Since October 7, there has been a divide. Polls have found that Democratic voters are about equally sympathetic to Palestinians and Israelis, do not approve of Israel’s response to the attack by Hamas, and favor sending humanitarian aid to Gaza by far larger margins than sending weapons to Israel. But these have not been the priorities of the representatives they elected.
President Joe Biden and most Democrats in Congress continue to take the pro-Israel line that the party has for decades. Biden has rejected calls for a ceasefire while adhering to a longstanding personal policy of largely refraining from public criticism of Israel. Most Democratic members of Congress have avoided breaking with the administration or making themselves a target for pro-Israel groups. Like the president, they tend to be old—the average Democratic House member is 58 and the average senator is 65—and came of age at a time when largely unconditional support for Israel was the norm.
By Brianna Herlihy- November 14, 2023
A new book aimed at "exposing the billionaire class" says Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates’ investments in patented fertilizers, fake meat and U.S. farmland aren’t saving the planet but rather enriching his bank account.
"Controligarchs," which hits bookshelves Tuesday, examines billionaires like Bill Gates and how their wealth controls the levers of power that dominate the everyday life of average Americans.
Author and investigative journalist Seamus Bruner — who led teams whose findings sparked multiple FBI investigations and congressional probes into the Clinton and Biden families — says that his research uncovered Gates's efforts to buy up American farmland and invest in synthetic dairy and lab-grown meats in the name of preventing climate change. In the process, Bruner says, Gates is doing more to inflate his net worth than eliminate carbon emissions.
By Andrew Solender - November 14, 2023
Eight Republicans voted with Democrats to block the measure: Duarte and Reps. Cliff Bentz (Ore.), Ken Buck (Colo.), Darrell Issa (Calif.), Patrick McHenry (N.C.), Tom McClintock (Calif.), Virginia Foxx (N.C.) and Mike Turner (Ohio).
By Chris Marquette - November 14, 2023
Capitol Police and other area law enforcement agencies are preparing for a large pro-Israel demonstration Tuesday on the National Mall that will cause street closures and restrict some access to the Capitol.
The gates open at 10 a.m. for the protest, March for Israel, which is scheduled for 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Up to 100,000 people are anticipated to attend the rally at the National Mall, according to two Capitol Police officials.
Tuesday’s demonstration will be met with a heightened security and police presence on Capitol Hill. Access to the Capitol Square will be restricted to members, staff and official business, William McFarland, the House sergeant at arms, wrote in a memo to the House community.