Republican lawmakers are preparing legislation to permanently defund Planned Parenthood by using budget reconciliation, a strategy that allows a simple Senate majority to bypass the 60-vote filibuster threshold. Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL), alongside other pro-life leaders, is leading the charge following the organization's disclosure of nearly $700 million in taxpayer funds received last year.
In February, the U.S. federal budget deficit reached $307 billion, marking a 4% increase from the same month in the previous year, according to the Treasury Department.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed the Pentagon to shift $50 billion from "woke programs" and use the funds to support President Donald Trump's priorities.
Pennsylvania lawmakers have begun reviewing Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed $51.5 billion state budget, sparking debate over spending increases, revenue projections, and long-term fiscal sustainability. The budget hearings, which began Tuesday at the state Capitol, come as the state faces a projected structural deficit and uncertainty over new revenue sources.
Representative Val Hoyle (D-OR) stated on Monday during an appearance on CNN’s “News Central” that Democratic lawmakers will not vote to fund the government if Republicans push President Donald Trump’s agenda, which she claims “undermines the American people.”
Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) highlighted his America First Act during a Senate Budget Committee meeting on Wednesday, reiterating its goal of banning illegal immigrants from accessing welfare and other federal benefits. Originally introduced in December 2024, the legislation seeks to block billions of taxpayer dollars from being used to support individuals paroled into the United States through questionable asylum claims.
Former President Donald Trump signed an executive order rescinding President Lyndon B. Johnson's Executive Order 11246, which mandated affirmative action in federal government contracting. The new policy eliminates diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) requirements in the federal workforce and contracting, shifting the focus to a merit-based system. The administration noted this change as a commitment to rewarding individual skills, performance, and hard work over identity-based hiring quotas.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday reversing President Lyndon B. Johnson’s Executive Order 11246, which mandated affirmative action for government contractors. The new order eliminates diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) requirements in federal hiring, contracting, and spending, signaling a shift toward merit-based practices.
