646 jili

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau returned home Saturday after his meeting with Donald Trump without assurances the president-elect will back away from threatened tariffs on all products from the major American trading partner. Trump called the talks “productive” but signaled no retreat from a pledge that Canada says unfairly lumps it in with Mexico over the flow of drugs and migrants into the United States. After the leaders’ hastily arranged dinner Friday night at Trump's Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, Trudeau spoke of “an excellent conversation” but offered no details. Trump said in a Truth Social post later Saturday that they discussed “many important topics that will require both Countries to work together to address.” For issues in need of such cooperation, Trump cited fentanyl and the “Drug Crisis that has decimated so many lives as a result of Illegal Immigration," fair trade deals "that do not jeopardize American Workers” and the U.S. trade deficit with its ally to the north. Trump asserted that the prime minister had made “a commitment to work with us to end this terrible devastation” of American families from fentanyl from China reaching the United States through its neighbors. The U.S., he said, “will no longer sit idly by as our Citizens become victims to the scourge of this Drug Epidemic.” The Republican president-elect has threatened to impose a 25% tax on all products entering the U.S. from Canada and Mexico as one of his first executive orders when he takes office in January. U.S. customs agents seized 43 pounds of fentanyl at the Canadian border last fiscal year, compared with 21,100 pounds at the Mexican border. On immigration, the U.S. Border Patrol made 56,530 arrests at the Mexican border in October alone and 23,721 arrests at the Canadian border between October 2023 and September 2024 — and Canadian officials say they are ready to make new investments in border security. Trudeau called Trump after the Republican's social media posts about the tariffs last Monday and they agreed to meet, according to a official familiar with the matter who was not authorized to publicly discuss detail of the private talks. The official said other countries are calling Canadian officials to hear how about how the meeting was arranged and to ask for advice. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, after speaking with Trump on the telephone, said Thursday she was confident a tariff war with Washington would be averted. At the dinner that was said to last three hours, Trump said he and Trudeau also discussed energy, trade and the Arctic. A second official cited defense, Ukraine, NATO, China, the Mideast, pipelines and the Group of Seven meeting in Canada next year as other issues that arose. Trump, during his first term as president, once called Trudeau “weak” and “dishonest,” but it was the prime minister who was the first G7 leader to visit Trump since the Nov. 5 election. "Tariffs are a crucial issue for Canada and a bold move was in order. Perhaps it was a risk, but a risk worth taking,” Daniel Béland, a political science professor at McGill University in Montreal. Trudeau had said before leaving from Friday that Trump was elected because he promised to bring down the cost of groceries but now was talking about adding 25% to the cost of all kinds of products, including potatoes from Prince Edward Island in Atlantic Canada. “It is important to understand that Donald Trump, when he makes statements like that, he plans on carrying them out. There’s no question about it,” Trudeau said. “Our responsibility is to point out that he would not just be harming Canadians, who work so well with the United States, but he would actually be raising prices for Americans citizens as well and hurting American industry and business,” he added. The threatened tariffs could essentially blow up the North American trade pact that Trump’s team negotiated during his first term. Trudeau noted they were able to successfully renegotiate the deal, which he calls a “win win” for both countries. When Trump imposed higher tariffs as president, other countries responded with retaliatory tariffs of their own. Canada, for instance, announced billions of new duties in 2018 against the U.S. in a response to new taxes on Canadian steel and aluminum. Canada is the top export destination for 36 U.S. states. Nearly $3.6 billion Canadian (US $2.7 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border each day. About 60% of U.S. crude oil imports are from Canada, and 85% of U.S. electricity imports are from Canada. Canada is also the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminum and uranium to the U.S. and has 34 critical minerals and metals that the Pentagon is eager for and investing in for national security. Canada is one of the most trade-dependent countries in the world, and 77% of Canada’s exports go to the U.S. ___ Gillies reported from Toronto.The incoming Trump administration could mean big changes in the government’s relationship with tech companies in ways that could affect users, ranging from the content they might see online to whether they could be confronted with discriminatory AI systems. President-elect Donald Trump and many of his allies have had a combative relationship with tech giants –— repeatedly accusing them of having too much power and sometimes wielding it in ways that negatively impacted him . It was during Trump’s first administration that conversations about banning TikTok first began and a lawsuit that could now lead to the breakup of Google was filed. He sought to swat down legal protections for tech platforms. And several months ago, he threatened to throw Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg into prison. But since his last term, Trump has apparently made a 180-degree-turn on many tech-related issues. He’s suggested he no longer wants to ban TikTok or break up Google – although it’s not clear he’ll be able to stop the train on either issue. He now has his own social media platform, Truth Social, which would almost certainly be subject to whatever new rules he tries to impose on rivals. And he has Elon Musk in his ear, who has suggested he will push for deregulation and unfettered tech innovation. As Big Tech leaders — many of whom sought to curry favor by congratulating Trump as soon as the election result was called — now await inauguration day, here are five of the biggest questions about the president-elect’s potential impact on the tech industry: Trump once tried to ban TikTok from the United States by executive order over national security concerns, but he has since had an about-face. Trump said in June — in a video posted to the platform itself — that he would “never ban TikTok.” Of course, it’s not clear if he’ll be able to deliver on that promise. With momentum that began under his leadership, Congress this year passed a law that will ban TikTok in the United States if the platform is not spun off from its Chinese parent company, which has indicated it will not do so. TikTok sued to block the law, and the case is awaiting a ruling by a panel of federal judges. But the ban is set to go into effect one day before the inauguration, which means Trump may have missed his chance to have any say. Trump could ask Congress to repeal the law, although experts say that effort would likely fail. From there, he likely has two options: he could direct the attorney general not to enforce the law or announce that TikTok is no longer subject to the law, according to University of Minnesota associate law professor Alan Rozenshtein. The first approach would involve signaling to TikTok’s tech partners like Apple – which stand to face fines under the law if it continued to host TikTok on its app store – that they “should feel free to continue business with TikTok,” Rozenshtein told CNN. “But again, if you’re the general counsel of Apple, does that really give you a lot of confidence? You’re still violating the law. Trump is very mercurial.” The latter would rely on a portion of the law that gives the president some authority to determine if a “qualified divestiture” of TikTok has taken place. In theory, Trump could declare that it has, whether or not that’s true,and then would have to hope it doesn’t get challenged in court. “It’s not clear who could sue to enforce the law. Congress isn’t allowed to sue to enforce its own laws,” Rozenshtein said, adding that there are few parties who could claim “concrete injury” to sue if Trump falsely claims qualified divestiture had occurred. Trump will enter the White House at a time when many, even in the artificial intelligence industry, have called for regulation to curb AI’s worst potential outcomes. Trump conceded in an interview with Fox News over the summer that AI has “tremendous potential but it’s also got potential to destroy ... we’ve got to be very careful with artificial intelligence.” Musk, who is now advising Trump, also once called for a pause on the technology’s development — before starting his own AI firm. However, Trump appears poised to roll back what few guidelines exist for AI firms. The Republican Party’s election platform included a promise to repeal an executive order signed by President Joe Biden that laid out sweeping actions to manage some of the worst risks from AI, including discrimination and threats to national security. The Republican document said the executive order contained “radical leftwing ideas” that hindered innovation. “I think whatever replaces (the Biden order), if anything does, will probably be less regulation heavy,” said John Villasenor, faculty co-director of the UCLA Institute for Technology, Law and Policy. However, he said that Trump could push for federal laws that preempt state AI regulations on issues like the use of AI in hiring to prevent a patchwork of different rules that could make it harder for tech companies to operate. Many Republicans are eager to see the Trump administration address what they see as “censorship” of right-leaning voices by many mainstream social media platforms. Trump himself once threatened to veto an annual defense bill unless Congress repealed the legal protections for social media companies by a law called Section 230. Trump’s pick to head the Federal Communications Commission, Brendan Carr, recently warned tech giants that the new administration would “take broad ranging actions to restore” Americans’ First Amendment rights. That could mean reforming or reinterpreting Section 230, which shields tech platforms from liability for their users’ posts and allows the platforms to moderate content as they see fit. “(Carr) wants to, essentially, interpret Section 230 in a way that says that if they take down certain speech, then they lose their protection under the first part of” the law, said Gigi Sohn, a lawyer who worked for the FCC under Democratic chairman Tom Wheeler. In essence, Carr could attempt to pass a rule that would make it possible to sue tech platforms under that new interpretation. Ultimately, that could mean hamstringing tech companies’ efforts to reduce hateful or false content on their platforms. However, it’s not clear that the FCC has the authority to make such a change. While Democrats have also called for Section 230 reform, their concern is much different: they worry it lets tech companies off the hook for not doing enough to moderate harmful content. Evan Greer, director of the digital rights advocacy group Fight for the Future , said she fears that Carr’s discussion of hot-button social media issues might be a “very convenient way of distracting” from his other plans including rolling back net neutrality. Any changes to increase platform liability could also directly impact Trump’s Truth Social and Musk’s X, which could make deciding how to act on the issue more complicated. With Lina Khan at the helm of the Federal Trade Commission, the Biden administration oversaw a slew of antitrust actions against tech giants. While Vice President-elect JD Vance has praised Khan’s approach , she’s widely expected to be shown the door when Trump ushers in a more business-friendly agenda at the White House. Days before the election, Musk posted to X that Khan “will be fired soon.” That could mean a return to more corporate consolidation – Khan fought mergers like Microsoft and Activision Blizzard, and Kroger and Albertsons – and could make it easier for companies to jack up prices. “For example, if a large established company wants to buy an up-and-coming, highly successful AI startup, whereas under the Biden administration, you might have had the FTC basically put the brakes on that, you may be less likely to see that happening under the new Trump administration,” Villasenor said. This approach also raises questions about whether Trump would encourage his Justice Department to let up the fight to break up Google, and how the DOJ would handle ongoing antitrust cases against tech giants, including Apple . If there is one tech policy issue where Democrats and Republicans might agree under a Trump presidency, it may be the already bipartisan issue of children’s safety or privacy online. However, experts are skeptical after years of talk, disagreement over the right approach and little action. “We see a lot of tech policy that’s really just sort of ‘made for TV’ versus made for, like, actually passing through Congress or legislating in any meaningful way that will stand up in court,” Greer said. Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee and Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut have urged Congress to pass the Kids Online Safety Act soon, after it passed the Senate over the summer. Although it’s the closest lawmakers have come to passing youth online safety legislation in years, the bill still faces opposition. House Speaker Mike Johnson said last month that while he likes the idea behind the bill, he finds the details “very problematic.”646 jili 。

OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is accusing Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre of being unhelpful in his criticisms when it comes to dealing with the incoming Donald Trump administration. Trudeau said there's a long-standing tradition that when the nation comes under threat in some way, Canadians pull together to defend their country. But it's "increasingly clear" Poilievre is unable to do that, Trudeau told reporters on the way into question period Wednesday. This comes just a day after Trudeau held a rare meeting with other party leaders to brief them on his recent, surprise visit with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida on Friday and the government's plan to beef up border security. Following that meeting, Poilievre said Trudeau had lost control of crucial government files, like the budget and the border, and put Canada in a weak position. Trudeau brought up this line of attack again in question period, saying Poilievre “can’t help himself” from playing politics amid Trump's tariff threats. Poilievre responded by saying Trudeau is driving Canadian jobs south with the planned increase of the carbon tax this spring. “You can just imagine the president in the Oval Office, calling our businesses to say ‘Hey, I saw that you have a quadrupling carbon tax north of the border. Why not come south of the border, where there’s no carbon tax and other taxes are falling,’” Poilievre said. Following the meeting of party leaders Tuesday, a spokeswoman for Trudeau said the prime minister asked the other leaders not to negotiate against Canada in public by saying things like the border is broken. He also asked them to amplify the message that Trump's threatened tariffs will harm the American economy too. Poilievre emerged from the meeting stressing that latter point, but also said the Trudeau government has “broken” the border. On Wednesday Poilievre said the government is the cause of “disorder” at the border this morning. President-elect Donald Trump’s 25 per cent tariff threat includes a demand that both Canada and Mexico stop illegal immigration and drug trafficking at their respective borders. Poilievre told reporters Tuesday after the briefing it should be "obvious and easy to make these arguments to the Americans" against the tariffs because such a move would injure their own economy in the process. Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet had described the tone of the briefing as cordial and constructive. Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc said on Tuesday that Canada will bolster its border security in time for Trump's inauguration. On Friday, LeBlanc, Trudeau and senior officials flew to Florida to dine with Trump and some of his cabinet nominees at Mar-a-Lago, where Trump has been holding court. They informally discussed trade and border security. LeBlanc downplayed a suggestion by Trump at that dinner that he might make Canada the 51st state. LeBlanc said the president-elect was clearly joking and teasing the Canadian entourage. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 4, 2024. Kyle Duggan and David Baxter, The Canadian PressPenguins acquire Nashville forward in exchange for a 2027 draft pick

Thank You For Your Support In 2024Exhibition Preview: Tokyo Auto Salon ExhibitionLEGO Is Testing a Brilliant Idea That Customers Will Love, But It All Ends Next Week

Srinagar, Nov 30: While expressing his deep concern over the growing unemployment crisis in J&K, Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Saturday extended best wishes to the candidates appearing for the constable post exams. He also called for sincere efforts to create employment opportunities and implement a judicious reservation policy in J&K. Wrote on his X handle, “Yet another stark example of the alarming unemployment crisis in Jammu and Kashmir is that over 5.5 lakh applicants will compete for just 4,000 constable posts. The most disheartening aspect is the limited opportunities for candidates who do not fall under any reservation category.” “Creating employment opportunities and ensuring fairness in the reservation policy are critical issues that must be addressed beyond political and social ideologies, as well as religious and regional identities. On this matter, we must stand united to secure justice for our younger generation. My best wishes go out to the candidates appearing for the constable exams tomorrow, December 1,” he added.ATLANTA — On Jan. 18 and 19 the AT&T Playoff Playlist Live! will be held at State Farm Arena in advance of the College Football Playoff national championship on Jan. 20. The star-studded lineup was announced Thursday at a news conference at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Performances will include Lil Wayne and GloRilla on Saturday; and Camila Cabello, Myles Smith and Knox on Sunday. On game day, the Allstate Championship Tailgate, taking place just outside Mercedes-Benz Stadium in the Home Depot Backyard, will feature country acts on the Capital One Music Stage, including global superstar Kane Brown and iHeartCountry “On The Verge” artist Ashley Cooke. The concerts are just two of the festivities visiting fans can enjoy in the days leading up to the big game. The fan experience for both ticket holders and the general public has been a focus for event planners. All weekend long, an estimated 100,000 people from across the country are expected to attend fan events preceding kickoff. “It will be an opportunity for fans of all ages to come together to sample what college football is all about, and you don’t have to have a ticket to the game to be a part of it,” said Bill Hancock, executive director of the CFP in a press release. “We’ve worked closely with the Atlanta Football Host Committee to develop fan-friendly events that thousands will enjoy come January.” On Saturday, Jan. 18, Playoff Fan Central will open at the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta. The free, family-friendly experience will include games, clinics, pep rallies, special guest appearances, autograph signings and exhibits celebrating college football and its history. That day, fans can also attend Media Day, presented by Great Clips, which will feature one-hour sessions with student-athletes and coaches from each of the College Football Playoff national championship participating teams. ESPN and social media giants X, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok will be taping live broadcasts from the event. On Sunday, Jan. 19, the Trophy Trot, both a 5K and 10K race, will wind its way through the streets of downtown Atlanta. Each Trophy Trot participant will receive a T-shirt and finisher’s medal. Participants can register at atlantatrackclub.org . On Sunday evening, the Georgia Aquarium will host the Taste of the Championship dining event, which offers attendees the opportunity to indulge in food and drink prepared by local Atlanta chefs. This premium experience serves as an elevated exploration of local cuisine on the eve of the national championship. Tickets to the Taste of the Championship event are available on etix.com . Atlanta is the first city ever to repeat as host for the CFP national championship. The playoff was previously held in Atlanta in 2018. “We are honored to be the first city to repeat as host for the CFP national championship and look forward to welcoming college football fans from around the country in January,” said Dan Corso, president of the Atlanta Sports Council and Atlanta Football Host Committee. “This event gives us another opportunity to showcase our incredible city.” The College Football Playoff is the event that crowns the national champion in college football. The quarterfinals and semifinals rotate annually among six bowl games — the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Capital One Orange Bowl, Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential and the Allstate Sugar Bowl. This year’s quarterfinals will take place on Dec. 31, 2024 and Jan. 1, 2025, while the semifinals will be Jan. 9-10, 2025. The CFP national championship will be Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. For additional information on the College Football Playoff, visit CollegeFootballPlayoff.com . Respond: Write a letter to the editor | Write a guest opinion Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!MapMyIndia CEO Rohan Verma to step down from his role, to launches B2C venture

Uniting for a world free of HIV/AIDShas told her aides to keep her options open in case she decides to run for again in 2028, according to reports. Sources close to the Harris family that the has vowed to "stay in the fight" and may even run to be governor of in 2026. The sources said Harris would be pondering her path forward over the coming holiday season, but has told allies and advisers she doesn't want to rule anything out. In particular, she is said to be planning out how and when she will criticise as she strives to "reassert" her prominence in the Democratic Party. "She doesn’t have to decide if she wants to run for something again in the next six months," one former Harris campaign aide told . "The natural thing to do would be to set up some type of entity that would give her the opportunity to travel and give speeches and preserve her political relationships." Another person close to Harris said: "There will be a desire to hear her voice, and there won’t be a vacuum for long." The report comes as . Despite that loss, found her leading the pack for potential 2028 Democratic nominees, with 41 per cent compared to Gavin Newsom's 8 per cent and Josh Shapiro's 7 per cent. Staying in the running for either the presidency or the California governorship would require maintaining links with other Democratic grandees, rebuilding her online following and potentially setting up a new fundraising organisation. Meanwhile, Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff are preparing to vacate the Naval Observatory in Washington DC – the official residence of the vice president, analogous to the White House – and must choose whether to return to their old home in Los Angeles

San Carlos Apache gifts 40-foot Christmas tree to stand at Arizona CapitolHOW Kashmiri Brothers are treated in Himachal Pradesh. We Request administration of Himachal Pradesh that kindly look into this matter immediately. Video Source:-Social Media Important Update in the Himachal Pradesh Communal Harassment Case: The Himachal Pradesh Police have registered an FIR against the woman Block Development Council (BDC) member involved in the incident. Director General of Police (DGP) Himachal Pradesh, Dr. Atul Verma Sahab,...In a strategic move poised to transform Sri Lanka’s home appliance market, Walton Hi-Tech Industries, a leading global innovator in consumer electronics, has joined forces with Monik Trading Ltd., to bring innovative home appliances to Sri Lanka. The announcement was made during an event attended by prominent representatives from both companies and distinguished guests. Special attendees included Commercial Micro Credit Ltd., Assistant General Manager Samitha Priyadarshana, Monik Trading Ltd., Managing Director Wasala Maduwantha Ariyapala, Assistant General Manager Kasun Mahanama, Walton Additional Managing Director and CFO Ziaul Alam, Vice President of the Global Business Division Abdur Rouf.Deputy Company Secretary Enamul Haq, Monik CFO M. N. H. Nashwaq and High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Sri Lanka Andalib Elias. Kasun Mahanama expressed confidence that this partnership will bring significant benefits to both companies and contribute to Sri Lanka’s economic growth. He emphasised that the collaboration will introduce advanced technology and a wide range of electronic appliances to the Sri Lankan market, improving accessibility for local consumers. “We are excited about the opportunity to offer cutting-edge solutions to enhance the lives of Sri Lankans,” he added. This MoU paves the way for a new era of accessibility and innovation in Sri Lanka’s home appliance market. The partnership aims to make Walton’s high-tech products — ranging from refrigerators and air conditioners to televisions and kitchen appliances — widely available across the island. Known for their exceptional quality and advanced technology, Walton’s appliances promise to cater to the ever-growing demand for energy-efficient, affordable, and stylish home solutions. The Chief Guest, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Sri Lanka Andalib Elias, said: “This partnership is undeniably a win-win, promising to reshape the future of home appliances in Sri Lanka while strengthening the ties between two visionary nations.” He further emphasised, “Walton is the love of Bangladesh, and its brand is a symbol of national pride. When Bangladeshis speak of Walton, their faces light up with admiration. Whether it’s a rice cooker or any other appliance, I believe the sky’s the limit for us. I arrived in Sri Lanka just three months ago, and I am confident that by the time I leave, we will be celebrating the success of this partnership. Our nations share a long history of friendship, and we strongly believe in the potential of this collaboration.” Attendees had the opportunity to witness Walton’s impressive line-up, showcasing why the brand has become a global powerhouse in electronics. From refrigerators designed with intelligent inverter technology to sleek, energy-efficient air conditioners, Walton’s products combine practicality, sustainability, and sophistication. Here’s a glimpse of the standout innovations presented at the event: Through its partnership with Walton, Monik Trading is poised to elevate its impact in the local market by offering innovative home appliances that cater to the evolving demands of modern households. Walton, a leader in consumer electronics, brings cutting-edge technology and reliable quality, and this collaboration aligns perfectly with Monik’s commitment to providing the best products to Sri Lankan families This strategic partnership not only strengthens Monik Trading’s brand reputation but also positions it as a key player in shaping the future of home appliance retail in Sri Lanka. By combining Walton’s world-class product offerings with Monik’s local market expertise, the partnership is set to meet the growing demand for advanced, high-quality appliances while enhancing customer satisfaction.

Electric vehicle industry at crossroads, not a dead endWinston's performance in snowy win over Steelers adds new layer to Browns' quarterback conundrumSrinagar, Nov 30: While expressing his deep concern over the growing unemployment crisis in J&K, Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Saturday extended best wishes to the candidates appearing for the constable post exams. He also called for sincere efforts to create employment opportunities and implement a judicious reservation policy in J&K. Wrote on his X handle, “Yet another stark example of the alarming unemployment crisis in Jammu and Kashmir is that over 5.5 lakh applicants will compete for just 4,000 constable posts. The most disheartening aspect is the limited opportunities for candidates who do not fall under any reservation category.” “Creating employment opportunities and ensuring fairness in the reservation policy are critical issues that must be addressed beyond political and social ideologies, as well as religious and regional identities. On this matter, we must stand united to secure justice for our younger generation. My best wishes go out to the candidates appearing for the constable exams tomorrow, December 1,” he added.

Make sure your fantasy team is in position to feast on Thanksgiving

TP-Link Archer GXE75 With Wtfast Integration Now Available On Amazon In The USA

HOW Kashmiri Brothers are treated in Himachal Pradesh. We Request administration of Himachal Pradesh that kindly look into this matter immediately. Video Source:-Social Media Important Update in the Himachal Pradesh Communal Harassment Case: The Himachal Pradesh Police have registered an FIR against the woman Block Development Council (BDC) member involved in the incident. Director General of Police (DGP) Himachal Pradesh, Dr. Atul Verma Sahab,...

Penguins acquire Nashville forward in exchange for a 2027 draft pickMatt Gaetz says he won't return to Congress next year after withdrawing name for attorney general

Nintendo Switch 2 in even more trouble after PlayStation bombshellBritain sets first codes of practice for tech firms in online safety regimeNFL Week 12 inactives and fantasy tips: Ladd McConkey active for Monday Night FootballSenate prospects appeared dim Monday for a controversial bill that recently passed the House that many civil liberties groups and nonprofits said could be used to retaliate against them for their activities. In an email to HuffPost on Monday, a spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said that Schumer “is opposed to the provisions to strip accused nonprofits of their tax-exempt status.” Combined with the dwindling time lawmakers have to pass a bill to keep the government open past Dec. 20 and Schumer’s intent to spend precious Senate floor time on confirming federal judges , the outlook for the bill was already cloudy before the disclosure of Schumer’s position. As majority leader, Schumer decides what bills get consideration by the full Senate. The bill passed the House Thursday on a 219-184 vote , with 30 representatives not voting. Only one Republican, libertarian-leaning Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), voted against it, while only 15 Democrats voted in support. The bill would allow the treasury secretary to more quickly take away the tax-exempt status of groups that have provided support for groups listed by the government as terrorist organizations. The nonprofit groups would have to be notified of their designation as terrorist-supporting organizations at least 90 days beforehand and would have that time to make changes to prevent being stripped of their exempt status. They could also challenge the exemption with the IRS and in federal court. Despite those safeguards, many groups spanning the ideological spectrum, from the American Civil Liberties Union to the libertarian Cato Institute, worried they would not be enough to prevent the new authority from being abused. Critics also found a receptive audience among House Democrats . Fifty-two supported the bill in an initial vote on Nov. 12, many more than the 15 who supported it in the final vote. The prospect of a Donald Trump administration having that new power, after Trump has said publicly he was entitled to take revenge on his political enemies, concerned many Democrats. “The GOP wants to give the new president Orwellian powers to impose a Kafkaesque nightmare on America’s nonprofits,” Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) said in a social media post , adding, ” What could go wrong with the new administration having the power to designate groups as ‘terrorist-supporting’ with no judicial determination and no due process?” Don't let this be the end of the free press. The free press is under attack — and America's future hangs in the balance. As other newsrooms bow to political pressure, HuffPost is not backing down. Would you help us keep our news free for all? We can't do it without you. Can't afford to contribute? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read. You've supported HuffPost before, and we'll be honest — we could use your help again . We view our mission to provide free, fair news as critically important in this crucial moment, and we can't do it without you. Whether you give once or many more times, we appreciate your contribution to keeping our journalism free for all. You've supported HuffPost before, and we'll be honest — we could use your help again . We view our mission to provide free, fair news as critically important in this crucial moment, and we can't do it without you. Whether you give just one more time or sign up again to contribute regularly, we appreciate you playing a part in keeping our journalism free for all. Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages. Republicans said the fears of abuse were unfounded and an overreaction to Trump’s election. They also touted the other part of the bill, language that would ease tax penalties assessed on people unable to file their taxes because they are being held hostage abroad. “Congress must act to stop this abuse of our tax code that is funding terrorism around the world. We must act to end the unfair tax treatment of Americans who have already suffered enough — and whose families have suffered enough — from being held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad,” said Rep. Jason Smith (R-Mo.), chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, said in a statement Thursday . If the bill fails to be passed by both the House and Senate by the time the new Congress is seated in early January, advocates will have to start all over again with a new bill. However, the bill, or only portions of it, could still be tucked into other legislation that is expected to pass before Congress adjourns, such as a temporary spending bill or a huge defense policy bill. Related From Our Partner

Sri Lanka’s public sector has become a focal point of intense debate, reflecting its critical role in governance, service delivery, and employment. However, its inefficiencies, fiscal burdens, and disparities in resource allocation have come under sharp scrutiny amid escalating economic pressures. The expanding public workforce, while offering job security and supporting livelihoods, poses pressing challenges that demand urgent attention. Modernising and innovating this pivotal sector, along with ensuring fair and effective resource distribution, is essential to overcoming these hurdles and steering Sri Lanka toward sustainable development. One of the most pressing challenges lies in localised overstaffing and misallocation of resources. While bloated payrolls weigh heavily on the national Budget, this expansion often fails to translate into improved service delivery. For instance, urban centres may face redundancies in administrative roles, whereas rural sectors such as health and education suffer critical staff shortages. Addressing this imbalance requires workforce audits to identify redundancies and reallocate resources to underserved regions. Streamlining the workforce through voluntary retirement schemes and retraining programs can achieve a more balanced distribution of human capital without causing undue disruption. The lack of technological integration exacerbates inefficiencies in service delivery. Citizens often face long queues at the Department of Motor Traffic or endure delays in permit approvals. By adopting e-governance and digitising services, the Government can reduce operational costs, enhance accessibility, and promote transparency. A national e-governance framework, supported by well-regulated public-private partnerships (PPPs), holds the potential to revolutionise public services. However, robust guidelines are essential to ensure that private-sector involvement aligns with public interest and safeguards data privacy. Merit-based recruitment is another critical pillar of reform. Political influence has historically marred public service appointments, fostering nepotism and undermining accountability. Transparent recruitment processes, standardised testing, and independent oversight can ensure that only the most qualified individuals join the public sector, enhancing professionalism and public trust. Reforming recruitment must also address existing employees, many of whom entered the system through politically influenced pathways. Comprehensive retraining and performance evaluation programs can help align their skills with modern requirements, ensuring a productive and motivated workforce. Institutions like the Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration (SLIDA) should play a central role in equipping public servants with digital literacy, management skills, and service delivery expertise. Simultaneously, re-skilling opportunities should be offered to those transitioning out of the public sector. Public-private partnerships offer significant opportunities to reduce the burden on public resources while improving service quality. Whether in infrastructure, technology, or education, collaboration with private entities can bring expertise, innovation, and funding to the table. However, these partnerships must be structured within a transparent regulatory framework to prevent profit-driven motives from undermining public service goals. Government employment has long been viewed as the gold standard of job security in Sri Lanka. While this perception provides stability during economic uncertainty, it can stifle private-sector and entrepreneurial ambitions. Addressing this mindset requires a multifaceted approach, including education reforms, mentorship programs, and recognition of private-sector achievements. Additionally, creating vibrant private-sector opportunities, particularly in rural areas, can encourage young people to explore diverse career paths without relying solely on public sector employment. Unchecked expansion of the public workforce carries far-reaching consequences. Economically, it exacerbates fiscal deficits and diverts resources from critical development areas such as infrastructure and poverty alleviation. Socially, it fosters disillusionment among youth unable to find meaningful opportunities and erodes public trust in governance. While downsizing is essential to address these inefficiencies, it must be approached cautiously to prevent unemployment and social instability. Voluntary retirement schemes, coupled with transition programs into private-sector roles, can help mitigate these impacts. Implementing these reforms requires strong political will and stakeholder engagement. Resistance from unions, bureaucrats, and political actors benefiting from the status quo could impede progress. Building political consensus and fostering dialogue with stakeholders are critical to overcoming these obstacles. Policymakers must clearly communicate the long-term benefits of reform, ensuring that the agenda is inclusive, transparent, and aligned with sustainable development goals. To address these challenges, Sri Lanka must adopt a comprehensive reform agenda. Key steps include: Encouraging a cultural shift toward entrepreneurship and private-sector employment. Prioritising capacity building for both current and transitioning public servants. These reforms, while difficult, are essential for creating a resilient, efficient, and sustainable public sector that meets the nation’s needs. As Sri Lanka charts its path toward recovery and development, the public sector must evolve into a catalyst for progress rather than a constraint. A carefully balanced reform strategy, supported by political commitment and stakeholder engagement, can pave the way for a brighter future. The choices made today will shape the nation’s trajectory for decades to come—the time for action is now.