Rep. O'Rourke (D-TX) to Dreamers: Pressure Creates Change
Texas Congressman Beto O'Rourke, a Democrat, joined Cheddar to discuss the ongoing fight to save the Dreamers Act, also known as DACA.
He mentioned his recent conversations with dozens of undocumented immigrants who came to the States as children, noting that their biggest concerns are losing their jobs, their homes, and the communities they have built for themselves. In addition, they also want their families to be safe, and do not want to benefit at the cost of their family's immigration status.
If a fix is not agreed upon by next March, 800,000 Dreamers will be at risk of losing their homes in the U.S. Therefore, Rep. O'Rourke mentioned the immigration legislation which he introduced, and encourages protesters to continue pushing the conversation, so that politicians can listen to them.
We also spoke with the O'Rourke about his fight to take on Ted Cruz for his Senate seat in 2018. He recently came under scrutiny for his decision to leave the House and try for the Senate in a state that tends to lean Republican.
During the conversation, O'Rourke made his case for why his policies on healthcare and job creation are better for the people of Texas. He said that he's excited to be part of a historic race, taking on a multi-term Senator like Cruz.
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.
