Capitol Hill staffers ask Congress for 32-hour work week
Members of the Congressional Progressive Staff Association are asking their bosses for a 32-hour work week. They contend it would increase retention on Capitol Hill and set an example for work load at a national level.
“The intensive nature of these roles often causes staffers to seek new positions earlier than they would in a more predictable and sustainable work environment,” the letter stated. “Hiring new staff members can disrupt the flow of work, alter the office culture, and deprive the team and the member of important institutional knowledge an experienced staffer takes with them.”
The request was shot down immediately by Rep. Ritchie Torres, D-N.Y.
“Why not be bold and ask for a 0-hour workweek? I wonder how blue-collar Americans would feel about white-collar workers demanding a 32-hour workweek,” Torres wrote on X.
Why not be bold and ask for a 0-hour workweek?
I wonder how blue-collar Americans would feel about white-collar workers demanding a 32-hour workweek. pic.twitter.com/2Je1Zf6FHC
There are many members who believe Congress doesn’t work enough already. The legislative branch is typically only in session three to four days a week.
“Let’s get back to work. These two hour work weeks we’re having up here are ridiculous. I’m tired of them saying we don’t have enough time,” Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., said. “Let’s get to work. America works, Congress doesn’t.”
If the staffers don’t have the support of moderate Democrats or Republicans, this will not happen. But they could gain the support of progressives like Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., who introduced a bill last year to shorten the standard work week under federal law to 32 hours.
“It’s vital that health, well-being, and basic human dignity are valued over employers’ bottom lines,” Jayapal stated at the time. “Establishing a 32-hour work week would go a long way toward finally righting that balance.”
Democratic New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ plan to house some 2,200 single migrant men at a shelter in the Bronx is drawing criticism from residents as well as Rep. Ritchie Torres, D-N.Y. Torres condemned the decision to place the shelter in a reportedly crime and drug-ridden area of the Bronx dubbed “The Hub.”
Torres told Fox News Digital on Wednesday, Jan. 15, “Instead of decisively dismantling open-air drug markets in ‘The Hub,’ the city is treating the South Bronx as a dumping ground for an endless stream of shelters.” Torres added, “We are treated as the second-class borough of New York City.”
“We here, we can’t even get funding for ourselves for housing, for jobs, and for everything else, but they’re going to get put into this one shelter,” Bronx resident, Serene Bilal, told the Post. “Are they going to get all these fundings that we’re not getting? Are these housings that we’re not getting? All these new affordable houses, I think, built out there in the Bronx. Are they for us or for them?”
Adams’ office responded to Torres’ criticism, noting that despite the new shelter opening, the city plans to close 46 migrant shelters across New York City.
A spokesperson for Adams said the South Bronx shelter is temporary, but could not specify the length of time it would be used for migrant housing. She said that will be dependent on the next migrant census taken by the city.
The move comes as the number of migrants traveling to New York City is reportedly decreasing, and the number of asylum-seekers being housed in the Big Apple is at its lowest level in 18 months.
Adams said the shuttering of migrant shelters is meant to “save taxpayer money” and “turn the page on this unprecedented humanitarian crisis.”
However, many in the Bronx are wondering why the city chose the impoverished neighborhood as a location for the new shelter. Mayor Adams’ office contends it is looking at migrant housing through a “holistic lens,” not by individual community.
Costs to renovate the former office building where the shelter will be located may reportedly reach up to $340,000.
Cuba frees prisoners after Biden announces plan to lift terror designation
Cuba started to release some prisoners after President Joe Biden announced Tuesday, Jan. 14, that he’s removing the island nation from the list of state sponsors of terrorism. The Catholic church had been negotiating with Cuba’s communist-run government over their release.
Cuba jailed most of the prisoners following unprecedented island-wide government protests in July 2021.
The island nation said it intends to release 553 political prisoners as part of its talks with the Vatican. Cuban officials released more than a dozen people convicted of various crimes, including participating in the 2021 protests, on Wednesday, Jan. 15.
President-elect Donald Trump designated Cuba a state sponsor of terrorism shortly before he left office in January 2021 – five years after President Barack Obama removed it. Biden is now facing pushback from both Republicans and Democrats on the decision.
Homeless camps by New Orleans’ Superdome cleared ahead of Super Bowl
New Orleans is getting ready to host the Super Bowl next month, which includes a costly plan to relocate the homeless living in camps in the city’s core. Early Wednesday morning, Jan. 15, Louisiana authorities cleared out the encampments near the Caesars Superdome.
The city will host the big game at the Superdome on Sunday, Feb. 9.
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry framed the move as a safety measure. He said it’s part of a bigger push to secure New Orleans after the ISIS-inspired New Year’s Day truck attack. The attack left 14 people dead and dozens more injured in the city’s French Quarter.
The city used the emergency order issued in the attack to clear out of the camps. The decree called for securing highways and bridges in New Orleans. It also ensured streets and sidewalks are clean and accessible.
State officials relocated many unhoused people displaced by the move to a temporary warehouse facility far from downtown that costs millions of dollars to operate. Officials described the setup as a resource hub offering room for pets. It also offers shuttles to ferry people to work and appointments.
The temporary center can house 200 people, and as of Wednesday evening, 131 people were staying there, according to the Workforce Group.
New Orleans Home for Good Initiative
This is just the latest move in an effort that started months ago when Louisiana state officials forcibly removed an encampment in October ahead of a Taylor Swift concert at the Superdome. Advocates for the homeless said some people displaced by that move ended up in the area under the elevated stretch of highway cleared on Wednesday.
Just last week, the state’s Supreme Court overturned a restraining order that barred state police from clearing homeless encampments in New Orleans.
Some city leaders and advocates said the new push undermines their efforts to address homelessness, interrupting ongoing efforts to help people secure permanent housing.
Canada weighs own tariffs, oil export limits to US in response to Trump threat
Canada is considering its own tariffs on U.S. goods in response to President-elect Donald Trump’s tariff threat. As part of a potential retaliatory move, Canada could impose tariffs on up to $150 billion worth of U.S. products. The possibility of limiting oil exports to the U.S. is also reportedly under consideration.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who is stepping down by March amid political turmoil, has indicated he is open to a “dollar-for-dollar” response. This means any U.S. tariffs would likely be met with similar measures targeting U.S. imports from Canada.
Some products, such as orange juice, could be on the list of targeted goods but more significant items, including oil exports, are also part of the discussion. However, Canadian politicians are divided on whether to limit oil exports to the U.S. The Canadian province of Alberta, a major energy producer, plays a key role in the debate.
Trudeau acknowledged that such retaliatory actions would ultimately hurt both Canadians and Americans. He met with Canadian provincial leaders on Wednesday, Jan. 15, to discuss how the country should respond if Trump moves forward with a 25% tariff on Canadian goods.
While most provincial leaders agreed that oil export tariffs should remain on the table to pressure Trump, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who attended a meeting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago over the weekend of Jan. 10, disagreed.
Smith, who represents Alberta’s energy interests, stated that she would not support export tariffs on the province’s energy resources.
I had a constructive discussion with my fellow Premiers on how best to deal with the threat of tariffs from the incoming U.S. administration. We agreed on several strategies and I look forward to continuing to work with them on this critical issue.
Canada exports 80% of its oil to the U.S. The U.S. also relies on Canada for more than half of its oil imports.
Trump has cited the need for better border security and the U.S. trade deficit with Canada as reasons for the proposed tariffs. In response, Canada has increased its border security personnel and technology, including the deployment of Blackhawk helicopters and more drones.
Trump will be inaugurated Monday, Jan. 20, with Alberta’s premier expected to attend.
Trump eyes executive order to save TikTok as ban nears: Reports
President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly weighing action to delay TikTok’s looming ban as the app’s deadline to sell approaches. Congress passed a law last year requiring TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to divest its American assets, citing national security concerns.
The ban will reportedly take effect Sunday, Jan. 19, unless lawmakers take action.
The potential ban sparked concern among TikTok’s 170 million U.S. users. Many rely on the app for income and content creation. Analysts highlighted risks, including the potential rise of unregulated Chinese alternatives with similar security issues.
Trump’s incoming administration expressed a willingness to address security concerns while preserving the platform.
TikTok CEO Shou Chew plans to attend Trump’s inauguration. Trump invited him to sit “in a position of honor on the dais, where former presidents, family members, and other important guests traditionally are seated,” according to reports. This development marks a significant shift in Trump’s relationship with TikTok. His first administration sought to ban the platform outright.
Reports indicated Trump warmed to TikTok after his campaign saw a surge in popularity on the app during the 2024 election.
Incoming National Security Adviser Mike Waltz said, “TikTok itself is a fantastic platform. We’re going to find a way to preserve it but protect people’s data, and that’s the deal that will be in front of us.”
Outgoing President Joe Biden’s administration also explored ways to soften the ban’s impact during its final days. Officials reportedly considered options to avoid an immediate shutdown. This includes measures to allow the app to continue operating temporarily while ensuring compliance with the law.
TikTok challenged the divestiture requirement in court, arguing it violates the First Amendment right to free speech.
The Supreme Court heard arguments last week and appeared poised to uphold the law. Trump is reportedly considering an executive order to postpone the ban for 60-90 days to allow further negotiations.
Biden’s administration has not committed to blocking the ban but delayed immediate enforcement. Biden’s allies, including lawmakers like Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., called on the White House to extend the timeline.
“I’m hopeful that President Biden will listen to the millions of voices who don’t want the lights to go out on this app,” Khanna said.
Congressional supporters of the ban argued TikTok’s ties to Beijing pose risks to user data and content control.
Chief Justice John Roberts, during Supreme Court arguments, pointed to Congress’ finding that TikTok’s parent company is subject to Chinese laws, saying, “So are we supposed to ignore the fact that the ultimate parent is, in fact, subject to doing intelligence work for the Chinese government?”
Biden warns of ‘oligarchy’ and ‘tech-industrial complex’ in farewell speech
President Joe Biden’s farewell speech to America on Wednesday included several warnings. And a ceasefire deal to end more than a year of fighting in the Middle East between Israel and Hamas hit a snag. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025.
Biden warns of ‘oligarchy,’ ‘tech-industrial complex’ in farewell speech
Speaking from the Oval Office one last time, President Joe Biden delivered his farewell address Wednesday night, Jan. 15. Biden spoke on reforms he would like to see in Washington and issued a stark warning detailing his concerns about what he sees as a concentration of power among the ultra-wealthy and the risks of technology.
In what is likely his final address to the nation after a political career spanning five decades, Biden opened his speech with the ceasefire deal in Gaza announced earlier in the day. He said he kept the incoming administration fully informed during the process.
He said some of his top accomplishments in office include job growth following the pandemic, infrastructure modernization and Medicare reform, telling Americans it will take time to feel the full impact of what has been achieved.
With the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump just days away, Biden said he would ensure a peaceful transfer of power, but he did have a warning.
“Today, an oligarchy is taking shape in America of extreme wealth, power and influence that literally threatens our entire democracy, our basic rights and freedoms, and a fair shot for everyone to get ahead,” Biden said. “We see the consequences all across America, and we’ve seen it before. More than a century ago, the American people stood up to the robber barons back then and busted the trusts. They didn’t punish the wealthy. They just made the wealthy play by the rules everybody else had. Workers want rights to earn their fair share.”
Referencing former President Dwight Eisenhower’s concerns about a military-industrial complex six decades ago, Biden said he’s equally concerned about the dangers of a potential rise of a tech-industrial complex.
“Americans are being buried under an avalanche of misinformation and disinformation enabling the abuse of power,” he said. “The free press is crumbling. Editors are disappearing. Social media is giving up on fact-checking. The truth is smothered by lies told for power and for profit. We must hold the social platforms accountable to protect our children, our families and our very democracy from the abuse of power.”
Biden remarked on the rise of artificial intelligence, calling it the most consequential technology of our time. He emphasized that the U.S., not China, must lead the race.
The president also spoke of his hopes for change in the nation’s capital, calling for an end of hidden funding called “dark money” from campaign contributions, a ban on stock trading from members of Congress and for the U.S. to enact an 18-year term limit on Supreme Court justices. He also called for the U.S. Constitution to be amended.
“We need to amend the Constitution to make clear that no president, no president is immune from crimes that he or she commits while in office,” Biden asserted. “The president’s power is not limit[less] — it is not absolute. And it shouldn’t be.”
In closing, Biden called on Americans to stay engaged in democracy. Telling the story of a veteran who worked at the Statue of Liberty, known as the Keeper of the Flame, he said America will always be defined by one word: “possibilities.”
“My eternal thanks to you, the American people,” Biden said. “After 50 years of public service, I give you my word, I still believe in the idea for which this nation stands [for] — a nation where the strength of our institutions and the character of our people matter and must endure. Now it’s your turn to stand guard. May you all be the keeper of the flame. May you keep the faith. I love America. You love it, too.”
Republicans, Democrats react to Biden’s farewell address
Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., wrote on X, “Joe Biden discussing democracy, a free press, institutions and the abuse of power in his final farewell speech is rich.”
Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., also weighed in, writing, “Joe Biden’s going out of office the same way he went in: petty, partisan and frankly not telling the truth.”
“President Biden’s ‘farewell address’ should have been a formal apology for the endless lawfare, inflation-fueling policies and reckless decisions made during his administration,” Republican Sen. Rick Scott of Florida added.
Democrats responded differently.
“Tonight, President Biden delivered his farewell address to a nation that is stronger because of his leadership,” former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said. “In doing so, he honored the vision of founders, the sacrifice of our men and women in uniform and the aspirations of our children.”
Former President Barack Obama also responded to his former vice president.
“Four years ago, in the middle of a pandemic, we needed a leader with the character to put politics aside and do what was right. That’s what Joe Biden did… I’m grateful to Joe for his leadership, his friendship and his lifetime of service to this country we love,” Obama said.
Netanyahu says cabinet won’t meet over ceasefire deal with Hamas yet
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said his cabinet will not meet to approve the deal for a ceasefire in Gaza until Hamas ends a “last-minute crisis.” The decision comes after Netanyahu’s office said Hamas retracted on some of the terms of the agreement but did not specify which.
Even as a deal seems close or even imminent, Israeli strikes continued in the Gaza Strip, with the territory’s health ministry reporting at least 48 people killed over the past day.
Under the three-phase ceasefire agreement, fighting will stop in Gaza for 42 days. Thirty-three Israeli hostages, including two Americans, and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners will be freed during the first phase. It is set to go into effect Sunday, Jan. 19.
The remainder of the hostages, including Israeli male soldiers, are to be released during the second phase. Hamas said it will not release the remaining captives without a lasting ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal.
Israeli troops will pull back to the edges of Gaza and many Palestinians will be able to return to what remains of their homes — something many people took to the streets to celebrate. Israel is also set to allow a flood of humanitarian aid into the region.
The Associated Press reported Thursday morning that mediators from Egypt, Qatar and the U.S. will meet in Cairo on Thursday for talks on implementing the deal.
On Truth Social, Trump said his administration will continue to work closely with Israel to make sure Gaza never again becomes what he called a “terrorist safe haven.”
Crews work to control Los Angeles area wildfires as winds die down
The National Weather Service lifted the red flag warning for the Los Angeles area Wednesday night as winds died down. Strong winds have made it harder for fire crews to battle the flames.
However, dangerous fire and weather conditions are expected to return next week.
Good news: We are expecting a much-needed break from the fire weather concerns to close this week. Bad News: Next week is a concern. While confident that we will NOT see a repeat of last week, dangerous fire weather conditions are expected. #cawx#PalisadesFire#EatonFirepic.twitter.com/zhXmHUWtgp
This comes as firefighters still work to contain the two biggest, deadliest and most destructive fires in Southern California. The Palisades and Eaton fires continue to rage in the Los Angeles area.
Plus, a new vegetation fire broke out in the San Bernardino area Wednesday afternoon.
The Eaton and Palisades fires have not grown much over the past few days, but they are both still largely uncontained. Fire officials reported some progress in the desperate fight to extinguish the flames.
Meanwhile, the Little Mountain fire in San Bernardino spans over 30 acres at 0% containment. Police arrested a man in connection with that fire on two felony charges, including one of reckless burning.
Senate confirmation hearings continue as Inauguration Day nears
Senate confirmation hearings continue Thursday, Jan. 16, as President-elect Donald Trump’s picks for interior secretary, EPA administrator, housing and urban development secretary and treasury secretary answer questions from lawmakers.
“To my knowledge, Donald Trump has never acknowledged the legal results of the 2020 election,” Democratic Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin said to Bondi. “Are you prepared to say today, under oath without reservation, that Donald Trump lost the presidential contest to Joe Biden in 2020?”
Bondi replied, “Ranking Member Durbin, President Biden is the president of the United States. He was duly sworn in, and he is the President of the United States. There was a peaceful transition of power. President Trump left office and was overwhelmingly elected in 2024.”
Republican Sen. Marco Rubio, Trump’s pick for secretary of state, also had his hearing Wednesday. Straight Arrow News political correspondent Ray Bogan has a complete breakdown of what happened here.
Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket lifts off on first space flight
Thursday morning saw a big win for billionaire Jeff Bezos’ space company, Blue Origin, as its New Glenn rocket blasted off into orbit.
The company’s first rocket powerful enough to launch satellites into space took off just after 2 a.m. ET from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. All seven of its engines fired successfully.
Blue Origin marked the mission a success after demonstration technology on board, called the Blue Ring Pathfinder, was safely carried to orbit.
However, the company did not reach its bonus goal of guiding part of the New Glenn rocket back to a safe landing on a platform in the middle of the ocean after takeoff.
It took rival SpaceX four tries to get a similar maneuver right.
Still, Blue Origin stressed its most important goal was for the test satellite to reach orbit. NASA intends to use the New Glenn rocket to launch two orbiters to Mars in the future.
Ramaswamy meets with Ohio governor days after Vance resigns Senate seat
Vice President-elect JD Vance resigned his Ohio Senate seat last week as his and President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration draws near. With the resignation, a Senate seat is now vacant.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine is tasked with appointing a replacement to fill the seat. Suddenly, all eyes are back on Vivek Ramaswamy for the role.
The entrepreneur and former Republican presidential candidate removed himself from consideration two months ago. However, Politico reports that Ramaswamy met with DeWine at the governor’s mansion over the weekend.
Trump has also privately encouraged Ramaswamy to consider the appointment if DeWine extends an offer, The Washington Post first reported.
DeWine has stated that he wants to appoint someone capable of winning the 2026 special election to finish Vance’s term and retain the seat in 2028.
“Neither Governor DeWine nor our office has commented on any possible candidates for the pending appointment,” Dan Tierney, DeWine’s press secretary, said in a statement.
Shortly after the 2024 presidential election, Trump tasked Ramaswamy with co-leading the newly proposed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) alongside tech mogul Elon Musk.
Ramaswamy, the son of immigrant parents from India, grew up in the Cincinnati area and attended Harvard and Yale.
It remains unclear what would happen to Ramaswamy’s position with DOGE if he accepts the Senate appointment, as DOGE is not an official government agency.
House Speaker Mike Johnson removes Intelligence Chair Rep. Mike Turner
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., removed Rep. Mike Turner, R-Ohio, as chair of the House Intelligence Committee. President-elect Donald Trump backed the move, with The Wall Street Journal reporting that he “directly weighed in on the decision.”
However, shortly after the decision, a reporter asked Johnson if Trump had an opinion on the matter. Johnson responded, “This is not a President Trump decision. This is a House decision, and this is no slight whatsoever to our outgoing chairman. He did a great job.”
Johnson added with a newly sworn-in Congress, “We just need fresh horses in some of these places.” He praised Turner for serving valiantly under difficult circumstances.
People close to Trump told The Journal that Turner often held traditional foreign policy views that clashed with Trump’s “America First” agenda. Turner has been a strong advocate for sending aid to Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia, something the incoming president has been critical of—he instead wants the fighting to end.
The House Intelligence Committee oversees the U.S. intelligence community, ensuring that intelligence agencies and operations are effective, lawful and aligned with national interests. The committee has the authority to investigate intelligence-related matters, including abuses of power, intelligence failures, or concerns about the transparency of intelligence operations.
The committee’s work often requires members to handle classified information and work closely with executive agencies. Despite being removed as its chair, Johnson said he hopes Turner remains a member of the Intelligence Committee.
It is unclear who will replace Turner, but Johnson said a successor would be named on Thursday, Jan. 16.
New Georgia Project settles with ethics commission, agrees to pay $300K fine
The New Georgia Project has settled its case with the Georgia Ethics Commission and agreed to pay a $300,000 fine. Stacey Abrams, the 2018 Georgia Democratic gubernatorial candidate, founded the nonprofit.
According to the consent order, the New Georgia Project and its affiliated New Georgia Action Fund violated the Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Act by failing to disclose $4.2 million in funds raised and $3.2 million in spending to support Abrams and other candidates during the 2018 election cycle.
The consent order also states that the commission found probable cause that the group failed to disclose $646,422.89 in contributions and just over $173,643 in spending related to the 2019 Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority referendum in Gwinnett County.
The commission determined that the New Georgia Project failed to register as an independent political committee before accepting the contributions and spending them to influence the governor’s election.
According to the Associated Press, David Fox, a lawyer for the entities, said his clients “understand and respect the commission’s positions on the facts and the law.” The groups’ new leaders agreed to the penalty on Wednesday, Jan. 15.
The director of the Georgia Ethics Commission said that the $300,000 fine is the largest ever imposed by the commission.
Abrams stepped down from the groups in 2017, and Raphael Warnock became the New Georgia Project’s CEO until 2019. Georgia voters elected Warnock to the U.S. Senate in a special election in 2021.