Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has vetoed Senate Bill 233, which aimed to limit gender-affirming care options for transgender youth, including procedures like surgery, hormone therapies, and the use of puberty blockers.

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Governor Kelly’s Stand

Governor Kelly emphasized the importance of parental authority in making healthcare choices for their children. She argued that the proposed legislation would unduly interfere with the doctor-patient relationship and parental rights, leading to her veto.

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Reaction from Legislature

Speaker Daniel Hawkins criticized Governor Kelly’s veto, asserting that it disregarded the welfare of Kansas minors. He suggested that House Republicans might attempt to override the veto in the future.

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National Context

The debate in Kansas reflects broader discussions occurring nationwide regarding gender-affirming care for minors. Several states have introduced or passed laws limiting access to such care, igniting debates and legal disputes.

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Medical Community’s Perspective

The American Academy of Pediatrics has opposed legislative bans on gender-affirming care, advocating instead for a gender-affirmative care model that prioritizes the comprehensive well-being of transgender youth and their families.

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Eleven Republican-led states have initiated a legal challenge against President Biden’s new student loan repayment program, alleging similarities to a previously invalidated debt relief initiative. Led by Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, the lawsuit contends that Biden’s Saving on a Valuable Education (Save) program exceeds his constitutional authority and mirrors a past forgiveness plan that the Supreme Court struck down last year.

Allegations and Legal Basis

The lawsuit, spearheaded by Kansas AG Kris Kobach, asserts that President Biden’s Save program constitutes executive overreach and draws parallels to a previously rejected debt relief initiative.

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Description of the Save Program

President Biden’s Save program, launched in October, aims to provide reduced monthly payments and an accelerated path to loan cancellation for millions of borrowers. While it has already relieved the debts of over 150,000 participants who borrowed under $12,000 and made payments for a decade, its projected cost varies significantly. The Biden administration estimates the program to cost $156 billion over a decade, whereas the Congressional Budget Office predicts a higher figure at $230 billion.

Legal and Administrative Responses

Kansas AG Kobach criticized the Save program, accusing the president of pushing forward despite past legal setbacks. The Education Department refrained from commenting on the lawsuit but reiterated its commitment to enhancing the student loan system and offering relief to borrowers.

Legal Grounds and Previous Challenges

The lawsuit draws upon arguments from previous legal battles against broad-based debt relief. Unlike the failed plan that relied on a 9/11-era law, the Save program derives its authority from the Higher Education Act, presenting a different legal foundation.

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Program Mechanics and Conservative Criticism

The Save program, an adaptation of the existing Revised Pay as You Earn (Repaye) plan, ties monthly payments to income and family size. However, conservatives like Kobach argue that widespread debt relief unfairly burdens taxpayers who did not attend college or save for their education.

Legal Landscape and Political Response

The lawsuit follows the Supreme Court’s rejection of a similar debt cancellation program last year, highlighting the ongoing legal and political battles surrounding student loan relief initiatives. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey expressed support for Kobach’s lawsuit and hinted at filing a related one.

Administration’s Perspective

Despite facing legal challenges, the Biden administration continues to advocate for the Save program, emphasizing its potential to alleviate the financial burden for millions of borrowers by reducing their annual payments.

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Republican West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey has formally urged Vice President Kamala Harris to invoke the 25th Amendment, seeking the removal of President Joe Biden from office.

Morrisey’s Call to Action

In a letter addressed to Vice President Harris on Tuesday, Morrisey referenced the recent release of Special Counsel Robert Hur’s report. The report highlighted numerous memory lapses and frequent gaffes made by President Biden during his time in office, prompting Morrisey to advocate for constitutional action.

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Morrisey emphasized the need for action due to what he described as a “profound cognitive decline” experienced by President Biden. He cited instances where Biden confused world leaders, struggled with basic issues during public speeches, and appeared disoriented at events.

Instances of Concern

Morrisey highlighted specific incidents, such as Biden’s apparent moment of nodding off during the COP26 climate change conference in 2021 and his need to clarify the U.S.’s stance on the “One China” policy regarding Taiwan. These incidents, according to Morrisey, underscored Biden’s advanced age and cognitive decline.

Invocation of the 25th Amendment

“I am writing to urge you to invoke your powers under Section 4 of the Twenty-Fifth Amendment and declare that President Biden is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office,” Morrisey stated in his letter to Vice President Harris.

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Response from White House and Harris’ Office

Fox News Digital has reached out to the White House and Vice President Harris’ office for comment on Morrisey’s letter and the concerns raised regarding President Biden’s fitness for office.

Hur’s Report and Democratic Concerns

Hur’s report, which stemmed from an investigation into Biden’s handling of classified documents, concluded that the President would face no charges partly due to his presentation as a sympathetic elderly man with memory issues. The report cited instances of memory lapses, including the death of Biden’s son Beau, which heightened concerns among Democrats who previously supported the President despite criticism of his capacity to serve.

Calls for Action from Other Officials

Senator Josh Hawley, Representative Claudia Tenney, and Representative Guy Reschenthaler are among the elected officials who have also called for the invocation of the 25th Amendment following the release of the Hur report. They join Morrisey in expressing concerns about President Biden’s ability to fulfill his duties.

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In a surprising turn of events, President Joe Biden’s administration has announced its intention to extend sections of the border wall, marking a departure from Biden’s initial stance. This decision, reminiscent of a policy championed by former President Donald Trump, comes as the specter of Trump’s 2024 presidential bid looms.

Background: A Shift from Biden’s Initial Position

Upon assuming office in January 2021, President Biden issued a proclamation vowing to halt the diversion of American taxpayer dollars toward border wall construction. This declaration was accompanied by a comprehensive review of resources committed to the project.

However, the administration argues that the recent move aligns with Biden’s proclamation, citing funds allocated during Trump’s tenure in 2019 that necessitate immediate expenditure.

Secretary Mayorkas Clarifies the Administration’s Stance

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas clarified the administration’s position, stating, “There is no new Administration policy concerning border walls. From day one, this Administration has clarified that a border wall is not the answer.” Mayorkas emphasized that the construction project was initiated during the prior administration, and existing laws compel the government to utilize the allocated funds.

Trump’s Reaction and Mexico’s Response

Former President Trump, quick to claim victory, demanded an apology, underscoring his long-standing belief in the efficacy of walls. Meanwhile, Mexico’s President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador labeled the decision as “a step backward.”

Immigration as a Key Campaign Theme

As the U.S. presidential race approaches, immigration is poised to be a central theme. A September Reuters/Ipsos poll revealed that 54% of Americans believe “immigration is making life harder for native-born Americans.” This sentiment is shared by 73% of Republicans and 37% of Democrats.

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The Biden administration’s move to proceed with border wall expansion could invite criticism from its left-leaning base, including immigration advocates and environmentalists, who oppose further construction.

Challenges and Environmental Concerns

Biden’s Department of Homeland Security needs to waive several laws and regulations to move forward with the border wall expansion. This action targets Starr County, Texas, within the Rio Grande Valley Sector, where Border Patrol has encountered over 245,000 individuals entering the United States this fiscal year. Environmentalists have strongly objected to the project, citing its impact on vital habitats in Starr County.

Administration’s Broader Approach to Immigration

The White House, in response to concerns, highlighted its distinct approach to addressing the “broken immigration system” inherited from the previous administration. This approach includes creating more legal pathways for migrants and investing in border security technology.

Record Migrant Crossings Challenge the Administration

The Biden administration has grappled with an unprecedented surge in migrant crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border during its tenure, culminating in record highs in September. Initially, President Biden pledged to reverse several of Trump’s immigration policies but retained the Title 42 public health order. This allowed border agents to expel migrants to Mexico without the opportunity to seek asylum.

When Title 42 expired in May, it was replaced with a more stringent rule requiring migrants to schedule appointments through a government-run smartphone app before approaching a legal port of entry or face tougher asylum restrictions if they crossed the border illegally.

Resumption of Deportation Flights to Venezuela

In another significant enforcement measure, the Biden administration announced the resumption of deportation flights to Venezuela, a move previously suspended due to strained U.S.-Venezuela relations. The decision affects many Venezuelan migrants fleeing economic and political turmoil, many of whom have journeyed through the difficult Darien Gap to reach the U.S.-Mexico border.

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Impacts on U.S. Cities and Pending Asylum Cases

The influx of migrants has strained U.S. cities along the border and further north. Asylum seekers often face a lengthy immigration court process, with over 2 million cases pending, as reported by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Republican governors in border states, accusing Biden of insufficient border control measures, have transported arriving migrants to Democratic-led cities like New York and Chicago, sparking criticism from Democratic leaders in those cities.

Seeking Comprehensive Immigration Reform

President Biden initially sought comprehensive immigration reform legislation but faced opposition from Republicans, resulting in stalled progress.

As the immigration debate continues to shape U.S. policy and politics, the administration faces a complex and multifaceted challenge, balancing the demands of border security, humanitarian concerns, and political considerations.

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Stewart, whose quasi-news show has more and more resembled a Democratic roast of Republicans, more-or-less defended Obama’s position, while O’Reilly, a former Fox News political commentator, defended Romney’s.

The debate took its tone from Stewart’s opening line: “My friend Bill O’Reilly is completely full of shit.”

They actually are friends, and have staged such debates a few times before. The main issues at this debate regarded America becoming an “entitlement society,” which O’Reilly lamented, but which Stewart thought was great.

“They advertise on the radio for food stamps,” said O’Reilly.

“Why is it that if you take advantage of a tax break and you’re a corporation you’re a smart businessman, but if you take advantage of something that you need to not be hungry, you’re a moocher,” said Stewart. Well in one case, a businessman is having less of what he has earned taken from him by the government, in the other, the government is giving something the “moocher” hasn’t earned — but it was all about comedic effect in the debate.

“We are an entitlement nation,” Steward said, “Have you ever seen ‘Oprah’s Favorite Things’ episode? We are a people that wants free things.”

“The mind-set is, if I can gin the system, I’ll do it because it’s easy,” O’Reilly said. He also pointed out that Obama’s proposal to increase taxes on the wealthy won’t close the deficit much.

At one point, Stewart, called “Hobbit-like” by the moderator, rose on a motorized platform above his 6-foot 4-inch opponent, and at another, when the moderator suggested there be more cross-partisan dialogue, Stewart sat in O’Reilly’s lap.

“What would you like for Christmas, little boy?” asked O’Reilly.

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