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| A government funding plan negotiated by Congress is on the verge of collapse just days before a critical deadline, following strong opposition from President-elect Donald Trump and Elon Musk. The proposed stopgap measure aimed to extend current spending levels until March while addressing disaster relief and pay raises for Congress members. Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance have urged Congress to adopt a more streamlined spending bill, threatening repercussions for any Republican who supports a clean bill. Meanwhile, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise expressed optimism about ongoing negotiations, emphasizing the need to resolve funding issues before the impending shutdown. As tensions rise, Democrats have indicated they will not support a clean bill, asserting that any government shutdown would be the responsibility of House Republicans. |
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| The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has officially taken over the operation of the SH-288 Expressway, raising questions among drivers about potential toll reductions. Currently, tolls can reach up to $15 per trip, prompting concerns from commuters regarding the financial burden of using the expressway. While TxDOT has promised eventual reductions, immediate changes in toll prices have not been observed, leaving drivers like Abilene Williams to weigh their options between time and cost. The state acquired the toll lanes from Blueridge Transportation Group for $1.7 billion, a deal TxDOT described as a significant win for Texans. TxDOT indicated that tolls could eventually be eliminated once the associated debt is paid off, with future tolling policies to be determined by the Texas Transportation Commission. |
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| Paris Hilton's advocacy has led to the passage of the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act, which is now headed to President Biden's desk. The bill, aimed at preventing abuse of minors in residential treatment facilities, received bipartisan support in the House with a vote of 373-33, following unanimous consent in the Senate. Hilton, who experienced abuse in such facilities as a teenager, has been a vocal proponent for child protection legislation, sharing her personal story to inspire change. The legislation establishes a federal work group to oversee youth residential programs and mandates the Department of Health and Human Services to collaborate with the National Academies of Sciences for recommendations on state oversight. Lawmakers, including Democratic Sen. Jeff Merkley and Rep. Ro Khanna, emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in the treatment of vulnerable youth. |
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| Following President-elect Donald Trump's election victory, fears of mass deportations have surged among undocumented immigrants in Texas, a state with a significant undocumented population. Many individuals, including a Dallas activist and families across the state, are grappling with anxiety over potential separation from their loved ones and homes. Texas Republican leaders have expressed support for Trump's deportation plans, with Governor Greg Abbott indicating a willingness to collaborate with the incoming administration. Advocacy groups are mobilizing to provide resources and legal guidance to help undocumented residents understand their rights and prepare for possible deportation scenarios. As uncertainty looms, many undocumented Texans are contemplating their futures, with some considering a return to Mexico despite the dangers that await them there. |
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| Concerns are rising regarding the future of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program under President-elect Donald Trump's upcoming administration. DACA, established by former President Obama in 2012, allows undocumented immigrants who arrived in the U.S. as children to work and live legally in the country. Trump has expressed a willingness to collaborate with Democrats on a plan for Dreamers, despite his campaign's emphasis on mass deportation. Currently, there are nearly 580,000 active DACA recipients, but many more remain ineligible due to the program's restrictions. While the fate of DACA remains uncertain, some Senate Republicans have indicated openness to bipartisan immigration reform, although border security will likely take precedence. |
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| As Texas prepares to welcome the new year, several new laws will take effect on January 1, 2025. Notably, Texas House Bill 3297 will eliminate state vehicle safety inspections for non-commercial drivers, who will instead pay a $7.50 fee for registration renewal, although emissions tests will still be required in 18 populous counties. Additionally, Texas House Bill 4 will enhance consumer data privacy by allowing residents to opt out of data sales and targeted advertising, with penalties for non-compliant businesses. Schools will benefit from Texas Senate Bill 2, which provides state funding to address budget shortfalls due to declining property tax revenues. Furthermore, new judicial districts will be established under Texas House Bill 3474, and Texas House Bill 4504 will simplify the state Code of Criminal Procedure for better public understanding. |
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| A bipartisan committee of Texas lawmakers has issued a new subpoena to compel death row inmate Robert Roberson to testify regarding his murder conviction, which is under scrutiny for reliance on questionable scientific evidence. This action follows claims that Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office delayed previous attempts to secure Roberson’s in-person testimony. The Texas Supreme Court ruled that legislative subpoenas for death row inmates are valid as long as they do not interfere with scheduled executions, which has not yet been rescheduled for Roberson. Lawmakers have expressed concerns over Paxton's handling of the situation, suggesting he is attempting to stall the process as the legislative session nears its end. Roberson's attorney has stated that he is eager to testify and hopes that his appearance will not be obstructed by any opposition. |
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| Texas Political Pulse for December 19, 2024. PressRelations Reports created this media review specially for you. Our team is available to answer your questions. Please, just email us: support@pressrelations.com
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