Politics
Congressional Budget Office: Federal Budget Deficit Totals $1.4 Trillion in 2023; Annual Deficits Average $2.0 Trillion Over the 2024–2033 Period
"The cumulative deficit over the 2023–2032 period that we now project is $3 trillion larger than we projected last May, mainly because of newly enacted legislation and changes to the economic forecast that boost interest costs and spending on mandatory programs. Federal debt held by the public is projected to rise from 98 percent of GDP in 2023 to 118 percent in 2033 — an average increase of 2 percentage points per year. Over that period, the growth of interest costs and mandatory spending outpaces the growth of revenues and the economy, driving up debt. Those factors persist beyond 2033, pushing federal debt higher still, to 195 percent of GDP in 2053. The increase in mandatory spending is driven by rising costs for Social Security and Medicare. Total discretionary spending falls in relation to GDP. As the cost of financing the nation’s debt grows, net outlays for interest increase substantially." more »
Women's Congressional Policy Institute: Bill to Assist States in Carrying Out Projects To Expand Child Workforce; Joint Resolution Removing Deadline For Ratification of Equal Rights Amendment; Bill to Reserve Access to Abortion
Women's Congressional Policy Institute: "A resolution supporting the observation of National Trafficking and Modern Slavery Prevention Month to raise awareness of, and opposition to, human trafficking and modern slavery; A bill to amend Family and Medical Leave Act to expand employees eligible for leave and employers subject to leave requirements; A bill to assist states in carrying out projects to expand the child care workforce and child care facilities in the states. . A bill to prohibit the interference, under color of state law, with the provision of interstate abortion services." more »
Justice Department Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco Delivers Remarks on Charges and New Arrest in Connection with Assassination Plot Directed from Iran
"This case also highlights the evolving threat and increasingly brazen conduct emanating from Iran. I have spoken before about the threat Iran poses to our homeland through its networks and proxies. In the last year, we have charged members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) with a plot to murder the former U.S. National Security Advisor; We’ve indicted Iranian hackers for targeting utility companies and other critical U.S. infrastructure; And we’ve called out Iran for a destructive cyberattack that crippled a partner government’s computer networks. We will not tolerate this belligerent and criminal conduct. Instead, we will hold accountable those who would bring Iran’s campaign of violence to our shores. We will hold accountable those who seek to silence voices for human rights and women’s rights." more »
Fact Sheet on U.S. Security Assistance to Ukraine January 25, 2023
"Fact Sheet on U.S. Security Assistance to Ukraine January 25, 2023 In total, the United States has more than $27.8 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the beginning of the Biden Administration..." Thousands of night vision devices, surveillance systems, thermal imagery systems, optics, and laser rangefinders; Commercial satellite imagery services; Explosive ordnance disposal equipment and protective gear; Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear protective equipment; 100 armored medical treatment vehicles; Over 350 generators; Medical supplies to include first aid kits, bandages, monitors, and other equipment; Electronic jamming equipment; Field equipment, cold weather gear, and spare parts; Funding for training, maintenance, and sustainment. The United States also continues to work with its Allies and partners to provide Ukraine with additional capabilities to defend itself. more »