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Biden, Dems Prevail as Senate OKs $1.9T Virus Relief Bill

Published

4 years ago

March 6, 2021

In this image from video, the vote total of 50-49 on Senate passage of the COVID-19 relief bill, is displayed on screen in the Senate at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Saturday, March 6, 2021. (Senate Television via AP)

WASHINGTON (AP) — An exhausted Senate narrowly approved a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill Saturday as President Joe Biden and his Democratic allies notched a victory they called crucial for hoisting the country out of the pandemic and economic doldrums.

After laboring all night on a mountain of amendments — nearly all from Republicans and rejected — bleary-eyed senators approved the sprawling package on a 50-49 party-line vote. That sets up final congressional approval by the House next week so lawmakers can whisk it to Biden for his signature.

The huge measure — its total spending is nearly one-tenth the size of the entire U.S. economy — is Biden’s biggest early priority. It stands as his formula for addressing the deadly virus and a limping economy, twin crises that have afflicted the country for a year.

“This nation has suffered too much for much too long,” Biden told reporters at the White House after the vote. “And everything in this package is designed to relieve the suffering and to meet the most urgent needs of the nation, and put us in a better position to prevail.”

Saturday’s vote was also a crucial political moment for Biden and Democrats, who need nothing short of party unanimity in a 50-50 Senate they run with Vice President Kamala Harris’ tiebreaking vote. They have a slim 10-vote House edge.

Not a single Republican backed the bill in the Senate or when it initially passed the House, underscoring the barbed partisan environment that’s so far characterizing the early days of Biden’s presidency.

A small but pivotal band of moderate Democrats leveraged changes in the legislation that incensed progressives, not making it any easier for Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., to guide the measure through the House. But rejection of their first, signature bill was not an option for Democrats, who face two years of trying to run Congress with virtually no room for error.

“They feel like we do, we have to get this done,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said of the House. He said he’d spoken to Pelosi about the Senate’s changes and added, “It’s not going to be everything everyone wants. No bill is.”

The bill provides direct payments of up to $1,400 for most Americans and extended emergency unemployment benefits. There are vast piles of spending for COVID-19 vaccines and testing, states and cities, schools and ailing industries, along with tax breaks to help lower-earning people, families with children and consumers buying health insurance.

The package faced solid opposition from Republicans, who call it a wasteful spending spree for Democrats’ liberal allies that ignores recent indications that the pandemic and the economy could be turning the corner.

“The Senate has never spent $2 trillion in a more haphazard way,” said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. Of Democrats, he said, “Their top priority wasn’t pandemic relief. It was their Washington wish list.”

The Senate commenced a dreaded “vote-a-thon” — a continuous series of votes on amendments — shortly before midnight Friday, and by its end around noon had dispensed with about three dozen. The Senate had been in session since 9 a.m. EST Friday.

Overnight, the chamber was like an experiment in the best techniques for staying awake. Several lawmakers appeared to rest their eyes or doze at their desks, often burying their faces in their hands. At one point, Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, at 48 one of the younger senators, trotted into the chamber and did a prolonged stretch.

Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, missed the votes to attend his father-in-law’s funeral.

The measure follows five earlier ones totaling about $4 trillion that Congress has enacted since last spring and comes amid signs of a potential turnaround.

Vaccine supplies are growing, deaths and caseloads have eased but remain frighteningly high, and hiring was surprisingly strong last month, though the economy remains 10 million jobs smaller than its pre-pandemic levels.

The Senate package was delayed repeatedly as Democrats made eleventh-hour changes aimed at balancing demands by their competing moderate and progressive factions.

Work on the bill ground to a halt Friday after an agreement among Democrats on extending emergency jobless benefits seemed to collapse. Nearly 12 hours later, top Democrats and West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, perhaps the chamber’s most conservative Democrat, said they had a deal, and the Senate approved it on a party-line 50-49 vote.

Under their compromise, $300 weekly emergency unemployment checks — on top of regular state benefits — would be renewed, with a final payment made Sept. 6. There would also be tax breaks on some of those payments, helping people the pandemic abruptly tossed out of jobs and risked tax penalties on the benefits.

The House’s relief bill, largely similar to the Senate’s, provided $400 weekly benefits through August. The current $300 per week payments expire March 14, and Democrats want the bill on Biden’s desk by then to avert a lapse.

Manchin and Republicans have asserted that higher jobless benefits discourage people from returning to work, a rationale most Democrats and many economists reject.

The agreement on jobless benefits wasn’t the only move that showed moderates’ sway.

The Senate voted Friday to eject a House-approved boost in the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2025, a major defeat for progressives. Eight Democrats opposed the increase, suggesting that Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and other liberals pledging to continue the effort in coming months will face a difficult fight.

Party leaders also agreed to restrict eligibility for the $1,400 stimulus checks that will go to most Americans. That amount would be gradually reduced until, under the Senate bill, it reaches zero for people earning $80,000 and couples making $160,000. Those amounts were higher in the House version.

Many of the rejected GOP amendments were either attempts to force Democrats to cast politically awkward votes or for Republicans to demonstrate their zeal for issues that appeal to their voters.

These included defeated efforts to bar the bill’s education funds from going to schools closed for the pandemic that don’t reopen their doors, or that let transgender students born male to participate in female sports. One amendment would have blocked aid to so-called sanctuary cities, where local authorities balk at helping federal officials round up immigrants who are in the U.S. illegally.

___

Associated Press writers Lisa Mascaro and Kevin Freking contributed to this report.

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Hispanic Heritage Network of Orange County Celebrates 25th Anniversary

Published

3 weeks ago

December 19, 2024

Hidekel Griffin

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Florida National News Social Media Journalist Hidekel Griffin was on hand to cover the grand 25th Anniversary Celebration of the Hispanic Heritage Network (HHN) of Orange County. The highly anticipated event took place on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, drawing prominent community leaders, government officials, and local icons from the Hispanic community to honor the legacy and impact of the HHN.

Event Theme: “Pioneers of Change, Shaping the Future Together”

The event’s powerful theme, “Pioneers of Change, Shaping the Future Together,” set the tone for an evening dedicated to reflecting on the progress made by the Hispanic community and the path forward. The celebration highlighted the rich history, cultural heritage, and significant contributions of Hispanic leaders in Orange County.

Distinguished Guests and Honorees

The celebration welcomed an esteemed roster of local leaders and dignitaries, including:

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings
Orange County Commissioner Maribel Gomez Cordero
Orlando Fire Chief Charlie Salazar
Influential leaders and community icons from Orlando’s Hispanic community

Their presence underscored the value of the HHN’s mission and the widespread support for advancing Hispanic representation and contributions across Orange County.

Special Awards and Recognitions

One of the most memorable highlights of the evening was the presentation of special awards to individuals who have made a significant impact on the Hispanic community. The following honorees were recognized for their outstanding achievements:

Photo by Hidekel Griffin / Florida National News

Hispanic Service Award: Ingrid C. Cotto Suriel
- Honored for her selfless dedication to community service and advocacy for Hispanic causes.

Photo by Hidekel Griffin / Florida National News

-Masterpiece Maker Award: Emmanuel De Guzman
- Celebrated for his creative brilliance and contribution to the arts, reflecting the beauty and richness of Hispanic culture.

Photo by Hidekel Griffin / Florida National News

Hispanic Artist Award: Renesito Avich
- Recognized for his exceptional musical talent as a Cuban singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, known as one of the world’s greatest Cuban Tres Guitar players.

Musical Guest Performance

The celebration was elevated by an unforgettable live performance from Renesito Avich, a Grammy-nominated Cuban musician and singer-songwriter. Renesito’s soulful blend of Cuban Son music captivated the audience with rhythms that connected tradition with modernity. As a multi-instrumentalist who has collaborated with musical legends like Oscar de León, Gilberto Santa Rosa, and Willy Chirino, Renesito’s music served as a cultural bridge for attendees, offering an immersive experience in Latin musical heritage.

Photo by Hidekel Griffin / Florida National News

About the Hispanic Heritage Network of Orange County

Founded in 1999 by Orange County Government employees, the Hispanic Heritage Network (HHN) is a volunteer-based, non-profit corporation committed to promoting Hispanic heritage and recognizing the vital contributions of the growing Hispanic population in Orange County. Through cultural events, educational initiatives, and community service, the HHN has become a beacon for Hispanic empowerment in the region.

Impact of the Hispanic Heritage Network of Orange County

The Hispanic Heritage Network has made significant contributions to the advancement of the Hispanic community in Orange County. Its impact can be seen in the following areas:

Cultural Preservation: HHN’s events honor the legacy, music, and traditions of the Hispanic community, ensuring future generations stay connected to their roots.
Leadership Development: By recognizing and supporting Hispanic leaders, HHN fosters the growth of local talent and encourages future leaders to engage in civic and political initiatives.
Community Engagement: HHN’s grassroots approach brings together community members from diverse backgrounds to collaborate on solutions that impact the entire community.
Education and Awareness: Through programs and workshops, HHN raises awareness about Hispanic contributions to society, advocating for greater visibility and inclusion.
Empowerment and Advocacy: The network’s efforts ensure the Hispanic community’s voice is heard at the local, state, and national levels.

Photo Highlights

Florida National News captured stunning photos of the event, documenting the energy, cultural vibrancy, and emotional moments from the evening’s celebration.

________________________________________________________________________________________

Hidekel Griffin, covers Politics, Faith & Family Lifestyle
J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
news@FloridaNationalNews.com

Business

“GE Appliances Elf-gineers Adapt 100+ Toys for Children with Disabilities This Holiday Season”

Published

3 weeks ago

December 19, 2024

FNN NEWS

“GE Appliances Elf-gineers Adapt 100+ Toys for Children with Disabilities This Holiday Season”
“How GE Appliances Engineers Are Making Play More Accessible for Kids with Disabilities”
“Inclusive Play: GE Appliances’ Elf-gineers Bring Joy to Children with Disabilities”

GE Appliances ‘Elf-gineers’ Adapt Over 100 Toys for Children with Disabilities

LOUISVILLE, Ky.— This holiday season, GE Appliances, a Haier company, introduced a heartwarming initiative led by its innovative team of ‘Elf-gineers.’ These dedicated employees used their engineering expertise to modify more than 100 toys to make them accessible for children with disabilities. The mission: ensure every child can experience the magic of play, regardless of their abilities.

Key Highlights:

Customized Toys for Accessibility: Many children with disabilities struggle to use toys with buttons, sounds, and movement. Adapted toys with special switches and tailored features provide these children with the chance to play independently.
The ‘Elf-gineers’ Workshop: GE Appliances’ mechanical and electrical engineers transformed the company’s air conditioning lab at its Kentucky headquarters into a whimsical elf workshop. Here, they modified over 100 toys to meet the unique needs of local kids.
Community Impact: The adapted toys are being distributed to non-profits and schools across Louisville, including:
- Jefferson County Public Schools
- Visually Impaired Preschool Services
- Kids Center for Pediatric Therapies
Employee Passion in Action: “Our employees have the freedom to explore their passions at work and the ‘Elf-gineers’ choice to use their skills to make a difference for kids in our community is just one way our culture comes to life,” said Rocki Rockingham, Chief Human Resources Officer at GE Appliances.
Ongoing Commitment to Inclusion: GE Appliances’ commitment to inclusion extends beyond holiday efforts. Other impactful initiatives include:
- The Access Kit: A tactile offering for blind and low-vision appliance owners.
- Collaboration with Mothers’ Milk Bank Northeast: Revolutionizing milk donation tracking and measurement.

About GE Appliances

GE Appliances, a Haier company, is committed to creating “good things, for life” through innovation and inclusion. Recognized for excellence in diversity and employee engagement, GE Appliances develops a wide range of home products under well-known brands such as Monogram®, Café™, GE Profile™, GE®, Haier, and Hotpoint. The company’s appliances are found in half of all U.S. homes, and it continues to innovate and make a difference in local communities.

For more information on GE Appliances, visit GEAppliancesCo.com.

Business

Helm.ai Unveils GenSim-2: Transforming Autonomous Driving with AI Video Simulation

Published

3 weeks ago

December 19, 2024

FNN NEWS

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. — Helm.ai, a leading provider of advanced AI software for high-end ADAS, autonomous driving, and robotics automation, has officially launched GenSim-2, its next-generation generative AI model designed to create and modify video data for autonomous driving. This revolutionary model introduces cutting-edge video editing capabilities, offering automakers a scalable, cost-effective solution to address complex development and validation challenges.

Key Features of GenSim-2:

Dynamic Weather and Illumination Adjustments
- Modify weather conditions like rain, fog, and snow.
- Adjust illumination to reflect day, night, glare, and other lighting changes.
Customizable Object Appearance
- Alter road surface appearances (paved, cracked, wet).
- Customize vehicle types, colors, and appearances.
- Transform the look of pedestrians, buildings, vegetation, and other road objects like guardrails.
Seamless Multi-Camera Support
- Ensure consistency across multiple camera perspectives.
- Maintain realism and self-consistency for a holistic dataset.

Industry Benefits:

Data Enrichment at Scale
- Automakers can generate vast, high-fidelity labeled video datasets tailored to specific requirements.
- This approach helps address the “long tail of corner cases” in autonomous driving.
Reduced Development Costs and Timelines
- Replace traditional, resource-heavy data collection methods with efficient, AI-driven video generation.
- Accelerate development timelines with scenario-specific datasets.

CEO’s Statement: Vladislav Voroninski, CEO and founder of Helm.ai, emphasized the transformative nature of GenSim-2:

“The ability to manipulate video data at this level of control and realism marks a leap forward in generative AI-based simulation technology. GenSim-2 equips automakers with unparalleled tools for generating high-fidelity labeled data for training and validation, bridging the gap between simulation and real-world conditions to accelerate development timelines and reduce costs.”

Revolutionizing AI-Driven Simulation with Deep Teaching™

Trained using Helm.ai’s proprietary Deep Teaching™ methodology and generative deep neural networks, GenSim-2 builds upon the success of its predecessor, GenSim-1. The result is a model that significantly enhances video realism and customization.

How GenSim-2 Outperforms Traditional Data Collection:

Realism: Delivers more lifelike video data for training autonomous systems.
Customization: Allows specific scenario adjustments, including weather, object appearance, and multi-camera synchronization.
Cost-Effectiveness: Reduces the need for costly, time-consuming real-world data collection efforts.

About Helm.ai

Helm.ai, founded in 2016 and headquartered in Redwood City, California, is at the forefront of AI software development for ADAS, autonomous driving, and robotics automation. The company’s full-stack, real-time AI solutions include deep neural networks for highway and urban driving, end-to-end autonomous systems, and development and validation tools supported by Deep Teaching™ and generative AI. Helm.ai collaborates with global automakers on production-bound projects, shaping the future of scalable autonomous driving technology.

For more information on Helm.ai’s products, SDKs, and career opportunities, visit helm.ai or follow Helm.ai on LinkedIn.