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JD Vance Denounces Israeli Annexation Vote, Reaffirms Trump’s Peace Commitment
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JD Vance Denounces Israeli Annexation Vote, Reaffirms Trump’s Peace Commitment

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Vice President J.D. Vance on Thursday criticized Israel’s Knesset for passing a symbolic vote in support of annexing the West Bank, calling the move a “very stupid political stunt” during his visit to the country, as reported by The Western Journal.

The West Bank, located on the western bank of the Jordan River, was captured by Israel from Jordan during the 1967 Six-Day War. Israel administers the area, which includes several Israeli settlements, while Palestinians continue to view the territory as central to a future Palestinian state.

“When I asked about it, somebody told me it was a political stunt, that it had no practical significance. It was symbolic,” Vance said in a video posted to X. “I mean, look, if it was a political stunt, it was a very stupid political stunt I personally take some insult to it.”

“The West Bank is not going to be annexed by Israel,” he continued. “The policy of the Trump Administration is that the West Bank will not be annexed by Israel. That will continue to be our policy. And if people want to take symbolic votes, they can do that, but we certainly weren’t happy about it.”

The vote to annex the West Bank passed with support from far-right lawmakers, despite opposition from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party, according to the Times of Israel. The legislation would still require three additional votes before becoming law.

Israeli legislator Avi Maoz, who supported the bill, said Israel should “apply its laws and sovereignty to the areas of settlement in Judea and Samaria to establish the status of these areas as an inseparable part of the sovereign State of Israel.”

“The Holy One, blessed be He, gave the people of Israel the Land of Israel. Settlement in the Land of Israel is the redemption and national revival, settlement is what makes the Land of Israel flourish after two thousand years of exile,” Maoz said.

“In applying sovereignty to Judea and Samaria, we are making a correction that is long overdue. Since the government has been procrastinating, our job as members of Knesset is to do this.”

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, whose Otzma Yehudit party backed the measure, said he was “proud” of the vote despite international backlash.

“There is pressure on you, international pressure,” Ben Gvir said. “But the right-wing government is doing what is right for the residents of the State of Israel. And what is right for the residents of the State of Israel is sovereignty now.”

U.S. officials made clear that the Trump administration does not support annexation. “They passed a vote in the Knesset, but the president has made clear that’s not something we’d be supportive of right now,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters before departing for Israel.

“We think there’s potential for [it to be] threatening to the peace deal.”

President Donald Trump also addressed the matter in an interview with Time before the Knesset vote. “It won’t happen. It won’t happen. It won’t happen because I gave my word to the Arab countries,” the president said.

“And you can’t do that now. We’ve had great Arab support. It will not happen. Israel would lose all of its support from the United States if that happened.”

Gov. Glenn Youngkin Declares State of Emergency Over “Democrat Shutdown” Threatening SNAP Benefits
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Gov. Glenn Youngkin Declares State of Emergency Over “Democrat Shutdown” Threatening SNAP Benefits

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Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency Thursday, citing an impending funding shortfall caused by what he called the “Democrat Shutdown,” which he said could deplete Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for more than 850,000 Virginians starting November 1, 2025, as reported by Fox News.

“The Democrat Shutdown will cause SNAP benefits to run out for over 850,000 Virginians in need starting Nov. 1, 2025,” Youngkin said from Richmond.

“I refuse to let hungry Virginians be used as ‘leverage’ by congressional Democrats. I am declaring a State of Emergency due to the Democrat Shutdown to protect hungry Virginians in need.”

Youngkin urged Virginia’s Democratic senators, Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, to vote in favor of ending the shutdown through a clean continuing resolution, a measure Republicans have proposed in Congress.

“This is an extraordinary action and is only necessary because of the shamelessness of congressional Democrats — including every Democrat in our entire delegation — who refuse to pass a clean continuing resolution to open the federal government,” Youngkin said.

The governor’s order will allow Virginia to use state-level emergency funds to continue providing food benefits until federal funding resumes. Youngkin said the state would not allow families to go without support due to what he described as political gridlock in Washington.

“The state of emergency enables us to ensure continuity of essential nutrition programs,” Youngkin added. “We will continue providing food benefits to qualified Virginians until congressional Democrats put the interests of Virginians in need ahead of their politics.”

Youngkin also thanked President Donald Trump for backing his decision. “I’m grateful to President Trump for supporting our efforts to protect Virginians during this crisis,” he said.

Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, who is running to succeed Youngkin, echoed the governor’s commitment to ensuring uninterrupted food assistance. “At Governor Youngkin’s direction, food benefits will be provided without interruption to support Virginia families,” Earle-Sears said in a statement.

The Department of Agriculture has warned that SNAP funding could begin to lapse nationally in early November if Congress fails to reach an agreement. Virginia’s emergency declaration makes it the first state to officially extend benefits through state intervention.

Other states, including Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Illinois, have issued warnings about the possible suspension of benefits but have not yet declared emergencies or announced backup funding measures.

As the standoff in Washington continues, Youngkin’s declaration underscores growing state-level concern over the federal government’s inability to pass a spending bill, with governors preparing to fill the gap for residents most affected by the shutdown.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin Declares State of Emergency Over “Democrat Shutdown” Threatening SNAP Benefits
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SNAP Crisis Grows While Democrats Refuse to End Government Shutdown

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Federal food assistance for more than 42 million Americans is at risk as the ongoing government shutdown continues with no agreement in sight between Democrats and Republicans over a spending plan, as reported by Fox News.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) warned Thursday that funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — formerly known as food stamps — is expected to run out by November 1. The memo, obtained by Fox News Digital, was sent to state agencies overseeing the program.

“It requires about $8 billion each month to fund SNAP benefits nationwide. When there’s no funding it impacts not just pockets of people, but it’s going to impact people all around the country,” said Rev. Eugene Cho, president and CEO of Bread for the World, a nonprofit hunger advocacy organization.

Several states have already begun warning residents about possible funding lapses, while Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency Thursday to ensure food benefits continue during the federal funding impasse.

Cho noted that the severity of the impact will vary from state to state. “Yes, funding comes from the federal government, but the administration of it happens through local states,” he explained.

“And so, when it comes to SNAP, states are on a little bit of a different rhythm in terms of how they’re conveying the reduction or the elimination of SNAP benefits.”

The USDA also warned that the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program, which serves nearly 7 million women and young children, could soon run short of funds as the shutdown drags on.

The political stalemate in Washington has drawn sharp criticism, with Republicans accusing Senate Democrats of prolonging the shutdown by refusing to pass a clean continuing resolution (CR).

“We are approaching an inflection point for Senate Democrats,” a USDA spokesperson told Fox News Digital. “Continue to hold out for healthcare for illegals or reopen the government so mothers, babies, and the most vulnerable among us can receive timely WIC and SNAP allotments.”

The House passed a seven-week extension of fiscal year 2025 funding on September 19, but the measure has failed 12 times in the Senate, where additional Democratic votes are needed to overcome a filibuster.

Senate Democrats have demanded that any resolution include extended Obamacare subsidies and the repeal of Medicaid cuts included in the GOP’s One Big, Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA).

House Agriculture Committee Chair Glenn Thompson, R-Pa., warned that Democratic inaction risks devastating consequences.

“Millions of American families are about to lose access to food assistance because Democrats are openly admitting to being afraid of their far-left base and refuse to reopen the government,” Thompson said.

“We need to reopen the government, so we can put Americans first by making sure families can put food on the table and our farmers are supported.”

The Trump administration has redirected some federal resources to cover shortfalls, including $300 million from tariff revenues for WIC funding and defense research funds to ensure military paychecks are met. However, these measures are temporary.

Democrats have urged the administration to access the government’s $5 billion SNAP contingency fund.

“It’s time the administration do right by seniors, children, and veterans and utilize the SNAP contingency fund to ensure benefits can be provided for November,” said Rep. Angie Craig, D-Minn.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., said Thursday that the administration could use the emergency funds but has chosen not to. “There’s about $5 billion available in a contingency fund for emergency circumstances just like this,” he said.

“But the administration refuses to agree to use it. Why? Because they want to starve the American people as part of their continuing effort to visit cruelty on everyday Americans.”

Unless Congress acts, SNAP benefits are expected to expire nationwide within days, leaving millions without assistance and amplifying pressure on Democrats to reach a deal to end the shutdown.

JB Pritzker Defends and Shrugs Off Democrats’ Violent Texts About Opponent’s Children: ‘People Make Mistakes’
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JB Pritzker Defends and Shrugs Off Democrats’ Violent Texts About Opponent’s Children: ‘People Make Mistakes’

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Democratic Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker defended Virginia attorney general nominee Jay Jones on Thursday after newly leaked text messages appeared to show Jones fantasizing about the deaths of a Republican opponent’s children.

During an appearance on Fox News’ “Special Report with Bret Baier,” Pritzker addressed the controversy surrounding the Democratic candidate, who allegedly made violent comments about then-Republican Virginia House Speaker Todd Gilbert and his family in a 2022 text exchange with Republican House Delegate Carrie Coyner.

The messages, first reported by National Review, have drawn bipartisan criticism.

Waukegan Illinois United States July 7th 2020 Illinois Governor JB Pritzker visits Waukegan to encourage people to fill out their census form which affects how much federal cash the state will get.

“I think the text that I think everybody points to, he’s [Jones has] apologized about that. People make mistakes. They do,” Pritzker told Bret Baier.

“It’s one thing if someone’s doing it repeatedly, right? If you’re making comments repeatedly that are like that, no doubt, that was an offensive thing to write.”

Pritzker also acknowledged donating $20,000 to Jones’ campaign before the texts surfaced, but said the contribution did not influence his defense of the candidate.

“I mean, that was before anybody saw the text, but it doesn’t matter,” Pritzker said.

“The point is, if he wasn’t apologizing about it, if he didn’t feel bad, and if he hadn’t stood up and said, ‘This is not how I really feel.’ I think everybody says, you know, things along the way, particularly in politics, you know, when you’re getting attacked that you probably shouldn’t have said.”

The leaked 2022 text exchange showed Coyner warning Jones to stop making violent statements about political opponents. “It really bothers me when you talk about hurting people or wishing death on them,” Coyner wrote, according to National Review.

Jones reportedly brushed off the warning with a “Lol” and “Ok, ok.”

In another message, Coyner confronted Jones directly: “You were talking about hopping [sic] Jennifer Gilbert’s children would die,” referring to the wife of then-House Speaker Todd Gilbert.

Jones allegedly responded, “Yes, I’ve told you this before. Only when people feel pain personally do they move on policy. I mean, do I think Todd and Jennifer are evil? And that they’re breeding little fascists? Yes.”

The remarks, which circulated online this week, drew widespread condemnation from Republican officials, including President Donald Trump, who weighed in on Truth Social Thursday evening.

“It has just come out that the Radical Left Lunatic, Jay Jones, who is running against Jason Miyares, the GREAT Attorney General in Virginia, made SICK and DEMENTED jokes,” Trump wrote.

“If they were jokes at all, which were not funny, and that he wrote down and sent around to people, concerning the murdering of a Republican Legislator, his wife, and their children.”

Jones has not denied sending the messages but has issued an apology through his campaign, calling them “regrettable” and “not reflective” of his current views. Despite that apology, the controversy has threatened to overshadow his campaign and renewed criticism over his judgment.

Adding to Jones’ challenges, National Review also reported Wednesday that he is under investigation for allegedly misrepresenting his community service hours tied to a reckless driving conviction. Jones was convicted in 2022 after police cited him for driving 116 mph in a 70 mph zone.

Court records show he was ordered to complete 1,000 hours of community service. Investigators are reviewing claims that he counted volunteer work through his own political action committee and the NAACP Virginia State Conference toward fulfilling that requirement.

Jones is running against Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares, who has not commented directly on the latest controversy but has emphasized maintaining “honor and integrity” in public office.

As Jones faces mounting scrutiny, Pritzker’s defense of the embattled nominee has drawn mixed reactions within his own party, with some Democrats distancing themselves from Jones while others have echoed Pritzker’s call for forgiveness.

DOJ Memo Proves Merrick Garland and Christopher Wray Greenlit FBI Probe into Trump Campaign
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DOJ Memo Proves Merrick Garland and Christopher Wray Greenlit FBI Probe into Trump Campaign

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Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, on Thursday released a Justice Department memorandum dated April 2022 showing that then-Attorney General Merrick Garland, then-Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, and then-FBI Director Christopher Wray personally authorized an FBI investigation into alleged efforts by associates of Donald Trump’s 2020 campaign to obstruct Congress’ certification of the election.

Grassley posted the four-page document on X, saying it demonstrated that top Biden administration officials “personally approved” the case — identified internally as “Arctic Frost” — and “unleashed unchecked government power at the highest levels.” He added, “My oversight will continue.”

The April 2022 authorization allowed the FBI’s Washington Field Office to open what it classified as a “Sensitive Investigative Matter.”

The memo outlines the bureau’s request to determine whether individuals connected to Trump’s 2020 campaign conspired to obstruct Congress during the certification of the Electoral College on January 6, 2021.

According to the executive summary, “Following the 2020 Presidential and Vice Presidential election, in an apparent effort to obstruct Congress’s certification of Electoral College, fraudulent certificates of electors’ votes were submitted to the Archivist of the United States, purporting to represent the actual elector votes from the states of Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, and Wisconsin.”

It continued, “Open source reporting and public statements made by individuals closely associated with Donald J. Trump, Inc. (Trump Campaign) present an articulable factual basis indicating the existence of a federal crime, and thus the FBI seeks to open a full investigation.”

The memo added that “because this investigation involves a SIM as set forth in the Department of Justice memorandum dated February 5, 2020, entitled ‘Additional Requirements for Opening of Certain Sensitive Investigations’ (DOJ Memo), your authorization is required before WFO may initiate this full investigation.”

Monaco wrote at the bottom of the document, “Merrick- I recommend you approve,” and initialed it on April 5, 2022. Garland signed off on the same day, completing the approval process.

The authorization occurred more than a year after the January 6 Capitol riot and months before Special Counsel Jack Smith was appointed to oversee related cases. The memo marks an early step in the Justice Department’s inquiry into the “fake electors” matter that later became a key focus of Smith’s work.

In 2023, Smith’s office issued subpoenas seeking phone records for eight Republican senators and one House member. The records covered the period from January 4 to January 7, 2021, and included details such as numbers dialed, dates, and call durations.

The targeted senators included Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, Josh Hawley of Missouri, and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina.

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, told Fox News host Sean Hannity on Tuesday that he recently learned Smith also attempted to subpoena his toll records but said his provider, AT&T, declined to provide them.

Smith later defended the subpoenas, saying they were “narrowly tailored and entirely proper.” His attorneys told Grassley that the requests complied with Justice Department procedures and were part of routine investigative work.

Republican lawmakers have criticized the operation, alleging it amounted to political surveillance and likening it to the Watergate scandal. Smith’s legal team disputed those claims and argued the subpoenas were appropriately documented and disclosed.

They said the requests were referenced in a footnote of Smith’s final report and were shared with Trump’s defense team during discovery.

Grassley’s release of the memo renewed scrutiny over how senior Justice Department officials managed politically sensitive investigations during the Biden administration, and whether proper oversight and accountability mechanisms were maintained.

Kaitlan Collins Shuts Down Amy Klobuchar’s False Claim on Trump’s ‘Vacation’ Travel Plans
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Kaitlan Collins Shuts Down Amy Klobuchar’s False Claim on Trump’s ‘Vacation’ Travel Plans

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CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins corrected Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota on Tuesday after the senator criticized President Donald Trump for traveling abroad during the ongoing government shutdown, suggesting the trip was unnecessary.

The exchange took place during Collins’ program The Source as the two discussed the budget impasse that began on Oct. 1 when Senate Democrats, led by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, blocked a bipartisan funding bill.

Nearly three weeks later, the shutdown remains unresolved after Democrats voted down another bipartisan measure on Monday evening, marking the eleventh failed attempt to reopen the government.

President Trump is scheduled to leave at the end of the week for a previously planned trip to Asia aimed at easing trade tensions, including a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to PBS.

During the CNN segment, Collins asked Klobuchar whether Democrats would consider agreeing to temporary health care subsidy provisions in order to pass a funding bill and reopen the government.

Klobuchar responded by criticizing the President’s travel plans.

“The president needs to meet with the leaders in Congress,” Klobuchar said.

“[Senate Minority] Leader [Chuck] Schumer, [House Minority] Leader [Hakeem] Jeffries asked to meet again before he [Trump] flies off to yet another part of the world. He’s been willing to negotiate in the Mideast. He’s been willing to negotiate in Asia, but he’s not willing to walk down the block and meet with the leaders of Congress.”

Klobuchar added, “So, I think what has changed since the beginning of this is the American people are starting to see the bills.”

“Donald Trump refuses to negotiate, and gets on his plane and flies away,” the senator continued.

At that point, Collins interjected. “Well, he’s going on a trip — a long-planned trip to Asia. It’s not just like a vacation,” she said, clarifying that the President’s travel was part of official diplomatic business.

Klobuchar then attempted to speak over Collins, insisting that the President could still meet with Democrats before his departure.

Collins replied that she had personally asked Trump about that earlier in the day.

“But I asked him that today and I said, would you meet [with Democrats] before you go to Asia,” Collins said.

“Because obviously he’ll be gone for several days. But he basically said I’ll meet with them [Democrats] if they reopen the government.”

Collins then asked Klobuchar whether Democrats planned to allow a vote to reopen the government before Friday.

“I don’t know what he’s [Trump is] going to do,” Klobuchar said.

“He’s not here and clearly the rubber stampers that behind closed doors say to us, ‘We really need to do something about these [health care] premiums. We know it, we understand it, but they’re waiting for his orders.’ And so that’s what’s happening right now.”

Klobuchar’s comments echoed the broader Democratic stance that President Trump should personally engage with congressional leaders before any funding deal is reached.

The White House, however, has maintained that the President will not negotiate with Democrats until they vote to reopen the government.

The shutdown began after Senate Democrats rejected a bipartisan bill to fund the government through December, with Schumer and nearly all Democrats voting against the measure.

Since then, multiple bipartisan efforts to pass temporary funding have failed.

Despite the political gridlock, CNN senior data analyst Harry Enten noted Monday that the ongoing shutdown has not significantly affected public support for President Trump.

“His net approval rating is actually up a point in terms of his popular support,” Enten said during the network’s coverage.

President Trump’s upcoming Asia trip is expected to include discussions with regional allies and a meeting with Xi Jinping focused on trade, economic cooperation, and regional security.

The White House has not indicated any change to the President’s travel schedule in light of the ongoing shutdown.

New Details Emerge in Luigi Mangione Case….’Ladyboys’ in Thailand?
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New Details Emerge in Luigi Mangione Case….’Ladyboys’ in Thailand?

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Federal prosecutors say 27-year-old Luigi Mangione, charged in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Midtown Manhattan, once told friends about a violent encounter with transgender women while traveling in Thailand.

According to a report from the New York Post, Mangione allegedly described incidents from his backpacking trip across Asia in WhatsApp messages, including one where he claimed he was “beaten up by seven ladyboys,” using a slang term for transgender women.

X Screenshot – Luigi Mangione

He reportedly sent friends a photo of a bruised arm following the altercation.

Mangione, a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, has pleaded not guilty to both state and federal charges stemming from the December 2024 killing of Thompson.

The UnitedHealthcare CEO was shot outside an investor conference in Manhattan in what authorities have described as a deliberate attack.

The Justice Department has confirmed that it is pursuing the death penalty in the case.

Prosecutors allege that Mangione acted with premeditation and was in possession of a firearm during the killing.

The shooting, which occurred outside UnitedHealthcare’s event headquarters, drew national attention both because of Thompson’s high-profile position and due to online reactions from users who appeared to celebrate the attack.

Federal investigators have since been monitoring social media activity linked to the case.

Mangione is scheduled to return to federal court on December 5, though no trial date has been set.

Court documents indicate that he remains in custody as the Justice Department continues its investigation into potential motives and mental health concerns.

While prosecutors have not confirmed whether the alleged incident in Thailand will be introduced as evidence, federal sources told the Post that investigators consider the WhatsApp messages relevant in establishing Mangione’s behavioral history.

Authorities described him as exhibiting erratic tendencies in the months leading up to the killing, citing multiple reports of volatile behavior and disturbing messages recovered from his devices.

The federal indictment charges Mangione with premeditated murder and weapons violations.

If convicted, he could face either the death penalty or life imprisonment.

Prosecutors are also examining the timeline of his movements in the days before the attack, including surveillance footage and digital evidence obtained from his phone and laptop.

According to the Justice Department, the shooting appeared to be targeted and planned in advance.

Federal officials have not disclosed a specific motive but have confirmed that the attack was not random.

UnitedHealthcare released a statement following Thompson’s death describing him as a respected leader within the organization and the healthcare industry.

The company has continued to cooperate with investigators and has tightened security protocols at corporate events.

Mangione’s defense attorneys have not commented publicly on the details of the prosecution’s latest revelations.

They previously stated that Mangione maintains his innocence and intends to contest the charges at trial.

The case remains under the joint investigation of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, the FBI, and the NYPD.

Poll: Most Dems Want Government Shutdown to Keep Going While Federal Workers Miss Paychecks
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Poll: Most Dems Want Government Shutdown to Keep Going While Federal Workers Miss Paychecks

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As the government shutdown enters its third week, a new Rasmussen poll reveals that a majority of Democrats, along with a significant number of Republicans and independents, support allowing the shutdown to continue.

The data challenges long-held assumptions about how voters react to federal shutdowns.

Historically, both parties have tried to avoid blame for interruptions to government services and paychecks, fearing backlash from voters.

But this latest polling indicates that public opinion has shifted, particularly among Democrats.

According to the poll, roughly two-thirds of Democratic respondents said they wanted the shutdown to continue, compared with 41% of Republicans and 44% of independents who shared the same view.

The findings suggest that frustration with Washington gridlock is being tempered by partisan priorities and differing views of government’s role.

The shutdown began on October 1, following the failure of Congress to pass a funding measure.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and nearly all Senate Democrats voted against a bipartisan bill that would have temporarily extended government funding, citing disagreements over healthcare and spending priorities.

It marked the eleventh consecutive failed attempt to end the impasse.

President Donald Trump has stated he will not reopen the government until Democrats agree to negotiate on healthcare subsidies and immigration funding.

On Feb 3, 2025, President Donald Trump signs executive orders and proclamations in the Oval Office of the White House, Washington, DC, and speaks to reporters about U.S.-Mexico tariff negotiations.

Senate Democrats, meanwhile, have insisted they will not vote on new funding until their policy demands are addressed.

The Rasmussen findings come as both parties attempt to control the narrative surrounding the shutdown.

For decades, political strategists have operated under the assumption that whichever party is blamed for closing the government would suffer in future elections.

However, the new data suggests that Democrats may view the standoff as politically beneficial, even as federal workers remain unpaid.

Republican lawmakers have expressed skepticism toward government expansion, arguing that the shutdown limits unnecessary spending and bureaucratic interference.

For many conservative voters, temporary government closures are viewed as a sign that Washington is being held accountable.

Democrats, on the other hand, traditionally argue that government is an essential institution for providing services and ensuring stability.

But this poll suggests that anti-Trump sentiment among Democratic voters may outweigh their concerns about a prolonged shutdown.

The Rasmussen report highlights what it calls a “polarized political environment,” noting that attitudes about the shutdown are increasingly tied to perceptions of President Trump’s leadership.

WASHINGTON D.C., USA – April 7, 2025: United States President Donald Trump meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the White House in Washington DC.

CNN and other networks have reported that despite the closure, Trump’s approval rating has remained steady and even improved slightly in recent polling.

Political analysts have pointed out that the Democrats’ resistance strategy could prolong the shutdown indefinitely.

Without a shift in position from Senate Democrats, additional funding bills are likely to fail in the near term.

President Trump is scheduled to meet with congressional leaders later this week to discuss potential resolutions, though no major progress has been announced.

Administration officials have continued to emphasize that the President is open to negotiation once Democrats agree to reopen the government.

As the standoff continues, millions of federal workers and contractors remain furloughed or unpaid, while agencies continue to suspend nonessential services.

The longer the shutdown drags on, the more both parties risk being blamed by voters frustrated with Washington’s inability to govern.

For now, the polling indicates that partisans on both sides see little incentive to compromise, suggesting that the shutdown could continue well into the coming weeks unless a bipartisan deal emerges.

Top Democrat Says Families Must Suffer for Shutdown Negotiating Power
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Top Democrat Says Families Must Suffer for Shutdown Negotiating Power

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Rep. Katherine Clark (D-CT), the second-ranking Democrat in the U.S. House of Representatives, said Thursday that the ongoing government shutdown — now stretching into its third week — presents her party with “leverage” in negotiations with Republicans, as reported by Breitbart.

During an interview with Fox News, Clark acknowledged that the shutdown is causing pain for families but suggested it is one of the few moments Democrats can use to gain ground in the budget process.

“Shutdowns are terrible, and of course there will be families that are going to suffer,” Clark said. “We take that responsibility very seriously. But it is one of the few leverage times we have.”

Clark, who serves as House Minority Whip, added that the situation represents a critical moment for negotiations. “It is an inflection point in this budget process where we have tried to get the Republicans to meet with us and prioritize the American people,” she said.

Republicans, including President Donald Trump, have maintained that they are willing to negotiate on key spending priorities once the government is reopened. GOP leaders have pushed for a clean continuing resolution (CR) to extend government funding at current levels without policy additions or cuts.

Despite those offers, Democrats have not agreed to end the shutdown, which began amid disputes over healthcare funding and other budgetary measures. The standoff has left federal workers without pay and created uncertainty for millions of Americans who rely on government services.

Clark’s comments came just days before the start of open enrollment under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), set for November 1. The law’s tax credits are set to expire within days, but the shutdown has delayed agency operations tied to healthcare enrollment.

“The marketplace, the ACA [Obamacare] marketplace, open enrollment takes place on Nov. 1,” Clark said. “People are receiving their premium notices that they’re going to go to that marketplace and say, ‘I can’t afford this.’ That is a real crisis for American families.”

She continued, “It drives up the cost of healthcare for every single person, no matter where you get your health insurance from.”

Republicans have argued that reopening the government would allow both parties to address those healthcare challenges immediately. GOP lawmakers have said their proposed clean CR would fund the government without delay while broader budget negotiations continue.

President Trump and House Republican leaders have emphasized that they are prepared to continue discussions with Democrats on healthcare and other fiscal priorities once the shutdown ends.

The ongoing stalemate has also raised questions about political strategy, as Democrats face criticism for allowing the shutdown’s impact to deepen while admitting it serves as a tool for negotiating leverage.

Sen. Ted Cruz and Rep. Marlin Stutzman Introduce Bill to Protect Persecuted Christians in Nigeria
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Sen. Ted Cruz and Rep. Marlin Stutzman Introduce Bill to Protect Persecuted Christians in Nigeria

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Republican Rep. Marlin Stutzman of Indiana and Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas have introduced legislation aimed at protecting Christians in Nigeria, where thousands have been killed in a surge of jihadist violence.

Stutzman introduced the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act on Tuesday in the U.S. House of Representatives as a companion to Cruz’s Senate bill, according to Blaze News.

The legislation is a response to what lawmakers have described as the “rapidly deteriorating” conditions for Christians in Nigeria, who continue to face widespread abductions, targeted attacks, and mass killings by jihadist groups.

The measure seeks to hold Nigerian officials accountable for enabling or participating in religious persecution.

According to the bill’s text obtained by Blaze News, it would impose targeted sanctions on government officials who either facilitate violence against religious minorities or enforce Sharia law within the country.

The legislation would also formally designate Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” under the International Religious Freedom Act and ensure that Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa remain classified as “entities of particular concern.”

These designations would maintain strict U.S. sanctions and enhance reporting requirements on the Nigerian government’s handling of religious freedom violations.

“It is the responsibility of the United States to protect religious freedom worldwide,” Stutzman told Blaze News.

“Implementing Sharia law and condoning the murder of innocent people is barbaric.”

He added, “We must use the targeted tools we have at our disposal to combat religious violence in all its forms. I am proud to partner with Senator Cruz to introduce this important legislation, which will create real consequences for those responsible for violence and save the lives of thousands of Christians who are facing persecution.”

According to human rights groups and church organizations, the violence against Nigerian Christians has reached critical levels.

Since Boko Haram launched its insurgency in 2009, over 125,000 Christians have been killed.

In 2025 alone, jihadist groups have reportedly murdered more than 7,000 Christians, abducted at least 7,800 others, and destroyed an estimated 100 churches each month.

Sen. Cruz echoed Stutzman’s call for action, emphasizing the importance of imposing consequences on officials who have failed to stop the violence or have actively supported it.

“Nigerian Christians are being targeted and executed for their faith by Islamist terrorist groups, and are being forced to submit to Sharia law and blasphemy laws across Nigeria,” Cruz said in a statement.

“It is long past time to impose real costs on the Nigerian officials who facilitate these activities, and my Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act uses new and existing tools to do exactly that,” Cruz said.

“I urge my colleagues to advance this critical legislation expeditiously.”

Boko Haram, which began its insurgency in northeastern Nigeria, has been responsible for thousands of killings, kidnappings, and attacks on churches and villages.

The group, along with its splinter faction ISIS-West Africa, continues to carry out large-scale assaults targeting Christian communities.

Both Cruz and Stutzman have said the bill is intended not only to address the crisis in Nigeria but to reaffirm the United States’ commitment to protecting religious liberty worldwide.

The legislation will now move to committee review in both chambers of Congress.

If passed, it would direct the U.S. State Department to apply sanctions and diplomatic measures against Nigerian officials complicit in religious persecution, as well as expand reporting and monitoring of human rights violations in the region.


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