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President Donald Trump said Thursday that he plans to issue an emergency order to ensure Transportation Security Administration agents receive pay, as long security lines and delays continue to disrupt major airports across the country.

In a lengthy post on Truth Social, Trump sharply criticized Democrats for refusing to approve funding for the Department of Homeland Security and said he would take action to guarantee TSA workers are compensated.

“Because the Democrats have recklessly created a true National Crisis, I am using my authorities under the Law to protect our Great Country, as I always will do!” Trump said.

“I am going to sign an Order instructing the Secretary of Homeland Security, Markwayne Mullin, to immediately pay our TSA Agents in order to address this Emergency Situation, and to quickly stop the Democrat Chaos at the Airports. It is not an easy thing to do, but I am going to do it!,” he wrote.

The announcement comes as lawmakers from both parties remain deadlocked over DHS funding, leaving TSA employees without pay for a second consecutive month.

Under the National Emergency Act, the president has the authority to redirect unused federal funds to temporarily cover TSA salaries, potentially sidestepping Congress.

Although Republicans control the Senate, they do not have the 60 votes required to move DHS funding forward through the legislative process.

Democrats have withheld support for the department’s funding for several weeks as they push for stricter limitations on immigration enforcement policies.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Thursday that he had presented Democrats with his “final” proposal, which would fund most of DHS while excluding the portion of Immigration and Customs Enforcement responsible for enforcement and deportation activities, in an effort to win Democratic backing.

Meanwhile, many TSA employees have been calling out sick in protest over missed paychecks, contributing to extended wait times and significant congestion at airport security checkpoints nationwide.

{Matzav.com}

The Pentagon is considering a plan to deploy as many as 10,000 additional ground troops to the Middle East, according to a report Thursday night, as President Donald Trump evaluates both military options and ongoing diplomatic efforts with Iran.

Citing Defense Department officials familiar with the discussions, The Wall Street Journal reported that the potential deployment would expand the range of choices available to Trump amid continued tensions with Tehran.

If approved, the additional forces—expected to include infantry units and armored vehicles—would join roughly 5,000 Marines already in the region, along with thousands of paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division who have been deployed as part of Operation Epic Fury targeting Iran.

The developments come shortly after Trump announced a temporary halt to planned strikes on Iran’s energy facilities, extending the pause by 10 days while negotiations proceed and setting a new deadline of April 6.

“As per Iranian Government request, please let this statement serve to represent that I am pausing the period of Energy Plant destruction by 10 Days to Monday, April 6, 2026, at 8 P.M., Eastern Time,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.

In a Fox News interview later that day, Trump said Iranian officials had sought additional time through intermediaries before any escalation, and that he agreed to lengthen the window from seven days to 10.

“They asked for seven, and I gave them 10,” he said, adding that talks were ongoing and “going fairly well.”

The president cautioned that failure by Iran to meet U.S. demands could lead to further strikes, including against critical infrastructure such as power plants.

He also said in the interview that American forces had already dealt a significant blow to Iran’s military capabilities, including its missile systems.

Earlier Thursday, during a cabinet meeting, Trump highlighted what he described as the effectiveness of Operation Epic Fury.

“Over the past three weeks, we’ve been hitting Iran’s military capabilities at a level that few people have ever seen before. It’s a display of force and precision and skill like nothing the world has really witnessed.”

“We’re crushing their missile and drone stockpiles, destroying their defense industrial base, we’ve wiped out their navy completely, their air force completely. We’ve wiped out a large percentage of their missiles and missile launchers. Without the launchers, the missiles don’t do any good. We’ve wiped out probably close to 90 percent of the launchers [and] probably, more than 90 percent of the missiles themselves,” he added. “We’ve also destroyed a lot of the factories where they manufactured the drones and the missiles.”

Trump also asserted that Iran is eager to reach an agreement, suggesting its leadership is under increasing pressure.

Iran is “begging to make a deal, not me. They’re begging to make a deal. And anyone who saw what was happening over there would understand why they want to make a deal.”

President Donald Trump said Thursday that he is postponing planned attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure for an additional 10 days while negotiations continue, establishing a new cutoff date of April 6.

“As per Iranian Government request, please let this statement serve to represent that I am pausing the period of Energy Plant destruction by 10 Days to Monday, April 6, 2026, at 8 P.M., Eastern Time,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.

The president indicated that diplomatic efforts remain underway, asserting that progress is being made even as critics dispute that characterization.

“talks are ongoing” and claimed they are progressing positively “despite erroneous statements to the contrary by the Fake News Media, and others.”

Trump on Iran:

I gave them a 10-day period. They asked for 7, and I said I am gonna give you 10 because they gave me ships.pic.twitter.com/o7oVDYRyrM

— Clash Report (@clashreport) March 26, 2026

In a later interview with Fox News, Trump explained that Iranian officials had asked through intermediaries for more time before any escalation, prompting him to extend the timeline from an initial seven days to 10.

“They asked for seven, and I gave them 10,” he said, adding that talks were ongoing and “going fairly well.”

Trump cautioned that if Iran does not satisfy U.S. demands, additional targets could be struck, including power-generation facilities.

He also said during the interview that U.S. operations have significantly degraded Iran’s military capacity, including its missile arsenal and key systems.

The president earlier addressed the situation during a cabinet meeting, where he described the ongoing campaign, known as Operation Epic Fury, as highly effective.

“Over the past three weeks, we’ve been hitting Iran’s military capabilities at a level that few people have ever seen before. It’s a display of force and precision and skill like nothing the world has really witnessed.”

“We’re crushing their missile and drone stockpiles, destroying their defense industrial base, we’ve wiped out their navy completely, their air force completely. We’ve wiped out a large percentage of their missiles and missile launchers. Without the launchers, the missiles don’t do any good. We’ve wiped out probably close to 90 percent of the launchers [and] probably, more than 90 percent of the missiles themselves,” he added. “We’ve also destroyed a lot of the factories where they manufactured the drones and the missiles.”

Trump further said that Iran is eager to reach an agreement and suggested that its leadership is under pressure.

Iran is “begging to make a deal, not me. They’re begging to make a deal. And anyone who saw what was happening over there would understand why they want to make a deal.”

He accused Iranian officials of being dishonest in public statements denying negotiations and said an agreement should have been reached earlier.

The president reiterated those points during remarks in Washington on Wednesday night, claiming that Iranian leaders are reluctant to openly acknowledge their interest in a deal.

“I’ve never seen anything like we’re doing in the Middle East with Iran. And they are negotiating, by the way, and they want to make a deal so badly, but they’re afraid to say it, because they figure they’ll be killed by their own people. They’re also afraid they’ll be killed by us,” the President stated.

He also made a pointed remark about the desirability of leadership in Iran, suggesting that even those in power are reluctant to hold such positions.

“There’s never been a head of a country that wanted that job less than being the head of Iran. We listen to some of the things they say, we hear them very clearly. They say, ‘I don’t want it, we’d like to make you the next supreme leader. No thank you, I don’t want it.’”

{Matzav.com}

Manischewitz is reviewing its packaging as some have warned on social media that the brand’s packaging doesn’t adequately differentiate between products that are and are not kosher for pesach and that grocery stores often shelve them together.

“We’re aware of the conversation and appreciate the community bringing this to our attention, especially at a time as important and detail-oriented as Passover,” Mirit Shalvi, senior vice president of marketing and strategic partnerships at Manischewitz, told JNS.

“At Manischewitz, we take our role in helping families prepare for the holiday very seriously. We understand that kashrut during this time is deeply meaningful,” she added. “That said, we also recognize that in a busy retail environment, particularly during the high-volume Passover season, similar packaging across product lines can sometimes create confusion.”

Rabbi Moshe Elefant, chief operating officer and executive rabbinic coordinator at OU Kosher, told JNS that “over the past century, matzah has evolved from a food reserved for Passover into a year-round product found in many kitchen cabinets.”

“Today, some matzah is specifically produced for Passover, while other varieties are made for use throughout the rest of the year, a distinction that has existed for decades,” he said. “Matzah not intended for Passover is clearly labeled as such under the OU symbol.”

Those who keep kosher “must remain vigilant when shopping and always check the product labels, especially as Passover approaches,” he told JNS. “This is particularly important for products that may have different formulations designated specifically for Passover use.”

Shalvi told JNS that manufacturers, businesses and customers have a “shared responsibility” in purchasing the correct products for the Yom Tov.

“This includes evaluating packaging differentiation and working with our retail partners to ensure clearer in-store separation and signage where needed,” she said. “Our goal at Manischewitz is always to make the Passover shopping experience as seamless and trustworthy as possible, and we remain committed to upholding that standard for our consumers.”

“Look before you buy,” advised Mordechai Lightstone, a Chabad rabbi and the founder of the Brooklyn, N.Y.-based group Tech Tribe, on social media. “Or you, too, might end up purchasing OU-certified Manischewitz brand bread.”

“Manischewitz sells a cracker with the kosher certification of OU Kosher that looks like matzah and says matzah, but it isn’t kosher for Passover,” he added.

“It’s heartbreaking when someone thinks they are keeping Passover and is unknowingly eating chametz,” wrote Rabbi Shais Taub of food that isn’t kosher on Pesach. “It happens way more often than you might think. Look at these two products and tell me nobody would confuse them.” JNS

{Matzav.com}

The Treasury Department announced Thursday that U.S. paper money will soon feature President Donald Trump’s signature as part of plans to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary, marking the first time a sitting president’s name will appear on currency while also removing the Treasurer’s signature for the first time in more than a century and a half.

According to a statement provided to Reuters, the first $100 bills bearing Trump’s signature alongside that of Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent are expected to begin printing in June, with additional denominations to follow in the months afterward.

For now, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing continues producing bills that carry the signatures of former Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Treasurer Lynn Malerba.

Malerba is set to become the final Treasurer whose signature appears on U.S. currency, ending a continuous practice that dates back to 1861, when the federal government first issued paper money.

The change is part of a broader push by the Trump administration and its supporters to place the president’s name on a wide range of national symbols, including federal buildings, institutions, programs, naval vessels, and coins. A federal arts panel composed of Trump appointees has already approved the design of a commemorative gold coin featuring his likeness.

In a statement, Bessent said the decision reflects the significance of the upcoming anniversary and the country’s economic standing, citing strong growth, financial stability, and “lasting dollar dominance” during Trump’s second term.

“There is no more powerful way to recognize the historic achievements of our great country and President Donald J. Trump than U.S. dollar bills bearing his name, and it is only appropriate that this historic currency be issued at the Semiquincentennial,” Bessent said.

Efforts to introduce a circulating $1 coin depicting Trump have faced legal hurdles, as federal law prohibits the use of living individuals on U.S. coins.

Under existing law governing Federal Reserve notes, the Treasury Department has broad authority to alter designs to prevent counterfeiting, though certain elements must remain unchanged. These include the phrase “In God We Trust,” and the rule that portraits may only depict individuals who have died.

Officials said the overall appearance of the bills will remain the same, with the only modification being the replacement of the Treasurer’s signature with that of the president.

In the weeks leading up to Pesach, when homes are cleaned from top to bottom, an unusual phenomenon takes place: enormous amounts of belongings are discarded—sometimes along with items of great value that are thrown away by mistake and later discovered in garbage dumps in Israel and around the world.

Among the most commonly lost valuables in Israel are wedding rings, often misplaced by kallos before or after their weddings and somehow ending up in the trash. Several times each year, reports emerge of frantic searches launched by volunteers digging through piles of garbage in hopes of recovering a missing ring—though not every story ends successfully.

Another frequently lost item, unfortunately, is tefillin. Each year, cases are reported of tefillin bags mistakenly discarded. Just a few months ago, a traveler at an airport in Florida realized before takeoff that his bag—containing a tallis and valuable tefillin—had gone missing.

Volunteers from the Chaveirim organization in South Florida responded by heading to the airport’s waste facility, manually searching through large quantities of garbage to locate the missing items. After an extended search, they were able to return the bag to the traveler, intact with both the tallis and tefillin.

One of the most well-known stories in Israel involves a woman from Tel Aviv named Anat, who bought her mother a new mattress as a surprise and discarded the old one.

The following morning, the mother revealed that she had hidden her life savings inside the old mattress—an amount estimated at nearly $1 million in cash, in both dollars and euros. Upon realizing what had happened, the mother was devastated.

The daughter rushed outside, but the mattress had already been taken by a garbage truck. A massive search effort followed, spanning multiple landfill sites and involving heavy equipment and the examination of tons of waste. Despite widespread media attention and extensive efforts, the mattress—and the money—were never found.

A similar incident in northern Italy, however, had a much happier ending. In the town of Montebelluna, an elderly woman was shocked to discover that her cleaner had mistakenly thrown out an old mattress containing hidden jewelry and cash.

According to local reports, the mattress had been taken to the municipal landfill. It contained valuables worth approximately €50,000. Once the woman realized what had happened, her daughter immediately contacted the police, who launched a search operation.

Within about an hour, the mattress was located, along with all the jewelry and cash, which were safely returned to the owner.

Another extraordinary case involves James Howells, a British systems engineer from Newport, whose story has become a symbol of loss in the digital age. In 2013, a hard drive containing the private key to 7,500 bitcoins he had mined in 2009 was accidentally thrown away.

As the value of bitcoin skyrocketed over the years, so did Howells’ determination to recover the drive. At the time of reporting, the lost bitcoin is estimated to be worth around $765 million.

Howells has been engaged in a prolonged legal and bureaucratic battle with the Newport city council, which has consistently refused to allow excavation of the landfill, citing environmental concerns and licensing restrictions.

He has secured backing from investors willing to fund the search, offered the council a share of the potential recovery, and even proposed a high-tech recovery plan involving artificial intelligence, advanced scanning equipment, and robotic dogs.

Recently, Howells escalated the matter by filing a lawsuit against the council for $500 million, arguing that he is being unlawfully denied access to his own property.

In another case, a family in New York purchased a simple white ceramic bowl at a garage sale in 2007 for just $3. For years, it sat unnoticed on a shelf in their home.

Eventually, curiosity led them to have it evaluated, revealing it to be an extremely rare Ding bowl from China’s Northern Song dynasty, dating back roughly 1,000 years.

Auction house Sotheby’s initially estimated its value at between $200,000 and $300,000. However, after intense bidding in March 2013, the bowl sold for an astonishing $2.225 million to a London-based art dealer.

The bowl, about five inches in diameter, features delicate leaf patterns and an ivory tone. According to Sotheby’s, the only comparable piece is held in the British Museum’s permanent collection.

In yet another remarkable discovery, a rare printed copy of the United States Declaration of Independence from 1776 was found in 1989 after a man in Philadelphia bought a framed picture at a flea market for $4.

Hidden between the image and the backing of the frame was the rare document, which was later sold for $2.42 million. It was one of just 25 official copies printed by the Continental Congress and distributed to spread news of independence.

An unusual find also occurred at a recycling center in California in 2014, when a woman in her 60s dropped off several boxes from her garage after her husband passed away, leaving without providing any contact information.

Weeks later, workers sorting through the boxes discovered an original Apple-1 computer beneath old cables and keyboards.

The Apple-1, built by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak in 1976, was one of only about 200 units ever produced, with only a few dozen believed to still exist today.

Unlike modern computers, it was originally sold as just a motherboard, requiring buyers to assemble additional components themselves. The recycling center sold the machine to a private collector for $200,000.

Because the facility’s policy is to share 50 percent of profits with donors, staff launched a search for the woman in order to give her $100,000. The owner later said he still remembers her appearance and hopes she will return.

Even lottery tickets have found their way into the trash with dramatic consequences. In one case, a man in Pennsylvania accidentally threw away 25 winning lottery tickets, each worth $50,000, resulting in a total loss of $1.25 million.

In another instance, a man in Massachusetts found a discarded lottery ticket that turned out to be worth $1 million. Following a legal settlement with the original owner, he was able to claim the prize.

{Matzav.com}

[Video below.] President Donald Trump briefly shifted focus during a high-level Cabinet meeting Thursday, launching into a lengthy and unexpected discussion about his preferred Sharpie markers even as top officials were addressing major issues including the Iran conflict, airport delays, and economic concerns.

At one point early in the meeting, Trump held up a customized black-and-gold marker and began recounting how it became a staple in the White House. “See this pen right here?” Trump said at the start of a roughly five-minute, on-and-off diatribe on the Sharpie. “This pen is an interesting example.”

The extended aside stood out during a session that otherwise featured serious updates from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, envoy Steve Witkoff, Vice President JD Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who spoke about missile threats, Iran’s nuclear activity, and U.S. troops still deployed in dangerous areas.

Trump framed the story as an illustration of his approach to cutting costs in government, while also tying it to his ongoing criticism of expensive federal projects, including renovations to the Federal Reserve building.

“We’ve gotta get our priorities straight,” Trump said.

He began by describing how the White House had previously stocked expensive writing instruments. According to Trump, the pens used for ceremonial bill signings once cost as much as $1,000 each.

He said this became an issue because he regularly gives out pens during signing ceremonies to lawmakers, aides, and others involved in legislation—including children, who he suggested may not appreciate their value.

“Sometimes you have 30, 40 people,” Trump said.

Despite his reputation for favoring lavish projects, Trump said distributing so many high-cost items made him uncomfortable.

“I feel guilty by nature.”

“I love the government like I love myself, economically,” Trump said. “I want to save money.”

He explained that he worked with a manufacturer to produce a more affordable alternative and initially hesitated to mention the company by name, before revealing it was Sharpie—a disclosure that drew laughter from those in attendance.

Trump has long used Sharpies, both in his years as a businessman and during his presidency, whether signing documents or annotating materials with his signature bold ink style.

He said he contacted the company about creating custom pens featuring the White House insignia and was told they would provide them at no cost. Trump said he insisted on paying $5 per pen, even though standard Sharpies typically retail for $1 to $2.

“The head of Sharpie gets a call. I don’t even know who the hell he is. He said, ‘Is this really the president?’” Trump said.

The anecdote marked one of the most notable mentions of the marker since the “Sharpiegate” episode during Hurricane Dorian in Trump’s first term. However, the company that produces Sharpie, Newell Brands, later said it had no information about the exchange Trump described, while noting that the pens are widely used by public figures across various fields.

Trump concluded the story by presenting it as a practical lesson.

“For $5, I get a much better pen than for $1,000, and I can hand them out,” he said. “And, honestly, they’ve become hot as a pistol, so what can I tell you?”

After finishing his remarks, Trump joked about the challenge of following his storytelling before turning the meeting back to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

“Good luck, Scott,” he said as the rest of the Cabinet laughed again.

“Well, sir,” Bessent offered, “as usual, you’re a tough act to follow.”

WATCH:

Israel’s High Court of Justice is hearing a petition against the transfer of approximately 1.09 billion shekels to chareidi educational institutions, a case brought by Yesh Atid chairman Yair Lapid, MK Naama Lazimi, and the Chiddush organization.

During the hearing, Justice Yael Vilner expressed sharp criticism of the funding decision, stating, “There is no dispute that the transfer of funds to the chareidi institutions was carried out unlawfully — and therefore the decision must be void.”

She added that a possible resolution could involve restarting the process through proper legal channels. “If there is agreement among all parties, it will be possible to decide that the previous decision will be canceled, to hold a new discussion in the Finance Committee, and a new decision will be made. There is clear illegality here.”

Ahead of the court session, Lapid used the opportunity to launch a strong public attack against the funding and against the chareidi parties.

Speaking about the allocation of more than a billion shekels, he said, “It is time for the Israeli public to stop being the cash cow of the chareidim. We will not allow them to continue stealing.”

He further claimed, “Netanyahu and Smotrich built a secret mechanism that stole billions from Israeli taxpayers and transferred them to the chareidim. This disgrace cannot continue.”

{Matzav.com}

A decades-long experiment in Japan has demonstrated both the potential and the limits of cloning technology, as researchers successfully replicated a single mouse across 58 consecutive generations—only to see the lineage ultimately fail when the final generation could not survive beyond birth.

The study, conducted over 20 years and published this week in Nature Communications, was led by scientists at the University of Yamanashi. It marks the longest continuous cloning of a mammal ever achieved. However, the 58th generation revealed a critical breaking point, as none of the cloned offspring lived past their first day.

The project began in 2005 under the direction of Professors Sayaka Wakayama and Teruhiko Wakayama, using the same somatic cell nuclear transfer technique that was used to clone Dolly the sheep. In its early phases, the experiment progressed with remarkable success: cloned mice were born healthy and genetically identical to the original, and success rates even improved over time. To help maintain genetic stability, researchers introduced a chemical compound called trichostatin A, intended to reduce errors in genomic reprogramming.

But after roughly 25 generations, signs of decline began to emerge. Researchers observed an increasing loss of the X chromosome, along with a steady buildup of genetic mutations—both microscopic and structural—that nearly doubled with each successive generation. By the time the 58th generation was produced, the genetic material had degraded to the point where it could no longer sustain normal life.

The findings provide the first experimental confirmation of “Muller’s Ratchet,” a theory suggesting that organisms reproducing without genetic mixing gradually accumulate harmful mutations until eventual genetic failure. “Our results clearly align with the principle of Muller’s Ratchet,” the researchers wrote. “Without sexual reproduction, the accumulation of genetic errors is a finite mathematical process.”

At the same time, the researchers identified a crucial insight. In a parallel experiment, when cloned mice from later generations were bred with non-cloned mice, their offspring—and subsequent generations—were healthy and fertile, with the previously observed defects largely disappearing. In effect, natural reproduction was able to “reset” the genetic system.

The study carries significant implications for efforts to preserve endangered species through cloning. While scientists have hoped that cloning could sustain rare animal populations, the findings indicate that such methods cannot fully replace natural reproduction over the long term.

“The results confirm that natural reproduction is an inseparable component of the long-term survival of mammals,” the researchers concluded. “Cloning may support temporary genetic preservation, but it can never serve as a true substitute for natural reproduction.”

President Donald Trump delivered a stark message to Iran on Thursday, urging its leadership to move quickly toward a negotiated settlement as U.S. officials simultaneously prepare potential military action they believe could decisively weaken the regime.

“The Iranian negotiators are very different and ‘strange,’” the president posted on Truth Social. “They are ‘begging’ us to make a deal, which they should be doing since they have been militarily obliterated, with zero chance of a comeback, and yet they publicly state that they are only ‘looking at our proposal.’ WRONG!!!

“They better get serious soon, before it is too late,” Trump added, “because once that happens, there is NO TURNING BACK, and it won’t be pretty!”

Trump’s comments came as reports indicated that U.S. defense planners are developing a sweeping bombing campaign should diplomatic efforts collapse, with several strategic options under consideration to intensify pressure on Tehran.

Among the possibilities under review are operations targeting Iran’s key oil infrastructure and strategic islands. These include a potential move against Kharg Island, the country’s primary oil export hub; taking control of Larak Island, which serves as a military foothold near the Strait of Hormuz; capturing additional disputed islands near the strait’s western entrance; and intercepting or halting vessels transporting Iranian oil, a step that could significantly disrupt the regime’s revenue stream.

Alex Plitsas, a former Pentagon official now affiliated with the Atlantic Council, said seizing such territory would limit Iran’s ability “to strike at ships that are in the area.

“Kharg, in particular, is where 90% of the oil is loaded for Iran, so that is more of the US taking a chess piece off [Iran’s] board and putting another bargaining chip in its pocket to deal with the Iranians,” he added. “I think the thought there is that if they take Kharg and the Iranians were to attack and blow up their own infrastructure, that would be basically self-defeating. So in this case, it would be an operation to seize the island and force the Iranians to negotiate.”

He cautioned, however, that Iran might retaliate in other ways even if it refrains from striking U.S. forces directly on Kharg Island.

“they may attack regional energy, oil and gas infrastructure in other countries.”

Military planners also face logistical hurdles if ground troops are deployed. Any attempt to capture the islands would likely rely on aerial insertion rather than naval landings, due to the risks involved in navigating contested waters.

“You’d have to transit The Straits with the ships in order to get in there to [put Marines on islands using landing crafts], and we can’t do that,” he explained. “You’d give up the element of surprise, and the straits are contested right now.”

“If they come out by air, you’d be vulnerable to shoulder-fired missiles up to 12,000 feet and below. And then Iran has land attack cruise missiles, as well. So the US would have to account for all of that as part of the planning process.”

Other options reportedly being weighed include deploying special operations forces to secure highly enriched uranium at nuclear facilities previously targeted by U.S. strikes, or launching additional air raids to ensure the material cannot be accessed.

At the same time, diplomatic channels remain active. Pakistan’s foreign minister confirmed Thursday that indirect negotiations between Washington and Tehran are underway, with mediation efforts involving Islamabad as well as Egypt, Turkey, and other countries.

Speculation earlier in the week suggested Vice President JD Vance might travel to Pakistan to finalize a cease-fire, though a source indicated that while the idea remains a “possibility,” it is not “even close to happening.”

Trump had earlier signaled openness to a negotiated resolution, announcing on Monday a delay in planned strikes against Iran’s energy sector to allow room for talks. That pause was later extended by an additional 10 days on Thursday.

Even as negotiations continue, U.S. and Israeli forces have maintained sustained air operations targeting Iran’s military infrastructure and leadership. Washington has also presented Tehran with a 15-point proposal outlining conditions for ending the conflict.

The U.S. framework calls for Iran to dismantle its nuclear capabilities, abandon efforts to develop atomic weapons, transfer enriched uranium to international oversight, restrict its missile program to defensive purposes, keep the Strait of Hormuz open, and halt financial support for proxy groups.

Despite Trump’s assertion earlier in the week that Iran had agreed to step back from pursuing nuclear weapons, Iranian officials rejected the American proposal and countered with their own plan, which would allow them to retain control over the strait and continue backing allied militant organizations, including Hamas and Hezbollah.

As diplomacy unfolds, the U.S. military presence in the region continues to expand, with additional naval assets and thousands of troops heading toward the Middle East.

The conflict enters its fourth week on Friday. Trump had initially suggested early in the fighting that the campaign might last “four weeks or so.”

“What we had to do is get rid of the cancer,” Trump told Republican lawmakers Wednesday night. “We had to cut out the cancer. The cancer was Iran with a nuclear weapon. We’ve cut it out. Now we’re going to finish it off.”

“They are negotiating, by the way,” the president added, “and they want to make a deal so badly, but they’re afraid to say it because they figure they’ll be killed by their own people. They’re also afraid they’ll be killed by us.”

{Matzav.com}

A federal judge in Manhattan on Thursday refused to throw out the drug-trafficking case against ousted Venezuelan ruler Nicolás Maduro, while a heated dispute unfolded in court over who should pay for his legal defense.

Maduro, 63, appeared in court wearing a tan prison uniform and dark glasses, seated next to his wife and co-defendant, Celia Flores, 69, who was also dressed in jail-issued clothing. During the proceeding—his first since January, when he had insisted the U.S. military had “kidnapped” him—he quietly took notes.

The session took place in a crowded federal courtroom in Manhattan, as opposing demonstrators gathered outside, with tensions running high between supporters and critics.

Maduro’s defense attorney, Barry Pollack—who previously represented Julian Assange in securing a plea deal that allowed him to return to Australia—argued for dismissal of the charges. He contended that Maduro’s ability to mount a defense was being obstructed, violating his constitutional rights.

The judge, Alvin Hellerstein, quickly rejected that argument, stating, “I’m not going to dismiss the case.”

Pollack also warned that if the Treasury Department continues to deny a sanctions waiver that would allow Venezuela’s government to cover Maduro’s legal costs, American taxpayers could end up footing the bill.

“You have someone other than the US taxpayer standing ready and willing to fund that defense,” he told the court.

Prosecutor Kyle Wirshba opposed that request, arguing that allowing Maduro to access Venezuelan state funds would conflict with U.S. policy interests.

He told the court that the government has “national security” and “foreign policy” reasons for blocking such funding. He added that the sanctions were imposed “because the defendants are plundering the wealth of Venezuela,” and that permitting them to use those same funds “it would undermine the nature of the sanctions to let them use that wealth in their defense.”

Although Maduro and his wife claimed they lack the resources to pay for their lawyers, Wirshba said he was skeptical and asked the judge to require a deeper financial review, including compelling Maduro to submit a sworn statement detailing his assets.

Hellerstein, who joined the bench in 1998 after being appointed by President Bill Clinton, appeared open to the argument that Venezuela might be allowed to fund the defense.

“No matter the circumstances that brought them here, they are entitled to a presumption of innocence and have the right to defend themselves,” he said from the bench. “The current paramount goal and need is the right to defend themselves.”

The judge also questioned whether he had the authority to compel the U.S. government to grant the sanctions waiver, but Wirshba responded that he did not.

Outside the courthouse, several hundred demonstrators gathered, with pro- and anti-Maduro groups facing off. One protester opposing Maduro held a sign reading “Maduro, Rot in Prison,” while supporters waved Venezuelan flags and displayed messages such as “Free President Maduro.”

Some participants danced while draped in Venezuelan flags, and one group displayed an effigy of Maduro dressed in prison attire with chains around his neck and wrist.

Among those present was Janette Panzenbeck, 59, a Venezuelan-born translator who has lived in Manhattan for three decades and still has close family in Venezuela. She voiced strong support for President Trump’s role in removing Maduro from power.

“I actually have a lot of respect for President Trump. I like him, what he’s doing in Venezuela, and even in Iran because it’s a regime of 47 years where they have executed their own people,” she told The Post while waving a small Venezuelan flag.

“Venezuela is different from that, but people are just very happy and call him Uncle Trump,” she said, claiming that if asked, “85-95%” of people in the South American nation are “so happy” Maduro is gone and grateful for their “liberation” from the despot.

“Now Venezuelan people are breathing that air of freedom, and I’m just so happy here celebrating that this dictator is now in court in the United States,” she said.

Maduro and Flores are currently being held at the Brooklyn Detention Center. No trial date has yet been scheduled.

{Matzav.com}

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From household-name foods to restaurants, simcha venues, and hotels, it’s easy to take the remarkable range of kosher options for granted. Rarely do we stop to consider the meticulous supervision, time, and effort required to ensure that each product and establishment meets the highest standards of kashrus.

OU Kosher’s new Keeping It Kosher podcast takes listeners behind the scenes of the world of hashgachos, revealing what it truly takes to certify food and facilities as kosher and highlighting the dedicated people who make it all happen.

Geared toward everyone from seasoned to new kosher consumers, the podcast, with the tagline Kashrus Conversations for the Curious, features firsthand insights from mashgichim, poskim, and global kashrus experts.

“Beyond certifying food and establishments as kosher, a key part of our mission is educating people about kashrus, something we find very fulfilling,” says OU Kosher Chief Operating Officer Rabbi Moshe Elefant, who oversees roughly 15,000 plants in 105 countries and was the podcast’s first guest.

“Keeping It Kosher is a wonderful opportunity to enlighten people about kashrus in a serious yet engaging way,” he says. “Kosher food doesn’t happen automatically, or because a rabbi blesses it. It takes tremendous effort, world travel, research, and care. Understanding what goes into kashrus certification adds a deeper dimension to keeping the mitzvah.”

Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, 24Six, and Naki Radio, Keeping It Kosher emphasizes transparency and explores the intersection of technology and culture. Episodes highlight fascinating stories behind the OU symbol, relationships between mashgichim and companies, and the reasoning behind kashrus halachos and minhagim.

Ahead of Pesach, the first episode, Gebrokts Unpacked: Origins of the Minhag and Its Applications, explored navigating situations where some family members eat gebrokts while others do not; why people in chutz la’aretz stop eating it on the eighth day of Pesach; and the thousands of Pesach questions OU Kosher fields each year. It reached over 9,000 views in just over a week.

OU Kosher Director of Education and Community Relations Rabbi Eli Eleff hopes the podcast will highlight the challenges kashrus professionals face and show their human side.

“I think people will gain a greater appreciation for kashrus professionals, who work tirelessly on behalf of the community,” he says.

OU Director of Torah and Halacha Initiatives Rabbi Ezra Sarna hosts the podcast, and is eager to learn about OU Kosher’s inner workings alongside podcast viewers and listeners.

“The easiest part of hosting this podcast is looking genuinely interested and curious about what my esteemed guests are saying,” he says. “It’s all new to me too. Their experience and knowledge are staggering. I’m excited for the Torah world to meet the giants that work at OU Kosher — serious talmidei chachamim, experts in the practical and modern application of halacha, food scientists, and business-minded individuals with rock-solid integrity and yiras shamayim. More than just appreciating their work, you’ll hear about their lives. It’s powerful.”

New episodes are released monthly on Motzei Shabbos. The second episode will explore alcohol and the halachic considerations of wine. The third episode ahead of Shavuos, will focus on cheese, including varieties that require waiting six hours before eating meat. The fourth, summer-themed episode, will cover kashrus considerations while traveling.

During his 37 years at OU Kosher, Rabbi Elefant has seen a significant shift in consumers’ interest in kashrus certification.

“In the past, people were satisfied with a limited selection of kosher food,” he reflects. “Today, kosher consumers want everything, including a different exotic wine for each of the four kosos. More than that, they are educated and genuinely care about what makes something kosher.”

The community’s fascination with every detail of kashrus is remarkable, he says.

“People are thirsty for knowledge. We see it in the volume of calls and emails we receive constantly. They are careful about what they eat and do not take anything for granted. An educated consumer is the best consumer. When consumers understand kashrus, they become true partners in maintaining its highest standards.”

To watch or listen to Keeping It Kosher: Kashrus Conversations for the Curious, visit https://keepingitkosher.org.

Rabbi Eli Eleff
Managing Director of Marketing and Community Relations
OU Kosher
212-613-8352
eleffe@ou.org

About OU Kosher
OU (Orthodox Union) Kosher is the world’s largest and most widely recognized international kosher certification agency, certifying 1.5 million products produced in more than 15,000 plants located in 108 countries around the world. The agency certifies two-thirds of all kosher-certified foods in the United States.

About the Orthodox Union
Founded in 1898, the Orthodox Union (OU), or Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, serves as the voice of American Orthodox Jewry, with over 400 congregations in its synagogue network. As the umbrella organization for American Orthodox Jewry, the OU is at the forefront of advocacy work on both state and federal levels, outreach to Jewish teens and young professionals through NCSY, Israel Free Spirit Birthright, Yachad and OU Press, among many other divisions and programs.

A chareidi journalist working for B’Kehilla magazine was detained in Kuwait after authorities suspected him of espionage, with his tefillin reportedly triggering alarm during questioning before he was ultimately released.

Yitzchak Horowitz, who ended up in Kuwait due to wartime flight disruptions, was initially suspected of being Iranian. However, once tefillin were found in his belongings, officials began to suspect possible ties to Israeli intelligence. After an extended interrogation, he was released. Reflecting on the ordeal, he said, “We learned a lesson about who the real enemy is. Maybe one day we will make peace with Israel.”

Horowitz was first stopped after he was seen photographing activity near the shoreline involving American patrol vessels, even though local civilians were doing the same. Writing about the scene, he noted, “They are quite far away, but large, and their speed is amazing, creating waves and tremendous noise that can be heard from the shore.” Despite this, he was singled out because he was a foreigner.

Describing the moment of his detention, Horowitz said, “A policeman asked who I was, what I was photographing, and why. ‘It’s just a precaution,’ the officer said politely. ‘Because of the sensitivity, we want to make sure everything is okay.’” He recounted that more officers soon arrived and asked to search his belongings. “I handed it over, everything was spread out. A bottle of water. Dates. More dates. A charger, and a velvet pouch that was opened, revealing the tefillin. He took them out, and I suddenly heard everyone around gasp in astonishment. For a moment they didn’t understand what they were seeing. It looked to them like a communication device with all the straps. They had never seen such an object in their lives.”

He explained the item to them, saying, “This is a Jewish religious item,” and clarified, “Tefillin, and I pray with it every morning.” According to Horowitz, the officer noticed the Hebrew letter on the box and questioned him further. “Yes, this is the letter ‘shin,’ the first letter of one of the names of Allah. Inside are passages from the Jewish Torah.”

The officer then tried to determine his identity, asking whether he was Jewish and possibly Israeli. Horowitz described the confusion: “So you are Jewish? He looks at me carefully. I am apparently the first Jew he has ever seen. A real Jew. He is amazed and confused. If I am Jewish, then I am certainly not an Iranian spy. On the other hand, maybe I am Israeli. Then maybe I am a Mossad spy. But then what would a Mossad spy be doing in Kuwait?”

The questioning intensified when the officer asked directly, “Are you Israeli? Did you serve in the Israeli army? Do you have connections to Israel?”

Horowitz continued, “He seemed confused. He took my passport again, flipping page after page looking for any stamp suggesting a connection to Israel. There was none, but it still seemed strange to him. Finally he said, ‘Alright, we will have to check this matter.’” He was then taken into custody, though he noted that the facilities were surprisingly comfortable despite the heavy security presence.

He also described a hostile atmosphere once his Jewish identity became known. At one point, an officer pointed to images on a screen and said, “Look what the Israelis are doing in Gaza.” Horowitz corrected him, noting the footage was from Lebanon, but the officer responded, “It’s all the same, and you are all the same.”

As the hours passed, investigators went through his phone messages, finding nothing suspicious. Eventually, a senior officer arrived and continued the questioning. Horowitz told him, “Look, I have been in other Gulf countries. In all of them, Jews are treated with respect. In Bahrain there is even a synagogue. Because I am Jewish, the attitude toward me here is hostile. This is not fitting for an advanced Western country like Kuwait.”

The officer replied that the matter would be reviewed further, saying, “Listen, this needs to go to the general to decide. Maybe he will want to speak with you. You will have to wait.”

When Horowitz asked to contact his family, he was told, “The general says you can call your ambassador only after they examine your case in depth.”

He was then moved to another section and later questioned by intelligence officials. During that interrogation, he challenged their suspicions, saying, “Let’s speak honestly. You suspected me of being an Iranian spy. Well, I am Jewish and not hiding it, so that suspicion is gone. Now you suspect me of being a Mossad spy. Do you really think Israeli intelligence is so unprofessional that it would send an agent on a mission with tefillin?”

He also remarked to them, “From my perspective, you and Israel are actually on the same side in this war. Am I not right?”

After further review, the authorities decided to release him. He described the moment: “The general told me to tell you that if you want to call your ambassador, you may. But perhaps you would prefer to go home, because you are free.”

Following his release, Horowitz contacted a Kuwaiti acquaintance, who shared his view on changing attitudes in the region. “Know this,” he told him, “my impression is that this war has changed the attitude of many Kuwaitis and even people in the government toward Israel. Israel is not the enemy; on the contrary, it is the only one that had the courage to stop the Iranian enemy. It is the only one with the technology that can stop the missiles aimed at us. Maybe after the war Saudi Arabia will normalize relations with Israel—and I wouldn’t be surprised if we do as well.”

A new report claims that hundreds of urban areas across Europe have developed into so-called “no-go zones,” with thousands more classified as “sensitive” neighborhoods, attributing the trend to decades of large-scale migration and unsuccessful integration policies.

The study, titled “No-Go Zones, Immigration and the Rise of Parallel Societies,” was produced by the New Direction Foundation for European Reform, a conservative think tank. It estimates that between 900 and 1,000 areas across European cities meet the criteria for “no-go zones,” citing elevated crime levels, weakened government control, and deep social fragmentation.

The report, authored by Maxime Hemery-Aymar of France’s Observatory of Immigration and Demography, links mass migration and open-border policies to rising crime, deteriorating social cohesion, and even the spread of Islamist extremism.

Researchers concluded that 63 percent of Islamist terrorist attacks in Europe between 2010 and 2025 had a “verified link” to areas identified as no-go zones.

“So-called ‘sensitive neighbourhoods’ in Europe remain fertile grounds where such vulnerabilities can be exploited: community withdrawal, perceived exclusion, and petty crime create a conducive context that jihadist recruiters know how to leverage,” the report stated.

The analysis also pointed to what it described as a clear connection between population demographics and urban dysfunction, noting that the average share of foreign-born residents in these areas stands at 40 percent, compared to 20 percent across the European Union and about 30 percent in urban centers overall.

“Therefore, the share of the foreign-born population in the studied no-go zones is more than 100% higher than in the rest of the EU,” the report noted.

The findings further suggest that increases in immigration levels have coincided with the expansion of such neighborhoods, “suggesting a parallel dynamic between rising immigration levels and the progressive development of high-crime, state-withdrawn urban enclaves.”

While some governments have acknowledged the existence of troubled neighborhoods—often using softer terminology—mainstream media outlets have frequently challenged the concept of “no-go zones,” sometimes disputing a literal interpretation of the term.

Recognizing inconsistencies in how countries label such areas—such as “priority urban districts” in France, “dangerous places” in Germany, or “vulnerable areas” in Sweden—the report attempts to establish standardized criteria for identifying them.

These benchmarks include rates of homicide and robbery per 100,000 residents, the presence of organized youth gangs, high unemployment and school dropout rates, and reports of antisemitism, homophobia, or restrictions based on gender.

The study also considers signs of reduced state presence, such as instances where police or emergency responders avoid entering certain neighborhoods due to safety concerns, along with increased reliance on non-governmental organizations, described as a “proxy for state retreat.”

Each area was evaluated on a scale from 0 to 10, ranging from “low risk” to a “critical no-go zone,” defined as a place functioning as a “de facto autonomous area; full disengagement of state and emergence of enclaves.”

Among the 17 locations examined in detail, the Franc-Moisin district in Saint-Denis, France, received the highest possible rating of 10. Other areas scoring highly included La Castellane in Marseille, Molenbeek in Brussels, and Rosengard in Malmö, each with a score of 9.4.

The report also identifies a connection between the rise in no-go zones and increasing levels of Islamization, stating that a “parallel trajectory can be observed between the number of officially registered mosques and the emergence of no-go zones” in France.

It further suggests that immigrants from regions such as the Middle East, the Horn of Africa, and South Asia may face greater challenges integrating into European societies, citing “different norms regarding gender roles, education, religion, and civic life, areas that clash with European liberal democratic standards over time.”

The report also criticizes certain government social housing policies, arguing that concentrating low-income migrant populations in specific areas has contributed to social divisions, as immigrants are “disproportionately confined to the limited social housing stock,” rather than being more evenly distributed.

To address these issues, the think tank calls for significant changes to immigration policy, including tightening family reunification rules, expanding deportations, imposing stricter residency and citizenship requirements, increasing policing efforts, and encouraging native populations to return to affected urban areas.

Presenting the findings to the European Parliament, New Direction President and European Conservatives and Reformists Group co-chair Nicola Procaccini warned of the broader implications. “if we allow these enclaves to grow, we are not just losing our streets, but also the very values of freedom and equality that define our civilisation.”

“For too long, those in power, especially on the left, have tried to ignore the issue of no-go zones, claiming that it is nothing more than a right-wing conspiracy. Today, with data in hand, we are able to show that these places are tragically real and that the time to act to resolve the problem is now.”

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New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill has signed legislation prohibiting law enforcement officers, including federal immigration agents, from wearing face coverings during certain interactions, setting off sharp criticism from federal authorities who warn the measure could expose officers to harassment and danger.

The new law, encompassing SCS for S3114 and 3216/A1743, mandates that officers display their faces during specific public encounters and provide adequate identification before making an arrest or detention, according to a March 25 announcement.

Explaining her decision, Sherrill said the legislation reinforces legal accountability within the state. “These bills underscore that here in New Jersey, we still follow the Constitution and uphold the rule of law.”

She added that her administration’s priority remains public safety, while also criticizing federal immigration enforcement practices under President Donald Trump. “My focus as governor remains on keeping the public safe,” she said.

Referring specifically to ICE personnel, Sherrill argued that their conduct poses risks. “As we’ve seen across the country, Donald Trump’s untrained, unaccountable, masked ICE agents are putting people in danger,” she said.

“That’s why in New Jersey, we are protecting our communities — strengthening our protections, banning ICE agents from wearing masks, and protecting residents’ privacy from federal overreach,” Sherrill added.

The issue has also become a point of contention in the ongoing partial government shutdown, with Democrats pushing for changes to ICE practices, including restrictions on mask usage.

Republican lawmakers have pushed back strongly. “Senate Democrats want to ban ICE officers from wearing masks so their left-wing street militias can dox the officers and terrorize the officers’ wives and children at their homes,” Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) said on Wednesday, offering further perspective on day 40 of the Senate battle over funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

By Thursday, the shutdown had entered its 41st day.

A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson criticized the New Jersey measure in comments to NBC10, warning of risks to officers. “Sanctuary politicians attempting to ban our federal law enforcement from wearing masks is despicable and a flagrant attempt to endanger our officers.”

The agency also indicated it does not intend to comply with the law, arguing it conflicts with federal authority. “The Supremacy Clause makes it clear that New Jersey’s sanctuary politicians do not control federal law enforcement,” the spokesperson continued, describing the law as “irresponsible, reckless, and dangerous.”

Officials stressed that face coverings serve a protective function for agents, citing a rise in threats and violence. The spokesperson pointed to “a more than 1,300 percent increase in assaults, 3,300 percent increase in vehicular attacks, and an 8,000 percent increase in death threats against them.”

“ICE officers wear face coverings for one reason: to protect themselves and their families from real-world threats, including agitators,” DHS said. “The danger is not hypothetical.”

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An 83-year-old U.S. Air Force veteran has died after being shoved onto subway tracks in New York City in what police describe as an unprovoked attack, with authorities alleging the suspect is a repeatedly deported illegal immigrant.

Richard Williams succumbed to his injuries weeks after the March 10 incident, during which police say 34-year-old Bairon Posada-Herandez of Honduras pushed both Williams and another man, Jhon Rodriguez, onto the tracks at an Upper East Side station as they waited for a train.

Investigators have said the assault appeared to be random. Rodriguez later recounted that after being pushed, he turned and saw Williams bleeding from the head on the tracks. Williams, a father of three daughters and grandfather of two, was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.

For several weeks, he remained hospitalized as his family held out hope for his recovery. This week, however, he died from the injuries he sustained in the attack.

Following his death, prosecutors upgraded the case against Posada-Herandez, who has now been indicted on charges of second-degree murder.

Federal immigration authorities had previously urged New York City officials, including Mayor Zohran Mamdani, to ensure that Posada-Herandez would not be released from custody and instead be transferred to ICE.

According to ICE, Posada-Herandez first entered the United States by crossing the southern border on Jan. 2, 2008, and has since been deported to Honduras four separate times.

Officials say that after his most recent removal in 2020, he once again reentered the country illegally at an unknown time and location.

Authorities also point to an extensive criminal history, noting that Posada-Herandez had accumulated 15 prior charges in the United States, including allegations of simple assault, domestic violence, resisting police, weapons possession, drug offenses, and aggravated assault.

The U.S. Senate on Thursday failed to reach agreement on requiring photo identification for voting in federal elections, as lawmakers clashed over a wider bill aimed at reshaping voter registration and ballot procedures.

In a 53-47 procedural vote, senators blocked an amendment introduced by Ohio Republican Sen. Jon Husted to the SAVE America Act. President Donald Trump and several Republicans have backed the legislation as a key priority, while Democrats argue it would place new barriers in front of voters.

Although similar language is already included in the broader bill, the amendment vote served as a way for Republicans to force Democrats to go on record regarding voter ID requirements.

California Democratic Sen. Alex Padilla urged opposition to the measure, calling the effort an example of “showmanship and theatrics” from Republicans.

Padilla argued that the proposal would exclude certain valid forms of identification, saying it would prevent individuals from using student or tribal IDs without expiration dates from participating “in our democracy even though you are eligible.”

He also warned that imposing a photo ID requirement would complicate voting for those who cast ballots by mail, describing it as an “additional and unnecessary obstacle” affecting millions of Americans.

“In the 2024 election, 48 million voters chose to vote by mail,” he said. “And in case you missed the breaking news a couple of days ago, President Trump once again voted by mail in the special election in Florida. So what is it, good enough for the president but not good enough for the rest of us? Secure enough for the president but not secure enough for the American people?”

Republicans, however, defended the proposal as a basic safeguard. Speaking on the Senate floor, Husted said his amendment is “clean, simple, straightforward.”

“States across our country have shown that you can simultaneously make it easy to vote and hard to cheat,” he said. “Georgia, Wisconsin, New Hampshire, all along with my home state of Ohio, all have photo ID requirements, just to name a few.”

Husted maintained that verifying identity at the polls is a matter of common sense.

“Americans are required to show a photo ID when they rent a car, when they start a job, and when they board a plane. This is something that people do every single day,” he said.

Under the proposal, in-person voters would have been required to present valid photo identification, such as a driver’s license, state ID, passport, military ID, or a tribal ID that includes an expiration date.

For those voting by mail, the amendment would have required submission of a copy of photo identification. Voters unable to provide that could instead submit the last four digits of their Social Security number along with an affidavit explaining why they could not include ID.

The measure also called on election officials, “to the extent practicable,” to make scanners and printers available so voters could copy their identification for mail-in ballots.

In addition, state and local officials would have been required to notify voters of the ID requirement when they registered.

Despite the debate, the broader bill faces steep odds in the Senate due to Democratic opposition. Major legislation requires at least 60 votes to advance, under the chamber’s filibuster rules.

Republicans have floated the idea of advancing parts of the package through the budget reconciliation process, though several GOP senators have acknowledged the difficulty of using that route for policy changes unrelated to taxes, spending, or the national debt.

{Matzav.com}