GOP looking again at imposing a federal fee for electric cars
The fee would help address — but not completely close — the country's infrastructure spending deficit, offering the Highway Trust Fund its first significant revenue expansion in decades. But getting it through Congress will be a challenge.
House Transportation Chair Sam Graves (R-Mo.) generated a bipartisan backlash this spring when he proposed annual registration fees — $250 for electric vehicles, $100 for hybrids and $20 for all other vehicles — in the initial House version of the GOP's megabill (H.R. 1). He almost immediately had to strip out the $20 fee, and the other fees died in the Senate before the bill was signed into law.
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But Graves wants to resurrect some version of that fee in the next surface transportation bill, which needs to be reauthorized by September 2026. The exact fee structure is far from determined, though it's clear that any new fee for vehicles that run purely on gasoline is not politically viable.
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Newsweek
a minute ago
- Newsweek
Map Shows States Where National Guard Deployed to Support ICE
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. At least six Republican-led states have activated or authorized National Guard troops to assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in administrative and logistical roles, as part of a multi-state mission that could involve up to 1,700 Guard members through mid-November. The newest activation came on August 12, when Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds announced she had directed 20 Iowa National Guard soldiers to begin a Title 32 mission with ICE on September 8. The Guard members will provide administrative and logistical support to Iowa-based ICE officials through November 15, under an authorization from the Secretary of Defense. "By providing administrative and logistical support, the Iowa National Guard will free up local ICE officials to continue their work outside the office to enforce the law and keep our state safe," Reynolds said in a statement. Why It Matters The National Guard Bureau granted governors in 20 GOP-led states authority to deploy their forces under Title 32 orders to support ICE operations inside their own states. The work is intended to backfill clerical, transportation, and other non-law-enforcement duties, freeing ICE officers for field enforcement. So far, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Tennessee, Virginia, and South Dakota have moved forward. Three others—Nevada, Louisiana, and South Carolina—are in the process of approving deployments. The remaining 11 states on the authorization list have yet to commit. What To Know Florida has already put 25 Guard members on duty across nine ICE offices and said more are expected. In Idaho, up to 14 Guard members have been approved for administrative work. Tennessee has mobilized Guard personnel for detention facility support. Virginia's troops are in training and expected to deploy in early September. South Dakota has included ICE support in "Operation Prairie Thunder," assigning Guard members to processing roles. Nevada has said authorization is "in process." Louisiana plans to send about 70 Guard members by month's end. South Carolina has a request for about 40 under review. The other states with authorization but no activation are Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Texas, Utah, Vermont, and Wyoming. Vermont has said it will not participate. This state-led mobilization is separate from a federal Title 10 deployment announced by the Pentagon in June. That mission, described by Defense Department officials as part of a broader effort to "maintain the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security of the United States," authorizes up to 700 active-duty troops to support ICE in Florida, Louisiana, and Texas. Camarillo, California: Two people embrace as ICE officials block Ventura County locals from protesting a July 10 immigration raid. Federal agents used tear gas and arrested workers at Glass House Farms, a licensed cannabis grower.... Camarillo, California: Two people embrace as ICE officials block Ventura County locals from protesting a July 10 immigration raid. Federal agents used tear gas and arrested workers at Glass House Farms, a licensed cannabis grower. The next day, L.A. Mayor Karen Bass signed an order to protect immigrants, before a federal judge issued a temporary ruling barring ICE raids without specific suspicion in L.A. and six other counties. More Mario Tama/Getty Those service members, drawn from multiple branches, are assigned to ICE detention facilities and prohibited from direct contact with detainees or law enforcement duties. The deployments come amid heightened immigration enforcement activity and protests across several states. In mid-June, President Donald Trump also ordered thousands of National Guard and U.S. Marines to Los Angeles to guard federal facilities during demonstrations against ICE deportations. Texas, which has signed a separate agreement with ICE delegating certain immigration enforcement functions to trained Guard members, has defended the deployments as necessary to "uphold law and order." Critics, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, have accused the administration of politicizing the Guard. Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the mission "provides critical resources to support ICE's mission, freeing up law enforcement personnel to focus on law enforcement tasks and missions. The Department remains committed to securing 100% operational control of the border." What People Are Saying Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds said in a statement on Tuesday: "Just as we supported Texas when the Biden Administration left them to defend the border, Iowa will continue to assist in the enforcement of federal immigration laws — this time, by working with the Trump Administration to support U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials in our state." Idaho Governor Brad Little said in a statement on August 7: "As Commander in Chief, I am proud that the Idaho National Guard always stands ready to support our federal partners in any capacity that strengthens public safety and national security. Our guardsmen are trained, disciplined, and committed to serving the people of Idaho and the nation." Elizabeth Ray, a spokesperson for Nevada's governor's office, told The Nevada Independent: "Governor Lombardo is in the process of authorizing the Nevada National Guard to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement in a temporary, administrative capacity." What Happens Next The Title 32 authorizations expire November 15, but Pentagon officials have left open the possibility of extensions if ICE requests continued support.
Newsweek
a minute ago
- Newsweek
Democrats' Chances of Defeating Burt Jones in Georgia Governor's Race
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. President Donald Trump weighed in on the Georgia gubernatorial race this week, endorsing Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones over Attorney General Chris Carr in the Republican primary. A political science professor weighed in on the chances of the Democrats beating Jones. Newsweek reached out to the Jones and Carr campaigns for comment via email. Why It Matters Georgia has emerged as a new swing state in recent years, and Democrats are hoping to have their first gubernatorial victory in the state since 1999 in next year's midterms. Typically, the party in the White House loses seats in the midterms, but gubernatorial elections tend to be a bit less partisan than federal races. Georgia is set to be one of the most important states next year, as it will have both a competitive Senate and gubernatorial race. What to Know Trump backed Jones in the critical race, giving him a potential boost over Carr among the state's conservative GOP electorate. "He has been with us from the very beginning. I know his family well, and have seen Burt tested at the most difficult levels and times — He is a WARRIOR, a successful Businessman, former SEC Championship winning Georgia Bulldogs football player (Known for his toughness!), and now, as Lieutenant Governor, Burt has proven he has the Courage and Wisdom to deliver strong results for the incredible people of his wonderful State and Nation," Trump wrote on Truth Social. That endorsement could win him over some voters in the GOP primary, but some less-MAGA affiliated Republican voters in the suburban areas near Atlanta may not necessarily be swayed by Trump's support, Charles Bullock, professor of political science at the University of Georgia, told Newsweek on Tuesday. "Jones is certainly going to brag about, he is the Trump nominee. That's going to move the MAGA base, no doubt about that," he said. "But it's not the only kind of Republican you find in Georgia, especially in the primary, you're going to find the white, college-educated suburbanites who think of themselves generally as Republicans but are not MAGA." Georgia Lt. Governor Burt Jones speaks during an event in Savannah, Georgia on September 24, 2024. Georgia Lt. Governor Burt Jones speaks during an event in Savannah, Georgia on September 24, of the race has not been made public—only a straw poll of at least 1,200 Republican voters in June ahead of the June convention. Georgia's James Magazine reported that Jones had a "massive early lead" in the poll, but specific numbers were not reported. Jones, who had a business career before entering politics, may be able to carve out a financial advantage over both Democratic and Republican candidates, Bullock said. However, he is currently facing a lawsuit from Carr over a $10 million campaign loan. Democrats do "have a shot" at winning the election next November, Bullock said. The primary going to a runoff—which would happen if no candidate clears 50 percent—could benefit Democrats. That would "slow down" Republican efforts to unite after the primary, he said. There would be a greater risk of this if Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger joins the race. "Runoffs get nasty," he said. "Attack ads become more numerous and more personal. So if indeed there were a bitter runoff between Jones and Carr, Jones and Raffensperger—whoever—that might make it very difficult if Jones were the ultimate winner in the runoff to reunite the party." Jones is more MAGA-aligned, Bullock said, noting that Carr is a more traditional conservative and tied to Governor Brian Kemp, who has not made a formal endorsement. "A Jones nomination would have to overcome that division, and if it were reinforced by a bitter runoff, that would make it much harder for him," he said. Jeffrey Lewis Lazarus, professor of political science at Georgia State University, told Newsweek that Georgia is still a tough state for Democrats, despite recent victories. "Most Democratic victories here have occurred against extraordinarily flawed (Trump, Herschel Walker) or inexperienced (Kelly Loeffler) candidates," he said. "A seasoned and relatively scandal-free GOP nominee should be the favorite to win." Still, it is a "closely divided state," so nothing is guaranteed, he said. On the other hand, this is a closely divided state, and nothing is guaranteed. But the Republican nominee, whoever it is, probably has the inside track. What People Are Saying Charlie Bailey, chair of the Democratic Party of Georgia, wrote in a statement: "Jones and Chris Carr have spent this entire primary trying to out-MAGA each other, and that won't change with Trump's endorsement. This GOP primary will continue to be a race to the right – and to the bottom – as Jones and Carr fight to prove who can be more in line with Trump's toxic agenda of Medicaid and Medicare cuts, sky-high costs, and billionaire tax handouts at the expense of hardworking Georgians." Jeffrey Lewis Lazarus told Newsweek: "I haven't seen any polling so this is educated guesswork, but in my opinion Jones is probably the favorite. The GOP is more or less Trump's party at this point - he still has 90% approval among self-identified Republicans - and whoever is seen as being in his camp can make a strong claim to being a 'true conservative' or 'real Republican.'" Burt Jones wrote in a post to X: "With President Trump's endorsement, we have the opportunity to take this campaign to the next level. Let's show America what real Georgia grit looks like." Democratic Governors Association spokesperson Kevin Donahue wrote in a statement: "For Burt Jones, fealty to extreme, partisan politics has always trumped doing what's right for Georgia — and that's why this endorsement shouldn't surprise anyone. Trump's support only further confirms what we already knew: Jones and the entire GOP field are running to bring DC Republicans' agenda of gutting health care and raising costs to Georgia." What Happens Next Georgia's primary is set for May 19, 2026. The Cook Political Report considers the race as a pure toss-up. However, Sabato's Crystal Ball classifies the race as Leans Republican.
Forbes
a minute ago
- Forbes
Will Trump Reclassify Marijuana? What To Know As He Considers Making It A Less Serious Drug
President Donald Trump said his administration is considering reclassifying marijuana as a less serious drug, appeasing industry lobbyists and business leaders who have cozied up to the president as they seek the move that could substantially cut taxes for the cannabis industry. President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference at the White House in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 11, 2025. (Photo by Hu Yousong/Xinhua via Getty Images) Xinhua News Agency via Getty Images Trump told reporters Monday his administration is 'looking at reclassification' and said it would likely come to a conclusion 'over the next few weeks' whether to make marijuana, currently a Schedule 1 drug, a Schedule 3 drug. The statement confirms a report in the Wall Street Journal last week that Trump told attendees, including the CEO of marijuana company Trulieve, Kim Rivers, at a $1 million-a-plate fundraiser earlier this month that he was interested in the move amid heavy lobbying from the industry. As a Schedule 1 drug, marijuana, along with other substances such as heroin and LSD, are described as 'drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.' Reclassifying marijuana to Schedule 3 would put it in the same category as Tylenol and Codeine, make it easier to conduct research, secure funding and investments and allow the industry to tap into more tax incentives, though the drug would still be technically illegal under federal law. Trump's softened stance on marijuana comes as the industry has tapped into his orbit, including through the American Rights and Reform PAC, which is financially backed by the industry and has advertised on its behalf, while also giving $1 million to Trump's PAC, the Wall Street Journal reported. The PAC has a poll on its website commissioned by Trump pollster Tony Fabrizio that shows more than half of Republicans favor legalizing cannabis, along with video advertisements that blame the Biden administration for its continued classification as a Schedule 1 drug (the Biden administration attempted to reschedule the drug, but ultimately did not move forward with the proposal). Calling it 'a very complicated subject base,' Trump said Monday he's 'heard great things having to do with medical and bad things having to do with just about everything else.' Trump has previously expressed some openness to loosening restrictions on marijuana. He said in a Truth Social post last year he planned to vote for a Florida amendment to legalize marijuana, though it ultimately failed with voters. In the same social media post he said that, as president, he would 'continue to focus on research to unlock the medical uses of marijuana to a Schedule 3 drug.' What To Watch For The Controlled Substances Act charges the attorney general's office with initiating the rulemaking process to change the drug's classification. The Justice Department then typically assigns the Drug Enforcement Administration to make a determination about drug scheduling. 'The only way to fully resolve the myriad of issues stemming from the federal conflict with state law is to remove cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act and regulate the product in a manner similar to alcohol,' National Cannabis Industry Association CEO Aaron Smith said in a statement to ABC News in 2023, when the Biden administration announced it was rethinking the classification. Tangent Cannabis stocks surged Monday in the wake of Trump's announcement, according to CNBC, which reported Canopy Growth stock jumped more than 26%, Tilray Brands was up 41% (its best day since 2021), and Cronos Group spiked 16% for a 52-week high. The uptick started in the immediate aftermath of the Wall Street Journal report last week revealing Trump had told people at a recent fundraiser he was seriously considering reclassifying the drug. Key Background Rescheduling marijuana could attract more investors to the industry and give banks more confidence to back cannabis companies. As a Schedule 1 drug, cannabis businesses cannot deduct business expenses under Internal Revenue Code Section 280E. The effort to reclassify the drug was stalled during the Biden administration amid resistance from the Drug Enforcement Agency, the New York Times reported. Further Reading Trump says his administration looking at reclassifying marijuana (ABC News) Trump says he'll make a decision on reclassifying marijuana in the coming weeks (Politico) Trump threatens Fed chair Powell with 'major lawsuit' over HQ renovation cost (CNBC)
