As Russia continues to make advances in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky told US lawmakers that he needs an influx of fighter jets from NATO allies and an embargo on Russian oil, a report said. &nbsp;

This comes as NATO has refused to impose a no-fly zone in Ukrainian skies. &nbsp;

Ukrainian fighters need the jets "because their (anti-aircraft defenses) got destroyed on day one," a source, who is familiar with the conversation, told the Washington Examiner. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/weekend-special-who-is-a-russian-oligarch-heres-what-you-need-to-know-459198" hreflang="en">Weekend Special: Who is a Russian oligarch? Here's what you need to know</a>

During a virtual meeting, Zelensky also communicated with US lawmakers on Saturday morning that they "need an oil embargo on Russia." &nbsp;

Zelensky's frustration with Western officials was on full display as he acknowledged the value of the sanctions, which were imposed on Russia but said that they came too little, too late. &nbsp;&nbsp;

If Western leaders had implemented the penalties when Russian forces were mobilising around Ukraine, "there would not have been an invasion", the source said, in a paraphrase of Zelensky's remarks to the members of Congress. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sigh-of-relief-183-indian-citizens-reach-delhi-in-special-flight-under-operation-ganga-459431" hreflang="en">Sigh of relief: 183 Indian citizens reach Delhi in special flight under Operation Ganga</a>

In the meeting, his appeal resonated with US lawmakers. &nbsp;

On Twitter, Senator Pat Toomey, a Pennsylvania Republican, wrote, "The US must impose both an import ban on Russian energy and secondary sanctions to force other countries to do the same. I also implore NATO countries to donate Soviet-made fighter jets to Ukraine. The White House should act now so Ukraine receives the jets they need for self-defence." &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

As Russia continues to make advances in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky told US lawmakers that he needs an influx of fighter jets from NATO allies and an embargo on Russian oil, a report said.

As Russia continues to make advances in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky told US lawmakers that he needs an influx of fighter jets from NATO allies and an embargo on Russian oil, a report said. This comes as NATO has refused to impose a no-fly zone in Ukrainian skies. Ukrainian fighters need the jets "because their (anti-aircraft defenses) got destroyed on day one," a source, who is familiar with the conversation, told the Washington Examiner. Also Read | Weekend Special: Who is a Russian oligarch? Here's what you need to know During a virtual meeting, Zelensky also communicated with US lawmakers on Saturday morning that they "need an oil embargo on Russia." Zelensky's frustration with Western officials was on full display as he acknowledged the value of the sanctions, which were imposed on Russia but said that they came too little, too late. If Western leaders had implemented the penalties when Russian forces were mobilising around Ukraine, "there would not have been an invasion", the source said, in a paraphrase of Zelensky's remarks to the members of Congress. Also Read | Sigh of relief: 183 Indian citizens reach Delhi in special flight under Operation Ganga In the meeting, his appeal resonated with US lawmakers. On Twitter, Senator Pat Toomey, a Pennsylvania Republican, wrote, "The US must impose both an import ban on Russian energy and secondary sanctions to force other countries to do the same. I also implore NATO countries to donate Soviet-made fighter jets to Ukraine. The White House should act now so Ukraine receives the jets they need for self-defence." (With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sought fighter jets, Russian oil embargo, says report

Early one morning in November 2019, Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Ill., received a profanity-laden voice mail message at his office in which the caller identified himself as a trained sharpshooter and said he wanted to blow the congressman’s head off.

Two years earlier, Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., received a similar voice mail message from an irate man who falsely accused her of threatening President Donald Trump’s life. “If you do it again, you’re dead,” he said, punctuating the statement with expletives and a racial epithet against Waters, who is Black.

The cases were part of a New York Times review of more than 75 indictments of people charged with threatening lawmakers since 2016. The flurry of cases shed light on a chilling trend: In recent years, and particularly since the beginning of Trump’s presidency, a growing number of Americans have taken ideological grievance and political outrage to a new level, lodging concrete threats of violence against members of Congress.

The threats have come in almost every conceivable combination: Republicans threatening Democrats, Democrats threatening Republicans, Republicans threatening Republicans. Many of them, the review showed, were fueled by forces that have long dominated politics, including deep partisan divisions and a media landscape that stokes resentment.

But they surged during Trump’s time in office and in its aftermath, as the former president’s own violent language fueled a mainstreaming of menacing political speech and lawmakers used charged words and imagery to describe the stakes of the political moment. Far-right members of Congress have hinted that their followers should be prepared to take up arms and fight to save the country.

Overall, threats against members of Congress reached a record high of 9,600 last year, according to data provided by the Capitol Police, double the previous year’s total. In the first three months of 2021 alone, the Capitol Police fielded more than 4,100 threats against lawmakers in the House and Senate.

“We’re barely keeping our head above water for those investigations,” J. Thomas Manger, the Capitol Police chief, testified last month. “We’re going to have to nearly double the number of agents who work those threat cases.”

Early one morning in November 2019, Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Ill., received a profanity-laden voice mail message at his office in which the caller identified himself as a trained sharpshooter and said he wanted to blow the congressman’s head off.

Early one morning in November 2019, Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Ill., received a profanity-laden voice mail message at his office in which the caller identified himself as a trained sharpshooter and said he wanted to blow the congressman’s head off. Two years earlier, Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., received a similar voice mail message from an irate man who falsely accused her of threatening President Donald Trump’s life. “If you do it again, you’re dead,” he said, punctuating the statement with expletives and a racial epithet against Waters, who is Black. The cases were part of a New York Times review of more than 75 indictments of people charged with threatening lawmakers since 2016. The flurry of cases shed light on a chilling trend: In recent years, and particularly since the beginning of Trump’s presidency, a growing number of Americans have taken ideological grievance and political outrage to a new level, lodging concrete threats of violence against members of Congress. The threats have come in almost every conceivable combination: Republicans threatening Democrats, Democrats threatening Republicans, Republicans threatening Republicans. Many of them, the review showed, were fueled by forces that have long dominated politics, including deep partisan divisions and a media landscape that stokes resentment. But they surged during Trump’s time in office and in its aftermath, as the former president’s own violent language fueled a mainstreaming of menacing political speech and lawmakers used charged words and imagery to describe the stakes of the political moment. Far-right members of Congress have hinted that their followers should be prepared to take up arms and fight to save the country. Overall, threats against members of Congress reached a record high of 9,600 last year, according to data provided by the Capitol Police, double the previous year’s total. In the first three months of 2021 alone, the Capitol Police fielded more than 4,100 threats against lawmakers in the House and Senate. “We’re barely keeping our head above water for those investigations,” J. Thomas Manger, the Capitol Police chief, testified last month. “We’re going to have to nearly double the number of agents who work those threat cases.”

One menacing call after another: Threats against lawmakers surge

More than 100 US lawmakers transacted around $290 million in stock transactions last year. Are they using unpublished information to beat the market? Are there no laws to regulate trading by legislators? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Insider trading: US senators making millions

China's military said on Tuesday it had conducted a combat readiness patrol in the direction of the Taiwan Strait, after its defence ministry condemned a visit to Taiwan by a US congressional delegation it said had arrived on a military aircraft.

The patrol was aimed at the "seriously wrong" words and actions of "relevant countries" on the Taiwan issue and the activities of pro-independence forces in Taiwan, a Chinese military spokesperson said in a statement.

Cross-strait tensions have been rising in recent months, with Taiwan complaining for a year or more of repeated missions by China`s air force near the self-ruled island that Beijing claims as its own.

Taiwan`s defence ministry said six Chinese military aircraft entered its southwestern air defence zone on Tuesday, including four J-16 fighter jets and two surveillance planes.

Several Taiwan media outlets reported on Tuesday that unspecified members from both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate had arrived in Taipei on a US military plane.

When asked about the visit, Taiwan Premier Su Tseng-chang told reporters on Wednesday that Taiwan-U.S. relations are "very important" and that he respects "mutual visits between friends".

The government will make "appropriate arrangement" based on each others` need, he said, without elaborating.

The American Institute in Taiwan, the de facto U.S. embassy in the absence of formal diplomatic ties, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

China`s defence ministry said in a statement that members of the U.S. Congress had arrived in Taiwan by military plane.

"We firmly oppose and strongly condemn this," it said.

A spokeswoman for China`s Taiwan Affairs Office similarly condemned the visit, but played down the notion that war is imminent.

"We urge everyone not to believe or spread rumours," spokeswoman Zhu Fenglian told a regular press briefing on Wednesday.

In Washington, the Pentagon said it was not uncommon for congressional delegations to be transported in military aircraft.

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby did not provide details on who was on the flight, but said this was the second such congressional trip to Taiwan this year.

"It`s not unusual," Kirby said.

China has not ruled out using force to bring Taiwan under its control, despite the island`s claim that it is an independent country that will defend its freedom and democracy.

In June, China`s defence ministry denounced a brief weekend visit by three U.S. senators to Taiwan on a U.S. military aircraft, calling it a "vile political provocation" that was irresponsible and dangerous.

China's military said on Tuesday it had conducted a combat readiness patrol in the direction of the Taiwan Strait, after its defence ministry condemned a visit to Taiwan by a US congressional delegation it said had arrived on a military aircraft.

China's military said on Tuesday it had conducted a combat readiness patrol in the direction of the Taiwan Strait, after its defence ministry condemned a visit to Taiwan by a US congressional delegation it said had arrived on a military aircraft. The patrol was aimed at the "seriously wrong" words and actions of "relevant countries" on the Taiwan issue and the activities of pro-independence forces in Taiwan, a Chinese military spokesperson said in a statement. Cross-strait tensions have been rising in recent months, with Taiwan complaining for a year or more of repeated missions by China`s air force near the self-ruled island that Beijing claims as its own. Taiwan`s defence ministry said six Chinese military aircraft entered its southwestern air defence zone on Tuesday, including four J-16 fighter jets and two surveillance planes. Several Taiwan media outlets reported on Tuesday that unspecified members from both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate had arrived in Taipei on a US military plane. When asked about the visit, Taiwan Premier Su Tseng-chang told reporters on Wednesday that Taiwan-U.S. relations are "very important" and that he respects "mutual visits between friends". The government will make "appropriate arrangement" based on each others` need, he said, without elaborating. The American Institute in Taiwan, the de facto U.S. embassy in the absence of formal diplomatic ties, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. China`s defence ministry said in a statement that members of the U.S. Congress had arrived in Taiwan by military plane. "We firmly oppose and strongly condemn this," it said. A spokeswoman for China`s Taiwan Affairs Office similarly condemned the visit, but played down the notion that war is imminent. "We urge everyone not to believe or spread rumours," spokeswoman Zhu Fenglian told a regular press briefing on Wednesday. In Washington, the Pentagon said it was not uncommon for congressional delegations to be transported in military aircraft. Pentagon spokesman John Kirby did not provide details on who was on the flight, but said this was the second such congressional trip to Taiwan this year. "It`s not unusual," Kirby said. China has not ruled out using force to bring Taiwan under its control, despite the island`s claim that it is an independent country that will defend its freedom and democracy. In June, China`s defence ministry denounced a brief weekend visit by three U.S. senators to Taiwan on a U.S. military aircraft, calling it a "vile political provocation" that was irresponsible and dangerous.

China holds combat readiness patrol as US lawmakers visit Taiwan

With Diwali approaching, US Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney is planning to propose a bill in Congress that would make Diwali an official holiday in the United States.

If the bill is passed, Diwali will be commemorated in government institutions with considerable populations, honouring the cultural legacy of millions of Indian Americans who celebrate the festival in the United States. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/diwali-muhurat-trading-2021-check-date-timing-and-other-details-425816">Also read | Diwali Muhurat trading 2021: Check date, timing, and other details</a>

Members of the India Caucus, including Congressman Ro Khanna, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, and other activists, will join the Democrat Congressman from New York on Wednesday to launch her proposal on Capitol Hill.&nbsp;

Sanjeev Joshipura, Executive Director, Indiaspora, will also accompany the congresswoman, who has long been a supporter of the Indian diaspora, to represent Indian American community members.

Congressman Maloney has previously spearheaded efforts in Congress to urge the US Postal Service to approve and produce a commemorative stamp honouring Diwali, which has been in circulation since 2016.&nbsp;

Maloney pushed tirelessly for this cause, believing that "a relatively tiny action would have enormous significance for millions of people."

US senators have previously stated during a Diwali celebration event that Hindu-American culture had improved the United States and the world.

A huge number of parliamentarians, representatives of the government, and prominent community leaders from around the country usually attend the event.

The celebration was limited this year because to COVID-19 and limits on the number of people at an event, but it was broadcast live.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

With Diwali approaching, US Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney is planning to propose a bill in Congress that would make Diwali an official holiday in the United States.

With Diwali approaching, US Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney is planning to propose a bill in Congress that would make Diwali an official holiday in the United States. If the bill is passed, Diwali will be commemorated in government institutions with considerable populations, honouring the cultural legacy of millions of Indian Americans who celebrate the festival in the United States. Also read | Diwali Muhurat trading 2021: Check date, timing, and other details Members of the India Caucus, including Congressman Ro Khanna, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, and other activists, will join the Democrat Congressman from New York on Wednesday to launch her proposal on Capitol Hill. Sanjeev Joshipura, Executive Director, Indiaspora, will also accompany the congresswoman, who has long been a supporter of the Indian diaspora, to represent Indian American community members. Congressman Maloney has previously spearheaded efforts in Congress to urge the US Postal Service to approve and produce a commemorative stamp honouring Diwali, which has been in circulation since 2016. Maloney pushed tirelessly for this cause, believing that "a relatively tiny action would have enormous significance for millions of people." US senators have previously stated during a Diwali celebration event that Hindu-American culture had improved the United States and the world. A huge number of parliamentarians, representatives of the government, and prominent community leaders from around the country usually attend the event. The celebration was limited this year because to COVID-19 and limits on the number of people at an event, but it was broadcast live. (With inputs from agencies)

US lawmaker to introduce Bill in Congress to make Diwali a federal holiday

US Senators put executives from YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat on the defensive, questioning them about how they are ensuring young users’ safety on their platforms.

US lawmakers questions YouTube, Snapchat and TikTok on kids’ online safety

Facebook is in the sights of US lawmakers once again. A recent Wall Street Journal report cites internal knowledge of its harmful effects and the company's reticence to act. A whistleblower, a former Facebook employee, came out in public this week to testify against the social media company, only adding to the scrutiny.

Facebook algorithms promote falsehood faster than truth: Frances Haugen

Facebook knew Instagram is causing mental health issues in teens. The company didn't reveal the findings. Now, US lawmakers are asking Facebook: "Can you quantify how many children have taken their own lives because of your products?". Palki Sharma has more.

Gravitas: Facebook "concealed" that Instagram could trigger suicidal thoughts in teens

It would also prohibit them from punishing apps that offer different prices or conditions through another app store or payment system.

US lawmakers introduce bill to rein in Apple, Google app stores

Israel is preparing a maximum pressure campaign to force Ben & Jerry's to reverse their West Bank boycott. It includes organising protests outside shops & lobbying with US lawmakers. Will Israel's meticulous plan work? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Israel plans retaliation against Ben & Jerry's

The much sought-after Indian talent is now getting attracted towards Canada in large numbers, away from the United States because of its outdated H-1B visa policy, immigration and policy experts have told US lawmakers.

This is mainly because of the per-country quota on issuing employment-based green card or permanent residency, the experts said on Tuesday, urging the Congress to act fast to prevent the Indian talent from moving to Canada from the United States.

Without Congressional action, the total backlog for all three employment-based categories for Indians would increase from an estimated 9,15,497 individuals currently to an estimated 21,95,795 individuals by fiscal 2030, executive director of National Foundation for American Policy Stuart Anderson said.

"We should let that number sink in: Within a decade, more than 2 million people will be waiting in line for years or even decades for employment-based green cards," he submitted in his testimony before the House Judiciary Committee-Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship.

Testifying before the panel on "Oh, Canada! How Outdated US Immigration Policies Push Top Talent to Other Countries,” Anderson said that highly skilled foreign nationals, including international students, are choosing Canada over America.

"This has happened in response to how difficult it is to work in the United States in H-1B status or gain permanent residence, and the comparative ease of international students and foreign nationals working in temporary status and then acquiring permanent residence in Canada," he said.

The number of international students from India enrolled in graduate-level computer science and engineering at US universities declined by more than 25 per cent between 2016-17 and 2018-19 academic years, according to an analysis of US government data by the National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP).

To place the significance of the decline in context, international students represent approximately 75 per cent of the full-time graduate students at US universities in computer science, and in the 2016-17 academic year, two-thirds of the international students at the graduate level in computer science at US universities were from India.

At the same time fewer Indian students were coming to America, the number of Indian students attending Canadian universities rose from 76,075 in 2016 to 1,72,625 in 2018, an increase of 127 per cent, according to the Canadian Bureau for International Education, he said.

"In sum, Canada''s immigration policies are much better than America''s for facilitating the entry of talented individuals. Congress established America''s policies in 1990, before smartphones, e-commerce, social media, cloud computing and the daily use of the internet exploded the demand for high-skilled technical labor. The world has changed since 1990. U.S. immigration policy has not,” Anderson said.

The Canadian government has made it increasingly easy for employers to attract and retain talent. On the other hand, numerical restrictions on high-skilled temporary visas block the vast majority of foreign-born applicants from working in America in a given year, Anderson said.

In March 2021, employers filed 3,08,613 H-1B registrations for cap selection for FY 2022 for only 85,000 H-1B petitions. "That means over 72% of H-1B registrations for high-skilled foreign nationals were rejected even before an adjudicator evaluated the application,” he said.

Jennifer Young, CEO, Technology Councils of North America, said that fast-growing Canadian companies are permitted to hire highly-skilled foreign talent, or people with skillsets most commonly found among H-1B applicants in the United States, in as little as four weeks, pre-pandemic. By comparison, the United States immigration system is paper-based, causing nearly all applicants significant delays in processing, she said.

Young said that a former colleague of her, Ketaki Desai, and her husband were both educated in the United States, on student visas. They were fortunate to obtain H-1B status upon graduation and were strong contributors to the US economy. After 18 years and realising their path to permanent residency was looking very bleak, they left the United States for Toronto, Canada. They bought a house and are actively recruiting and helping individuals leave the US workforce and join them in Canada, she told the lawmakers.

“With more than 1,00,000 H-1B cap submissions denied annually, the United States has turned away millions of qualified, highly-skilled, and often US-educated individuals who are going to other countries to contribute to their economy,” Young said, noting that the matter of raising or eliminating H-1B visa and per country immigrant visa caps have often fallen victim to incorporation into an overall immigration reform bill.

Sudip Parikh, CEO and Executive Publisher, Science Journals, American Association for the Advancement of Science, told lawmakers that it is critical that US immigration policies reflect a 21st century approach in the same way that the Congress is now working on legislation to advance research and innovation in critical technologies to compete with China.

Parikh urged the Congress to expand dual intent visas to include foreign student visas (e.g., F-1 visas) to allow them the option to apply for permanent residency and adjust post-graduation immigration law to ease entry to work for skilled graduates.

"Some organisations have recommended proposals to ''staple a green card'' to international students graduating with a diploma in specific, targeted fields of study to meet US demands,” he said, urging the Congress to continue to exempt higher education and research institutions from the H-1B visa caps.

The much sought-after Indian talent is now getting attracted towards Canada in large numbers, away from the United States because of its outdated H-1B visa policy, immigration and policy experts have told US lawmakers.

The much sought-after Indian talent is now getting attracted towards Canada in large numbers, away from the United States because of its outdated H-1B visa policy, immigration and policy experts have told US lawmakers. This is mainly because of the per-country quota on issuing employment-based green card or permanent residency, the experts said on Tuesday, urging the Congress to act fast to prevent the Indian talent from moving to Canada from the United States. Without Congressional action, the total backlog for all three employment-based categories for Indians would increase from an estimated 9,15,497 individuals currently to an estimated 21,95,795 individuals by fiscal 2030, executive director of National Foundation for American Policy Stuart Anderson said. "We should let that number sink in: Within a decade, more than 2 million people will be waiting in line for years or even decades for employment-based green cards," he submitted in his testimony before the House Judiciary Committee-Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship. Testifying before the panel on "Oh, Canada! How Outdated US Immigration Policies Push Top Talent to Other Countries,” Anderson said that highly skilled foreign nationals, including international students, are choosing Canada over America. "This has happened in response to how difficult it is to work in the United States in H-1B status or gain permanent residence, and the comparative ease of international students and foreign nationals working in temporary status and then acquiring permanent residence in Canada," he said. The number of international students from India enrolled in graduate-level computer science and engineering at US universities declined by more than 25 per cent between 2016-17 and 2018-19 academic years, according to an analysis of US government data by the National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP). To place the significance of the decline in context, international students represent approximately 75 per cent of the full-time graduate students at US universities in computer science, and in the 2016-17 academic year, two-thirds of the international students at the graduate level in computer science at US universities were from India. At the same time fewer Indian students were coming to America, the number of Indian students attending Canadian universities rose from 76,075 in 2016 to 1,72,625 in 2018, an increase of 127 per cent, according to the Canadian Bureau for International Education, he said. "In sum, Canada''s immigration policies are much better than America''s for facilitating the entry of talented individuals. Congress established America''s policies in 1990, before smartphones, e-commerce, social media, cloud computing and the daily use of the internet exploded the demand for high-skilled technical labor. The world has changed since 1990. U.S. immigration policy has not,” Anderson said. The Canadian government has made it increasingly easy for employers to attract and retain talent. On the other hand, numerical restrictions on high-skilled temporary visas block the vast majority of foreign-born applicants from working in America in a given year, Anderson said. In March 2021, employers filed 3,08,613 H-1B registrations for cap selection for FY 2022 for only 85,000 H-1B petitions. "That means over 72% of H-1B registrations for high-skilled foreign nationals were rejected even before an adjudicator evaluated the application,” he said. Jennifer Young, CEO, Technology Councils of North America, said that fast-growing Canadian companies are permitted to hire highly-skilled foreign talent, or people with skillsets most commonly found among H-1B applicants in the United States, in as little as four weeks, pre-pandemic. By comparison, the United States immigration system is paper-based, causing nearly all applicants significant delays in processing, she said. Young said that a former colleague of her, Ketaki Desai, and her husband were both educated in the United States, on student visas. They were fortunate to obtain H-1B status upon graduation and were strong contributors to the US economy. After 18 years and realising their path to permanent residency was looking very bleak, they left the United States for Toronto, Canada. They bought a house and are actively recruiting and helping individuals leave the US workforce and join them in Canada, she told the lawmakers. “With more than 1,00,000 H-1B cap submissions denied annually, the United States has turned away millions of qualified, highly-skilled, and often US-educated individuals who are going to other countries to contribute to their economy,” Young said, noting that the matter of raising or eliminating H-1B visa and per country immigrant visa caps have often fallen victim to incorporation into an overall immigration reform bill. Sudip Parikh, CEO and Executive Publisher, Science Journals, American Association for the Advancement of Science, told lawmakers that it is critical that US immigration policies reflect a 21st century approach in the same way that the Congress is now working on legislation to advance research and innovation in critical technologies to compete with China. Parikh urged the Congress to expand dual intent visas to include foreign student visas (e.g., F-1 visas) to allow them the option to apply for permanent residency and adjust post-graduation immigration law to ease entry to work for skilled graduates. "Some organisations have recommended proposals to ''staple a green card'' to international students graduating with a diploma in specific, targeted fields of study to meet US demands,” he said, urging the Congress to continue to exempt higher education and research institutions from the H-1B visa caps.

Brain drain: Indian talent moving to Canada due to outdated H1B visa policy, US lawmakers told

A group of US lawmakers is demanding that airlines refrain from outsourcing jobs if they want to be eligible for a third round of federal payroll aid, after learning that United Airlines has sought bids to outsource catering work at five airports.

As United Airlines weighs outsourcing catering, US lawmakers demand new curbs on federal aid

A bipartisan group of US&nbsp;lawmakers on Wednesday introduced legislation calling for $100 billion in government spending over five years on basic and advanced technology research and science in the face of rising competitive pressure from China. 
 
The measure, sponsored by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, Republican Senator Todd Young and others, would also authorise another $10 billion to designate at least 10 regional technology hubs and create a supply chain crisis response program. 
 
The bill, called the "Endless Frontier Act," represents a significant effort by the government to shore up private sector and university research efforts in advanced technologies with federal funding. 
 
"There is a bipartisan consensus that the United States must invest in the technologies of the future to out-compete China," Schumer said, adding "whichever nation develops new technologies first - be they democratic or authoritarian - will set the terms for their use." 
 
Republican Representative Mike Gallagher, another sponsor, said US&nbsp;superiority in science and technology "is at risk. The Chinese Communist Party has used decades of intellectual property theft and industrial espionage to close this technological gap in a way that threatens not only our economic security, but also our way of life." 
 
The Senate Commerce Committee is expected to mark up the bill next week as Schumer looks to fast-track approval. 
 
Schumer said separately he will push for "emergency spending" to implement the semiconductor manufacturing provisions in last year’s defense bill. 
 
In February, President Joe Biden said he would seek $37 billion in funding for legislation to boost chip manufacturing in the United States as a shortfall of semiconductors has forced US&nbsp;automakers and other manufacturers to cut production. 
 
Biden`s $2.3 trillion infrastructure and jobs bill calls for $50 billion for semiconductor manufacturing and research. 
 
The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation called the bill a "seminal piece of legislation taking definitive steps to restore American competitiveness in 10 key advanced-technology industries of the future, such as biotech, clean energy, and semiconductors."

A bipartisan group of US lawmakers on Wednesday introduced legislation calling for $100 billion in government spending over five years on basic and advanced technology research and science in the face of rising competitive pressure from China.

A bipartisan group of US lawmakers on Wednesday introduced legislation calling for $100 billion in government spending over five years on basic and advanced technology research and science in the face of rising competitive pressure from China. The measure, sponsored by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, Republican Senator Todd Young and others, would also authorise another $10 billion to designate at least 10 regional technology hubs and create a supply chain crisis response program. The bill, called the "Endless Frontier Act," represents a significant effort by the government to shore up private sector and university research efforts in advanced technologies with federal funding. "There is a bipartisan consensus that the United States must invest in the technologies of the future to out-compete China," Schumer said, adding "whichever nation develops new technologies first - be they democratic or authoritarian - will set the terms for their use." Republican Representative Mike Gallagher, another sponsor, said US superiority in science and technology "is at risk. The Chinese Communist Party has used decades of intellectual property theft and industrial espionage to close this technological gap in a way that threatens not only our economic security, but also our way of life." The Senate Commerce Committee is expected to mark up the bill next week as Schumer looks to fast-track approval. Schumer said separately he will push for "emergency spending" to implement the semiconductor manufacturing provisions in last year’s defense bill. In February, President Joe Biden said he would seek $37 billion in funding for legislation to boost chip manufacturing in the United States as a shortfall of semiconductors has forced US automakers and other manufacturers to cut production. Biden`s $2.3 trillion infrastructure and jobs bill calls for $50 billion for semiconductor manufacturing and research. The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation called the bill a "seminal piece of legislation taking definitive steps to restore American competitiveness in 10 key advanced-technology industries of the future, such as biotech, clean energy, and semiconductors."

US lawmakers back $100 billion science push to compete with China

A group of US senators have sent letters to some major tech giants such as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/google">Google</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/twitter">Twitter</a> to question the digital ad exchanges and whether user’s data has been sold to foreign entities that could use it for blackmail or other unethical practices.

In order to provide services of personalised ads a user receives, businesses gather personal information such as search history, IP address, age, gender and other sensitive information.

US senators have questioned the sale of this data during the auction process which was also provided to AT&amp;T, Index Exchange, Magnite, OpenX, PubMatic and Verizon.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/us-lawmakers-press-big-tech-for-internal-research-on-kids-mental-health-374497" hreflang="en">US lawmakers press Big Tech for internal research on kids' mental health</a>

"Few Americans realize that some auction participants are siphoning off and storing 'bidstream' data to compile exhaustive dossiers about them," Senator Ron Wyden, a Democrat representing Oregon said.

"This information would be a goldmine for foreign intelligence services that could exploit it to inform and supercharge hacking, blackmail, and influence campaigns," Wyden added. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/april-fools-day-history-significance-and-why-is-it-celebrated-374848" hreflang="en">April Fool's Day: History, significance and why is it celebrated</a>

The senators believe information such as user’s location, web activity, age, gender and devices can be gathered for the purpose of personalising ads.

"These dossiers are being openly sold to anyone with a credit card, including to hedge funds, political campaigns, and even to governments,"&nbsp;the senators wrote.

Senators have given these big tech companies time till May 04 to respond to these questions. However, AT&amp;T has denied the accusations.

"We received the letter and will respond as requested, but we have thorough processes in place to protect the data referenced in the letter,"&nbsp;the company said.

A group of US senators have sent letters to some major tech giants such as Google and Twitter to question the digital ad exchanges and whether user’s data has been sold to foreign entities that could use it for blackmail or other unethical practices.

A group of US senators have sent letters to some major tech giants such as Google and Twitter to question the digital ad exchanges and whether user’s data has been sold to foreign entities that could use it for blackmail or other unethical practices. In order to provide services of personalised ads a user receives, businesses gather personal information such as search history, IP address, age, gender and other sensitive information. US senators have questioned the sale of this data during the auction process which was also provided to AT&T, Index Exchange, Magnite, OpenX, PubMatic and Verizon. Also read | US lawmakers press Big Tech for internal research on kids' mental health "Few Americans realize that some auction participants are siphoning off and storing 'bidstream' data to compile exhaustive dossiers about them," Senator Ron Wyden, a Democrat representing Oregon said. "This information would be a goldmine for foreign intelligence services that could exploit it to inform and supercharge hacking, blackmail, and influence campaigns," Wyden added. Also read | April Fool's Day: History, significance and why is it celebrated The senators believe information such as user’s location, web activity, age, gender and devices can be gathered for the purpose of personalising ads. "These dossiers are being openly sold to anyone with a credit card, including to hedge funds, political campaigns, and even to governments," the senators wrote. Senators have given these big tech companies time till May 04 to respond to these questions. However, AT&T has denied the accusations. "We received the letter and will respond as requested, but we have thorough processes in place to protect the data referenced in the letter," the company said.

US lawmakers question Google, Twitter and others over auction of user data

US lawmakers have nominated Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement for the Nobel Peace Prize.

In a letter to the Nobel Committee submitted by the February 1 deadline and released Wednesday, nine lawmakers across party lines called the campaigners a global inspiration as they endure a crackdown by Beijing, citing the estimate that more than two million took to the streets on June 16, 2019.

With Hong Kong having a population of 7.5 million, it amounts to "one of the largest mass protests in history," said the letter, led by Republican Senator Marco Rubio and Democratic Representative Jim McGovern, co-chairs of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China that assesses human rights.

"This prize would honour their bravery and determination that have inspired the world," they wrote.

"We hope that the Nobel Committee will continue to shine a light on those struggling for peace and human rights in China and we believe the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong is deserving of recognition this year."

The lawmakers said they expected more Hong Kong democracy activists to be convicted in the coming months "for the sole reason of peacefully expressing their political views."

Beijing last year imposed a tough security law that it has used to clamp down on dissent after the unrest in the financial hub, which was promised a separate system before Britain handed the territory back to China in 1997.

Among those who have been rounded up include 24-year-old Joshua Wong, one of the city's most recognisable democracy advocates, who has been charged with subversion.

The lawmakers recommended that the prize go broadly to all who have pushed for human rights and democracy in Hong Kong since 1997.

US lawmakers have nominated Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement for the Nobel Peace Prize. In a letter to the Nobel Committee submitted by the February 1 deadline and released Wednesday, nine lawmakers across party lines called the campaigners a global inspiration as they endure a crackdown by Beijing, citing the estimate that more than two million took to the streets on June 16, 2019.

US lawmakers have nominated Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement for the Nobel Peace Prize. In a letter to the Nobel Committee submitted by the February 1 deadline and released Wednesday, nine lawmakers across party lines called the campaigners a global inspiration as they endure a crackdown by Beijing, citing the estimate that more than two million took to the streets on June 16, 2019. With Hong Kong having a population of 7.5 million, it amounts to "one of the largest mass protests in history," said the letter, led by Republican Senator Marco Rubio and Democratic Representative Jim McGovern, co-chairs of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China that assesses human rights. "This prize would honour their bravery and determination that have inspired the world," they wrote. "We hope that the Nobel Committee will continue to shine a light on those struggling for peace and human rights in China and we believe the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong is deserving of recognition this year." The lawmakers said they expected more Hong Kong democracy activists to be convicted in the coming months "for the sole reason of peacefully expressing their political views." Beijing last year imposed a tough security law that it has used to clamp down on dissent after the unrest in the financial hub, which was promised a separate system before Britain handed the territory back to China in 1997. Among those who have been rounded up include 24-year-old Joshua Wong, one of the city's most recognisable democracy advocates, who has been charged with subversion. The lawmakers recommended that the prize go broadly to all who have pushed for human rights and democracy in Hong Kong since 1997.

US lawmakers nominate Hong Kong democracy movement for Nobel

US lawmakers will question President Joe Biden’s pick to lead the nation’s top environmental regulator on Wednesday. Multiple reports have confirmed the interaction will be focussed on how he will execute the administration's goal of decarbonising the country's cars and power plants.

Michael Regan would be the first Black man to lead the Environmental Protection Agency if confirmed by the Senate, and would take the reins at a time the agency has been weakened by Trump-era budget and staff cuts and bitter partisan dispute over Biden's climate agenda.

As EPA chief, Biden would rely on him as a key leader in a government-wide approach to tackle global warming after four years during which his predecessor Donald Trump used the agency to dismantle regulation to boost drillers, electric generators, miners and manufacturers.

Senators said they would grill Regan about the administration’s climate change agenda.

Biden says the shift to clean energy will be a net-positive for jobs and the economy, while reducing pollution. He has already signed a slew of climate-focussed executive orders, including suspending federal drilling lease auctions and rejoining international efforts to fight climate change, and has also promised to zero-out power sector emissions by 2035 and accelerate electric car deployment.

Regan was formerly head of North Carolina’s environmental regulator, where he earned a reputation as a bipartisan consensus builder.

US lawmakers will question President Joe Biden’s pick to lead the nation’s top environmental regulator on Wednesday. Multiple reports have confirmed the interaction will be focussed on how he will execute the administration's goal of decarbonising the country's cars and power plants.

US lawmakers will question President Joe Biden’s pick to lead the nation’s top environmental regulator on Wednesday. Multiple reports have confirmed the interaction will be focussed on how he will execute the administration's goal of decarbonising the country's cars and power plants. Michael Regan would be the first Black man to lead the Environmental Protection Agency if confirmed by the Senate, and would take the reins at a time the agency has been weakened by Trump-era budget and staff cuts and bitter partisan dispute over Biden's climate agenda. As EPA chief, Biden would rely on him as a key leader in a government-wide approach to tackle global warming after four years during which his predecessor Donald Trump used the agency to dismantle regulation to boost drillers, electric generators, miners and manufacturers. Senators said they would grill Regan about the administration’s climate change agenda. Biden says the shift to clean energy will be a net-positive for jobs and the economy, while reducing pollution. He has already signed a slew of climate-focussed executive orders, including suspending federal drilling lease auctions and rejoining international efforts to fight climate change, and has also promised to zero-out power sector emissions by 2035 and accelerate electric car deployment. Regan was formerly head of North Carolina’s environmental regulator, where he earned a reputation as a bipartisan consensus builder.

US lawmakers to question Biden's EPA pick over climate agenda

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the chamber will hold a recorded vote on the stimulus-check increase on Monday.

US lawmakers block Trump’s requested changes on Covid-19 relief bill

Four most powerful men in the tech world will answer pointed questions from the US lawmakers in a crucial anti-trust hearing. Watch report.

Big Tech CEO's divided on China technology heft | US Congress | World News

WION Fineprint: US tech giants gird for tough hearing, Antitrust hearing in US

China on July 13 has hit retaliatory sanctions on three senior Republican lawmakers and a US envoy in a deepening row over Beijing’s treatment of Uighurs in the western Xinjiang region.

China slaps tit-for-tat sanctions on 3 US lawmakers; Watch live report

China on July 13 has hit retaliatory sanctions on three senior Republican lawmakers and a US envoy in a deepening row over Beijing’s treatment of Uighurs in the western Xinjiang region. Watch report.

China sanctions three US lawmakers | Responds to US Uighur sanctions

A group of 14 US lawmakers have introduced a bill in the Congress which demands the government to identify, analyse, and combat alleged efforts made by the Chinese government to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic for nationalistic gains.

Introduced by Congressman Jared Golden and co-sponsored by 13 other Congressmen, the 'Preventing China from Exploiting COVID-19 Act' would mandate the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to investigate the ways in which the Chinese government intends to seize on the COVID-19 pandemic to promote its interests on the national stage and evaluate the risks to the United States.

It also asks the DNI to provide policymakers with information they need to address and counter Chinese actions, when necessary, and report its findings to the Congress.

"Since COVID-19 began, there is evidence that China is at work using the pandemic crisis against Americans through cyber-theft and the spread of misinformation,"&nbsp;said Golden.

"We need to fully understand these threats and respond to them. We're introducing the 'Preventing China from Exploiting COVID-19 Act' to gather and analyse important intelligence our country needs to protect American people and businesses,"&nbsp;Golden said.

The bill requires the DNI -- in coordination with the Secretaries of Defense, State, and Homeland Security -- to prepare an assessment of the different ways in which the Chinese government has exploited or could exploit the pandemic, which originated in China, in order to advance China's interests and to undermine the interests of the United States, its allies, and the rule-based international order.

The assessment must be provided to Congress within 90 days and posted in unclassified form on the DNI's website.

"As we fight to save American lives and rebuild our economy, no country should be allowed to exploit the pandemic for its own advantage, yet reports indicate that China has done exactly that," said Congressman Torres Small, a co-sponsor of the bill.

"This is a time when countries should be coming together to fight the spread of COVID-19, not exploiting breakdowns in supply chains or a shortage of critical equipment like masks, gloves and gowns in order to advance their own national security interests. This is unacceptable, and the United States must be able to hold China accountable if it continues," he said.

Among others, the legislation requires the DNI to investigate, analyse, and report on the techniques used by the Chinese government to obstruct or retaliate against nations that have sought a full inquiry into China's role in the emergence and spread of COVID-19, and the Chinese government's motivations for such efforts.

It seeks investigation into the activities undertaken by the Chinese government, like cyber-theft, intended to acquire information and intellectual property related to COVID-19 testing, treatment, and vaccines.

The bill also asks the DNI to probe the manner in which the Chinese government seeks to advance its foreign policy interests by providing economic aid or medical equipment to nations adversely affected by COVID-19, and the degree to which this aid makes recipient countries more likely to adopt positions favourable to China and detrimental to the United States.

The ways in which the Chinese government is using, or may be planning to use, the global disruption and distraction associated with COVID-19 as an opportunity to more aggressively pursue longstanding objectives, including with respect to Hong Kong, Taiwan, Xinjiang, and territorial disputes, is another subject being pointed out by the Congressmen.

Relations between Washington and Beijing have spiralled downward since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus. US President Donald Trump has questioned the Asian powerhouse's handing of COVID-19.

The two countries have also sparred over China imposing a new national security law in Hong Kong, restrictions on American journalists, treatment of Uyghurs Muslims and security measures in Tibet.

A group of 14 US lawmakers have introduced a bill in the Congress which demands the government to identify, analyse, and combat alleged efforts made by the Chinese government to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic for nationalistic gains.

A group of 14 US lawmakers have introduced a bill in the Congress which demands the government to identify, analyse, and combat alleged efforts made by the Chinese government to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic for nationalistic gains. Introduced by Congressman Jared Golden and co-sponsored by 13 other Congressmen, the 'Preventing China from Exploiting COVID-19 Act' would mandate the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to investigate the ways in which the Chinese government intends to seize on the COVID-19 pandemic to promote its interests on the national stage and evaluate the risks to the United States. It also asks the DNI to provide policymakers with information they need to address and counter Chinese actions, when necessary, and report its findings to the Congress. "Since COVID-19 began, there is evidence that China is at work using the pandemic crisis against Americans through cyber-theft and the spread of misinformation," said Golden. "We need to fully understand these threats and respond to them. We're introducing the 'Preventing China from Exploiting COVID-19 Act' to gather and analyse important intelligence our country needs to protect American people and businesses," Golden said. The bill requires the DNI -- in coordination with the Secretaries of Defense, State, and Homeland Security -- to prepare an assessment of the different ways in which the Chinese government has exploited or could exploit the pandemic, which originated in China, in order to advance China's interests and to undermine the interests of the United States, its allies, and the rule-based international order. The assessment must be provided to Congress within 90 days and posted in unclassified form on the DNI's website. "As we fight to save American lives and rebuild our economy, no country should be allowed to exploit the pandemic for its own advantage, yet reports indicate that China has done exactly that," said Congressman Torres Small, a co-sponsor of the bill. "This is a time when countries should be coming together to fight the spread of COVID-19, not exploiting breakdowns in supply chains or a shortage of critical equipment like masks, gloves and gowns in order to advance their own national security interests. This is unacceptable, and the United States must be able to hold China accountable if it continues," he said. Among others, the legislation requires the DNI to investigate, analyse, and report on the techniques used by the Chinese government to obstruct or retaliate against nations that have sought a full inquiry into China's role in the emergence and spread of COVID-19, and the Chinese government's motivations for such efforts. It seeks investigation into the activities undertaken by the Chinese government, like cyber-theft, intended to acquire information and intellectual property related to COVID-19 testing, treatment, and vaccines. The bill also asks the DNI to probe the manner in which the Chinese government seeks to advance its foreign policy interests by providing economic aid or medical equipment to nations adversely affected by COVID-19, and the degree to which this aid makes recipient countries more likely to adopt positions favourable to China and detrimental to the United States. The ways in which the Chinese government is using, or may be planning to use, the global disruption and distraction associated with COVID-19 as an opportunity to more aggressively pursue longstanding objectives, including with respect to Hong Kong, Taiwan, Xinjiang, and territorial disputes, is another subject being pointed out by the Congressmen. Relations between Washington and Beijing have spiralled downward since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus. US President Donald Trump has questioned the Asian powerhouse's handing of COVID-19. The two countries have also sparred over China imposing a new national security law in Hong Kong, restrictions on American journalists, treatment of Uyghurs Muslims and security measures in Tibet.

US lawmakers seek probe into efforts made by Chinese govt to exploit COVID-19 outbreak

Citing the need for the broadest effort possible to fight the coronavirus pandemic, leaders of US congressional foreign affairs committees wrote to nearly 60 countries on Friday asking them to support Taiwan's participation in the World Health Organization.

Citing the need for the broadest effort possible to fight the coronavirus pandemic, leaders of US congressional foreign affairs committees wrote to nearly 60 countries on Friday asking them to support Taiwan's participation in the World Health Organization. Taiwan, which is not a member of the United Nations, has been excluded from the UN agency WHO, due to objections from China. "As the world works to combat the spread of the COVID-19, a novel coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, China, it has never been more important to ensure all countries prioritize global health and safety over politics," the lawmakers said in their letter, sent on Friday. It was signed by Representatives Eliot Engel, Democratic chairman of the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee, and Michael McCaul, the panel's ranking Republican member, as well as Senators Jim Risch, the Republican Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman, and Bob Menendez, the panel's ranking Democratic member. The letter was sent to "like-minded" countries, large and small, seen as friends and allies of Taiwan, including Canada, Thailand, Japan, Germany, Britain, Saudi Arabia and Australia. Taiwan has been seeking to join a ministerial meeting this month of the WHO's decision-making body, the World Health Assembly (WHA), with backing from Washington and several US allies. But China, which considers Taiwan a breakaway province under its "one China" policy, said Taiwan's effort to join the meeting will fail, insisting its efforts are based on politics, not health concerns.

US lawmakers write to 'like-minded' countries, urge support for Taiwan at WHO

US lawmakers are raising demands for a 9/11 style commission to investigate America's Coronavirus response.

Gravitas: A 9/11 style probe into America's covid-19 response?

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