Live Updates: House to Vote on DOGE-Backed Cuts; David Hogg Exits DNC Re-Do

Members of Congress and their families will gather today for the annual picnic at the White House, with one notable absence: Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky. Paul stated that he was “uninvited” due to his opposition to certain policies of President Donald Trump, suggesting that the move reflects a form of retribution for his dissent. In legislative news, the House is set to vote on a Republican-backed bill aiming to rescind $9.4 billion in spending previously approved for various programs, including foreign aid and public broadcasting services such as NPR and PBS.

The bill seeks to solidify cost-cutting measures suggested by the Department of Government Efficiency and requires a simple majority to pass. In another development, progressive activist David Hogg announced he will not seek re-election as vice chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). This decision follows the DNC’s announcement of a redo for the election that elevated him to the position.

The new elections were prompted by a procedural challenge, leading Hogg to step back from the race. Additionally, Sen. Rand Paul expressed his feelings regarding his exclusion from the picnic, criticizing the move as “incredibly petty.” He emphasized that such actions only signify a lack of quality in leadership and demonstrate a fear of opposing viewpoints.

Finally, there are concerns regarding far-left groups encouraging protests that escalate into violence. Recent incidents in Los Angeles saw demonstrators set self-driving taxis ablaze, with calls from accounts like Unity of Fields urging more aggression and chaos. Experts note that such groups have risen within the far-left online landscape, often promoting violence and expressing disdain for peaceful methods of protest.