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Christmas Vacation and Congress: ‘We’re all in misery’ amid the ongoing DHS shutdown

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If you thought the Congressional appropriations process couldn’t get any worse, I present you with 2026. And perhaps beyond.

The Department of Homeland Security remains shut down, running on pocket lint, nickels lost between the couch cushions and faded S&H Green Stamps (look ‘em up, kids). Congress hasn’t funded DHS for two months. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., torqued himself into a political pretzel – opposing, then supporting, then not acting on – a Senate-approved package to fund most of DHS.

As we always say, it’s about the math, and when it comes to DHS money, it appears that lawmakers have locked a box to which they lack the combination. There is apparently no sequence of votes in the House and Senate which can crack the DHS safe as a traditional, standalone appropriations bill. 

REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK: WHY TRUMP MAY NOT BE ABLE TO FORCE CONGRESS BACK OVER THE DHS SHUTDOWN

Now, Congressional Republicans and President Donald Trump are turning to one of the few methods which might work to fund DHS – something called budget reconciliation.

The Congressional budget reconciliation process is not customarily used for appropriations bills – although lawmakers can plug the measure with money to spend on federal programs. However, reconciliation is inoculated from filibusters. Thus, Republicans don’t need 60 votes. They can – ostensibly – pass a DHS bill on its own without help from Democrats if they hold their narrow coalitions together in both the House and Senate.

Congressional Republicans intend to stuff this reconciliation package with only money for ICE and Customs and Border Patrol. Nothing for disaster aid. Nothing for farmers. Nothing about the SAVE America Act. The president agrees. The goal is to finish this by June 1 – months after the latest DHS funding lapse.

But it’s more complicated than that. 

GOP INFIGHTING REPLACES CLASH WITH DEMS, DERAILS PATH TO END HISTORIC DHS SHUTDOWN

The House and Senate must take a number of steps to approve a shell of a budget resolution in order to have the filibuster-proof reconciliation tool available to them. Republicans undertook a similar endeavor last winter and spring. It was absolutely harrowing and consumed months before finally approving the One, Big, Beautiful Bill, via reconciliation. Republicans don’t have that kind of time now. Then again, DHS has either been unfunded or held together by interim spending bills since last October.

We haven’t even mentioned how Trump is using a somewhat dubious authority to pay TSA workers and others from other funds – without Congressional approval.

That leaves some to question why the administration didn’t do this to start with. But the bigger issue is an alarming pattern of Congress ceding its most precious prerogative – the power of the purse – to the executive branch. That’s to say nothing as to whether Trump’s gambit to pay workers is even Constitutional. And, it establishes a precedent which may be hard to ignore during other funding impasses.

However, here’s the bigger problem: the Congressional paralysis to pass appropriations bills on a timely basis. That’s been an issue for years now.

Historically, Congress has missed the Oct. 1 fiscal deadline, relying on “Continuing Resolutions” (CR’s) which simply renew all funding on a temporary basis. Or, lawmakers cobble together a set of the 12 annual spending bills in a “minibus” appropriations package. Lawmakers who might oppose an individual bill are willing to support a group of bills – because there’s something in there which they like or support.

But turning to reconciliation as a way out of the appropriations box canyon is also another precedent which likely agitates Congressional appropriators. Sure. They’ve done that before. And in this instance, it might finally get DHS funded. But what does this mean for the future?

Which brings us to Oct. 1, 2026. That’s when the federal government pivots from Fiscal Year 2026 to start Fiscal Year 2027. 

Congress has struggled to fund the federal government since early 2025, when it began work on appropriations bills for this year. The FY ’26 funding crisis – which spawned the record-breaking, 43-day, government-wide shutdown in the fall, another partial government shutdown last winter and the current DHS stalemate – has been an issue since lawmakers were working on bills for this cycle around this time LAST spring. So how pray tell is Congress going to avoid a shutdown THIS autumn for FY ’27?

In fact, few are even speaking about that possible peril – because no one can wrap their heads around the present appropriations saga. And it’s possible that this fall’s problems could be worse than last fall’s impasse. The reason? The midterm elections hit in November. It’s doubtful that either side will be willing to make much of a deal right before voters head to the polls.

The scenarios are frightening to fathom, so people are just kind of ignoring them.

SEE IT: LAWMAKERS CAUGHT ON VACATION AMID RECORD-BREAKING SHUTDOWN WHILE DHS WORKERS GO UNPAID

We have entered a new period of semi-perpetual funding standoffs – exacerbated by mistrust between the sides, narrow Congressional margins in both the House and Senate, parliamentary mathematical equations which don’t balance and an unwillingness by Trump to broker deals or even negotiate with Democrats.

Yes. They have options to cover DHS into next year, but it’s the other 11 spending bills which could be problematic.

Imagine trying to pass a defense spending bill which has a price tag 44% higher than the one last year? Or tacks a bunch of money on for the war in Iran?

Where’s the vote combination to approve a CR, let alone an individual bill? Will Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., be willing to help Republicans hit the 60 vote threshold to fund things? Especially if he sees the possibility of emerging again as Majority Leader? Probably not.

And let’s say Democrats win the House, Senate or both in the fall? Do you really think these spending standoffs get better over the final two years of Trump’s term?

Back to Chevy Chase and Clark Griswold. There’s a second part to that iconic quotation from Christmas Vacation: “We’re at the threshold of hell!” he declares.

Pretty funny, but not if you’re trying to keep the government open after the adventures of the past year. This is not hilarious to millions of federal workers who suffer from paycheck PTSD. Another round of spending mayhem could only erode further trust between federal workers and their employers. It will damage morale – which is already subterranean. That’s to say nothing of courting people to work for the government.

Yes. Things can get a lot worse. The political schisms are deep and the vote matrices to pass the bills simply don’t exist.

It may be spring, but the Christmas Vacation movie provides insight into where we stand with the Congressional appropriations bills: “It’s Christmas and we’re all in misery,” declares Ellen Griswold, played by Beverly D’Angelo.

Yeah. And wait to see what Congress has in store for THIS Christmas.

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Anti-Trump News Host Out After Making Emotional Announcement On LIVE TV

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Anti-Trump News Host Out After Making Emotional Announcement On LIVE TV

Here’s a rewritten version in a conservative news style, removing advertisements, preserving all direct quotes, and expanding it beyond 450 words:

MSNBC personality Stephanie Ruhle became emotional during her final broadcast of *The 11th Hour*, signing off from the late-night program as the struggling network continues a broader programming shakeup amid declining ratings and changing viewer habits.

Ruhle, who has hosted the show for several years, is leaving the 11 p.m. time slot to anchor a new weekday morning program titled *Money, Power, Politics with Stephanie Ruhle*. The move comes as MSNBC executives continue reshuffling key parts of the network’s lineup in an effort to strengthen viewership and redefine its programming strategy.

Beginning Monday, veteran MSNBC anchor Ali Velshi will take over hosting duties for *The 11th Hour*.

During her farewell monologue, Ruhle appeared visibly emotional as she reflected on her time with the program, the staff behind the scenes, and the audience that tuned in each night.

“All right, it is time,” she said.

“Now. I’m going to have to take a deep breath for my MVP. And my MVP is all things ‘The 11th Hour.’ This show. Our team. And especially you, our audience,” she began.

Ruhle thanked viewers for making the show part of their nightly routines and emphasized the connection she felt with the audience throughout her tenure.

“You don’t have this program on in the background,” she said.

“Instead, you are choosing to invite us into your home every night — sometimes giving me the privilege of being the last voice you hear before you go to sleep,” she said.

“And I take that privilege seriously. So to you, I say thank you,” she continued.

Following the remarks, MSNBC aired a video montage highlighting memorable moments from Ruhle’s years behind the desk. The retrospective featured clips from major political events, election coverage, economic reporting, and breaking news stories that defined her run as host.

After the montage concluded, Ruhle shifted her focus to Velshi, the journalist who will now inherit one of the network’s most recognizable time slots.

She spoke warmly about their long professional relationship and praised his abilities as a broadcaster.

“And I’m grateful to be leaving you all in such capable hands,” Ruhle said.

“My good friend and colleague of many years, my partner in crime, Ali Velshi, will be taking over the ‘11th Hour’ anchor chair on Monday.”

Ruhle continued by outlining why she believes Velshi is the right person to lead the program moving forward.

“Ali is smart. He’s insightful. And most importantly, he cares,” she said. “He’s committed to the facts and never stops believing in the promise of this country.”

The outgoing host also shared a personal reflection about the support Velshi has provided her over the years.

“So many times Ali has been my rock,” she said. “And now he can be yours, too.”

She concluded her farewell message with a final note to her successor.

“Ali — I can’t wait to see what you do with the place.”

The departure marks a significant change for MSNBC’s late-night lineup as the network attempts to navigate an increasingly competitive cable news landscape. While MSNBC remains a major player in liberal political media, the network has faced ongoing challenges as audiences continue migrating toward streaming platforms, podcasts, and alternative digital news sources.

Ruhle’s move back to a daytime role also represents something of a return to her roots. Before entering television journalism, she spent years working in the financial sector and built much of her media career around business and economic reporting. Her new program is expected to focus heavily on those topics while also incorporating political coverage.

Meanwhile, Velshi brings decades of experience in broadcast journalism to the position. A familiar face to MSNBC viewers, he has served as both a weekend host and frequent fill-in anchor across the network’s schedule.

Despite leaving the late-night desk, Ruhle made clear that she views the transition as a new beginning rather than a farewell to her audience. By the end of the broadcast, she had thanked viewers, celebrated her colleagues, and officially passed the torch to Velshi.

Her emotional signoff closed a notable chapter for *The 11th Hour* and marked the beginning of MSNBC’s latest programming era as the network continues searching for ways to reconnect with viewers in an increasingly fragmented media environment.

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Obama Does The Unthinkable After Trump Achieve’s Historic Iran Deal

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Obama Does The Unthinkable After Trump Achieve’s Historic Iran Deal

Here’s a rewritten version in a pro-Trump news style, with advertisements removed, all original quotes preserved, and expanded for publication:

Former President Barack Obama is facing criticism from supporters of President Donald Trump after appearing to dismiss the significance of a newly announced agreement between the United States and Iran that the White House is touting as a major diplomatic achievement.

During an appearance on ABC’s *Good Morning America*, Obama was asked by host Robin Roberts about the current situation involving Iran and the recent developments that have drawn international attention.

“You spent a lot of time wrestling with the threat of a nuclear Iran. How do you think things are being handled right now there?” Roberts asked.

Obama responded by defending the nuclear agreement negotiated during his administration while expressing skepticism about the current negotiations.

“It is doubtful that any agreement that arises is going to be significantly different or a significant improvement from the deal that we had in the first place and had worked for, for a long stretch of time before we, the United States, pulled out of it,” Obama responded.

His comments immediately drew attention given that President Trump has long criticized the Obama-era Iran nuclear deal as one of the worst foreign policy agreements ever negotiated by the United States.

Obama went on to argue that diplomacy should remain the preferred path in dealing with adversarial nations.

“So, I’m hopeful that bombing stops and ordinary people are no longer suffering as a consequence of the war,” Obama added.

“And then in retrospect, it’s a reminder that on a lot of difficult foreign policy problems, the notion that we can just bully our way or bomb our way to solutions may sometimes seem appealing,” he continued.

“But the fact of the matter is that taking the time to explore diplomacy and exhaust the possibilities of coming up with deals that don’t solve 100 percent of the problem but solve 80, 90 percent of the problem while avoiding the necessity of going to war — you’d think we would have learned that lesson by now,” Obama claimed.

“But it seems like every so often we have to relearn that lesson,” Obama concluded.

The remarks came as details continued to emerge regarding a reported agreement between the United States and Iran that supporters say could significantly reduce tensions in the Middle East and reopen critical shipping routes that impact the global economy.

According to multiple reports, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council announced that Tehran and Washington had finalized a memorandum of understanding aimed at formally ending hostilities following months of negotiations.

Iranian officials stated that military operations involving Iranian forces and allied groups would cease under the framework and that negotiations toward a broader long-term agreement would begin once both sides fulfill their initial commitments.

The agreement has been hailed by supporters as a significant diplomatic breakthrough after years of instability, sanctions, military confrontations, and rising tensions throughout the region.

President Trump celebrated the development on Truth Social, emphasizing what he described as a historic achievement.

“The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete. Congratulations to all!” Trump wrote.

“I hereby fully authorize the toll free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorize the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade. Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!” he added.

Trump later followed up with another message highlighting the broader significance of the agreement.

“This Great Deal will bring Peace and Security to the whole Region. Many presidents have tried to make Peace with Iran, and all have failed before me.”

“The Leaders of the Region have, for the first time, found a President who can help them achieve real Peace,” Trump said.

“With the opening of the Strait upon the signing of the Deal on Friday, for purposes of mine removal, oil will flow on both ends again for the Region, and the World!” he noted further.

The reported agreement also received praise from international leaders. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz publicly welcomed the development and credited both sides for reaching an understanding.

“I welcome the agreement between the U.S. and Iran and congratulate President Trump and the Iranian side on this diplomatic breakthrough,” Merz said in a post on X.

“This can pave the way for a reinvigorated global economy and a more secure Middle East. It is crucial to implement it with determination,” he added.

For Trump supporters, the contrast between Obama’s skepticism and the administration’s celebration of the agreement highlights a broader debate over foreign policy. While Obama continues to defend the approach taken during his presidency, Trump allies argue that the reported breakthrough demonstrates the effectiveness of the president’s strategy and his ability to secure agreements that previous administrations were unable to achieve.

As additional details emerge and negotiations continue, the reported accord is likely to remain at the center of discussions about America’s role in the Middle East and the legacy of competing approaches to dealing with Iran.

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Michelle Obama Brutally Humiliated During White House UFC Event

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Michelle Obama Brutally Humiliated During White House UFC Event

UFC fighter Josh Hokit delivered the biggest victory of his professional career Sunday night during UFC Freedom 250 on the South Lawn of the White House, but it was his post-fight comments—not his performance inside the cage—that quickly became the most talked-about moment of the evening.

The historic event, held as part of celebrations marking America’s 250th anniversary and President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday, drew a massive audience and created one of the most unique settings in UFC history. With the White House serving as the backdrop, the event featured a series of high-profile bouts and attracted significant national attention.

Following his victory over heavyweight contender Derrick Lewis, Hokit took the microphone for a post-fight interview and delivered a remark that immediately generated reactions both inside the venue and across social media.

Addressing the crowd, Hokit shouted, “Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?”

He then exited the ring as many spectators cheered and reacted to the unexpected statement.

The comment quickly sparked discussion online, where supporters and critics debated both the appropriateness of the remark and the long-running rumors it referenced.

Claims regarding former First Lady Michelle Obama have circulated on the internet for years. The allegations have repeatedly appeared on social media, podcasts, and alternative media platforms despite a lack of evidence supporting them.

Various public figures, including media personalities Alex Jones and Jason Whitlock, have discussed the claims over the years, helping keep the topic alive among some audiences. However, major fact-checking organizations and news outlets have consistently reported that there is no evidence supporting the allegation.

According to Snopes, versions of the theory have been circulating since at least 2008. Interest in the claim increased significantly in 2014 after a video surfaced showing late comedian Joan Rivers making comments about Michelle Obama and former President Barack Obama while speaking with a passerby in New York City.

Since then, the rumor has periodically resurfaced online, often gaining traction during election cycles or major political events. At one point, the claim even appeared on the social media page of a Republican state lawmaker in Kentucky, further fueling public discussion.

Several media organizations, including Snopes, PolitiFact, USA Today, Agence France-Presse, and Reuters, have published reports examining and disputing various aspects of the allegations. Despite those reports, the rumors have continued to circulate among some segments of the public.

Hokit’s comments ensured the topic would once again receive national attention. The timing was particularly notable given the size of the audience watching UFC Freedom 250 and the symbolic nature of the event itself.

For many viewers, the focus remained on Hokit’s upset victory and the celebration surrounding America’s 250th anniversary. Others, however, immediately shifted their attention to the fighter’s controversial remarks, which quickly spread across social media platforms and political commentary programs.

Whether viewed as political commentary, a provocative joke, or a genuine statement of belief, Hokit’s post-fight comments became one of the most widely discussed moments of the night, ensuring that an event already destined to make headlines would generate even more attention in the days that followed.

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