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Australia, the U.K. and the U.S. announced they will develop hypersonic missiles

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Australia, the U.K. and the U.S. announced they will develop hypersonic missiles

The United States, United Kingdom and Australia announced Tuesday they will work together via the recently created security alliance known as AUKUS to develop hypersonic missiles.

The move comes amid growing concern by the U.S. and allies about China’s growing military assertiveness in the Pacific. U.S. President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the plan after holding a check-in on the progress of AUKUS, the Indo-Pacific alliance that was launched by the three countries in September.

The leaders said in a joint statement they are “committed today to commence new trilateral cooperation on hypersonics and counter-hypersonics, and electronic warfare capabilities, as well as to expand information sharing and to deepen cooperation on defense innovation.”

The U.S., Russia and China have all looked to further develop hypersonic missiles — a system so fast that it cannot be intercepted by any current missile defense system.

In October, Gen. Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, confirmed that China had conducted a test of a hypersonic weapon system as part of its aggressive effort to advance in space and military technologies.

Milley described the Chinese test as a “very significant event of a test of a hypersonic weapon system, and it is very concerning,” in a Bloomberg Television interview.

Russia has used hypersonic missiles “multiple” times in Ukraine, according to the top U.S. commander in Europe.

Last fall, as U.S. intelligence officials had become increasingly concerned about the massing of Russian forces on the Ukraine border, Russian President Vladimir Putin urged the country’s arms manufacturers to develop even more advanced hypersonic missiles to maintain the country’s edge in military technologies.

In mid-March, Moscow claimed it used a hypersonic missile to strike a munitions warehouse in western Ukraine.

The Russian military has said that its Avangard system is capable of flying 27 times faster than the speed of sound and making sharp maneuvers on its way to a target to dodge the enemy’s missile shield. It has been fitted to the existing Soviet-built intercontinental ballistic missiles instead of older type warheads, and the first unit armed with the Avangard entered duty in December 2019.

The Kinzhal, carried by MiG-31 fighter jets, has a range of up to 2,000 kilometers (about 1,250 miles) and flies at 10 times the speed of sound, according to Russian officials.

The Pentagon’s 2023 budget request already includes $4.7 billion for research and development of hypersonic weapons. It includes planning that would have a hypersonic missile battery fielded by next year, a sea-based missile by 2025 and an air-based cruise missile by 2027.

Biden, Johnson and Morrison have billed the creation of AUKUS as a chance to build greater sharing of defense capabilities. As their first major action, the alliance said it would help equip Australia with nuclear-powered submarines.

Morrison said the development of hypersonic missiles fit with Australia’s strategic plan released two years ago to enhance its military’s long-range strike capabilities.

“The paramount goal is to ensure we get that capability as soon as we can and it’s in the best form that can be working with our partners,” Morrison told reporters.

Australia’s Defense Minister Peter Dutton had earlier announced plans to spend $2.6 billion to acquire long-range strike missiles for fighter jets and warships years ahead of schedule because of growing threats posed by Russia and China.

A draft security pact between the Solomon Islands and China has prompted concerns about a possible Chinese naval presence 1,200 miles off the northeast Australian coast. The Solomon Islands government said it won’t allow China to build a military base there and China has denied seeking a military foothold in the islands.

New bills passed by Georgia lawmakers

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New bills passed by Georgia lawmakers

Georgia lawmakers pushed through dozens of bills in a rapid-fire conclusion to their 2022 session on Monday, delivering a tax cut and banning teaching on “divisive concepts” in schools. 

But lawmakers did not take up a measure that could have required physical exams before a woman could be prescribed abortion pills, rejected an expansion of gambling and turned down an additional pay raise for themselves. 

Some key proposals have already passed, including a mental health reform measure, a loosening of gun laws and a bill letting parents opt their children out of school mask mandates. 

Other measures died earlier, including a bill that would raise penalties for illegal acts during protests and an attempt to regulate social media, according to 11alive.

MENTAL HEALTH: House Bill 1013 aims to force insurers to pay for mental health and substance abuse treatment in the same way they pay for other health care. The measure also allows a police officer to take someone for evaluation after getting permission from a physician, instead of arresting them for a crime.

GAS TAX HOLIDAY: House Bill 304, signed into law, suspended the state’s motor fuel taxes through May 31, including a levy of 29.1 cents per gallon for gasoline and 32.6 cents per gallon for diesel. Suspending collections could subtract more than $400 million from road building. The governor plans to use part of last year’s surplus to replace the money.

INCOME TAX CUT: The House and Senate agreed to create what would be an eventual flat 4.99% state income tax in House Bill 1437. The rate would be implemented in steps over a number of years, depending on revenue.

TRANSGENDER ATHLETES: The Georgia High School Association would be allowed to ban transgender boys and girls from playing on the public school sports teams matching their gender identity under House Bill 1084.

CRITICAL RACE THEORY: House Bill 1084 would ban the teaching of certain racial concepts that Republicans say are divisive. Opponents say the measure would frighten teachers away from an honest classroom discussion of race in history and the present.

INCOME TAX REFUNDS: House Bill 1302, signed into law, gives $1.1 billion of income tax refunds including $250 to single filers, $375 to single adults who head a household with dependents and $500 to married couples filing jointly.

VACCINE MANDATES: Senate Bill 345 would prevent state agencies and local governments from requiring COVID-19 vaccines.

GUNS IN PUBLIC: Senate Bill 319 would abolish Georgia’s requirement for a background check and license to carry a handgun in public. Republicans say it infringes on Second Amendment gun rights for people to have to apply for a permit and pay a fee, usually about $75.

VOTING: Senate Bill 441 would allow the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to inquire into election fraud.

PARENT BILL OF RIGHTS: House Bill 1178 would put into one law a number of parental rights that already exist, including saying parents have the right to review all classroom materials.

MASKS IN SCHOOLS: Senate Bill 514, already signed into law, will allow parents to exclude their children from mask mandates.

SCHOLARSHIP TAX CREDITS: House Bill 517 would increase the tax credits available for private school scholarship organizations from $100 million to $120 million.

RIGHT TO FARM: House Bill 1150 would enhance protections for farmers against nuisance lawsuits by neighbors over problems such as odors, giving them protection from most suits after two years of operation.

SCHOOL RECESS: House Bill 1283 would require daily recess for all public school children in grades K-5.

LAWMAKER PENSIONS: Lawmaker pensions would increase by about 40% under House Bill 824.

EU and US sanctions against Russia could target the daughters of President Vladimir Putin

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EU and US sanctions against Russia could target the daughters of President Vladimir Putin

The EU and the US are expected to announce further measures against Russia, with reports that sanctions targeting the daughters of President Vladimir Putin were under consideration.

A day after Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, gave harrowing testimony to the UN about atrocities he described as war crimes, EU diplomats were preparing to discuss a ban on Russian coal, ceasing transactions with four key banks and banning many Russian ships from EU ports later on Wednesday, reported by theguardian.com

The Russian leader’s closest family members could be added to the growing list of sanctions, the Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg reported, citing people the news outlets said were familiar with the plan. It is not clear if those sanctions, against Maria Vorontsova and Katerina Tikhonova, will come from the US, EU or both.

EU sanctions are being drawn up in coordination with the White House, which has promised a ban on all investment in Russia. “The goal is to force them to make a choice,” the White House press secretary, Jen Psaki, said. “The biggest part of our objective here is to deplete the resources that Putin has to continue his war against Ukraine.”

“You can expect … that they will target Russian government officials, their family members, Russian-owned financial institutions, also state-owned enterprises,” she said.

She declined to comment on reports in the Wall Street Journal that the sanctions would target Putin’s two daughters.

However, tensions were rising among EU member states over the measures. Lithuania, one of Ukraine’s staunchest allies in the bloc, said the proposals were “not really an adequate response” to the horrors being discovered in Ukrainian towns, after the departure of Russian troops.

“Coal, four banks (deswifted already), a ban on ports and borders (with exceptions) is not really an adequate sanctions package to the massacres that are being uncovered,” said Lithuania’s foreign minister, Gabrielius Landsbergis. “A feeble response is just an invitation for more atrocities. It could and should be stronger.”

Lithuania announced on Sunday it had stopped imports of Russian gas, the first EU member state to do so, but the bloc as a whole, which gets 40% of its gas imports from its eastern neighbour, is reluctant to take that step.

The EU accelerated faltering talks on further sanctions against Russia, as evidence emerged of alleged war crimes against defenceless civilians in towns that had been controlled by Russian forces.

In harrowing testimony to the UN security council on Tuesday, Zelenskiy described how people had been shot, tortured, raped and crushed by tanks, urging that Russian leaders be brought to justice for war crimes via an international tribunal modelled on the Nuremberg trials of Nazis. “There is not a single crime that they would not commit there,” he told the assembly. “They killed entire families – adults and children – and they tried to burn the bodies.”

As well as a ban on coal and on Russian ships (with exceptions for humanitarian aid, food and energy), the European Commission has proposed a full transaction ban on four Russian banks, including the second largest, VTB. The EU, however, has cut VTB off from the Swift messaging system, making it much harder to do business with the bank.Advertisement

Under the proposals announced on Tuesday by the European commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, Russian and Belarusian road transport companies would be banned from entering the EU. The commission also wants to ban the export of hi-tech goods, including quantum computers and advanced semiconductors, to Russia. Certain Russian imports would be banned, including wood, cement, seafood and alcohol products estimated to be worth €5.5bn to Russia each year.

The plans are being studied by EU capitals, which are likely to amend the measures before seeking unanimous agreement, either on Wednesday or Thursday.

After a meeting with his German counterpart in Berlin, the French foreign minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, said European sanctions would include coal and oil.

If passed, the measures would be the fifth package of EU sanctions since Vladimir Putin declared he would recognise the self-proclaimed republics of Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine, groundwork for the unprovoked invasion he launched days later. While the first four rounds of EU sanctions were agreed relatively quickly, tensions have been rising over the next steps.

Poland and the Baltic states have been calling for a total ban on Russian fossil fuel exports, while Germany, which gets 55% of its gas from Russia, is concerned about unemployment and rocketing petrol prices.

Hungary’s prime minister, Viktor Orbán, who was congratulated by the Kremlin on his electoral victory on Monday, also opposes a ban on gas and oil. Austria is also seen as lukewarm on the plans. “It’s clear Vienna, Budapest and Berlin are less happy,” said a diplomat from one of the so-called sanctionista countries that favour a tough line.

Germany supports the coal ban, which would target trade worth €4bn a year to Russia. Last month the deputy chancellor and economy minister, Robert Habeck, announced a plan to phase out Russian coal by the end of the summer and oil by the end of the year. “By the end of the year, we aim to be almost independent,” he said.

The Netherlands, home to the EU’s largest port, Rotterdam, is understood to support the ban on Russian ships. Supporters of strong sanctions are also urging for “some weird derogations” in existing sanctions to be removed, for instance closing loopholes in earlier measures banning the sale of EU luxury goods to Russia.

In a separate speech to the Spanish parliament on Tuesday, Zelenksiy appealed for a ban on lucrative Russian oil exports. Drawing parallels between the 1937 bombing of Guernica during the Spanish civil war and the attack on his country, Zelenskiy said the “fate of the entire European project, the values that unite us” were at stake in Ukraine.Advertisement

Russia has denied any responsibility for the deaths, claiming that photos were staged or people were killed after their forces pulled out. Satellite images, however, show bodies lying in streets in towns under Russian occupation.

Pope condemns ‘the massacre of Bucha’ and kisses Ukrainian flag

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Pope condemns ‘the massacre of Bucha’ and kisses Ukrainian flag

Pope Francis on Wednesday condemned “the massacre of Bucha” and kissed a Ukrainian flag sent from the town where tied bodies shot at close range littered the streets after Russian troops withdrew and bodies poked out of a mass grave at a church.

The deaths in Bucha, outside Kyiv, have triggered a global outcry and pledges of further sanctions against Moscow from the West.

According to Reuters, during a trip to Malta at the weekend, Francis said he was considering a trip to Kyiv and implicitly criticised Russian President Vladimir Putin over the invasion of Ukraine, saying a “potentate” was fomenting conflict for nationalist interests.

Francis has only mentioned Russia specifically in prayers, such as during a special global event for peace on March 25, but he has referred to Russia by using terms such as invasion and aggression.

“Recent news from the war in Ukraine, instead of bringing relief and hope, brought new atrocities, such as the massacre of Bucha,” Francis said at the end of his weekly audience in the Vatican’s auditorium.

“Stop this war! Let the weapons fall silent! Stop sowing death and destruction,” he said, decrying cruelty against civilians, defenceless women and children.

The Kremlin says allegations Russian forces committed war crimes by executing civilians including in Bucha were a “monstrous forgery” aimed at denigrating the Russian army.

Francis said the darkened and stained flag, which had writing and symbols on it was brought to him from Bucha on Tuesday.

“It comes from the war, precisely from that martyred city, Bucha,” he said, kissing it and holding it up for the audience of several thousand, which broke into applause.

He then asked a group of children war refugees who arrived on Tuesday from Ukraine to come up to him.

“These children had to flee in order to arrive in a safe land. This is the fruit of war. Let’s not forget them and let’s not forget the Ukrainian people,” he said, before giving each child a gift of a chocolate Easter egg.

Speaking in the earlier part of his audience about the post-World War Two period, Francis said: “In the war in Ukraine, we are witnessing the impotency of the United Nations”.

Zelensky says More than 300 Ukrainians were tortured and killed in Bucha

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Zelensky says More than 300 Ukrainians were tortured and killed in Bucha

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an overnight address that more than 300 people had been tortured and killed in Bucha.

The shocking figure is likely to grow as more bodies are uncovered in the Kyiv suburb and other cities formerly occupied by Russian forces.

With Russian propaganda continuing to claim Ukrainian forces “staged” or carried out the war crimes themselves, Zelensky called for “thousands” of journalists to come to Bucha and other cities to see the evidence firsthand.

“It is now 2022. And we have much more tools than those who prosecuted the Nazis after World War II,” Zelensky said.

Zelensky will deliver an address Tuesday morning to the U.N. Security Council, where the U.S., U.K. and France are expected to present evidence of war crimes.

S. Korea’s inflation hits decade high as supply snags bite

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S. Korea’s inflation hits decade high as supply snags bite

South Korea’s consumer prices rose at their fastest pace in more than a decade in March as the Ukraine war fuelled surging energy and commodity costs, adding pressure to the central bank ahead of its rate decision meeting next week.

The consumer price index (CPI) for March rose 4.1 percent from a year earlier, official data showed on Tuesday, the fastest increase since December 2011 and outpacing a 3.8 percent rise tipped in a Reuters poll.

Analysts had expected the BOK to resume raising interest rates from the current quarter to take the base rate to 1.75 percent by the end of the year, but the acceleration in inflation may require such tightening to be front-loaded.

Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy costs, also jumped 2.9 percent from a year earlier, staying at the rate seen in February. The sustained rise in core prices shows surging fuel and raw materials costs are feeding through to consumers.

“We do not see the upward trend in inflation slowing significantly next month,” said Eo Woon-sun, a senior Statistics Korea official. He added that global supply disruptions could worsen amid the Russia-Ukraine war and prices for personal services such as eating out continued to rise.

The breakdown of data showed the cost of petroleum surged 31.2 percent, while that of housing rentals and outdoor dining increased 2.0 percent and 6.6 percent, respectively, on year. The cost of electricity, gas and water added 2.9 percent.

That puts the Bank of Korea’s (BOK) monetary policy board under pressure to raise its benchmark interest rate even higher. It has increased rates a total 75 basis points since the pandemic.

While analysts do not yet expect the BOK to raise rates at its next policy meeting on April 14, the March inflation print, which is double the central bank’s 2 percent target, means a rise next week is not impossible.

“If the bank gets to choose either to hike in April or May, April will definitely be better than waiting as the price pressure is growing,” Daishin Securities’ economist Kong Dong-rak said. “But given the board is conservative, will the bank be able to make a change to the rate graph in the absence of the governor? I will say no to that.”

The government last month nominated veteran Asian Development Bank official Rhee Chang-yong as new BOK governor, though he is yet to assume office.

Last week, Rhee said he sees inflation outpacing the bank’s 3.1 percent forecast in the first half of 2022.

On Monday, BOK senior deputy governor Lee Seung-heon said this month’s policy review will be challenging, due to the twin risks of higher inflation and downward pressure on growth.

The bank’s current base rate stands at 1.25 percent, after policymakers stood pat at the last meeting in February following back-to-back hikes.

Separately on Tuesday, the government said it will expand tax cuts on oil products by 30 percent, from the current 20 percent, for three months to minimise the effect of soaring energy prices.

S. Koreans flocking to Hawaii for ‘revenge travel’

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S. Koreans flocking to Hawaii for ‘revenge travel’

“We are seeing a rapid growth in the number of bookings for Hawai‘i and the resuming flights reflecting the pent-up demand to travel overseas after the government’s announcement canceling the quarantine mandate for the fully vaccinated returning passengers.  Following this change, Hawai‘i Tourism Korea will be carrying out active PR/Marketing activities this year putting Mālama Hawai‘i Campaign in the center to educate travelers on sustainable ways to experience Hawai‘i on a deeper level.”

With South Korea easing some of its pandemic restrictions, the travel boom has already begun with a rush for what’s being called “revenge travel” — a term used by folks who cancelled travel plans due to COVID-19 restrictions and delays.

The government’s announcement to lift mandatory quarantine to fully vaccinated returning passengers has South Koreans scrambling to book overseas trips. Hawaii, of course, is at the top of the list.

Asiana Airlines, Korea’s second-largest carrier, resumed flights to Hawaii on April 3. The Incheon-Hawaii passenger flight (OZ232) achieved an 80% occupancy rate. This route is the first since the suspension of flights was in effect in March 2020. Most of the passengers on board are couples or families traveling abroad for their honeymoons, which have been delayed due to the pandemic.

After the South Korean government announced a plan to lift self-isolation upon entry, the reservation rate for the route has more than doubled in the past three weeks, according to Hawaii Tourism Korea (HTK).

In line with this trend, HTK reports that Korean Air also has plans to increase its Hawaii route, operating from three times a week to five flights a week in May. A larger aircraft will also be used: Instead of the Airbus A330, which has 270 to 280 seats, the Boeing B747-8i aircraft will be used, with 368 seats.

According to CJ ONSTYLE, a South Korean shopping channel, during the Hawaii package tour broadcast on March 18 with the travel agency Kyowon KRT, about 1,200 orders were placed in an hour. That’s an order amount of over 9 billion won, approximately $7,500,000.

In late March, HTK reports that the Interpark Tour Hawaii package product sold through Hyundai Home Shopping recorded about 5,200 orders through a 70-minute live broadcast. According to Interpark Tour, overseas ticket reservations also increased by 873% from the previous year.

Timon, a leading e-commerce platform, conducted a travel survey asking 530 people for a week started on March 22. More than half (55%) said, “I looked into overseas travel products for the announcement of exemption from self-quarantine for overseas entrants.” About 53% of respondents chose “family” as the type of companion; 38% preferred a trip of five to six days; 30% chose one week or more.

HTK adds that the phenomenon of revenge consumption is expected to increase.

BTS Makes a Splash on the GRAMMYs Red Carpet

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BTS Makes a Splash on the GRAMMYs Red Carpet

All of BTS made it to the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards! The South Korean boy band arrived Sunday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, with Jungkook, who had been self-quarantining after recently testing positive for COVID-19, by their side.

All seven members of the K-pop group — RM, Jin (rocking a cast on his hand after injuring his left index finger last month), Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook — looked dapper in their custom Earth-toned Louis Vuitton wool and cashmere suits, and LV sneakers, as they made their GRAMMY entrance on the red carpet.

The group is nominated for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for their No. 1 hit, “Butter,” competing against the likes of Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber and Benny Blanco, Coldplay and Doja Cat featuring SZA, as they look to take home their first-ever GRAMMY.

“Nothing beats us,” BTS’ leader, RM, told ET’s Kevin Frazier and Nischelle Turner on the carpet when asked to describe 2022.

The septet are gearing up for a big night at the GRAMMYs, marking the fourth year in a row they will be taking the stage — the third as a performer and first that they’ll have an in-person solo stage on music’s biggest night.

Though they didn’t divulge details on what their anticipated performance will entail, the group opted to use an action rather than words to tee up their big GRAMMY moment, as the members mimicked a hand to the ear like a DM and turning an invisible disc.

“That’s what’s going to happen,” RM hinted. “We actually created a new performance, never-before-seen. We’re so ready.”

What they aren’t ready to talk about is a potential collaboration with Snoop Dogg, who seemingly confirmed that something was in the works with the group. Asked about the possible new song, they played coy.

“Oh, are we going to collaborate with him?” RM joked. “We’re all fans! Come on, Snoop, call us!”

But BTS’ leader didn’t completely shut down the rumor.

“I don’t know actually because our label is going to hate us, so yeah… I don’t know. I can’t tell,” he said with a smile, adding that they “of course” would love to work with him. “Snoop is our idol and the Super Bowl was so amazing.”


As for a message for ARMY, J-Hope offered this intriguing tease: “ARMY, stay tuned!”

Fans were initially worried that Jungkook and fellow group member, J-Hope, would miss the GRAMMYs after both tested positive for COVID-19 in March. Jungkook was the last member of BTS to test positive for COVID-19, with the news coming a week after J-Hope’s positive COVID diagnosis. Luckily, both have since recovered and were prepping for their GRAMMY duties on Saturday.

After the GRAMMYs on Sunday, BTS will perform four sold-out shows at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas as part of their Permission to Dance World Tour.

The 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards are broadcasting live on CBS and streaming live and on demand on Paramount+. Follow along at ETonline.com for everything you need for music’s biggest night, including performers, GRAMMY winners and more.

Police have arrested a suspect in Sacramento that killed six people and wounded 12 others

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Police have arrested a suspect in Sacramento that killed six people and wounded 12 others

Police on Monday said they have arrested one man who is a suspect in Sunday’s mass shooting in Sacramento that killed six people and wounded 12 others.

Dandrae Martin, 26, was identified as a “related suspect” and was booked on assault and illegal firearm possession charges, according to a release from Sacramento police.

CNN is seeking comment from legal representation for Martin. He is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday at 3 p.m. PT (6 p.m. ET).

During the initial investigation, detectives found more than 100 shell casings and discovered at least three buildings and three cars that had been hit by bullets.

“There were a lot of shots fired that night, and hence the complexity of the investigation,” police Chief Katherine Lester told CNN affiliate KCRA.

Lester said Sunday there were multiple shooters and a large fight occurred before the gunfire.

District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert said in a statement that Martin has not been arrested for any homicide in the incident.

“The investigation is highly complex involving many witnesses, videos of numerous types and significant physical evidence,” Schubert said. “This is an ongoing investigation and we anticipate more arrests in this case.” The prosecutor would not comment on specifics.

Police served search warrants at three homes and at least one handgun was recovered. Authorities said they have received more than 100 video or photo files in a tip portal.

The Sacramento County Coroner’s Office on Monday identified the six victims who died:

— Johntaya Alexander, 21

— Melinda Davis, 57

— Sergio Harris, 38

— Joshua Hoye-Lucchesi, 32

— Yamile Martinez-Andrade, 21

— Devazia Turner, 29

The tragedy has devastated the victims’ families, confounded the community and angered those who are frustrated by yet another mass shooting.

“My son was a very vivacious young man,” Harris’ mother Pamela Harris told CNN affiliate KOVR. She said her son smiled all the time and never bothered anyone.

“And for this to happen, it’s crazy,” she said. “And I’m just to the point right now (where) I don’t know what to do. I don’t even think this is real.”

State Attorney General Rob Bonta urged the public to come forward with any information about the shooting.

“Enough is enough. The sickening gun violence plaguing our communities must end,” he said.

“There have been about as many mass shootings in America as days so far in 2022. My office continues our work to get illegal guns off our streets, hold those responsible for gun violence accountable, and push for — and defend in court — commonsense gun laws. This work is urgent. We must act now.”

The incident was the second mass shooting in Sacramento in the past five weeks. On February 28, a man fatally shot three of his children and another man at a church. The gunman took his own life, authorities said.

Obama returns to White House to tout his signature healthcare law with Biden

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Obama returns to White House to tout his signature healthcare law with Biden

Former President Barack Obama will return to the White House on Tuesday for the first time since leaving office in 2017 to tout the benefits of his signature healthcare law and offer backing to his friend and former governing partner, President Joe Biden.

Obama remains a popular figure within the Democratic Party, while Biden faces low public approval ratings thanks in part to high inflation and the lingering COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, Democrats face the risk of losing control of at least one if not both chambers of Congress in November, which would bring Biden’s legislative agenda to a halt, reported by Reuters.

The White House said the proposed adjustment to the Affordable Care Act, put forward in a rule by the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service that must be finalized, would save hundreds of dollars a month for hundreds of thousands of families.

It said the “family glitch” affects some five million people and “has made it impossible for many families to use the premium tax credit to purchase an affordable, high-quality Marketplace plan.”

The Biden administration will unveil a measure on Tuesday to fix an element of the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, known as the “family glitch” that left family members of those with access to affordable employer-provided health plans ineligible for certain subsidies.

Focusing on healthcare has helped Democrats politically in the past. Obamacare was the former president’s top legislative accomplishment, and Republicans have repeatedly tried and failed to repeal it.

Obama and Biden became friends during Obama’s time in office, meeting for lunch weekly. Their families became close and Obama spoke at the funeral of Biden’s son, Beau.

The two men will have lunch on Tuesday, White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said.

“They are real friends, not just Washington friends, and so I’m sure they will talk about events in the world as well as their families and personal lives,” Psaki told reporters on Monday.

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