News

Biden & McCarthy progressing towards debt ceiling deal

Published

3 years ago

May 18, 2023

An agreement needs to be reached and passed by both chambers of Congress before the federal government runs out of money to pay its bills

U.S. President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy both underscored their determination to reach a deal soon to raise the federal government’s $31.4 trillion debt ceiling and avoid an economically catastrophic default.

“I’m confident that we’ll get the agreement on the budget. That America will not default,” Biden said.

Biden addressed the looming crisis before leaving for the G7 summit of world leaders in Hiroshima, Japan – a trip cut short due to ongoing negotiations.

“We’re going to come together because there’s no alternative. We have to do the right thing for the country,” Biden continued.

“We have to move on. And to be clear, this negotiation is about the outlines of what the budget will look like, not about whether or not we’re going to, in fact, pay our debts.

“Leaders have all agreed we will not default. Every leader has said that.”

Biden’s comments come after he and top Congressional leaders met in the Oval office, and the president agreed to negotiate directly with McCarthy on a deal, after a months-long standoff.

An agreement needs to be reached and passed by both chambers of Congress before the federal government runs out of money to pay its bills, which could happen as soon as June 1.

Asked by reporters at the Capitol whether it’s possible to reach a debt ceiling deal by the time Biden returns from Asia on Sunday, McCarthy replied, “It’s doable.”

“But now we’re along such a short timeline, it makes it almost harder.

“But if there’s one thing you know from me, I never give up. I have the grit, the perseverance, and we’re gonna get it done,” McCarthy affirmed.

Negotiators are aiming to hammer out an agreement before Biden’s scheduled return.

Congress would then have to act swiftly before the deadline hits.

McCarthy said the House – which Republicans currently control by a slim nine-seat majority – would vote first on any deal before sending it on to the Democrat-controlled Senate for approval.

Senate rules would require at least nine Republicans to go along with any deal. #trending #featured

News

Venezuela’s opposition leader vows return and calls for free elections

Maria Corina Machado plans return to Venezuela, urging fair elections and release of political prisoners amid political pressure.

Published

11 hours ago

January 7, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Maria Corina Machado plans return to Venezuela, urging fair elections and release of political prisoners amid political pressure.

Venezuela’s opposition leader Maria Corina Machado says she plans to return home as she renews calls for a free and fair election, despite ongoing political pressure and legal threats against her. Her return would mark a major test for the country’s fragile democratic movement.

Machado is currently under investigation by authorities aligned with President Nicolas Maduro, accused of inciting insurrection. Meanwhile, loyalists from Maduro’s Socialist Party continue to hold key positions of power, complicating efforts to shift Venezuela’s political direction.

She is also calling for the immediate release of political prisoners, arguing it is a necessary first step towards restoring democracy and rebuilding trust in the country’s institutions.

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#Venezuela #MariaCorinaMachado #VenezuelaPolitics #FreeElections #Democracy #LatinAmerica #PoliticalPrisoners #TickerNews

News

U.S. to lead ceasefire monitoring in Ukraine under new security commitments

US to lead ceasefire monitoring in Ukraine, coordinating international efforts and supporting European troops post-peace agreement.

Published

11 hours ago

January 7, 2026

Harvey Vargas

US to lead ceasefire monitoring in Ukraine, coordinating international efforts and supporting European troops post-peace agreement.

The United States has pledged to lead a continuous and reliable ceasefire monitoring system in Ukraine, following new binding security commitments finalised at a Paris summit.

Under the plan, Washington would coordinate international monitoring efforts after any peace agreement, ensuring compliance while providing intelligence and logistical support to European forces on the ground.

The US has also committed to backing European troops if they come under attack, signalling a deeper security role without deploying American combat forces directly into Ukraine.

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#UkraineWar #USForeignPolicy #Ceasefire #GlobalSecurity #NATO #Europe #RussiaUkraine #TickerNews

News

Albanese open to royal commission into Bondi attack

Albanese considers royal commission into Bondi terror attack amid calls for inquiry and focus on security review

Published

1 day ago

January 6, 2026

Ahron Young

Albanese considers royal commission into Bondi terror attack amid calls for inquiry and focus on security review

In Short:
– Prime Minister Albanese has not ruled out a royal commission into the Bondi Beach terrorist attack.
– He prioritises a review of intelligence agencies while facing pressure for a national inquiry.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has not dismissed the possibility of a royal commission regarding the Bondi Beach terrorist attack.

He faces pressure from former Labor MPs and senators advocating for a Commonwealth-level inquiry.The prime minister indicated that his immediate focus is a review of intelligence and security agencies, led by former spy chief Dennis Richardson. During a visit to flood-affected north Queensland, Albanese acknowledged discussions with NSW regarding the inquiry’s operation.

He has resisted calls for a federal inquiry into the attack, where 15 people were killed during a Hanukkah event last month. Albanese prioritised the review of intelligence responses and stated discussions were ongoing to address community needs.

He outlined intentions to recall parliament once new legislation focused on hate speech and gun control is prepared. Consultations are planned over the coming days to ensure proper legislative formulation.

Albanese rejected opposition claims that parliament could have swiftly passed the necessary laws post-attack. Currently, MPs are scheduled to reconvene in February, but a session may be convened sooner to pass new laws and honour Bondi victims.

Ongoing Discussions

Former Labor figures have publicly called for a national royal commission, expressing concern over the limitations of a NSW-led inquiry. Mike Kelly suggested a “rolling” approach for the royal commission to address wider implications for security and democracy, highlighting the necessity of thorough examination given the unprecedented nature of the attack.

He asserted the need for this inquiry to explore broader social issues and assist the Jewish community in the healing process, urging the government to remain responsive to public sentiments.