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What we’re covering
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!• Health care plans fail: The Senate rejected a GOP plan that focused on expanding health savings, and also denied a Democratic proposal to extend the enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies for three more years. The White House vowed to roll out a new approach on health care “very soon.” Enrollees could see monthly payments soar in January if enhanced subsidies lapse this month.
• Tanker seized: The oil tanker the US seized off the Venezuelan coast will travel to an American port, where US authorities intend to take possession of its oil cargo, the White House said, as President Donald Trump continues his pressure campaign on the country.
• Global threats House hearing: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and other top Trump security officials defended the administration’s immigration and national security policies as they faced lawmakers’ questions today. A top Democrat called on Noem to resign, accusing her of putting her own interests above the agency she directs.
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“Oval Office is like Grand Central Terminal,” White House says when asked about bandage on Trump’s hand
From Xenix News Maureen Chowdhury
The White House reiterated on Thursday that bandages seen on President Donald Trump’s hand are because of bruises that stem from frequent hand shaking and his daily dose of aspirin.
“The president is literally constantly shaking hands. The Oval Office is like Grand Central Terminal. He is meeting with more people than any of you even know about on a daily basis,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters at a press briefing.
“He is also on a daily aspirin regime, which is something his physical examinations has said as well, which can contribute to that bruising that you see,” Leavitt added.
Remember: The White House gave the same explanation for the bruising back in July when Trump was examined for swelling in his legs and diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency.
Xenix News Betsy Klein contributed to this post.
Republicans and Democrats trade blame over failed health care votes
Lawmakers pointed fingers Thursday afternoon, with no clear path forward on health care and Covid-era Affordable Care Act tax credits set to expire at year’s end.
Ohio Republican Sen. Bernie Moreno accused Democrats of only helping a small portion of Americans, saying: “We want to solve for the 6%, but what about the other 94%?”
He called zero-premium plans “prone to fraud” and highlighted a proposal he has put forth with Sen. Susan Collins to cap incomes and eliminate those plans.
Texas GOP Sen. John Cornyn similarly called Obamacare “a fraud,” adding that “it’s unsustainable.”
Democrats, meanwhile, are arguing that Republicans are leaving families behind.
Vermont Sen. Peter Welch called the stalemate “a failure of Congress” and added that “the president has an iron grip over what the Republicans do, and he’s abandoning these families.”
“As the president of the United States, where you, more than anybody else, has the opportunity to help people keep health care and you don’t do it. How do you do that? How does the president sleep at night when that’s what his attitude is?” Welch said.
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