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1 Supreme Court Allows Texas To Use New Redistricted Map For Now
The Supreme Court has rejected a challenge to Texas's congressional map, letting Republicans keep district lines that critics say unfairly favor the GOP. The decision means the new, current map will remain in place for next year’s elections. Civil rights groups and Democratic voters had sued, arguing the map dilutes the voting power of Black and Latino residents in violation of the Voting Rights Act. A lower court had previously ruled in favor of the current map, finding that while some districts raised concerns, the overall plan didn't violate federal law. The current map is expected to favor Republican candidates in most districts, though some competitive races remain possible.
2 Admiral Bradley Testifies To Congressional Committees There Was No Kill Order Issued By Defense Secretary
Military officials showed lawmakers classified video of a second strike that killed two survivors from an alleged Venezuelan drug boat in September. Navy Admiral Mitch Bradley testified there was no order from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to kill everyone on board, contrary to earlier reports. Democratic Representative Jim Himes called it "one of the most troubling things" he's seen, saying it showed the U.S. attacking shipwrecked sailors. Republican Senator Tom Cotton disagreed, saying he saw survivors trying to flip the drug-loaded boat over. The strike is part of the administration's campaign that has hit over 20 boats and killed more than 80 people. Some Democrats have questioned whether the strikes are legal or constitute war crimes.
3 Senate Democrats To Force A Vote Next Week On A Three-Year Extension Of ACA Tax Credits
Senate Democrats will force a vote next week on extending Affordable Care Act tax credits for three years. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said the credits, which expire at the end of December, would be extended in a clean bill that every Democrat will support. The proposal would limit premiums to 8.5-percent of policyholders' incomes and prevent average premiums from more than doubling. The credits were made during the COVID-19 pandemic and were supposed to be temporary. To pass, the measure needs 60 votes, requiring at least 13 Republicans to join the 47 senators who caucus with Democrats. Some Republicans have proposed alternative plans using health savings accounts instead of the current tax credit system.
