Russian Forces Advance Toward Kostiantynivka as Fighting Intensifies in Eastern Ukraine 
U.S. Sanctions Former DR Congo President Joseph Kabila Over Rebel Support 
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Trump Signals Possible Renewal of U.S. Strikes on Iran 
Japan Eases Arms Export Rules, Opening Door for Potential Ukraine Defense Support 
Trump Criticizes German Chancellor Merz Over Iran War and Ukraine Policy 
U.S. Fast-Tracks $8.6 Billion Arms Sales to Middle East Allies Amid Rising Tensions 
EU Warns of Response as U.S. Considers 25% Tariffs on Car Imports 
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Cuba Condemns New U.S. Sanctions, Calls Measures “Collective Punishment” 
Kim Jong Un Highlights Youth Role in North Korea’s Military and Political Agenda 
Trump Congratulates Ali al-Zaidi on Iraq Prime Minister Nomination, Signals Strong U.S.-Iraq Ties 
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te Visits Eswatini Amid China Pressure and Airspace Tensions 
US Gaza Coordination Overhaul Raises Concerns Over Ceasefire and Aid Efforts 
Trump Expands Cuba Sanctions Targeting Key Sectors and Foreign Entities 
US President Joe Biden accomplished another legislative achievement in less than a year since taking office back in January. The House passed the Senate-approved bipartisan infrastructure bill that would soon be signed into law.
Last week, the House finally took a vote on the bipartisan infrastructure bill, which passed on a vote of 228 to 206, with several Republicans voting in favor of the bill. The bill that was already approved by the Senate on a 69-30 vote will now head to Biden’s desk to be signed into law. The bill would fix bridges, roads, and airports, as well as provide internet access, public transit, and water.
Six Democrats, most notably members of the progressive “Squad,” voted in opposition to the bill, citing that the bipartisan bill was voted on first before the social infrastructure bill that had the price tag of $1.75 trillion. The bill’s passage comes months after several negotiations between two conflicting factions of Democrats in the House.
Biden released a statement praising the passage of the bill and also called for the House to pass the Build Back Better Act to the Senate, which would invest in combating climate change, education, child and healthcare, as well as paid leave. The bill also makes up another large portion of Biden’s agenda.
“I’m asking every member of the House of Representatives to vote yes on both bills right now,” said Biden last Friday in his remarks at the White House. “Send the infrastructure bill to my desk, send the Build Back Better bill to the Senate. Let’s build on incredible economic progress, build on what we’ve already done because this will be such a boost when it occurs.”
In other related news, Biden released a statement weighing in on the recent terrorist attack in Iraq, targeting its Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi. Biden called for those responsible to be held accountable and directed his national security team to offer the necessary assistance to their Iraqi counterparts.
“I strongly condemn the terrorist attack targeting the residence of Iraqi Prime Minister al-Kadhimi. I am relieved the Prime Minister was not injured and commend the leadership he has shown in calling for calm, restraint, and dialogue to protect the institutions of the state and strengthen the democracy Iraqis so richly deserve,” said Biden.
