South Korea’s impeached president has denied that he ordered the military to drag lawmakers out of the National Assembly to prevent them from voting to reject his martial law decree last month, as he appeared for the first time before the Constitutiona...
Summary
Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol denied ordering military action to block lawmakers from voting against his martial law decree during his first appearance at the Constitutional Court.
Yoon’s declaration of martial law on Dec. 3, citing opposition obstruction, plunged the nation into turmoil. Lawmakers unanimously rejected the decree, leading to Yoon's impeachment.
Military commanders contradicted Yoon, alleging he ordered physical removal of lawmakers.
Yoon faces investigations for rebellion, risking life imprisonment or the death penalty.
His actions have strained South Korea’s democracy and global image, fueling domestic divisions.
The Teamsters union released the results of the strike vote on Sunday evening.
Summary
Over 18,000 unionized Costco employees, represented by the Teamsters, voted overwhelmingly to authorize a nationwide strike if a new contract is not reached by January 31.
Workers demand "fair wages and benefits," citing Costco's $254 billion in annual revenue and a 135% profit increase since 2018.
Practice pickets have already begun nationwide.
Union leaders warn that failure to reach a "historic, industry-leading agreement" could result in a strike, with workers emphasizing their role as the "backbone" of the company's success.
Forty eight men detained since they fled China years ago risk being deported, rights groups say.
Summary
Thailand's remaining 48 Uyghur detainees face the threat of deportation to China after over a decade in harsh immigration detention.
Uyghurs, fleeing persecution in Xinjiang, were detained in 2014, with women and children later allowed to leave for Turkey.
Conditions in the detention center are described as "hell on earth," with overcrowding, unsanitary facilities, and inadequate medical care.
Deportation risks are fueled by China's pressure, despite past international outrage over similar actions in 2015.
Rights groups warn deportations could lead to severe punishments in China and further harm detainees' families.
President instructs US government to remove ‘radical gender ideology guidance’ and review diversity programs
Summary
Donald Trump signed an executive order rolling back transgender and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, reversing key measures introduced by Joe Biden.
The new order declares the federal government will recognize only two genders and bans agencies from promoting gender transitions.
Federal documents, prisons, and agencies must comply.
Trump also targeted environmental justice grants and diversity training programs.
Civil rights groups condemned the move, pledging legal challenges.
The blaze is reported to have started in the restaurant but the exact cause remains unclear.
Summary
A fire at the Grand Kartal hotel in Kartalkaya, a ski resort in northwestern Turkey, killed 10 people and injured 32 early Tuesday.
The fire started in the restaurant of the 12-story building, which was nearly full with over 230 guests.
Some victims jumped from the building in panic, while others used bedsheets to escape.
Firefighters faced challenges due to the hotel’s location and wooden structure.
"We think we have really good grounds," the president said of the order that is certain to prompt immediate legal challenges.
Summary
Donald Trump signed an executive order to challenge birthright citizenship, targeting children of undocumented immigrants born in the U.S.
The order argues against the 14th Amendment, which guarantees citizenship for those born on U.S. soil.
It bars federal agencies from recognizing birthright citizenship and imposes a 30-day waiting period for enforcement.
The order is expected to face significant legal challenges, with critics calling it unconstitutional.
Executive order effectively reinstates ‘Schedule F’, which sought to categorize workers as political hires
Summary
Donald Trump reinstated "Schedule F" via executive order, reclassifying thousands of federal employees as political appointees, making them easier to fire.
The move reverses protections reinstated by Joe Biden in 2021, which aimed to prevent partisan interference in civil service.
This aligns with Project 2025, a plan to replace career civil servants with ideologically aligned personnel.
Critics warn this could degrade government performance, reduce trust, and increase corruption.
While legal challenges are expected, experts believe Schedule F is likely constitutional but will face strong opposition in courts and beyond.
Entrepreneur is now expected to launch a gubernatorial campaign in his home state of Ohio
Summary
Vivek Ramaswamy has been removed as co-chair of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) after criticizing U.S. work culture as “mediocre” in a controversial social media post.
The comment reportedly angered allies and led Elon Musk, his DOGE co-chair, to push him out.
Ramaswamy, accused of minimal contributions, plans to run for Ohio governor.
DOGE, an initiative aimed at slashing federal spending, faces legal challenges over transparency and its undefined role within government.
Musk remains its sole leader as lawsuits continue.
Trump has long been critical of how the Geneva-based institution handled the Covid-19 pandemic.
Summary
Donald Trump signed an executive order to withdraw the US from the World Health Organization (WHO) on his first day back in office.
This marks the second time Trump has initiated this process, citing the WHO's "mishandling of the Covid-19 pandemic," failure to reform, political influence, and "unfairly onerous payments" by the US.
Public health experts warn the move could harm global disease control efforts and US leadership in health innovation.
Under Biden, the US was the WHO's largest funder, contributing nearly 20% of its $6.8 billion budget in 2023.
By Jonathan Landay and Humeyra Pamuk
Summary
Donald Trump rescinded sanctions imposed by the Biden administration on Israeli settler groups and individuals accused of violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.
The sanctions, established under Executive Order 14115 in 2024, targeted those "undermining peace, security, and stability" and froze U.S. assets of sanctioned individuals.
This marks a reversal of Biden’s policy aimed at curbing settler violence and supporting a two-state solution.
Trump’s decision aligns with his previous support for Israeli settlements, which most countries consider illegal under international law.
The day-one executive order fulfills a campaign promise. Health experts worry it puts US health at risk.
Summary
Donald Trump has ordered the U.S. to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) for the second time.
The order citied "the organization’s mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic that arose out of Wuhan, China, and other global health crises, its failure to adopt urgently needed reforms, and its inability to demonstrate independence from the inappropriate political influence of WHO member states."
The order also criticized "unfairly onerous payments" made by the U.S. Health experts warn the move isolates the U.S., weakens global disease response, and risks delays in pandemic preparedness and vaccine innovation.
As the largest WHO funder since 1948, the U.S. exit could hinder global health efforts and leave the nation vulnerable to future health threats.
Ninety-nine senators back confirmation of Rubio, 53, first member of Trump’s cabinet to win Senate approval
Summary
The Senate confirmed Marco Rubio as U.S. secretary of state on Monday with near-unanimous support, making him the first Latino to hold the position.
Rubio, a former senator and Trump critic turned ally, endorsed Trump’s "America First" foreign policy and highlighted the importance of NATO while advocating for concessions to end the Ukraine war and stronger measures against China over Taiwan.
His confirmation reflects a dramatic shift in his relationship with Trump since their contentious 2016 primary battle.
Rubio's nomination faced minimal resistance, apart from protests labeling him a "war hawk."
"Trump's White House is government by the billionaires, for the billionaires," said the chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.
Summary
Progressives criticized the attendance of billionaires like Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos at Donald Trump’s inauguration, labeling them “billionaires’ row” and emblematic of an administration prioritizing the wealthy.
Critics argue the inauguration, funded by over $200 million in corporate and lobbyist donations, signals a pro-billionaire agenda.
Trump’s proposed Cabinet includes 13 billionaires, with a combined net worth of over $460 billion, and aims to push tax cuts for the rich.
Bernie Sanders and other progressives warn against “government by the billionaires, for the billionaires.”
JSB and Perdue Farms agreed to settlements of $4 million each, while QSA, which employed 54 children, will pay $400,000.
Summary
The U.S. Labor Department announced three settlements this week addressing child labor violations in slaughterhouses.
QSI was fined $400,000 for employing 54 children on overnight shifts in 13 meatpacking plants across eight states.
Perdue Farms and JBS Foods each agreed to pay $4 million after similar violations.
These settlements are part of over 1,000 open child labor investigations nationwide.
The department emphasizes the responsibility of major meat companies and contractors to prevent hiring minors for hazardous jobs, which have led to injuries and fatalities.
The world’s richest man drew a ton of attention over an ill-advised “salute” he did on stage, with many likening it to a “Nazi” gesture.
Oil and gas firms have given more than $75m to Trump’s campaign and stand to benefit from his ‘drill, baby drill’ plan
Summary
US fossil fuel billionaires saw a 15% wealth increase over nine months, gaining $40.2 billion collectively, as the oil industry prepares to benefit from Donald Trump’s second-term energy agenda.
Industry leaders, who donated over $75 million to Trump’s campaign, expect deregulation, expanded drilling, and the reversal of Biden-era climate policies.
Climate advocates criticized oil executives for influencing policy while hosting lavish inauguration events.
Trump’s energy plans, including a roadmap from the American Petroleum Institute, promise major profits for fossil fuel companies but raise concerns about environmental and climate impacts.
Trump had said he would put a 25% tariff on all goods coming into the U.S. from Canada and Mexico and a 10% tariff on Chinese goods during his first day in office.
Summary
Donald Trump is unlikely to impose tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China on his first day in office, despite campaign promises.
Instead, federal agencies will review trade policies, existing tariffs, and the USMCA agreement.
Trump had proposed a 25% tariff on Canadian and Mexican goods and 10% on Chinese imports, citing fentanyl and immigration concerns.
Economists warn tariffs would raise prices, worsen inflation, and disrupt industries.
Canada and Mexico vowed retaliatory tariffs, threatening U.S. auto production and undermining the USMCA trade agreement.
Lawsuit filed moments after Trump’s swearing-in challenges legality of ‘department of government efficiency’
Summary
A lawsuit filed within minutes of Donald Trump’s swearing-in challenges the legality of Elon Musk’s "department of government efficiency" (Doge), alleging it violates federal transparency rules.
The suit claims Doge functions as a federal advisory committee but lacks balanced representation, public meeting access, and record-keeping.
Doge, which reportedly operates from SpaceX offices and uses encrypted communication, aims to streamline government by cutting programs and jobs.
Critics argue the project is shrouded in secrecy, while supporters label it a branding exercise for Trump’s government reform efforts.
“Our hearts are broken today but no words can do justice to the joy she brought to our lives,” her family said.
Summary
Cecile Richards, former president of Planned Parenthood, passed away at 67 after battling glioblastoma.
A prominent women’s rights activist, she faced significant challenges during her tenure, including opposition from Donald Trump and the eventual overturning of Roe v. Wade.
Tributes poured in from political leaders and organizations, remembering her as a trailblazer for reproductive rights.
Last time, quitting the Paris Agreement was largely symbolic. Not this time.
Summary
Trump has announced the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris climate accords, citing a focus on domestic energy production and rolling back Biden-era climate policies.
This move, which can be completed in one year, will align the U.S. with nations such as Iran, Libya, and Yemen as the only UN-recognized countries outside the global pact.
Critics warn it undermines global climate efforts, ceding leadership to China, which has aggressively expanded green technologies.
Trump pledged to boost fossil fuels while continuing nuclear power investment.
From the article:
To come to this conclusion, the team tested tea bags made from nylon-6, polypropylene, and cellulose, all typical packaging for teas. They found that when brewing tea, "polypropylene releases approximately 1.2 billion particles per milliliter, with an average size of 136.7 nanometres; cellulose releases about 135 million particles per milliliter, with an average size of 244 nanometres; while nylon-6 releases 8.18 million particles per milliliter, with an average size of 138.4 nanometres."
Thanks for the tip. The photos in the article also show PE as well. I’ve updated the summary.
Thanks. I’ve fixed the link.
Through reviewing posts on X, web archives, leak databases, and other social media profiles, the Observer identified the following individuals as the anonymous operators of neo-Nazi X accounts, which had a collective 500,000 followers at their peak:
Cyan Cruz (40 years old): Marketing professional who has lived in Austin and Amarillo, Texas, operating the X account TheOfficial1984.
Michael Gramer (42 years old): Retired mechanical engineer who has lived in New Hampshire, claimed to own a house in Galveston, Texas, and spent time in Dallas, operating the X account 9mm_SMG.
Robert “Bobby” Thorne (35 years old): Vice president at JP Morgan Chase in Plano, Texas, operating the account Noble1945 and previously Noble_x_x_.
John Anthony Provenzano (30 years old): Lives in Virginia, works at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Indian Head, Maryland, and operates the X account utism_ (formerly JohnnyBullzeye).
“Contrary to predictions” instead makes sense. I've updated the summary.
From your link (translated), the men in the survey didn't seem to engage in whataboutism:
The participants most often experienced psychological violence (40 percent) [including] aggressive shouting, insults and humiliation in front of others. 39 percent suffered from the controlling behavior of the partner, isolation and permanent blame. 30 percent would also experience physical violence...
...
...With regard to their own perpetratorship, more than half of the men stated that they had used violence in a relationship themselves, about a quarter see themselves in both the victim and the perpetrator role.
Thanks for the info. I've updated the post summary with it.
Thanks. I've updated the summary to reflect your info.
It is, but the article seems to conflate post-viral fatigue with long-term fatigue in the grouping:
Post-viral fatigue has long been poorly understood, and for many years was often dismissed as psychological. But this long-term fatigue with varying degrees of severity has been linked to infections ranging from Sars to Ebola, Epstein-Barr virus and influenza, as well as infections with tick-borne pathogens such as the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, which causes Lyme disease.
Thanks, I've updated the link.
The US Constitution already resolves this issue with federal preemption under the Supremacy Clause. Basically, Pennsylvania’s residency requirements apply to all elections within the state: local, state, and federal. However, in federal elections, federal law preempts and overrides any conflicting state laws. These challenges have been filed in bad faith.
At least not everyone:
Israeli media and other observers expressed skepticism about the articles, which appeared to support Netanyahu’s demands in the talks and absolve him of blame for their failure.
From reading the article, it's possible nuclear arms race, military tech transfer, and refugee crisis to name a few:
But Kim’s increasingly aggressive rhetoric against Seoul has the South once again debating whether it should have its own nuclear arsenal. North Korean troops on a Ukrainian battlefield would only further unravel Beijing’s plans.
...
Experts say Beijing is just as worried as the West about what military technology Putin might sell to Kim in exchange for troops.
“Satellites, for sure,” Mr Foster-Carter says. “But Putin is bad – not mad. Russia knows just as China knows that North Korea is a loose cannon. Giving [Kim] more technology for nukes is not a good thing for anybody.”
Experts believe Xi is unlikely to do anything drastic because China needs a stable North Korea – if he cuts off aid, he would likely have a refugee crisis at the border.
Below are all the GOP lawmakers that voted against that bill:
House:
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Representative James Baird of Indiana
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Representative Troy Balderson of Ohio
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Representative Jim Banks of Indiana
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Representative Aaron Bean of Florida
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Representative Andy Biggs of Arizona
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Representative Gus Bilirakis of Florida
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Representative Dan Bishop of North Carolina
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Representative Lauren Boebert of Colorado
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Representative Mike Bost of Illinois
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Representative Josh Brecheen of Oklahoma
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Representative Tim Burchett of Tennessee
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Representative Eric Burlison of Missouri
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Representative Kat Cammack of Florida
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Representative Michael Cloud of Texas
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Representative Andrew Clyde of Georgia
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Representative Mike Collins of Georgia
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Representative Eli Crane of Arizona
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Representative John Curtis of Utah
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Representative Warren Davidson of Ohio
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Representative Byron Donalds of Florida
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Representative Jeff Duncan of South Carolina
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Representative Ron Estes of Kansas
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Representative Mike Ezell of Mississippi
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Representative Randy Feenstra of Iowa
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Representative Brad Finstad of Minnesota
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Representative Michelle Fischbach of Minnesota
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Representative Russell Fry of South Carolina
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Representative Russ Fulcher of Idaho
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Representative Matt Gaetz of Florida
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Representative Tony Gonzales of Texas
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Representative Bob Good of Virginia
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Representative Lance Gooden of Texas
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Representative Paul Gosar of Arizona
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Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia
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Representative Morgan Griffith of Virginia
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Representative Michael Guest of Mississippi
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Representative Harriet Hageman of Wyoming
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Representative Andy Harris of Maryland
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Representative Clay Higgins of Louisiana
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Representative Jim Jordan of Ohio
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Representative John Joyce of Pennsylvania
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Representative Trent Kelly of Mississippi
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Representative Darin LaHood of Illinois
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Representative Laurel Lee of Florida
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Representative Debbie Lesko of Arizona
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Representative Greg Lopez of Colorado
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Representative Anna Paulina Luna of Florida
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Representative Morgan Lutrell of Texas
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Representative Nancy Mace of South Carolina
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Representative Tracey Mann of Kansas
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Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky
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Representative Tom McClintock of California
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Representative Rich McCormick of Georgia
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Representative Mary Miller of Illinois
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Representative Max Miller of Ohio
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Representative Cory Mills of Florida
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Representative Alex Mooney of West Virginia
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Representative Barry Moore of Alabama
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Representative Nathaniel Moran of Texas
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Representative Ralph Norman of South Carolina
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Representative Andy Ogles of Tennessee
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Representative Gary Palmer of Alabama
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Representative Scott Perry of Pennsylvania
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Representative Bill Posey of Florida
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Representative John Rose of Tennessee
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Representative Matt Rosendale of Montana
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Representative Chip Roy of Texas
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Representative David Schweikert of Arizona
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Representative Keith Self of Texas
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Representative Victoria Spartz of Indiana
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Representative Claudia Tenney of New York
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Representative William Timmons of South Carolina
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Representative Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey
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Representative Beth Van Duyne of Texas
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Representative Derrick Van Orden of Wisconsin
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Representative Mike Waltz of Florida
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Representative Randy Weber of Texas
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Representative Daniel Webster of Florida
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Representative Bruce Westerman of Arkansas
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Representative Roger Williams of Texas
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Representative Rudy Yakym of Indiana
Senate:
- Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee
- Senator Mike Braun of Indiana
- Senator Katie Britt of Alabama
- Senator Ted Budd of North Carolina
- Senator Mike Crapo of Idaho
- Senator Deb Fischer of Nebraska
- Senator Bill Hagerty of Tennessee
- Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri
- Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin
- Senator Mike Lee of Utah
- Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas
- Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma
- Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky
- Senator Pete Ricketts of Nebraska
- Senator James Risch of Idaho
- Senator Eric Schmitt of Missouri
- Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina
- Senator Tommy Tuberville of Alabama
Not entirely sure what you're getting at. Are you suggesting that Taiwanese Indigenous people might have a problem that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is older than the PRC?