshear won a second term against Republican rival Daniel Cameron.

While Beshear’s first term was focused on his response to a series of natural disasters and the pandemic, his re-election campaign harped on abortion rights.

He portrayed Republican Cameron as too extreme on the issue, pointing to his support for the state’s abortion ban, which lacks exceptions for pregnancies caused by rape or incest.

<h2>Once wrongfully jailed, now a member of New York City Council</h2>

Yusef Salaam was wrongfully jailed in an infamous rape case. He was one of five black and Hispanic boys who were wrongfully accused of raping a jogger in Central Park in 1989.

The case gripped New York City and the group became known as the Central Park Five.

Salaam, who was 15 at the time, was jailed for several years before a serial rapist confessed to the crime and the group's convictions were vacated.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ohio-votes-to-legalise-recreational-marijuana-but-opponents-say-fight-not-over-656440">Ohio votes to legalise recreational marijuana but opponents say ‘fight not over’</a>

On Tuesday (Nov 7), Salaam, a Democrat, was elected unopposed to a central Harlem district in one of many local elections held across New York state.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ohio-voters-add-abortion-rights-to-states-constitution-approve-marijuana-legalisation-656366">Ohio voters add abortion rights to state’s constitution, Biden says 'MAGA lost'</a>

He had won the Democratic primary in July that assured his election.

"For me, this means that we can really become our ancestors' wildest dreams," Salaam said in an interview before the polls.

<h2>Abortion remains a top issue in Ohio</h2>

In Ohio, voters backed an amendment to the state's constitution that will guarantee abortion rights, marking a major victory for pro-choice campaigners in the state.

According to CBS News, about 57 per cent of voters in the conservative-leaning state backed the measure.

The amendment will change the state's constitution to include protections for abortion access. It will establish "an individual right to one's own reproductive medical treatment", including abortion, contraception and miscarriage care. It will take effect on December 7, 30 days after the election.

The success in Kentucky and Ohio has significantly bolstered the Democrats' hopes that abortion rights remain a winning issue ahead of elections in 2024.

(With inputs from agencies)

It was a Tuesday worth remembering for the Democrats as the party reaped significant gains in the off-year elections in some states, offering them a glimmer of hope ahead of the 2024 US presidential polls.

It was a Tuesday worth remembering for the Democrats as the party reaped significant gains in the off-year elections in some states, offering them a glimmer of hope ahead of the 2024 US presidential polls. In two states, Democrats-backed candidates were handed victory, while in Ohio, the abortion rights activists prevailed over the naysayers, which experts believe would set the tone for national debates in the upcoming presidential polls. The off-year elections are considered to be the bellwether of the 2024 presidential elections, and it is believed that Tuesday’s win would have major implications in US politics. Democrats win in Trump’s county Kentucky has historically elected the Republicans in the national elections. Donald Trump’s victory by a wide margin in 2020 is a testament to that. But incumbent Democrat Governor Andy Beshear won a second term against Republican rival Daniel Cameron. While Beshear’s first term was focused on his response to a series of natural disasters and the pandemic, his re-election campaign harped on abortion rights. He portrayed Republican Cameron as too extreme on the issue, pointing to his support for the state’s abortion ban, which lacks exceptions for pregnancies caused by rape or incest. Once wrongfully jailed, now a member of New York City Council Yusef Salaam was wrongfully jailed in an infamous rape case. He was one of five black and Hispanic boys who were wrongfully accused of raping a jogger in Central Park in 1989. The case gripped New York City and the group became known as the Central Park Five. Salaam, who was 15 at the time, was jailed for several years before a serial rapist confessed to the crime and the group's convictions were vacated. Also read | Ohio votes to legalise recreational marijuana but opponents say ‘fight not over’ On Tuesday (Nov 7), Salaam, a Democrat, was elected unopposed to a central Harlem district in one of many local elections held across New York state. Also read | Ohio voters add abortion rights to state’s constitution, Biden says 'MAGA lost' He had won the Democratic primary in July that assured his election. "For me, this means that we can really become our ancestors' wildest dreams," Salaam said in an interview before the polls. Abortion remains a top issue in Ohio In Ohio, voters backed an amendment to the state's constitution that will guarantee abortion rights, marking a major victory for pro-choice campaigners in the state. According to CBS News, about 57 per cent of voters in the conservative-leaning state backed the measure. The amendment will change the state's constitution to include protections for abortion access. It will establish "an individual right to one's own reproductive medical treatment", including abortion, contraception and miscarriage care. It will take effect on December 7, 30 days after the election. The success in Kentucky and Ohio has significantly bolstered the Democrats' hopes that abortion rights remain a winning issue ahead of elections in 2024. (With inputs from agencies)

Big win for Democrats in Kentucky, Ohio and New York: Here’s a round-up of off-year elections

According to a recent Gallup survey, a majority of Americans say Republicans will do a better job bolstering the economy, giving the republican party its widest lead over the democratic party in terms of economic policy in over three decades.

Republicans better at managing the economy?

Kevin McCarthy was axed Tuesday as speaker of the US House of Representatives in a brutal, historic rebellion by far-right Republicans furious at his cooperation with Democrats.

US: Ex-speaker Nancy Pelosi vacates Capitol office

A recent Gallup poll has unveiled a shift in public sentiment, with Republicans now holding a substantial lead over Democrats in terms of economic trust, Bloomberg reported. &nbsp;

This development marks the first time in 32 years that Republicans have outpaced Democrats on this crucial issue, with 53 per cent of Americans expressing confidence in the GOP's (Grand Old Party’s) ability to strengthen the economy, while 39 per cent favour Democrats. The 14-point lead showcases a dramatic change since 1991, posing challenges for President Joe Biden's re-election campaign, as concerns over inflation and job security persistently dominate public discourse.&nbsp;

The poll's findings serve as a clear indicator of the hurdles facing President Biden in his quest for a second term. Despite a robust job market and steady economic growth, nearly three-fourths of Americans harbour pessimism about the state of the economy.&nbsp;

President Biden's administration has actively sought to reshape public perception regarding its economic stewardship. Under the banner of "Bidenomics," the administration has emphasised efforts to reduce consumer costs. This includes initiatives such as capping insulin prices for seniors, allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices, and lowering health-care premiums. Despite these efforts, the impact on public sentiment appears limited.&nbsp;

Historically, Republicans held an advantage in the economic arena during the mid-to-late 1980s. However, they fell behind or were closely matched by Democrats starting in the mid-1990s, reaching a low point during the Great Recession in 2007. Gallup's long-term tracking data reveals that Republicans have consistently received higher ratings than Democrats on economic matters for much of the past decade, except for a brief period in 2020 when GOP leaders in Congress resisted passing additional pandemic relief funding.&nbsp;

The poll also highlights a broader trend of negative sentiment toward both major political parties. A majority of respondents, 56 per cent, expressed unfavourable views of the Republican Party, while 58 per cent held an unfavourable view of the Democratic Party.&nbsp;

Conducted between September 1 and 23, 2023, across all 50 states, the Gallup poll surveyed 1,106 adults. The margin of error for the poll stands at plus or minus four percentage points.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Bloomberg)&nbsp;

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A recent Gallup poll has unveiled a shift in public sentiment, with Republicans now holding a substantial lead over Democrats in terms of economic trust, Bloomberg reported.

A recent Gallup poll has unveiled a shift in public sentiment, with Republicans now holding a substantial lead over Democrats in terms of economic trust, Bloomberg reported. This development marks the first time in 32 years that Republicans have outpaced Democrats on this crucial issue, with 53 per cent of Americans expressing confidence in the GOP's (Grand Old Party’s) ability to strengthen the economy, while 39 per cent favour Democrats. The 14-point lead showcases a dramatic change since 1991, posing challenges for President Joe Biden's re-election campaign, as concerns over inflation and job security persistently dominate public discourse. The poll's findings serve as a clear indicator of the hurdles facing President Biden in his quest for a second term. Despite a robust job market and steady economic growth, nearly three-fourths of Americans harbour pessimism about the state of the economy. President Biden's administration has actively sought to reshape public perception regarding its economic stewardship. Under the banner of "Bidenomics," the administration has emphasised efforts to reduce consumer costs. This includes initiatives such as capping insulin prices for seniors, allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices, and lowering health-care premiums. Despite these efforts, the impact on public sentiment appears limited. Historically, Republicans held an advantage in the economic arena during the mid-to-late 1980s. However, they fell behind or were closely matched by Democrats starting in the mid-1990s, reaching a low point during the Great Recession in 2007. Gallup's long-term tracking data reveals that Republicans have consistently received higher ratings than Democrats on economic matters for much of the past decade, except for a brief period in 2020 when GOP leaders in Congress resisted passing additional pandemic relief funding. The poll also highlights a broader trend of negative sentiment toward both major political parties. A majority of respondents, 56 per cent, expressed unfavourable views of the Republican Party, while 58 per cent held an unfavourable view of the Democratic Party. Conducted between September 1 and 23, 2023, across all 50 states, the Gallup poll surveyed 1,106 adults. The margin of error for the poll stands at plus or minus four percentage points. (With inputs from Bloomberg) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Republicans surge ahead of Democrats in economic trust: Gallup poll

Leading US House Republican Kevin McCarthy may soon lose his position as speaker following the passage of a stopgap funding package that had more support from Democrats than from Republicans. This comes after a hardline critic within his own party asked for a vote to remove McCarthy from office.

US Republican files bid to oust House Speaker Kevin McCarthy

Republican presidential nomination seeker Vivek Ramaswamy has vowed to pardon all non-violent January 6 protesters if he is elected as the next US president in 2024.&nbsp;

“America now has a two-tiered justice system: Antifa and BLM rioters roam free while peaceful January 6 protesters are imprisoned without bail. Biden’s ‘Department of Injustice’ has executed over 1,000 arrests for nonviolent offences related to January 6, casting a dark shadow over Lady Justice and the foundational principles of our legal system,” said Ramaswamy.

“To unify this country, I commit as president to pardon all Americans who were targets of politicised federal prosecutions and those denied due process. This includes all peaceful, nonviolent January 6 protesters who were denied their constitutional due process rights," he added.&nbsp;

In the aftermath of the US presidential elections, former president Donald Trump's&nbsp;supporters allegedly attempted to overturn the results. The Republican leader was accused of posting messages online to incite violence as over 2,000 people entered the US Capitol, starting a riot.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/vivek-ramaswamy-i-want-to-revive-our-nations-patriotism-and-pride-613452">Watch |&nbsp;Vivek Ramaswamy: I want to revive our nation's patriotism and pride</a>

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<h2>Will pardon Trump: Ramaswamy</h2>

Apart from forgiving the Capitol Hill protesters, Ramaswamy has also batted for pardoning Trump. During a recent interview, Ramaswamy extended his support to Trump and said his aim was to 'reunite' the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“If Donald Trump's the nominee -- yes, I will support him, and if I'm the president, yes, I will pardon him because that will help reunite the country. But it's not the most important thing I'm going to do as the next president. It is the table stakes for moving this country forward," Ramaswamy said.&nbsp;

Ramaswamy, a US citizen, born and raised in&nbsp;Cincinnati, Ohio has put his hat in the ring to secure a nomination from the Republican party for the 2024 presidential elections. He is up against former president Donald Trump, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, Mike Pence and other heavyweights.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/americas/who-is-vivek-ramaswamy-all-about-the-indian-american-entrepreneur-in-the-us-presidential-bid-2024-564670">Also read |&nbsp;Who is Vivek Ramaswamy? All about the Indian-American entrepreneur in the 2024 US presidential bid</a>

Despite starting as an underdog, Ramaswamy has made rapid strides in the race, especially after the first Republican debate&nbsp;held last month. The entrepreneur was subjected to a barrage of verbal tirades from other Republican leaders but managed to hold his own and emerge as one of the biggest beneficiaries of the GOP primary debate.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Republican presidential nomination seeker Vivek Ramaswamy has vowed to pardon all non-violent January 6 protesters if he is elected as the next US president in 2024.

Republican presidential nomination seeker Vivek Ramaswamy has vowed to pardon all non-violent January 6 protesters if he is elected as the next US president in 2024. “America now has a two-tiered justice system: Antifa and BLM rioters roam free while peaceful January 6 protesters are imprisoned without bail. Biden’s ‘Department of Injustice’ has executed over 1,000 arrests for nonviolent offences related to January 6, casting a dark shadow over Lady Justice and the foundational principles of our legal system,” said Ramaswamy. “To unify this country, I commit as president to pardon all Americans who were targets of politicised federal prosecutions and those denied due process. This includes all peaceful, nonviolent January 6 protesters who were denied their constitutional due process rights," he added. In the aftermath of the US presidential elections, former president Donald Trump's supporters allegedly attempted to overturn the results. The Republican leader was accused of posting messages online to incite violence as over 2,000 people entered the US Capitol, starting a riot. Watch | Vivek Ramaswamy: I want to revive our nation's patriotism and pride Will pardon Trump: Ramaswamy Apart from forgiving the Capitol Hill protesters, Ramaswamy has also batted for pardoning Trump. During a recent interview, Ramaswamy extended his support to Trump and said his aim was to 'reunite' the country. “If Donald Trump's the nominee -- yes, I will support him, and if I'm the president, yes, I will pardon him because that will help reunite the country. But it's not the most important thing I'm going to do as the next president. It is the table stakes for moving this country forward," Ramaswamy said. Ramaswamy, a US citizen, born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio has put his hat in the ring to secure a nomination from the Republican party for the 2024 presidential elections. He is up against former president Donald Trump, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, Mike Pence and other heavyweights. Also read | Who is Vivek Ramaswamy? All about the Indian-American entrepreneur in the 2024 US presidential bid Despite starting as an underdog, Ramaswamy has made rapid strides in the race, especially after the first Republican debate held last month. The entrepreneur was subjected to a barrage of verbal tirades from other Republican leaders but managed to hold his own and emerge as one of the biggest beneficiaries of the GOP primary debate. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Vivek Ramaswamy 'vows' to pardon January 6 protesters

As a crucial committee reviews a $728 billion agricultural and nutrition funding plan on Monday, 25 Democratic legislators urged Republican House of Representatives leaders to refrain from pushing for greater cuts to the largest U.S. food aid program for low-income Americans.

US: Democrats urge Republican not to make financial cuts in food aid

Former US president Donald Trump rang in his 77th birthday on Wednesday after a day of heavy court proceedings. Trump pleaded not guilty to 37 federal counts including espionage charges and managed to secure a release on bond.

Former US president Donald Trump rang in his 77th birthday on Wednesday after a day of heavy court proceedings. Trump pleaded not guilty to 37 federal counts including espionage charges and managed to secure a release on bond. The legal woes, however, are far from over for the Republican leader. Fulton County, Georgia and its sheriff's office have dispatched officials to Miami and New York to gather intelligence regarding allegations that Trump pressured election officials to overturn his loss in the state's 2020 election. Notably, in one of the leaked tapes that went viral at the time, Trump was caught instructing Brad Raffensperger, the Georgia secretary of state, “I just want to find 11,780 votes,” to surpass Joe Biden’s total. If the officials manage to gather ample evidence, Trump could be staring at another indictment. Stormy Daniels hush-money case Then there is the Stormy Daniels hush-money case where Trump has again pleaded not guilty. Trump is accused of having sex with Daniels right after Melania gave birth to their son Barron. He is alleged to have falsified records to conceal reimbursements to his then-lawyer Michael Cohen for a $130,000 payment to Daniels to silence her about their alleged sexual encounters. Also read | Trump's attempt to move 'hush money' case to federal court opposed by Manhattan DA E. Jean Carroll's defamation case Having just about settled the defamation case with E. Jean Carroll, a federal judge in New York on Tuesday granted the request to the journalist to update her lawsuit after Trump issued new comments about her. Earlier, Carroll had won $5 million in compensatory and punitive damages. Trump's recent statements at a CNN town hall triggered Carroll to file another complaint. "Trump’s defamatory statements post-verdict show the depth of his malice toward Carroll since it is hard to imagine defamatory conduct that could possibly be more motivated by hatred, ill will, or spite," read the complaint. WATCH | Donald Trump sexually abused writer E Jean Carroll, US jury rules × Election overturning allegations Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith, who has charged Trump in the classified documents case is also leading the case into allegations of Trump overturning the 2020 presidential election. A federal jury has heard from witnesses, including former vice-president, Mike Pence. Also read | 'I will obliterate...': Trump goes on unhinged tirade after Miami court proceedings Despite the plethora of court cases staring Trump, his popularity is yet to take a beating. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll showed 81 per cent of Republican voters view the charges as politically motivated. Meanwhile, 43 per cent said Trump is their preferred candidate in the primary compared with 22 per cent who picked the Florida governor, Ron DeSantis. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Trump rings in his 77th birthday with plethora of court cases awaiting him

Months of back-and-forth and drama over whether the US will raise the debt ceiling or not are seemingly coming to an end. The US House of Representatives as well as the Senate voted in favour of raising the debt ceiling.

Months of back-and-forth and drama over whether the US will raise the debt ceiling or not are seemingly coming to an end. The US House of Representatives as well as the Senate voted in favour of raising the debt ceiling. After receiving what was largely a bipartisan approval, the legislation is now headed to US President Joe Biden. It is expected that the bill would be approved before the June 5 deadline, also known as the 'X-date'. But what is the language of the deal? What are the compromises made by both parties and most importantly, what is the debt limit and how did the US come so close to plunging the entire globe into an economic crisis with the spillover effect? What is the debt limit? A debt limit is the amount of money that the US government can borrow to meet its financial obligations, such as social security, military salaries and Medicare benefits payments. Congress, earlier this year, extended the statutory debt limit to $31.4 trillion. However, the weak economic fundamentals and overflowing expenditures meant that the US reached precariously close to breaching the limit. Consequently, Congress was engaged in a fierce tussle to raise the limit. Prior to achieving a breakthrough, even the White House conceded that an actual breach of the US debt ceiling was likely to cause severe damage to the economy. "If the US government were to default on its obligations - whether to creditors, contractors, or citizens - the economy would quickly shift into reverse, with the depth of the losses a function of how long the breach lasted," said the White House in a statement. Also read | US House passes debt ceiling deal to prevent default, bill heads to Senate for nod before June 5 deadline What is the text of the bill? The deal ensures that USA's borrowing cap is extended till January 2025, which means that it will be a non-issue, at least during the hotly contested US presidential elections scheduled in 2024. Overall, the Congressional Budget Office projected that the bill would reduce budget deficits by about $1.5 trillion over the next decade. Non-defence spending capped The bill has capped spending in non-defence areas, such as public education and transportation in 2024, before increasing it by one per cent in 2025. According to a CNN report, non-defence discretionary spending for fiscal 2024 will be approximately $704 billion, of which $121 billion would be for veterans' medical care. Notably, veterans who have been exposed to toxic substances or environmental hazards will receive support under the PACT Act. Though Biden sought $20.3 billion for the toxic exposure fund in his budget, the bill brings it down to nearly $15 billion for fiscal year 2024. WATCH: Republican senators fist-bump after tanking a healthcare bill for military veterans Covid-related fundings rescinded According to House GOP lawmakers, the deal ensures that $28 billion in unobligated funds from COVID-19 relief packages, approved by Congress, is rescinded. However, $5 billion in funding would be retained to focus on the development of COVID-19 vaccines and funding for other vaccines and treatments for the uninsured, as well as the Indian Health Service. WATCH | US House passes debt ceiling deal, bill heads to Senate for nod before June 5 deadline × IRS money One of the biggest demands of Republicans was to cut down the money allotted to IRS last year by the Democrats to crack down on tax fraud. The bill language states that $1.4 billion in funding has been rescinded. Moreover, over the next two years, $20 billion will be taken away from the IRS and used for funding other non-defence programmes. Some experts, however, are of the view that the change would increase deficits by $900 million because fewer IRS officers mean less revenue coming into the Treasury. Environmental projects For the first time in nearly four decades, a single lead agency has been designated to develop and schedule environmental reviews in hopes that it will streamline the lengthy regulatory process. The biggest beneficiary has been the controversial Mountain Valley Pipeline project, brought forward by Senators Joe Manchin and Shelley Moore Capito. Under the bill, all outstanding permit requests concerning the project have been approved. Student loans Republicans wanting to stop the Biden administration from waiving $10,000 to $20,000 in debt for nearly all student borrowers could not get their way in the bill. Biden, however, agreed to put an end to the pause on student loan repayment. The true test of Biden's resolve regarding the policy will be tested in the Supreme Court where a decision is expected before the end of June. GOP lawmakers could not get their way to repeal many of the clean energy tax credits Democrats passed in party-line votes last year to boost the production and consumption of clean energy. So what's next for the US? Congress must ensure that the approved deal reaches President Biden's desk before June 5. After Bidens signs it, the limit is raised and it is business as usual before the cycle repeats in roughly two years' time. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Explained: What is in the debt ceiling bill passed by US Congress?

After decades of close and harmonious relations, Big Business and the Republican Party and its most hard-line followers are fighting each other on some of the most sensitive fronts of America’s increasingly bizarre culture wars.

Those involved on the side of corporate America are some of the biggest and best-known brands, from Disney, owners of the world’s most popular entertainment parks, to Budweiser, makers of America’s most popular beer, to BlackRock, the multi-national investment firm which is the world’s largest asset manager.

On the opposite front are right-wing Republicans, including three aspirants to the US presidency, who object to corporate policies best known by their acronyms: ESG and DEI. That stands for Environmental, Social and Governance and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

How willing Republicans are to break with their traditional allies on Wall Street was thrown into sharp focus in March with the adoption of a bill to prevent retirement fund managers from basing decisions on factors like climate change, the “E” in ESG. The US Senate passed the measure with a 50-46 vote.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/how-mickey-mouse-was-drawn-into-americas-culture-wars-591151">ALSO READ |&nbsp;How Mickey Mouse was drawn into America’s culture wars</a>

One critic, Washington Post columnist Dana Milbank, saw the bill as evidence that Republicans, once champions of the free market, had become inspired by Soviet economic planners.

“Republican lawmakers are now telling which businesses they can and can’t invest in – and which investment criteria they will be permitted to consider."

The bill prompted President Joe Biden to issue the first veto of his presidency. “I signed this veto because the legislation passed by Congress would put at risk the retirement savings of individuals across the country,” he explained.

The response, from the speaker of the Republican-dominated House of Representatives, Kevin McCarthy: “President Biden wants to use your hard-earned money not to grow your savings but to fund a far-left political agenda.”

Winning a battle, as Biden did with his veto, does not mean winning the culture wars that go far beyond investment strategies and cover issues as diverse as abortion, education, voting rights, gun laws, school libraries, immigration, and the LGBT community. As far as ESG investment goes, the dark views of hard-line Republicans were spelt out at a hearing of the House Oversight Committee in May by Steve Marshall, the Alabama attorney general and one of two “expert” witnesses.

“An unelected cabal of global elites,” he told the hearing, “have formed alliances to coordinate together to implement woke climate policy….unelected elites are making policy decisions outside of democratic processes.”

That brought to mind a conspiracy theory dating back to the 1970s according to which a cabal of elites are secretly working on a plan to turn the United Nations into the seat of a world government, taking away US sovereignty and enforcing its rule with a fleet of black helicopters.

In the lexicon of right-wing Republicans, “woke” is a pejorative umbrella term that covers a variety of topics - from climate change and social programmes to support for minorities. “Unelected elites” are the kind of people who converge on Davos once a year to exchange ideas on global problems.

US corporate leaders who incur the displeasure of powerful politicians also count as unelected elites, of course. Such as Disney CEO Bob Chapek who, under pressure from angry employees, criticised Florida’s Republican governor Ron DeSantis for legislation to limit school instruction about sexual orientation and gender identity.

DeSantis retaliated by cutting tax and other privileges Disney had enjoyed since 1967. Chapek’s successor as CEO, Bob Iger, hit back by cancelling a $2 billion expansion project around Orlando that would have resulted in 2,000 new jobs.

Another example of how carefully an American company must tread in the culture wars – often discussed with more passion on social media as real wars, i.e. Ukraine – was provided by Bud Light, the country’s most popular beer.

Its drinkers are mostly men and its market share is highest in conservative parts of the country, where diversity is not a major concern and there is little or no sympathy for people who change their gender. Despite a stable consumer base, Bud Light’s sales have been falling steadily across the country.

To stop the decline, caused by greater demand for craft beers, Anheuser Busch, Bud’s brewer, attempted to attract a wider and more diverse range of consumers, including women.

To achieve that goal, the woman in charge of Bud Light’s marketing, Alissa Heinerscheid, launched a promotion that featured a transgender influencer, Dylan Mulvaney. To mark the anniversary of her transition from man to woman, she was given a special gift -- a Bud Light can adorned with her picture.

Mulvaney displayed it proudly on TikTok, where she has almost 11 million followers, and Instagram, where she has 1.8 million. It was a personalised once-only can but conservative social media commenters gave the impression that the can was mass-produced and available in all stores.

That prompted furious social media criticism and so much rage that the country singer Kid Rock produced a video of him shooting Bud Light cans with a submachine gun.

The beer episode illuminates the passion aroused by subjects anathema to the political right but it is no more than a sideshow to the wider issue of the cooling relations between corporate America and the Republican Party in its present configuration.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/desantis-ends-disney-worlds-corporate-kingdom-company-loses-self-governing-status-with-new-law-566942">WATCH |&nbsp;DeSantis ends Disney World's 'corporate kingdom', company loses self-governing status with new law</a>

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There is no unanimity of views of what soured relations between Big Business and the Republican Party but Larry Fink, the hugely successful CEO of BlackRock often comes up in discussions of the estrangement.

In 2020 and 2021, Fink sent letters to dozens of influential CEOs arguing that the financial industry must act against climate change. The letters were effective: they sparked a wave of climate-conscious investing as well as intense lobbying against the idea from oil and other fossil-fuel companies.

At the latest meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos in January, Fink deplored harsh right-wing attacks on him and his strategy proposals. “The narrative is ugly,” he told the meeting. “The narrative has created this huge polarisation…They are trying to demonise the issues.”

Elon Musk, the eccentric billionaire whose mass production of electric cars has been good for the environment, also attended the Davos meeting but had a different take on ESG. “The S in ESG stands for Satanic,” he said in a tweet.

No end is in sight for the controversy. ESG and DEI are certain to be part of the debates in the run-up to the 2024 US presidential elections.

Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

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After decades of close and harmonious relations, Big Business and the Republican Party and its most hard-line followers are fighting each other on some of the most sensitive fronts of America’s increasingly bizarre culture wars.

After decades of close and harmonious relations, Big Business and the Republican Party and its most hard-line followers are fighting each other on some of the most sensitive fronts of America’s increasingly bizarre culture wars. Those involved on the side of corporate America are some of the biggest and best-known brands, from Disney, owners of the world’s most popular entertainment parks, to Budweiser, makers of America’s most popular beer, to BlackRock, the multi-national investment firm which is the world’s largest asset manager. On the opposite front are right-wing Republicans, including three aspirants to the US presidency, who object to corporate policies best known by their acronyms: ESG and DEI. That stands for Environmental, Social and Governance and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. How willing Republicans are to break with their traditional allies on Wall Street was thrown into sharp focus in March with the adoption of a bill to prevent retirement fund managers from basing decisions on factors like climate change, the “E” in ESG. The US Senate passed the measure with a 50-46 vote. ALSO READ | How Mickey Mouse was drawn into America’s culture wars One critic, Washington Post columnist Dana Milbank, saw the bill as evidence that Republicans, once champions of the free market, had become inspired by Soviet economic planners. “Republican lawmakers are now telling which businesses they can and can’t invest in – and which investment criteria they will be permitted to consider." The bill prompted President Joe Biden to issue the first veto of his presidency. “I signed this veto because the legislation passed by Congress would put at risk the retirement savings of individuals across the country,” he explained. The response, from the speaker of the Republican-dominated House of Representatives, Kevin McCarthy: “President Biden wants to use your hard-earned money not to grow your savings but to fund a far-left political agenda.” Winning a battle, as Biden did with his veto, does not mean winning the culture wars that go far beyond investment strategies and cover issues as diverse as abortion, education, voting rights, gun laws, school libraries, immigration, and the LGBT community. As far as ESG investment goes, the dark views of hard-line Republicans were spelt out at a hearing of the House Oversight Committee in May by Steve Marshall, the Alabama attorney general and one of two “expert” witnesses. “An unelected cabal of global elites,” he told the hearing, “have formed alliances to coordinate together to implement woke climate policy….unelected elites are making policy decisions outside of democratic processes.” That brought to mind a conspiracy theory dating back to the 1970s according to which a cabal of elites are secretly working on a plan to turn the United Nations into the seat of a world government, taking away US sovereignty and enforcing its rule with a fleet of black helicopters. In the lexicon of right-wing Republicans, “woke” is a pejorative umbrella term that covers a variety of topics - from climate change and social programmes to support for minorities. “Unelected elites” are the kind of people who converge on Davos once a year to exchange ideas on global problems. US corporate leaders who incur the displeasure of powerful politicians also count as unelected elites, of course. Such as Disney CEO Bob Chapek who, under pressure from angry employees, criticised Florida’s Republican governor Ron DeSantis for legislation to limit school instruction about sexual orientation and gender identity. DeSantis retaliated by cutting tax and other privileges Disney had enjoyed since 1967. Chapek’s successor as CEO, Bob Iger, hit back by cancelling a $2 billion expansion project around Orlando that would have resulted in 2,000 new jobs. Another example of how carefully an American company must tread in the culture wars – often discussed with more passion on social media as real wars, i.e. Ukraine – was provided by Bud Light, the country’s most popular beer. Its drinkers are mostly men and its market share is highest in conservative parts of the country, where diversity is not a major concern and there is little or no sympathy for people who change their gender. Despite a stable consumer base, Bud Light’s sales have been falling steadily across the country. To stop the decline, caused by greater demand for craft beers, Anheuser Busch, Bud’s brewer, attempted to attract a wider and more diverse range of consumers, including women. To achieve that goal, the woman in charge of Bud Light’s marketing, Alissa Heinerscheid, launched a promotion that featured a transgender influencer, Dylan Mulvaney. To mark the anniversary of her transition from man to woman, she was given a special gift -- a Bud Light can adorned with her picture. Mulvaney displayed it proudly on TikTok, where she has almost 11 million followers, and Instagram, where she has 1.8 million. It was a personalised once-only can but conservative social media commenters gave the impression that the can was mass-produced and available in all stores. That prompted furious social media criticism and so much rage that the country singer Kid Rock produced a video of him shooting Bud Light cans with a submachine gun. The beer episode illuminates the passion aroused by subjects anathema to the political right but it is no more than a sideshow to the wider issue of the cooling relations between corporate America and the Republican Party in its present configuration. WATCH | DeSantis ends Disney World's 'corporate kingdom', company loses self-governing status with new law × There is no unanimity of views of what soured relations between Big Business and the Republican Party but Larry Fink, the hugely successful CEO of BlackRock often comes up in discussions of the estrangement. In 2020 and 2021, Fink sent letters to dozens of influential CEOs arguing that the financial industry must act against climate change. The letters were effective: they sparked a wave of climate-conscious investing as well as intense lobbying against the idea from oil and other fossil-fuel companies. At the latest meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos in January, Fink deplored harsh right-wing attacks on him and his strategy proposals. “The narrative is ugly,” he told the meeting. “The narrative has created this huge polarisation…They are trying to demonise the issues.” Elon Musk, the eccentric billionaire whose mass production of electric cars has been good for the environment, also attended the Davos meeting but had a different take on ESG. “The S in ESG stands for Satanic,” he said in a tweet. No end is in sight for the controversy. ESG and DEI are certain to be part of the debates in the run-up to the 2024 US presidential elections. Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

How Big Business ended up in the trenches of America’s culture wars

The Republican queue for securing a presidential nomination is getting congested with each passing day. While former president Donald Trump is currently leading the pack, many consider Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as the dark horse who can take the fight to him and perhaps, stage an upset, if the stars align themselves perfectly.

The Republican queue for securing a presidential nomination is getting congested with each passing day. While former president Donald Trump is currently leading the pack, many consider Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as the dark horse who can take the fight to him and perhaps, stage an upset, if the stars align themselves perfectly. DeSantis launched his 2024 presidential campaign on Wednesday, vowing to lead Americans into a new era of success and fight for their freedoms. Within the GOP, despite Trump's larger-than-life image, DeSantis remains the best hope for anti-Trump forces. DeSantis’ rising profile among Republicans and fundraising skills make him one of the biggest threats to Trump who appears to be rattled by his presence. Both DeSantis and Trump have been at each other's throats ever since it was insinuated that they may have to share the gladiatorial stage. Trump has attacked the Florida governor by calling him 'meatball Ron', 'Ron DeSanctimonious' whilst implying that DeSantis may be hit with sexual assault allegations from both men and women. "I think if he runs, he could hurt himself very badly. I think the base would not like it - I don't think it would be good for the party," said Trump, when quizzed about DeSantis' nomination. ALSO READ | Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis to formally enter US presidential election race next week But who is DeSantis? After graduating from Yale University, DeSantis attended Harvard Law School. He graduated Juris Doctor cum laude in 2005. DeSantis joined the US Navy in 2004 and worked as a legal adviser to SEAL Team One. He did a stint in Iraq in 2007 before being appointed Special Assistant US attorney by the Department of Justice eight months later. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2012 and has since steadily risen among the ranks. At one time, he was one of Trump's ardent followers, having been one of the founding leaders of the Freedom Caucus. However, with a presidential nomination on the line, both have turned into arch-enemies of sorts. Task remains uphill for DeSantis The task, though, is not straightforward for DeSantis. Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted this month showed Trump was backed by 49 per cent of Republicans and DeSantis 19 per cent. Any previous candidate attempting to secure a presidential nomination has not lost from this position — meaning Trump has the upper hand. To change the tide, DeSantis not only has to convince anti-Trump GOP lawmakers but also Trump supporters as well as maybe-Trumpers. Trump's aura may not be as strong as in 2016 Despite the flair and charm that Trump exhibits, he has two consecutive failed election campaigns on his resume. He lost the 2020 presidential elections and later cried wolf that the election was stolen from him. Two years later, Trump claimed there was a red wave across the country, only for Republicans to lose the Senate to the Democrats in the midterms. Poll analysts are of the view that Trump does not have a particular agenda going into the race. He is sitting on his past laurels and attempting to change the mind of voters who did not stay with him in 2020 by using his tried-and-tested tactics of excessive noise. Comparatively, DeSantis is regarded as an astute politician who has done the hard yards and knows how to grind out results. ALSO READ | Trump kicks off 2024 campaign targeting gender expression, Ron DeSantis DeSantis' popularity can be gauged by the fact that in an election where Trump's magic was a far cry, he won the Florida seat by a whopping margin of 1.5 million votes - the largest in the state in more than four decades. Media mogul Rupert Murdoch has also thrown his weight behind him, saying that he would prefer to cast aside Trump in favour of DeSantis as the Republican party leader. Then there is the age issue that plays into DeSantis' hands. Trump will be 78 heading into the 2024 election and for all the stick current US President Joe Biden has got for his old age, not many would be willing to let Trump go easily either. DeSantis is young, and as many in political circles say, absolutely meticulous when it comes to seeing a policy to the end. WATCH | Trump attacks Biden after he announces 2024 re-election bid × DeSantis, the politician The dispute between DeSantis and Disney after the latter criticised the state's Parental Rights in Education Act, colloquially known as the "Don't Say Gay" bill, has been one of the biggest launch pads for the Florida governor in the lead-up to the election. Taking on a 'woke' Disney has become one of the major poll planks for DeSantis. The Disney controversy has earned him points in the conservative circles and he is now doubling down on the issue to go for the jugular. However, Disney cancelling the $1 billion investment in Florida may have thrown a monkey wrench in DeSantis' plans. In order to bring his campaign back on track, election experts believe that DeSantis will have to either win in Iowa or New Hampshire. Though a win may not be enough to win a nomination, it is necessary to take the fight to the last day of primaries. The likes of Barack Obama and John McCain, who polled in the low 20s in the nomination race, managed to make a comeback after winning Iowa and New Hampshire respectively, back in the day. Many within the GOP, in hushed voices, say they are not confident that Trump is the right person to usher in the new Republican era. There is a clear consensus that DeSantis will be a far better and more effective branch leader. The result, however, will depend on how aggressive DeSantis plays after announcing the nomination because Trump will not be taking any prisoners. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Who is Ron DeSantis? All you need to know about Republican leader who joined White House race

As the back-and-forth on extending the debt limit continues, a group of progressive lawmakers in the US are now urging President Joe Biden to use his authority under the 14th Amendment of the Constitution to continue paying the US government’s bills, even if the ceiling is not raised.

As the back-and-forth on extending the debt limit continues, a group of progressive lawmakers in the US are now urging President Joe Biden to use his authority under the 14th Amendment of the Constitution to continue paying the US government’s bills, even if the ceiling is not raised. With Republicans adamant that the Biden administration implement big spending cuts if the debt ceiling was to be raised, the search for a viable 'Plan B' has been ongoing. According to Democrat lawmakers, the 14th Amendment of the Constitution should be used as the escape route. The law states: "The validity of the public debt of the United States...shall not be questioned." The likes of Tina Smith, Elizabeth Warren, Ed Markey and Bernie Sanders have written a letter to Biden, listing the plan, claiming that GOP lawmakers were not negotiating in good faith. Even Biden has considered the alternative but experts fear that using it would trigger a legal battle, as well as undermine global faith in USA's creditworthiness and damage the economy. “I have been considering the 14th Amendment. And a man I have enormous respect for, Larry Tribe, who advised me for a long time, thinks that it would be legitimate. But the problem is it would have to be litigated," said Biden last week. Where are the talks headed? After reports claimed that talks between Biden's Democratic administration and House Republicans had come to a halt, an NBC report, late on Friday night claimed that the two factions had returned to the negotiating table. Later, a White House official confirmed to the news outlet that the two parties had reopened talks. "We will be back in the room tonight," House Speaker and Republican leader Kevin McCarthy told Fox Business. ALSO READ | US debt ceiling talks resume after a temporary pause: Report What is the debt limit? In layman's terms, a debt limit is the amount of money that the US government can borrow to meet its financial obligations such as social security, military salaries and medicare benefits payments. Congress earlier this year extended the statutory debt limit to $31.4 trillion. However, the weak economic fundamentals and overflowing expenditures mean that the US will be breaching the limit. Consequently, Congress has been engaged in a fierce tussle to raise the limit. According to US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, even the extraordinary measures, if implemented will only buy the government a limited amount of time. "It is therefore critical that Congress act in a timely manner to increase or suspend the debt limit. Failure to meet the government's obligations would cause irreparable harm to the US economy, the livelihoods of all Americans, and global financial stability," warned Yellen earlier this year. WATCH | US debt ceiling crisis: President Joe Biden cancels post-G7 Asia tour × With the Senate under the control of Democrats and the House in Republican hands, it is highly unlikely that a straightforward limit hike will be possible. If the congressional lawmakers cannot make a decision quickly, the world's largest economy could risk defaulting on its debt. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US debt ceiling: Democrat lawmakers ask Biden to use ‘14th Amendment’ to evade debt default

U.S. Senate Democrats launched a renewed effort to stave off competition from China on Wednesday, planning legislation to boost the country's ability to face up to the Asian powerhouse on issues from technology to security and threats to Taiwan.

After passing a sweeping bill last year to boost competition with Beijing in semiconductors and other technology, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and Democratic committee leaders said they would write legislation they hoped to introduce in the next several months to limit the flow of technology to China, deter China from initiating a conflict with Taiwan and tighten rules to block U.S. capital from going to Chinese companies.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wagner-leader-says-ukraine-counter-offensive-has-begun-death-toll-from-kherson-shelling-rises-to-21-588678">Wagner leader says Ukraine counter-offensive has begun; Death toll from Kherson shelling rises to 21</a>

Schumer said the bill - dubbed "China Competition 2.0" - would broaden last year's "Chips and Science" act.

"Today, we are announcing a new initiative, one that will build on this momentum and develop new and significant bipartisan legislation," Schumer told a press conference.

He said he hoped the bill would be bipartisan, and said Republicans in the Senate had been supportive of some of the ideas proposed for the package. The measure will need Republican support to become law, as Republicans control the House of Representatives.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-14-killed-25-injured-after-road-accident-in-egypt-588676">At least 14 killed, 25 injured after road accident in Egypt: Reports</a>

The desire for a hard line on China is one of the few truly bipartisan sentiments in the perennially divided U.S. Congress, and last year's legislation passed with overwhelming support from both Democrats and Republicans.

However, John Thune, the Senate's No. 2 Republican, said the new China initiative would have a hard time getting through Congress, given his party's concerns about spending and the debt and the size of last year's bill.

"It would be challenging, and partly because of spending and debt - concerns about too much spending and the impact it's had on inflation, the way the deficits exploded and ballooned," Thune said.

A rare major foray into U.S. industrial policy, the bill signed into law by President Joe Biden last year authorized hundreds of billions of dollars to boost scientific research and subsidize domestic semiconductor manufacturers.

Watch | Iran seizes Panama-flagged oil tanker in Tehran on judicial order | World News | WION

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This year's planned legislation would also seek funding for additional domestic investments in key technology areas and provide a better U.S. alternative to China's Belt and Road global infrastructure initiative, an effort to counter Beijing's international influence.

"We know that China uses its economic power like a bully," Democratic Senator Chris Coons told the news conference.

Schumer said lawmakers would look at TikTok and other foreign-based apps while writing the China bill. TikTok, which is owned by Chinese tech company ByteDance, has been a subject of intense scrutiny in Washington and other Western capitals.

TikTok has already been banned from government-issued phones in countries such as Canada and Australia over concerns about whether China can access user data or influence what people see. Some U.S. lawmakers have called for a nationwide ban.

Some of the ideas proposed for the new legislation were part of a broader China bill that was scaled back last year and eventually became the "Chips and Science" act.

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U.S. Senate Democrats launched a renewed effort to stave off competition from China on Wednesday, planning legislation to boost the country's ability to face up to the Asian powerhouse on issues from technology to security and threats to Taiwan.

U.S. Senate Democrats launched a renewed effort to stave off competition from China on Wednesday, planning legislation to boost the country's ability to face up to the Asian powerhouse on issues from technology to security and threats to Taiwan. After passing a sweeping bill last year to boost competition with Beijing in semiconductors and other technology, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and Democratic committee leaders said they would write legislation they hoped to introduce in the next several months to limit the flow of technology to China, deter China from initiating a conflict with Taiwan and tighten rules to block U.S. capital from going to Chinese companies. Also Read | Wagner leader says Ukraine counter-offensive has begun; Death toll from Kherson shelling rises to 21 Schumer said the bill - dubbed "China Competition 2.0" - would broaden last year's "Chips and Science" act. "Today, we are announcing a new initiative, one that will build on this momentum and develop new and significant bipartisan legislation," Schumer told a press conference. He said he hoped the bill would be bipartisan, and said Republicans in the Senate had been supportive of some of the ideas proposed for the package. The measure will need Republican support to become law, as Republicans control the House of Representatives. Also Read | At least 14 killed, 25 injured after road accident in Egypt: Reports The desire for a hard line on China is one of the few truly bipartisan sentiments in the perennially divided U.S. Congress, and last year's legislation passed with overwhelming support from both Democrats and Republicans. However, John Thune, the Senate's No. 2 Republican, said the new China initiative would have a hard time getting through Congress, given his party's concerns about spending and the debt and the size of last year's bill. "It would be challenging, and partly because of spending and debt - concerns about too much spending and the impact it's had on inflation, the way the deficits exploded and ballooned," Thune said. A rare major foray into U.S. industrial policy, the bill signed into law by President Joe Biden last year authorized hundreds of billions of dollars to boost scientific research and subsidize domestic semiconductor manufacturers. Watch | Iran seizes Panama-flagged oil tanker in Tehran on judicial order | World News | WION × This year's planned legislation would also seek funding for additional domestic investments in key technology areas and provide a better U.S. alternative to China's Belt and Road global infrastructure initiative, an effort to counter Beijing's international influence. "We know that China uses its economic power like a bully," Democratic Senator Chris Coons told the news conference. Schumer said lawmakers would look at TikTok and other foreign-based apps while writing the China bill. TikTok, which is owned by Chinese tech company ByteDance, has been a subject of intense scrutiny in Washington and other Western capitals. TikTok has already been banned from government-issued phones in countries such as Canada and Australia over concerns about whether China can access user data or influence what people see. Some U.S. lawmakers have called for a nationwide ban. Some of the ideas proposed for the new legislation were part of a broader China bill that was scaled back last year and eventually became the "Chips and Science" act. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US Senate Democrats launch renewed effort to counter China

Every recent American mass shooting has been followed by a political play that has become all too common: Democrats demand additional gun control laws, such as banning assault-style weapons, and note how the US is unique among industrialised nations in its high levels of gun violence. Republicans argue that any gun control measures would be ineffective because the US Constitution upholds the right to own firearms.

Reports: 61% of US citizens want government to ban assault weapons

Days after US President Joe Biden announced his candidature for re-election next year, Republican presidential nominee seeker Nikki Haley has&nbsp;launched an attack on the Democrat leader. Haley said Biden, who is currently 80 years old would likely die and that voters will have to count on Vice President Kamala Harris if he wins the re-election.&nbsp;

“He [Biden]&nbsp;announced that he’s running again in 2024. I think that we can all be very clear and say with a matter of fact that if you vote for Joe Biden you really are counting on a President Harris, because the idea that he would make it until 86 years old is not something that I think is likely," Haley was quoted as saying by Fox News.&nbsp;

Haley's rather direct attack on Biden's old age rubbed the White House the wrong way as Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates said,&nbsp;“As you know, we don’t directly respond to campaigns from here.&nbsp;But honestly, I forgot she was running.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/joe-bidens-approval-rating-hits-all-time-low-amid-re-election-campaign-launch-poll-587092">WATCH |&nbsp;Joe Biden's approval rating hits all-time low amid re-election campaign launch: Poll</a>

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According&nbsp;to various polls, Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina governor as well as former vice president Mike Pence are currently third on the list of presidential nominees - polling&nbsp;around four per cent votes. While Haley announced her campaign earlier this year, Pence is yet to jump in. The other two contenders are former president Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.&nbsp;

<h2>Biden formally announces his campaign&nbsp;</h2>

Biden officially announced his re-election campaign earlier this week with a video, asking voters to give him more time to 'finish the job' he started.&nbsp;

"When I ran for president four years ago, I said we're in a battle for the soul of America, and we still are,"&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;said. "This is not a time to be complacent."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-joe-biden-announces-reelection-bid-for-2024-585969">ALSO READ |&nbsp;US President Joe Biden announces another run for White House</a>

"Every generation has a moment where they have had to stand up for democracy. To stand up for their fundamental freedoms. I believe this is ours. That’s why I’m running for re-election as president of the United States. Join us. Let's finish the job," Biden wrote on Twitter.

The announcement likely sets up the stage for a repeat of the 2020 elections when he faced off against Donald Trump. However, it may be an uphill task for Biden who is currently polling his lowest approval rating since taking over the job.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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Days after US President Joe Biden announced his candidature for re-election next year, Republican presidential nominee seeker Nikki Haley has launched an attack on the Democrat leader.

Days after US President Joe Biden announced his candidature for re-election next year, Republican presidential nominee seeker Nikki Haley has launched an attack on the Democrat leader. Haley said Biden, who is currently 80 years old would likely die and that voters will have to count on Vice President Kamala Harris if he wins the re-election. “He [Biden] announced that he’s running again in 2024. I think that we can all be very clear and say with a matter of fact that if you vote for Joe Biden you really are counting on a President Harris, because the idea that he would make it until 86 years old is not something that I think is likely," Haley was quoted as saying by Fox News. Haley's rather direct attack on Biden's old age rubbed the White House the wrong way as Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates said, “As you know, we don’t directly respond to campaigns from here. But honestly, I forgot she was running.” WATCH | Joe Biden's approval rating hits all-time low amid re-election campaign launch: Poll × According to various polls, Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina governor as well as former vice president Mike Pence are currently third on the list of presidential nominees - polling around four per cent votes. While Haley announced her campaign earlier this year, Pence is yet to jump in. The other two contenders are former president Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Biden formally announces his campaign Biden officially announced his re-election campaign earlier this week with a video, asking voters to give him more time to 'finish the job' he started. "When I ran for president four years ago, I said we're in a battle for the soul of America, and we still are," Biden said. "This is not a time to be complacent." ALSO READ | US President Joe Biden announces another run for White House "Every generation has a moment where they have had to stand up for democracy. To stand up for their fundamental freedoms. I believe this is ours. That’s why I’m running for re-election as president of the United States. Join us. Let's finish the job," Biden wrote on Twitter. The announcement likely sets up the stage for a repeat of the 2020 elections when he faced off against Donald Trump. However, it may be an uphill task for Biden who is currently polling his lowest approval rating since taking over the job. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

‘Biden will likely die...’: Republican Nikki Haley makes this shocking prediction

With President Joe Biden under pressure to negotiate and avert a disastrous federal default this summer, Speaker Kevin McCarthy's House Republicans narrowly approved Wednesday sweeping legislation that would raise the government's legal debt ceiling by $1.5 trillion in exchange for severe spending restrictions.

US house passes Republican debt ceiling bill, Democrats call the bill 'Ransome note'

Democrat transgender legislator Zooey Zephyr has been barred from the House floor for breaking decorum after she made a plea to her colleagues to reject a bill banning gender-affirming care for transgender minors On Wednesday, the Republicans brought the motion and got it passed with a 68-32 vote which essentially means Zephyr will be allowed to vote but is barred from the House floor, anteroom or gallery for the remainder of the legislative session, scheduled to end on May 10.

Democrat transgender legislator Zooey Zephyr has been barred from the House floor for breaking decorum after she made a plea to her colleagues to reject a bill banning gender-affirming care for transgender minors On Wednesday, the Republicans brought the motion and got it passed with a 68-32 vote which essentially means Zephyr will be allowed to vote but is barred from the House floor, anteroom or gallery for the remainder of the legislative session, scheduled to end on May 10. The kerfuffle that ensued in the Montana House of Representatives last week has turned into international news with transgender rights forming the pivot of the issue. Zephyr's statement in the House After legislation banning gender-affirming care was introduced in the House, Zephyr, a first-term representative from Missoula said such a ban would lead to more suicides and that it was 'tantamount to torture'. “This body should be ashamed. If you vote yes on this bill and yes on these amendments I hope the next time there’s an invocation, when you bow your heads in prayer, you see the blood on your hands," said Zephyr. After Zephyr's statement, House Majority Leader Sue Vinton stood up and said, “I will note that this is entirely inappropriate, disrespectful and uncalled for. We can debate matters civilly and with respect for each other." WATCH | Transgender rights activists clash with Neo-Nazi's in Melbourne × Later, the Montana Freedom Caucus, a group of conservative lawmakers wrote a letter, accusing Zephyr of espousing 'hateful rhetoric'. The Caucus also demanded Zephyr be censured for the speech. "For attempting to shame the Montana legislative body and by using inappropriate and uncalled-for language during a floor debate over amendments concerning Senate Bill 99 - to ban sex changes of minor children" stated the Republican leaders. However, Zephyr refused to apologise and said, "When the speaker asks me to apologise on behalf of decorum, what he is really asking me to do is be silent when my community is facing bills that get us killed. He is asking me to be complicit in this legislature's eradication of our community. And I refuse to do so." While Zephyr has only been barred from the House floor, two Democratic lawmakers in Tennessee earlier this month received a harsher punishment. After a similar break in decorum in the statehouse, both leaders were expelled as the Republicans used their supermajority to full effect. ALSO READ | US: Tennessee House expels two Black Democrats for gun violence protests, spares White lawmaker (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US: Montana transgender Democrat leader barred from House floor for 'blood on your hands' comment

Hackers in Ukraine said on Monday (April 10) that they had broken into e-mails of a senior Russian military spy wanted by the FBI in connection with hacking into the Hillary Clinton campaign ahead of Donald Trump's election to presidency in 2016.

The hacker group, calling itself Cyber Resistance announced on Telegram that it had stolen correspondence from Lt Col Sergey Morgachev.

Sergey Morgachev was charged in 2018 with helping organise hack and leak of emails from Democratic National Committee (DNC) and campaign of Hillary Clinton.

Watch | Ukraine’s air defences could soon run out of missiles, apparent Pentagon leak suggests

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Reuters quoted Stefan Soesanto, a researcher at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, who said that the leak "looks pretty credible". Soesanto has studied Ukrainian hacking groups.

InformNapalm said in an article about the breach that it confirmed Morgachev's identity by checking personnel files and CVs stolen by the hackers.

On its website, InformNapalm calls itself a volunteer initiative and that its core mission is to "inform the world about the real role of the Russian government in ongoing hybrid conflicts in Ukraine,..."

No immediate reaction from Morgachev was reported.

(With inputs from agencies)

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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Hackers in Ukraine said on Monday (April 10) that they had broken into e-mails of a senior Russian military spy wanted by the FBI in connection with hacking into the Hillary Clinton campaign ahead of Donald Trump's election to presidency in 2016.

Hackers in Ukraine said on Monday (April 10) that they had broken into e-mails of a senior Russian military spy wanted by the FBI in connection with hacking into the Hillary Clinton campaign ahead of Donald Trump's election to presidency in 2016. The hacker group, calling itself Cyber Resistance announced on Telegram that it had stolen correspondence from Lt Col Sergey Morgachev. Sergey Morgachev was charged in 2018 with helping organise hack and leak of emails from Democratic National Committee (DNC) and campaign of Hillary Clinton. Watch | Ukraine’s air defences could soon run out of missiles, apparent Pentagon leak suggests × Reuters quoted Stefan Soesanto, a researcher at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, who said that the leak "looks pretty credible". Soesanto has studied Ukrainian hacking groups. InformNapalm said in an article about the breach that it confirmed Morgachev's identity by checking personnel files and CVs stolen by the hackers. On its website, InformNapalm calls itself a volunteer initiative and that its core mission is to "inform the world about the real role of the Russian government in ongoing hybrid conflicts in Ukraine,..." No immediate reaction from Morgachev was reported. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Ukraine hackers claim hacking Russian spy who targetted US Democrats in 2016

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris travelled to Nashville on Friday to assist Tennessee state legislators who were expelled for breaching the rules by holding a pro-gun control rally on the floor of the statehouse following a recent school tragedy. Two young Black MPs who led demonstrators into the House floor well last week were ousted from the Tennessee House of Representatives on Thursday by the party in charge, while a resolution to boot a white representative failed by one vote.

Kamala Harris meets with lawmakers after Democrats expelled over anti-gun protests

The Republican-led Tennessee house has expelled two of three democratic representatives after they took part in a gun control protest. After the tragic Nashville school shooting, protesters flooded the Tennessee statehouse last Thursday calling for stricter gun laws.

2 Democrats expelled from Tennessee house for protesting against gun laws

U.S. Former President Donald Trump's son-in-law has received hundreds of millions from the Arab world. Democrats have called Kushner out on his ties with the Gulf Nations. Is the Arab World betting on Trump's return as President? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Gulf Nations invest in Kushner's equity firm

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