News

The U.S. is divided on whether to send Ukraine more money

Published

2 years ago

February 14, 2024

The Democratic-led U.S. Senate on Tuesday passed a long-sought $95.34 billion military aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, although it faced an uncertain path ahead in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives.

After months of negotiations and political infighting, the lawmakers approved the measure in a 70-29 vote that comfortably exceeded the chamber’s 60-vote threshold for passage and sent the legislation on to the House. Twenty-two Republicans joined most Democrats to support the bill.

“It’s certainly been years, perhaps decades, since the Senate has passed a bill that so greatly impacts not just our national security, not just the security of our allies, but the security of Western democracy,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said in the Senate shortly after the predawn vote.

Pass the House

Schumer told a news conference later on Tuesday he was confident the bill would pass the House with support from both parties if Republican Speaker Mike Johnson would allow a vote.

“I call on Speaker Johnson to rise to the occasion, to do the right thing: Bring this bill to the floor quickly,” Schumer said.

Johnson issued a statement before the Senate vote faulting it for lacking conservative provisions to stem a record flow of migrants across the U.S.-Mexico border, suggesting he would not schedule a vote any time soon.

His refusal could force Democrats to attempt a rare maneuver known as a “discharge petition,” which allows members to force a House vote if they can obtain the signatures of at least 218 representatives, more than half the House’s members. The last successful discharge petition was filed in 2015.

News

Big Tech earnings spark investor unease over AI spending

Investors monitor Big Tech’s AI investments, with Meta thriving while Microsoft and Tesla face uncertainty over growth and returns.

Published

8 hours ago

January 30, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Investors monitor Big Tech’s AI investments, with Meta thriving while Microsoft and Tesla face uncertainty over growth and returns.

Investors are reacting sharply to Big Tech earnings this week, sending a clear signal that massive spending must translate into real growth. Markets are becoming less forgiving as companies pour billions into artificial intelligence, data centres and future tech while returns remain uncertain.

Meta has delivered a standout performance, posting a 24 percent jump in revenue for the December quarter, fuelled by AI-powered advertising. The company is doubling down on its strategy, with aggressive investment in AI and infrastructure expected to drive a further 33 percent growth this quarter.

Microsoft and Tesla tell a more cautious story. Microsoft reported only modest growth in its Azure cloud business, raising questions about its exposure to OpenAI, while Tesla plans to double spending on AI and autonomous driving. Analysts warn of a widening gap between bold AI ambitions and what investors expect in returns.

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News

Federal Reserve holds interest rates amid economic uncertainty

Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady, balancing inflation and jobs, as some governors advocate for a cut. #FederalReserve #InterestRates #Economy

Published

1 day ago

January 29, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady, balancing inflation and jobs, as some governors advocate for a cut.

The Federal Reserve has opted to keep interest rates unchanged, marking the first pause since July. Officials are showing little urgency to resume cuts, even after previous rate reductions.

Two Fed governors opposed the decision, calling for a quarter-point cut, highlighting ongoing debates within the rate-setting committee, which includes both appointed governors and regional bank presidents.

Concerns over the job market and persistent inflation continue to weigh heavily on the Fed’s policy decisions, leaving economists and investors closely watching the next moves.

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#FederalReserve #InterestRates #Economy

News

Trump warns Iran as U.S. naval forces approach amid rising tensions

Trump urges Iran to resume nuclear talks or face stronger U.S. military response amid economic struggles and tensions rise.

Published

1 day ago

January 29, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Trump urges Iran to resume nuclear talks or face stronger U.S. military response amid economic struggles and rising tensions.

U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Iran to return to nuclear negotiations, warning that failure to do so could result in a far more severe military response. Posting on Truth Social, Trump signalled a hardening stance as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to rise.

Trump confirmed that a U.S. naval strike group led by the USS Abraham Lincoln is moving towards Iran, as protests grow inside the country over alleged government repression.

The show of force comes amid heightened regional instability and mounting pressure on the Iranian leadership.

#Trump #Iran #USForeignPolicy