Democratic lawmakers are reviving calls to end a loophole in the 13th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution that allowed another form of slavery — forced labor for convicted felons — to thrive. In a statement on Friday, Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley said that he has teamed up with Congresswoman Nikema Williams …
Read More »Everything you need to know to get the child tax credit
Chabeli Carrazana Originally published by The 19th In less than a month, most families with kids will be eligible to receive regular payments of up to $300 for each of their children. In the lead-up, the White House and community groups are launching a campaign to raise awareness for …
Read More »U.S. on track to miss President Biden’s July 4 vaccination goals
The United States appears unlikely to reach President Joe Biden‘s vaccination goals as a more contagious COVID-19 variant has led to rising case numbers in some parts of the country. With two weeks left to meet Biden’s goal of 70% of American adults with at least one vaccine dose and …
Read More »While States Restrict Voting, Illinois Expands Access
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed Senate Bill 825 Thursday, which aims at expanding voting access throughout the state. The bill would also move the March 15 primary in 2022 back to June 28 as the state experiences delays in the new Census numbers due to COVID-19. The bill includes making …
Read More »Texas governor vetoes state legislature funding after Dem Walkout
The governor of Texas has reportedly followed through with his threat of withholding funding for the state’s legislature in response to Democratic lawmakers who previously staged a walkout that prevented his priority bills from passing during the most recent session. The Texas Tribune and The Dallas Morning News report that …
Read More »President Biden Announces Family Dog Champ Has Died
President Joe Biden‘s eldest dog, Champ, has died at age 13. The president first confirmed the news of Champ’s death in a statement on Twitter Saturday, saying the family’s “hearts are heavy” over the loss of their beloved four-legged friend. Champ, Biden said, had “passed away peacefully at home.” In his …
Read More »Judge Rules CDC Can’t Impose COVID Restrictions On Cruise Ships
A federal judge ruled that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot enforce COVID-19 restrictions on cruise ships. The judge ruled in favor of a lawsuit brought by the state of Florida, granting a preliminary injunction suspending mandatory guidelines for cruise ships through July 18. When the injunction …
Read More »SCOTUS rules unanimously in LGBTQ+ rights vs. religious liberty case
The Supreme Court said Philadelphia violated the First Amendment when it cut ties with a Catholic group that discriminated against LGBTQ+ couples. Kate Sosin Originally published by The 19th In a unanimous ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court determined that Philadelphia violated the First Amendment’s protections for free exercise of religion …
Read More »DOJ To Challenge Transgender Bans In West Virginia And Arkansas
The United States Department of Justice says that bans in West Virginia and Arkansas targeting transgender youth are unconstitutional. The Justice Department is looking to overturn laws in West Virginia and Arkansas. In West Virginia, transgender students are banned from competing in sports that do not align with their biological …
Read More »Biden Marks 300 Million COVID-19 Vaccine Shots In 150 Days
President Joe Biden announced on Friday that the United States had distributed 300 million shots of the COVID-19 vaccine in 150 days. “Today, we will have reached the mark of 300 million shots in arms in just 150 days,” the President said. “It’s an important milestone that just didn’t happen …
Read More »Senate Democrats Considering $6 Trillion Reconciliation Package
Senate Democrats are talking over a $6 trillion infrastructure package to be passed via reconciliation in case bipartisan efforts backfire. The Democrats are looking to expand President Joe Biden’s $4 trillion jobs and family plans. Senate Budget Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders says that “we’ve got to deal with structural problems facing …
Read More »House Votes To Repeal 2002 Authorization For Use Of Military Force
The House voted to repeal the 2002 authorization for the use of military force. Supporters of the repeal argue it is outdated and unnecessary. The legislation was signed into law to allow the United States military to take down President Saddam Hussein. The bill has been used to authorize other …
Read More »Jan 6 Terrorist Charged With Carrying A Handgun On Capitol Grounds
On Thursday, the Justice Department charged a US Capitol rioter with bringing a handgun onto Capitol grounds — two days after a hearing where Republican lawmakers downplayed the deadly attack and claimed the pro-Trump rioters were unarmed. The new charge was filed against Guy Reffitt, a Texan whose case received …
Read More »Affordable Care Act Survives GOP Challenge In Supreme Court
The United States Supreme Court ruled that the Affordable Care Act is valid and constitutional. Eighteen Republican-led states argued that the ACA, also known as “Obamacare,” became unconstitutional when congressional Republicans eliminated the individual mandate — a requirement for all uninsured Americans to buy coverage or face a tax penalty. …
Read More »President Biden Signs Bill Making Juneteenth A Federal Holiday
President Joe Biden on Thursday signed a bill to recognize Juneteenth — the celebration to commemorate the end of chattel slavery in the United States — as a federal holiday. “Juneteenth marks both a long, hard night of slavery and subjugation and the promise of a brighter morning to come,” …
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