Welcome to February 1st, bumpies and smooths...

President Biden has issued an order reversing a Trump administration policy that prevented federal funding from going to abortion providers.

Biden’s executive action revokes the "Mexico City Policy," which prohibits federal funds from going to non-government organizations (NGOs) that perform abortions, provide counseling about abortions, or lobby foreign governments to legalize or expand access to abortions.

The policy is also known as the “global gag rule.” 

In a statement, the White House said Biden was issuing the order "to support women's and girls' sexual and reproductive health and rights in the United States, as well as globally."

Republicans in both chambers of Congress have expressed opposition to Biden's actions, with Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN) telling the Free Beacon:

“It’s safe to say Joe Biden will become the most pro-abortion president of my lifetime. Part of his pro-abortion agenda will be forcing U.S. taxpayers to once again fund abortions in foreign countries."

Do you support U.S. aid for abortion providers?

Trump Day

A pair of Ohio Republican lawmakers are looking for cosponsors for their upcoming bill "to celebrate one of the greatest presidents in American history."

"Let's show the 3,154,834 Ohio voters who cast their ballot to re-elect Donald J. Trump that we as a legislature recognize the accomplishments of his administration," write Republican Reps. Jon Cross (Kenton) and Reggie Stoltzfus (Paris Township).

Honoring former presidents isn't novel: Thanks to a 2009 law, Ohio and 40 other states recognize Ronald Reagan Day. And in 2017, Illinois passed a bill to create Barack Obama Day.

Do you support making Trump's birthday a holiday?

What Can Dems Use Budget Reconciliation For?

The Democratic majorities in the House and Senate are starting the process of drafting a budget resolution that will allow them to prepare a coronavirus relief package through the budget reconciliation process, which will give them the option of passing legislation without Republican support if bipartisan negotiations break down.

Budget reconciliation is a fast-track process Congress can use to enact policies related to spending, tax revenues, the deficit, and/or the debt limit based on the fiscal goals included in a congressional budget resolution. 

Currently, Democrats are considering using budget reconciliation for the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief plan proposed by President Biden and legislation regarding climate change, infrastructure, or tax reform.

Should Democrats use budget reconciliation to pass a COVID package?

And, In The End...

Rock out with your cacao out: It's National Dark Chocolate Day.

$#%! I miss milk chocolate,

—Josh Herman