INTERNACIONAL
‘Real consequences’: Food aid, flood insurance, FEMA funds in jeopardy amid shutdown, Johnson says
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
EXCLUSIVE: House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., is warning that everyday Americans could be at risk in a prolonged government shutdown.
The top House Republican sat down for an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital on Wednesday, the first day of the ongoing government shutdown.
Asked how long he thought it would continue, Johnson said he was praying for a short ordeal.
«My expectation is that I don’t know how it could go longer than a week or so, because so many people have been so adversely affected by this,» Johnson said.
GOP ACCUSES DEMS OF RISKING SHUTDOWN TO RESTORE ‘ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT HEALTHCARE’
A man is waist deep in water along flooded Aster Street, which is near the Pawtuxet River, in Rhode Island on Dec. 19, 2023. (John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
He pointed to two programs that he was concerned about in particular: The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
«[Democrats are] talking about healthcare. Not only did their counter-proposal say they wanted to cut the rural hospital fund and do all these other things, but what’s happening right now in the shutdown is that the WIC program is now unfunded — women, infants and children nutrition. That’s not a small thing,» Johnson said.
WIC provides free nutrition support to low-income pregnant women, new mothers, infants and children under age 5.
On a call with House Republicans held Wednesday, Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought warned that WIC could run out of funding within days without a federal funding deal, Fox News Digital was previously told.
FEMA, however, is expected to continue operations through a government shutdown, as it has in the past. But its funding source, the Disaster Relief Fund, relies on a budget that’s allocated by Congress on an annual basis.
A failure to replenish the Disaster Relief Fund could make it more difficult for FEMA to respond in the event of a natural disaster.
House Speaker Mike Johnson speaks after holding a press conference at the U.S. Capitol on May 22, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is also in danger of lapsing, which could leave millions of Americans without financial help if a hurricane or other disaster hits, Johnson pointed out.
«You have FEMA — I mean, I’m from a hurricane state. We’re in the middle of hurricane season. I’ve got two of them off the coast of the U.S. right now,» Johnson, whose district is anchored in Shreveport, La., said.
«If your flood insurance lapses right now, they’re shut down. Or if you go buy a new house, and you have to have flood insurance, none of that can be processed right now because they just shut the government down. I mean, this is real.»
SOCIAL SECURITY, AIRPORTS, FOOD STAMPS: HOW ARE YOU AFFECTED DURING A GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN?
He also expressed concern for the military members in his district who will have to work without getting paid until the shutdown is over.
«The troops are working without pay … I have a big veterans community and active duty service member community because I have two major military installations in my district, Louisiana’s 4th Congressional [District],» Johnson said.
«I think a lot about these young airmen and soldiers who are deployed right now for their country, and they left behind young wives who are pregnant and have small children. They’re not going to get a paycheck until [Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.] comes to his senses.»
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., right, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., walk to speak to members of the media outside the West Wing at the White House in Washington on Sept. 29, 2025. (Evan Vucci/AP Photo)
The House passed a measure to keep the current federal spending levels roughly flat through Nov. 21 to give Congress more time to reach a longer-term deal for fiscal year (FY) 2026. That bill, called a continuing resolution (CR), advanced mostly along party lines.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
But in the Senate, where at least several Democrats are needed to reach the 60-vote threshold to overcome a filibuster, progress has stalled.
Senate Democrats are demanding concessions on healthcare, including an extension of COVID-19 pandemic-era Obamacare subsidies that are set to expire at the end of this year.
But Republicans have contended that their plan should remain free of any partisan policy riders.
The Senate is likely to hold another vote on the measure, its fourth in total, on Friday.
house of representatives politics,politics,government shutdown,mike johnson
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday said the assassination of Charlie Kirk was a sign of a «deep rift» in American society, while offering his condolences to the family of the late conservative activist.
Speaking at the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi at a forum of Russian experts, Putin addressed the killing, according to Reuters.
«This is a disgusting atrocity, especially since it was broadcast live. We all saw it. It was truly horrific,» Putin said. «First and foremost, I extend my condolences to Mr. Kirk’s family and all his loved ones. We sympathize and empathize.
JD VANCE DECLARES THERE IS ‘NO UNITY’ WITH PEOPLE WHO CELEBRATE CHARLIE KIRK’S ASSASSINATION
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday condemned the killing of Charlie Kirk while speaking to a panel of Russian experts. (Getty Images)
«What happened is a reflection of a deep division within society. In the United States, I don’t believe there is any need to escalate the situation externally, as the country’s political leadership is working to restore order domestically,» he added.
Kirk was shot and killed in September while speaking at Utah Valley University.
His alleged killer, Tyler Robinson, faces seven charges, including aggravated homicide, which carries the potential death penalty; felony discharge of a firearm; obstruction and witness tampering.
Robinson returned to court Monday and is scheduled to appear again Oct. 30. Prosecutors said they had already gathered «voluminous» evidence against him.
TRUMP DEFENDS LABELING ANTIFA A ‘TERRORIST ORGANIZATION’ AS HE TARGETS LEFT-WING EXTREMISM
Charlie Kirk speaks before he is assassinated during Turning Point’s visit to Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, Sept. 10, 2025. (Tess Crowley/The Deseret News via AP)
Kirk’s murder has intensified debate over political violence in the United States. Republican leaders have urged Democrats to moderate their rhetoric toward President Donald Trump and to embrace greater tolerance for opposing views.
In addition to addressing Kirk’s death, Putin responded to Trump’s recent characterization of Russia as a «paper tiger.»
«A paper tiger? Then go deal with this paper tiger,» Putin said. «If we are fighting the entire NATO bloc, moving forward, advancing and feeling confident, and we are still called a paper tiger, then what does that make NATO itself?»
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Last week, Trump predicted Ukraine could reclaim all its territory from Russia before labeling Moscow a «paper tiger.»
vladimir putin,charlie kirk,russia
El canciller alemán Friedrich Merz insistió este jueves desde una cumbre de líderes europeos en Copenhague que apoyará “cualquier vía” que permita utilizar activos rusos congelados para conceder un préstamo de reparación a Ucrania. Merz confió en que la Unión Europea tome una decisión en “semanas”, a pesar de que Bélgica rechaza de plano la propuesta por considerarla una “confiscación” con lagunas legales.
“Apoyaré cualquier vía que permita el uso de activos rusos para seguir ayudando a Ucrania y garantizar que la guerra termine lo antes posible”, declaró Merz a la prensa al término de la cumbre de líderes de la Comunidad Política Europea (CPE) celebrada en la capital danesa.
El mandatario alemán se refirió a la próxima cumbre formal de jefes de Estado y de Gobierno de la Unión, prevista para dentro de tres semanas en Bruselas, y confió en que entonces se tome una “decisión concreta”. Tras dos días de reuniones al máximo nivel en Copenhague, Merz afirmó tener la convicción de que existe un “fuerte acuerdo” tanto en el seno de la UE como de la CPE respecto a seguir esa vía.
“Putin no debería subestimar nuestra determinación. Hay una gran unidad y una firme determinación de contrarrestar juntos esta agresión”, insistió.
La cita danesa fue la primera ocasión para que los líderes europeos examinaran la propuesta que la presidenta de la Comisión Europea, Ursula von der Leyen, circuló entre las capitales: usar los activos soberanos rusos congelados en Bélgica —en el depósito de fondos Euroclear— para conceder un préstamo a Kiev.
Al término de la jornada, en una rueda de prensa junto a la primera ministra danesa, Mette Frederiksen, el presidente de Ucrania, Volodimir Zelensky, celebró que “casi todos los líderes estén planteando el pleno uso de los fondos congelados rusos”.
Frederiksen, por su parte, concedió que el debate del miércoles sobre este asunto fue “intenso” y que afloraron “algunas cuestiones técnicas que deben ser resueltas”, pero al mismo tiempo se mostró “bastante segura” de que sabrán resolverlas. “Es justo que Rusia pague por los daños que ha causado”, zanjó.
El crédito sin intereses tendría un valor de unos 140.000 millones de euros y Ucrania solo tendría que devolverlo si llegara la paz y Moscú indemnizara al país por los daños de la guerra.
El Ejecutivo comunitario y los defensores de la iniciativa sostienen que no se trataría de una “confiscación” de los activos, pero Bélgica niega respaldo al plan. Su primer ministro, Bart de Wever, advirtió este jueves en rueda de prensa sobre el riesgo de trasladar el mensaje de que “un grupo de países pueden, simplemente, decidir políticamente cogerlo (el dinero) y dárselo en un préstamo” a otro país.
«Ceci n’est pas une confiscation» (Esto no es una confiscación), ironizó De Wever, usando el título de uno de los cuadros más conocidos del pintor surrealista belga René Magritte, La traición de las imágenes, en el que se ve una pipa de fumar sobre la frase “Esto no es una pipa”.
El político belga reveló que la víspera trasladó al resto de líderes de la UE sus dudas legales respecto a un proyecto “sin precedentes” y “muy arriesgado”, y criticó a Von der Leyen porque su Ejecutivo no respondió con claridad a todas estas preocupaciones en las semanas en que Bélgica pidió aclaraciones.
Con todo, De Wever dejó la puerta abierta a reconsiderar la situación si de aquí al Consejo Europeo de finales de octubre se responde a las dudas legales y si el resto de países se comprometen a mutualizar los riesgos y garantizan que responderán junto a Bélgica “si algo va mal”.
Por su parte, el primer ministro de Hungría, Viktor Orbán, que por distintas razones mantiene un veto regular contra toda iniciativa europea de apoyo a Ucrania frente a Rusia, criticó con dureza que la UE se plantee usar los fondos en efectivo congelados.
“No somos ladrones, ese dinero no es nuestro”, afirmó Orbán a la prensa a su salida de la cumbre, para insistir en que “de ninguna manera” Hungría formará parte de un proyecto que supone “tocar el dinero de otro”.
International,Relations,Diplomacy / Foreign Policy,Europe
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., accused the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of endangering women’s health, saying the agency approved another chemical abortion drug without the thorough safety review it had promised.
Hawley argued the move shows both regulatory failure and the influence of a company that refuses to define «woman» in its materials.
«This is shocking. FDA has just approved ANOTHER chemical abortion drug, when the evidence shows chemical abortion drugs are dangerous and even deadly for the mother. And of course 100% lethal to the child,» he wrote on X on Thursday afternoon.
«FDA had promised to do a top-to-bottom safety review of the chemical abortion drug, but instead they’ve just greenlighted new versions of it for distribution. I have lost confidence in the leadership at FDA.»
PRO-LIFE GROUP URGES SENATE TO PRESS RFK JR. ON ABORTION PILL SAFETY, DEMAND SAFEGUARDS RETURN
Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., accused the Food and Drug Administration of endangering women’s health after it approved another chemical abortion drug without what he said was a promised full safety review. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
Evita Solutions describes its mission as one to «normalize abortion» and make it «accessible to all.» On its website, the company says it «believes that all people should have access to safe, affordable, high-quality, effective, and compassionate abortion care, regardless of their race, sex, gender, age, sexuality, income, or where they live.
«We know that you can make the best choice for your body.»
According to the FDA, Evita received approval in a Sept. 30 letter obtained by Reuters.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Hawley said the FDA’s decision was even more troubling given its promised safety review has barely begun.
«I just, I can’t figure out what’s happening at the FDA. I’m totally baffled by it,» Hawley said.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the FDA and Evita Solutions for comment on the matter.
FDA CHIEF HAS NO ‘PLANS’ FOR ABORTION PILL POLICY CHANGES BUT CONTINUES SAFETY REVIEW
In another post, Hawley blasted the FDA for partnering with a company that «doesn’t even believe there is such a thing as a ‘woman.’»
Evita Solutions now joins GenBioPro in producing the generic version of mifepristone, the abortion pill originally made by Danco Laboratories. Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone needed to sustain pregnancy, and is followed by misoprostol to complete the process.
The approval comes as abortion drugs face mounting opposition from conservative lawmakers, religious organizations and pro-life groups.
MORE THAN 20 GOP ATTORNEYS GENERAL CALL ON RFK JR, FDA TO REINSTATE SAFEGUARDS FOR ABORTION DRUGS
Misoprostol, left, and mifepristone, the two drugs used in a medication abortion. (Robyn Bech/AFP via Getty Images)
Religious groups like Inspire Investing and Alliance Defending Freedom have campaigned against the drug, while the Restoration of America Foundation (ROAF) has pressed lawmakers for accountability.
Last month, ROAF called on the Senate Finance Committee to hold Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. accountable at a hearing, demanding answers about the removal of safety protocols for the abortion pill mifepristone.
In a letter obtained by Fox News Digital, ROAF warned that the rollback leaves women more vulnerable and shifts costs to taxpayers. The group said the Biden-era changes endanger women by allowing abortion pills to be prescribed via telehealth and sent through the mail.
Hawley said the FDA should restore the safeguards put in place under the Trump administration.
«What needs to happen is the FDA needs to get in line with the president’s policy and put back into place the safety regulations President Trump had. Ditch the Biden approach and go back to President Trump’s approach,» Hawley said.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Under the Biden administration, the FDA for the first time allowed telehealth prescribing and mail-order delivery of abortion pills. Previously, the agency required mifepristone to be dispensed in person to screen for complications such as ectopic pregnancy.
Fox News Digital’s Jasmine Baehr and Reuters contributed to this report.
reproductive health,abortion,health,health care healthy living,pregnancy,politics
Ritondo habló sobre la situación de Espert: “La explicación no alcanzó”
Russian leader responds to American conservative’s murder: ‘A disgusting atrocity’
Agregar cáscaras de papa al pie del limonero: para qué sirve y qué beneficios tiene
Abrió un nuevo outlet de Adidas con zapatillas baratas y camisetas con descuentos de hasta 80%
La Justicia confirmó que José Luis Espert viajó 35 veces en aviones vinculados al narco “Fred” Machado
Alemania insistió en el uso de activos rusos para financiar a Ucrania
Kicillof habló del triple femicidio y le pidió a Milei que convoque a los gobernadores: “El narcotráfico afecta a toda la Argentina”
Cristina Kirchner chicaneó a Javier Milei: “La Recesión Avanza y los dólares se te siguen yendo”
El desolador llanto de Thiago Medina por sus hijas tras despertar del coma, a 17 días del accidente: “Se largó a llorar cuando le hablaron de las nenas”
Mario Massaccesi casó a Manu Jove y su colega de TN: los desconocidos detalles de la boda
POLITICA1 día agoCristina Kirchner chicaneó a Javier Milei: “La Recesión Avanza y los dólares se te siguen yendo”
- CHIMENTOS3 días ago
Mario Massaccesi casó a Manu Jove y su colega de TN: los desconocidos detalles de la boda
- POLITICA17 horas ago
Axel Kicillof pide deuda por US$1045 millones y pone a prueba la cohesión del PJ en la Legislatura
