Poli Alert Political & Civics

by Jennifer Shutt, Florida Phoenix May 19, 2022 The Senate voted overwhelmingly Thursday to send President Joe Biden a $40 billion aid package for Ukraine that will provide additional economic, humanitarian and military support to the country. The 86-11 vote marks the second time Congress cleared a multibillion-dollar package since …

On Wednesday night, the House passed the Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act, legislation that would bolster federal resources to prevent domestic terrorism in response to the racist mass shooting in Buffalo, New York. The 222-203, nearly party-line vote was an answer to the growing pressure Congress faces to address gun violence …

By Reese Oxner, The Texas Tribune The U.S. Supreme Court struck down a federal law Monday that capped the number of campaign dollars political candidates could use to repay themselves for money they personally loaned their campaigns, handing a victory to U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, who challenged the restriction. The …

President Joe Biden on Wednesday invoked the Defense Production Act to address the baby formula shortage that has caused panic for the millions of parents and caregivers in the U.S. who rely on formula to feed their children. In February, Abbott Nutrition — one of the largest suppliers of baby …

by Jennifer Shutt, Missouri Independent May 18, 2022 WASHINGTON — The national debate over abortion rights raged in the U.S. House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, as Democrats warned of the dangers of a potential end to the constitutional right and Republicans argued that legislatures should determine abortion laws. The hearing …

House Democrats introduced legislation Tuesday to help address the country’s ongoing shortage of baby formula. House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn) introduced the Infant Formula Supplemental Appropriations Act, which would give the Food and Drug Administration(FDA) an additional $28 million, dedicated to helping inspect baby formula before it hits …

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday signed a bill into law that bans Floridians from protesting outside of private residences. “Sending unruly mobs to private residences, like we have seen with the angry crowds in front of the homes of Supreme Court justices, is inappropriate,” Governor DeSantis said just before …

North Carolina and Pennsylvania votes for open Senate seats highlighted a list of primaries Tuesday that also included races in Idaho, Kentucky and Oregon. Here’s how races for open seats and for districts expected to be the most competitive in November turned out, based on election race calls by The …

by Jacob Fischler, Virginia Mercury May 17, 2022 President Joe Biden on Tuesday commemorated the victims of last weekend’s mass shooting in Buffalo, New York, and condemned the ideology that drove the killer to “carry out a murderous, racist rampage” at a grocery store in a predominantly Black neighborhood. In …

The Biden administration on Monday said it is easing restrictions imposed during former President Donald Trump‘s administration on travel to Cuba and on the sending of family remittances between the United States and the communist island. “The Cuban people are confronting an unprecedented humanitarian crisis and our policy will continue …

by Sarah Smith, ProPublica This story was originally published by ProPublica. When it comes to reproductive care, Mississippi has a dual distinction. The state spawned the law that likely will lead to the Supreme Court striking down Roe v. Wade. It is also unique among Deep South states for doing …

GOP Representatives Liz Cheney of Wyoming and Adam Kinzinger of Illinois are condemning fellow Republicans days after a white gunman motivated by the right-wing “great replacement” theory killed 10 people in a racist shooting in western New York state. “The House GOP leadership has enabled white nationalism, white supremacy, and anti-semitism,” …

Months after it stopped production and recalled its products, worsening a pandemic formula shortage, baby formula maker Abbott has entered into a consent decree with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, making way for the pharmaceutical company to reopen its infant formula plant in Michigan, Abbott announced Monday. Once the …

The Biden administration released a new plan on Monday to alleviate the rising cost of housing in the U.S. and to address the housing supply shortfall within five years through executive and legislative actions. The plan would give cities and towns with reformed zoning and land-use policies higher scores for certain …

by Michael Moline, Florida Phoenix May 13, 2022 A state trial judge has rejected Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ demand to dismantle Congressional District 5, a sprawling, Black-access congressional district in North Florida, citing language in the state Constitution forbidding diminishment of minority voting strength. Instead, Circuit Judge Layne Smith, sitting in …