DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ McConnell says fighting Trump's influence over GOP foreign policy is 'the most important thing' he's doing now
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-14 | by ( Brent D. Griffiths | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Mitch McConnell said fighting for the future of the GOP is the most important thing he's doing now. McConnell told Politico that he does not want to "redefine" what it means to be a Republican. McConnell told Politico that he views this fight over the GOP's future as the most important thing happening right now that he may still be able to influence. "There are those who are trying to redefine what a Republican is — I'm not in that group," McConnell told Politico's Jonathan Martin. According to Politico, McConnell privately told Finnish President Sauli Niinistö that Trump "redefined narcissism" during a meeting last year.

Persons: Mitch McConnell, McConnell, Trump, Donald Trump's, —, Politico's Jonathan Martin, Martin, Ron DeSantis, Tucker Carlson, Sauli Niinistö, Elaine Chao Organizations: GOP, Politico, Republican, Service, Reagan, Ukraine, Trump, Trump , Florida Gov, Republican House, NATO Locations: Ukraine, Wall, Silicon, Trump , Florida, Finland, Sweden

REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst/File PhotoWASHINGTON, Aug 10 (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden asked Congress to approve about $40 billion in additional spending on Thursday, including $24 billion for Ukraine and other international needs, $4 billion related to border security and $12 billion for disaster relief. Trump, the front-runner in the race to be the Republican presidential nominee in 2024, has been sharply critical of U.S. support for Ukraine in the war. FIRST UKRAINE REQUEST SINCE REPUBLICANS TOOK HOUSERepublicans narrowly control the House, where Speaker Kevin McCarthy signaled in June that any request for more assistance for Ukraine would face an uphill path through Congress. The House and Senate last approved aid for the Kyiv government - $48 billion - in December, before Republicans took control of the House. The request includes $13.1 billion for the Department of Defense, including $9.5 billion for equipment for Ukraine and replenishment of U.S. equipment stocks already sent to Kyiv.

Persons: Joe Biden, George E, Jonathan Ernst, Donald Trump, pare, Chuck Schumer, Biden, America’s, Vladimir Putin, Schumer, Mitch McConnell, McConnell, Kevin McCarthy, McCarthy, Shalanda Young, Russia's Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin, Andrea Shalal, Patricia Zengerle, David Shepardson, Doina Chiacu, Jonathan Oatis Organizations: George, Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical, REUTERS, White, Washington, Trump, Republican, Ukraine, Democratic, FIRST, HOUSE, Kyiv, Republicans, World Bank, Department of Defense, Department of State, U.S . Agency for International Development, Department of Homeland Security, DHS, Thomson Locations: Salt Lake City , Utah, U.S, Ukraine, Kyiv, Russian, United States, Russia, China, FIRST UKRAINE, Niger

☆ Obesity drug data could boost companies' case for US coverage, analysts say
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-10 | by ( Patrick Wingrove | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Wegovy prescriptions were up 300% at their peak, according to data from Barclays, before supply issues began to hamper sales. A COMPELLING CASEAnalysts said the data made a compelling case for long-term health benefits of the drug. Analysts were divided on whether Medicare could potentially cover Wegovy as a cardiovascular treatment without a new law passing. Three doctors specializing in obesity treatment, including a cardiologist, were not sure whether such an indication would allow for Medicare coverage. Companies that provide healthcare insurance have begun pulling back on coverage of weight loss drugs because of the high cost of the medicines.

Persons: Read, Eli Lilly, Stacie Dusetzina, Wegovy, Eli Lilly's Mounjaro, Evan Seigerman, Eugene Yang, Morningstar, Damien Conover, Tom Carper, Eli Lilly's, Dusetzina, Patrick Wingrove, Elissa Welle, Ahmed Aboulenein, Caroline Humer Organizations: Novo Nordisk, U.S, Vanderbilt University, Medicare, Barclays, University of Washington Medicine, Companies, Democratic, Novo, Reuters, Democrat, Republican, Thomson Locations: New York, Danish, Washington

Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul and Pheu Thai Party leader Chonlanan Srikaew greet each other after a press conference about forming an alliance between Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai party, in Bangkok, Thailand, August 7, 2023. Pheu Thai and its businesses allies could face similar resistance. Despite abandoning Move Forward, Pheu Thai is lobbying for the backing of its 150 lawmakers in a prime ministerial vote expected later this month. Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat said no decision had been made on whether to vote for a Pheu Thai government. "The path to government for Pheu Thai is now more about Thaksin than the people."

Persons: Anutin Charnvirakul, Chonlanan Srikaew, Athit, Cholnan Srikaew, Thai's Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Pita Limjaroenrat, Veerapat, Thaksin Shinawatra, Thai, Titipol Phakdeewanich, Panarat Thepgumpanat, Chayut, Panu, Martin Petty, Nick Macfie Organizations: Bhumjaithai, Pheu Thai Party, Pheu, REUTERS, Senate, Ubon Ratchathani University, Thomson Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, BANGKOK, Ubon

☆ Dianne Feinstein hospitalized after tripping at home
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-09 | by ( Brent D. Griffiths | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Sen. Dianne Feinstein was hospitalized Tuesday evening after falling at her home. Feinstein previously missed months of votes after contracting shingles. download the app Email address By clicking ‘Sign up’, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider as well as other partner offers and accept our Terms of Service and Privacy PolicyDemocratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein was hospitalized after tripping and falling in her San Francisco home. Feinstein went to the hospital as a precaution and quickly returned home, Feinstein spokesperson Adam Russell told the San Francisco Chronicle"Senator Feinstein briefly went to the hospital yesterday afternoon as a precaution after a minor fall in her home," a Feinstein spokesperson said in a statement shared with Insider. It has also come to light that her daughter, Katherine Feinstein, a former San Francisco judge, holds power of attorney over her legal affairs.

Persons: Sen, Dianne Feinstein, Feinstein, Democratic Sen, Adam Russell, " Feinstein, Joe Biden's, Katherine Feinstein Organizations: Service, Privacy, Democratic, TMZ, San Francisco Chronicle, California Democrat, GOP, Judiciary Locations: Wall, Silicon, San, Washington, San Francisco

☆ US Army no longer has Senate-confirmed leader, joining Marines
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

U.S. Army Chief of Staff General James McConville testifies before the House Armed Services Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S. June 29, 2021. Retiring Chief of Staff of the Army General James McConville relinquished command on Friday. It will be the first time in history the U.S. military will have two branches, the Army and the Marine Corps, without a confirmed leader, the Pentagon said. "In our dangerous world of security, the United States demands orderly and prompt transitions of our confirmed military leaders," U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said during the ceremony on Friday. Several states have limited abortion access since Roe v. Wade was overturned, and the military argues that women service members cannot choose where they are stationed.

Persons: James McConville, Jonathan Ernst, Tommy Tuberville, Lloyd Austin, Randy George, Roe, Wade, Christine Wormuth, Idrees Ali, Phil Stewart, Mark Porter, David Gregorio Our Organizations: Army, Armed, Committee, Capitol, REUTERS, U.S . Army, U.S, Republican, Staff, Marine Corps, Pentagon, . Defense, Supreme, Democratic, Navy, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S, Alabama, United States

☆ French lawmakers raise strategic concerns over Atos sale to Kretinsky
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-03 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The logo of Atos is seen on a company building in Nantes, France, March 11, 2022. REUTERS/Stephane Mahe/File PhotoPARIS, Aug 3 (Reuters) - Talks to sell parts of French company Atos (ATOS.PA) to Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky are raising concerns among some French lawmakers, who say the deal risks undermining the independence of France's nuclear deterrence. Lawmakers cannot block a sale of a French company, only the government can if it considers there is a strategic reason for doing so. The lawmakers questioned why an alternative French buyer, a consortium of French companies Astek and ChapsVision, who were reported in French media to have been interested, were not given more consideration. A source close to Astek said Atos's cybersecurity business also hosted other sensitive assets crucial to French intelligence interests.

Persons: Stephane Mahe, Daniel Kretinsky, Atos, Thursday's, Figaro, Cedric Perrin, Kretinsky, Perrin, Astek, Atos's, Michel Rose, Mathieu Rosemain, Sharon Singleton Organizations: REUTERS, Les, Kretinsky, Casino, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Nantes, France, Czech, Europe

☆ What is conspiracy against rights? The civil war-era statute included in Trump's Jan 6 and 2020 election interference indictment, explained
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-03 | by ( Lauren Steussy | Rebecca Cohen | Sonam Sheth | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Among the four charges Donald Trump pleaded not guilty to Thursday was conspiracy against rights. The civil war-era statute was originally passed to stop members of the KKK from terrorizing the formerly enslaved. In this case, it's the right to vote that prosecutors allege Trump threatened by trying to tamper with the 2020 election results in battleground states. The "civil war era statute was used to prosecute folks in the South trying to disenfranchise Black voters," Rahmani added. If convicted of this charge, Trump could face a fine or prison time of up to 10 years, Rahmani said.

Persons: Donald Trump, Trump, Jack Smith, Rahmani Organizations: Capitol, Service, Capitol Riot, Justice, Department of Justice, Ku Klux Klan, Department of Locations: Wall, Silicon, California, Black

☆ Texas attorney general Paxton seeks dismissal of impeachment articles
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-31 | by ( Brad Brooks | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

July 31 (Reuters) - Lawyers for suspended Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Monday asked the state Senate to dismiss all but one of the articles of impeachment against him. All 31 members of the Texas Senate make up the court of impeachment. It was not immediately known when the senators would vote on Paxton's motions. Texas' Republican-dominated House in May voted to impeach Paxton, a conservative firebrand backed by former President Donald Trump. That budget request is what triggered Paxton's impeachment by the House.

Persons: Ken Paxton, Paxton, Donald Trump, Gov, Dan Patrick, Greg Abbott, Angela Colmenero, Brad Brooks, Gerry Doyle Organizations: Texas, Monday, Texas Senate, Republican, Senate, Thomson Locations: Texas, Paxton, Lubbock , Texas

☆ UAW wins Democratic senators' support for joint venture battery workers
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-28 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

WASHINGTON, July 28 (Reuters) - More than half of the Senate's Democrats are backing the United Auto Workers' push for higher wages and benefits for workers at Detroit Three automakers' joint venture battery plants, they said in a letter released on Friday. UAW leaders have sought to secure support from Washington as negotiations opened earlier this month, with UAW President Shawn Fain meeting with lawmakers and President Joe Biden last week. In their letter to the CEOs of the Detroit Three and battery joint ventures, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer joined Senators Sherrod Brown, Ron Wyden, Bernie Sanders, Richard Durbin and others in urging the automakers to embrace the joint venture battery workers before the current contract expires. Stellantis said it respects the UAW's right to organize future hourly employees at its joint venture battery facilities, adding: " The joint venture intends to offer very competitive wages and benefits." Last month, the union chief criticized $9.2 billion federal loan to a Ford/South Korea's SK On joint venture.

Persons: Shawn Fain, Joe Biden, Chuck Schumer, Sherrod Brown, Ron Wyden, Bernie Sanders, Richard Durbin, Ford, Stellantis, Jim Farley, Bill Ford, Biden, Biden's, Fain, David Shepardson, Susan Heavey Organizations: United Auto Workers, Detroit, automakers, General Motors, Ford Motor, Chrysler, UAW, Workers, EVs, SK On, South Korea's SK Innovation, Reuters, Ford, Korea's SK, LG Energy, Thomson Locations: United States, Washington, South, KS, Ohio

WASHINGTON, July 27 (Reuters) - The U.S. Senate passed a sweeping bill setting policy for the Department of Defense on Thursday, setting up a showdown with legislation passed by the Republican-led House of Representatives with "culture war" amendments eliminating abortion rights and diversity protections. The Democratic-controlled Senate passed its version of the National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, by 86 to 11, with strong support from both Democrats and Republicans. The Senate's Democratic majority leader, Chuck Schumer, said the hard-right provisions in the House bill would not become law. Democrats control only a narrow 51-49 seat majority in the Senate, but senators from both parties have said they do not want social issues to stand in the way of the defense bill becoming law. The Senate passed dozens of its own amendments, including some addressing competition with China.

Persons: Chuck Schumer, Schumer, Joe Biden, Patricia Zengerle, Sandra Maler, Diane Craft Organizations: U.S, Senate, Department of Defense, Republican, Democratic, National Defense, Republicans, Ukraine, White House, Thomson Locations: China

☆ Back-to-back 'senior moments' from Feinstein and McConnell illustrate the peril of a government by seniority
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-27 | by ( Madison Hall | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Two of the Senate's oldest and most powerful members had "senior moments" in recent days. Congress currently operates via seniority, meaning members gain more power depending on how long they've served. The back-to-back "senior moments" from McConnell and Feinstein, two of the most senior and powerful members of the Senate, illustrate just how much of a gerontocracy, a society governed by the old, the US has become. While Feinstein has said she's retiring at the end of her term, McConnell has suggested no such thing. In the 2020-2022 Congressional term, an Insider study found that nearly 1-in-4 members of Congress were over the age of 70.

Persons: Mitch McConnell, McConnell, Democratic Sen, Dianne Feinstein, Sen, Patty Murray, Feinstein, she's, that's, Gen Z, Ted Cruz Organizations: Congress, Service, Democratic, Senate Locations: Wall, Silicon

The income Luis earns from his Airbnb rental is paid in dollars into a digital account on US payment platform Payoneer, he said. Argentine hosts on Airbnb can receive payments to a local or overseas bank account as well as Payoneer and Paypal, options on one host's account reviewed by Reuters showed and Airbnb confirmed. Airbnb told Reuters in a statement that guidance published on its website advised hosts to register their short-term rental properties with Argentine authorities. Argentine tax authority AFIP said that it "always encourages people to declare" income. The Buenos Aires tourism department told Reuters, however, that just 570 properties were listed on the city's register of short-term rentals in June.

Persons: Luis, Airbnb, Payoneer, AFIP, Ramiro Raposo, AIRBNB, Ariel Yeger, Gaston Levy, Gustavo, Ana Maria Ianni, Ianni, Anna, Catherine Brigida, Adam Jourdan, Suzanne Goldenberg Organizations: Reuters, Argentine, Paypal, Internal Revenue Service, PayPal, AirDNA, Airbnb, Peronist, Thomson Locations: BUENOS AIRES, Airbnb, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Argentine, United States, Senate's

☆ US Senate panel probes billionaire Leon Black's financial ties to Jeffrey Epstein
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-25 | by ( Kanishka Singh | Thomson Reuters | Kanishka Singh Is A Breaking News Reporter For Reuters In Washington Dc | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

WASHINGTON, July 25 (Reuters) - The U.S. Senate's Finance Committee on Tuesday revealed an ongoing probe into private equity billionaire Leon Black's financial ties with disgraced late financier Jeffrey Epstein, and said the investigation "uncovered serious tax issues." The Senate panel said that a reported $158 million of payments in several installments from 2012 to 2017 by Black to Epstein for financial advice seemed "inexplicably large," given that Epstein was "neither a licensed tax attorney nor a certified public accountant." A spokesperson for Black said the billionaire had "cooperated extensively" with the panel's probe and provided detailed information. Black had previously acknowledged he paid Epstein for "legitimate financial advisory services." Last week, the New York Times reported that Black paid $62.5 million to the U.S. Virgin Islands to avoid any legal claims tied to an Epstein sex-trafficking investigation.

Persons: Leon, Jeffrey Epstein, Black, Epstein, Donald Trump, Bill Clinton, Kanishka Singh, Jonathan Oatis Organizations: Senate's Finance, New York Times, U.S . Virgin, Forbes, Apollo Global Management, Thomson Locations: U.S, Washington

NEW YORK, July 25 (Reuters) - The billionaire investor Leon Black was sued on Tuesday by an autistic woman who says he raped her in the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein's mansion in Manhattan in 2002, when she was 16. Black co-founded private equity firm Apollo Global Management (APO.N), which he left in 2021. Black has denied other sexual abuse accusations, including in a dismissed lawsuit by former Russian model Guzel Ganieva, and a lawsuit by Cheri Pierson who also claimed he raped her in Epstein's home two decades ago. The billionaire has also reached a $62.5 million settlement with the U.S. Virgin Islands, where Epstein had a home, to avoid a possible lawsuit. The case is Doe v Black, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No.

Persons: Leon Black, Jeffrey Epstein's, Jane Doe, Black, Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, Susan Estrich, Estrich, Doe, massages, Jeanne Christensen, Cheri Pierson, Jonathan Stempel, Kanishka Singh, Daniel Wallis Organizations: YORK, Apollo Global Management, Forbes, U.S ., Court, Southern District of, Washington , D.C, Thomson Locations: Manhattan, New York City, Russian, U.S . Virgin Islands, U.S, Southern District, Southern District of New York, New York, Washington ,

☆ The FBI is furious Chuck Grassley released an internal document that makes unverified claims about Hunter and Joe Biden accepting bribes
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-20 | by ( Sonam Sheth | Brent D. Griffiths | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

GOP Sen. Chuck Grassley published an FBI document containing an unverified allegation made by a Ukrainian CEO. The Ukrainian executive boasted he'd bribed Joe and Hunter Biden, an FBI informant claimed. FBI told Insider the release of the document "at minimum — unnecessarily risks the safety of a confidential source." When he visited the country in March 2016, Joe Biden pressed hard for Shokin to be fired for corruption. Bloomberg also reported that the Burisma investigation was largely dormant when Biden called for Shokin to be fired.

Persons: Sen, Chuck Grassley, he'd, Joe, Hunter Biden, Joe Biden, Hunter, Mykola Zlochevsky, Zlochevsky, Ron Johnson, Grassley, oligarch, Johnson, Vicki McKenna, Donald Trump, James Comer, Comer, —, Viktor Shokin, Biden, Shokin, Trump Organizations: FBI, Service, Biden, Iowa Republican, Department, Republicans, Burisma Holdings, Street Journal, Bloomberg, Trump Justice Department, U.S, Attorney Locations: Ukrainian, Wall, Silicon, PunchBowl, Ukraine

☆ Trump could be charged with breaking a law that was passed to stop the KKK from terrorizing former slaves
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-20 | by ( Sonam Sheth | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Trump could be charged with breaking a law that was originally passed to target the KKK. He could also be charged with obstruction of an official proceeding and conspiracy to defraud the US. The letter laid out three possible charges: obstruction of an official proceeding, conspiracy to defraud the government, and conspiracy against rights. He announced via Truth Social that he got the target letter from Smith on Sunday, adding that such a letter "almost always means an Arrest and Indictment." Insider has reached out to a spokesperson for the Justice Department and a lawyer for Trump.

Persons: Trump, Donald Trump, Jack Smith's, Jack Smith, Joe Biden, Trump's, Smith Organizations: Service, Klux, The New York Times, Thirteenth, Ku Klux Klan, Times, Capitol, Truth, Justice Department, Trump Locations: Wall, Silicon, Black

WASHINGTON, July 19 (Reuters) - Leaders of the U.S. Senate said on Wednesday they expected a sweeping defense policy bill to pass the chamber with strong bipartisan support, which could mean a clash with a largely party-line bill approved by the House of Representatives. The House passed its NDAA on Friday by a narrow 219-210, after Republicans added culturally conservative amendments addressing hot-button social issues. The vote was almost entirely along party lines, a departure from typical bipartisan support for a bill that has passed every year since 1961. That would not win the approval of the Democratic-controlled Senate, where a majority of lawmakers, including some Republicans, support abortion rights. The contrast is glaring, and we hope, hope, hope, hope that the House takes a lesson from the Senate and works in a productive way so we can pass these important bills."

Persons: Chuck Schumer, Mitch McConnell, Schumer, Joe Biden, Patricia Zengerle, Katharine Jackson, Matthew Lewis Organizations: U.S . Senate, Representatives, Democratic, Republicans, Republican, Democrats, Senate, NATO, White House, Thomson Locations: Washington

☆ Thailand's Pita open to coalition ally leading government if he fails in PM bid
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

BANGKOK, July 15 (Reuters) - Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of Thailand's election winning Move Forward Party, on Saturday raised the prospect of a political ally leading the new government if he fails to become prime minister. "If it becomes clear that Move Forward Party cannot realistically lead government formation then I am... open to having the party that came second, which is Pheu Thai, to lead," Pita said. "All of Move Forward members of parliaments are ready to support Pheu Thai's prime minister candidates," he said. Pheu Thai holds 141 seats in the Lower House, 10 less than Move Forward. Pheu Thai leader Chonlanan Srikaew said on Friday his party will support Pita's bid to become prime minister.

Persons: Pita Limjaroenrat, Pita, Pheu, Srettha Thavisin, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin Shinawatra, Yingluck Shinawatra, Chonlanan Srikaew, Panu, Mike Harrison Organizations: Thomson Locations: BANGKOK, Thai, Lower

Only 13 senators backed 42-year-old Pita, with the rest voting against him or abstaining, which his party said indicated some were acting under duress. "There are forces from the old power to pressure the Senate - from the old power to some capitalists who do not want to see a Move Forward government," party secretary general Chaithawat Tulathon said in a television interview. "Since the senators were uncomfortable in electing the PM, why not switch off this power?" he said, adding the party would attempt to limit the Senate's powers by amending an article of the constitution, which could take a month. He can run again if nominated in the next vote, which takes place on July 19, the house speaker confirmed.

Persons: Pita Limjaroenrat, Chaithawat Tulathon, Pita, Vijay Vikram Kannan, Juarawee, Rae Wee, Tom Westbrook, Martin Petty Organizations: Senate, Harvard, Constitutional Court, Senators, Societe Generale, Thomson Locations: BANGKOK, Pita, Thailand, Asia, Singapore, Bangkok

Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-TX) speaks during a press conference on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) with members of the House Freedom Caucus on July 14, 2023 in Washington, DC. The House narrowly passed an annual defense policy bill on Friday after Republicans added provisions on abortion and transgender surgeries — measures that were a nonstarter for Democrats. The amendments, adopted Thursday, would ban the secretary of defense from paying for or reimbursing service members for abortion-related expenses and transgender surgeries and hormone treatments. House Democratic leaders said Thursday that members of their caucus will vote against passing the bill. The defense legislation will eventually need to be reconciled with a version of the bill under consideration in the Senate.

Persons: Ronny Jackson, Ken Buck, Ken Buck of Colorado, Andy Biggs, Eli Crane of, Thomas Massie of, Henry Cuellar, John Duarte of, Brian Fitzpatrick, Matt Rosendale, Joe Biden's, Hakeem Jeffries, Sen, Tommy Tuberville, Scott Perry, We're, Perry, Pete Aguilar, I've, Pat Ryan Organizations: National Defense, Caucus, Democrats, Four, Rep, Texas Democrat, Republicans, Department of Defense, Defense Department, Democratic, House Democratic, Senate, GOP, House Armed Services Committee Locations: Washington ,, Ken Buck of, Eli Crane of Arizona, Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Texas, John Duarte of California, Pennsylvania, D

☆ Senators move to require release of US government UFO records
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-14 | by ( Josephine Walker | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

WASHINGTON, July 14 (Reuters) - The Senate in the coming days is expected to consider a bipartisan measure that would compel the U.S. government to publicly release records relating to possible UFO sightings after decades of stonewalling. Their 64-page proposal is modeled after a 1992 U.S. law spelling out the handling of records related to the 1963 assassination of President John Kennedy. "Our goal is to assure credibility with regard to any investigation or record keeping of materials" associated with UAPs, Rounds said. Under the measure, records must be publicly disclosed in full no later than 25 years after the law is enacted unless the U.S. president certifies that continued postponement is necessary because of a direct harm to national security. The Pentagon has investigated numerous unexplained sightings reported by military aviators and NASA formed a special panel to look into UAPs.

Persons: Chuck Schumer, Mike Rounds, John Kennedy, Schumer, Rounds, Harry Reid, Josephine Walker, Richard Cowan, Will Dunham Organizations: Senate, Democrat, Republican, Senate's Intelligence, Armed Services, U.S . National Archives, Records Administration, Democratic, U.S . Navy, Pentagon, NASA, Thomson Locations: stonewalling, U.S, Congress

☆ Mitch McConnell says Congress can't pass an NIL bill unless universities get their act together
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-13 | by ( Brent D. Griffiths | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Mitch McConnell urged a majority of universities to get behind a single name, image, and likeness (NIL) bill. NIL has upended college athletics as states jockey to pass the most expansive law. His observation isn't surprising as some universities, governors, and lawmakers see a benefit in allowing each state to determine its own NIL standards. Having a more expansive state law is now an asset akin to a new practice facility or a massive weight room. Missouri's newly passed NIL law is regarded as one of the most expansive in the country, explicitly allowing coaches and school officials to talk about NIL with potential recruits.

Persons: Mitch McConnell, haven't, McConnell, Hugh Hewitt, I've, Charlie Baker, Republican Sen, Tommy Tuberville, Democratic Sen, Joe Manchin, Nick Saban, Rand Paul, Paul, LIV Golf Organizations: Service, Republican, NCAA, College, Auburn University football, Democratic Locations: Wall, Silicon, Massachusetts, Alabama, Sen, Saudi

☆ Biden's labor secretary pick may not have the votes. She also may not need them.
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-13 | by ( Liz Brown-Kaiser | Sahil Kapur | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

The Senate is stalled on President Joe Biden's pick for secretary of labor, Julie Su, and Democrats face a conundrum on how to proceed. But Su, who currently serves as the acting labor secretary, could just keep running the department anyway. Federal law places no limits on how long Su can serve as acting labor secretary without being confirmed. He said he wants a voice for "both labor and industry" in the labor secretary role. Any Senator who voted to confirm Secretary [Marty] Walsh should vote to confirm Acting Secretary Su, too.

Persons: Julie Su, Joe Biden's, Su, Biden, Sen, Bernie Sanders, Kyrsten Sinema, Jon Tester, Joe Manchin, pushback, there's, Mazie Hirono, haven't, She's, she'll, she's, Mark Kelly, John Hickenlooper, I'm, Su aren't, Tester, you've, Manchin, Bill Cassidy of, Sinema, Tammy Duckworth, Marty, Walsh, We're, Sherrod Brown, Elizabeth Warren of, Chuck Schumer Organizations: Health, Education, Labor, Capitol, Labor Department —, Pensions, Su's, Democrats, HELP, Su's Democratic, White, Department, Democratic Locations: Washington, American, Sens, Hawaii, Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, Sherrod Brown of Ohio, Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts

WASHINGTON, July 12 (Reuters) - Democratic and Republic senators renewed an effort to block any U.S. president from leaving NATO on Wednesday, as leaders of the alliance attended an eventful summit in Vilnius, Lithuania. The joint resolution, seen by Reuters, is a fresh effort by Congress to prevent the president from withdrawing from the alliance without the Senate's approval. Lead sponsors include Democratic Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Foreign Relations and Armed Services committees, and Republican Senator Marco Rubio, vice chairman of the intelligence committee, who is also a senior member of the foreign relations panel. The current president, Democrat Joe Biden, has been a strong supporter of NATO, backing its expansion and working with other members, especially on the response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He is expected to celebrate its unity over Ukraine in a speech at the Vilnius summit on Wednesday.

Persons: Tim Kaine, Marco Rubio, Donald Trump, Kaine, Joe Biden, Patricia Zengerle, Rosalba O'Brien Organizations: Democratic, NATO, Reuters, Atlantic Treaty, Congress, Foreign Relations, Armed Services, Republican, Thomson Locations: Vilnius, Lithuania, United States, Atlantic, Washington, DC, Ukraine, Kyiv

Search resuls for: "Senate's"

25 mentions found