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In the news today: The Senate passes a budget plan to reopen the Department of Homeland Security; Trump’s Navy secretary is leaving his job in the latest departure of a top defense leader; and why it’s now easier for Americans to get Canadian citizenship. Also, pictures from Pope Leo XIV’s Africa trip.
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Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., speaks to reporters following a closed-door party meeting, at the Capitol in Washington on Tuesday. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
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Senate passes budget plan for ICE and Border Patrol
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The Senate took the first steps in a new effort to reopen the Department of Homeland Security early Thursday in an overnight session, voting to adopt a budget plan that would fund ICE and Border Patrol over Democratic objections and sending it to the House. Read more.
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- The entire department has been shut down since mid-February as Democrats have demanded policy changes in the wake of fatal shootings of two protesters by federal agents. The Senate adopted the final resolution 50-48 just past 3:30 a.m.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune and other GOP leaders say they hope to keep the bill narrowly focused on ICE and Border Patrol and get it to Trump’s desk in the coming weeks, but potential roadblocks for the bill in the House remain. House Speaker Mike Johnson has still not said when the House will take up the Senate’s legislation that would fund the rest of the department. And it is unclear if members of his GOP conference will unite behind the narrowed budget bill as some House Republicans have argued that they should add other priorities to the legislation.
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Navy Secretary John Phelan is leaving in latest departure of a top defense leader
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No reason was given for the unexpected departure of the Navy’s top civilian official, announced abruptly by the Pentagon Wednesday as the Navy has imposed a blockade of Iranian ports and is targeting ships linked to Tehran around the world during a tenuous ceasefire in the war. Read more.
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Phelan is the first head of a military service to depart during President Donald Trump’s second term but just the latest top defense leader to step down or be ousted. This comes just weeks after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth fired the Army’s top uniformed officer, Gen. Randy George. Hegseth also has fired several other top generals, admirals and defense leaders since taking office last year. Phelan is leaving during a busy time for the Navy. It has three aircraft carriers deployed in or heading to the Middle East. The Navy also has maintained a heavy presence in the Caribbean, where it has been part of a campaign of strikes against alleged drug boats. It also played a major role in the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in January.
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It’s suddenly much easier for Americans to get Canadian citizenship
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Under a new law which took effect in December, Canada opened up citizenship to anyone who could prove they have a direct Canadian ancestor — a grandparent, great-grandparent or even more distant ancestor. Previously, Canadian citizenship by descent could only be passed down to one generation, from a parent to a child. Read more.
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According to immigration attorney Amandeep Hayer there are millions of Americans who are Canadian descendants. Since the new law took effect, immigration lawyers in the United States and Canada say they have been overwhelmed by clients seeking help submitting proof of citizenship applications. American applicants have different motivations, but many say President Donald Trump’s efforts on immigration and other topics have led them to seek dual citizenship.
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Pope Leo XIV arrives to celebrate Mass at Bamenda Airport, Cameroon, April 16, on the fourth day of his 11-day visit to Africa. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
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Pope Leo XIV’s trip to Africa
Wednesday was the final day of Pope Leo XIV’s 11-day visit to Africa, his first major overseas trip of the year. It took him to 11 cities and towns across four countries. You can see all the ceremonies and crowds as he traveled, captured throughout by AP’s photographers.
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