The Senate is preparing to vote on two health care bills on Dec. 11. One bill is a clean extension of the Obamacare tax subsidies for the next three years. The other bill is a plan that would take the money granted for subsidies and put them into health savings accounts to help Americans pay out-of-pocket health costs. The U.S. House of Representatives passed a massive $901 billion defense policy bill on Dec. 10. The bill now goes to the Senate before heading to President Donald Trump’s desk.
The Federal Reserve has approved a quarter-point rate cut in a divided vote. Fed Chair Jerome Powell called the move a close call. Trump criticized the cut as too small and said higher rates are holding back the economy.
Trump has officially launched his new immigration “Gold Card” offering a fast-track U.S. residency for noncitizens who donate $1 million and pass vetting. The announcement comes as the administration also moves to tighten the visa-waiver program. Travelers from 42 countries would be required to submit five years of social media history and other personal data.









