ASEAN Forum Puts Middle East Conflict, South China Sea Tensions in Spotlight 
Zelenskiy Says Ukraine-U.S. Drone Deal Includes American Factory for Advanced UAV Production 
Trump Says No Decision on Major Iran Strikes as U.S.-Tehran Talks Intensify 
Trump Administration Monitors OpenAI Incident as Lawmakers Push AI Kill Switch Bill 
EEOC Drops Penn Subpoena in Antisemitism Probe, Investigation Continues 
Russia Says It Hit Ukrainian Ports, Cargo Ships in Odesa and Chornomorsk 
Trump Threatens Iran With 'Major Military Punishment' as Red Sea Attacks Push Oil Above $100 
Iran Rejects U.S.-Backed Ceasefire as Trump Escalates Military Threats, Oil Tops $100 
Russian Bomb Strikes Hit Zaporizhzhia, Sloviansk, Injuring Dozens in Eastern Ukraine 
US Military Completes 13th Straight Night of Iran Strikes as Trump Warns of Further Action 
Trump Praises Nigeria’s Tinubu, Signaling Stronger U.S.-Nigeria Security Ties 
Amish Shah Wins Arizona Democratic Primary in Key U.S. House Race 
Trump Orders Section 301 Probe Into EU Tech Fines, Signals New Tariffs 
Trump Administration Opens Civil Rights Probes Into Five U.S. Medical Schools Over Admissions 
UN Rights Chief Volker Turk Faces Opposition Over Second Term Bid 
UN Reappoints Volker Turk as Human Rights Chief Despite U.S., Russia, Israel Opposition 
Arizona Primaries Set High-Stakes Governor and House Battles Ahead of Midterm Elections 
Democratic US President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 relief package was passed and turned into law without support from Republicans in Congress. Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi criticized Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell for recently touting the benefits of the relief plan despite voting against it.
Pelosi criticized the Senate Republican leader following reports of McConnell touting the benefits of the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package in the state of Kentucky, that he represents. At a local event, McConnell noted that he voted against the passage of the proposal, but added that Kentucky residents will experience financial relief as the pandemic has affected many financially.
“Vote no and take the dough,” tweeted Pelosi.
“Not a single member of my party voted for it. So you’re going to get a lot more money,” said McConnell at the event. “I didn’t vote for it, but you’re going to get a lot more money. Cities and counties in Kentucky will get close to $700-$800 million.”
“So my advice to the members of the legislature and other local officials: Spend it wisely because hopefully, this windfall doesn’t come along again,” added the Senate Minority leader, who noted that the state is projected to receive $4 billion as a result of the stimulus law.
It is not the first time a Republican touted the benefits of the COVID-19 relief plan. Several GOP lawmakers promoted parts of the law including the provision of aid for small businesses. Biden took a swipe at the GOP lawmakers who promoted the provisions saying, “some people have no shame.”
Meanwhile, Pelosi is also focused on the select committee that will be in charge of investigating the January 6 insurrection at the Capitol. The House Speaker has appointed eight members so far, and the remaining five members will be chosen in consultation with House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy. Pelosi has appointed seven Democrats and one Republican in the lineup.
A claim has circulated around social media alleging that Pelosi will not allow the Capitol Police to testify about what happened on January 6. Some Republicans have already claimed that Pelosi was also to blame for the siege that occurred by a pro-Trump mob that attempted to obstruct Congress’ certification of Biden’s victory.
Pelosi’s deputy spokesman Drew Hammill denied the claims, that have since been flagged by Facebook as part of its efforts to combat misinformation and fake news. Hammill cited that the committee’s chair, Rep. Bennie Thompson had already announced that the first hearing would be from Capitol Police officers.
