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January jobs report: Unemployment rate falls to 4%, wages rise more than forecast; Trump signs order imposing sanctions on International Criminal Court over investigations of Israel; Ten Commandments in public schools debate reaches South Dakota; Virginia ranks among worst states for wage theft; Mexican long-nosed bat makes appearance in Arizona.

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Attorney General Pam Bondi strikes a Trump tone at the Justice Department, federal workers get more time to consider buyouts, and an unclassified email request from the White House worries CIA vets.

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During Black History Month, a new book shares how a unique partnership built 5,000 schools for Black students, anti-hunger advocates say ag communities would benefit from an expanded SNAP program, and Americans have $90 billion in unpaid medical bills.

Hoosiers on alert as Trump’s OMB pick sparks policy concerns

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Tuesday, January 14, 2025   

Hoosiers enduring severe weather like the current Arctic blast could see potential policy shifts if Russell Vought is confirmed as director of the Office of Management and Budget.

Vought was a key architect of Project 2025 and has promoted reducing federal oversight and environmental regulations.

David Kieve, president of EDF Action, the advocacy partner of the Environmental Defense Fund, said Vought's policies could hinder efforts to address climate challenges and disaster relief. He also alleged Vought aims to eliminate the National Climate Assessment, raising concerns for communities relying on federal disaster aid.

"Indiana continues to struggle with severe weather events," Kieve pointed out. "They rely on agencies like FEMA and NOAA to keep them safe in a constantly changing climate. Russ Vought's approach is to deny climate change and withhold aid to Americans in their time of need."

President-elect Donald Trump, however, argued Vought's record under his previous administration proves he is capable, noting his ability "to cut four regulations for every new regulation." Vought is scheduled to testify before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Wednesday.

Kieve noted if confirmed, Vought would oversee the president's budget and regulatory reviews, a role critics and supporters agreed is influential in Washington.

"There's a sense in Washington that he's likely to be confirmed for the post because he held it the first time that Donald Trump was president," Kieve observed. "We strenuously disagree, because we think that Russ has disqualified himself from the office given his conduct since he was last confirmed."

Advocates for and against Vought urge the Senate to scrutinize his record, which includes promoting impoundment, a practice allowing presidents to delay spending money approved by Congress. The Senate's decision could affect how quickly Hoosiers and others receive federal disaster assistance during future crises.

Disclosure: The Environmental Defense Fund contributes to our fund for reporting on Climate Change/Air Quality, Energy Policy, Environment, and Public Lands/Wilderness. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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