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New Bill Proposes Changes to Social Security Benefits for Low-Income Seniors and Disabled

New Bill Proposes Changes to Social Security Benefits for Low-Income Seniors and Disabled

A new legislative proposal introduced by Democratic Representatives Sharice Davids of Kansas and Mary Gay Scanlon of Pennsylvania aims to amend the rules governing Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. The bill seeks to eliminate a rule that reduces monthly payments for recipients who receive non-cash assistance, such as shared housing or meals, from family or friends. This rule has been criticized for penalizing those who receive informal support, thereby reducing their SSI benefits. The proposed change would allow recipients to receive the full SSI benefit for which they qualify, regardless of non-cash help received. This initiative is particularly significant as it addresses the financial strain on low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities, especially in the context of rising living costs.

Senate Republicans again reject effort to halt Trump's Iran war

Senate Republicans again reject effort to halt Trump's Iran war

The Republican-led Senate has rejected the latest Democratic attempt to halt President Donald Trump’s war in Iran

US House Republicans block latest bid to rein in Trump Iran war powers

US House Republicans block latest bid to rein in Trump Iran war powers

By Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON, April 16 (Reuters) - The U.S. House of Representatives backed President Donald Trump's military campaign against Iran on Thursday, narrowly defeating a Democratic-led resolution aiming to stop the war until hostilities are authorized by Congress.

House Extends Surveillance Powers Amidst Privacy Concerns

House Extends Surveillance Powers Amidst Privacy Concerns

The U.S. House of Representatives has voted to extend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Section 702 for an additional 10 days. This decision comes after attempts to secure a longer renewal period, either five years or 18 months, failed to pass. Section 702 allows U.S. intelligence agencies to intercept electronic communications of foreign nationals outside the United States. The renewal has sparked significant debate in Congress, with privacy advocates pushing for reforms that would require court approval before reviewing communications involving Americans. Despite these efforts, only limited modifications were made, leaving privacy concerns largely unaddressed.

Trump tries economic reset as Republicans fret over high gas prices

Trump tries economic reset as Republicans fret over high gas prices

By Jarrett Renshaw, Jacob Bogage and Steve Holland LAS VEGAS, April 16 (Reuters) - U.S.

Senator Ted Cruz Criticizes ALERT Act Amid ADS-B In Legislation Debate

Senator Ted Cruz Criticizes ALERT Act Amid ADS-B In Legislation Debate

Senator Ted Cruz has voiced opposition to the ALERT Act, a bill passed by the US House of Representatives that mandates the use of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast In (ADS-B In) systems in aircraft. The bill, which passed with a 396 to 10 vote, aims to enhance aviation safety following a midair collision near Washington, DC, in January 2025. Cruz argues that the ALERT Act fails to deliver necessary safety measures and does not address critical improvements needed in the aviation system. The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) supports Cruz's stance, criticizing the bill for not implementing a comprehensive traffic awareness and collision avoidance system. The Senate is considering its own version of the legislation, the ROTOR Act, which mandates ADS-B In for all aircraft required to have ADS-B Out. The debate centers around the effectiveness of the ALERT Act's requirements and the need for improved collision-avoidance technologies.

Senate Rejects Resolution to Block President Trump from Striking Iran Amid War Powers Debate

Senate Rejects Resolution to Block President Trump from Striking Iran Amid War Powers Debate

The U.S. Senate voted against a resolution aimed at preventing President Trump from ordering further military strikes on Iran. This decision comes as the conflict approaches a critical 60-day deadline, which under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, requires the president to seek congressional authorization for military actions not previously approved by Congress. The resolution failed with a 47-52 vote, with some Republicans expressing concerns over the lack of congressional input in the ongoing conflict. Despite the rejection, there is bipartisan pressure on the Trump administration to outline a clear strategy for ending the war, as the deadline for congressional authorization looms. The House of Representatives is expected to vote on a similar resolution soon.

House Votes to Extend Protections for Haitians, Challenging President Trump's Immigration Policy

House Votes to Extend Protections for Haitians, Challenging President Trump's Immigration Policy

The U.S. House of Representatives has voted to extend temporary protected status (TPS) for Haitians, countering the Trump administration's efforts to terminate the program. This decision, supported by ten Republicans alongside Democrats, aims to allow approximately 350,000 Haitian immigrants to remain in the U.S. without the threat of deportation for an additional three years. The TPS program is designed for nationals from countries experiencing severe conditions such as armed conflict or environmental disasters. The vote was facilitated by a discharge petition, a legislative tool that bypasses the House speaker to bring a bill to the floor. The move highlights a rare instance of bipartisan cooperation against President Trump's stricter immigration policies.

House moving ahead on bill to protect Haitian immigrants, in slap back to Trump administration

House moving ahead on bill to protect Haitian immigrants, in slap back to Trump administration

In a rare bipartisan moment, the House has agreed to consider legislation that would extend temporary protections for Haitian immigrants

U.S. House Approves Extension of Temporary Protected Status for Haitian Migrants Amid Supreme Court Review

U.S. House Approves Extension of Temporary Protected Status for Haitian Migrants Amid Supreme Court Review

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bill to extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian migrants until January 20, 2029. This decision comes as the Trump administration's previous termination of TPS for Haitians is under review by the Supreme Court. The House bill, which passed with a 224-204 vote, saw bipartisan support with ten Republicans joining Democrats. The TPS program allows foreign nationals from countries deemed unsafe to remain in the U.S. for up to 18 months. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has previously removed TPS designations for 13 countries, leading to numerous legal challenges. The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on the administration's plans to end TPS for 350,000 Haitians and 6,000 Syrians. The House bill mandates DHS to maintain TPS for Haiti, highlighting the significant role Haitian TPS holders play in the U.S. workforce, particularly in states like Florida.

US Democrats will try, and try again, to rein in Trump's Iran war powers

US Democrats will try, and try again, to rein in Trump's Iran war powers

By Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON, April 14 (Reuters) - The U.S. Senate will vote as soon as Wednesday on the latest Democratic-led effort to rein in President Donald Trump's war powers, and party leaders promised on Tuesday to keep bringing up such resolutions as long as the Iran war continues.

Funding effort for ICE, Border Patrol could begin in Senate next week, majority leader says

Funding effort for ICE, Border Patrol could begin in Senate next week, majority leader says

By Richard Cowan WASHINGTON, April 14 (Reuters) - Partisan legislation to fund Donald Trump's immigration enforcement activities through the end of his presidency in January 2029 could begin moving through the U.S. Senate by the end of this month, according to Republican senators and aides.