3 NEWS : If Florida votes for abortion, marijuana, will lawmakers abide? - Tampa Bay Times #NewYork #news
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- If Florida votes for abortion, marijuana, will lawmakers abide? Tampa Bay Times
- Once a destination for abortion, Florida will soon have the most restrictive ban NPR
- Rep. Jared Moskowitz says Florida is at play for Democrats with abortion on the ballot MSNBC
- From hospitals to doctors' offices, the frantic questions women are asking about the new abortion law South Florida Sun Sentinel
- Florida's 6-week abortion ban set to take effect this week CNN
Noticias
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State Department to begin mass layoffs of about 1,800 employees in coming days -
The State Department informed U.S.-based employees on Thursday that it would soon begin laying off nearly 2,000 workers after the recent Supreme Court decision allowing the Trump administration to move forward with mass job cuts as part of its efforts to downsize the federal workforce.
The agency's reorganization plan was first unveiled in April by Secretary of State Marco Rubio to eliminate functions and offices the department considered to be redundant. In February, President Donald Trump issued an executive order directing Rubio to revamp the foreign service to ensure that the president's foreign policy is "faithfully" implemented.
Employees affected by the agency's "reduction in force" would be notified soon, Deputy Secretary for Management and Resources Michael Rigas told employees in an email on Thursday.
‘IT WILL HAPPEN QUICKLY’: STATE DEPT POISED TO ACT AFTER SUPREME COURT GREEN-LIGHTS AGENCY LAYOFFS
"First and foremost, we want to thank them for their dedication and service to the United States," Rigas said in the email.
"Every effort has been made to support our colleagues who are departing, including those who opted into the Deferred Resignation Programs … On behalf of Department leadership, we extend our gratitude for your hard work and commitment to executing this reorganization and for your ongoing dedication to advancing U.S. national interests across the world," he added.
The department did not specify on Thursday how many people would be fired, but in its plans to Congress sent in May, it had proposed laying off about 1,800 employees of the 18,000 estimated domestic workforce. Another 1,575 were estimated to have taken deferred resignations.
SOTOMAYOR BREAKS WITH JACKSON IN SUPREME COURT DECISION OVER TRUMP CUTS TO FEDERAL WORKFORCE
The plans to Congress did not state how many of these workers would be from the civil service and how many from the foreign service, but it did say that more than 300 of the department's 734 bureaus and offices would be streamlined, merged or eliminated.
Once affected staff have been notified, the department "will enter the final stage of its reorganization and focus its attention on delivering results-driven diplomacy," Rigas said in the email to colleagues.
The expectation is for the terminations to start as soon as Friday.
State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce told reporters earlier on Thursday that the only reason there had been a delay in implementing force reductions is because the courts have stepped in, as she said the mass layoffs would be happening quickly.
"There has been a delay – not to our interests, but because of the courts," Bruce noted. "It's been difficult when you know you need to get something done for the benefit of everyone."
"When something is too large to operate, too bureaucratic, to actually function, and to deliver projects, or action, it has to change," she said.
Reuters contributed to this report.
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Canada plans to recognize Palestinian state in September, PM Carney says -
Canada plans to recognize a Palestinian state in September during a meeting of the United Nations, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Wednesday.
"We are working ourselves, with others, to preserve the possibility of a two-state solution, to not allow the facts on the ground, deaths on the ground, the settlements on the ground, the expropriations on the ground, to get to such an extent that this is not possible," Carney said.
Carney said the move was subject to the Palestinian Authority's commitment to reforms, including commitments to reform its governance and to hold general elections next year in which Hamas "can play no part."
Israel criticized Carney's position, calling it a "reward for Hamas" that hurts efforts to reach a ceasefire and free the remaining hostages still held by the terror group after its Oct. 7, 2023, attack against the Jewish State.
STARMER SAYS UK TO RECOGNIZE PALESTINIAN STATE IF ISRAEL DOESN'T AGREE TO CEASEFIRE, HAMAS MUST 'DISARM'
"Israel rejects the statement by the Prime Minister of Canada," Israel's Foreign Ministry said in a statement. "The change in the position of the Canadian government at this time is a reward for Hamas and harms the efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and a framework for the release of the hostages."
Carney's announcement came after France said last week it would recognize a Palestinian state and a day after Britain said it would recognize the state at the U.N. if the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza had not stopped by then.
French President Emmanuel Macron, who spoke with Carney before Canada's announcement, said the recognition of a Palestinian state will "revive a prospect of peace in the region."
The announcements by some of Israel's closest allies reflect the growing international outrage over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, adding more pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government.
"Canada condemns the fact that the Israeli government has allowed a catastrophe to unfold in Gaza," Carney said.
The White House also opposes the decision to recognize a Palestinian state, saying President Donald Trump agrees with Israel that it would be "rewarding Hamas."
"As the president stated, he would be rewarding Hamas if he recognizes a Palestinian state, and he doesn’t think they should be rewarded," a White House official said. "So he is not going to do that. President Trump’s focus is on getting people fed [in Gaza]."
U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff is scheduled to travel to Israel on Thursday to discuss the situation in Gaza. Trump said this week he expected centers to be set up to feed more people in the area.
CANADA'S ANTISEMITISM ENVOY RESIGNS, CITING EXHAUSTION AMID HATE SURGE
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The Palestinian government has been a non-member observer state of the U.N. General Assembly since 2012, recognized by more than three-quarters of the assembly's 193 member states.
The war in Gaza began with Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack against Israel in which roughly 1,200 people were killed and another 251 were abducted, Israeli officials reported.
Israel responded with an ongoing military offensive in the Gaza Strip, killing more than 60,000 people, according to the Hamas-run government's Gaza health ministry.
Reuters contributed to this report.
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Trump calls out Republican holdouts as House procedural vote on megabill remains open: ‘Costing you votes!’ -
President Donald Trump took to Truth Social early Thursday to call out Republicans who are still refusing to get behind a House procedural vote on the "Big Beautiful Bill."
With the vote having stalled late Wednesday – with five Republican "nays" and another eight Republicans having yet to cast a vote – the president touted the benefits the country is poised to gain with the bill’s passage.
"Largest Tax Cuts in History and a Booming Economy vs. Biggest Tax Increase in History, and a Failed Economy," Trump wrote on Truth Social before turning his ire to GOP holdouts: "What are the Republicans waiting for??? What are you trying to prove??? MAGA IS NOT HAPPY, AND IT’S COSTING YOU VOTES!!!"
SENATE REPUBLICANS RAM TRUMP'S 'BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL' THROUGH KEY TEST VOTE
Trump later wrote that the vote should be an "EASY YES" for Republicans, calling the holdouts’ refusal to vote, "RIDICULOUS."
A procedural "rule vote" allows lawmakers to debate ahead of a final vote on the "Big Beautiful Bill" before it would head to the president’s desk for a signature.
By early Thursday, the following House Republicans were a no on the procedural vote: Reps. Andrew Clyde of Georgia, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, Keith Self of Texas, Victoria Spartz of Indiana, and Thomas Massie of Kentucky – who changed his vote from a "yay" to a "nay."
When asked why he switched his vote, Massie told Fox News Digital, "Because most of the world isn’t concerned about the difference between the rule resolution vote and the final passage vote."
MIKE JOHNSON, DONALD TRUMP GET ‘BIG, 'BEAUTIFUL’ WIN AS BUDGET PASSES HOUSE
The following Republican lawmakers have yet to cast their vote: Reps. Josh Brecheen of Oklahoma, Tim Burchett of Tennessee, Eric Burlison of Missouri, Michael Cloud of Texas, Andy Harris of Maryland, Bob Onder of Missouri, Scott Perry of Pennsylvania, and Chip Roy of Texas.
Leaving a room with other holdouts and critics of the bill just after 1 a.m. on Thursday, Burchett told reporters, "We're just getting very close, I think, to getting something resolved."
He would not say how he would vote for the legislation, however.
GOP lawmakers can only afford to lose three votes. Republican leaders have now kept the rule vote open for over four hours to try to pressure the holdouts to get a majority vote.
House Speaker Mike Johnson had recalled lawmakers to Washington, eager to seize on the momentum of the bill's passage the day before in the Senate and vowed to press ahead.
"Everybody wants to get to yes," Johnson told Fox News as the voting was underway.
Quickly convening for the vote on the more than 800-page bill was risky gambit, one designed to meet Trump's demand for a holiday finish. Republicans have struggled mightily with the bill nearly every step of the way this year, often succeeding by the narrowest of margins, only one vote.
Their slim 220-212 majority, leaving little room for defections.
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Trump to speak at NATO Summit amid warming relations with alliance's leaders -
President Donald Trump is set to take the main stage on the second day of the NATO Summit in The Hague, Netherlands — offering a surprisingly cordial tone toward the alliance he has long criticized.
The president is scheduled to meet with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and other world leaders before holding a press conference.
Trump also said he will "probably" greet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is attending the summit amid his ongoing push for Ukraine to join NATO.
In text messages shared by Trump, Rutte congratulated him for "making Europe pay in a big way" through a new 5% defense spending target — and for brokering an end to the recent conflict between Israel and Iran.
TRUMP HEADS TO NATO SUMMIT AS EUROPE AGREES TO HEED HIS DEFENSE SPENDING DEMANDS
"Congratulations and thank you for your decisive action on Iran. That was truly extraordinary, and something no one else dared to do," Rutte wrote as Trump flew toward the summit. "It makes us all safer."
Israel and Iran entered into a U.S.-brokered ceasefire on Tuesday that almost fell apart — though Israel called off its counterattack at Trump's urging.
"You are flying into another big success in The Hague this evening," Rutte added, referencing the new agreement for NATO members to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP.
NATO allies first agreed in 2006 to spend 2% of GDP on defense — a goal many failed to meet for years. Now, after Trump’s repeated calls for Europe to "pull its weight," the alliance has approved a more ambitious 5% target, with an exception for Spain, which has long struggled to meet even the original benchmark.
The new figure breaks down into 3.5% for core defense spending, and 1.5% for related infrastructure, including cyberwarfare and intelligence. NATO ambassadors agreed on the compromise text Sunday.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE UPCOMING NATO SUMMIT: TRUMP, SPENDING, UKRAINE, IRAN
For most allies, the target marks a significant leap. Poland currently leads all member states with 4.1% of GDP going toward defense. The U.S. stands at 3.4%.
Trump said he doesn’t believe the U.S. needs to reach the full 5% threshold — a position backed by Rutte.
"The United States is already spending almost 3.5% on core defense, and no doubt they are close to spending the 1.5% on defense-related items," Rutte said. "Countries like Estonia and Poland are very close. For many others, it will still be a long road ahead, but it’s really important that we do this."
He also called on defense industries "on both sides of the Atlantic" to ramp up production.
"It is simply unthinkable that Russia, with an economy 25 times smaller than NATO’s, should be able to outproduce and outgun us," Rutte said Tuesday. He urged Europe: "Make your defenses so strong that no one dares to attack you."
Despite the progress, Trump cast fresh doubt on whether the U.S. would abide by NATO’s cornerstone mutual defense clause — Article 5 — which obligates members to defend one another in the event of an attack.
"It depends on your definition," Trump said when asked if he would honor the commitment. "There’s numerous definitions of Article 5, you know that, right? But I'm committed to being their friends. I've become friends with many of those leaders, and I'm committed to helping them."
Still, U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker sought to reassure allies, telling reporters, "The United States isn’t going anywhere."
Rutte echoed that message, telling partners to "stop worrying so much" and focus on strengthening their own defenses.
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Italian archaeologists unveil rare 2,600-year-old tomb untouched by looters: 'Doorway to our ancestors' -
Archaeologists recently unearthed a remarkable 2,600-year-old tomb in Italy — a rare find untouched by looters.
The discovery was announced by the Italian Ministry of Culture on June 30. In a press release, the organization said the burial mound dated back to the late 7th century B.C., during the Orientalizing period of Italian history.
The tomb is part of the Caiolo Necropolis within the San Giuliano archaeological area, some 30 miles north of Rome. The site is famous for housing other ancient burials, including the Queen's Tomb, the Tomb of the Stag and the Tomb of the Beds.
ANCIENT CHRISTIAN TOMB COMPLEX REVEALED BENEATH RUBBLE FROM SYRIA'S CIVIL WAR
The newly discovered tomb has not been officially named, but authorities emphasized its significance – especially as it remained undisturbed for 2,600 years.
Its treasures included ceramic vessels still bearing paint, along with bronze ornaments.
"Once the slab sealing the chamber was removed, numerous vessels immediately became visible," the ministry said in a statement translated from Italian to English.
STRANGE VIKING GRAVE WITH 'CHRISTIAN OVERTONES' DISCOVERED BY PERPLEXED ARCHAEOLOGISTS: 'VERY UNUSUAL'
"Some [were] fine painted ceramics, such as those near the entrance – deliberately placed according to a precise ritual performed before the tomb was sealed," the statement added.
"On the left-hand bed, a basin and several bronze ornamental elements belonging to the deceased remain in situ."
The excavation was conducted under the supervision of the Superintendency of Viterbo and Southern Etruria, in partnership with Baylor University.
Supervising archaeologist Barbara Barbaro said that the necropolis contains over 500 tombs, though most were looted by either ancient people or modern robbers – but not the most recent one.
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"Finding an untouched tomb is incredibly rare," Barbaro noted.
"That’s what makes this discovery so exceptional."
Barbaro also said that further study on the site will be "fundamental to advancing knowledge of the ancient world."
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"A sealed context is crucial not only for preservation but also because it gives us a complete snapshot of life through the ritual of death," she added.
Reflecting on the emotional weight of the find, Barbaro compared the discovery of the tomb to "a bridge to our past, a doorway to our ancestors."
"This is what happens when an untouched tomb is found – it becomes a collective event," the archaeologist said. "The silence … the awe, the respect for those waiting behind that massive stone. The emotion."
"We’re thrilled to have rescued this material from those who would illegally profit from it," she added. "Now, it will tell a beautiful story for everyone."
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Congress sends $9B spending cuts package to Trump's desk after late-night House vote -
Congress is officially sending a package detailing $9 billion in spending cuts to President Donald Trump’s desk, minutes after midnight on Friday.
The bill, called a "rescissions package," was approved by the House of Representatives in a late-night 216 to 213 vote after intense debate between Republicans and Democrats. Just two Republicans, Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., and Mike Turner, R-Ohio, voted in opposition.
Friday was also the deadline for passing the legislation, otherwise the White House would be forced to re-obligate those funds as planned.
It’s a victory for House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., but a mostly symbolic one – the spending cuts bill was largely seen by Trump allies as a test run of a fiscal claw-back process not used in more than two decades.
FAR-LEFT FIREBRAND SAYS SHE 'NEVER HAD A CONCERN' ABOUT BIDEN'S MENTAL STATE AS HOUSE PROBE HEATS UP
"This bill tonight is part of continuing that trend of getting spending under control. Does it answer all the problems? No. $9 billion, I would say is a good start," House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., said during debate on the bill.
When signed by Trump, it will block $8 billion in funding to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and $1 billion to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting for the remainder of the fiscal year. The dollars had been allocated by Congress for the duration of fiscal year 2025.
Republicans celebrated it as a victory for cutting off the flow of U.S. taxpayer dollars to what they called "woke" initiatives abroad, while Democrats accused the right of gutting critical foreign aid.
Rescissions packages are a way for the president to have input in Congress’ yearly appropriations process. The White House sends a proposal to block some congressionally obligated funds, which lawmakers have 45 days to get through the House and Senate.
Republicans have also been able to sideline Democrats so far, with the rescissions process lowering the Senate’s threshold for passage from 60 votes to 51.
The last time a rescissions package was signed into law was 1999.
Consideration of the bill began with a House Rules Committee hearing at 6 p.m. on Thursday evening.
Democrats attempted multiple times throughout the process to weaponize the ongoing inter-GOP fallout over the Jeffrey Epstein case, both in the House Rules Committee and on the chamber floor during debate on the bill.
Multiple calls were made for votes to force the release of the so-called Epstein "files."
"If every Republican votes to block our attempt to release the records, they are telling Epstein's victims, you don't matter as much as our political convenience. And that should disgust every single one of us," said Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass.
Far-right GOP figures are demanding accountability, while Trump has called on his base to move on after the Department of Justice (DOJ) signaled the case was closed.
Initial plans to begin advancing the bill earlier in the day were quickly scuttled, with Republicans on the committee being concerned about being put into a difficult position with potential Epstein votes.
In the end, a compromise led to the House Rules Committee advancing a separate nonbinding measure dealing with Epstein transparency, on a parallel track to the rescissions bill.
THOM TILLIS ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT FROM SENATE AFTER CLASH WITH TRUMP
"All the credible evidence should come out. I've been very clear with members of the House Rules Committee. Republicans have been taking the incoming criticism because they voted to stop the Democrats' politicization of this, and they're trying to stick to their job and move their procedural rules to the floor so we can do our work and get the rescissions done for the American people," Johnson told reporters during negotiations earlier in the day.
Democrats nevertheless pressed on, mentioning Epstein multiple times on the House floor. McGovern even briefly led a chant of "release the files" when closing debate on the bill.
Republicans, in turn, accused Democrats of hypocrisy.
"Interesting how they talk about Jeffrey Epstein, because for four years, Mr. Speaker, President Joe Biden had those files, and not a single Democrat that you're hearing tonight tried to get those files released," House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., said at one point during the House floor debate.
The House initially voted to advance a $9.4 billion rescissions package, but it was trimmed somewhat in the Senate after some senators had concerns about cutting funding for HIV/AIDS prevention research in Africa.
Trump is expected to sign the bill on Friday.
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Hall of Famer, beloved Cubs legend Ryne Sandberg dead at 65 after battle with cancer -
Hall of Famer and Chicago Cubs legend Ryne Sandberg has died after a long battle with cancer, MLB announced on Monday night.
Sandberg was 65 years old.
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg," MLB wrote in a statement on social media.
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"The beloved Cubs second baseman was a five-tool model of consistency in the 1980s and early ‘90s, making 10 consecutive All-Star teams and winning 9 straight Gold Glove awards."
"With great sadness, we share that Ryne Sandberg has passed away today," the Cubs wrote in a statement on X with a picture of "Ryno."
FORMER CUBS MANAGER LEE ELIA, FAMOUS FOR EPIC PROFANITY-LACED RANT AGAINST FANS, DEAD AT 87
Sandberg was named league MVP during the 1984 season, where he had a league-leading 8.5 WAR, while also leading the way in runs (114) and triples (19). He slashed .314/.367/.520 that year with 36 doubles, 19 homers and 84 RBI over 156 games.
MLB’s tribute to Sandberg included his performance on June 23, 1984, which was forever dubbed "The Sandberg Game."
"On June 23, 1984, a national TV audience watched Sandberg hit a pair of game-tying home runs in the 9th and 10th innings off Cardinals closer and future Hall of Famer Bruce Sutter. Part of a magical Cubs Postseason run, the game is forever remembered in Chicago as "The Sandberg Game." He went on to win the 1984 NL MVP Award," MLB wrote.
Sandberg debuted with the Philadelphia Phillies, the team that drafted him in the 20th round of the 1978 Amateur Draft out of North Central High School in Spokane, Wash., in 1981. While he was quickly moved to the Cubs the following season, Sandberg returned to manage the Phillies for parts of three seasons.
But Sandberg’s legacy on the diamond came on the north side of the Windy City, where he hit .285/.344/.452 with 282 homers and 2,151 hits over 15 seasons with the Cubs. Other than his stellar defense, Sandberg won seven Silver Slugger awards and won a Home Run Derby.
"On June 23, 2024, the 340th anniversary of his iconic moment, the Cubs unveiled a statue of Sandberg outside Wrigley Field," MLB’s statement continued.
Sandberg was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005.
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Trump's 'big, beautiful bill' faces Republican family feud as Senate reveals its final text -
Senate Republicans unveiled their long-awaited version of President Donald Trump’s "big, beautiful bill," but its survival is not guaranteed.
Senate Budget Committee Chair Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., revealed the stitched-together text of the colossal bill late Firday night.
The final product from the upper chamber is the culmination of a roughly month-long sprint to take the House GOP’s version of the bill and mold and change it. The colossal package includes separate pieces and parts from 10 Senate committees. With the introduction of the bill, a simple procedural hurdle must be passed in order to begin the countdown to final passage.
When that comes remains an open question. Senate Republicans left their daily lunch on Friday under the assumption that a vote could be teed up as early as noon on Saturday.
HOUSE CONSERVATIVES GO TO WAR WITH SENATE OVER TRUMP'S 'BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL'
Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., told Fox News Digital that he had "strongly encouraged" Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., to put the bill on the floor for a vote Saturday afternoon.
"If you're unhappy with that, you're welcome to fill out a hurt feelings report, and we will review it carefully later," Kennedy said. "But in the meantime, it's time to start voting."
But Senate Republicans’ desire to impose their will on the package and make changes to already divisive policy tweaks in the House GOP’s offering could doom the bill and derail Thune’s ambitious timeline to get it on Trump’s desk by the July 4 deadline.
However, Thune has remained firm that lawmakers would stay on course and deliver the bill to Trump by Independence Day.
When asked if he had the vote to move the package forward, Thune said "we’ll find out tomorrow."
TOP TRUMP HEALTH OFFICIAL SLAMS DEMOCRATS FOR 'MISLEADING' CLAIMS ABOUT MEDICAID REFORM
But it wasn't just lawmakers who nearly derailed the bill. The Senate parliamentarian, the true final arbiter of the bill, ruled that numerous GOP-authored provisions did not pass muster with Senate rules.
Any item in the "big, beautiful bill" must comport with the Byrd Rule, which governs the budget reconciliation process and allows for a party in power to ram legislation through the Senate while skirting the 60-vote filibuster threshold.
That sent lawmakers back to the drawing board on a slew of policy tweaks, including the Senate's changes to the Medicaid provider tax rate, cost-sharing for food benefits and others.
Republican leaders, the White House and disparate factions within the Senate and House GOP have been meeting to find middle ground on other pain points, like tweaking the caps on state and local tax (SALT) deductions.
While the controversial Medicaid provider tax rate change remained largely the same, a $25 billion rural hospital stabilization fund was included in the bill to help attract possible holdouts that have raised concerns that the rate change would shutter rural hospitals throughout the country.
On the SALT front, there appeared to be a breakthrough on Friday. A source told Fox News that the White House and House were on board with a new plan that would keep the $40,000 cap from the House's bill and have it reduced back down to $10,000 after five years.
But Senate Republicans are the ones that must accept it at this stage. Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., has acted as the mediator in those negotiations, and said that he was unsure if any of his colleagues "love it."
"But I think, as I've said before, I want to make sure we have enough that people can vote for than to vote against," he said.
Still, a laundry list of other pocket issues and concerns over just how deep spending cuts in the bill go have conservatives and moderates in the House GOP and Senate pounding their chests and vowing to vote against the bill.
Republican leaders remain adamant that they will finish the mammoth package and are gambling that some lawmakers standing against the bill will buckle under the pressure from the White House and the desire to leave Washington for a short break.
Once a motion to proceed is passed, which only requires a simple majority, then begins 20 hours of debate evenly divided between both sides of the aisle.
'BABY STEPS': LEADER THUNE DETAILS HIS WORK TO CORRAL REPUBLICANS BEHIND TRUMP'S LEGISLATIVE VISION
Democratic lawmakers are expected to spend the entirety of their 10 allotted hours, while Republicans will likely clock in well below their limit. From there starts the "vote-a-rama" process, when lawmakers can submit a near-endless number of amendments to the bill. Democrats will likely try to extract as much pain as possible with messaging amendments that won't actually pass but will add more and more time to the process.
Once that is complete, lawmakers will move to a final vote. If successful, the "big, beautiful bill" will again make its way back to the House, where House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., will again have to corral dissidents to support the legislation. It barely advanced last month, squeaking by on a one-vote margin.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent hammered on the importance of passing Trump's bill on time. He met with Senate Republicans during their closed-door lunch and spread the message that advancing the colossal tax package would go a long way to giving businesses more certainty in the wake of the president's tariffs.
"We need certainty," he said. "With so much uncertainty, and having the bill on the president's desk by July 4 will give us great tax certainty, and I believe, accelerate the economy in the third quarter of the year."
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Florida tourist hotspot nearly becomes sanctuary city before leaders reverse ICE policy -
A Florida city walked back its decision to defy an agreement with federal immigration authorities, sparking intense public backlash just days after the initial vote.
In a stunning reversal, Key West city commissioners voted Tuesday to reinstate local law enforcement’s collaboration with federal immigration efforts, ultimately bowing to pressure from state leaders.
The divisive decision comes one week after the commission opted to end the city’s implementation of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s 287(g) agreement in a 5-1 vote, which would allow cooperation between federal agents and local law enforcement.
ICE did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
FLORIDA CITY COMMISSIONER 'SHOCKED' TO STAND ALONE AS COLLEAGUES DEFY TRUMP IMMIGRATION CRACKDOWN
Commissioner Lissette Carey stood as the sole vote against dissolving the program last week, and subsequently voted in the majority at Tuesday’s meeting.
"We absolutely have to support and follow the law of our state and federal government," Commissioner Lissette Carey told Fox News Digital. "I was shocked that I was the standalone vote and that my colleagues didn’t understand the severity of terminating the agreement."
As the commission voted 4-2 to reinstate the agreement, constituents attending the meeting were heard shouting at the officials before walking out in protest.
Commissioners Monika Haskell, Samuel Kaufman, Donald Lee and Aaron Castillo did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. Commissioner Mary Lou Hoover declined to comment on the vote.
DESANTIS ADMINISTRATION THREATENS TO PUNISH ISLAND CITY THAT VOTED TO END POLICE AGREEMENT WITH ICE
Initial confusion regarding the validity of the decision drew criticism from constituents throughout the state’s southernmost community, with the city’s police chief, Sean Brandenburg, signing the initial agreement.
"[The commissioners] took an interesting position on [the agreement], stating that it was never valid to begin with," Carey said.
In Tuesday's vote, Carey looked to clarify the legality of the initial agreement after it was signed by the chief of police, instead of City Manager Brian Barroso.
"I’ve wanted clarity on that," Carey said. "The city manager is supposed to sign those agreements, but he authorized the police chief to do so."
FLORIDA OFFICIALS DIVIDED OVER ICE DEPORTATION DEAL AIMED AT CRIMINAL ALIENS: ‘EMBARRASSED FOR OUR CITY’
According to Carey, city officials informed her that it was common practice for the police chief to sign memorandums of understanding.
"The commissioner that proposed amendments asked to change ‘reinstating’ into ‘entering into,’" Carey said. "In other words, it was never a valid contract to begin with. So it is recognized via the resolution that this is a reinstatement, which to me says it was valid to begin with and canceled."
Both Barroso and Brandenburg’s administrations declined Fox News Digital’s request for comment. The mayor’s office and city attorney did not immediately respond.
ICE PARTNERSHIP WILL BUILD 'PUBLIC TRUST,' VICE MAYOR OF TOWN WITH LARGE VENEZUELAN COMMUNITY SAYS
The vote follows increasing pressure from Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration after officials slammed local leaders for dissolving the agreement and promised consequences if the commission did not ultimately choose to reverse the decision.
"The City of Key West violated state law when they voted to void the Key West Police Department’s 287(g) agreement with ICE," Florida attorney general James Uthmeier previously wrote in a social media post in response to the initial vote.
Uthmeier went on to accuse the commissioners of creating a sanctuary city — an illegal practice within Florida — adding, "They have a choice: stop impeding law enforcement from enforcing immigration law or face the consequences."
FLORIDA’S LARGEST VENEZUELAN STRONGHOLD POISED TO JOIN FORCES WITH ICE: REPORT
Carey believes the reversal came in response to Uthmeier’s letter to the commissioners, vowing "civil and criminal penalties, including removal from office" if the decision was not immediately walked back.
"I think some of our commission members took that very seriously," Carey told Fox News Digital. "So they called for the emergency meeting in order to rectify what they had done a week prior."
LARGE CITY SIGNS ONTO DEAL WITH ICE: 'KEEP THE AMERICAN PEOPLE SAFE'
Immediately following the revised decision, Uthmeier praised the commissioners’ course reversal.
"Great to see the City of Key West heeding our warning and reversing course by reinstating their participation in ICE’s 287(g) program," Uthmeier said in a social media post. "Florida requires cities to commit best efforts to help the Trump administration enforce immigration law, and Floridians expect nothing less."
The vote comes as the City of South Miami is currently suing the DeSantis administration after a special state legislative session passed a bill in February placing additional responsibilities on local governments within the state to cooperate with ICE. The lawsuit is asking the state to not require South Miami law enforcement to enter a 287(g) while also not automatically declaring a sanctuary city.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE IMMIGRATION COVERAGE
Key West’s city commission ultimately voted against joining South Miami in its lawsuit against the state.
With the reinstated decision, local law enforcement is set to aid in immigration enforcement efforts throughout the city — a move Carey believes is positive for her constituents.
"While some residents and local leaders thought that this was not good for the city of Key West, I actually spoke with immigrants who are here legally and were upset by the action that was taken," Carey said. "At least when our local law enforcement is working with ICE, they recognize and personally know some of the immigrants that are here legally."
Carey pointed to her own family’s history of immigration, with her mother moving from Cuba with her family when she was just seven years old.
"My mother came with her siblings and my grandparents to escape communism," Carey told Fox News Digital. "It is so very important to upload the law and support legal immigration for the safety and security of our country."
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NYC shooting: What to know about Shane Tamura, gunman who killed 4 including NYPD cop in Midtown Manhattan -
A lone gunman walked into a midtown Manhattan office building Monday afternoon and opened fire, killing four people – including an NYPD officer – before turning the gun on himself.
Speaking at a press conference later Monday, NYC Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch identified the shooter as Shane Tamura, a 27-year-old Las Vegas resident with a history of mental health issues.
Tisch said Tamura had driven across state lines, with his vehicle having been seen as recently as 4:24 p.m. Monday in Columbia, New Jersey, not long before he unleashed a barrage of gunfire.
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Officers found a rifle case with rounds, a loaded revolver, ammunition and magazines, a backpack, and medication prescribed to Tamura, Tisch said.
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The vehicle was searched by the NYPD’s bomb squad but found to be clear of any explosives. Police said Tamura is believed to have acted alone and there is no longer a threat to the community.
"According to our law enforcement partners in Las Vegas, Mr. Tamura, has a documented mental health history," Tisch said. "His motives are still under investigation and we are working to understand why he targeted this particular location."
The building Tamura entered and opened fire, 345 Park Avenue, is a commercial building where tenants include the NFL, Rudin Management, KPMG and Blackstone.
Documents obtained by Fox News Digital indicate Tamura had a concealed carry permit that was issued on June 14 and valid for five years. Tamura also carried a private investigator license and had a misdemeanor for trespassing not amounting to burglary in 2023.
Earlier records show Tamura played football at Granada Hills Charter in Granada Hills, California, which is about 25 miles northwest of Los Angeles. He had also worked as a security guard at a Las Vegas casino.
The gunman was armed with a rifle and first opened fire in the lobby of the building on 52nd Street and Park Avenue. He went to another floor and shot people there, sources told Fox News, before going up to the 33rd floor and shooting himself. Police are still searching for a motive in Monday’s deadly shooting.
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