Biden Endorses Border Deal, Stoking Fears of a Shutdown
As talks over a bipartisan border deal continue, concerns grow over the implications of such a proposal. Biden adds to the alarm yesterday by endorsing the deal and stating that "the day I sign the bill into law, I would use it." Immigration experts and advocates express dismay at the U-turn on immigration policy, with one describing the statement as "the most uninformed, short-sighted idea of a solution as could be" and a break from the administration's prior commitments. The statement also drew criticism from conservatives who argued that Biden already has the authority he needs to clamp down on the border. The political imperative is clear: a recent CBS News poll found that 63 percent of Americans believe the administration should be tougher on immigrants crossing the border.
In other news:
Title: Haley's Path to the GOP Nomination Narrows
Content: Haley insists that she can still win the GOP nomination, but the path forward is challenging. The next four weeks before the South Carolina primary are a relative lull before a sprint: within four weeks of facing Trump in her home state, more than 70 percent of the delegates to the Republican convention will have been awarded. This is a structural problem, in addition to Haley's political one: trying to turn out the moderates and independents who boosted her in New Hampshire in states where they are in shorter supply.
Title: Biden Courts Arab American and Muslim Voters
Content: As Biden searches for connections to every possible voter in his reelection bid, he is still facing an uphill battle with Arab American and Muslim voters. Democratic strategists warn that the president may struggle to find surrogates willing to speak to key voter groups such as Muslims, Arab Americans, and angered progressives.
Title: Biden's Grant Plan to Revive Chip Industry Announces Subsidies to Companies This Year
Content: The White House is trying to give Biden an economic boost as the general election looms, and is planning to award billions of dollars in subsidies to Intel, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., or TSMC, and other top semiconductor companies in coming weeks. The grants are part of the $53 billion Chips Act, intended to reshore production of advanced microchips and fend off China, which is fast developing its own chip industry. Industry executives expect some of the announcements to be set before the State of the Union address in March.