Category Archives: politics

Beef over Texas beef (Oct. 27, 2025)

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On Monday’s show, we’ll discuss the Trump administration’s plan to quadruple Argentine beef imports. This proposal has drawn sharp criticism from U.S. cattle producers as well as Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller.

Commissioner Miller isn’t just raising concerns—he also has an alternative plan to address the issue.

In addition, we’ll explore some of the opportunities and challenges facing Houston’s East End neighborhood, highlighting the community’s growth and ongoing developments.

Stay tuned for an in-depth conversation on these important topics.
https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/shows/houston-matters/2025/10/27/534184/beef-over-texas-beef-oct-27-2025/?utm_source=rss-houston-matters-article&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=hpm-rss-link

Trump says he expects to reach trade deal with China on his Asia trip

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President Trump is scheduled to arrive soon in Japan, where new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is banking on building a friendly personal relationship with the U.S. leader to ease trade tensions. The meeting is an early diplomatic test for Takaichi, the first woman to lead Japan. She took office only last week and has a tenuous coalition backing her.

Mr. Trump spent Sunday in Malaysia, where he participated in a regional summit of Southeast Asian nations and reached preliminary trade agreements with Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. While en route to Japan, he returned to the press cabin on Air Force One along with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

Mr. Trump said he would talk about the “great friendship” between the U.S. and Japan during his visit. “I hear phenomenal things” about Takaichi, he said, noting her closeness with former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, with whom Mr. Trump had a good relationship during his first term. “It’s going to be very good,” he added. “That really helps Japan and the United States.”

Mr. Trump also expressed optimism about reaching a trade agreement with China. Officials from the world’s two largest economies said Sunday that they had reached an initial consensus for Mr. Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping to try to finalize during a high-stakes meeting later in the week.

“I have a lot of respect for President Xi,” Mr. Trump told reporters on Air Force One. “I think we’re going to come away with a deal,” he said. He added that he might sign a final deal on TikTok on Thursday. Treasury Secretary Bessent said on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” that a TikTok deal announced last month is set to be finalized on Thursday during the Trump-Xi meeting.

After Japan, Trump’s Asian tour will conclude in South Korea, where he is expected to meet with Xi on the sidelines of the Pacific Rim summit, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.

On other matters, Mr. Trump rejected the possibility of running for vice president as a way to get back to the presidency, saying, “I’d be allowed to do it” but wouldn’t because “it’s too cute.” Steve Bannon, a Trump ally, has repeatedly said the president could serve a third term despite a constitutional prohibition. Mr. Trump himself has flirted with the idea but said on Air Force One, “I haven’t really thought about it.”

He praised Rubio and Vance as potential future Republican candidates. “I’m not sure if anybody would run against those two. I think if they ever formed a group, it would be unstoppable,” Mr. Trump said.

Mr. Trump also said he would be willing to extend his trip if there was a chance to talk to reclusive North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Since South Korea is the president’s last stop before returning to the U.S., “it’s pretty easy to do,” he noted.

Mr. Trump’s overtures to reconnect with Kim have gone unanswered. “If he wants to meet, I’ll be in South Korea,” Trump said.

There are many security issues in the region, including access to the South China Sea and the future of Taiwan. However, Mr. Trump’s focus has undoubtedly been on trade and his desire to realign the international economy under his vision of “America first.” For the most part, that means tariffs, or at least the threat of them.

Mr. Trump has frequently used taxes on imports from allies and adversaries alike in an effort to boost domestic manufacturing or seek more favorable terms. However, his unilateral power to enact tariffs remains contested. The president is awaiting a Supreme Court decision in a case that could solidify or limit his authority.

The president is flying to Tokyo from Kuala Lumpur, where he attended the annual summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). He participated in a ceremonial signing of an expanded ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia, which fought earlier this year. Trump helped pressure both countries to stop their conflict by threatening to withhold trade agreements.

The ASEAN summit wasn’t a guaranteed part of any president’s itinerary but served as an opportunity for Mr. Trump to reengage with a critical region for the first time since returning to office.

While on his way to Japan, Mr. Trump posted on Truth Social that Argentine President Javier Milei was “doing a wonderful job” as his party beat expectations in midterm elections. “Our confidence in him was justified by the People of Argentina,” Mr. Trump wrote.

Trump ally Milei essentially received a vote of confidence to pursue his policies aimed at breaking long-standing inflation and economic problems in Argentina. A libertarian seeking to unlock free-market forces, Milei has endeared himself to Mr. Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement with an appearance this year at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in the U.S.

The Trump administration provided a $20 billion credit swap line to bolster Milei ahead of the election and was looking to provide an additional $20 billion to support the value of Argentina’s peso.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-says-he-expects-to-reach-trade-deal-with-china-as-his-asia-trip-continues/

As New Yorkers Flood Early Voting Sites, Undecideds Become Prized Target

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Zohran Mamdani, the front-runner for mayor of New York City, has built his lead in part by relying on a huge ground-game operation.

His campaign’s extensive on-the-ground efforts have played a crucial role in connecting with voters and boosting his visibility across the city.

By mobilizing a large team of volunteers and canvassers, Mamdani has been able to effectively engage with constituents, ensuring his message resonates in diverse neighborhoods.

This grassroots strategy has helped solidify his position as a leading candidate in the mayoral race.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/27/nyregion/early-voting-mayors-race-mamdani-cuomo-sliwa.html

Tanzania goes to vote in elections set to keep the same party in power for 7 decades

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**Tanzania’s Ruling Party Set to Extend 64-Year Rule Amid Concerns Over Election Fairness**

*NAIROBI, Kenya (AP)* — Tanzania’s governing party, Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM), has been in power for 64 years, largely unchallenged by serious opposition. This long-standing dominance looks set to continue as Tanzanians prepare to vote on Wednesday in a general election widely expected to be won by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Hassan, a former vice president, assumed the presidency in 2021 following the death of her predecessor. She is Tanzania’s sixth president and the country’s first female leader. Despite Tanzania being a multiparty democracy, CCM has maintained control since independence from Britain in 1961.

With a population of 68 million and an annual per capita income of roughly $1,200, Tanzania stands out in a region where liberation parties are losing ground and vibrant opposition groups, often led by young people, are pushing for political change.

However, authorities have cracked down on opposition leaders, civil society organizations, journalists, and others in what Amnesty International describes as a “climate of fear” ahead of the elections. These polls will decide the country’s next president, lawmakers, and various local leaders.

**A History of Limited Opposition**

Under former President John Pombe Magufuli, an authoritarian figure who restricted opposition campaigning outside election periods, repression was intense. While early expectations suggested President Hassan might adopt a more open style, many voters have grown disillusioned with the increased authoritarianism during her tenure.

Opposition parties allowed to contest this election have run minimal campaigns, with some candidates even seeming to endorse Hassan’s bid for re-election.

**Opposition Leaders Silenced**

Voters will select from Hassan and 16 other candidates. Yet two of her main rivals—Tundu Lissu of Chadema and Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo—have been barred from contesting the presidency.

Lissu, a prominent opposition figure known for his charisma, spent years in European exile after surviving an assassination attempt in 2017. He is currently imprisoned on treason charges widely seen as politically motivated. Recently, police also arrested John Heche, deputy leader of Chadema, while he was attending Lissu’s treason trial.

**Campaign Promises and CCM’s Position**

With her major opponents sidelined, Hassan has been touring the country, campaigning on promises of stability and prosperity, especially for those working in agriculture. Her slogan—“work and dignity”—emphasizes moving Tanzania forward.

CCM, which maintains ties with China’s Communist Party, enjoys loyal support in parts of the country. However, the party’s share of the popular vote has been declining amid growing calls for change from opposition groups.

Nicodemus Minde, a Tanzanian researcher with the Institute for Security Studies in South Africa, describes CCM as heading to the polls “virtually unchallenged.” He notes voter turnout has been dropping since 2010 and predicts low participation, partly because a CCM victory is seen as a foregone conclusion.

“Voter apathy could be high due to the impact of the disqualification of the two main opposition parties,” Minde said. He warned that this election “presents a significant risk of strengthening authoritarian practices rather than advancing democratic governance.”

**Tensions and Threats of Unrest**

The opposition has called for protests on election day. Chadema insists that free and fair elections are impossible without essential reforms.

Many voters interviewed by The Associated Press expressed concern about potential threats to peace, especially after authorities warned they would not tolerate disruptions stemming from demonstrations. There are widespread fears regarding repressive tactics, including arbitrary arrests and abductions by unknown individuals.

Some also worry the government may shut down internet access ahead of voting.

“Peace must prevail for the election to run smoothly,” said Joshua Gerald, a resident of Dar es Salaam who requested anonymity for safety reasons. “Without peace, there can be chaos or fear, and people may fail to exercise their democratic rights.”

Noel Johnson, another young voter from the city, emphasized the need to safeguard constitutional rights. “The government needs to protect our constitutional rights, especially the right to demonstrate because we are not satisfied with the ongoing electoral processes,” he said.

President Hassan has urged voters to turn out in large numbers and assured that peace will be maintained. Yet concerns over possible unrest persist.

Richard Mbunda, a political scientist at the University of Dar es Salaam, warned that public dissatisfaction could push Tanzania toward instability.

“There are clear signs of unrest,” Mbunda said. He cautioned that even seemingly stable countries risk turmoil if authorities remain indifferent.

“The tone of reconciliation spoken about during campaigns should be genuine,” he added. “Dialogue is needed. The election is legally valid but lacks political legitimacy.”

—

Muhumuza reported from Kampala, Uganda. Associated Press writers in Dodoma and Dar es Salaam contributed to this report.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/tanzania-goes-vote-elections-set-045907785.html

Trump inks trade deals on Asia trip, with US-China agreement close ahead of Xi meeting

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The president expressed optimism that a deal between the U.S. and China was close. He stated, “China wants to make a deal, and we want to make a deal.” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent echoed this sentiment on Sunday morning, confirming that both sides had agreed to a “framework” for the deal.

China had hoped to avoid new 100% tariffs scheduled to go into effect on November 1. Bessent thanked President Trump for the negotiating leverage that the threat of these tariffs provided. “President Trump gave me a great deal of negotiating leverage with the threat of the 100% tariffs, and I believe we’ve reached a very substantial framework that will avoid that and allow us to discuss many other things with the Chinese,” Bessent told NBC.

Chinese trade negotiator Li Chenggang told reporters that the sides had reached a “preliminary consensus.” Further progress is expected during Trump’s upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea on Thursday. Trump also expressed hopes to visit China and invited Xi to visit Washington or his Mar-a-Lago estate.

The new Chinese tariffs had been introduced in response to U.S. limitations on rare earth minerals imposed on China.

In addition to the developments with China, the U.S. also secured trade deals with several other nations during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Kuala Lumpur. New agreements were signed with Thailand, Cambodia, and Malaysia.

President Trump attended a ceremony marking an expanded ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia. The two countries had recently fought a brief conflict lasting five days in July, which resulted in dozens of deaths and displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians. Taking credit for helping to end the conflict, Trump stated, “On behalf of the United States, I’m proud to help settle this conflict and forge a future for the region.”

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet called the agreement a “historic day,” while Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul described the new deal as laying “the building blocks for a lasting peace.” The trade deals with Thailand, Cambodia, and Malaysia included reductions in tariffs across the board.

President Trump had previously threatened to impose tariffs on Thailand and Cambodia if they failed to reach a peace deal. Notably, the deals with Malaysia and Thailand contained provisions related to critical minerals used in electronic devices, helping to reduce American reliance on Chinese rare earth minerals.

**Tariff Exclusion Process in Trump 2.0: A Big Departure from the First Term**

Trump also continued to strengthen relations with other Asian countries during his appearance at ASEAN. The summit included nations such as Singapore, Indonesia, and Vietnam, among others. During his address, the president made a strong friendship appeal to the countries present:

“The United States is with you 100%, and we intend to be a strong partner and friend for many generations to come,” Trump said.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/world/3864332/trump-trade-deals-asia-trip-china-tariffs/

Russia says more than 80 people detained for questioning after Moscow street fight

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**Over 80 People Questioned Following Major Street Fight Between Migrants in Moscow**

*MOSCOW (Reuters)* – Russia’s Interior Ministry reported on Sunday that more than 80 individuals were taken to police stations for questioning following a significant street fight between migrants in a residential area of Moscow. The ministry stated that all foreigners involved in the incident would face deportation.

Russian media released videos showing people engaged in violent clashes on the street using clubs and spades. The footage also revealed the smashing of windows near parked cars around the Prokshino residential complex. However, the cause of the fight remains unclear.

According to the Interior Ministry, 19 people have been arrested on charges of hooliganism. The ministry added that migrants holding Russian citizenship risk having their citizenship revoked. Foreign nationals involved who are not imprisoned will be deported and banned from re-entry into Russia, said Irina Volk, a spokesperson for the Interior Ministry.

Migration, particularly from former Soviet republics in Central Asia and the Caucasus, has emerged as a major domestic political issue in Russia. Restrictions on migration intensified following a deadly attack at a Moscow concert hall in 2024, which Russian authorities attributed to Tajik nationals.

In 2024, approximately 6.3 million migrants arrived in Russia, according to Interior Ministry figures. Nearly half of these migrants came from Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. Despite Russia’s domestic economy relying heavily on affordable labor from these regions—especially in construction and consumer industries—many Russian citizens have expressed concerns. They criticize the large influx of people, noting a perceived lack of familiarity with Russian customs and culture.

Additionally, Russia has been grappling with severe labor shortages across multiple sectors since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, as hundreds of thousands of Russian workers joined the military.

*Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Guy Faulconbridge and Ros Russell*
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/russia-says-more-80-people-123257376.html

Progressive Democrats create 2026 headaches for Schumer’s establishment recruits

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Notably, the lead could be persisting despite a drip, drip of reports highlighting offensive online posts by Platner referencing Black people and sexual assault survivors. The latest post was taken before it was discovered he had a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol, which he has since covered with another tattoo.

In Texas, liberal firebrand Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) is “strongly” weighing a Senate bid in the wake of state redistricting. Elsewhere, crowded Democratic primaries, including in Michigan, are likely to hemorrhage critical resources the party will need for general elections to protect incumbent seats or oust Republicans.

Schumer’s preferred recruits, such as Mills in Maine, former Gov. Roy Cooper in North Carolina, and former Sen. Sherrod Brown in Ohio, are far older but are considered “more stable” and electable than grassroots progressives like Platner. Despite their ability to energize the base, Democratic strategist Hank Sheinkopf emphasized this point but cautioned Schumer and his allies not to make what he called a critical misstep: criticizing the younger, more liberal outside challengers.

“The leadership can’t say, ‘They’re out of line. They’re wacky. They’re too far to the left,” Sheinkopf said. “The leadership just has to keep doing its job in Washington.”

Even before Mills’s entry into the race, tensions were rising within the party as Platner criticized Schumer as “wholly incapable” of combating President Donald Trump and lumped him together with Collins as those who can’t stop grassroots momentum.

Since Mills’ campaign launch earlier this month, Platner has urged Schumer against “meddling in a Maine primary” and to stay “focused on fighting Donald Trump and protecting healthcare for millions of Americans.”

There’s limited sympathy among Senate Democrats for Platner’s complaints about Schumer. Platner did have a small fan club among more progressive senators before this month’s revelations about his online posts, and influential members such as Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) have stuck by him.

“I didn’t have the support of the [Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee], but I knew I could win, and more importantly, that I could win the general election. So that’s what I did,” said Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), reflecting on the Senate Democrats’ campaign arm’s initial reluctance to back his early challenge to then-Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), partly because it came before her retirement announcement.

“If you can do it, do it. If not, then don’t do it. But don’t complain,” Gallego continued. “Everyone’s got to work their own way in.”

Schumer, who is Jewish, recently told reporters he’ll “let the people of Maine decide” if Platner’s controversies, including the Nazi tattoo, should be politically disqualifying.

“We think that Janet Mills is the best candidate to retire Susan Collins,” he said of the leadership’s position, while the Senate campaign arm has already taken steps to financially bolster Mills.

“She’s a tested two-term governor, and the people of Maine have an enormous amount of affection and respect for her.”

Sanders, a democratic-socialist who rose to national prominence as an outsider to the Democratic establishment, downplayed Platner’s social media posts. He attributed them in part to a once-struggling overseas combat veteran and deflected on the Nazi tattoo by railing against a “corrupt campaign finance system” and referencing cuts to government healthcare programs under Trump’s “big, beautiful” tax law.

“What bothers me is we don’t have enough candidates in this country who are prepared to take on the powers to be and fight for the working class,” Sanders recently told reporters.

There are headaches elsewhere for Senate Democrats, including a Michigan fight to replace retiring Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI). Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI), backed by the Michigan state party to succeed Peters in a three-way contest against Democratic state Sen. Mallory McMorrow and former Wayne County Health Director Abdul El-Sayed, attended a recent DSCC Napa Valley fundraising retreat, according to Politico.

McMorrow recently met with DSCC Vice Chair Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA), according to Axios. These meetings offer the latest signs that Senate Democrats are still weighing how heavily to influence the race for a particular candidate.

For Republicans, Attorney General Ken Paxton is running an insurgent campaign against incumbent Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), creating a mirror image problem for GOP leadership. They fear his own political scandals will hurt the party next November.

Cornyn has pulled even with Paxton in polling, following months of aligned outside groups spending heavily to hammer Paxton over personal and professional scandals, including allegations of an extramarital affair, corruption, and bribery.

Meanwhile, Democrats are fielding scandals or fearing lost momentum in off-year races in Virginia and New Jersey.

Jay Jones, the Democratic nominee for attorney general in Virginia, is embroiled in controversy over texts in which he detailed the fantasy of shooting a state Republican lawmaker in the head. This has prompted his lead over Republican nominee Jason Miyares, the current attorney general, to shrink.

In the New Jersey governor’s race, Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) maintains a lead over Republican rival Jack Ciattarelli, but the contest remains competitive in a state where recent Republican gains have set off alarm bells for Democrats.

### Schumer Lands His Prized Senate Recruits in Battlegrounds

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT), a progressive member of Senate leadership, said his energy is better spent on the government shutdown than on offering election analysis. However, he told the Washington Examiner he’s set to campaign with Sherrill in New Jersey next weekend.

“She’s a great candidate. I think she’s going to win,” Murphy said. “But she needs all the help that she can get.”
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/congressional/3863659/progressive-democrats-2026-headaches-schumer-establishment-recruits/

Kurdish PKK announces it’s withdrawing fighters from Turkiye to Iraq

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The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) has announced that it is withdrawing all its forces from Turkey to northern Iraq as part of a peace process, marking the conclusion of a months-long disarmament following a four-decade armed conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of lives.

“We are implementing the withdrawal of all our forces within Turkey,” the Kurdish PKK said in a statement read aloud on Sunday in the Qandil area of northern Iraq, according to a journalist from the AFP news agency who was present at the ceremony.

The group released a photo showing 25 fighters, including eight women, who had already traveled from Turkey to northern Iraq.

The PKK, which formally renounced its 40-year armed struggle in May, is currently transitioning from armed rebellion to democratic politics. This shift aims to bring an end to one of the region’s longest conflicts, which has resulted in approximately 50,000 deaths.

However, the group urged Turkey to take the necessary legal and political steps to advance the peace process. The group emphasized the importance of establishing laws that allow freedom and democratic integration, enabling Kurdish participation in politics.

“The legal and political steps required by the process, as well as the laws of freedom and democratic integration necessary to participate in democratic politics, must be put in place without delay,” the PKK stated.

The organization has expressed its intent to pursue a democratic struggle to defend the rights of the Kurdish minority, aligning with a historic call by the group’s jailed leader, Abdullah Öcalan.

In July, the PKK held a symbolic ceremony in the mountains of northern Iraq to destroy its first batch of weapons. This act was welcomed by Turkey as “an irreversible turning point.”

“Today is a new day; a new page has opened in history. Today, the doors of a great, powerful Turkey have been flung wide open,” said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the time.

The resolution of Turkey’s conflict with the PKK could have broader implications for the region, including neighboring Syria. In Syria, the United States is allied with Syrian Kurdish forces, which Ankara regards as an offshoot of the PKK.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10/26/kurdish-pkk-announces-its-withdrawing-fighters-from-turkiye-to-iraq?traffic_source=rss

As the Shutdown Drags On, Social Safety Nets Will Fail – Liberty Nation News

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As the federal shutdown approaches the one-month mark, there’s still no end in sight. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) continues to stand firm on the House-passed continuing resolution, while the Senate adjourned for the weekend on Thursday without scheduling another vote. Even if a deal seems possible next week, it likely won’t come in time to keep several government-funded benefit programs running without interruption. As November 1 approaches, millions of Americans may begin feeling the impact.

### The Big Day: November 1

The USDA has warned that two critical programs—the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as Food Stamps) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)—could run out of federal funding by November 1.

WIC served more than 6.8 million families during fiscal year 2024. To help keep it afloat during the shutdown, the Trump administration has temporarily redirected $300 million in unspent tariff revenue to cover WIC expenses.

SNAP, which supports roughly 42 million people, does not currently have alternative funding sources sufficient to maintain benefits. At least 25 states plan to pause SNAP payments entirely next month, which will severely affect recipients’ ability to put food on the table.

Recipients are being advised to prioritize purchasing shelf-stable foods with existing funds or to visit food banks to help avoid hunger. Unfortunately, food banks are already feeling the strain from increased demand, with some reporting they are running low on supplies.

### Impact on Head Start Programs

Head Start, a federally funded program offering preschool and daycare services for children under kindergarten age, is also suffering. When the shutdown began, six Head Start locations—serving 6,525 children across three states—did not receive their funding.

By November 1, this number is expected to rise to 140 programs across 41 states and Puerto Rico. An estimated 65,152 young children will have to stay home. This situation may also force at least one parent to stay home, leading to reduced household income and potentially lost jobs.

### The Shutdown Time Crunch

The Senate is scheduled to reconvene on Monday, October 27—just three days before the November 1 deadline. The House will return on Tuesday, October 28. Even if a deal is hammered out quickly, restarting government functions that have already shut down will take time. Bureaucratic processes do not resume instantly, so service interruptions are likely to occur, even in the best-case scenario.

However, a brief interruption would be preferable to the alternative—an extended shutdown with ongoing consequences.

### Looming Challenges in November and Beyond

November also marks the start of open enrollment for Obamacare insurance plans. If pandemic-era subsidies are not renewed by December 31, they will expire, causing health insurance premiums to spike dramatically. Some estimates suggest premiums could double or even triple in certain cases, with new prices going into effect on November 1.

According to Art Caplan of the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, this will be the largest premium increase since the Affordable Care Act (ACA) took effect. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that as many as four million Americans may drop their health insurance because of the hike.

This looming crisis is why Democratic leadership in the Senate insists on reopening the government only with an ACA subsidy extension included. Yet, some Democrats, such as Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, who has frequently sided with Republicans to pass the House GOP’s continuing resolution, are urging a different approach.

“I don’t care about who’s winning, who’s losing, who’s going to blink,” Fetterman said to reporters on Thursday, October 23. “America loses. Just open up the whole thing and cut the s—t.”

### What Lies Ahead?

Congress will ultimately approve government funding—whether through a stopgap continuing resolution or full-year appropriations. The only remaining questions are when that will happen and how much collateral damage will be incurred along the way.

With crucial programs under threat and millions of Americans potentially impacted, the need for swift action has never been clearer.
https://www.libertynation.com/as-the-shutdown-drags-on-social-safety-nets-will-fail/

Trump Nominates Michael Selig as New CFTC Chair

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U.S. President Donald Trump has chosen Michael Selig as the chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), according to Bloomberg reports on Friday. This nomination replaces his previous nominee, Brian Quintez, following pressure from Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, founders of Gemini.

### Selig as the New CFTC Chair

Michael Selig currently serves as chief counsel for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Crypto Task Force and Senior Advisor to SEC Chairman Paul Atkins. Before joining the SEC, Selig was a partner at the law firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, where he specialized in asset management and digital assets regulation.

Selig’s extensive background positions him well to promote greater coordination between the SEC and CFTC, two key agencies overseeing financial markets. This nomination is closely tied to the implementation and impact of the CLARITY and GENIUS Act, which are expected to shape crypto regulation.

With Selig at the helm of the CFTC, he will have direct influence on how major cryptocurrencies and tokenized assets are regulated in practice. He is expected to leverage his cross-agency experience to harmonize regulatory frameworks related to spot crypto trading, tokenized collateral, and investor protections. These efforts are likely to advance institutional confidence in regulated digital assets.

### Industry Reaction

Earlier this month, when Selig emerged as the leading candidate for CFTC Chair, Jake Chervinsky, chief legal officer at the Variant Fund, described the development as a pivotal moment for U.S. crypto policy. He said:

> “There’s nothing more important for crypto policy than the White House nominating a new CFTC chair, and nobody better than Mike Selig for the job. I’ve had the honor of knowing Mike for years, and he’s the real deal: a brilliant lawyer and proven leader perfect for this role.”

Chervinsky also praised Selig as a trustworthy and skilled lawyer with proven leadership experience, qualities that could help stabilize and advance crypto oversight in a positive and more predictable manner.

### What’s Next? Senate Vote

Following President Trump’s nomination, Selig must be approved by the U.S. Senate before officially taking office. The confirmation process involves a hearing before the Senate Agriculture Committee, which typically handles CFTC nominations.

During the hearing, Selig will likely face questions regarding his qualifications and his stance on current U.S. regulations. If he receives Senate approval, Selig can officially begin his term as Chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
https://coinpedia.org/news/trump-nominates-michael-selig-as-new-cftc-chair/