The Republican-controlled House rejected on Thursday evening a revamped spending bill that would stave off a federal government shutdown by the end of the week, leaving the ultimate fate of the measure backed by President-elect Donald Trump and his close allies in doubt. Just hours after the new deal was unveiled, 172 Republicans and two Democrats voted for the bill. It failed to pass under suspension of the rules, meaning the bill needed a two-thirds majority for it to succeed. Another 38 Republicans voted against the bill, siding with the majority of Democrats. Revised GOP CR fails to even get a majority, let alone two-thirds. 38 Republicans defy Trump. Just 2 Dems voted for the bill. pic.twitter.com/Y1dZVGyTR9 — Jamie Dupree (@jamiedupree) December 19, 2024 The Hill’s Emily Brooks reported that Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) said the bill would not go to the Rules Committee, a move that would pave the way to a vote requiring only a simple majority for success, but stressed the legislation is not “dead” as members would “continue having talks.” As evidenced by a tense debate on the House floor, at least some of the Republican opposition to the spending legislation rests with how the bill will extend a suspension of the debt ceiling for another two years beyond January of next year, when the current suspension is slated to expire. .@SpeakerJohnson on CR: "This is Washington. This is how lawmaking is done…The only change in this legislation is that we are going to push the debt limit to January 30, 2027." pic.twitter.com/x5FKmAhZWx — CSPAN (@cspan) December 19, 2024 House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) pushed back on the criticism, saying to a group of reporters before the bill failed, “Even though this vote would push the debt limit to 2027, it in no way reflects any lack of enthusiasm on our part to get about those serious cuts for the American people. CHECK OUT THE DAILY WIRE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE The legislation that has a continuing resolution (CR) to avert a government shutdown by the weekend had been shaved down by Republicans from 1,547 pages in its original form negotiated between the GOP-led House and Democrat-controlled Senate to 116 pages in the latest version. According to reports, top-line takeaways from the new deal include a three-month CR, two-year suspension of the debt ceiling until January 2027, a “clean” farm bill package, $110 billion disaster package, clean health extenders without pharmacy benefit manager reform, PAYGO Scorecard wiped to zero, and no E15 provisions in a blow to the ethanol industry. Trump celebrated the new version of legislation and encouraged lawmakers to vote in favor of it. He alluded to his forthcoming second term and GOP control of Congress, saying, “Now we can Make America Great Again, very quickly, which is what the People gave us a mandate to accomplish.” Provisions cut from the original CR include a pay raise for lawmakers, the reauthorization of a State Department agency critics say is at the center of a government “censorship scheme,” and a section allowing the transfer of jurisdiction of the RFK stadium site from the federal government to D.C. Other elements from the initial CR legislation seem to have made it in some form or another into the Republicans’ revamped measure, such as funds for the rebuilding of Maryland’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, which was devastated by a ship collision earlier this year, and some other items. Elon Musk, who has been tasked with helping to lead the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), and Trump condemned the initial CR. Many Republicans piled on what they slammed as the “cramnibus,” leaving House GOP leadership to begin work on a Plan B offering on Tuesday night. Many Democrats criticized their GOP colleagues for torpedoing the original CR deal after weeks of negotiations. In a statement, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said, “Republicans are doing the bidding of their billionaire benefactors at the expense of hardworking Americans.”

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on Thursday that it was instituting new restrictions on drone activity over parts of New Jersey. The announcement comes as the federal government has botched responding to news reports about public sightings of late-night drones that have spooked some local residents and caused a wide range of theories to be floated online about what was happening. The Department of Homeland Security said in a statement, “In coordination with the FAA and our critical infrastructure partners who requested temporary flight restrictions over their facilities, out of an abundance of caution, the FAA has issued temporary flight restrictions over some critical infrastructure facilities in New Jersey.” The agency published 22 Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) prohibiting drone flights over critical New Jersey infrastructure. The restrictions were imposed on drones operating from ground-level up to 400 feet above ground — the maximum height that civilians are supposed to fly their drones. CHECK OUT THE DAILY WIRE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE The restrictions ban drones from being flown over power stations and other infrastructure, CNN reported. The power stations include the Cedar Grove Switching Station, Athenia Switching Station, Hudson Switching Station, PSE&G Kearny Switching Station, and Bayonne Switching Station. The ban only applies to drones and no other types of aircraft. Drone flight restrictions were implemented late last month over Trump’s golf course in Bedminster and Picatinny Arsenal — a U.S. military research facility. Federal law enforcement officials and the U.S. military released a detailed statement on Monday night saying that after an extensive investigation, the mysterious drone sightings that people have seen on the East Coast do not amount to anything nefarious, nor is there any threat to the public. “Having closely examined the technical data and tips from concerned citizens, we assess that the sightings to date include a combination of lawful commercial drones, hobbyist drones, and law enforcement drones, as well as manned fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and stars mistakenly reported as drones,” the statement said. “We have not identified anything anomalous and do not assess the activity to date to present a national security or public safety risk over the civilian airspace in New Jersey or other states in the northeast.” They said that the FBI alone has received more than 5,000 tips over the last few weeks, which has generated approximately 100 leads that authorities have investigated. “We continue to support state and local authorities with advanced detection technology and support of law enforcement,” the statement said. “We urge Congress to enact counter-UAS legislation when it reconvenes that would extend and expand existing counter-drone authorities to identify and mitigate any threat that may emerge.” They added that drone sightings near U.S. military facilities, while concerning, are not a new phenomenon and that the Department of Defense “takes unauthorized access over its airspace seriously and coordinates closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement authorities, as appropriate.” “Local commanders are actively engaged to ensure there are appropriate detection and mitigation measures in place,” the statement added. Related: Drone Fears Cause New Problem: People Shining Lasers At Manned Aircraft

Just a week before Christmas, a popular teenage social media influencer has died. Beandri Booysen, 19, died from complications of progeria, a rare genetic disorder that causes a person to age rapidly. She died less than a month after her 19th birthday. @bb_unique_2005 #angel #loved WE ALREADY MISS YOU SO MUCH#fyp ♬ original sound – Phil Wickham – Phil Wickham Beandri Booysen’s Family Shared News Of Her Passing Her mother, Bea Booysen, released a statement in the Beandri, Our Inspiration Facebook group announcing her daughter’s passing. She wrote in part, “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Beandri Booysen, one of South Africa’s most beloved and inspirational young women. Beandri was not only known for her sparkling personality and infectious laugh, but was also the last surviving person in South Africa to live with Progeria – a rare genetic condition that causes children to age early.” Followers and loved ones shared condolences with the family. One wrote, “What a sad moment for South Africa, May her soul find rest in the Lord and may the Lord comfort the family “Rest in peace dear Beandri… God’s warrior to the end. To mom, dad, brother, family and loved ones, lots of strength in this sad time, may God hold you all tightly in His arms of comfort. We carry you in our hearts,” a follower shared. Another wrote, “Rest in Peace my beautiful BB. You were truly an inspiration for me and I loved you unbelievably much my BB. Jesus dances with your baby in His arms on His doorstep. My deepest sympathy to Bb’s parents and loved ones.” According to the Progeria Research Foundation, before her death, “Beandri just finished her Child Psychology studies” and was working on her life coach studies so she could help those who were dealing with emotional trauma and bullying. The progeria community will remember Beandri Booysen for her work educating others and her zest for life. May she rest in peace. This story’s featured image can be found here. The post Progeria Influencer Beandri Booysen Who “Was A Voice And A Symbol Of Awareness” Has Passed Away At 19 appeared first on InspireMore.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In a historic step to reshape the UK’s energy future, Ed Miliband, Secretary of Energy and Climate Change, revealed the government’s “Clean Power 2030” strategy. The initiative, described as the most ambitious energy reform in decades, seeks to generate 95 percent of the country’s electricity from green sources by the end of the decade. “A new era of clean electricity for our country offers a positive vision of Britain’s future with energy security, lower bills, good jobs, and climate action,” said Miliband. He emphasized the urgency of harnessing the UK’s natural resources to protect citizens from volatile global energy markets. This ambitious target aligns with the Labour government’s pledge to drastically reduce fossil fuel reliance and move toward a cleaner, greener energy landscape. Key pillars of the plan Streamlining onshore wind projects The government plans to reintroduce large onshore wind projects—those exceeding 100 megawatts—into the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project system. This move would shift approval power from local councils, which have historically opposed such projects, to government ministers. Greg Jackson, CEO of Octopus Energy, praised the move: “We welcome the prospect of slashing red tape for grid connections, overturning the onshore wind ban in England, and allowing more special offers to slash energy bills. Britain’s high energy prices stem from years of bad rules that don’t allow us to build renewable energy in the places it’s needed.” Addressing grid connection bottlenecks To accelerate renewable energy adoption, the government plans to grant energy regulators greater authority to address the backlog of energy projects waiting for National Grid connections. Massive renewable investments Labour’s plan is expected to inject £40 billion ($50.5 billion) annually in private sector investments, as reported by The Guardian. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero highlighted solar panel canopies over parking lots, factory rooftops, and warehouse spaces as untapped resources. Installing panels on one-fifth of the UK’s largest warehouses could generate as much as 15GW of solar capacity. Challenges and opportunities Despite the optimism surrounding the plan, the National Energy System Operator (NESO) called the 2030 target a “huge challenge” but “achievable.” The UK’s reliance on fossil fuels and biomass currently dwarfs its wind and solar contributions, with 65 percent of electricity derived from gas and wood-burning and just 5.3 percent coming from wind. “The winds of change are finally blowing in the right direction,” said Greenpeace UK’s Doug Parr. “But this roadmap must treble the amount of power generated by offshore wind and solar and double onshore wind, at least, if it’s to deliver the kind of ambition needed to turbocharge our way to a renewably powered future.” The role of carbon capture The announcement came days after the government greenlit the UK’s first carbon capture project at Teesside. Construction is set to begin in mid-2025, with the East Coast Cluster poised to capture emissions from regional industries. While this project marks a milestone, environmentalists warn against over-reliance on carbon capture. Doug Parr urged the government to focus on renewables, stating that carbon capture remains “expensive, impossible to make zero carbon, and fails to detach electricity prices from the volatile international gas market.” Lessons from the past: why energy reform is crucial The urgency of Labour’s plan has roots in Britain’s recent energy crisis. After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, energy prices soared to unprecedented levels, exposing the vulnerabilities of the UK’s dependence on fossil fuels. Miliband framed the plan as a solution to shield the country from such risks: “This is about ensuring a future where our energy system works for people, not against them.” What’s next? While the path to 95 percent green energy is steep, the plan lays a solid foundation for change. The government will begin consultations on solar panel canopies in 2025, alongside efforts to expand offshore and onshore wind capacity. Environmental groups and energy leaders alike agree: that the success of this bold initiative hinges on swift, decisive action. As Greg Jackson aptly summarized, “These are positive steps—but the scale of ambition must match the scale of the challenge.”The post UK government unveils bold plan to achieve 95% green energy by 2030 first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM With the chill of winter comes an increase in indoor humidity—fogged windows, damp air, and that unmistakable feeling of moisture hanging in your home. While dehumidifiers might seem like the go-to solution, did you know that certain houseplants can help absorb moisture from the air? It’s a phenomenon driven by a natural process called foliar uptake, where plants draw water through their leaves. Plant experts Michael Clarke and Paris Lalicata help us discover the top houseplants that can help regulate indoor humidity levels, especially in moisture-prone areas like bathrooms or kitchens. Here’s everything you need to know about these green allies and how to care for them. What is foliar uptake? Before diving into the plants, let’s explore how they work. According to Michael Clarke, horticulture expert and founder of Yardwork, foliar uptake is the process where plants absorb water through their leaves and stems, often via tiny pores called stomata or directly through the leaf’s surface. “It’s particularly common for plants that grow in areas with high amounts of fog or humidity,” Clarke explains, adding that it’s an adaptation that helps plants retain moisture during droughts. While the effect is more dramatic in their natural environments, tropical houseplants can replicate this process in our homes, especially in humid spots. The top 5 houseplants that absorb moisture 1. Orchids A timeless favorite, orchids—especially moth orchids—are not just beautiful but functional in high-humidity conditions. “Orchids can take up water through their aerial roots and leaves under high humidity,” says Paris Lalicata, plant education leader at The Sill. In their natural habitat, orchids cling to tree bark rather than soil, absorbing nutrients and moisture from the air through their roots. To keep your orchids thriving, provide them with bright, indirect light and water only when their roots turn silver instead of green. 2. Ferns Ferns are a classic choice for bringing greenery into homes, and their delicate fronds are adept at drawing in moisture. “Ferns absorb water through their fronds when placed in humid environments,” Lalicata shares. Popular indoor options like Boston ferns and bird’s nest ferns are not only great at regulating air moisture but also make striking visual statements. However, they can be fussy. “Most ferns prefer medium to bright indirect light and can tolerate low light, but strong direct sunlight can scorch their leaves,” Lalicata warns. Crisp or browning fronds often indicate watering issues, so keep an eye on their care. 3. Pothos Pothos, a staple for beginner plant parents, is a champion of air moisture and toxin absorption. “Pothos thrive in high-humidity environments and prefer bright, indirect light,” Clarke says. With their trailing vines, pothos are perfect for hanging baskets or elevated shelves. They also enjoy deep watering when the top inch of soil feels dry. To ensure your pothos stay happy, use a well-draining, slightly acidic potting mix. Clarke recommends ensuring good root zone airflow for optimal growth. 4. Bromeliads Known for their vibrant colors and striking shapes, bromeliads are native to tropical climates and experts in moisture absorption. “Bromeliads have specialized leaf rosettes that capture and absorb water,” says Lalicata. The central rosette collects water, which the plant slowly draws upon as needed. To care for bromeliads, place them in sunny spots and avoid letting them dry out completely. Even after they’ve finished flowering, proper care will encourage the plant to produce “pups” for propagation. 5. Rubber Plants Rubber plants, native to Southeast Asia, are as tough as they are beautiful. These humidity-tolerant plants thrive in indirect light and are well-suited to homes with fluctuating moisture levels. “Rubber plants are tolerant of many types of humidity environments,” Clarke explains. “It’s best to water them once the top three inches of soil have dried out.” He also advises keeping their environment within 65°F-85°F to prevent decline. Regular pruning of damaged foliage helps keep your rubber plant looking its best, and they’re a great choice for anyone looking for a low-maintenance addition to their collection. Can houseplants replace a dehumidifier? While these plants can absorb moisture from the air, don’t expect them to replace your dehumidifier. The effect of foliar uptake in a home environment is relatively minimal compared to their natural habitats. Still, they offer a host of other benefits, from improving air quality to boosting mood and reducing dust. How to help your moisture-absorbing plants thrive To make the most of your plant’s natural abilities: Place them in humid areas. Bathrooms, kitchens, and rooms with frequent condensation are ideal. Balance their needs. Ensure they still receive adequate light and watering, as air moisture alone won’t meet their hydration requirements. Keep them healthy. Regularly check for signs of overwatering, pests, or nutrient deficiencies to keep your plants in tip-top shape. Why moisture-absorbing plants are a win-win Incorporating these houseplants into your home not only helps regulate humidity but also brings a little slice of the tropics into your daily life. Whether you’re drawn to the timeless elegance of orchids or the easy-going charm of pothos, there’s a moisture-absorbing plant for every home and lifestyle.The post 5 houseplants that absorb moisture and thrive in humid spaces first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

Will children be protected from pornography

'Roy voted against the new CR'

'higher costs'

The 'Shutdown' Propaganda Is Ridiculous

The House Administration Oversight Subcommittee headed by Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-Ga.), has released its second and final report on its investigation into the House January 6 Committee — and the contents of it are shocking. Now Rep. Loudermilk joins Glenn Beck to review four key findings of the Subcommittee’s report. 1. Pipe bomber According to FBI testimonies, the cell phone carrier that possessed data related to the January 6 pipe bomber was corrupted when the FBI received it. When the agency went back to the carrier to ask for the data again, it was allegedly told that the data was no longer available. Loudermilk says that they now know this was a lie. “We went to the three major carriers, asked them all. ... All three of them said, ‘Yes, we were subpoenaed by the FBI, we did provide data.’ All three of them said the FBI never came back to us and asked for the data again, telling us it was corrupted,” he tells Glenn. When he asked whether these carriers still possessed the data, all three said, “Yes, we keep data for every major event.” “[The FBI] put very little resources into finding who placed the pipe bombs, but yet they will go to all lengths to find anyone who was around the Capitol. That is not an equal application of the law,” he added. 2. The gallows “The only thing [Democrats] could run on was January 6 and that Donald Trump is a traitor to our country. We systematically dismantled that, but the one thing that they had was the gallows,” says Loudermilk, adding that the Democratic narrative was that it erected to “hang Mike Pence because he wasn't going to object to the certification of votes.” “But the thing is, Trump didn't even know what Pence was going to do until 1:00 in the afternoon, and the gallows [were] put up at 6:00 in the morning,” he clarifies. Further, if someone were to put up a small stand on Capitol property, it would be taken down immediately, so how is it that Capitol Police allowed gallows to remain standing all day? Loudermilk says that he assigned a team to find out how much investigating the FBI did into the gallows. After asking every government building on the street whether the FBI had contacted it asking for video footage of the truck that transported the materials for the gallows, every single one said no. “The FBI spent no time looking into who erected the gallows,” says Loudermilk. 3. Liz Cheney “Liz Cheney should be investigated,” he says bluntly. Former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson was the “star witness who came in and testified before the select committee twice under oath.” “The third time, she started changing her first two testimonies, and then the fourth time, she totally came out with all kinds of crazy stories,” says Loudermilk. What happened between the first two testimonies and the last two? “She started communicating directly with Liz Cheney,” he says, who ironically referred Donald Trump to the DOJ in July of 2022 to be investigated for “witness tampering.” Unlike Trump, who was not successful in contacting a witness, “Liz Cheney did communicate with a witness ... and even acknowledged that it was unethical.” “According to Cassidy Hutchinson, Cheney did recommend her to fire her attorney and that Liz Cheney did help her find a new one,” says Loudermilk. 4. Missing information Liz Wheeler, sitting in for Stu Burguiere, points to the part of the subcommittee’s report that states, “There was information that was withheld from Liz Cheney and her committee's final report” and “that there was a terabyte of data that was somehow deleted.” “Do you know what information was held from that final report ... and do you have any way of accessing the deleted data?” she asks. “Yes, we know what was missing, and we’re releasing it publicly,” Loudermilk says, adding that some of the missing information includes “witness testimonies that exonerated Trump or did not line up with Cassidy Hutchinson’s.” “As far as deleted documents, we know that they got rid of all the videotapes of all the testimonies, and some of those could have exonerated Stefan Passantino,” he adds. To hear more about Loudermilk’s report, watch the clip above. Want more from Glenn Beck?To enjoy more of Glenn’s masterful storytelling, thought-provoking analysis, and uncanny ability to make sense of the chaos, subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America, defend the Constitution, and live the American dream.