Rep. Khanna: The Republican Tax Bill Doesn't Help Middle America
Republicans are closing in on their first legislative victory of the year, after two GOP Senators previously opposed to the tax plan got on board this weekend. But Democrats still have concerns.
U.S. Congressman Ro Khanna (D-CA), who joined Cheddar before the most recent concessions were made, said the policies may benefit companies in his home district in the heart of Silicon Valley, but do little for Middle America.
“We should create technology opportunity zones across America,” he said. “I think that the federal government in partnership with the private industry could do so much to bring the new industry to many of these communities.”
Heading into the weekend, the future of tax reform seemed uncertain. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) was calling for a tax cut for working families. On Friday, though, he tweeted his support after the child tax credit was increased.
Senator Bob Corker also changed his position after the tax on real estate earnings was reduced, a move that could benefit his own wallet. The Tennessee Republican reportedly made $7 million off his property investments last year.
For full interview [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/rep-ro-khanna-d-ca-congress-needs-to-step-up-to-spread-tech-development-across-the-u-s).
As the standoff between the U.S. and its allies continues with Russia over its possible designs to invade Ukraine, President Biden held a video conference call with European leadership and had 8,500 American troops put on high alert. Jamil Jaffer, a former associate White House counsel for the Bush Administration, joined Cheddar to discuss his views on the escalating crisis in Eastern Europe.
As controversy dogs the run-up to the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, China is hiring TikTokers and other social media influencers to promote the nation's history, culture, diplomatic efforts, and current trends.
The Supreme Court has rejected another request to block Texas' strict abortion law. This marks the third time the high court has declined to intervene in challenges to the law that bans abortions after six weeks, well before many women even know they're pregnant. Aziza Ahmed, professor of law at the University of California, Irvine, joined Cheddar News to discuss the impact of the law so far on women seeking abortion services in Texas.
Mayors in cities like Miami and New York City are considering introducing cryptocurrencies as a way to reduce economic inequality. Miami Mayor Francis X. Suarez has even pushed for distributing Bitcoin dividends to the city's inhabitants.
The U.S. will be implementing a vaccine mandate for all people entering through its land borders, removing exemptions for "essential" travelers such as truckers, students, and business people. While the Canadian Trucking Alliance argues that the new, stricter rule might exacerbate ongoing auto supply chain issues, some health experts see the potential for helping curb the ongoing pandemic. Anthony Santella, a professor of health administration at the University of New Haven, joined Cheddar to give his take on the updated border crossing restriction. "We can't just focus on one type of travel. We need to ensure that it's clear and consistent across all types of travel," Santella said.
Will Rhind, CEO of GraniteShares, joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell, where he says he believes the Fed's plans of increasing rates is taking its toll on some of the more speculative stocks and the technology market.
Mona Zhang, states cannabis policy reporter at POLITICO Pro joins Cheddar News to discuss major factors that caused Canada's retail marijuana sales to drop last year.
The January 6 committee has asked Ivanka Trump to give voluntary testimony, saying there's evidence she was in "direct contact" with her father on the day of the capitol insurrection. I's unclear whether she will comply with the invitation, but it marks the first time the House committee has sought testimony from a member of the former president's family. Bradley Moss, national security attorney, joined Cheddar News to discuss what the committee hopes to learn from Ivanka and what the Supreme Court's decision on Trump's Jan. 6 materials means for the investigation.