U.S. and world news for Nov. 18

Vote on Epstein files scheduled

The House is set to vote today on a bill seeking to force the release of the Jeffrey Epstein case files. The measure will require a two-thirds majority of the chamber to pass. Last week, Republican leaders were bracing for many members of their party to break from President Donald Trump and vote in support of releasing the files. With Trump now reluctantly supporting the bill, it’s expected to receive even more GOP support. He had fiercely opposed releasing the Epstein files until Sunday, once it became clear he could not halt the bill’s momentum. On Monday, Trump told reporters that he would sign the measure if it came to his desk. There’s concern on Capitol Hill that the administration may ultimately block release of all of the files claiming that some must remain secret because of the investigations into Democrats who knew Epstein that is being undertaken by the Department of Justice.

Trump administration data contradicts what Trump claims

The Trump administration’s economic data contradicts President Trump’s claims that inflation and overall prices have fallen during his second term. Trump told reporters that prices and inflation are much lower than they were under the Biden administration. However, Trump administration data show that annual inflation stood at 3% in September, the highest it has been since January. Grocery prices have gained 1.4% between January and September, and consumer prices have risen 1.7% on average during Trump’s second term, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Items hit by tariffs have increased in price in recent months.

Republicans try to come up with health care plan

CNN reported today that with less than six weeks before a key set of Affordable Care Act premium subsidies expire, congressional Republicans still have not come up with a plan that they have claimed to already have that would prevent health care premiums skyrocketing for roughly 22 million Americans. Some moderate Republicans are willing to temporarily extend Obamacare subsidies but others are not. As part of the deal that ended the government shutdown Republican Senate Leader John Thune agreed to hold a vote in mid-December on extending the Obamacare subsidies. If the enhanced subsidies lapse as scheduled, premiums are expected to soar 114%, on average, according to KFF, a nonpartisan health policy research group. A 60-year-old couple making $85,000 could have to pay $20,000 more annually for coverage.

FEMA chief resigns

The acting head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will step down after hurricane season following months of public controversy and internal frustration. David Richardson submitted a resignation letter to the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees FEMA, giving two weeks’ notice, the department told CNN. However, plans were already in the works at the agency to oust him from the role, three sources told CNN. Richardson, a loyalist to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, was tapped to lead FEMA even though he lacked experience in disaster management. Trump loyalist Karen Evans, who is now FEMA’s chief of staff, will replace Richardson. A DHS spokesperson said in a statement that Evans will will start in her new role on December 1.

Gaza plan approved by Security Council

The U.N. Security Council has approved a U.S.-backed plan that aims to implement a more sustainable peace in Gaza. On Monday, the council passed the U.S.-drafted resolution, which includes the establishment of a so-called “Board of Peace” as a transitional authority. The resolution states that the board will oversee the disarmament of Hamas and other factions — a key Israeli demand — and the reconstruction of Gaza. President Trump wrote on his social media site that he will chair the board, which will include “the most powerful and respected Leaders throughout the World.” The resolution also contains a reference to Palestinian statehood, but does not provide a timeline.

Judge raises possibility of throwing out case against Comey

A federal judge has found problems with the Justice Department’s handling of the case Donald Trump wanted to bring against former FBI Director James Comey, raising the possibility that interim U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan may have botched the grand jury proceeding and the indictment could be tainted. “The record points to a disturbing pattern of profound investigative missteps, missteps that led an FBI agent and a prosecutor to potentially undermine the integrity of the grand jury proceeding,” Magistrate Judge William Fitzpatrick of the Eastern District of Virginia wrote in an opinion released Monday. Fitzpatrick’s finding that Comey’s rights may have been violated with the use of the evidence collected in another investigation more than five years ago sets the table for Comey’s team to make a more robust challenge of the indictment and ask the court to dismiss the case.