Three things for September 29
1. Senate Republicans block U.S. debt-limit hike as shutdown looms
U.S. Senate Republicans blocked a bid by President Joe Biden’s Democrats to head off a potentially crippling U.S. credit default.
“With federal government funding due to expire on Thursday and borrowing authority set to run out around Oct. 18, Democrats who narrowly control the Senate and House of Representatives are working to head off twin fiscal disasters while also trying to advance Biden’s ambitious legislative agenda,” reports Reuters.
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell insisted Democrats use a parliamentary maneuver to temporarily lift the government’s $28.4 trillion debt limit without Republican votes. Democrats argue $5 trillion of the nation’s debt results from tax cuts and spending passed during Republican Donald Trump’s presidency.
Lawmakers now have just three days to avert a possible government shutdown by midnight on Thursday. If unable to do so, an overwhelming amount of federal workers will be left without a job.
“This is like the third time we’ve had to do this. It is a potentially catastrophic event,” said Chief Executive Jamie Dimon. “We should never even get this close.”
2. Princess Diana honored with blue plaque at former home
“London finally honored the late Princess Diana Wednesday with a blue plaque at the place she called home in the two years before she married Prince Charles, and her life in the goldfish bowl began,” reported the Associated Press.
Diana referred to her time in this home as one of the happiest times of her life.
“Diana had, and still has, a very special place in the hearts of Londoners, and we are thrilled to see her blue plaque formally placed as a monument to her work for others,” said Andrew Boff, chairman of the London Assembly.
The London Blue Plaque program, established more than 150 years ago, commemorates Londoners who achieved something great in their lives.
3. Lee Health Clinic to host vaccination event today
Today from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Health Clinic offers the Moderna vaccine for eligible students.
“If it’s medically feasible for you and you have an interest in obtaining the vaccine on campus, please contact the Health Clinic and sign up for a time to get it,” said Brian Conn, director of Communications.
A limited supply will be available, and students must call and set up an appointment at 423-614-8430
