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  • In Bipartisan Votes, House Panel Advances Clintons’ Contempt Citations
    Same show, different day.

    In bipartisan votes, the House committee investigating convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein advanced contempt of Congress citations against former first couple Bill and Hillary Clinton for their failure to testify in the inquiry.

    The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee voted Wednesday on the citations after the former president and former secretary of state refused a subpoena to testify about Epstein. The citations will next move to the House floor for a vote by the full chamber.

    Nine committee Democrats joined 25 Republicans to hold Bill Clinton in contempt of Congress, in a lopsided 34-8 vote. However, most committee Democrats objected to holding Hillary Clinton in contempt, with three Democratic members joining Republicans in a 28-15 vote.

    Contempt of Congress is a criminal charge punishable by up to a year in prison or a $100,000 fine.

    “Today, the Clintons must be held accountable for their actions. And Democrats must support these measures, or they will be exposed as hypocrites,” House Oversight Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., said during the markup of the citation.

    “Subpoenas are not mere suggestions. They carry the force of law and require compliance,” Comer added. “Since issuing the subpoenas, this committee has acted in good faith. We’ve offered flexibility on scheduling. The response we received was not cooperation, but defiance, marked by repeated delays, excuses, and obstruction.”

    The committee had originally subpoenaed the Clintons for a closed-door deposition on Capitol Hill.

    To head off the contempt vote, the Clintons offered to allow only Comer and ranking member Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif., to meet with Bill Clinton in New York. A key condition of the offer was no written transcript of the interview. Also, Hillary Clinton would not be interviewed under the offer.

    Garcia preferred not to compel testimony from Hillary Clinton.

    “It’s not clear to me and many others as to why Secretary Clinton has been a target of this investigation,” Garcia said. “The Secretary submitted a sworn declaration, under penalty of perjury, that she had no memory of ever meeting Mr. Epstein, never flew on his plane, never held any office with responsibility for investigating his activities.”

    Comer noted that Garcia had voted to subpoena the fomer secretary of state.

    Comer ultimately turned down the Clintons’ offer, insisting a written transcript was essential for Bill Clinton’s interview.

    Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to felony solicitation of prostitution, as well as procurement of minors to engage in prostitution. He died in a New York prison cell in 2019 in what was determined to be a suicide.

    On July 23, 2025, Republicans and Democrats on the House Oversight Subcommittee on Federal Law Enforcement unanimously approved a motion to issue subpoenas to ten individuals, including the Clintons, as part of its investigation into Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell.

    The 42nd president was once photographed in a swimming pool at Epstein’s estate, appearing with both Maxwell, who was convicted of helping Epstein perpetrate crimes, and another woman whose face was blocked out. The photo was published in a batch of …
    In Bipartisan Votes, House Panel Advances Clintons’ Contempt Citations Same show, different day. In bipartisan votes, the House committee investigating convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein advanced contempt of Congress citations against former first couple Bill and Hillary Clinton for their failure to testify in the inquiry. The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee voted Wednesday on the citations after the former president and former secretary of state refused a subpoena to testify about Epstein. The citations will next move to the House floor for a vote by the full chamber. Nine committee Democrats joined 25 Republicans to hold Bill Clinton in contempt of Congress, in a lopsided 34-8 vote. However, most committee Democrats objected to holding Hillary Clinton in contempt, with three Democratic members joining Republicans in a 28-15 vote. Contempt of Congress is a criminal charge punishable by up to a year in prison or a $100,000 fine. “Today, the Clintons must be held accountable for their actions. And Democrats must support these measures, or they will be exposed as hypocrites,” House Oversight Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., said during the markup of the citation. “Subpoenas are not mere suggestions. They carry the force of law and require compliance,” Comer added. “Since issuing the subpoenas, this committee has acted in good faith. We’ve offered flexibility on scheduling. The response we received was not cooperation, but defiance, marked by repeated delays, excuses, and obstruction.” The committee had originally subpoenaed the Clintons for a closed-door deposition on Capitol Hill. To head off the contempt vote, the Clintons offered to allow only Comer and ranking member Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif., to meet with Bill Clinton in New York. A key condition of the offer was no written transcript of the interview. Also, Hillary Clinton would not be interviewed under the offer. Garcia preferred not to compel testimony from Hillary Clinton. “It’s not clear to me and many others as to why Secretary Clinton has been a target of this investigation,” Garcia said. “The Secretary submitted a sworn declaration, under penalty of perjury, that she had no memory of ever meeting Mr. Epstein, never flew on his plane, never held any office with responsibility for investigating his activities.” Comer noted that Garcia had voted to subpoena the fomer secretary of state. Comer ultimately turned down the Clintons’ offer, insisting a written transcript was essential for Bill Clinton’s interview. Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to felony solicitation of prostitution, as well as procurement of minors to engage in prostitution. He died in a New York prison cell in 2019 in what was determined to be a suicide. On July 23, 2025, Republicans and Democrats on the House Oversight Subcommittee on Federal Law Enforcement unanimously approved a motion to issue subpoenas to ten individuals, including the Clintons, as part of its investigation into Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell. The 42nd president was once photographed in a swimming pool at Epstein’s estate, appearing with both Maxwell, who was convicted of helping Epstein perpetrate crimes, and another woman whose face was blocked out. The photo was published in a batch of …
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  • EXCLUSIVE: Early Look at the House Anti-Sharia Law Caucus’ Priorities Ahead of First Press Conference
    This feels like a quiet policy shift.

    FIRST ON THE DAILY SIGNAL—The Sharia Free America Caucus will present a suite of policies to prevent Sharia law from entering U.S. politics during its first press conference scheduled for Feb. 3, The Daily Signal has learned.

    During the press conference, the caucus, led by Republican Reps. Keith Self and Chip Roy of Texas, will present legislative actions that seek to “protect the American people from the advancements of Sharia Law.”

    “Members of Congress are convening to sound the alarm about the rising presence and accelerating spread of Sharia in the United States,” Self told The Daily Signal. “If allowed to spread, Sharia will completely erode the bedrock of Western values, individual liberties, and freedoms that define America.”

    Sharia law is a system of Islamic religious law that guides personal behavior and civil and criminal justice, often in conflict with Western concepts of liberty and government.

    ? BREAKING: An inside look by the @DailySignal at the Sharia-Free America Caucus, founded by @RepChipRoy and me.

    Sharia poses a clear and imminent threat to our liberties. Now is the time for decisive action through legislation and education.
    — Rep. Keith Self (@RepKeithSelf) January 21, 2026

    Measures that will be promoted in the press conference include the No Tax Exemptions for Terrorist Act. The bill aims to target funding for groups allegedly tied to Sharia law, such as the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council for American Islamic Relations, Self’s office told The Daily Signal.

    Other measures include Roy’s Preserving a Sharia-Free America Act and the No Sharia Act, which bars the enforcement of Sharia-based judgments in U.S. courts and designates followers of Sharia law as “inadmissible” to the United States.

    “Any alien in the United States found to be an adherent of Sharia law by the Secretary of State, Secretary of Homeland Security, or Attorney General shall have any immigration benefit, immigration relief, or visa revoked, be considered inadmissible or deportable, and shall be removed from the United States,” the Preserving a Sharia-Free America Act states.

    The press conference will also focus on resolutions that aim to codify President Donald Trump’s executive orders designating groups like the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organizations.

    The caucus hopes to “educate” Congress, foreign lawmakers, and the American people on the “clear dangers of Sharia” to “U.S. law and our constitutional rights.”

    “We need to call evil by its name. Sharia Law seeks to subjugate women and wage violence against non-Muslims; it seeks to destroy what made America, America,” Rep. Randy Fine, R-Fla., recently told The Daily Signal.

    The post EXCLUSIVE: Early Look at the House Anti-Sharia Law Caucus’ Priorities Ahead of First Press Conference appeared first on The Daily Signal.
    EXCLUSIVE: Early Look at the House Anti-Sharia Law Caucus’ Priorities Ahead of First Press Conference This feels like a quiet policy shift. FIRST ON THE DAILY SIGNAL—The Sharia Free America Caucus will present a suite of policies to prevent Sharia law from entering U.S. politics during its first press conference scheduled for Feb. 3, The Daily Signal has learned. During the press conference, the caucus, led by Republican Reps. Keith Self and Chip Roy of Texas, will present legislative actions that seek to “protect the American people from the advancements of Sharia Law.” “Members of Congress are convening to sound the alarm about the rising presence and accelerating spread of Sharia in the United States,” Self told The Daily Signal. “If allowed to spread, Sharia will completely erode the bedrock of Western values, individual liberties, and freedoms that define America.” Sharia law is a system of Islamic religious law that guides personal behavior and civil and criminal justice, often in conflict with Western concepts of liberty and government. ? BREAKING: An inside look by the @DailySignal at the Sharia-Free America Caucus, founded by @RepChipRoy and me. Sharia poses a clear and imminent threat to our liberties. Now is the time for decisive action through legislation and education. — Rep. Keith Self (@RepKeithSelf) January 21, 2026 Measures that will be promoted in the press conference include the No Tax Exemptions for Terrorist Act. The bill aims to target funding for groups allegedly tied to Sharia law, such as the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council for American Islamic Relations, Self’s office told The Daily Signal. Other measures include Roy’s Preserving a Sharia-Free America Act and the No Sharia Act, which bars the enforcement of Sharia-based judgments in U.S. courts and designates followers of Sharia law as “inadmissible” to the United States. “Any alien in the United States found to be an adherent of Sharia law by the Secretary of State, Secretary of Homeland Security, or Attorney General shall have any immigration benefit, immigration relief, or visa revoked, be considered inadmissible or deportable, and shall be removed from the United States,” the Preserving a Sharia-Free America Act states. The press conference will also focus on resolutions that aim to codify President Donald Trump’s executive orders designating groups like the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organizations. The caucus hopes to “educate” Congress, foreign lawmakers, and the American people on the “clear dangers of Sharia” to “U.S. law and our constitutional rights.” “We need to call evil by its name. Sharia Law seeks to subjugate women and wage violence against non-Muslims; it seeks to destroy what made America, America,” Rep. Randy Fine, R-Fla., recently told The Daily Signal. The post EXCLUSIVE: Early Look at the House Anti-Sharia Law Caucus’ Priorities Ahead of First Press Conference appeared first on The Daily Signal.
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  • What limits do U.S. political institutions place on territorial expansion or coercive diplomacy today?
    This isn't complicated—it's willpower.

    The United States has a long history of territorial expansion, but modern foreign policy operates under a different set of legal, political, and institutional constraints. Congress, international law, alliance commitments such as NATO, and domestic public opinion all shape what actions are politically feasible for U.S. leaders. How do these constraints function in practice today compared to earlier periods of U.S. expansion? Which institutions or norms tend to play the most significant role in limiting or enabling coercive diplomatic or territorial actions by the U.S. government?
    What limits do U.S. political institutions place on territorial expansion or coercive diplomacy today? This isn't complicated—it's willpower. The United States has a long history of territorial expansion, but modern foreign policy operates under a different set of legal, political, and institutional constraints. Congress, international law, alliance commitments such as NATO, and domestic public opinion all shape what actions are politically feasible for U.S. leaders. How do these constraints function in practice today compared to earlier periods of U.S. expansion? Which institutions or norms tend to play the most significant role in limiting or enabling coercive diplomatic or territorial actions by the U.S. government?
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  • ‘Islamic Extremism Has No Place in Our State’: Texas Reps. Back Abbott as CAIR Plans to Sue

    Republican Reps. Chip Roy and Keith Self of Texas voiced their support for Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s efforts to crack down on Islamic groups accused of having ties to terrorist organizations.

    On Wednesday, Abbott urged an independent school district to sever ties with the Council on Arab Islamic Relations after administrators planned to hold the “Islamic Games” sporting event. In 2025, he signed legislation to designate CAIR as a terrorist organization over its ties to Hamas and blocked Islamic Sharia law developments in Texas.

    CAIR announced that it aspires to take Abbott “to a court of law” for “crossing every line of basic decency” through his “campaign of hate.”

    But Roy and Self believe Abbott was right to act.

    “Governor Abbott was right to demand Cy-Fair ISD sever ties with the group and designate CAIR as a terrorist organization,” Roy told The Daily Signal.

    Roy then told The Daily Signal that the sporting event ties into “a broader effort to advance Sharia law and ideologies linked to radical Islamism,” which “seek to gain a foothold in our communities and undermine the Constitution and the Western values on which our nation was founded.”

    Self also applauded Abbott’s intervention, stating that “Islamic extremism has no place in our state.”

    The congressmen’s remarks come after CAIR accused Abbott of falsely linking CAIR-New Jersey to sponsoring a Houston high school’s “Islamic games” sporting event.

    However, the organization added that even if it did sponsor the sporting event, it was done by one of its individual chapters, which it alleges is not banned from hosting events in Texas.

    “Abbott’s demand that a county cancel a Muslim youth sporting event because of a false claim that it was sponsored by CAIR-New Jersey makes no sense,” CAIR wrote in a statement. “Even if Abbott’s lawless proclamation was enforceable, and it’s not, Attorney General [Ken] Paxton has already sworn in court that the proclamation only applies to CAIR’s national office, not our chapters.”

    The organization continued its statement, adding that it will attempt to press legal charges against the governor over his “campaign of hate.”

    “By placing Muslim children at the center of his campaign of hate, Governor Abbott is crossing every line of basic decency and digging himself a deeper legal hole,” CAIR added. “He is the governor of Texas, not the emperor of Texas, and we look forward to reminding him of that in a court of law. God willing.”

    Despite its strongly worded statement, Self told The Daily Signal that CAIR’s aggression as a terrorist organization is taken lightly by the American justice system.

    “The opinions of a designated terrorist group carry no weight here, especially when they attack efforts to protect our children from extremist influence.”

    The post ‘Islamic Extremism Has No Place in Our State’: Texas Reps. Back Abbott as CAIR Plans to Sue appeared first on The Daily Signal.
    ‘Islamic Extremism Has No Place in Our State’: Texas Reps. Back Abbott as CAIR Plans to Sue Republican Reps. Chip Roy and Keith Self of Texas voiced their support for Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s efforts to crack down on Islamic groups accused of having ties to terrorist organizations. On Wednesday, Abbott urged an independent school district to sever ties with the Council on Arab Islamic Relations after administrators planned to hold the “Islamic Games” sporting event. In 2025, he signed legislation to designate CAIR as a terrorist organization over its ties to Hamas and blocked Islamic Sharia law developments in Texas. CAIR announced that it aspires to take Abbott “to a court of law” for “crossing every line of basic decency” through his “campaign of hate.” But Roy and Self believe Abbott was right to act. “Governor Abbott was right to demand Cy-Fair ISD sever ties with the group and designate CAIR as a terrorist organization,” Roy told The Daily Signal. Roy then told The Daily Signal that the sporting event ties into “a broader effort to advance Sharia law and ideologies linked to radical Islamism,” which “seek to gain a foothold in our communities and undermine the Constitution and the Western values on which our nation was founded.” Self also applauded Abbott’s intervention, stating that “Islamic extremism has no place in our state.” The congressmen’s remarks come after CAIR accused Abbott of falsely linking CAIR-New Jersey to sponsoring a Houston high school’s “Islamic games” sporting event. However, the organization added that even if it did sponsor the sporting event, it was done by one of its individual chapters, which it alleges is not banned from hosting events in Texas. “Abbott’s demand that a county cancel a Muslim youth sporting event because of a false claim that it was sponsored by CAIR-New Jersey makes no sense,” CAIR wrote in a statement. “Even if Abbott’s lawless proclamation was enforceable, and it’s not, Attorney General [Ken] Paxton has already sworn in court that the proclamation only applies to CAIR’s national office, not our chapters.” The organization continued its statement, adding that it will attempt to press legal charges against the governor over his “campaign of hate.” “By placing Muslim children at the center of his campaign of hate, Governor Abbott is crossing every line of basic decency and digging himself a deeper legal hole,” CAIR added. “He is the governor of Texas, not the emperor of Texas, and we look forward to reminding him of that in a court of law. God willing.” Despite its strongly worded statement, Self told The Daily Signal that CAIR’s aggression as a terrorist organization is taken lightly by the American justice system. “The opinions of a designated terrorist group carry no weight here, especially when they attack efforts to protect our children from extremist influence.” The post ‘Islamic Extremism Has No Place in Our State’: Texas Reps. Back Abbott as CAIR Plans to Sue appeared first on The Daily Signal.
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  • Women With High-Risk Pregnancies Have Limited Options Under Abortion Bans
    Who's accountable for the results?

    For over a year, we’ve been writing about pregnant women who have died in states that banned abortion after Roe v. Wade was overturned. And we’ve been trying to better understand: Who are the women who are most likely to suffer because of these new laws?

    Many of the early cases we uncovered involved fast-moving emergencies. While women were miscarrying, they needed procedures to quickly empty their uterus, and, tragically, they didn’t get them in time.

    Yet we know that dangerous miscarriages like these are relatively rare events. What are far more common, experts have told us, are high-risk pregnancies, often on account of underlying health issues. Each year, hundreds of thousands of women enter pregnancy with chronic conditions that put them at an elevated risk of long-term complications and, in some cases, death. For those who live in states that have banned abortion, their options are now severely limited.

    Our reporting has found that abortion bans generally don’t include exceptions that cover these kinds of health concerns — or if they do, doctors aren’t using them.

    Instead, the exceptions are for the “life of the mother.” In practice, this often means doctors won’t act without strong evidence that their patients are very likely to die. Where there have been efforts to create broader health exceptions to cover a range of medical risks women can face in pregnancy, anti-abortion activists have fought against them. They argue that such exceptions are too permissive and could allow nearly anyone to get an abortion. Testifying at the Idaho state Capitol, one suggested that patients with headaches would be able to get abortions.

    In recent months, we’ve reported on two recent cases that help illustrate how this narrow view of women’s health issues has life-or-death stakes.

    Tierra Walker was a 37-year-old dental assistant and mother in Texas who found out she was unexpectedly pregnant in the fall of 2024. Hospitalized with uncontrolled blood pressure, she entered pregnancy sick and kept getting sicker. As she battled seizures and developed a dangerous blood clot, she became increasingly afraid for her health. Her blood pressure remained dangerously high, which doctors kept noting. She didn’t want to risk the possibility of leaving her 14-year-old son without his mother, her family told ProPublica.

    Walker knew abortion was illegal in Texas, but like many people, she thought that hospitals could make exceptions for patients like her, whose health was clearly on the line.

    Instead, her family said, despite Walker repeatedly asking if she should end the pregnancy to protect her health, none of her doctors counseled her on the option — or the health benefits — of a termination. More than 90 doctors were involved in her care, according to medical records.

    On his 15th birthday, Walker’s son found her draped over her bed. At 20 weeks pregnant, she had died of preeclampsia, a dangerous pregnancy-related blood pressure disorder.

    We reviewed her medical records with more than a dozen OB-GYNs across the country, who said Walker’s death was preventable. They described her condition as a “ticking time bomb” and said severe preeclampsia was …
    Women With High-Risk Pregnancies Have Limited Options Under Abortion Bans Who's accountable for the results? For over a year, we’ve been writing about pregnant women who have died in states that banned abortion after Roe v. Wade was overturned. And we’ve been trying to better understand: Who are the women who are most likely to suffer because of these new laws? Many of the early cases we uncovered involved fast-moving emergencies. While women were miscarrying, they needed procedures to quickly empty their uterus, and, tragically, they didn’t get them in time. Yet we know that dangerous miscarriages like these are relatively rare events. What are far more common, experts have told us, are high-risk pregnancies, often on account of underlying health issues. Each year, hundreds of thousands of women enter pregnancy with chronic conditions that put them at an elevated risk of long-term complications and, in some cases, death. For those who live in states that have banned abortion, their options are now severely limited. Our reporting has found that abortion bans generally don’t include exceptions that cover these kinds of health concerns — or if they do, doctors aren’t using them. Instead, the exceptions are for the “life of the mother.” In practice, this often means doctors won’t act without strong evidence that their patients are very likely to die. Where there have been efforts to create broader health exceptions to cover a range of medical risks women can face in pregnancy, anti-abortion activists have fought against them. They argue that such exceptions are too permissive and could allow nearly anyone to get an abortion. Testifying at the Idaho state Capitol, one suggested that patients with headaches would be able to get abortions. In recent months, we’ve reported on two recent cases that help illustrate how this narrow view of women’s health issues has life-or-death stakes. Tierra Walker was a 37-year-old dental assistant and mother in Texas who found out she was unexpectedly pregnant in the fall of 2024. Hospitalized with uncontrolled blood pressure, she entered pregnancy sick and kept getting sicker. As she battled seizures and developed a dangerous blood clot, she became increasingly afraid for her health. Her blood pressure remained dangerously high, which doctors kept noting. She didn’t want to risk the possibility of leaving her 14-year-old son without his mother, her family told ProPublica. Walker knew abortion was illegal in Texas, but like many people, she thought that hospitals could make exceptions for patients like her, whose health was clearly on the line. Instead, her family said, despite Walker repeatedly asking if she should end the pregnancy to protect her health, none of her doctors counseled her on the option — or the health benefits — of a termination. More than 90 doctors were involved in her care, according to medical records. On his 15th birthday, Walker’s son found her draped over her bed. At 20 weeks pregnant, she had died of preeclampsia, a dangerous pregnancy-related blood pressure disorder. We reviewed her medical records with more than a dozen OB-GYNs across the country, who said Walker’s death was preventable. They described her condition as a “ticking time bomb” and said severe preeclampsia was …
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  • What are your US 2024 presidential predictions?
    Trust is earned, not demanded.

    Hey everyone!
    Founder and creator of a site called . A free website for people who like to make political predictions; letting people post who they think will win in a future election.
    Complete Anonymity: Make predictions with full anonymity – your account details stay private.
    Predict the Future: Dive into predicting federal and state elections for 2023-2024. Decode the paths to victory.
    Public or Private: Share your predictions publicly or keep them all to yourself – it's your call.
    Candidate Insights: Access comprehensive candidate info – news, endorsements, bios – everything to make sharp predictions.
    Politarian is nonpartisan regarding any political party; rather focusing on transparency, holistic information, accountability, and a simple-to-use interface as to navigate the complex political landscape.
    I would appreciate any feedback and look forward to seeing your predictions on !
    Update: 1.1: Hey y’all! We just made an update to !! We added Social Media to the candidate profiles. Hope you guys can join us in making a primary prediction for the 2024 election :)
    What are your US 2024 presidential predictions? Trust is earned, not demanded. Hey everyone! Founder and creator of a site called . A free website for people who like to make political predictions; letting people post who they think will win in a future election. Complete Anonymity: Make predictions with full anonymity – your account details stay private. Predict the Future: Dive into predicting federal and state elections for 2023-2024. Decode the paths to victory. Public or Private: Share your predictions publicly or keep them all to yourself – it's your call. Candidate Insights: Access comprehensive candidate info – news, endorsements, bios – everything to make sharp predictions. Politarian is nonpartisan regarding any political party; rather focusing on transparency, holistic information, accountability, and a simple-to-use interface as to navigate the complex political landscape. I would appreciate any feedback and look forward to seeing your predictions on ! Update: 1.1: Hey y’all! We just made an update to !! We added Social Media to the candidate profiles. Hope you guys can join us in making a primary prediction for the 2024 election :)
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  • Congress Reaches Deal on ICE Funding With Spending Package
    Same show, different day.

    Bipartisan funding negotiators in Congress say they have a deal on a trillion-dollar package to cover major priorities such as deportations, health, transportation, and the military.

    The deal between Republican and Democrat appropriators comes after speculation about whether Democrats would allow funding for the Department of Homeland Security to advance.

    The $1.2 trillion funding deal combines four spending bills into one product of almost 800 pages and will come to a vote on the House floor this week. 

    The package’s passage would be the final step in passing all 12 standard appropriations bills out of the House for 2026.

    Notably, Republicans have managed to get Democrat buy-in for the homeland security bill, which covers immigration and border enforcement funding.

    Top Democrat House appropriator Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut said of the deal that she understands “many of [her] Democratic colleagues may be dissatisfied with any bill that funds [Immigration and Customs Enforcement].”

    She added, “I share their frustration with the out-of-control agency. I encourage my colleagues to review the bill and determine what is best for their constituents and communities.”

    Democrats had stressed their desire for policy riders exercising congressional control over Immigration Customs Enforcement officers’ operations in the wake of Renee Good’s death in an ICE-involved shooting in Minnesota.

    Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, the top Democrat appropriator in the Senate, also signaled her support for the package Tuesday—a promising sign for efforts to keep the government open after Jan 30.

    I will repeat myself — I do not support an increase in funding for ICE.
    — Rosa DeLauro (@rosadelauro) January 13, 2026

    “ICE must be reined in, and unfortunately, neither a [continuing resolution] nor a shutdown would do anything to restrain it, because, thanks to Republicans, ICE is now sitting on a massive slush fund it can tap whether or not we pass a funding bill,” Murray said in a statement that appeared to anticipate backlash from the Democrat base to the deal.

    Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., has previously acknowledged the difficulty of attracting Democrat support for the homeland security bill, as well as the possibility of having to pass a clean funding extension for homeland security if a deal fell through.

    In a statement, Murray additionally urged fellow Democrats to “take [their] fight to the ballot box” to counter ICE’s activities.

    The homeland security bill “provides a total discretionary allocation of $64.4 billion,” per a Republican appropriations release. This includes immigration enforcement-specific funding, such as $10 billion for ICE.

    The Democrats’ summary of the DHS Approps bill says it reduces funding for CBP and detention. It also directs money to specific programs instead of the slush fund Noem got in the OBBB.
    — Leigh Ann Caldwell (@LACaldwellDC) January 20, 2026

    However, Democrats are boasting of what they say are wins in their effort to rein in ICE, with a Murray press release highlighting that the bill’s text prevents “any growth to …
    Congress Reaches Deal on ICE Funding With Spending Package Same show, different day. Bipartisan funding negotiators in Congress say they have a deal on a trillion-dollar package to cover major priorities such as deportations, health, transportation, and the military. The deal between Republican and Democrat appropriators comes after speculation about whether Democrats would allow funding for the Department of Homeland Security to advance. The $1.2 trillion funding deal combines four spending bills into one product of almost 800 pages and will come to a vote on the House floor this week.  The package’s passage would be the final step in passing all 12 standard appropriations bills out of the House for 2026. Notably, Republicans have managed to get Democrat buy-in for the homeland security bill, which covers immigration and border enforcement funding. Top Democrat House appropriator Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut said of the deal that she understands “many of [her] Democratic colleagues may be dissatisfied with any bill that funds [Immigration and Customs Enforcement].” She added, “I share their frustration with the out-of-control agency. I encourage my colleagues to review the bill and determine what is best for their constituents and communities.” Democrats had stressed their desire for policy riders exercising congressional control over Immigration Customs Enforcement officers’ operations in the wake of Renee Good’s death in an ICE-involved shooting in Minnesota. Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, the top Democrat appropriator in the Senate, also signaled her support for the package Tuesday—a promising sign for efforts to keep the government open after Jan 30. I will repeat myself — I do not support an increase in funding for ICE. — Rosa DeLauro (@rosadelauro) January 13, 2026 “ICE must be reined in, and unfortunately, neither a [continuing resolution] nor a shutdown would do anything to restrain it, because, thanks to Republicans, ICE is now sitting on a massive slush fund it can tap whether or not we pass a funding bill,” Murray said in a statement that appeared to anticipate backlash from the Democrat base to the deal. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., has previously acknowledged the difficulty of attracting Democrat support for the homeland security bill, as well as the possibility of having to pass a clean funding extension for homeland security if a deal fell through. In a statement, Murray additionally urged fellow Democrats to “take [their] fight to the ballot box” to counter ICE’s activities. The homeland security bill “provides a total discretionary allocation of $64.4 billion,” per a Republican appropriations release. This includes immigration enforcement-specific funding, such as $10 billion for ICE. The Democrats’ summary of the DHS Approps bill says it reduces funding for CBP and detention. It also directs money to specific programs instead of the slush fund Noem got in the OBBB. — Leigh Ann Caldwell (@LACaldwellDC) January 20, 2026 However, Democrats are boasting of what they say are wins in their effort to rein in ICE, with a Murray press release highlighting that the bill’s text prevents “any growth to …
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  • Are modern protests shifting from policy demands to challenges against institutions themselves?
    Be honest—this is ridiculous.

    It feels like protests today aren’t just about changing laws or leaders.
    More often, they seem to challenge the legitimacy of institutions themselves, not just “fix this policy,” but “why should we trust this system at all?”
    Is this a real shift in political culture, or is it just what happens when polarization reaches a certain point?
    Curious how others see it.
    Are modern protests shifting from policy demands to challenges against institutions themselves? Be honest—this is ridiculous. It feels like protests today aren’t just about changing laws or leaders. More often, they seem to challenge the legitimacy of institutions themselves, not just “fix this policy,” but “why should we trust this system at all?” Is this a real shift in political culture, or is it just what happens when polarization reaches a certain point? Curious how others see it.
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  • Making News: Podcast On-Line of Batchelor Show Interview on Trump, China & Iran
    How is this acceptable?

    I’m pleased to announce that the podcast is now on-line of my latest interview on the “John Batchelor Show” – which is now being carried on John’s new Substack site.  Click on this link to hear John, co-host Gordon G. Chang, and I discuss the impact of President Trump’s threat to tariff China over its Iran trade, and whether the European Union will ever push back against Beijing’s intensifying export offensive.

    The segment was recorded last Wednesday night, and apologies for the glitch that resulted in the delay in posting.  But I’m confident that you’ll find it timely even so.

    In addition, it was great to see John Carney reporting in his “Breitbart Business Digest” on January 9 my blog post showing that, contrary to the claims of most mainstream economists and others, the Trump tariffs are closing the U.S. trade deficit – and dramatically so.    

    And keep checking in with RealityChek for news of upcoming media appearances and other developments.  
    Making News: Podcast On-Line of Batchelor Show Interview on Trump, China & Iran How is this acceptable? I’m pleased to announce that the podcast is now on-line of my latest interview on the “John Batchelor Show” – which is now being carried on John’s new Substack site.  Click on this link to hear John, co-host Gordon G. Chang, and I discuss the impact of President Trump’s threat to tariff China over its Iran trade, and whether the European Union will ever push back against Beijing’s intensifying export offensive. The segment was recorded last Wednesday night, and apologies for the glitch that resulted in the delay in posting.  But I’m confident that you’ll find it timely even so. In addition, it was great to see John Carney reporting in his “Breitbart Business Digest” on January 9 my blog post showing that, contrary to the claims of most mainstream economists and others, the Trump tariffs are closing the U.S. trade deficit – and dramatically so.     And keep checking in with RealityChek for news of upcoming media appearances and other developments.  
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  • Chaos in Syria sparks fears of ISIS prison breaks as US rushes detainees to Iraq
    Ask who never gets charged.

    Chaos engulfing northeastern Syria has sparked fresh security fears after Syria’s new governing authorities moved against U.S.-backed Kurdish forces, forcing the U.S. military to rush ISIS detainees out of Syria and into Iraq.
    The U.S. military launched an operation Wednesday to relocate ISIS detainees amid fears that instability could trigger mass prison breaks. So far, about 150 detainees have been transferred from a detention center in Hasakah, Syria, with plans to move up to 7,000 of the roughly 9,000 to 10,000 ISIS detainees held in Syria, U.S. officials said.
    The operation comes as Syria’s new government, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, ordered the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) — Washington’s longtime partner in the fight against ISIS — to disband following a rapid offensive over the weekend that severely weakened the group.
    Syrian government forces have since assumed control of several detention facilities previously guarded by the SDF. At least 120 ISIS detainees escaped during a breakout at the al-Shaddadi prison in Hasakah this week, according to Syrian authorities, who say many have been recaptured. U.S. and regional officials caution that some escapees remain at large.
    The deteriorating security situation also has raised alarms around al-Hol camp, a sprawling detention site housing the families of ISIS fighters and long viewed by Western officials as a breeding ground for radicalization.
    US, SYRIAN TROOPS COME UNDER FIRE WHILE ON PATROL: REPORT
    Kurdish forces announced they would withdraw from overseeing the camp, citing what they described as international indifference to the ISIS threat.
    "Due to the international community's indifference towards the ISIS issue and its failure to assume its responsibilities in addressing this serious matter, our forces were compelled to withdraw from al-Hol camp and redeploy," the SDF said in a statement.
    The camp is currently home to about 24,000 people, mostly women and children linked to ISIS fighters from across the Middle East and Europe. Many residents have no formal charges, according to aid groups, and humanitarian organizations have long warned that extremist networks operate inside the camp.
    TRUMP VOWS 'VERY SERIOUS RETALIATION' AGAINST ISIS AFTER DEADLY SYRIA AMBUSH KILLS US SOLDIERS
    The SDF said guards were redeployed to confront the threat posed by Syrian government forces advancing into Kurdish-held territory. On Tuesday evening, Kurdish forces and Syrian government troops agreed to a four-day ceasefire, though officials warned the truce remains fragile.
    Meanwhile, The Wall …
    Chaos in Syria sparks fears of ISIS prison breaks as US rushes detainees to Iraq Ask who never gets charged. Chaos engulfing northeastern Syria has sparked fresh security fears after Syria’s new governing authorities moved against U.S.-backed Kurdish forces, forcing the U.S. military to rush ISIS detainees out of Syria and into Iraq. The U.S. military launched an operation Wednesday to relocate ISIS detainees amid fears that instability could trigger mass prison breaks. So far, about 150 detainees have been transferred from a detention center in Hasakah, Syria, with plans to move up to 7,000 of the roughly 9,000 to 10,000 ISIS detainees held in Syria, U.S. officials said. The operation comes as Syria’s new government, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, ordered the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) — Washington’s longtime partner in the fight against ISIS — to disband following a rapid offensive over the weekend that severely weakened the group. Syrian government forces have since assumed control of several detention facilities previously guarded by the SDF. At least 120 ISIS detainees escaped during a breakout at the al-Shaddadi prison in Hasakah this week, according to Syrian authorities, who say many have been recaptured. U.S. and regional officials caution that some escapees remain at large. The deteriorating security situation also has raised alarms around al-Hol camp, a sprawling detention site housing the families of ISIS fighters and long viewed by Western officials as a breeding ground for radicalization. US, SYRIAN TROOPS COME UNDER FIRE WHILE ON PATROL: REPORT Kurdish forces announced they would withdraw from overseeing the camp, citing what they described as international indifference to the ISIS threat. "Due to the international community's indifference towards the ISIS issue and its failure to assume its responsibilities in addressing this serious matter, our forces were compelled to withdraw from al-Hol camp and redeploy," the SDF said in a statement. The camp is currently home to about 24,000 people, mostly women and children linked to ISIS fighters from across the Middle East and Europe. Many residents have no formal charges, according to aid groups, and humanitarian organizations have long warned that extremist networks operate inside the camp. TRUMP VOWS 'VERY SERIOUS RETALIATION' AGAINST ISIS AFTER DEADLY SYRIA AMBUSH KILLS US SOLDIERS The SDF said guards were redeployed to confront the threat posed by Syrian government forces advancing into Kurdish-held territory. On Tuesday evening, Kurdish forces and Syrian government troops agreed to a four-day ceasefire, though officials warned the truce remains fragile. Meanwhile, The Wall …
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