The Economist reports on Congress passing aid bill in latest US politics news
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The House of Representatives passed an American aid package worth $95 billion, with $61 billion designated for Ukraine. The aid package, put forward by House Speaker Mike Johnson, is expected to become law soon, with immediate impacts. Democratic lawmakers supported the plan, despite Republican efforts to tie aid to Ukraine with stricter immigration measures at the southern border.
In other news, opening arguments are set to begin in Donald Trump’s hush-money trial in New York. The trial is expected to last about six weeks, with the former president required to be in court daily. The prosecution aims to focus on election interference in the case.
Additionally, Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga, Tennessee, voted to join the United Auto Workers union, marking a significant win for unions in the traditionally anti-union South. This victory signals a shift in the region’s labor landscape and sets the stage for further organizing efforts.
Moreover, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., running a third-party campaign for president, secured a spot on the ballot in Michigan, a critical swing state. This development comes after Mr. Kennedy obtained the nomination of the Natural Law Party, allowing him to bypass the need for thousands of signatures.
Furthermore, the city of Grants Pass, Oregon, implemented a ban on sleeping and camping in public places as a response to a growing “vagrancy problem.” The policy will be reviewed by the Supreme Court, raising questions about whether penalizing homeless individuals for sleeping outside constitutes cruel and unusual punishment.
Lastly, Alexander County, Illinois, experienced a significant population decline, losing one-third of its residents in the decade leading up to 2020. This trend highlights broader challenges faced by the United States in handling a falling population.
Overall, these developments reflect a range of critical issues facing the country, from international aid and legal proceedings to labor rights and homelessness policies.