Opioid crisis declared a public health emergency
On Oct. 27, President Trump declared the opioid use in the U.S. a public health emergency. According to NPR, Trump had originally promised to declare the problem a national emergency but the administration fell short of this declaration. This will free up some resources to help educate and fight the epidemic, but won’t create additional funding. Some critics say declaring the epidemic a public health emergency does not go far enough.
Court orders allow undocumented teen to have abortion
A 17-year-old undocumented immigrant teen being held in federal custody had an abortion on Oct. 27 despite efforts by the Trump administration to block the abortion, according to ABC News. The teen’s case was adopted by the American Civil Liberties Union and Jane’s Due Process, a nonprofit organization that provides legal counsel for pregnant minors, stated that the teen had a constitutional right to receive the abortion. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, an opponent, said the teen had no right to the abortion and that the government should not be responsible for facilitating the procedure.
Evidence shows Clinton Campaign and DNC funded dossier research
On Oct. 24, it was revealed that the Clinton Campaign and the Democratic National Committee funded research regarding accusations about President Trump’s connection to Russia. According to The New York Times, this information was the result of a letter which was revealed in court on Oct. 24 and will likely have an impact on federal investigations to Trump’s ties to Russia.
House passes new budget plan
The House of Representatives narrowly passed a new $4 trillion budget on Oct. 24 with a vote of 216-212, according to ABC News. Although this was accomplished, critics speculate that because the vote was so close, Republicans in the House may have trouble passing tax reform promised by the Trump administration. A major component of the budget bill, however, tacks on rules that say fewer votes are needed to pass tax reform, which would redesign tax brackets.
Travel ban expires and replaced with new screening system
According to the Associated Press, President Trump has reinstated refugee submissions into the U.S. under a stricter screening process for refugees, especially refugees from 11 specific countries. The 11 countries which will face stricter screenings include Syria, Libya, Iraq and North Korea, according to Reuters. Supporters of the new system say that strict screening will help keep the U.S. safe, but opponents say it lengthens an already long process for individuals who need to relocate the most.
Airport security to US-bound flights to increase
According to CNN, Homeland Security Secretary John Kelley announced stricter airline security for overseas direct flights that will enter the U.S. The tighter security will include restrictions of electronics, canines to detect explosives, enhanced screening of electronic devices and higher screening of passengers. This is in addition to the temporary travel ban from certain countries.
