May 3

This week in MORE POWER:

Recap of Foreign Aid and TikTok
Surveillance Program Extended
Deadline to Avoid Flight Interruptions
Antisemitism Bill Slowly Moving
Attempt to Overthrow the Speaker

Recap of Foreign Aid and TikTok

Here is a quick recap since we were off last week. The House was on recess but the Senate stayed behind to pass the foreign aid bills and the controversial measure that could ban TikTok in the U.S. President Biden signed a $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan into law, along with provisions potentially leading to a nationwide ban on TikTok. The bipartisan legislation includes $60 billion for Ukraine, $26 billion for Israel, $1 billion for humanitarian relief in Gaza, and $8 billion for security measures in Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific. The TikTok provision, which faced backlash from some Senators, gives the company nine months to sell or face a ban in the U.S., prompting TikTok to plan a legal challenge. Despite earlier resistance, the bill gained traction with bipartisan efforts and strategic negotiations, passing with overwhelming support in the Senate, possibly because it was bundled with the foreign aid bills.

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Surveillance Program Extended

The Senate also stayed to approve reauthorizing a key U.S. surveillance law. President Biden signed the bill extending Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) for two years. This program permits the U.S. government to collect, without a warrant, the communications of non-Americans located outside the country to gather foreign intelligence. Sometimes the government collects Americans' private information through the program as well. Despite months of clashes between privacy advocates and national security hawks, the bill is now law. While some lawmakers sought further changes, concerns were raised about civil liberties and FBI access to American data under the program. Attorney General Merrick Garland praised the reauthorization and reiterated how "indispensable" the tool is to the Justice Department. Despite debates, the bill ultimately passed without major alterations.

Deadline to Avoid Flight Interruptions

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the agency responsible for ensuring airplanes fly safely in the United States, setting rules for planes, pilots, and air traffic control. The deadline to reauthorize the FAA before funding lapses is Friday, May 10, which has been delayed three times. Senators are optimistic but cautious about meeting the deadline, acknowledging potential hurdles in the process, including numerous unrelated amendments proposed by Republican senators. A compromise bill introduced includes provisions such as refund requirements for flight cancellations and improvements to air traffic control, but contentious elements like raising the pilot retirement age and special security escorts for lawmakers and judges have been removed. Despite attempts to attach unrelated provisions, such as cannabis banking and cost-sharing for the rebuild of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge, it's uncertain whether they will succeed. The main point of contention remains the addition of flights at D.C.’s airport, which is opposed by senators from Maryland and Virginia who argue it could compromise safety and harm other regional airports.

Antisemitism Bill Slowly Moving

In the wake of rising tensions on college campuses across the country where anti-genocide protestors and pro-Israel protestors have collided and faced violent interventions by police, the House voted to broaden the federal definition of antisemitism. The Senate hasn’t been able to pass it due to objections from both sides. In the House, there was significant opposition, with 70 House Democrats and 21 Republicans voting against it. The bill, co-sponsored by Reps. Mike Lawler (R-NY) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), faced challenges from notable Republicans, like Matt Gaetz (FL) and Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA). Democratic opposition ranged from progressives like Pramila Jayapal (WA) and Katie Porter (CA), to establishment figures like Jim Clyburn (SC). Additionally, a group of 57 Democrats, led by Jayapal, called on President Biden to withhold military support that could be used in an Israeli offensive against the Gaza city of Rafah. This move came amidst growing anti-war sentiment within the party.

Attempt to Overthrow the Speaker

Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) announced plans to force a vote next week to remove House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) from his position, despite Democrats' intentions to vote against it. Greene's decision, following weeks of speculation, increases pressure on Johnson and threatens a major showdown, although the vote is expected to fail. Johnson has refused to resign, calling the motion wrong for the Republican party and the country. House Democratic leaders have pledged to vote to table Greene's motion, ensuring Johnson retains his position. Greene's plan received pushback from several House Republicans, including Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC) and Rep. Marc Molinaro (R-NY), who criticized the timing and impact on the party's image. Greene dismissed these concerns, emphasizing her focus on representing the people and holding the party accountable.

The House ousted a speaker for the first time in the nation’s history when they voted to remove former Speaker Kevin McCarthy from the position in October.

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