Welcome to, Wednesday, September 21st, caps and beanies...

The Senate Parliamentarian has ruled against Democrats’ plan to use the budget reconciliation process to pass immigration reforms.

Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough ruled the plan to include immigration overhaul in the reconciliation bill violated the “Byrd Rule," which requires provisions be germane to fiscal policy and not include items with a budgetary impact that is merely incidental to the impact of the policy change being legislated.

MacDonough said the “policy change...substantially outweighs the budgetary impact” and that:

“LPR status would give these persons freedom to work, freedom to travel, freedom to live openly in our society in any state in the nation, and to reunite with their families and it would make them eligible, in time, to apply for citizenship ― things for which there is no federal fiscal equivalent. Changing the law to clear the way to LPR status is a tremendous and enduring policy change that dwarfs its budgetary impact.”

Democrats had argued that the increased spending on social spending stemming from the expanded eligibility for such programs was sufficient to meet that threshold.

How do you feel about the parliamentarian’s ruling?

37,000 Afghan Evacuees Resettled Around U.S.

California is the state slated to receive the largest number of Afghans (5,255); followed by Texas (4,481); Oklahoma (1,800); Washington (1,679); and Arizona (1,610).

Only the District of Columbia and four states ― Hawaii, South Dakota, West Virginia, and Wyoming ― won’t receive any of the first group of Afghan evacuees.

A national initiative known as Welcome.US was launched this week to help channel the interest and support of the American public and the private sector through collaboration with federal agencies in the resettlement of Afghans.

It seeks to offer information and volunteer opportunities for the community, such as donating time and resources or hosting or sponsoring an Afghan family; provide resources for Afghans (including in Dari and Pashto); and answer frequently asked questions about resettlement and vetting processes.

UN: Planet Is on a ‘Catastrophic’ Global Warming Path

Our planet is on a “catastrophic” climate change path that will lead to a “massive loss of lives and livelihoods,” according to a new report by the UN.

The United Nations (UN) Framework Convention on Climate Change Sixth Assessment Report warned that a global increase in carbon emissions is leading to a warmer earth, resulting in more climate-induced disasters like wildfires, droughts, hurricanes, and torrential weather.

Here’s an insight on the report, and how we can rebuild the longevity of the planet we call home. 

Want to take action now?

The Ocean Voyages Institute (OVI) and WinTogether are teaming up for an exciting charitable giving experience. By donating to the Clean Oceans Campaign, you'll be entered to win a trip to Hawaii.

All the Memes Fit to Post

And, In The End...

Prepare your second breakfast, it's...

Either binge on breakfast or all 19 hours and 39 minutes of the Lord of Rings & Hobbit Trilogies,

—Josh Herman

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