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Speaker Johnson unveils health care plan as divided Republicans scramble for alternative


Associated Press

Gop On The verge of doing something right?

KEVIN FREKING and LISA MASCARO

Updated Fri, December 12, 2025

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate failed to get anywhere on the health care issue this week. Now it’s the House’s turn to show what it can do.

Speaker Mike Johnson unveiled a Republican alternative late Friday, a last-minute sprint as his party refuses to extend the enhanced tax subsidies for those who buy policies through the Affordable Care Act, also called Obamacare, which are expiring at the end of the year. Those subsidies help lower the cost of coverage.

Johnson, R-La., huddled behind closed doors in the morning — as he did days earlier this week — working to assemble the package for consideration as the House focuses the final days of its 2025 work on health care.

“House Republicans are tackling the real drivers of health care costs to provide affordable care,” Johnson said in a statement announcing the package. He said it would be voted on next week.

Time is running out for Congress to act. Democrats engineered the longest federal government shutdown ever this fall in a failed effort to force Republicans to the negotiating table on health care. But after promising votes, the Senate failed this week to advance both a Republican health care plan and the Democratic-offered bill to extend the tax credits for three years.

Now, with just days to go, Congress is about to wrap up its work with no consensus solution in sight.

What Republicans are proposing

The House Republicans offered a 100-plus page package that focuses on long-sought GOP proposals to enhance access to employer-sponsored health insurance plans and clamp down on so-called pharmacy benefit managers.

Republicans propose expanding access to what’s referred to as association health plans, which would allow more small businesses and self-employed individuals to band together and purchase health coverage.

Proponents say such plans increase the leverage businesses have to negotiate a lower rate. But critics say the plans provide skimpier coverage than what is required under the Affordable Care Act.

The Republicans’ proposal would also require more data from pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs, as a way to help control drug costs. Critics say PBMs have padded their bottom line and made it more difficult for independent pharmacists to survive.

Comment from provider: After 10 years the GOP is finally thinking about their constituents, this is a sad state when the leadership is too afraid of a “child” to take care of their constituents who should always take precedent! MA

The Exotics.


The Exotics: Nero, Caligula and Trumpelstilskin

Time produces folks of the same mental space regularly, but we usually do not hear about them until their actions become egregious and murderous. Abetted (sometimes) by a governing bloc these “exotics lose all sense of reality since they live pretty much in their own heads. The insides of their heads would lay out like a bag of cats (sorry cat lovers), a lot of meowing and scratching! When the contents erupt no one understands or believes the utterances and statements that issue forth. Fact is those outputs are as dangerous as a 5-year-old with cherry bombs and a box of matches.

“Trumpel” Purposely Selected Flawed Cabinet Members?


We are aware that “Trumpel’s” choices for Government service are sycophants and generally flawed individuals who have been selected for fealty rather than ability, yet we (some of us) still miss the point that he needs to go except the second in command is no better and possibly worse. The real “power” behind the throne is: (I suspect) is Stephen Miller aka “Himmler/Goebbels” clone. With history being diluted at best and erased at worst, we need to pay particular attention this regimes actions as it does not differ between red and blue!

Surprise? Trumpel’s Congressional Allies Taken Aback?


An Indiana Republican state senator announced Nov. 28 that he will vote against the state’s redistricting following President Donald Trump’s use of a slur in a Thanksgiving social media post.

Trump’s Nov. 27 Truth Social post ‒ one in a series of anti-immigrant comments posted Thursday ‒ referred to Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as the “r-word.” Though the word was formerly used in medical contexts, it’s now widely regarded as offensive, and disability advocates seek to end its use.

“Those of you that don’t know me or my family might not know that my daughter has Down Syndrome,” state Sen. Mike Bohacek, R-Michiana Shores, wrote on Facebook. “This is not the first time our president has used these insulting and derogatory references and his choices of words have consequences.”

Trump has pushed for several states, including Indiana, to redraw congressional maps to create more safe Republican districts ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

No Boundaries?


The current administration is following the path of no return in its running of the government. There are many norms and accepted practices that no longer apply. The so-called American Dream has become a Nightmare without a “wake up”. The vengeful child has control of the country via the weak GOP who once was a powerful force for American values. This politically powerful group has forgotten the oath of office taken when elected and ceded its power to the “child”. At this time there appears to be no control in government as the founders had put in place. The real control of government has been quietly usurped by groups or a group of powerful people who saw a way to put their hands deeply in government through a “useful tools” ego.

It is sad that so many voters have been led to believe what is being done to other Americans (or other nations for that matter) is somehow other worldly and will not affect them. It is sad that so many forget the lessons of the past and still rely on the words of shady charismatic characters who offer words with no substance. The evidence is clear that the resident is a loose cannon being used as a” “useful idiot” by his own party and his “handpicked” Whitehouse staff and cabinet. Even “jar Jar Binks” recognized his limitations not so with the current “Nerolistic” occupant of the “peoples house”! It only requires a cursory glance at history to understand that a mistake was made in electing a “nihilist” as leader of one the most powerful countries in the world. The machinations of this regime is based on ego and past or current “hurt” feelings!

For the folks who read and understand the current politics or have the ability to see through the fog of lies and deceit the Franklin quote should be a wakeup call.

  1. The story: As delegates left the Constitutional Convention, a woman asked Franklin if the new government was a republic or a monarchy. Franklin famously replied, “A republic, madam, if you can keep it,” implying that maintaining the new form of government would be a continuous challenge requiring civic engagement. 
  2. The meaning: The quote suggests that a republic is not a permanent state but something that must be actively protected and maintained by its people. It underscores the importance of vigilance, civic duty, and the people’s role in holding the government accountable. 
  3. Historical context: The quote has become a well-known and relevant statement, particularly during times of political division, serving as a reminder of the framers’ intentions and the responsibilities of citizenship. 

As I have stated several times: “Lest we forget”!

Obamacare 2010-present: GOP addressed no issues!


The GOP has decried “Obamacare” since its passage. Instead of putting in time to correct or amend it, they have railed against it in all its forms. The Congressional detractors have taken the parts they like and incorporated it into their own “Cadillac” health plan,while decrying how terrible it is for the people. According to public information many more millions of Americans were and are able to get affordable healthcare. There have been glitches sure enough but overall, no more than any public program. Social security didn’t hit the ground running! The Current administration is using any largely incorrect information to debase the program enjoyed by millions, including the detractors. This has become typical of this “occupier of the office” who has essentially usurped the power of the people and their elected representatives.

The country is being bombarded by illogical and dangerous rhetoric which makes no attempt at hiding the weakness of the Congress against the usurper.

Characteristics Report by USDA Provides Insights Into Who Participates in SNAP


Correct information authored by: By Lauren Walcott and James Ziegeweid,Published June 27, 2025 Congressional Hunger Center Emerson Fellows begins below Fake chart shown on X.

Madeup chart below put out on X totally misleading about SNAP recipents-possible cause of attack on SNAP recipents.

Published June 27, 2025

Annually, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issues a report on the characteristics of households and individuals participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The most recent report released in April provides details about fiscal year 2023 program participants, and critical insights for lawmakers, advocates, and stakeholders, while simultaneously pushing back against harmful narratives that have been perpetuated about households participating in SNAP.  

Key Takeaways  

  • SNAP provides food assistance to the most vulnerable. The vast majority of individuals participating in the program are children, older adults, or individuals with a disability. The report highlights that 39 percent of participants were children, 20 percent were older adults, and 10 percent were individuals with disabilities. Additionally, 73 percent of households participating in SNAP had a gross monthly income at or below the federal poverty line. In fiscal year 2023, the income level for a family of four at the federal poverty line was $27,750.   
  • SNAP serves people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds. Among program participants, over 35 percent identified as White, nearly 26 percent as African American, nearly 16 percent as Hispanic, 4 percent as Asian, and a little over 1 percent as Native American. It should be noted that 17 percent of participants are listed as “race unknown.”  
  • SNAP helps workers make ends meet. Nearly one-third of SNAP households have earned income. For SNAP households with children, 55 percent had earned income. The average SNAP household’s gross monthly income is $1,059 and net income is $527. 
  • Most SNAP households do not receive cash welfare benefits. Only 3 percent of all SNAP households, and only 7.8 percent of SNAP households with children, receive benefits through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. 
  • SNAP lifts households out of poverty. Among households participating in SNAP, 17 percent moved above the federal poverty line when SNAP benefits were included in gross income, and 10 percent of the lowest-income SNAP households moved out of deep poverty. 
  • Despite the many benefits of the program, SNAP benefit levels continue to be woefully inadequate. About 36 percent of SNAP households receive the maximum allotment. The other 64 percent of participating households receive less than the maximum. The average benefit is just $6 per person per day. As described in a prior FRAC analysis, the greatest shortcoming of SNAP is that benefits for most households are not enough to get them through the entire month without hunger or being forced to sacrifice nutrition quality. 

Time and again, SNAP has been found to be a profoundly important program with well-documented benefits for participants and their communities. As shown in this report from USDA, SNAP targets households that are struggling the most, reducing hunger and poverty for millions of people annually.  

For more information about SNAP, visit the SNAP section of FRAC’s website. 

Many fingers in the Federal pie!


(and they are all dirty!)

This misadministration has blatantly shown the variety of ways to dip into the National funds under the guise of governing. (This also could be a snapshot as to the business failures of Trumplelstilskin). First you fill the government offices with sycophants and unqualified seat fillers. Then you create a crisis with trading partners then backdown calling it “a deal”. Next you make unsubstantiated claims of uncommitted crimes to assassinate unproven “drug runners” on the high seas without authorization from Congress. Then you reveal our nuclear arsenal to the world using threats to dictators who are smarter than you. At the end of this term, there will be at minimum 4-8 years to correct the mistakes of 4 years but only if we clean up Congress and the courts. This is a long-term project.

How will a fed rate drop impact me?


Economy built by Trumplestilskin.ma

A Federal Reserve rate drop can have several impacts on your finances, depending on your financial situation and the types of loans or savings you have. Here’s a breakdown of how it might affect you:

1. Borrowing Costs Decrease 📉

  • Mortgages: If you’re looking to buy a home or refinance, a rate cut can lead to lower mortgage rates. For instance, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate recently dropped to around 6.27%, down from higher levels earlier in the year. This can make home buying more affordable 1 2.
  • Auto Loans and Personal Loans: Rates for car loans and personal loans may also decrease, making it cheaper to finance a vehicle or other purchases 3 4.

2. Credit Card Rates May Not Change Much 💳

  • Unfortunately, credit card rates tend to be sticky and may not drop significantly. The average credit card interest rate is around 20%, and a quarter-point cut might not provide much relief for those carrying balances 2 3.

3. Savings Accounts Yield May Decline 💰

  • If you have money in high-yield savings accounts or CDs, you might see lower interest rates as banks adjust to the Fed’s rate cut. This means your savings could earn less over time 3 4.

4. Economic Growth Potential 🌱

  • Lower rates are intended to stimulate economic growth by encouraging spending and investment. This could lead to job creation and a more robust economy, which benefits everyone in the long run 1 5.

In summary, if you’re a borrower, you might benefit from lower rates on loans, but if you’re a saver, you could see reduced returns on your savings. It’s a mixed bag, but overall, the goal of the Fed’s rate cut is to support economic growth and stability.

Sources:

House Democrat Declares, ‘Mike Johnson Has Effectively Dissolved the United States House of Representatives’


Mediaite

Fri, October 24, 2025 at 8:11 PM CDT

200

Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA) said Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has “effectively dissolved” the House.

The House remains out of session amid the ongoing shutdown that began on Oct. 1. Ahead of the shutdown, the House passed a continuing resolution to fund the government beyond that date, but the legislation stalled in the Senate, where it failed to notch the necessary 60-vote procedural threshold. Seven votes are needed from Democrats, who are demanding an extension of healthcare premium subsidies for Obamacare recipients. So far, congressional Republicans have not budged.

Johnson said on Thursday that bringing the House back into session until an agreement is reached  this can “be a waste of our time.”

On Friday, Smith appeared on MSNBC, where Jason Johnson asked about the Trump administration’s ongoing bombing of Venezuelan boats in international waters. Trump officials allege the boats were carrying drugs. The administration has provided no evidence to justify the bombings, which are legally suspect, according to experts.

“Once you start just randomly killing people from other countries and coming up with a crime to throw on them later, doesn’t that destabilize our relationships with the rest of South America? Doesn’t it make business more difficult?” the host asked. “What are some of the ripple effects of this current insane foreign policy by the administration?”

Smith used the question to pivot to House oversight, which is currently nonexistent, thanks to the speaker keeping the chamber out of session.

“It does all of those things, and it tells everyone in the world that this is perfectly ok,” Smith said. “You decide you want to kill somebody, go ahead and do it. And you don’t have to justify it either. It makes us more vulnerable.”

The lawmaker then accused the speaker of dissolving the House:

We are losing our constitutional republic. And meanwhile, the House of Representatives, Mike Johnson has effectively dissolved the United States House of Representatives. I spoke with several Republicans, including Chairman Mike Rogers today to talk about, “Ok, we need to have hearings on this. You know, the House Armed Services needs to exercise oversight.”

And there are many Republicans, including Mike Rogers, who agree with that. But we’re not in session. So we can’t do it. So we’re gonna do it. So, the president just gets to do what he wants.

I mean, look. The whole Nazi Germany analogies are always troubling, but, you know, that was one of the steps is the parliament or the Reichstag or whatever it was, was sort of pushed out of existence and didn’t have any oversight.

Comment from pass through poster: “lest we forget” and we have!!