Good afternoon,
It has already been an eventful week and it's only Tuesday. Some key updates relevant to rural America include House Republicans planning to <a href='[link removed]'>cut funding</a> for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Trump Administration is <a href='[link removed]'>withholding funds</a> for farmers despite a court order directing the release of funds, and the National Institute of Health has <a href='[link removed]'>announced cuts</a> that fund medical research at universities across the country.
Here are a few important updates ...
CONTROVERSIAL CONFIRMATIONS
It appears Republicans are giving President Trump an easy time, <a href='[link removed]'>showing little push back</a> on his most controversial, least qualified cabinet nominees. In just three weeks, we've seen more than a dozen Trump Cabinet nominees confirmed and word on the street is Tulsi Gabbard and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are likely going to be confirmed soon.
As <a href='[link removed]'><em>Politico</em></a> reported, 'The sweep of successful confirmations is the latest sign from the Senate GOP that it wants to be viewed as a partner, not a problem, for Trump at the start of his second term. It's a distinct shift from his first administration.' The Senate is also set to vote on Brooke Rollins' nomination to become USDA chief this week.
The most worrying part about Senate Republicans obeisance to Trump is the very real threat that the legislative branch of government will no longer put the American people first and serve as a check on the executive. As this new, uncertain era of our federal government continues to take shape, we must continue to make our voices heard and find unity in the struggle.
EXECUTIVE ORDER OUTLOOK: TOUGH TARIFFS ON STEEL AND ALUMINUM
Yesterday, President Trump signed new executive orders imposing <a href='[link removed]'>25 percent tariffs</a> on imported steel and aluminum. While the president intends to promote greater domestic steel industry production and employment through these actions, costs will increase for manufacturers using industrial metals to produce goods like automobiles and appliances. This is just the latest sweeping action from Trump that's sending our trade partners into a downward spiral of panic and retaliation. The Trump Administration claims these policies are more about decreasing our country's reliance on foreign nations for good than trade. But the thing is, working with our allies and maintaining strong relationships with other countries is what has made America a leader throughout our history. In the long run, these policies will hurt the U.S. standing as a global leader. In the short run, these tariffs will lead to rising prices on construction and manufacturing materials and significantly higher prices for American consumers.
NUMBER OF THE WEEK
51 (<a href='[link removed]'>and counting</a>) - The number of lawsuits filed against the Trump Administration stemming from the attempted shutdown of numerous federal agencies and/or firing of career civil servants. Multiple judgements have already been handed down directing the administration to resume normal agency functions and reinstate staff. It remains to be seen if the administration will comply with the court's orders. If Trump, a convicted felon, chooses to defy the courts, the country will find itself in a constitutional crisis with a lawless president seizing power from the legislative and judicial branches of government.
LOOKING AHEAD
Confirmation Hearings are underway for Trump nominees. Some key positions are listed below:
Wednesday, February 1210 a.m.: Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Secretary of LaborThe hearing will be streamed on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee <a href='[link removed]'>webpage</a>.
Thursday, February 1310 a.m.: Linda McMahon, Secretary of EducationThe hearing will be streamed on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee <a href='[link removed]'>webpage</a>.
The Senate confirmation votes for Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. for Secretary of Health and Human Services and Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence will happen this week, with the vote for Gabbard happening as soon as this evening.
WHAT WE'RE READING
The Daily Yonder: <a href='[link removed]'>Commentary: If Federal Healthcare Spending Is a Target, Then So Is Rural America</a>The Washington Post: <a href='[link removed]'>Farmers on the hook for millions after Trump freezes USDA funds</a>Farm Policy News: <a href='[link removed]'>SNAP Under Fire in Budget Reconciliation Cuts</a>Civil Eats: <a href='[link removed]'>Trump's Funding Freeze Creates Chaos and Financial Distress for Farmers</a>
Be sure to follow the One Country Project on <a href='[link removed]' target='_blank'>Twitter</a> and <a href='[link removed]' target='_blank'>Facebook</a>, and listen to <a href='[link removed]' target='_blank'>The Hot Dish</a> podcast.
Paid for by One Country Project
This email was sent by One Country Project [[link removed]]
One Country Inc
600 Pennsylvania Ave SE
#15180
Washington, DC 20003
United States
One Country Project is a 501(c)(4). Contributions to One Country Project are not tax-deductible. They support our efforts to promote greater opportunities for rural communities.
Email is an important way for One Country Project to keep supporters like you informed about critical issues and to build a winning grassroots campaign. Too much email? Switch to our less email option [[link removed]] or unsubscribe here [[link removed]] .
You can also update your name, email, or mailing address. [[link removed]] Questions or concerns? Contact us here [[link removed]] .
[link removed] [[link removed]]
