Explore

Rapid Read Rapid Read
House Expected to Pass Russia Sanctions and Tariffs Bill, Says Lawmaker

House Expected to Pass Russia Sanctions and Tariffs Bill, Says Lawmaker

Representative Riley Moore, R-W.Va., stated on August 20 that the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, which includes significant sanctions and tariffs against Russia, is likely to pass in the House. The Senate previously approved this bill on August 7 with an 86-11 vote. A bipartisan group of 18 House members, co-led by Reps. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, and Steny Hoyer, D-Md., introduced identical legislation in the House on August 10. The White House has endorsed the bill, though House leaders have not yet publicly announced a vote schedule. The House is currently in recess until August 31. Rep. Moore expressed concern over India's continued role as a major importer of Russian oil despite strengthening relations between Washington and New Delhi, highlighting the bill's provision to impose tariffs on top buyers of Russian oil and gas.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Representatives Van Duyne and Landsman Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Regulate Hemp Beverages Like Alcohol

Representatives Van Duyne and Landsman Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Regulate Hemp Beverages Like Alcohol

Representatives Beth Van Duyne (R-Texas) and Greg Landsman (D-Ohio) have introduced the Beverage Regulatory Parity Act on August 10. This bipartisan legislation aims to establish a federal regulatory framework for hemp-derived beverages, mirroring the existing regulations for alcohol. The proposed bill includes a three-tier distribution system, along with rules for labeling, advertising, and trade practices. Key provisions also mandate a nationwide purchasing age of 21 and over, strict testing requirements, limits on THC content, and detailed risk warnings. Furthermore, the act seeks to ban synthetically derived cannabinoids and impose a federal excise tax based on the milligram content of intoxicating THC in these beverages. Representative Van Duyne emphasized that this bill addresses the urgent need for clarity in the hemp-derived beverage market, especially with a federal deadline on November 12 threatening to disrupt the industry. Both representatives highlighted the importance of providing certainty t...
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Congressman Michael McCaul to Retire, Ending Advocacy for Special Immigrant Visas

Congressman Michael McCaul to Retire, Ending Advocacy for Special Immigrant Visas

GOP Representative Michael McCaul of Texas is set to retire from Congress, effective January. McCaul has been a prominent supporter of special immigrant visas (SIVs) for individuals from Afghanistan, aid officials, and those who served alongside the U.S. military. His retirement, alongside that of Rep. Don Bacon, marks the departure of two Republican members who have consistently advocated for immigration protections and the benefits of legal immigration. This comes at a time when Republican support for legal immigration pathways has reportedly dipped by 14 percentage points in the past year, and issues like Temporary Protected Status (TPS) are increasingly conflated with unlawful immigration. McCaul's stance on SIVs reflects a commitment to those who assisted U.S. efforts abroad, particularly in Afghanistan.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Bipartisan Bill Introduced to Regulate THC-Containing Beverages in U.S. Market

Bipartisan Bill Introduced to Regulate THC-Containing Beverages in U.S. Market

A bipartisan bill, the Beverage Regulatory Parity Act, has been introduced in the U.S. Congress by Representatives Beth Van Duyne (R-Texas) and Greg Landsman (D-Ohio). This proposal aims to establish specific regulations for hemp-derived THC beverages, creating an exception to federal restrictions on intoxicating plant products. The bill suggests that adults aged 21 and over could purchase and consume hemp beverages containing up to 5 milligrams of total intoxicating THC per serving. It also proposes a three-tier distribution system, similar to the one used for alcoholic beverages, along with mechanisms for taxation and regulation. This legislative effort comes as the market for THC-infused beverages expands in the United States, drawing support from traditional alcohol retail and distribution representatives who seek a regulated framework for these products. The discussion is particularly timely given potential changes to the 2018 Farm Bill, which could significantly restrict the commercialization of into...
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Representative Troy Nehls Highlights President Trump's Role in U.S. Manufacturing Revival, Citing Texas Investment

Representative Troy Nehls Highlights President Trump's Role in U.S. Manufacturing Revival, Citing Texas Investment

U.S. Representative Troy E. Nehls has lauded President Trump's efforts in revitalizing American manufacturing, pointing to significant growth in the sector since 2022. Nehls specifically referenced the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (H.R. 1), signed into law by President Trump in 2025, and the administration's trade policies as key drivers of this resurgence. According to Nehls, President Trump's return to the White House has led to $11 trillion in U.S. and foreign investments, fostering job growth and innovation nationwide. A prime example cited is Bristol Myers Squibb's substantial investment in Houston, Texas, which Nehls presents as tangible evidence of the "America First" agenda yielding positive outcomes. Nehls affirmed his commitment to continue supporting President Trump's policies aimed at boosting manufacturing and job creation across the country, particularly within Texas's 22nd Congressional District.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Representative Tracey Mann Introduces Build American Efficiency Act to Streamline Housing Project Compliance

Representative Tracey Mann Introduces Build American Efficiency Act to Streamline Housing Project Compliance

U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (R-KS), alongside a bipartisan group of lawmakers, has introduced the Build American Efficiency Act. This legislation aims to encourage the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to recognize auditable and verifiable systems, such as the 'Make It American' program, when assessing compliance for federally funded housing projects. The primary goal of this act is to reduce administrative burdens, including duplicative paperwork, uncertainty in regulations, and the need for frequent waiver requests. The 'Make It American' program, developed by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), is a third-party certification system that independently evaluates manufacturers against specific process standards and 'Build America, Buy America Act' (BABA) requirements. This program helps manufacturers, contractors, and public agencies navigate domestic-content requirements for federally funded infrastructure projects by providing a clear and consistent method for de...
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Rep. Chip Roy and Rep. Steve Cohen Introduce ARTICLE ONE Act to Require Congressional Approval for National Emergency Declarations

Rep. Chip Roy and Rep. Steve Cohen Introduce ARTICLE ONE Act to Require Congressional Approval for National Emergency Declarations

Reps. Chip Roy (R-Texas) and Steve Cohen (D-Tennessee) have introduced the ARTICLE ONE Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at requiring congressional approval for national emergency declarations. Under this proposed legislation, any national emergency declaration and the powers exercised under it would need to be approved by Congress within 30 days to remain in effect. The lawmakers emphasize that the bill seeks to restore Congress's role in overseeing emergency powers and to add accountability to such declarations. Rep. Roy stated that the measure is intended to ensure checks and balances, while Rep. Cohen highlighted that existing emergency authority can persist without sufficient political oversight, and the bill would limit these powers to genuine emergencies. This initiative comes amidst ongoing discussions about the scope of executive power during national crises.
Westchester County Journal News Westchester County Journal News
New York ranks among the best states for women's equality

New York ranks among the best states for women's equality

New York ranked No. 11 nationally for women's equality, according to a new study examining workplace, education, health and political disparities.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Civil Rights Advocates Urge Supreme Court to Review Texas Ten Commandments Law in Public Schools

Civil Rights Advocates Urge Supreme Court to Review Texas Ten Commandments Law in Public Schools

Civil rights advocates have formally requested the U.S. Supreme Court to review a Texas law mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. This action sets the stage for a potential new legal challenge concerning state-sponsored religious expression within educational settings. The Texas law, signed by Republican Governor Greg Abbott and effective since last September, requires school districts to display the Ten Commandments if donated. Consequently, conservative groups and individuals have been distributing these posters to campuses across the state. The New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals previously upheld the Texas law in a 9-8 ruling, overturning lower federal court decisions that had blocked some Texas school districts from implementing the displays. Similar laws have also been enacted in Louisiana, Arkansas, and Alabama, making this a matter of nationwide importance, according to Heather Weaver, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). T...
Reuters Reuters
Demand from US data-center boom radiates out through factory supply chains

Demand from US data-center boom radiates out through factory supply chains

By Timothy Aeppel Aug 19 (Reuters) - Generac is best known for making backyard generators that rumble to life after power failures. But artificial intelligence is its new frontier.
Nashville Tennessean Nashville Tennessean
A single person needs nearly $90K to live comfortably in Tennessee, study says

A single person needs nearly $90K to live comfortably in Tennessee, study says

A new SmartAsset study found that a single adult in Tennessee needs nearly $90,000 a year to live comfortably. See how the state's salary benchmark compares with the rest of the U.S.
Palm Beach Post Palm Beach Post
Want to have fun? Study says Florida's right place for it, but not No. 1

Want to have fun? Study says Florida's right place for it, but not No. 1

Personal finance company WalletHub ranked all 50 states to determine the most fun states in America, with Florida coming in as No. 2.