Hello readers, and happy Wednesday. Zach Schermele here, USA TODAY's congressional reporter, filling in for Kathryn Palmer. Let's dive into today's top politics stories. |
Think of any politically pressing, divisive topic in Congress right now, and it's probably under consideration to be in a second reconciliation package . Cash for the Iran war, elements of the SAVE America Act and additional funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) – all are contenders for the rumored "Big Beautiful Bill" 2.0, which would only require a simple majority vote to pass the GOP-controlled Congress. The catch: Some Republicans are already skeptical they can fit everything into a megabill that can realistically pass both chambers, even without Democrats. | Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-South Carolina, has been a key supporter of another reconciliation push. He's seen here walking in the Senate subway on March 4, 2026. Kylie Cooper, REUTERS |
Momentum slows on DHS shutdown deal |
One step forward, two steps back, is probably the best way to describe the political dynamics surrounding a potential deal to end the six-week-long shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security. Newfound optimism Monday night about an agreement quickly faded over the past 24 hours. Democrats said the offer presented to them by Republicans to fund all of DHS, including airport security, except for ICE's enforcement and removal operations, wasn't enough. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-New York, said the offer included no new reforms. Ryan Wrasse, a spokesperson for Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-South Dakota, argued the three-page amendment presented to Democrats included "all of the original reforms" from a bipartisan bill that was negotiated earlier this year (though that was before Border Patrol agents killed Alex Pretti in January, sparking a widespread public outcry). |
Supreme Court rules against music industry in piracy case |
The Supreme Court today ruled against the music industry's effort to punish internet service providers that allow users to illegally copy and share content. The justices said a lower court erred when it found Cox Communications liable for steep damages after it continued to provide internet service to customers who had been repeatedly flagged for piracy. "Cox did not tailor its service to make copyright infringement easier," Justice Clarence Thomas wrote in the unanimous decision. "Cox simply provided Internet access, which is used for many purposes other than copyright infringement." | | Senate Democrats are cautiously optimistic about a potential agreement to fund the Department of Homeland Security. But it's far from a done deal. | | "If Democrats can win in Trump's backyard, we sure as hell can win anywhere across the country," DNC Chair Ken Martin said on social media. | | | | Two Republicans and eight Democrats are vying for the seat. Here's what to know about the race ahead of the June primary. | | | | Meta and Google were found liable in a landmark trial over whether social media apps like Instagram and YouTube are designed to get children addicted. | | | | Cox had argued that if they lost at the Supreme Court, they may have no choice but to cut off internet access to universities, hospitals and even entire towns. | | | | | Sign up for the news you want | Exclusive newsletters are part of your subscription, don't miss out! We're always working to add benefits for subscribers like you. | | | | | |
No comments:
Post a Comment