In a bipartisan effort, the US Senate has passed a significant $1.2 trillion spending package, securing funding until September and preventing a government shutdown. The bill, which now awaits President Biden’s signature, was approved following intense negotiations. Additionally, a poll shows widespread support among Asian Americans for legal abortion, Kentucky advances in nuclear energy without sidelining coal, and the Pentagon allocates $300 million to aid Ukraine.
In a significant development on March 23, 2024, the United States Senate approved a $1.2 trillion spending package, averting a government shutdown and extending funding until September. This decision followed a period of intense negotiations and political disagreements between Democrats and Republicans. The House of Representatives had previously passed the bill, which President Joe Biden is expected to sign. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer highlighted the bipartisan nature of the agreement as a victory for the American populace.
In other news, a recent poll conducted by AAPI Data and the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research revealed that a substantial majority of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in the U.S. support legal abortion. Around 80% of respondents from these communities believe abortion should be legal in all or most cases, surpassing the general U.S. population’s support for reproductive rights. Additionally, a significant portion of respondents, particularly among Democrats and even some Republicans from these communities, advocate for federal legislation to ensure access to legal abortions nationwide.
On the energy front, Kentucky lawmakers have unanimously passed a bill to encourage nuclear energy development while maintaining the state’s coal industry. The legislation establishes the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority and aims at diversifying the state’s energy sources without replacing coal. This move reflects Kentucky’s interest in becoming part of the global shift towards nuclear energy, alongside ongoing clean energy projects.
Lastly, the Pentagon has allocated $300 million for military aid to Ukraine amidst a challenging financial landscape. Despite a significant budget, locating these funds was crucial due to delays in Congressional approval for additional military aid and ammunition shortages faced by Ukrainian forces. The Biden administration is advocating for a $95 billion supplemental funding package to further support Ukraine and replenish U.S. stockpiles, highlighting the need for Congressional action to address these financial challenges.