Congress took a major step toward avoiding a government shutdown and funding federal agencies through September. Republicans and Democrats in both the House and Senate jointly released a $435 billion package that will fund specific government functions and programs including the departments of Justice, Commerce, and Housing and Urban Development, as well as House subcommittees…

Congressional leaders strike a deal to avoid a partial government shutdown before Friday night’s deadline. And Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is set to face questions from Congress over keeping his health a secret. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024 Congress reaches short-term deal to avoid government shutdown A…

President Joe Biden is considering an executive order that would restrict immigrants’ ability to apply for asylum if they cross the border illegally. CNN reported that the administration is considering using Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which was previously used under former President Donald Trump.  According to the State Department, “INA 212(f)…

On Feb. 28, Supreme Court justices will hear arguments in a case that could once again legalize the ownership of bump stocks. A bump stock is a device that attaches to a semi-automatic firearm and uses the rifle’s recoil to allow the shooter to depress the trigger repeatedly and quickly.  According to the Department of…

A program to help low-income Americans get internet access is running out of money. Now, Republicans and Democrats in Congress are actually working together to get more funding. Lawmakers introduced the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act, which would provide $7 billion to help Americans who live below the poverty line pay their monthly internet bill. …

A Common Sense Media census report found that 56% of U.S. children have their own social media accounts, and calls from parents and advocates to protect kids from harmful content, bullying and sexual exploitation have been growing for years. On Thursday, Feb. 15, the Senate announced it has enough votes to pass the Kids Online…

Oklahoma Sen. James Lankford, the Republican leading negotiations with Democrats on a southern border immigration bill has been censured by the Oklahoma Republican Party. The committee approved a resolution that condemns and censors Lankford, Saturday, Jan. 27. The resolution and condemnation document claims that Sen. Lankford negotiated a deal to reportedly allow 5,000 undocumented immigrants…

The fight between Texas and the federal government over enforcement at the U.S. southern border continues to intensify. The Supreme Court ruled on Jan. 22 that federal officers could cut and remove razor wire installed along the border by the Lone Star state to prevent illegal crossings.  Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, R, and other officials fired…

A wealthy Chicago suburb is considering having residents open up their homes to migrants who are on the streets of the Windy City. The idea is being pitched as a possible answer to help with the influx of migrants arriving at Chicago bus stations as lawmakers struggle to find a solution. Chicago has been a…

As the Republican primaries take center stage in the Granite State during the week of Jan. 21, there are increased calls for a border wall along the U.S.-Canada frontier. Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley became the latest to sound the alarm about increased incursions at the northern border. “I think we do whatever it takes…