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A Homeland Security shutdown grows more likely as Republicans rebuff Democratic demands for ICE

A Homeland Security shutdown grows more likely as Republicans rebuff Democratic demands for ICE

Senate Majority Leader John Thune says Democrats' demands for new restrictions on federal immigration officers are “unrealistic.”

Democrats' immigration enforcement reforms face rough waters in Congress

Democrats' immigration enforcement reforms face rough waters in Congress

By Richard Cowan WASHINGTON, Feb 5 (Reuters) - A public backlash against violent confrontations involving federal immigration agents has U.S. Democrats pushing for new controls on their activities, but with little buy-in so far from Republicans who control Congress.

GAO Recommends Pentagon Leaders Gain More Control Over Tech Budgets Amid Service Resistance

GAO Recommends Pentagon Leaders Gain More Control Over Tech Budgets Amid Service Resistance

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has proposed that the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering should have 'budget certification authority' over the military services' research and engineering spending. This recommendation is aimed at ensuring that the services' budget requests for research, development, test, and evaluation activities align with broader joint-force strategies. The proposal suggests that each military department and defense agency should submit their proposed budgets to this office for review and adequacy assessment. However, the Departments of the Army, Air Force, and Navy have expressed disagreement, citing concerns over potential delays, restricted autonomy, and increased workload. Despite this resistance, the GAO argues that the current system limits the Pentagon's ability to ensure cohesive technology purchases across the services.

House Subcommittee Advances Bills to Strengthen Energy Sector Cybersecurity

House Subcommittee Advances Bills to Strengthen Energy Sector Cybersecurity

The House Subcommittee on Energy has advanced five bills aimed at enhancing the cybersecurity and physical security of the United States' energy infrastructure. These bills are designed to update Department of Energy (DOE) programs, improve grid and pipeline protections, and prioritize cybersecurity for vulnerable sectors. Among the bills is the Energy Emergency Leadership Act, which aims to bolster the DOE's capabilities in responding to energy emergencies. Another bill, the Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act, supports a cybersecurity program for rural electric cooperatives and small utilities. The SECURE Grid Act focuses on enhancing community-level energy infrastructure resilience. Additionally, the Pipeline Cybersecurity Preparedness Act seeks to improve DOE's coordination in securing pipelines and LNG facilities. The Energy Threat Analysis Center Act reauthorizes the center to conduct preventative analysis and information sharing on cyber threats. These bipartisan bills have passed the subc...

Connecticut Governor Proposes $400 Energy Rebate to Alleviate Winter Heating Costs

Connecticut Governor Proposes $400 Energy Rebate to Alleviate Winter Heating Costs

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont has proposed a one-time energy rebate of approximately $400 per family as part of his State of the State address. This initiative is aimed at providing short-term relief from high winter heating costs and inflationary pressures. The proposal comes as Connecticut residents face some of the highest electricity rates in the nation, exacerbated by a prolonged cold snap. The rebate plan, which is expected to benefit around 2.2 million residents, would be funded by stronger-than-expected capital gains revenue. The proposed rebates include $200 for single filers earning up to $200,000, $400 for joint filers up to $400,000, and $320 for heads of household up to $320,000. The total cost of the initiative is estimated at roughly $500 million. The rebates would be distributed by the Department of Revenue Services to residents who filed a 2024 income tax return, pending legislative approval.

Florida House Committee Advances Bill to Ease Development in Agricultural Enclaves

Florida House Committee Advances Bill to Ease Development in Agricultural Enclaves

A proposal by Republican Representative Adam Botana from Bonita Springs, Florida, aims to simplify the process for converting agricultural lands into residential developments. The bill, known as HB 691, has successfully passed its second House Committee. It seeks to replace the current requirement for comprehensive plan amendments with an expedited certification and review process. This change would allow property owners with agricultural parcels surrounded by existing developments to pursue single-family residential projects without needing to amend local comprehensive plans. The bill mandates a public hearing within 30 days of application submission and automatic certification if local governments do not act within 90 days. The measure also restricts local governments from imposing more burdensome regulations on these developments compared to similar projects. The bill has been advanced to the State Affairs Committee, with a similar bill already progressing in the Senate.

Democrats demand 'dramatic changes' for ICE, including masks, cameras and judicial warrants

Democrats demand 'dramatic changes' for ICE, including masks, cameras and judicial warrants

Democrats are threatening to block funding for the Homeland Security Department when it expires in two weeks unless there are “dramatic changes” and “real accountability” for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other law enforcement agencies who are carrying out President Donald Trump’s campaign of federal immigration enforcement

Iowa Lawmakers Face Pressure Over Rising Property Tax Bills and Local Control Concerns

Iowa Lawmakers Face Pressure Over Rising Property Tax Bills and Local Control Concerns

In Iowa, there is growing concern over the rising property tax bills that residents have been experiencing for years. Lawmakers are under significant pressure to address these increases after failing to pass legislation in 2025. The proposed tax bills are causing worry among city and county officials, who fear that these measures could impair their ability to fund essential city services. The issue has sparked discussions involving the mayor of Dubuque, the former mayor of Carroll, and the president of Iowans for Tax Relief. Despite efforts to include perspectives from House and Senate Republicans, no Republican lawmakers participated in the program discussing these concerns.

NASA Reauthorization Act of 2026 Passed by House Committee to Bolster U.S. Space Leadership

NASA Reauthorization Act of 2026 Passed by House Committee to Bolster U.S. Space Leadership

The House Science, Space, and Technology Committee has passed the NASA Reauthorization Act of 2026, a significant legislative step aimed at strengthening America's leadership in space exploration. The act, led by Chairman Brian Babin and Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren, provides clear directives for NASA, supporting human exploration missions, including the Artemis program, and the development of the Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft. It also promotes the growth of the commercial space economy by facilitating NASA's transition to commercial low-Earth orbit platforms. Additionally, the act invests in advanced space technologies and supports educational programs to prepare future explorers.

Federal Reserve governor Miran steps down from White House post

Federal Reserve governor Miran steps down from White House post

Federal Reserve governor Stephen Miran has stepped down from his position as chair of the White House’s Council of Economic Advisers, ending a controversial arrangement where he held positions at both institutions

House Blocks D.C. Tax Code Changes, Threatening $600M Revenue Loss

House Blocks D.C. Tax Code Changes, Threatening $600M Revenue Loss

The U.S. House of Representatives has voted to block Washington D.C. from decoupling its local tax code from President Trump's federal tax cuts. This decision could result in a $600 million revenue loss for the city through 2029 and disrupt the local tax filing system. The D.C. Council had planned to use the additional revenue to fund a local child tax credit and expand the earned income tax credit. The measure passed the House on a party-line vote and now awaits Senate consideration.

Democrats Demand Immigration Reforms in DHS Funding Negotiations

Democrats Demand Immigration Reforms in DHS Funding Negotiations

House and Senate Democrats have outlined their demands for immigration enforcement reforms as Congress works to prevent a shutdown at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The DHS received only two weeks of stopgap funding in a recent law that reopened most of the government. Democrats are withholding support for a full-year appropriations bill until Republicans agree to reforms, which include mandatory body cameras for immigration officers, restrictions on warrantless arrests, and an end to 'roving' patrols. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries emphasized the need for these changes, citing recent incidents of violence by federal agents. The negotiations are challenging, with a looming deadline of February 13 for another potential shutdown.