House Passes GOP Budget Bill 215–214; Two Israeli Diplomats Shot, Killed in Washington | NTD Good Morning (May 22)
The House has passed the Republicans’ budget bill after a marathon of overnight debates and last-minute deal-making. The bill passed narrowly with a vote of 215–214. Two Republicans voted against it, and one voted present. The more than 1,000-page bill makes President Donald Trump’s 2017 tax cuts permanent, eliminates taxes on tips, raises the nation’s debt limit by $4 trillion, and boosts funding to help Trump carry out his immigration plans. The bill now goes to the Senate, where senators have said they’ll break the bill apart and make changes to several portions.
Two Israeli diplomats were shot and killed outside a Washington museum on Wednesday night. Police said the suspect, 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez of Chicago, opened fire as they left an event and that he shouted “Free, free Palestine,” while in custody. An Israeli official said the victims were a couple planning to get engaged. Law enforcement officials are investigating the shooting as a possible act of targeted, anti-Semitic violence.
Fleet Week, a celebration of the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps, has made its return to New York City for a week-long event, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. The event has been held nearly every year since 1984. The parade of ships sailed into New York Harbor and then proceeded up the Hudson River, passing the Statue of Liberty, the Intrepid Museum, and continuing to the George Washington Bridge. The event runs through next Tuesday, the day after Memorial Day.
