A Quick Look at America | The Epoch Times
Congress Shutdown Looms
The looming shutdown of the U.S. Congress on March 14 is due to the lack of agreement on a substantial budget plan.
Republicans are advocating for spending restraints, citing concerns about the $36 trillion national debt, while Democrats are focused on advancing Biden-era priorities such as social infrastructure and healthcare despite the potential for increased debt.
Since the start of the fiscal year in September, two emergency fund deals have been passed. However, if a permanent spending bill or a third “continuing resolution” is not agreed upon by March 14, a government shutdown will occur.
Disagreements over spending have become commonplace in the U.S. Congress, often resulting in shutdowns. The longest shutdown occurred in 2018 during President Trump’s first term, lasting 35 days.
Trump Set to Target EU With 25 Percent Tariffs
President Donald Trump has hinted at imposing a 25 percent import tax on the European Union, specifically targeting cars entering the United States.
This announcement was made during Trump’s first Cabinet meeting on Feb. 28.
Trump has previously criticized the EU for unfair advantages over the U.S., particularly the 10 percent tariff on cars imported to the U.S., compared to the 2.5 percent tariff on cars exported from the U.S.
The EU has indicated that it will respond accordingly to these proposed tariffs.
Actor Gene Hackman and Wife Found Dead
Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, with a career spanning over 60 years, was discovered deceased in his home along with his wife in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Feb. 26.
The cause of death has not been disclosed, with an autopsy revealing “no external trauma.”
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office initially ruled out foul play but later stated the deaths were “suspicious enough” to warrant further investigation.
The bodies of Hackman and his wife showed signs of decomposition, indicating they had been deceased for some time.
Bondi Accuses FBI of Withholding Epstein Documents
The U.S. Attorney General, Pam Bondi, has accused federal prosecutors of withholding numerous documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender, prior to their anticipated release.
Despite receiving only 200 pages from the FBI, Bondi later learned that thousands of documents were missing, prompting an investigation.
Epstein had faced charges of sexually abusing over 250 underage girls.
