Republican Congressman Mike Lawler discusses foreign aid package

Biden calls for release of journalist at Correspondents' dinner

At a media dinner in Washington on Saturday night, US President Joe Biden used his opportunity at the podium to to call on foreign governments to release detained journalists and roast his presumptive Republican running-mate Donald Trump over his age and literary tastes.

U.S. Correspondents' Dinner: Biden Roasts Trump, Protest Outside White House & More| Oneindia News

Watch as President Biden delivers a humorous election-year roast, taking playful jabs at his Republican rival, Donald Trump, during the annual White House Correspondents' Association dinner. Amidst political banter, Biden's remarks offer a lighthearted moment in the midst of the campaign season. Tune in for the best moments from the event! #WhiteHouse #CorrespondentsDinner #USNews #JoeBiden #DonaldTrump #BidenvsTrump #BidenvsTrump #ProPalestineProtestUS #IsraelHamasWar #Oneindia ~HT.97~ED.103~ED.102~

Senate Passes $95 Billion Foreign Aid Package

Senate Passes $95 Billion , Foreign Aid Package. On April 23, the U.S. Senate voted 79-18 to approve foreign aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, 'The Guardian' reports. . Today the Senate sends a unified message to the entire world: America will always defend democracy in its hour of need, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, via statement. Make no mistake, America will deliver on its promise to act like a leader on the world stage, to hold the line against autocratic thugs like Vladimir Putin. , Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, via statement. The package includes $60.8 billion for Ukraine, $26.3 billion for Israel and $8.1 billion for Taiwan. The package includes $60.8 billion for Ukraine, $26.3 billion for Israel and $8.1 billion for Taiwan. The package includes $60.8 billion for Ukraine, $26.3 billion for Israel and $8.1 billion for Taiwan. A provision to ban TikTok after the election if ByteDance refuses to sell the platform is also included. The legislation will now head to President Biden, who told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on April 23 that he will "move quickly" to provide aid. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer praised House Speaker Mike Johnson, . Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer praised House Speaker Mike Johnson, . with whom he worked "hand in hand and shoulder to shoulder to get this bill done.". A lot of people inside and outside the Congress wanted this package to fail. But today those in Congress who stand on the side of democracy are winning the day, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, via statement. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell also issued a statement. Today’s action is overdue, but our work does not end here. Trust in American resolve is not rebuilt overnight. Expanding and restocking the arsenal of democracy doesn’t just happen by magic, Senate Majority Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, via statement

House GOP Advances Aid Bills for Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan

House GOP Advances Aid Bills , for Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan. The foreign aid bills were advanced by a 9-3 vote, thanks to the help of four Democrats on the committee, CBS News reports. . Those Democrats are Jim McGovern, Mary Gay Scanlon, Joe Neguse and Teresa Leger Fernández. Those Democrats are Jim McGovern, Mary Gay Scanlon, Joe Neguse and Teresa Leger Fernández. Those Democrats are Jim McGovern, Mary Gay Scanlon, Joe Neguse and Teresa Leger Fernández. Those Democrats are Jim McGovern, Mary Gay Scanlon, Joe Neguse and Teresa Leger Fernández. Conservatives who voted against the bills, because border security wasn't lumped in, include Tom Massie, Ralph Norman and Chip Roy. . Conservatives who voted against the bills, because border security wasn't lumped in, include Tom Massie, Ralph Norman and Chip Roy. . A final vote on the foreign aid package will take place on April 20. . The three bills would support Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan with $26.4 billion, $60.8 billion and $8.1 billion, respectively. . The three bills would support Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan with $26.4 billion, $60.8 billion and $8.1 billion, respectively. . The three bills would support Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan with $26.4 billion, $60.8 billion and $8.1 billion, respectively. . $9.1 billion of the Israel package would go toward Palestinian humanitarian efforts. . A fourth bill seeks to allow the sale of Russian oligarchs' assets that have been frozen in order to continue funding Ukraine. possibly "force the sale of TikTok and authorize stricter sanctions on Russia, China and Iran," CBS News reports. . possibly "force the sale of TikTok and authorize stricter sanctions on Russia, China and Iran," CBS News reports. . Some far-right Republicans have threatened to remove House Speaker Mike Johnson from his position for supporting additional Ukraine funding. Johnson defended his actions, calling lethal aid for Ukraine "critically important.". If I operated out of fear over a motion to vacate, I would never be able to do my job, House Speaker Mike Johnson, via statement. Look, history judges us for what we do. This is a critical time right now critical time on the world stage. , House Speaker Mike Johnson, via statement. I could make a, you know I can make a selfish decision and do something that, that's different. But I'm doing here what I believe to be the right thing, House Speaker Mike Johnson, via statement

Zelensky Says Ukraine ‘Will Lose the War’ if US Doesn’t Approve More Aid

Zelensky Says Ukraine ‘Will Lose the War’ , if US Doesn’t Approve More Aid. The president of Ukraine made the remarks on April 7 during a video meeting with UNITED24, a Ukrainian fundraising group, CNN reports. . It’s important to specifically address the Congress: if the Congress doesn’t help Ukraine, Ukraine will lose the war, Volodymyr Zelensky, president of Ukraine, via video meeting with UNITED24. If Ukraine loses this war, other countries will be attacked. This is a fact, Volodymyr Zelensky, president of Ukraine, via video meeting with UNITED24. Zelensky's statement comes as Congress has failed to pass an aid package for the war-torn nation in months, CNN reports. . A $95.3 billion foreign aid bill, which contained aid for both Ukraine and Israel, was passed by the Senate in February. but House Speaker Mike Johnson has not yet held a vote on it. According to Franz-Stefan Gady of the International Institute for Strategic Studies. Ukraine has entered a "transitional phase" of the war. Russia is conducting probing attacks along the front line. It is trying to advance where it can. And it is preparing what seems to be a future offensive down the road, Franz-Stefan Gady, an associate fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, to CNN. This year, Ukraine really needs U.S. support. There’s certain weapons systems, certain logistical support which the European countries simply cannot provide to Ukraine, Franz-Stefan Gady, an associate fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, to CNN

Warnock Calls GOP’s Criticism of Trans Visibility Day ‘Opposite of Christian Faith’

Warnock Calls GOP’s Criticism , of Trans Visibility Day , ‘Opposite of Christian Faith’. This year, Trans Day of Visibility coincidentally fell on Easter Sunday. President Joe Biden was attacked by Conservatives for making a declaration about the day, as he does every year, because it fell on the Christian holiday. One of Biden's critics, Speaker Mike Johnson, called Biden's declaration an "outrageous and abhorrent" attack on the religion. . One of Biden's critics, Speaker Mike Johnson, called Biden's declaration an "outrageous and abhorrent" attack on the religion. . Senator Raphael Warnock, a reverend, has denounced GOP criticism, calling it the "opposite of the Christian faith," 'The Hill' reports. . Apparently, the Speaker finds trans people abhorrent, and I think he ought to think about that, Sen. Warnock, via interview with CNN's Dana Bash. This is just one more instance of folks who do not know how to lead us trying to divide us, Sen. Warnock, via interview with CNN's Dana Bash. This is the opposite of the Christian faith. Jesus centered the marginalized. He centered the poor, Sen. Warnock, via interview with CNN's Dana Bash. And in a moment like this, we need voices, particularly voices of faith, who would use our faith not as a weapon to beat other people down but as a bridge to bring all of us together, Sen. Warnock, via interview with CNN's Dana Bash. The White House also issued a statement. As a Christian who celebrates Easter with Family, President Biden stands for bringing people together and upholding the dignity and freedoms of every American, White House spokesperson Andrew Bates, via statement. Sadly, it’s unsurprising politicians are seeking to divide and weaken our country with cruel, hateful, and dishonest rhetoric. President Biden will never abuse his faith for political purposes or for profit, White House spokesperson Andrew Bates, via statement

Officials Say US Is Preparing Another Military Aid Package for Ukraine

Officials Say US Is, Preparing Another Military, Aid Package for Ukraine. Reuters reports that the United States is getting ready to send another military aid package to Ukraine with an estimated value as high as $400 million. . Reuters reports that the United States is getting ready to send another military aid package to Ukraine with an estimated value as high as $400 million. . According to two anonymous U.S. officials, an official announcement for the aid package is expected later on March 12. . One of the unnamed officials claim that the package is expected to contain more artillery. . One of the unnamed officials claim that the package is expected to contain more artillery. . Reuters reports that the news comes as the U.S. military has been making massive purchases of munitions and vehicles to replenish stockpiles. Reuters reports that the news comes as the U.S. military has been making massive purchases of munitions and vehicles to replenish stockpiles. At the same time, the Biden administration has been scrambling to find a way to send more military assistance to Ukraine amid Republican hardline resistance. . Mike Johnson, the Republican House of Representatives Speaker, has refused to call a vote on a bill aimed at providing an additional $60 billion in aid for Ukraine. Mike Johnson, the Republican House of Representatives Speaker, has refused to call a vote on a bill aimed at providing an additional $60 billion in aid for Ukraine. On March 11, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said that Russian troops have stopped advancing after capturing the eastern city of Avdiivka last month. On March 11, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said that Russian troops have stopped advancing after capturing the eastern city of Avdiivka last month. In an interview with France's BFM television, Zelenskiy said that despite weapon shortages, Ukraine has improved its strategic position. The Ukrainian leader went on to warn that Russia is preparing a new offensive expected to begin in late May or early summer. . The Ukrainian leader went on to warn that Russia is preparing a new offensive expected to begin in late May or early summer. . Other countries have continued to fund Ukraine's military efforts, including Denmark, who will provide an aid package that includes Caesar artillery systems. . Other countries have continued to fund Ukraine's military efforts, including Denmark, who will provide an aid package that includes Caesar artillery systems. . The military aid package will also include ammunition with an estimated value of around $336.6 million, according to the Danish Defense Ministry.

How to Be a Better Neighbor

How to Be , a Better Neighbor. You don't even know your neighbors, do you?. Per a Pew Research study conducted in 2018, only a quarter of adults under 30 said they know even one of their neighbors. A fostered sense of community may be what's missing in your young life. A fostered sense of community may be what's missing in your young life. Here are a few ways to become a better neighbor:. Say Hello. Obvious, yes, but the logical first step to becoming a better neighbor is to introduce yourself. Don't do anything grandiose so you don't come on too strong. You don't have to show up with a fresh apple pie or anything like that. , Chris Loggins, supervising producer Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, via NPR. You don't have to show up with a fresh apple pie or anything like that. , Chris Loggins, supervising producer Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, via NPR. Small Acts of Kindness. Show your neighbors that you can be a kind and generous person. Always clean up after your pets, and don't litter. Connect. Often it may feel easier to just go home, but experts believe human connection is worth the effort. Overcoming the initial anxiety may trouble you, but meeting new people could increase your happiness

Biden Is Giving $6 Billion to Micron Technology for Semiconductor Production

Biden Is Giving $6 Billion , to Micron Technology , for Semiconductor Production. On April 25, President Biden will travel to Syracuse, NY, to announce over $6 billion in federal grants that his administration is awarding to Micron Technology, NPR reports. . Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who was heavily involved in enacting the CHIPS and Science Act, issued a statement about the investment. . This is the federal government taking back the reins, putting money where its mouth is when we say we want the future of tech to be stamped: 'Made in America.', Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, via statement. Micron will invest $100 billion of the funds to construct a manufacturing facility in Syracuse. Schumer referred to the plan as "quite a great return" on the government's investment. A factory will also be built in Boise, Idaho, NPR reports. . That facility is expected to be ready for production by 2026, while two New York factories will likely be ready by 2028 and 2029. The White House estimates that the projects could create 20,000 jobs in construction and manufacturing. in addition to "tens of thousands of indirect jobs in the regions," NPR reports. . The CHIPS and Science Act has also provided funding for Intel, TSMC and Samsung

Are You in a Creative Rut? Here's How to Stay Inspired

Are You in a Creative Rut? , Here's How to Stay Inspired. Have you had a hard time accessing the creative part of your brain lately?. Maybe you're hoping for a magical breakthrough like something you'd see in a movie. Experts say it may not be so easy, but it's still possible to pull yourself out of a creative rut if you keep these things in mind:. Creativity Is for Everyone. Most folks are creative, and experts say you don't have to be a genius to harness the power. I think we are already creative beings and how you use that [creativity] is up to you, Sarah Urist Green, producer of 'The Art Assignment,' via NPR. You don't need to have particular skills; you don't need to have particular materials. , Sarah Urist Green, producer of 'The Art Assignment,' via NPR. Take a Break. Experts say allowing your brain to de-stimulate is great practice if your schedule allows. . What our brains actually need is periods of destimulation, Rahaf Harfoush, host of 'The Thought Experiment,' via NPR. which means no screens, no emails, no audiobooks. , Rahaf Harfoush, host of 'The Thought Experiment,' via NPR. Don't Force Yourself. Experts say don't use stress as a tool to get things done. Being overly reliant on pressure and stress may deepen your creative rut. It could also increase chances of anxiety attacks and depression

How to Be More Timely

How to Be , More Timely. Have you been rolling out of bed with minutes to spare?. Maybe you've been wondering to yourself: "where does all the time go?". Strive to be on time with these helpful tips:. Timeliness is a Sign of Respect. Being timely can project respect for ourselves and others. I think it's very important to be on time. , Rashelle Isip, professional organizer-productivity consultant, via NPR. You can always let time pass, but you can't get it back once it's already gone. , Rashelle Isip, professional organizer-productivity consultant, via NPR. Plan Ahead. For the chronically late, experts say it helps to have a plan. There's a lot of steps that I think people just don't consider. , Rashelle Isip, professional organizer-productivity consultant, via NPR. There's a lot of steps that I think people just don't consider. , Rashelle Isip, professional organizer-productivity consultant, via NPR. Help yourself by picking out tomorrow's outfit today. Pack your bag, and confirm appropriate directions before you depart. Be Honest With Yourself and Others. Everybody is late for something now and then. True character is how you respond to it. If you know you're going to be late to something, the very best thing you can do is communicate right away, Rashelle Isip, professional organizer-productivity consultant, via NPR. If you know you're going to be late to something, the very best thing you can do is communicate right away, Rashelle Isip, professional organizer-productivity consultant, via NPR. It's not thinking about it and then calling or texting 30 minutes later. It means right at that moment. , Rashelle Isip, professional organizer-productivity consultant, via NPR. It's not thinking about it and then calling or texting 30 minutes later. It means right at that moment. , Rashelle Isip, professional organizer-productivity consultant, via NPR

FTC to Decide Whether Noncompete Agreements Should Be Banned

FTC to Decide , Whether Noncompete Agreements , Should Be Banned. After receiving over 26,000 public comments about the issue, the Federal Trade Commission is set to deliver its verdict on April 30, NPR reports. . The commission said that if approved, the final rule "would generally prevent most employers from using noncompete clauses.". The commission said that if approved, the final rule "would generally prevent most employers from using noncompete clauses.". Approximately one in five Americans, spanning minimum wage workers to CEOs, are subject to noncompete agreements, the FTC estimates. . The Biden administration says that these types of agreements hurt workers by decreasing wages. The White House also argues that these agreements harm the U.S. economy because entrepreneurship isn't allowed to freely flourish. . FTC Chair Lina M. Khan issued a statement when the proposed ban was initially introduced. The freedom to change jobs is core to economic liberty and to a competitive, thriving economy, FTC Chair Lina M. Khan, via statement. Noncompetes block workers from freely switching jobs, depriving them of higher wages and better working conditions, and depriving businesses of a talent pool that they need to build and expand, FTC Chair Lina M. Khan, via statement. Businesses argue that noncompete agreements are essential for safeguarding investments and proprietary information. Those businesses also question whether the agency has the power "to regulate such agreements," NPR reports. . If the FTC votes to issue a final rule, enforcement wouldn't occur for 180 days, and legal challenges would likely ensue.