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☆ Republican senators raise 'significant concerns' on US firearms export pause
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-16 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz Acquire Licensing RightsWASHINGTON, Nov 16 (Reuters) - A group of 46 Republican U.S. senators asked the Commerce Department on Thursday to answer questions about its Oct. 27 decision to temporarily stop issuing export licenses for most civilian firearms and ammunition for non-governmental users. The Commerce Department's 90-day pause has some exemptions including export licenses for Ukraine and Israel, as well as some other close allies. Earlier this month, Republican Representative Mark Green, who chairs the Homeland Security Committee, led a separate letter from more than 80 lawmakers seeking answers on the pause. The Republican party has consistently defended gun ownership rights under the U.S. Constitution, while many Democrats have called for new restrictions after a series of mass shootings. Exporters can continue to submit license requests during the pause, but they will be "held without action" until the pause is lifted.

Persons: Mitch McConnell, Elizabeth Frantz, Ted Budd, John Thune, Mark Green, David Shepardson, David Gregorio Our Organizations: U.S ., REUTERS, Rights, Republican U.S, Commerce Department, Republican, Homeland Security Committee, U.S, Constitution, Overseas, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S, Ukraine, Israel, U.S

☆ US House Speaker Johnson's 'honeymoon' ends as hardline Republicans rebel
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-16 | by ( David Morgan | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) speaks during a press conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., November 14, 2023. REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsWASHINGTON, Nov 16 (Reuters) - A group of hardline Republicans has put new U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson on notice that he can no longer count on their support for legislation, signaling a possible early end to his "honeymoon" period. "We want the message to be clear," said Representative Scott Perry, chairman of the hardline conservative House Freedom Caucus. The bill passed the House with support from 209 Democrats but only 127 Republicans - a troubling sign for the new speaker. He had also angered hardliners by suspending House rules to circumvent their hopes of blocking debate on the measure.

Persons: Mike Johnson, Elizabeth Frantz, Scott Perry, We're, Nick LaLota, Johnson, Joe Biden, Kevin McCarthy, McCarthy, Anna Paulina Luna, David Morgan, Scott Malone, Deepa Babington Organizations: Capitol, REUTERS, Rights, Republicans, ., Louisiana lawmaker, Caucus, Freedom Caucus, Republican, Democratic, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S, Louisiana, America, Mexico, New York

☆ Thousands of Pro-Israel Supporters Gather on National Mall in Washington
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-15 | by ( Wall Street Journal | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Thousands of Pro-Israel Supporters Gather on National Mall in WashingtonThousands of people gathered on Washington’s National Mall on Tuesday to protest against antisemitism and show support for Israel. The event followed a pro-Palestinian rally earlier in November calling for a cease-fire in Gaza. Photo: Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters

Persons: Elizabeth Frantz Organizations: Israel Locations: Washington, Gaza

☆ Sen. Mullin Challenges Teamsters President to a Fight During Hearing
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-14 | by ( Wall Street Journal | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Sen. Mullin Challenges Teamsters President to a Fight During HearingSen. Markwayne Mullin called out Teamsters President Sean O’Brien during a Senate hearing on Tuesday for posts O’Brien published about Mullin on X (formerly Twitter) and suggested he and O’Brien settle the matter with a fight. Photo: Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters

Persons: Sen, Markwayne Mullin, Sean O’Brien, Mullin, O’Brien, Elizabeth Frantz Organizations: Mullin

☆ Mike Johnson Endorses Trump for 2024 Republican Nomination
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-14 | by ( Paul Kiernan | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

House Republicans elected Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana as speaker of the House, more than three weeks after Kevin McCarthy was ousted. Photo: Reuters/Elizabeth FrantzWASHINGTON—House Speaker Mike Johnson (R., La.) endorsed Donald Trump’s presidential campaign Tuesday, dismissing questions about the former president’s false claims that the 2020 election was stolen and painting Trump’s legal challenges as politically motivated. “I’m all in for President Trump,” Johnson said in an interview on CNBC.

Persons: Mike Johnson of, Kevin McCarthy, Elizabeth Frantz WASHINGTON, Mike Johnson, Donald Trump’s, “, Trump, ” Johnson Organizations: Republicans, Reuters, Elizabeth Frantz WASHINGTON —, CNBC Locations: Mike Johnson of Louisiana

☆ US Senator challenges Teamsters president to fight during hearing
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz Acquire Licensing RightsWASHINGTON, Nov 14 (Reuters) - An Oklahoma senator challenged Teamsters President Sean O'Brien to a fight during a Senate hearing on Tuesday rising from his seat, before the committee chair stepped in defuse the confrontation. The verbal sparring began after Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin paraphrased from a June tweet posted by O'Brien about the Senator: "...What a clown, a fraud. Mullin then rose for his seat after O'Brien said "You stand your butt up, big guy" as the two traded further barbs. At that point Sanders, who was chairing the hearing with union presidents, said to Mullin: "You're a United States senator, sit down." Mullin again later in the hearing challenged O'Brien to fight for charity in April.

Persons: Sean M, Elizabeth Frantz, Sean O'Brien, Markwayne Mullin, O'Brien, Mullin, Sanders, Chris Sanders, Nick Zieminski Organizations: Brotherhood of Teamsters, Health, Education, Labor, REUTERS, Rights, United, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S, An Oklahoma, United States

Newly elected Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) addresses the U.S. House of Representatives after he was elected to be the new Speaker at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, U.S., October 25, 2023. REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsWASHINGTON, Nov 14 (Reuters) - U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson, the highest-ranking Republican in Congress, endorsed Donald Trump for the Republican presidential nomination on Tuesday, an unsurprising move that underlines the grip the former president holds on much of the party's establishment. "I'm all in for President Trump," Johnson said on CNBC. Johnson implied that he had "endorsed" Trump in the past, but it was unclear when he had previously done so. Johnson was elected speaker in October after a small group of Republican lawmakers deposed Kevin McCarthy, the previous speaker.

Persons: Mike Johnson, Elizabeth Frantz, Donald Trump, Trump, Johnson, Kevin McCarthy, Trump's, Democrat Joe Biden, Gram Slattery, Andy Sullivan, Jonathan Oatis Organizations: U.S . House, U.S, Capitol, REUTERS, Rights, . House, Republican, CNBC, Republicans, Democrat, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S

WASHINGTON, Nov 13 (Reuters) - U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson's plan to avoid a partial government shutdown secured tentative support from top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer on Monday, even as some of Johnson's hardline Republican colleagues pushed back against it. Without changes, the Texas Republican said he would oppose efforts to bring the bill to the floor. The bill is intended to pressure the House and Senate to agree on spending bills for fiscal 2024 by the assigned dates. Johnson warned Democrats that House Republicans would impose a full-year CR for 2024 "with appropriate adjustments to meet our national security priorities" if Congress fails to reach agreement on full-year spending. Failure to hit that benchmark led to McCarthy's ouster, but some House Republicans suggested Johnson deserved more time.

Persons: Mike Johnson's, Chuck Schumer, Schumer, Chip Roy, Roy, Hakeem Jeffries, Kevin McCarthy, Joe Biden, Johnson's, centrists, Mike Johnson, Elizabeth Frantz, Johnson, Good, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Warren Davidson, Scott Perry, Andrew Clyde, Republican George Santos, Perry, Karine Jean, Pierre, Biden, McCarthy, David Morgan, Moira Warburton, Steve Holland, Scott Malone, Andrea Ricci, Richard Chang Organizations: . House, Senate, Texas Republican, Republican, Democratic, U.S . House, U.S, Capitol, REUTERS, Food and Drug Administration, House, White, Caucus, White House, Republicans, Social Security, Total U.S, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S

☆ Hardline Republicans push back on US House speaker's plan to avert shutdown
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-13 | by ( David Morgan | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

The bill is intended to pressure the House and Senate to agree on spending bills for fiscal 2024 by the assigned dates. Johnson warned Democrats that House Republicans would impose a full-year CR for 2024 "with appropriate adjustments to meet our national security priorities" if Congress fails to reach agreement on full-year spending. Democrats had worried that Republicans would put defense and other party priorities in the first tranche and then let the remaining programs shut down. Failure to hit that benchmark led to McCarthy's ouster, but some House Republicans suggested Johnson deserved more time. The brutal infighting among Republicans this year, including the party's own rejection of three seasoned nominees for House speaker, coincides with falling federal revenues and mounting costs for interest, health and pension outlays.

Persons: Mike Johnson, Elizabeth Frantz, Johnson, Bob Good, Kevin McCarthy, Joe Biden, Johnson's, centrists, Good, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Warren Davidson, Scott Perry, Andrew Clyde, Chip Roy, Republican George Santos, Perry, Chris Murphy, Biden, McCarthy, David Morgan, Scott Malone, Andrea Ricci, Richard Chang Organizations: U.S . House, U.S, Capitol, REUTERS, Rights, . House, Republican, Democratic, Senate, Food and Drug Administration, House, White, Caucus, White House, NBC, Republicans, Social Security, Total U.S, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S, Washington, Louisiana

☆ New US House speaker tries to muster his Republicans to avert government shutdown
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-13 | by ( David Morgan | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

[1/2] Newly elected Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) addresses the U.S. House of Representatives after he was elected to be the new Speaker at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, U.S., October 25, 2023. Johnson also warned Democrats that House Republicans would impose a full-year CR for 2024 "with appropriate adjustments to meet our national security priorities" if Congress fails to reach agreement. House Republicans are aiming for a Tuesday vote. Failure to hit that benchmark led to McCarthy's ouster, but some House Republicans suggested Johnson deserved more time. The brutal infighting that has characterized Republicans this year, including the party's own rejection of three seasoned nominees for House speaker, coincides with falling federal revenues and mounting costs for interest, health and pension outlays.

Persons: Mike Johnson, Elizabeth Frantz, Johnson's, Kevin McCarthy, Joe Biden, Johnson, centrists, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Warren Davidson, Chris Murphy, Murphy, Tom Cole, Biden, McCarthy, Ken Buck, David Morgan, Scott Malone, Andrea Ricci Organizations: U.S . House, U.S, Capitol, REUTERS, Rights, . House, Republican, Democratic, Senate, Food and Drug Administration, House, White, Firebrand, NBC, Republicans, Social Security, Total U.S, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S, Washington, Louisiana

☆ US lawmakers to unveil bill requiring private equity firms to reveal China investment
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-09 | by ( Karen Freifeld | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) delivers remarks at the Belmont Water Treatment Center during a visit to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S., February 3, 2023. REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz Acquire Licensing RightsNov 9 (Reuters) - Two U.S. senators plan to introduce a bipartisan bill on Thursday that would require private equity firms to make public how much they invest in China and other countries of concern. The bill, set to be introduced by Democratic Senator Bob Casey and Republican Senator Rick Scott, is the latest effort to track U.S. investments in China. U.S. private investment firms have poured more than $80 billion into China between 2018 and 2022, some via pension plans, according to Casey's office. Casey has also co-sponsored a measure that would require government notification of investments in certain sensitive technology sectors in China.

Persons: Bob Casey, Elizabeth Frantz, Rick Scott, Casey, Rick Scott's, Karen Freifeld, Sharon Singleton Organizations: Treatment, REUTERS, Democratic, United, U.S . Securities, Exchange Commission, Senate's, Thomson Locations: Belmont, Philadelphia , Pennsylvania, U.S, China, United States, Iran, Russia, North Korea

☆ Republican US House Speaker Johnson nears choice on avoiding gov't shutdown
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-08 | by ( David Morgan | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/2] Newly elected Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) addresses the U.S. House of Representatives after he was elected to be the new Speaker at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, U.S., October 25, 2023. Despite signs of some bipartisan talks between the chambers, Johnson has been focused on finding a solution that his 221-212 House Republican majority can accept. The choice will test Johnson's effectiveness as the top Republican in Congress, just two weeks after he was chosen following nearly a month of Republican infighting. Johnson, 51, a relative novice in leadership politics with few political enemies, continues to enjoy goodwill within the fractious House Republican caucus. "The four corners are talking," said Schumer, using a term that refers to Johnson, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries and himself.

Persons: Mike Johnson, Elizabeth Frantz, Johnson, David Joyce, Andy Harris, you've, Mike Simpson, Kevin McCarthy, Harris, Chuck Schumer, Schumer, Mitch McConnell, Hakeem Jeffries, David Morgan, Scott Malone, David Gregorio Our Organizations: U.S . House, U.S, Capitol, REUTERS, Rights, Republican, Democratic, Senate, Committee, Republicans, Louisiana Republican, House Democratic, New York Democrat, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S, Louisiana

WASHINGTON, Nov 4 (Reuters) - Thousands of protesters gathered in Washington on Saturday to demand a ceasefire in Gaza where thousands have been killed in an Israeli offensive since an attack by Palestinian Islamists Hamas, and to denounce President Joe Biden's policy towards the war. The demonstration was among the largest pro-Palestinian gatherings in the United States and among the biggest for any cause in Washington in recent years. [1/2]Demonstrators rally in support of Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, at Freedom Plaza in Washington, U.S., Nov. 4, 2023. "Biden, Biden you cannot hide, you signed up for genocide," protesters chanted in Washington on Saturday. Washington has sought to persuade Israel to accept localized pauses, which Israel has thus far rejected.

Persons: Joe Biden's, Mahdi Bray, Elizabeth Frantz, Biden, Israel, Kanishka Singh, Christopher Cushing Organizations: Palestinian, Hamas, Activists, American Muslim Alliance, Freedom, REUTERS, United Nations, . Washington, Thomson Locations: Washington, Gaza, United States, Freedom, Israel, Washington , U.S, .

☆ Instant View: US jobs growth slows more than expected in October
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-03 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

MARKET REACTION:STOCKS: U.S. stock futures (.SPX) rose after the jobs data.BONDS: U.S. Treasury 10-year yield dropped to three-week low after the jobs report, last yield down at 4.562%. FOREX: The dollar index fell after the weaker-than-expected jobs report. There's not a lot of breadth in the markets and there's not a lot of breadth in the job gains anymore." Back month revisions were substantial as the BLS has consistently overestimated job gains this year, unlike last year where they consistently underestimated the gains. "This is a good sign that the labor market is weakening and is playing into the hands of the Fed.

Persons: Elizabeth Frantz, Detroit's, BRIAN JACOBSEN, MENOMONEE, That's, PETER CARDILLO Organizations: REUTERS, United Auto Workers, UAW, Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics, Treasury, BLS, Fed, Global Finance, Markets, Thomson Locations: Arlington , Virginia, U.S, WISCONSIN, September's

☆ Ukraine, Israel funding request should be split: House speaker
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

He met Biden on Thursday and said he told White House staff "our consensus among House Republicans is we need to bifurcate those issues." Johnson said of Ukraine funding: "We want to know what the object is there, what is the end game in Ukraine. Biden is betting that including money for Israel and immigration will help convince House Republicans wary of sending additional money to Ukraine to support the measure. "Israel is a separate matter – we are going to bring forward a standalone Israel funding measure (of) over $14 billion,” Johnson said in the interview. He said House Republicans will look for other areas to cut in the budget in order to finance the funding for Israel.

Persons: Mike Johnson, Elizabeth Frantz, Joe Biden's, Johnson, Biden, ” Johnson, Eric Beech, Chris Sanders, Jamie Freed, Raju Gopalakrishnan Organizations: U.S, Capitol, REUTERS, Rights, Fox News, White House, Republicans, Israel, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S, Ukraine, Israel

There were also "frank exchanges" between Blinken and Wang over the erupting conflict in the Middle East. The key area that appeared to show some positive momentum was toward an expected meeting between Biden and Xi on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit next month in San Francisco. "We are making preparations for such a meeting," said one of the senior administration officials briefing reporters on condition of anonymity. "China attaches importance to the U.S. side's hopes of stabilizing and improving U.S. ties with China," Wang was quoted as saying in his meeting with Biden. On Thursday, Wang told Blinken that the two countries have disagreements and need "in-depth" and "comprehensive" dialogue to reduce misunderstandings and stabilize ties.

Persons: Wang Yi, Antony Blinken, Elizabeth Frantz, Joe Biden, Xi Jinping, Biden, Jake Sullivan, Wang, Xi, Blinken, Sullivan, side's, Janet Yellen, Gina Raimondo, Yellen, Raimondo, Thomas Shoal, Humeyra Pamuk, Michael Martina, Steve Holland, Jonathan Oatis, Navaratnam, Raju Gopalakrishnan Organizations: Foreign, U.S, State Department, REUTERS, Rights, Economic Cooperation, Blinken, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S, U.S, China, Washington, East, South China Sea, Taiwan, Asia, San Francisco, Francisco, Beijing, China . U.S, Israel, Iran, South, East China, Philippine

☆ New US House speaker says Ukraine, Israel funding request should be split
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

☆ New Speaker Mike Johnson’s To-Do List: A Looming Funding Deadline and Israel, Ukraine Aid
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( Kristina Peterson | Lindsay Wise | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

House Republicans elected Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana as speaker of the House on Wednesday, more than three weeks after Kevin McCarthy was ousted. Photo: Reuters/Elizabeth FrantzWASHINGTON—The House is back open for business. But getting legislation through it—much less agreeing with the Democratic Senate and President Biden—won’t be easy for brand-new Speaker of the House Mike Johnson , with major deadlines less than a month away. After 22 days of GOP infighting, the Louisiana Republican secured his post Wednesday without any opposition from his fellow House Republicans. That unity will be tested soon, with lawmakers facing a slew of policy and political challenges, including a government funding deadline in three weeks, aid requests for Israel and Ukraine and a farm bill that has already expired.

Persons: Mike Johnson of, Kevin McCarthy, Elizabeth Frantz WASHINGTON, Biden — won’t, Mike Johnson Organizations: Republicans, Reuters, Democratic Senate, Louisiana Republican Locations: Mike Johnson of Louisiana, Louisiana, Israel, Ukraine

☆ Rep. Mike Johnson Chosen as Speaker After McCarthy's Ouster
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( Wall Street Journal | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Rep. Mike Johnson Chosen as Speaker After McCarthy's OusterHouse Republicans elected Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana as speaker of the House on Wednesday, more than three weeks after Kevin McCarthy was ousted. Photo: Reuters/Elizabeth Frantz

Persons: Mike Johnson, Mike Johnson of, Kevin McCarthy, Elizabeth Frantz Organizations: Reuters Locations: Mike Johnson of Louisiana

TRUMP ELECTION FIGHTFollowing Trump's defeat, Johnson crafted a legal brief, signed by 125 other House Republicans, that sought to persuade the Supreme Court to reject election results from several contested states Trump had lost to Biden. Johnson stuck with those arguments even after the Supreme Court rejected the case. Hours later, Johnson and 138 other House Republicans voted against certifying Biden's victory. Foley said a House speaker could, in theory, refuse to follow the law or even declare themselves acting president. A House speaker also would have the ability to influence proceedings if it had to declare a winner if no candidate won a majority of electoral votes.

Persons: Mike Johnson, Elizabeth Frantz, Donald Trump's, Joe Biden, Chuck Schumer, Trump, Biden, Edward Foley, Johnson, Michael Thorning, Foley, Jan, Andy Sullivan, Andrew Goudesward, Alistair Bell Organizations: U.S . House, U.S, Capitol, REUTERS, Rights, . House, Republican, Democratic, Senate Democratic, Electoral, Senate, Ohio State University . Democratic, Supreme, TRUMP, Republicans, Biden, Trump, Congress, Center, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S, New, Louisiana, Kentucky

☆ New York Republican moves to expel George Santos from Congress
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( David Morgan | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsWASHINGTON, Oct 26 (Reuters) - A New York state Republican on Thursday made a privileged motion in the U.S. House of Representatives to expel indicted fellow Republican George Santos from Congress, a move that forces the chamber to hold a vote on the question. "George Santos is not fit to serve his constituents as a United States representative," said Representative Anthony D'Esposito, who stood on the House floor flanked by fellow New York Republicans Nick LaLota, Marc Molinaro and Mike Lawler. With a narrow 221-212 majority, the House's Republican leadership has not taken action against Santos. D'Esposito and his fellow New York Republicans announced plans to seek Santos' expulsion on Oct 11. Democrats have repeatedly called for Santos to be expelled, and over a dozen Republicans have done the same.

Persons: George Santos, Elizabeth Frantz, Republican George Santos, Anthony D'Esposito, New York Republicans Nick LaLota, Marc Molinaro, Mike Lawler, Santos, I'm, Mike Johnson, D'Esposito, Kevin McCarthy, LaLota, David Morgan, Stephen Coates Organizations: U.S . Rep, U.S, Capitol, REUTERS, Rights, Republican, U.S . House, Congress, United, New York Republicans, Santos, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S, York, U.S, United States, New York City

☆ Biden officials set $3 bln bank deposit, procurement goals to boost minority firms
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( David Lawder | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris delivers remarks during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Phoenix Awards Dinner at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, U.S., September 23, 2023. REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsWASHINGTON, Oct 25 (Reuters) - The Biden administration on Wednesday urged big companies to deposit another $2 billion into U.S. community lenders to boost loans to minority and underserved businesses, and asked them to devote 15% of their procurement budgets to such firms. Alphabet Inc's Google (GOOGL.O) will commit to spending at least $1 billion annually with "diverse-owned suppliers" in the United States, the Treasury said. The Treasury had previously invested nearly $9 billion into Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and minority-owned banking firms to make more capital available to minority firms. "In order for these minority owned banks and CDFIs to lend that money, they need deposits," Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo told reporters.

Persons: Kamala Harris, Walter E, Elizabeth Frantz, Biden, Harris, Wally Adeyemo, David Lawder, Sonali Paul Organizations: Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Washington Convention Center, REUTERS, Rights, Wednesday, Micron Technology, Air Products, Xcel Energy, Treasury Department, Treasury, Freedman's Bank, Community Development Financial, Management, Internal Revenue Service, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S, United States

☆ US budget gap soars to $1.7 trillion, largest outside COVID era
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-20 | by ( David Lawder | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

The Treasury Department said the deficit was the largest since a COVID-fueled $2.78 trillion gap in 2021. For September, the final month of the fiscal year, the deficit fell to $171 billion from $430 billion in September 2022. The fiscal 2023 deficit would have been $321 billion larger, but was reduced by this amount because the Supreme Court struck down Biden's student loan forgiveness program as unconstitutional. Reuters GraphicsRECORD INTEREST COSTSThe 2023 deficit marks an abrupt end to two years of falling deficits for Biden as COVID-19 spending faded. Fiscal 2023 outlays fell $137 billion, or 2% from the prior year to $6.134 trillion.

Persons: Elizabeth Frantz, Joe Biden's, Biden, Donald Trump, Kevin McCarthy, Biden's, Janet Yellen, Shalanda Young, outlays, Gross, David Lawder, Dan Burns, Andrea Ricci Organizations: U.S, Capitol, REUTERS, Rights, Social Security, Treasury Department, Representatives, . House, Management, Treasury, Reuters Graphics, Federal, Federal Reserve, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S, Ukraine, Israel, U.S

☆ U.S. budget deficit jumps 23% to nearly $1.7 trillion as Social Security, health costs rise
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-20 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

The U.S. Capitol building is seen in Washington, U.S., April 6, 2023. REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz Acquire Licensing RightsWASHINGTON, Oct 20 (Reuters) - The U.S. government on Friday posted a $1.695 trillion budget deficit in fiscal 2023, a 23% jump from the prior year as revenues fell and outlays for Social Security, Medicare and interest costs on the federal debt rose significantly. The Treasury Department said the deficit was the largest since a COVID-fueled $2.78 trillion gap in 2021 and marks a major return to ballooning deficits after back-to-back declines during President Joe Biden's first two years in office. The deficit comes as Biden is asking Congress for $100 billion in new foreign aid and security spending, including $60 billion for Ukraine and $14 billion for Israel, along with funding for U.S. border security and the Indo-Pacific region. Reporting by David Lawder and Dan Burns; Editing by Andrea RicciOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Elizabeth Frantz, Joe Biden's, Biden, Donald Trump, Kevin McCarthy, David Lawder, Dan Burns, Andrea Ricci Organizations: U.S, Capitol, REUTERS, Rights, Social Security, Treasury Department, Representatives, . House, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S, Ukraine, Israel, U.S

☆ Blinken to Israel on Middle East mission to prevent a wider war
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-11 | by ( Humeyra Pamuk | Thomson Reuters | Humeyra Pamuk Is A Senior Foreign Policy Correspondent Based In Washington Dc. She Covers The U.S. State Department | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsWASHINGTON, Oct 11 (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken headed to Israel on Wednesday on a Middle East mission to prevent a wider war from erupting after an attack and hostage-taking by Palestinian Hamas militants and an Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip. In a show of solidarity with Washington's closest Middle East ally, Blinken was due to meet senior Israeli officials, possibly including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to discuss further boosting military support. At least 22 Americans were killed during the attack, Blinken said. Biden has stopped short of an overt plea to Israel to show restraint to avoid Palestinian civilian casualties in Gaza. It was unclear whether Blinken might make such an appeal when he meets Israeli officials behind closed doors.

Persons: Antony Blinken, Joe Biden, Elizabeth Frantz, Blinken, Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel, Washington, Alex Vatanka, Biden, Mahmoud Abbas, Humeyra Pamuk, Matt Spetalnick, Simon Lewis, Michelle Nichols, Howard Goller Organizations: Hamas, White, REUTERS, Rights, U.S . State Department, Health Ministry, BANK, United, United Arab Emirates, United Arab Emirates . U.S, Middle East Institute, Wednesday, Israel, West Bank, Palestinian Authority, Thomson Locations: Israel, Washington , U.S, Gaza, East, United States, U.S, Iran, Lebanese, Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, United Arab, United Arab Emirates .

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