GOP Lawmakers Oppose Removal of Confederate Statue at Arlington National Cemetery

GOP Lawmakers Oppose Removal of Confederate Statue at Arlington National Cemetery

Business

House Republicans are opposing the Department of Defense’s plan to remove a Confederate memorial known as the Reconciliation Monument from Arlington National Cemetery. The lawmakers argue that the removal goes against the original intent of Congress and could infringe upon the separation of powers. The statue has been a part of the cemetery since 1906 and was intended to symbolize the country’s shared reconciliation after the Civil War. Descendants of the statue’s sculptor have supported calls for its removal. The decision to remove the statue was based on a review conducted by the Pentagon’s Naming Commission, which aims to rename and remove memorials associated with the Confederacy. Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place for hundreds of thousands of veterans and has a storied history.

The Serious National Security Threat Posed by Data Brokers

The Serious National Security Threat Posed by Data Brokers

Technology

Data brokers are selling highly sensitive information about active-duty military personnel, their families, and veterans for as little as $0.12 per person. This unregulated practice poses both a privacy concern and a national security threat, as data brokers show no hesitation in selling information to unidentified foreign buyers without vetting them. Congress must pass legislation to address this issue and fund regulators for enforcement. The impact of data brokers extends beyond personal lives, affecting hiring, housing, insurance, and law enforcement. Individuals may face serious consequences if inaccurate information is used against them.

The Education Department Strengthens Oversight of Student-Loan Companies

The Education Department Strengthens Oversight of Student-Loan Companies

Business

President Biden’s Education Department is taking strong measures to address issues caused by student-loan companies. MOHELA, a student-loan company, had over $7 million in pay withheld after failing to provide on-time statements, leading 800,000 borrowers to fall into delinquency. Despite the actions taken, funding challenges remain a central concern in resolving repayment errors and delays. Withholding pay from servicers may have unintended consequences for both the companies and borrowers. Congressional involvement is necessary to address funding issues and prevent further problems. The Education Department continues to work on remedying errors and providing oversight to servicers as the repayment process progresses.

Trump Endorses Rep. Jim Jordan for Speaker of the House

Trump Endorses Rep. Jim Jordan for Speaker of the House

Business

Former President Donald Trump has endorsed Republican Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio to be the next Speaker of the House. The endorsement could disrupt the campaign to replace former Speaker Kevin McCarthy and presents a risk for House Republicans in Biden-won districts. This suggests that Trump has abandoned any plans of becoming Speaker himself. Jordan, a conservative figure, is now competing with House Majority Leader Steve Scalise for the position.