Here is a selection of articles the Federal Relations team has read this week.
Courts Block Green Card Restrictions: Federal Judges in three states, including Washington, blocked an immigration rule which would have gone into effect on October 15th. The “public charge rule” would expand how public benefit usage is factored into permanent residency determinations. Although “public policy charges” have been part of immigration law for over a century, the expanded rule would penalize applicants for using a much broader range of services. The nationwide injunction, issued by Judge Rosanna Malouf Peterson of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Washington, determined the Department of Homeland Security acted outside its’ authority as delegated by Congress. Read more at NPR.
Congressman Elijah Cummings: Congressman Elijah Cummings (D-MD) passed away in hospital on Thursday, October 17th due to what was described as “longstanding health challenges”. Rep. Cummings was a highly regarded Congressman and powerful figure in the Democratic caucus, serving as Chair of the House Oversight Committee. He was in Congress for over twenty years. Read more at Politico.
EU/UK Brexit Deal: The EU and UK announced they have reached a deal on Brexit, which will now have to pass both the EU and UK parliament. Time is running out on Prime Minister Borris’ plan to leave the EU by October 31st. Read more at BBC.
Diplomatic Spat Over Death of UK Citizen: Relations between the US and UK have been strained after the wife of a US Official was involved in a fatal car accident in the UK. While driving on the wrong side of the road, Anne Sacoolas struck and killed Harry Dunn, who was riding a motorcycle. Sacoolas, married to a US Official based in England, claimed diplomatic immunity and left the UK some weeks after the incident. The Dunn family has embarked on a campaign urging the US to extradite Sacoolas to face charges in the UK. President Trump supposedly attempted to set up a surprise meeting between the two families in the White House, further complicating the situation and offending the grieving family. Read more at Vox.
Senate Fails to Halt Border Emergency: Congress passed a measure, S.J. Res. 54 (116), which would have stopped President Trump from diverting billions of dollars in federal funds to construct a border wall. However, President Trump vetoed the measure, sending it back to the Senate. The Senate was unable to override the veto by a 2/3 vote, meaning the border emergency declaration will remain in place. Read more at Politico.
Science Integrity Bill Moves Forward: H.R. 1709, a House bill which aims to protect science from political influence, has advanced after gaining enough bipartisan support in the Science Committee. Initially, there had been push back over how closely Federal agencies’ media policies would be regulated. Now that the bill has passed in the House Science Committee, it will move to the full House for a vote. Read more at Science Magazine.