3 things to Know Today

1 German Police Arrest Four In ISIS Plot On U.S. Forces

German police say they've arrested four suspected ISIS members planning to attack U.S. forces in that country. The men, from Tajikistan, were picked up in western Germany, believed to have been receiving instructions from ISIS members in Afghanistan and Syria. Prosecutors say the men were monitoring one person in particular they felt was critical of Islam and were busy preparing weapons and bomb components. But they’re apparently part of a bigger puzzle, as the group’s alleged leader has been in jail since March 2019 on unspecified charges. According to officials, they originally intended to attack elsewhere, but eventually shifted their focus to Germany. While the list of charges is pending, it has been confirmed that all the men will be charged with membership in a terrorist organization.

2 Trump Threatens To Force Congress To Adjourn, Dems Propose More Money

President Trump is threatening to force Congress to adjourn so he can make appointments. Yes, he’s got the power constitutionally, but it’s never been used in history. During a White House briefing, Trump urged the Senate to stop gaveling-in pro-forma sessions when lawmakers aren't in town. Should he pull the trigger, that would allow him to make recess appointments without those officials being approved by the Senate. Trump called pro forma sessions a “scam” and a “dereliction of duty.“ Thing is? Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is reportedly pushing back on Trump’s idea. Meanwhile, the Senate could take action to add money to the popular Paycheck Protection Program – which has saved a number of small businesses – as early as today. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin are nearing a deal to add 250-billion to the program, which is expected to run dry today.

3 The World Isn’t Thrilled About Trump’s WHO Freeze

President Trump's freeze on U.S. funding to the World Health Organization is not going over well with lawmakers here...or just about anyone around the world. Democrats accused Trump of trying to divert attention from his administration's failures in the response to the deadly coronavirus outbreak. The European Union condemned the move. The U.S. is the world's largest single contributor to the W-H-O – footing about 15% of their budget. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell tweeted that Trump's decision weakens the W-H-O's capability and harms international cooperation. Germany's Foreign Minister Heiko Maas tweeted that blaming the W-H-O is not helpful. Maas argued that the coronavirus "knows no borders" and said the W-H-O is already underfunded. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison admitted the W-H-O has some problems, but he warned about "throwing the baby out with the bathwater." In a statement, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres claimed this is not the right time to reduce those resources.


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