Good morning Her Campus! With a break-neck news cycle, there is no possible way for you to stay on top of every story that comes across your feeds—we’re all only human, after all.
But, life comes at you fast. So grab a cup of coffee and settle in for this quick and dirty guide to stories you might’ve been sleeping on (like, literally. It’s early.)
Senate Rejects Trump’s Proposed Budget Cuts
Democrats, along with two Republicans — Sen. Susan Collins (Maine) and Sen. Richard Burr (NC) — narrowly defeated a measure that would’ve cut $15 billion in spending on things like the Children’s Health Insurance Program and Land and Water Conservation Fund projects.
According to The Washington Post, conservative lawmakers were pushing the cuts after being “outraged” over a $1.3 trillion spending bill in March. White House budget director Mick Mulvaney released a statement after the vote, decrying it. “It is disappointing that the Senate chose to reject this common-sense plan,” he said, “and the American people should be asking their representatives in Washington one simple question: If they cannot pass good-government legislation to recapture unnecessary funds, how can we ever expect them to address Washington’s staggering debt and deficit problem?”
Democrats, on the other hand, celebrated the vote. “We did it! We put kids first and blocked Trump Republicans from cutting billions from the Children’s Health Insurance Program,” Senator Bob Menendez (NJ) tweeted. “I know the news & polarized politics can make governing seem hopeless. But if we stand strong – if we don’t give in – we can still make a difference.”
Numerous Airlines Reject The Trump Administration’s “Zero-Tolerance” Immigration Policy
Some of America’s largest airline companies released statements on Wednesday that, in one form or another, distanced themselves from President Trump’s “zero-tolerance” immigration policy that has separated thousands of children from their parents.
United Airlines, American Airlines, and Frontier Airlines all blatantly asked the federal government to not fly separated immigrant children on their aircraft. “Based on our serious concerns about this policy and how it’s in deep conflict with our company’s values, we have contacted federal officials to inform them that they should not transport immigrant children on United aircraft who have been separated from their parents,” part of a statement from United Airlines CEO Oscar Munoz read. “Our company’s mission is to connect people and unite the world. This policy and its impact on thousands of children is in deep conflict with that mission and we want no part of it.”
JUST IN: American Airlines has requested that the US federal government “immediately refrain from using American for the purpose of transporting children who have been separated from their families due to the current immigration policy.” pic.twitter.com/AWl6BKDBJS
— NBC News (@NBCNews) June 20, 2018
Frontier prides itself on being a family airline and we will not knowingly allow our flights to be used to transport migrant children away from their families. At this time, we are not aware if Frontier has been used for this purpose.
— Frontier Airlines (@FlyFrontier) June 20, 2018
Southwest Airlines went a step further, asking that “anyone” involved in separating children from their parents not fly with them.
The Department of Homeland Security’s press secretary, Tyler Q. Houlton responded, saying it’s “unfortunate” that the airlines “no longer want to partner with the brave men and women of D.H.S. to protect the traveling public, combat human trafficking, and to swiftly reunite unaccompanied illegal immigrant children with their families.”
Houlton continued, “Despite being provided facts on this issue, these airlines clearly do not understand our immigration laws and the longstanding devastating loopholes that have caused the crisis at our southern border.”
Michael Cohen Resigns From Republican National Committee
Trump’s longtime personal attorney Michael Cohen stepped down from his role as deputy finance chair of the RNC on Wednesday, CNN reported. In his resignation letter, Cohen cites a number of reasons for the resignation, including the fact that he’s still being investigated by the Southern District of New York and Special Counsel Robert Mueller. The FBI even raided Cohen’s home, office and hotel room in April. “This important role requires the full time attention and dedication of each member,” Cohen wrote, according to ABC News. “Given the ongoing Mueller and SDNY investigations, that simply is impossible for me to do.”
Cohen also discussed the Trump administration’s “zero-tolerance” immigration policy — a surprise due to Cohen’s prior loyalty to the president. “As the son of a Polish holocaust survivor, the images and sounds of this family separation policy is heart wrenching,” he wrote. “While I strongly support measures that will secure our porous borders, children should never be used as bargaining chips.”
Some are predicting Cohen may be preparing to flip on the president and begin cooperating with federal prosecutors.
What to look out for…
Starbucks happy hour! Today, the coffee giant is offering 50 percent off Frappuccinos after 3 p.m.