Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen embarks on a controversial journey to El Salvador, triggering debates about immigration policy and use of taxpayer funds.
According to The Daily Caller, Sen. Chris Van Hollen's recent trip to El Salvador, aimed at securing the return of deported illegal immigrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia, was likely funded by taxpayer dollars, as revealed by multiple Senate aides familiar with congressional travel protocols.
Six individuals with knowledge of congressional travel arrangements, including three current Senate aides and one former aide, indicated that Van Hollen's trip bears the hallmarks of a Congressional Member Delegation (CODEL). These official visits traditionally receive federal funding and require approval from committee chairs or Senate leadership.
Ted Cruz addressed the funding controversy during his "Verdict" podcast, acknowledging senators' prerogative to conduct international travel while criticizing the underlying mission. He emphasized that while such trips typically align with senatorial responsibilities, the attempt to repatriate an alleged MS-13 member represents questionable policy.
Senate Foreign Relations Committee chair Jim Risch's office confirmed they did not authorize the trip. However, they noted that other committees and Democratic leadership, including Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, possess the authority to approve such travel arrangements.
Representatives Maxwell Frost and Robert Garcia's subsequent letter requesting their own CODEL to El Salvador referenced existing Senate authorization for CECOT travel, suggesting an established framework for such visits.
Van Hollen's efforts to meet with Abrego Garcia proved unsuccessful, with El Salvador's vice president unable to facilitate the interaction. President Nayib Bukele firmly rejected the possibility of returning Abrego Garcia during an Oval Office meeting with President Trump.
Court documents reveal that Abrego Garcia was initially detained in 2019 alongside ranking MS-13 members. Two immigration judges concurred with government assessments identifying him as a "verified member" of the gang who posed public safety risks.
Senate aide comments reflected growing frustration with the priorities demonstrated by the trip:
I wouldn't be surprised at all if Van Hollen's little PR stunt to support an illegal alien was actually paid for by hardworking Americans. Democrats like Van Hollen are more outraged by a justified deportation than they are by horrific crimes committed by criminal illegals in the U.S. This little trip is a perfect example of why Americans overwhelmingly voted for President Trump and his commonsense immigration policies.
Independent journalist Andy Ngo uncovered court documents showing that Abrego Garcia's wife had previously filed two domestic violence protection orders against him. This revelation added another layer of complexity to Van Hollen's characterization of Abrego Garcia as his "constituent."
The White House highlighted the contrast in Van Hollen's priorities by hosting Patty Morin, whose daughter Rachel was murdered by an illegal alien in Maryland. Morin expressed outrage over Van Hollen's minimal acknowledgment of her daughter's death while actively pursuing Abrego Garcia's return.
Sen. Chris Van Hollen's taxpayer-funded trip to El Salvador aimed to secure the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a deported individual with alleged MS-13 ties. The senator's office has not responded to inquiries about the trip's funding sources.
The controversial mission highlighted growing tensions between immigration enforcement priorities and constituent advocacy. While Van Hollen pledges to continue fighting for what he views as constituent interests, President Bukele's firm stance against returning Abrego Garcia suggests limited prospects for the senator's objectives.
A former garbage collector who captured hearts on American Idol's 18th season has met a tragic end in Denver, Colorado.
According to Daily Mail, Doug Kiker, known as "The Singing Garbage Man," died from an accidental overdose caused by a lethal combination of fentanyl, methadone, amphetamines, and recent cocaine use.
The 32-year-old singer was discovered by a concerned passerby who alerted authorities after noticing his worrying appearance on a Denver street. After being rushed to the hospital, Kiker remained under medical care for five days before succumbing to his injuries in March 2025.
Kiker's ex-fiancée Valerie Cook confirmed his passing along with his siblings Angela and William. The family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral expenses and transportation costs to bring his body home from Denver.
Angela shared her devastation on social media, revealing the family was completely unprepared for the loss. She emphasized their need for assistance in providing a proper memorial service for her brother.
William Kiker posted an emotional tribute to his "baby brother" on Facebook, expressing his wish for more time together and asking Doug to "say hey to bubba" in heaven.
Kiker's journey to fame began during American Idol's 18th season when he performed Rascal Flatts' "Bless the Broken Road." His heartfelt audition earned him a standing ovation and moved judge Katy Perry to tears.
Despite his initial success, Kiker's time on the show ended during Hollywood week after a performance of "Ain't No Mountain High Enough." Before his elimination, he had expressed concern about letting his family down.
In 2021, Kiker faced legal troubles when he was arrested for domestic violence in Alabama. He was held on a $1,000 bond following an incident involving an unnamed woman who called 911.
Kiker leaves behind two daughters from his relationship with Valerie Cook, who expressed her heartbreak that their children have lost their father. The family's GoFundMe page describes him as "one of the most sincere souls and most hilarious person of all."
His sister Angela has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support, expressing gratitude for the calls, messages, and prayers received during this difficult time. The family continues to seek assistance for funeral arrangements.
Doug Kiker's rise to fame on American Idol captivated audiences before his life took a devastating turn, ending in an accidental overdose at age 32 in Denver.
The beloved singer and father of two touched many lives through his music and genuine personality, leaving behind grieving family members who now face the challenging task of laying him to rest while dealing with their unexpected loss.
In a surprising shift from traditional party stance, Republican lawmakers explore the possibility of increasing taxes on America's wealthiest citizens.
According to The Hill, Congressional Republicans are discussing a potential 40 percent top tax bracket for income above $1 million as part of President Trump's comprehensive legislative priorities, marking a significant departure from decades of party orthodoxy.
The proposal, while still in its early stages, represents a dramatic shift in Republican tax policy, with key party members acknowledging the possibility of raising the current 37 percent tax rate to 39.6 percent for high-income earners. This consideration comes as lawmakers grapple with funding Trump's ambitious "big, beautiful bill" while addressing concerns from fiscal hawks and moderates within the party.
House Republican leaders have expressed strong opposition to the tax increase idea, with Speaker Mike Johnson taking a firm stance against it. The Louisiana Republican has repeatedly emphasized the party's traditional commitment to tax reduction.
Sen. Chuck Grassley, speaking at a Tuesday town hall, offered insight into the ongoing discussions within the Senate Finance Committee:
It might surprise you that the list of possibilities we have on our working sheet that the members of the Finance Committee — and I'm a member of that committee — are going to discuss is raising from 37 to 39.6 on the very group of people you talk about. Now, that doesn't mean it's going to happen. And the rationale for it is, we can take that money and use it for increasing child tax credit.
The proposed change would specifically target households earning more than $1 million, differing from the current system where the top rate applies to households making $609,351 and above.
Prominent conservative figures have voiced strong opposition to the potential tax increase. Grover Norquist of Americans for Tax Reform has likened Republican support for tax hikes to finding "rat heads in a Coke bottle."
Larry Kudlow, former director of the National Economic Council during Trump's first term, has publicly criticized the proposal on his Fox Business program. Rep. Elise Stefanik has aligned herself with Trump's position, emphasizing the party's traditional stance on tax reduction.
Former Speaker Newt Gingrich joined the opposition, warning that implementing a top tax rate higher than previous Democratic administrations would be "madness." However, Rep. Chip Roy countered this perspective by highlighting concerns about deficit increases.
The tax discussion has emerged following Republicans' successful passage of a budget resolution blueprint. The reconciliation process allows the party to pass legislation with Republican votes only, creating both opportunities and challenges.
The proposal aims to help fund various priorities, including border security, energy initiatives, and the extension of Trump's 2017 tax cuts. Fiscal constraints and competing demands from different party factions have complicated the legislative process. The potential tax increase could serve as a solution to offset costs and address deficit concerns, though its inclusion in the final bill remains uncertain.
Congressional Republicans find themselves at a crossroads as they weigh increasing taxes on millionaires against their long-standing opposition to tax hikes. The discussion of raising the top tax bracket to 40 percent for income above $1 million represents a significant shift in Republican tax policy, driven by the need to fund President Trump's legislative priorities.
The outcome of this debate could reshape the party's approach to taxation and fiscal policy, as lawmakers attempt to balance traditional conservative principles with practical funding needs. While House Republican leadership remains opposed to the tax increase, continued discussions among key committee members suggest the proposal maintains some momentum within the party.
President Donald Trump is finalizing an executive order that would significantly impact scientific research in the United States.
According to The Daily Caller, Trump is poised to sign a sweeping executive order by May 6 that would ban gain-of-function research, which involves making viruses more dangerous in laboratory settings.
The order would prohibit experiments that increase the infectivity or pathogenicity of any virulent and replicable pathogen. Gerald Parker, who heads the White House Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy within the National Security Council, is leading the initiative.
The federal agencies that have historically supported gain-of-function research, particularly the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, have been excluded from the drafting process.
The anticipated executive order represents a significant shift from previous policies. Parker, who formerly led the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity, has advocated for moving oversight of such research away from the National Institutes of Health. Former CDC Director Robert Redfield has supported this position, emphasizing the need for independent commission review.
Several key issues remain unresolved in the draft order. Officials are still determining whether violators should face criminal charges as bioweaponeers. The order's final language must also clearly define what constitutes gain-of-function research to ensure legal enforceability.
Questions persist about potential exemptions for lower-risk research, such as studies using non-replicative pseudoviruses that allow scientists to study viral evolution without creating pandemic risks.
Rutgers University microbiologist Richard Ebright, a longtime critic of high-risk virology research, shared his perspective on the implications:
Gain-of-function research on potential pandemic pathogens caused the COVID-19 pandemic, killing 20 million and costing $25 trillion. If not stopped, gain-of-function research on potential pandemic pathogens likely will cause future lab-generated pandemics.
The push for stricter regulations follows concerning revelations about previous research. Documents obtained through FOIA requests in 2023 showed that EcoHealth Alliance, while seeking Pentagon funding in 2018, downplayed plans to conduct gain-of-function experiments on SARS-like viruses in Wuhan, China. In January 2025, both EcoHealth Alliance and its president Peter Daszak were barred from receiving federal funding, though they avoided criminal charges.
The timing of the executive order coincides with previously planned policy changes. The Biden administration's 2024 guidance on gain-of-function research was set to take effect May 6, but scientific organizations report receiving no implementation directions from NIH, suggesting the new executive order will take precedence.
Some experts argue that current oversight mechanisms create conflicts of interest. The 2024 guidance allowed researchers, universities, and funding agencies like NIH to implement their own reviews, which critics argue discourages proper reporting of potentially dangerous research.
A biosecurity expert, speaking anonymously due to employment concerns, suggested alternative accountability measures: "I don't know that criminal penalties are necessary. But we do need more sticks in biosafety as well as carrots. For instance, biosafety should be a part of tenure review and whether you get funding for future work."
The imminent executive order represents Trump's most significant intervention in scientific research policy. The White House Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy, integrated into the National Security Council, is steering this dramatic shift in how the United States approaches potentially dangerous viral research. The administration aims to implement these changes by early May, establishing new guidelines that would fundamentally alter how scientists conduct pathogen research while addressing longstanding concerns about laboratory safety and pandemic prevention.
A highly anticipated legal showdown between U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and the state of Maine intensifies as transgender rights in sports and prisons take center stage.
According to Deseret News, the Department of Justice is pursuing legal action against Maine for allowing transgender athletes to compete in women's sports and housing a transgender inmate in a women's prison, with Bondi seeking both an injunction and the return of athletic titles to female competitors.
The lawsuit follows a controversial incident at Greely High School where a transgender athlete named Katie, who previously competed on the men's team, won the Class B girls state championship in pole vaulting. Maine's Attorney General Aaron Frey has firmly rejected federal demands to prohibit transgender athletes from competing in women's sports, citing their interpretation of Title IX protections.
The federal government has already taken punitive measures by withdrawing $1.5 million in grants from Maine's Corrections Department. This decision stems from the state's policy allowing transgender inmates to be housed according to their gender identity rather than biological sex.
Bondi's office has engaged in multiple unsuccessful negotiations with Maine representatives from both the Department of Education and Health and Human Services. The attorney general emphasized that legal action became necessary after repeated attempts at resolution failed to produce results.
Maine's stance on transgender rights has remained unwavering despite federal pressure. State officials maintain that their policies align with their interpretation of Title IX regulations and anti-discrimination laws.
The pole vaulting championship has become a focal point of the federal lawsuit. Katie's victory margin over other female competitors has drawn significant attention, particularly given the athlete's previous performance level in men's competitions.
The controversial win has reignited discussions about competitive fairness in school sports. According to reports, Katie's winning performance would have placed tenth in the boys' competition, raising questions about physiological advantages.
Bondi's office expressed particular concern about the impact on opportunities for female athletes. The attorney general quoted Maine AG Aaron Frey's defiant response:
We will not sign the resolution agreement. We do not have revisions or a counter proposal. We agree we are at an impasse. Nothing in Title IX or its implementing regulations prohibit schools from allowing transgender girls and women to participate on girls' and women's sports teams.
The Justice Department has launched similar investigations in Minnesota and California regarding their transgender policies. Bondi's strong stance on the issue suggests potential legal action against these states as well.
The attorney general addressed the broader implications during the press conference, stating:
We don't want to be suing people. We want them to comply with the law, and that's what we're doing. We have given them opportunity ... over and over again.
Current enforcement efforts primarily target states' policies on transgender athletes in women's sports and housing assignments in correctional facilities. Several states are now reviewing their policies in anticipation of potential federal intervention.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has initiated legal proceedings against Maine over the state's transgender-inclusive policies in sports and prisons. The lawsuit specifically challenges Maine's decision to allow transgender athletes to compete in women's sports, exemplified by Katie's recent pole vaulting championship victory, and the state's practice of housing transgender inmates according to their gender identity. The Department of Justice seeks both immediate policy changes and retroactive measures, including the return of athletic titles to female competitors and the potential recovery of previous federal funding.
The Trump administration takes decisive action in a controversial deportation case that has captured national attention.
According to the Washington Examiner, the Department of Homeland Security has released documents supporting Kilmar Abrego Garcia's alleged ties to MS-13, following his contested deportation to El Salvador.
The evidence, dating back to 2019, includes detailed police reports from Prince George's County gang unit documenting Abrego Garcia's arrest alongside known MS-13 members outside a Home Depot in Hyattsville, Maryland. Law enforcement noted his attire, which included specific gang-affiliated clothing and symbols associated with MS-13's code of silence.
Officers provided extensive documentation of Abrego Garcia's alleged gang involvement during the March 2019 incident. They observed him wearing a Chicago Bulls hat and distinctive hoodie featuring presidents with covered eyes, ears, and mouth—symbolizing MS-13's principle of "ver, oír y callar" (see, hear, and stay silent).
A confidential informant identified Abrego Garcia as an active member of MS-13's Western clique. The source, described as reliable by authorities, revealed his gang moniker "Chele" and rank of "Chequeo" within the organization.
The group arrested with Abrego Garcia included Christhyan Hernandez-Romero, who had a previous gang participation conviction and held the rank of "observacion" within MS-13.
The case has sparked intense debate after a federal judge questioned the administration's responsibilities regarding Abrego Garcia's wrongful deportation. Despite earlier rulings preventing his return to El Salvador, he was mistakenly deported.
The Supreme Court has declined direct involvement, leaving lower courts to address the situation. El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele complicated matters during his recent Washington visit by refusing to return Abrego Garcia to the United States.
Attorney General Pam Bondi shared the evidence on social media, intensifying the administration's efforts to justify their stance on Abrego Garcia's gang affiliation.
The Trump administration strengthened their position by releasing a May 2021 restraining order filed by Abrego Garcia's wife, who is a U.S. citizen. The document contained serious allegations of physical abuse.
According to the Board of Immigration Appeals in 2019:
The Respondent has failed to present evidence to rebut [his] gang membership. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers had relied on gang validation procedures and corroborating sources.
The evidence included immigration records showing Abrego Garcia's illegal entry in 2012 and subsequent lack of legal status.
Kilmar Abrego Garcia remains in El Salvador following his deportation last month, caught between conflicting legal decisions and international politics. The Trump administration has intensified efforts to deport foreign nationals with suspected criminal organization ties. The case highlights the complex intersection of immigration enforcement, gang activity, and international relations. With El Salvador's president refusing cooperation and U.S. courts divided on the appropriate response, Abrego Garcia's situation remains unresolved.