James' World 2

Click the link below the picture

.

Where Things Stand

• Defense bill: The House on Wednesday approved a $900 billion defense policy bill that would give U.S. troops a raise and codify much of President Trump’s national security agenda. It also seeks to curb his pullback from Europe and mandate more Pentagon consultation with Congress, including sharing unedited videos of attacks on suspected drug boats that officials have so far been unwilling to show lawmakers. The bill goes next to the Senate, which is also expected to approve it overwhelmingly, sending it to Mr. Trump for his signature. Read more ›

• Gold card: The Trump administration launched a website that opens up applications for a “gold card,” an expedited visa that the federal government plans to sell for at least $1 million to visitors who provide a “substantial benefit” to the country. It costs a nonrefundable $15,000 processing fee, then $1 million to “receive U.S. residency in record time” and become lawful permanent residents. Read more ›

National Guard deployment: A federal judge said the Trump administration must end its deployment of California National Guard troops in Los Angeles. The Trump administration is expected to appeal the order, which was stayed until Monday. Read more ›

House Gives Bipartisan Approval to $900 Billion Defense Bill

The House on Wednesday approved a $900 billion defense policy bill that would codify much of President Trump’s national security agenda but seek to curb his move to withdraw from Europe and to mandate more Pentagon consultation with Congress.

The 312-112 vote on the legislation, which would provide a 3.8 percent pay raise to U.S. troops, reflected bipartisan support for what is commonly regarded as a must-pass bill. It goes next to the Senate, which is also expected to approve it overwhelmingly, sending it to Mr. Trump for his signature.

The House just approved 312-122 the final version of the annual defense policy bill, sending the must-pass, $900 billion legislation to the Senate, where lawmakers in that chamber are expected to vote next week on sending it to President Trump’s desk. The legislation would codify much of the president’s national security agenda, but also includes last-minute additions to exert congressional authority over decisions like troop withdrawals and the military campaign against suspected drug boats.

Trump administration opens applications for million-dollar visas.

The Trump administration debuted a website on Wednesday that opens up applications for a “gold card,” an expedited visa that the federal government plans to provide to people who pay at least $1 million.

To apply for the card, people have to pay a nonrefundable $15,000 processing fee, according to the site. After applicants are vetted and approved by the Department of Homeland Security, they will then have to pay $1 million to “receive U.S. residency in record time” and become lawful permanent residents.

Judge Emil Bove faces an ethics complaint for attending a Trump rally.

Judge Emil Bove III, a federal appeals court judge who made his career as a stalwart supporter of President Trump, is now facing a complaint over his attendance at a campaign-style rally held by Mr. Trump at a Pennsylvania casino resort on Tuesday.

The complaint, which was filed on Wednesday with the chief judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and was written by Gabe Roth, who heads the advocacy group Fix the Court, said that Judge Bove’s attendance at the rally violated rules that prohibit judges from “the appearance of impropriety” and engaging in “political activity.”

.

Speaker Mike Johnson at the Capitol on Wednesday.Credit…Eric Lee for The New York Times

.

.

Click the link below for the complete article:

.

__________________________________________