Welcome to Wednesday, August 21st, fops and dandies...

Should Congress pass a law to protect infants born after attempted abortions?

Before the House of Representatives adjourned for its August recess, the chamber's Republicans made their 80th unanimous consent request to bring the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Actto the floor.

Much like the previous 79 requests, the request was denied by the presiding chair. But supporters of the bill have gathered 201 signatures from House lawmakers for a discharge petition which, if it reaches 218 signatures, would force the chamber to vote on the bill.

The bill would require healthcare providers to extend “reasonably diligent and conscientious care” to an infant born alive following an attempted abortion. Providers would also be required to take appropriate steps to save the infant’s life given its age and health, and immediately transport and admit the infant to a hospital.

If a healthcare provider fails to comply with those requirements, they would face fines and up to five years imprisonment, or potentially murder charges if their actions lead to the born-alive infant’s death.

Do you support a bill that would require care for infants born alive after failed abortions?

On the Radar

Ending Aid to Israel

Democratic Reps. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan are calling for an end to U.S. aid to Israel.

The comments came a week after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu banned the two congresswomen from visiting the Middle Eastern country after pressure by President Trump.

“We give Israel more than $3 billion in aid every year. This is predicated on their being an important ally in the region and the only democracy in the Middle East,” Omar said at press conference. “But denying (a) visit to duly elected members of Congress is not consistent with being an ally and denying millions of people freedom of movement or expression or self-determination is not consistent with being a democracy.”

Netanyahu had claimed, without any evidence that the two progressive lawmakers were determined to “hurt Israel and increase unrest.”

The House voted on a number of bills regarding Israel and Palestine on their last week in session, which we summarize here.

Should the U.S. end its aid to Israel?

Under the Radar

Homeless Sleeping in Cars

A law prohibiting homeless people from sleeping in their cars in Los Angeles neighborhoods has been extended another six months.

The ordinance prevents people from sleeping in their cars on any residential street between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., or within a block of a school, park, preschool, or daycare.

“Well, we need to have some order in our city,” L.A. City Councilman Joe Buscaino told CBS2 following the council’s vote. “I feel that it’s just, and the fact that you can’t live in a car in a residential area, we have to keep in mind that there are property owners that are freaking out when you have people living in their cars in front of their home.”

"Several of the families at my children's elementary school are struggling with homelessness," said L.A. resident Erika Feresten at a recent public meeting. "It's unconscionable that they would be criminalized."

Should homeless be banned from sleeping in their cars in residential areas?

DOJ Has Whole Lotta Love for Led Zeppelin

Led Zeppelin have received the support of the Trump administration as they head back to court over a “Stairway to Heaven” copyright dispute.

Spirit accused Led Zeppelin of plagiarizing their 1967 track “Taurus” for the opening passage of Zeppelin’s 1971 opus “Stairway to Heaven.”

The estate of late Spirit guitarist Randy Wolfe alleged that Led Zeppelin violated his copyright by appropriating his song’s "distinct plucked guitar line and melody." Zeppelin won the case in 2016, but it was reopened as the jury did not hear both recordings in court.

The Justice Department filed a friend of court brief in support of Led Zeppelin, stating that the trial judge in 2016 was correct in his decision that “Stairway” did not violate copyright laws.

From the DOJ's amicus brief: “There should be no serious dispute that the passages of 'Stairway to Heaven' and 'Taurus' that are at issue here are not virtually identical. At a minimum, the notes and rhythm are not all, or even mostly, the same.”

Listen to both here, then join the conversation:

Do you back Led Zeppelin in the 'Stairway to Heaven' copyright case?

What You're Saying

Here's how you're answering Should Members of Congress Have Access to Federal Facilities (Like Detention Centers for Migrants)?