The US House passed a bill averting a government shutdown, securing funding until mid-March. The bipartisan bill, facing opposition from some Republicans, now awaits Senate approval. Failure to pass the bill by the deadline could lead to significant disruptions and furloughs for federal workers. The influence of Elon Musk on Republican lawmakers also played a role in the House debate. The Senate’s actions will determine if a costly shutdown is averted.
Gambling legislation remains at an impasse in the Alabama Senate, with members expressing doubts about a second vote before the legislative session ends on Thursday. Despite initial optimism after the measure failed by a single vote last week, supporters concede that the chances of reviving the bill seem increasingly slim as the session winds down. The stalled conference committee proposal would authorize a state lottery and allow electronic games of chance, such as slot machines and video poker, but not table games, at seven locations. The Alabama House of Representatives approved the proposal with a significant majority, but it fell short in the Senate. Republican Rep. Chris Blackshear, the bill sponsor, acknowledged that it would require a “miracle of Biblical proportion” to see the bill passed in the Senate’s final two days. Supporters hope that senators who voted against the measure will reconsider and support it, highlighting the economic benefits it could bring to the state.
A ban on TikTok in the US is back on the table as the Senate considers a revised bill that would give ByteDance, TikTok’s China-based owner, additional time to sell its stake. The measure, which was merged with a larger spending bill, could be passed as early as Tuesday afternoon. If the bill passes and is signed by President Biden, ByteDance would have 270 days to divest TikTok, with a possible 90-day extension if a sale is in progress. Should the company fail to divest within this timeframe, the ban would take effect between January and April 2025. However, legal challenges are likely to delay the divestment deadline and the ban itself. TikTok has indicated it will challenge the law in court if it passes. Interested buyers, including Kevin O’Leary and Steven Mnuchin, have expressed interest in acquiring TikTok, valued at over $100 billion. The Chinese government’s approval would be required due to export restrictions on recommendation algorithms.
After months of debate, the Senate is poised to advance legislation providing $95 billion in aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The aid package includes funding for military assistance, humanitarian relief, and economic support. The legislation is expected to pass with bipartisan support, despite opposition from some conservative Republicans. The aid package is seen as crucial for Ukraine’s defense against Russian forces and for addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the country.
