Bipartisan agreement ensures continued funding and passage of Social Security reform.
In a dramatic conclusion to weeks of tense negotiations, the U.S. Senate passed a government funding bill early Saturday (December 21), narrowly avoiding a shutdown ahead of the holiday season. The Democratic-controlled Senate voted 85-11 in favor of the measure, just 38 minutes after the midnight deadline.
The legislation, which now awaits President Joe Biden's signature, ensures the government remains funded into the new year. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer praised the bipartisan effort, saying, “It’s a good outcome for America and the American people.”
Social Security Fairness Act Passed
Alongside the funding bill, the Senate also passed the Social Security Fairness Act, correcting a long-standing issue that had reduced Social Security benefits for millions of retired public-sector workers. Schumer heralded the passage as “the end of a 50-year mistake,” benefiting teachers, firefighters, and other state and local workers.
Controversy and Compromise
The path to the agreement was marked by turbulence. An initial bipartisan deal was derailed after objections from President-elect Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, leading to accusations from Democrats of undue influence by an unelected figure. The final version of the bill omitted several Democratic priorities, reflecting concessions made to secure Republican support.
Broader Implications
Schumer expressed hope that the bipartisan approach seen in the final negotiations could set a tone for cooperation in the coming year. The funding bill, he said, supports disaster relief, aids farmers, and avoids harmful spending cuts.
The resolution brings temporary stability to U.S. government operations, but the challenges of crafting longer-term agreements loom in the months ahead.
President Trump confirmed he is serious about a potential third term, despite constitutional limits, saying it is “far too early” to decide. While U.S. presidents are restricted to two terms, Trump allies are exploring ways to challenge this rule ahead of the 2028 election.
Moscow and Washington have initiated discussions on potential joint projects involving rare earth metals and other critical resources in Russia, according to Russia's special envoy on international economic and investment cooperation, Kirill Dmitriev.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized Japan’s critical role in deterring Chinese aggression during a meeting with Japanese Defence Minister Gen Nakatani in Tokyo on Sunday
Lithuanian and U.S. rescuers are working to recover a military vehicle submerged in a peat bog, where four U.S. soldiers have been missing for two days during a training exercise near the Belarus border.
President Trump confirmed he is serious about a potential third term, despite constitutional limits, saying it is “far too early” to decide. While U.S. presidents are restricted to two terms, Trump allies are exploring ways to challenge this rule ahead of the 2028 election.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was banned from running for public office for five years after being convicted of embezzlement, ruling her out of the 2027 presidential race. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a €100,000 fine. Le Pen plans to appeal.
Paul Marchant has resigned as CEO of Primark with immediate effect after admitting to an "error of judgment" in a social interaction last year. Parent company AB Foods expressed disappointment, citing the importance of integrity. Finance director Eoin Tonge will serve as interim CEO.
Abu Dhabi will host International Jazz Day 2025, featuring a star-studded gala at Etihad Arena on April 30. Broadcast worldwide, the event will showcase top jazz, blues, and classical artists, including Herbie Hancock and Marcus Miller.
Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) pilots, monitoring a Chinese navy warship as it navigated Australian waters, were alerted to a live-fire exercise via a civilian radio broadcast, defense officials revealed on Tuesday.
A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar’s Sagaing region, followed by a 6.4-magnitude tremor, killing 2056 people and leaving 3,900 injured. The quake caused building collapses in Myanmar and Thailand, prompting emergency declarations and ongoing rescue efforts.
As the world shifts toward clean energy at an ever-accelerating pace, large economies are scrambling to secure reliable supply chains for rare earth minerals. These minerals, once seen as mere industrial components, have become a political tool in the global power struggle
Russian forces carried out a drone attack on Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, late Wednesday, injuring at least twenty one people and causing structural damage, according to Ukrainian officials.
President Trump confirmed he is serious about a potential third term, despite constitutional limits, saying it is “far too early” to decide. While U.S. presidents are restricted to two terms, Trump allies are exploring ways to challenge this rule ahead of the 2028 election.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was banned from running for public office for five years after being convicted of embezzlement, ruling her out of the 2027 presidential race. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a €100,000 fine. Le Pen plans to appeal.
Three of the four U.S. Army soldiers who went missing in Lithuania last week when their vehicle sunk in a peat bog have been found dead. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda expressed deep sorrow and stated that the search for the remaining soldier is ongoing.
President Trump confirmed he is serious about a potential third term, despite constitutional limits, saying it is “far too early” to decide. While U.S. presidents are restricted to two terms, Trump allies are exploring ways to challenge this rule ahead of the 2028 election.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was banned from running for public office for five years after being convicted of embezzlement, ruling her out of the 2027 presidential race. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a €100,000 fine. Le Pen plans to appeal.
Paul Marchant has resigned as CEO of Primark with immediate effect after admitting to an "error of judgment" in a social interaction last year. Parent company AB Foods expressed disappointment, citing the importance of integrity. Finance director Eoin Tonge will serve as interim CEO.
Abu Dhabi will host International Jazz Day 2025, featuring a star-studded gala at Etihad Arena on April 30. Broadcast worldwide, the event will showcase top jazz, blues, and classical artists, including Herbie Hancock and Marcus Miller.
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