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House Republicans Remove Housing Affordability Bill from Key Legislation, Impacting Reform Efforts

House Republicans Remove Housing Affordability Bill from Key Legislation, Impacting Reform Efforts

House Republicans have removed a bipartisan bill aimed at addressing the housing affordability crisis from the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a crucial piece of legislation. The Senate had previously passed the ROAD to Housing Act as part of its version of the NDAA, with bipartisan support from Senators Tim Scott and Elizabeth Warren. The bill included provisions to boost housing supply and improve affordability, such as developing a 'best practices' framework for local zoning and land use policies. However, House Republicans opted to pursue a stand-alone bill that aligns more closely with their preferences. This decision has sparked criticism from Democratic leaders, who argue it contradicts President Trump's commitment to tackling housing costs.
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House Republicans Remove Bipartisan Housing Affordability Bill from Key Legislation

House Republicans Remove Bipartisan Housing Affordability Bill from Key Legislation

House Republicans have removed a bipartisan bill aimed at addressing the housing affordability crisis from the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a crucial piece of legislation. The Senate had previously passed the ROAD to Housing Act as part of its version of the NDAA, with bipartisan support from Republican Sen. Tim Scott and Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren. The bill aimed to boost the nation's housing supply and improve affordability. However, the House version of the NDAA excluded these provisions, with House Republicans expressing a preference for a stand-alone bill that aligns with their priorities. This decision has sparked criticism from Senate supporters who argue that the bill is essential for addressing the housing crisis.
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Congress Faces Decision on SPEED Act to Reform Energy Permitting and Boost U.S. Competitiveness

Congress Faces Decision on SPEED Act to Reform Energy Permitting and Boost U.S. Competitiveness

The U.S. Congress is considering the Standardized Permitting and Expediting Development Act (SPEED Act), a bipartisan bill aimed at reforming the permitting process for energy projects. The current system, governed by the National Environmental Policy Act, has been criticized for causing delays due to extensive reviews and litigation, which hinder project development. The SPEED Act, introduced by House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman and Rep. Jared Golden, seeks to streamline these processes, providing certainty for investors and reducing project timelines. The bill is seen as crucial for meeting the growing energy demands driven by advancements in artificial intelligence and data centers, which require significant new electricity generation capacity.
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President Trump Warns of 'Dark and Sinister Forces' as Supreme Court Decision on Tariffs Looms

President Trump Warns of 'Dark and Sinister Forces' as Supreme Court Decision on Tariffs Looms

President Donald Trump has expressed concern over a pending Supreme Court decision that could impact his authority to impose tariffs, a key component of his economic policy. Trump has utilized tariffs extensively since retaking office, arguing that they bolster national security and strengthen the U.S. economy. However, the Supreme Court is reviewing a case that challenges his executive power to impose these tariffs without congressional approval. The case was expedited at the request of the Trump administration, and a ruling against the tariffs could undermine a significant part of Trump's policy agenda. Lower courts have previously ruled against the administration's broad use of tariffs, which Trump has applied to both adversaries and allies, citing national emergencies under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
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Congress would target China with new restrictions in massive defense bill

Congress would target China with new restrictions in massive defense bill

The Trump administration may have softened its language on China to maintain a truce in their trade war, but Congress is pushing for more restrictions on Beijing
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U.S. House Approves Bill to Empower Law Enforcement Against Drone Threats at Sporting Events

U.S. House Approves Bill to Empower Law Enforcement Against Drone Threats at Sporting Events

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Safer Skies Act, a bill that allows local and state law enforcement to disable drones during sporting events. This legislation, part of a larger defense bill, was approved by a vote of 312-112 and is now headed to the Senate for consideration. The bill aims to address the increasing threat posed by unauthorized drones at major sporting events, a concern raised by leagues such as the NFL, NCAA, MLB, and NASCAR. Currently, only a few events like the Super Bowl have federal law enforcement on-site with the authority to disable drones. The new bill would extend similar powers to local and state law enforcement, enabling them to receive training and operate on-site during large-scale events. This move comes as the U.S. prepares to host significant events, including the FIFA World Cup and the country's 250th birthday celebrations.
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Trump's 'gold card' program goes live, offering US visas starting at $1 million per person

Trump's 'gold card' program goes live, offering US visas starting at $1 million per person

President Donald Trump has announced the long-awaited launch of a "gold card" program offering legal status and a pathway to U.S. citizenship
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Defense Department Mandates Secure Phones and AI Cybersecurity Training in New Bill

Defense Department Mandates Secure Phones and AI Cybersecurity Training in New Bill

The U.S. Defense Department is set to implement new cybersecurity measures as part of the fiscal 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This comprehensive legislation, agreed upon by House and Senate negotiators, includes provisions for secure mobile phones for senior leaders and enhanced cybersecurity training that incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) challenges. The bill mandates that the Defense Secretary ensures mobile phones used by senior leaders and personnel on sensitive missions meet stringent cybersecurity requirements, such as data encryption. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the need for cybersecurity training for Armed Forces members and civilian employees, focusing on AI-related challenges. The legislation also addresses mental health services for cyber troops, ensuring behavioral health specialists with security clearances are available to the U.S. Cyber Command and Cyber Mission Force.
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Senate Democrats Push for ACA Tax Credit Extension Amid GOP Opposition

Senate Democrats Push for ACA Tax Credit Extension Amid GOP Opposition

The Senate is preparing for a crucial vote on a Democratic proposal to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits for three years. This vote is part of an agreement that ended the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced the proposal, which aims to extend the tax credits that help millions of Americans afford insurance on state-run exchanges. These credits are set to expire at the end of the year. However, the measure is unlikely to gain the necessary support in the GOP-controlled Senate, as Republicans oppose the extension without reforms to the subsidies. Some moderate senators have sought a compromise, but discussions have not yielded concrete solutions. The vote will force Republicans to take a politically challenging stance, as the expiration of these credits could lead to rising premiums.
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Factbox-Fed faces turbulent 2026 as Powell's term ends, independence tested

Factbox-Fed faces turbulent 2026 as Powell's term ends, independence tested

By Howard Schneider WASHINGTON, Dec 9 (Reuters) - The final U.S.
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US seeks to lift block on evidence in probe of ex-FBI chief Comey

US seeks to lift block on evidence in probe of ex-FBI chief Comey

By Andrew Goudsward WASHINGTON, Dec 9 (Reuters) - U.S. prosecutors on Tuesday urged a federal judge to dissolve an order temporarily blocking the use of key evidence in a potential bid to re-indict former FBI Director James Comey, arguing the ruling had improperly stalled their criminal probe.
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Swing district Republicans brace for political fallout if health care subsidies expire

Swing district Republicans brace for political fallout if health care subsidies expire

House Republicans in key battleground districts are working to contain the political fallout expected when thousands of their constituents face higher bills for health insurance coverage obtained through the Affordable Care Act