🕒 Congress Races to Fund Government Lawmakers in Congress face a three-week sprint to finalize government funding and the annual defense authorization bill before the end of the 118th Congress. 🔍 Trump's Aide Investigated for Access Trump's legal team investigated aide Boris Epshteyn over allegations of selling access during the presidential transition, although no illegal behavior was confirmed. 📈 Trump's Tariffs Raise Economic Concerns President-elect Trump’s proposed tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China are raising economic and trade policy concerns. 🕊️ Israel Weighs Cease-Fire with Hezbollah Israel's cabinet is considering a cease-fire deal with Hezbollah that would involve military withdrawal and border security measures. 📅 Government Funding Deadline Approaches The current continuing resolution for government funding expires December 20, and discussions about extending it into 2025 are ongoing. ❌ Special Counsel Drops Trump Cases Special Counsel Jack Smith moved to drop election subversion and classified documents cases against Trump, citing Justice Department norms against prosecuting a sitting president. 🛡️ Defense Bill Expected by Year's End The bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act, crucial for setting U.S. defense policy, is expected to be finalized by Congress by the end of 2024. 💊 Biden Pushes Coverage for Weight-Loss Drugs President Biden has proposed that Medicare and Medicaid cover costly weight-loss drugs, potentially creating a showdown with pharmaceutical companies and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ⚠️ U.S. Watches Rising ISIS Threats The U.S. is monitoring rising Islamic State threats in Africa, a concern for long-term national security interests. 🤝 New Democrat Coalition Gains Influence The New Democrat Coalition, gaining influence within the House Democratic Caucus, focuses on economic issues and bipartisan legislative efforts.