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Trump to meet refiners, fuel retailers as Iran war boosts gas prices ahead of midterms, sources say

Trump to meet refiners, fuel retailers as Iran war boosts gas prices ahead of midterms, sources say

By Jarrett Renshaw Aug 27 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump is expected to meet with U.S. refiners and fuel retailers next week to highlight efforts to lower gasoline prices, as his administration seeks to ease pressure on consumers from the Iran war ahead of November's congressional midterm
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U.S. Rep. Bill Keating and Challenger Craig Swallow Debate Campaign Finance Reform and Legislative Priorities

U.S. Rep. Bill Keating and Challenger Craig Swallow Debate Campaign Finance Reform and Legislative Priorities

U.S. Rep. William Keating and his challenger, Craig Swallow, engaged in a radio debate where they clashed over various issues, including campaign finance reform and legislative priorities. Swallow identified campaign finance reform as his primary legislative focus, advocating for a measure he referred to as H.R. 4899, which aims to ban political action committee (PAC) contributions. He argued that 'dark money in politics' erodes public trust. Keating, while not naming a specific bill as his top priority, expressed concern about the influence of super PACs, stating they can 'overwhelm the whole fundraising act.' The debate also touched upon the issue of members of Congress trading individual stocks, with Keating stating his retirement funds are managed by third parties and supporting legislation to prohibit such trading, while Swallow argued lawmakers should not hold stocks, especially in industries they regulate.
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Lawmakers Propose Lifting Payroll Tax Cap to Prevent Social Security Benefit Cuts

Lawmakers Propose Lifting Payroll Tax Cap to Prevent Social Security Benefit Cuts

Lawmakers are actively discussing proposals to prevent a projected 22% cut in Social Security benefits, which is anticipated to begin in six years. A key proposal, championed by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), involves lifting the current cap on the Social Security payroll tax. This cap presently applies to income up to $184,500. The senators argue that removing this limit would ensure that wealthier individuals contribute the same percentage of their income to Social Security as the majority of the population. Another initiative, led by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Representative Val Hoyle (D-Ore.), seeks to increase taxes on high earners' investment gains. These legislative efforts are aimed at enhancing the long-term solvency of the Social Security program and averting future reductions in benefits for millions of Americans. The bipartisan nature of some of these proposals highlights a growing recognition of the urgency to address the program's financial outlook.
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What are H-1B visas for skilled workers and what changes loom?

What are H-1B visas for skilled workers and what changes loom?

(Refiles August 25 story to fix hyperlinks in paragraphs 6 and 9; no changes to text) WASHINGTON, Aug 25 (Reuters) - U.S. employers seeking to hire skilled foreign workers can use the federal government's H-1B visa program for a fee, allowing tech and other professionals from abroad to work in the
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Senator Rand Paul Reintroduces 'Six Penny Plan' to Address National Debt

Senator Rand Paul Reintroduces 'Six Penny Plan' to Address National Debt

Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky has reintroduced his 'Six Penny Plan' federal budget resolution, aiming to tackle the national debt which recently exceeded $40 trillion. The plan, originally proposed in 2018, calls for a reduction of six cents off every dollar projected to be spent over the next five fiscal years. Senator Paul emphasized that this reduction must apply to the entire federal budget, not just discretionary spending, to be effective. He stated on social media that Congress needs to act immediately to address the deficit and balance the budget within a decade. According to Senator Paul, the plan would achieve a balanced budget in five years if fully implemented. He argues that runaway deficits and escalating interest costs necessitate a six percent annual reduction to restore fiscal stability.
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Congressman Ro Khanna Reintroduces Bipartisan Legislation to Sanction Chinese Entities for Fentanyl Flow

Congressman Ro Khanna Reintroduces Bipartisan Legislation to Sanction Chinese Entities for Fentanyl Flow

U.S. Congressman Ro Khanna, a Democrat, along with Republican Congressman John Moolenaar, Republican Congressman Dan Newhouse, and Democratic Congressman Jake Auchincloss, has reintroduced the CCP Fentanyl Sanctions Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to impose sanctions on Chinese chemical manufacturers, online vendors, ports, and financial networks accused of facilitating the flow of fentanyl and its precursor chemicals into the United States. The bill specifically targets China-based and Chinese Communist Party-backed entities involved in the production, sale, or transportation of synthetic narcotics and their manufacturing chemicals. Congressman Khanna emphasized the devastating impact of fentanyl on American communities and the necessity of holding responsible networks accountable. The legislation would expand existing sanction powers to include Chinese vessels and ports that knowingly or recklessly aid in the transportation of illicit synthetic narcotics, as well as Chinese online marketplaces and ...
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Representative Greg Landsman Co-Sponsors Legislation to Regulate Hemp-Derived Beverages

Representative Greg Landsman Co-Sponsors Legislation to Regulate Hemp-Derived Beverages

Representative Greg Landsman, a Democrat from Ohio, has co-sponsored legislation aimed at regulating the hemp-derived beverage market. This proposed bill, introduced alongside Representative Beth Van Duyne, R-Texas, seeks to establish a regulatory framework for the legal sale of low-dose hemp-derived drinks. The legislation is designed to mimic the existing regulatory structure for the alcoholic beverage industry. This initiative comes amidst ongoing discussions and challenges surrounding the regulation of hemp products, particularly those with intoxicating substances. Another bill, proposed by Representative Griffith and Representative Marc Veasey, D-Texas, would task the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with developing rules for setting limits on intoxicating substances in hemp-derived and CBD products within three years. If the FDA fails to complete this process, their bill would set default limits of 5 milligrams per serving and 30 milligrams per package, though Griffith acknowledges these numbers ar...
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Senator Rand Paul Supports Regulation Over Ban for Intoxicating Hemp Products

Senator Rand Paul Supports Regulation Over Ban for Intoxicating Hemp Products

Senator Rand Paul, R-Ky., has voiced his support for regulating intoxicating hemp products rather than implementing a federal ban. This stance comes as new bipartisan legislation is introduced in Congress to regulate these products before a federal ban is scheduled to take effect on November 12. The impending ban aims to close a legal loophole that has allowed the sale of intoxicating hemp products since 2018, but it threatens the $28.4 billion hemp industry. Senator Paul argues that a ban would lead to a black market and make it easier for these products to be sold to children due to a lack of rules. Representative Greg Landsman, D-Ohio, and Representative Beth Van Duyne, R-Tex., have introduced the Beverage Regulatory Parity Act, which proposes regulating intoxicating hemp like alcohol, including limiting sales to individuals 21 and older, implementing testing and labeling requirements, and capping THC content at 5 milligrams per serving. This federal framework would not supersede existing state regulati...
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Senator Chris Murphy Criticizes Trump Administration's Iran Sanctions as 'Publicity Stunt'

Senator Chris Murphy Criticizes Trump Administration's Iran Sanctions as 'Publicity Stunt'

Democratic US Senator Chris Murphy has publicly denounced the Trump administration's recent sanctions against Iran, labeling them as a 'publicity stunt' and 'empty rhetoric.' According to Pars Today, Senator Murphy stated that none of President Trump's stated war aims against Iran have been achieved. He highlighted that the Iranian government remains stable, retaining its missile, drone, and nuclear programs, and has even been observed showcasing new missile sites. Murphy further argued that the sanctions have failed to exert real pressure on Iran, noting that Iran can economically sustain itself as long as China continues to purchase its oil. He suggested that President Trump's focus on Iran has inadvertently granted China additional leverage in international relations, potentially leading to concessions from the U.S. on issues like AI microchips or Taiwan in exchange for reduced Chinese oil purchases from Iran. Murphy concluded that the U.S. is not applying significant pressure on China due to concerns a...
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Pentagon Faces Scrutiny Over Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's Wife's Influence and Access

Pentagon Faces Scrutiny Over Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's Wife's Influence and Access

Jennifer Hegseth, wife of U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, has drawn significant attention and criticism for her unusual level of involvement in her husband's official duties. A former Fox News producer, she has been described as her husband's most influential adviser and a 'de facto producer' at the Pentagon. Her activities include prepping him for appearances, sitting in on meetings with journalists, interviewing potential staff members, and brainstorming ideas for Defense Department videos. Notably, she was present in a highly sensitive meeting with top British defense officials where classified information regarding U.S. intelligence sharing with Ukraine was discussed, causing unease among the British delegation. She has also been included in a group Signal chat where the Defense Secretary shared attack plans for U.S. warplanes targeting Houthis in Yemen. This month, she was appointed chair of President Trump’s Military Spouse Commission, an unpaid position aimed at improving military families' liv...
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Senator Ron Johnson Votes Against Federal Housing Law, Citing Government Overreach

Senator Ron Johnson Votes Against Federal Housing Law, Citing Government Overreach

Senator Ron Johnson (R) was the sole member of Wisconsin's congressional delegation to vote against a new federal housing law. While the legislation garnered unusual bipartisan support in Congress, Senator Johnson's spokesperson previously indicated his opposition stemmed from concerns about the government 'imposing itself' into the housing marketplace. He has not issued a public statement specifically detailing his reasons for voting against the bill. The new law is anticipated by Wisconsin housing advocates and lawmakers to help address the state's shortage of affordable housing, though its full impact and implementation funding remain to be seen.
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Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland Joins Democratic Effort to Oppose EEOC's Proposed Rule on Demographic Data Collection

Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland Joins Democratic Effort to Oppose EEOC's Proposed Rule on Demographic Data Collection

Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland is among over 110 House and Senate Democrats who have signed a letter urging the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to reverse its proposed rule. This rule seeks to end the Equal Employment Opportunity reporting requirements for collecting demographic data. The letter, led by Democratic Women’s Caucus Chair Teresa Leger Fernández and other congressional caucus chairs, argues that the EEOC's proposal would undermine its ability to enforce Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. The Democrats contend that demographic data, collected for over 60 years, is a foundational tool for identifying and addressing workplace discrimination, including under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. The proposed rule claims these data reports are inconsistent with equal employment opportunity law and may raise constitutional concerns, a stance the sig...