June 7
This week in MORE POWER:
Crypto Regulation Blocked
Dems Going through a Breakup
Biden Limits Border Entry
Right to Contraception Failed
International Criminal Court Sanctions
Crypto Regulation Blocked
President Biden vetoed H.J. Res. 109, a resolution eliminating the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rule to regulate all platforms that hold cryptocurrency for users, so that users do not risk losing their assets due to the platform they use. Upon vetoing the bill, Biden expressed that he did not appreciate Congress attempting to regulate cryptocurrency without the SEC. Rather, he said, the SEC should take the lead in regulating and providing safeguards for the cryptocurrency space. Some lawmakers, however, disagree and say that the SEC should not govern the cryptocurrency space.
Dems Going through a Breakup
Sen. Joe Manchin (I-W. Va.) announced that he is leaving the Democratic Party to become an Independent who will likely not seek re-election. This decision will not affect the current voting pattern in the Senate, as Manchin will continue to caucus with Democrats. However, without Manchin’s re-election, Democrats will probably lose that seat in West Virginia to a Republican. This shift will certainly either narrow the Democrats' small majority in the Senate or cost them their majority entirely.
Biden Limits Border Entry
Last Friday, the Biden administration released a statement honoring immigrants who built this country and continue to contribute to its growth and progress. Then, on Tuesday Biden announced an executive action to decrease the number of migrants coming through the Mexican border.
This executive action allows border officials to deny people who claim asylum once 2,500 migrants have crossed the border in a single day. Asylum seekers are people fleeing persecution, violence, and human rights violations in their home country. According to a 2024 poll conducted by Gallup, about 64% of Americans are either somewhat or very dissatisfied with the level of immigration coming into the U.S.
Right to Contraception Failed
Republicans in the Senate blocked the Right to Contraception Act, which attempted to protect Americans’ access to birth control against any state laws. The Democrats and Independents in the Senate voted to pass the legislation, as well as two Republicans. However, the legislation needed 60 votes to move forward, so it fell short. Opponents said that the legislation is unnecessary, as there is currently no threat to Americans’ access to contraception. Supporters said that the legislation is absolutely necessary, pointing to several recent bills from state legislatures across the U.S. that complicate access to emergency contraception.
International Criminal Court Sanctions
Last week, we told you how congress was trying to punish the International Criminal Court (ICC) for issuing arrest warrants for Israeli officials, including Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, for war crimes. This week, the House passed the Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act with almost every Republican voting for the legislation, as well as 42 Democrats. If it becomes law, the bill would impose sanctions on the ICC and its members if the ICC attempts to investigate, arrest or prosecute any U.S. citizen or U.S. ally, like Israel. However, the Senate will likely not vote on the bill. Additionally, President Biden reportedly does not like this bill – at least not in its current state. The administration said, “There are more effective ways to defend Israel, preserve U.S. positions on the ICC, and promote international justice and accountability, and the Administration stands ready to work with Congress on those options.”
What Congress Passed
Nothing.
What POTUS Signed Into Law
Nothing.
