Schumer calls for new elections in Israel, criticises Netanyahu
Washington DC, US Reuters US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called on Thursday for new elections in Israel, harshly criticizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as an obstacle to peace. Democrat Schumer, long a supporter of Israel and the highest-ranking US Jewish elected official, told the Senate that Netanyahu’s government “no longer fits the needs of […]
Biden takes on Trump over Russia, democracy in fiery State of the Union address
Updated: 3pm (AEDT) Washington DC, US Reuters President Joe Biden assailed former President Donald Trump for kowtowing to Russia, failing to care about COVID-19 and papering over the 6th January Capitol assault on Thursday in a State of the Union speech making his case for re-election in 2024. Biden, speaking before a joint session of […]
US Senate passes $US95 billion Ukraine aid bill, but path ahead unclear
Washington DC, US Reuters The Democratic-led US Senate on Tuesday passed a long-sought $US95.34 billion military aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, although it faced an uncertain path ahead in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives. After months of negotiations and political infighting, the lawmakers approved the measure in a 70-29 vote that comfortably exceeded […]
Essay: The urgent need for a truth and healing commission on Indian boarding schools
In an article first published on Religion News Service, BRIDGET MOIX, general secretary of the Friends Committee on National Legislation, says that while it’s painful to face the Quakers’ history of participation in these schools, “we cannot live our faith with integrity if we do not”…
Democrats retain grip on US Senate, defying Republican “red wave” predictions
Phoenix, Arizona, US Reuters Democrats held onto control of the US Senate while limiting projected losses in the House, handing a major victory to President Joe Biden and extinguishing hopes of the “red wave” that Republicans had expected leading into the midterm elections. Democratic leaders described the outcome – sealed late Saturday with a win […]
The Interview: US Senator and pastor Raphael Warnock
ADELLE M BANKS, of Religion News Service, speaks with Senator (and pastor) Raphael Warnock as he releases his new book ‘A Way Out of No Way’…
Deborah Lipstadt confirmed as anti-Semitism monitor in late-night Senate vote
RNS After an eight-month delay, noted anti-Semitism scholar Deborah Lipstadt was confirmed by the US Senate to be special envoy to monitor and combat anti-Semitism, in a late-night voice vote Wednesday. The Senate vote was required because the position was recently elevated to the rank of ambassador. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Tuesday approved […]
Rashad Hussain confirmed as first Muslim US religious freedom ambassador
RNS Rashad Hussain has been confirmed as the US ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom, making him the first Muslim American in the role. Hussain was confirmed by the US Senate last Thursday by an overwhelming vote of 85 to five. Rashad Hussain on 8th February. PICTURE: Courtesy of US State Dept/US Mission Geneva/Creative Commons The […]
Essay: Build Back Better or quit? Time to choose
In an article published on Religion News Service, DIANE RANDALL, general secretary of the Friends Committee on National Legislation – a national, non-partisan Quaker lobby for peace, justice and the environment, says the Build Back Better plan is truly “ground-breaking”…
In the US, Jesse Jackson, William Barber arrested protesting filibuster and Manchin
Washington DC, USRNS Rev Jesse Jackson and Poor People’s Campaign co-chair Rev William Barber II were among several civil rights and religious activists arrested at a protest outside the US Senate on Wednesday, where demonstrators demanded West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin and other lawmakers abolish the filibuster and pass voting rights legislation. Shortly before his […]