Photo: Science Photo Library RF
1 Vice President Vance Casts Tie-Breaking Vote In Senate To Kill Venezuela War Powers Bill
Senate Republicans blocked an effort to limit President Trump's military power in Venezuela yesterday after the White House pressured some GOP senators to change their votes, with Vice President JD Vance ultimately breaking a 50-50 tie. Republican Sens. Josh Hawley of Missouri and Todd Young of Indiana flipped their votes after first supporting the measure last week. The resolution, introduced by Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine, came after the U.S. captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and Trump said the U.S. is now in charge of the country. Hawley said Secretary of State Marco Rubio assured him there are no U.S. ground troops in Venezuela and the administration would come to Congress before sending any. Three Republicans, Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, and Rand Paul, still voted against blocking the measure.
2 Denmark Looking For "Common Way Forward" With US On Greenland
Top diplomats from Denmark and Greenland met with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the White House yesterday to discuss the future of Greenland. President Trump has pushed to take control of the Arctic territory, saying it is important for U.S. defense. Greenland's prime minister said his country does not want to be part of the U.S. and would choose Denmark if forced to pick sides. A new poll found only 17-percent of Americans support Trump's push to acquire Greenland, and just 4-percent back using military force.
3 US Will Suspend Visa Processing For 75 Countries Starting Next Week
The State Department is stopping immigrant visa processing for 75 countries starting next week on January 21st. The move targets people the government thinks might need public benefits after arriving in the US, with countries on the list including Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Thailand, and Yemen. The pause comes as officials review their screening process, and athletes and staff coming for the 2026 World Cup will not be affected. Somalia has been a focus for the Trump administration after reports of fraud in Minnesota's social services system.