July 2023

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas recently testified before the House Judiciary Committee, maintaining that the U.S. border is not open. This comes amid a significant surge in illegal immigration since President Biden’s administration began. Mayorkas’ claim was met with skepticism from Republican lawmakers who point to a record-breaking influx of illegal migrants, with totals exceeding 5 million. Questions have arisen concerning the number of immigrants allowed to stay and future limits. GOP members further criticized the ‘Mayorkas doctrine’ which advocates for leniency towards individuals crossing the border illegally. Despite Mayorkas’ claims, U.S. Customs and Border Protection data show over 1.7 million southwest land border encounters this fiscal year. Amid these controversies, the Biden administration’s approach to border security continues to face intense scrutiny.

Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna has introduced a bill, the ‘Send Them Treat Them Act,’ to boost support for disabled veterans and promote transparency within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The proposed legislation necessitates the VA to revise its Disability Claim Form and enhance its website for a more accessible approach to disability claims. Veterans will be able to submit the Disability Benefits Questionnaire completed by a physician of their choice, with guidance available both online and offline. The bill has gained support from the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and co-sponsor Republican Rep. Barry Moore. The goal is to ensure that veterans can navigate the disability claims process more easily.

Donald Trump, former president and leading Republican figure, officially endorses the ‘Bank Your Vote’ initiative by the Republican National Committee (RNC). This early voting strategy, shared exclusively with Breitbart News, aims to bolster Republican efforts in the upcoming 2024 presidential election. Trump stresses the importance of voting early to counter what he perceives as Democratic exploitation of early and absentee voting laws. The RNC’s groundbreaking program promotes early in-person, absentee, and mail voting to level the playing field. Trump’s endorsement signifies a pivotal moment in the party’s mission to protect Republicans’ voting rights. He encourages all Republicans to pledge early voting at BankYourVote.com to uphold democratic values.

An ongoing political drama unfolds with Rep. Adam Schiff’s recent assertions related to a potential impeachment inquiry into President Biden. Schiff claims the Republicans are intent on impeachment, regardless of evidence, leading to perceived chaos within the Democratic party. Concurrently, the Biden administration faces scrutiny with allegations concerning Hunter Biden’s activities during his father’s vice-presidential tenure. Reported internal conflicts within the IRS and Justice Department over this issue have raised eyebrows. At the heart of this controversy is a purported Burisma scheme that, according to a confidential FBI source, involved sizable payments to the Bidens. While these claims undergo further investigation, House Speaker McCarthy emphasizes the necessity for transparency in these proceedings. He argues that concealment of essential documents undermines the credibility of impeachment-related charges.

Democratic Rep. Greg Casar of Texas took to the Capitol steps in a unique way to champion workers’ rights – he conducted a thirst strike. His goal? To catch President Joe Biden’s attention and push for a federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard that includes heat protection and water breaks for workers. He spent over 8 hours, rain or shine, without water or breaks, stating there are no federal protections currently for heat-exposed workers. The response online was a mixture of support and mockery, with some seeing it as grandstanding, while others admired his dedication. After more than 8 hours, Casar ended his strike. His unique approach to advocacy raises questions about the effectiveness of such dramatic measures in effecting policy change.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is grappling with serious campaign challenges. According to a recent Civiqs survey, his net favorability rating among registered voters is at a record low of -24. Only 33% view him favorably, while a striking 57% hold an unfavorable view. As DeSantis battles to improve these figures, he’s also contending with former President Trump’s robust popularity, which seems undeterred among the conservative base. This week’s Morning Consult poll showed Trump with a commanding 43-point lead. Amid these trials, DeSantis’s campaign is undergoing significant restructuring, having laid off 38 staff members. This strategy, says campaign manager Generra Peck, is designed to strengthen DeSantis’s position in the upcoming primary.

Former NBA star and fervent activist, Enes Kanter Freedom, could be gearing up for a major career change. Revealed at the FreedomFest conference in Tennessee, Freedom might just be mulling a run for the U.S. Senate. This isn’t just a sportsman aiming for political office. Freedom has been a committed advocate for, well, freedom, and his bold ambitions suggest he’s eager to transfer that passion into policymaking. His key areas of interest? Education, liberty, and smashing political censorship. Not one to shy away from controversy, Freedom, a Swiss-born, Turkey-raised, newly minted U.S. citizen, has been vocal about his views on gender politics and his criticisms of the NBA’s partnership with China. As Freedom positions himself with the principles of limited government, free speech, and education, it’s clear he’s preparing to stir the pot.

During a recent press conference, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre dodged inquiries regarding Hunter Biden’s business affairs. Jean-Pierre held that Hunter is a private citizen, asserting these are his personal matters, even as journalists sought more information. When asked about President Biden’s knowledge of Hunter’s business deals, Jean-Pierre declined to answer, highlighting she had no fresh information to provide. Furthermore, questions concerning Hunter’s gun-related legal issues were dismissed as being under the purview of the Department of Justice. The dialogue adds to increasing concerns about a lack of transparency in the White House, particularly in relation to the President’s interactions with his son and the potential implications on policy decisions. The President’s stance on illegal firearm possession, especially given his career-long efforts on gun laws, has been thrown into sharp focus as well.

Representative Kat Cammack of the Republican Party recently held up a jar filled with wristbands, allegedly used by cartels to control migrants crossing the border. This revelation was made during a House subcommittee hearing on the exploitation of migrant children, overseen by Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. Cammack questioned Becerra on the so-called thorough vetting process of migrants before being handed over to sponsors. She argued that many children have ended up with sponsors who are in the country illegally, some of them convicted sex offenders. Despite assurances from Becerra that the process is comprehensive, Cammack presented data suggesting only a fraction of cases undergo complete checks. Amid rising concerns about border security and the treatment of unaccompanied minors, this issue calls for urgent dialogue on border policy and migrant welfare.

A shocking incident at a Lowe’s store in Georgia saw a brave 68-year-old employee, Donna Hansbrough, fired for intervening in a theft. Hansbrough was dismissed for violating the company’s non-intervention policy when she tried to prevent the theft of over $2,000 worth of merchandise. This decision sparked public outrage, leading Lowe’s to reinstate her nearly a month later. However, this raises questions about the company’s initial lack of support. In the theft, Hansbrough was physically assaulted, with one of the three thieves still at large and involved in another incident. Such incidents underline the need for proper support and protection for employees in the retail industry.