<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/11/15/nebraska-abortion-rights-petition-language-aims-for-viability-standard/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Nebraska advocates seeking to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution chose language for a potential ballot initiative that would create a constitutional right to an abortion until a fetus is viable outside of the womb.

This push for viability language moves the local abortion debate beyond the appropriate number of weeks after which abortion should be banned and shifts it to a possible 2024 vote on whether it should be banned at a vague time later in a pregnancy.

The language also would keep abortion legal to protect the health and life of the mother. Nebraska law includes similar protections secured through legislative negotiations. An amendment would preserve them constitutionally.

Ashlei Spivey of Protect Our Rights, the Nebraska group pushing for the changes, said the language “is informed both by medical experts and where most Nebraskans are on this issue.” Spivey is executive director of I Be Black Girl. Protect Our Rights is hosting a campaign kickoff Thursday in Omaha.

“Unlike the state officials working to totally ban abortion, we’re elevating the voices and lived experiences of Nebraskans who believe that pregnant people should be able to access needed care with compassion and privacy, free from political interference. This amendment will ensure that these personal decisions stay with Nebraskans — not politicians,” she said.

Proponents of the constitutional change will need to gather more than 120,000 signatures from registered voters, or about 10%. They would also need signatures from at least 5% of registered voters in at least 38 of the state’s 93 counties.

Local advocates for additional abortion restrictions, including the Nebraska Catholic Conference, Nebraska Right to Life and the Nebraska Family Alliance, have argued Nebraskans would not approve language allowing abortion to viability.

Each has described such pushes elsewhere as “extreme.” The three groups of abortion opponents issued a joint statement Wednesday.

“Under this extreme amendment, a girl who is not old enough to get her ears pierced or get a tattoo on her own will be able to obtain an abortion without a parent ever knowing,” said Karen Bowling, executive director of Nebraska Family Alliance. “This evisceration of parental rights will concern every mom and dad in Nebraska. Women and children deserve real compassionate care, not lies from the abortion industry.”

Polling on abortion in Nebraska has been mixed depending on who asks the question and phrasing, but a majority surveyed have supported keeping abortion legal. The inflection point often concerns how late into a pregnancy abortion is allowed.

Defining fetal viability is difficult after years of improving medical care. However, most medical experts who have testified in other states about similar legal language have said a fetus becomes viable about 23 weeks into a pregnancy.

Nebraska was one of the first states to outlaw abortions 20 weeks after fertilization, which is 22 weeks gestation, while Roe v. Wade was law. Lawmakers tried to pass a ban last session after a required ultrasound detects embryonic cardiac activity, at about six weeks. It fell one vote short.

In the end, lawmakers passed a 12-week gestational age ban after combining it with legislation restricting some health care for trans minors. The new restrictions effectively ban abortion 9 to 10 weeks after fertilization, with some exceptions.

The Nebraska push to protect abortion is part of a national trend since Dobbs, even in red states. Ohio&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2023/11/07/ohio-voters-pass-issue-1-constitutional-amendment-to-protect-abortion-and-reproductive-rights/">passed a similar amendment</a>&nbsp;allowing abortion until viability. Kansas voters&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/08/02/kansas-voters-defeat-abortion-amendment-in-unexpected-landslide-1/">preserved constitutional language</a>&nbsp;keeping abortion legal.

In other states that have put similar language on the ballot, these campaigns for and against abortion language often draw millions of dollars in outside spending.

Gov. Jim Pillen, during a press conference on a legislative appointment, said he would oppose the initiative with everything he has. He said Nebraskans would not embrace it.

He described the language as “very vague and open” and said he worries that doctors and patients might stretch the definition deeper into a pregnancy than people think.

“I was proud to sign that bill into law, and I will continue to fight to save as many babies’ lives as possible from abortion, including by working to defeat this initiative,” he said.

Several state senators, including advocates for abortion rights and opponents, said they had no immediate comment because they were trying to digest the proposed language.

Some said they needed to speak to staffers about whether the Legislature would have to define viability as a legal term if the changes were adopted. Others questioned how much the viability standard could vary from doctor to doctor.

State Sen. Joni Albrecht of Thurston, who proposed the cardiac ban, said she and other abortion opponents would work to let people know the downsides of the potential language.

She called on people to reject language that would allow “late-term abortion throughout pregnancy, eliminate health and safety standards” and put Nebraska’s parental notification law at risk.

State Sen. Jen Day of Omaha said she was “excited to hear that Nebraska voters will have an opportunity to join the other states who have passed similar measures since the Dobbs decision.”

“Nebraskans deserve better than the government interfering in their most intimate, life-altering healthcare decisions, and I look forward to a positive victory in protecting the privacy, the liberty, the health, and the lives of Nebraskans,” she said.

State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair, who authored the 12-week gestation ban, said he thought Nebraskans had found a compromise with his law.

He said the bill “we passed last year was reasonable, popular among the people of Nebraska.”

Abortion rights advocates in Nebraska disagreed at the time, including Planned Parenthood Advocates of Nebraska’s Andi Curry Grubb. She and others have said the shorter ban put women’s health in peril, forcing women to seek reproductive care in other states.

Hansen and Albrecht stressed the exceptions for the life of the mother and rape and incest, and said what is happening with the petition effort in Nebraska is part of a broader national campaign.

“This is something they’ve done in other red states,” Hansen said. Of the potential amendment, he added, “They’re actually moving the goalposts farther than we had before, past 20 weeks.”

Dr. Emily Patel, a maternal fetal medicine specialist in Omaha, said the new language is quite similar to the state’s longtime ban that took effect 20 weeks after fertilization because it went into effect at 22 weeks gestation. Medical viability usually runs between 22 and 24 weeks, she said.

She said the amendment language would offer clarity to her and other doctors concerned by what some described as ambiguous language in the state’s new 12-week gestational age ban.

“It’s allowing patients and physicians to make decision about their medical care and about their pregnancies in the context of what’s going on in the pregnancy…,” Patel said of the possible amendment. “We really need to put that trust back in our patients and our providers.”

Nebraska Examiner reporter Zach Wendling contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700158738217.jpeg" alt=" Emotions flared after the U.S. Supreme Court last year struck down the constitutional right to abortion. Omahans rallied in support of abortion rights at Memorial Park in the wake of the court decision. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> Emotions flared after the U.S. Supreme Court last year struck down the constitutional right to abortion. Omahans rallied in support of abortion rights at Memorial Park in the wake of the court decision. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Aaron Sanderford<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/11/15/nebraska-abortion-rights-petition-language-aims-for-viability-standard/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Nebraska advocates seeking to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution chose language for a potential ballot initiative that would create a constitutional right to an abortion until a fetus is viable outside of the womb.This push for viability language moves the local abortion debate beyond the appropriate number of weeks after which abortion should be banned and shifts it to a possible 2024 vote on whether it should be banned at a vague time later in a pregnancy.The language also would keep abortion legal to protect the health and life of the mother. Nebraska law includes similar protections secured through legislative negotiations. An amendment would preserve them constitutionally.Ashlei Spivey of Protect Our Rights, the Nebraska group pushing for the changes, said the language “is informed both by medical experts and where most Nebraskans are on this issue.” Spivey is executive director of I Be Black Girl. Protect Our Rights is hosting a campaign kickoff Thursday in Omaha.“Unlike the state officials working to totally ban abortion, we’re elevating the voices and lived experiences of Nebraskans who believe that pregnant people should be able to access needed care with compassion and privacy, free from political interference. This amendment will ensure that these personal decisions stay with Nebraskans — not politicians,” she said.Proponents of the constitutional change will need to gather more than 120,000 signatures from registered voters, or about 10%. They would also need signatures from at least 5% of registered voters in at least 38 of the state’s 93 counties.<h2>Pushback on language as ‘extreme’</h2>Local advocates for additional abortion restrictions, including the Nebraska Catholic Conference, Nebraska Right to Life and the Nebraska Family Alliance, have argued Nebraskans would not approve language allowing abortion to viability.Each has described such pushes elsewhere as “extreme.” The three groups of abortion opponents issued a joint statement Wednesday.“Under this extreme amendment, a girl who is not old enough to get her ears pierced or get a tattoo on her own will be able to obtain an abortion without a parent ever knowing,” said Karen Bowling, executive director of Nebraska Family Alliance. “This evisceration of parental rights will concern every mom and dad in Nebraska. Women and children deserve real compassionate care, not lies from the abortion industry.”Polling on abortion in Nebraska has been mixed depending on who asks the question and phrasing, but a majority surveyed have supported keeping abortion legal. The inflection point often concerns how late into a pregnancy abortion is allowed.<h2>Fetal viability standard vs. weeks</h2>Defining fetal viability is difficult after years of improving medical care. However, most medical experts who have testified in other states about similar legal language have said a fetus becomes viable about 23 weeks into a pregnancy.Nebraska was one of the first states to outlaw abortions 20 weeks after fertilization, which is 22 weeks gestation, while Roe v. Wade was law. Lawmakers tried to pass a ban last session after a required ultrasound detects embryonic cardiac activity, at about six weeks. It fell one vote short.In the end, lawmakers passed a 12-week gestational age ban after combining it with legislation restricting some health care for trans minors. The new restrictions effectively ban abortion 9 to 10 weeks after fertilization, with some exceptions.The Nebraska push to protect abortion is part of a national trend since Dobbs, even in red states. Ohio&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2023/11/07/ohio-voters-pass-issue-1-constitutional-amendment-to-protect-abortion-and-reproductive-rights/">passed a similar amendment</a>&nbsp;allowing abortion until viability. Kansas voters&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/08/02/kansas-voters-defeat-abortion-amendment-in-unexpected-landslide-1/">preserved constitutional language</a>&nbsp;keeping abortion legal.In other states that have put similar language on the ballot, these campaigns for and against abortion language often draw millions of dollars in outside spending.Gov. Jim Pillen, during a press conference on a legislative appointment, said he would oppose the initiative with everything he has. He said Nebraskans would not embrace it.He described the language as “very vague and open” and said he worries that doctors and patients might stretch the definition deeper into a pregnancy than people think.“I was proud to sign that bill into law, and I will continue to fight to save as many babies’ lives as possible from abortion, including by working to defeat this initiative,” he said.Several state senators, including advocates for abortion rights and opponents, said they had no immediate comment because they were trying to digest the proposed language.Some said they needed to speak to staffers about whether the Legislature would have to define viability as a legal term if the changes were adopted. Others questioned how much the viability standard could vary from doctor to doctor.<h2>Some quick reactions</h2>State Sen. Joni Albrecht of Thurston, who proposed the cardiac ban, said she and other abortion opponents would work to let people know the downsides of the potential language.She called on people to reject language that would allow “late-term abortion throughout pregnancy, eliminate health and safety standards” and put Nebraska’s parental notification law at risk.State Sen. Jen Day of Omaha said she was “excited to hear that Nebraska voters will have an opportunity to join the other states who have passed similar measures since the Dobbs decision.”“Nebraskans deserve better than the government interfering in their most intimate, life-altering healthcare decisions, and I look forward to a positive victory in protecting the privacy, the liberty, the health, and the lives of Nebraskans,” she said.State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair, who authored the 12-week gestation ban, said he thought Nebraskans had found a compromise with his law.He said the bill “we passed last year was reasonable, popular among the people of Nebraska.”Abortion rights advocates in Nebraska disagreed at the time, including Planned Parenthood Advocates of Nebraska’s Andi Curry Grubb. She and others have said the shorter ban put women’s health in peril, forcing women to seek reproductive care in other states.Hansen and Albrecht stressed the exceptions for the life of the mother and rape and incest, and said what is happening with the petition effort in Nebraska is part of a broader national campaign.“This is something they’ve done in other red states,” Hansen said. Of the potential amendment, he added, “They’re actually moving the goalposts farther than we had before, past 20 weeks.”Dr. Emily Patel, a maternal fetal medicine specialist in Omaha, said the new language is quite similar to the state’s longtime ban that took effect 20 weeks after fertilization because it went into effect at 22 weeks gestation. Medical viability usually runs between 22 and 24 weeks, she said.She said the amendment language would offer clarity to her and other doctors concerned by what some described as ambiguous language in the state’s new 12-week gestational age ban.“It’s allowing patients and physicians to make decision about their medical care and about their pregnancies in the context of what’s going on in the pregnancy…,” Patel said of the possible amendment. “We really need to put that trust back in our patients and our providers.”Nebraska Examiner reporter Zach Wendling contributed to this report.

Nebraska abortion rights petition language aims for viability standard

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Today, Governor Jim Pillen issued the following statement in response to the Planned Parenthood-backed pro-abortion ballot initiative language released today:&nbsp;

LINCOLN, NE&nbsp;– Today, Governor Jim Pillen issued the following statement in response to the Planned Parenthood-backed pro-abortion ballot initiative language released today:&nbsp;

Governor Pillen Provides Statement in Response to the Planned Parenthood Ballot Initiative

LINCOLN, NE –&nbsp;Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced his appointment of Fred Meyer to serve as the representative for District 41 in the Nebraska Legislature. He will fill the seat and complete the term of Senator Tom Briese, who was appointed by Gov. Pillen as state treasurer. The seat for District 41 has been vacant since Oct. 31.

“Fred has strong community ties and possesses a public servant mentality,” said Gov. Pillen. “He has held positions on many ag and economic development groups. He served on the St. Paul Board of Education and also the State Board of Education where he was elected to two terms following his appointment. Fred will do an excellent job representing the constituents of District 41.”

Secretary of State Bob Evnen administered the oath of office to the newly appointed senator following his remarks. Senator Meyer thanked former Senator Briese, saying it was a privilege to complete the former senator’s term, which will continue through 2024.

Senator Meyer will only serve the remainder of Senator Briese’s term. He does not intend to run for election to that seat in 2025.

“Sen. Briese has done excellent work representing District 41 for the past seven years, in particular, his advocacy for property tax relief,” noted Meyer. “I am humbled that Gov. Pillen appointed me for this role and I look forward to serving in the Legislature.”

LINCOLN, NE –&nbsp;Today, Governor Jim Pillen announced his appointment of Fred Meyer to serve as the representative for District 41 in the Nebraska Legislature. He will fill the seat and complete the term of Senator Tom Briese, who was appointed by Gov. Pillen as state treasurer. The seat for District 41 has been vacant since Oct. 31.“Fred has strong community ties and possesses a public servant mentality,” said Gov. Pillen. “He has held positions on many ag and economic development groups. He served on the St. Paul Board of Education and also the State Board of Education where he was elected to two terms following his appointment. Fred will do an excellent job representing the constituents of District 41.”Secretary of State Bob Evnen administered the oath of office to the newly appointed senator following his remarks. Senator Meyer thanked former Senator Briese, saying it was a privilege to complete the former senator’s term, which will continue through 2024.Senator Meyer will only serve the remainder of Senator Briese’s term. He does not intend to run for election to that seat in 2025.“Sen. Briese has done excellent work representing District 41 for the past seven years, in particular, his advocacy for property tax relief,” noted Meyer. “I am humbled that Gov. Pillen appointed me for this role and I look forward to serving in the Legislature.”

Governor Pillen Announces Appointment for District 41  

WASHINGTON (AP) — It was a meeting a year in the making.

President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-xi-apec-san-francisco-58d11e7e3902955302182c2bc41430e0" target="_blank">sat down together</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday just outside of San Francisco, where Asian leaders gathered for an annual summit. It was almost exactly one year since their last encounter in Bali, Indonesia, on the sidelines of another global gathering.

In addition to a formal bilateral meeting, Biden and Xi shared a lunch with top advisers and strolled the verdant grounds of the luxury estate where their meeting took place.

(Click below to watch the news conference or <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2023/11/16/remarks-by-president-biden-in-a-press-conference-woodside-ca/">click here</a> to read the remarks

Biden said afterwards that the meeting included “some of the most constructive and productive discussions we’ve had.” He added that they will “keep the lines of communication open” and Xi is “willing to pick up the phone” — no small thing in the world of high-risk, high-stakes diplomacy between Washington and Beijing.

In another potential sign of warmer feelings, Xi signaled later in the night that China would send new pandas to the United States after the three at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington were returned earlier this month. In a speech, Xi said he wanted to “deepen the friendly ties between our two peoples.” Xi also said he learned that Americans — particularly children — were “really reluctant” to say goodbye to the rare and popular animals.

Here’s a look at how the rest of the day panned out.

Biden left the meeting with commitments on key issues.

Xi agreed to help curb the production of the illicit fentanyl that is a deadly component of drugs sold in the United States. A senior administration official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a private meeting, said the shift will be a setback for Latin American drug dealers.

“It’s going to save lives, and I appreciated President Xi’s commitment on this issue,” Biden said at a press conference after his meeting.

In addition, Biden and Xi reached an agreement to resume&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-china-military-relations-339980a0d494bcde92905411838808a4" target="_blank">military-to-military communications</a>. That means Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will speak with his Chinese counterpart once someone is named to the job, the official said. Similar engagements will take place up and down the military chain of command.

The official said Biden was “very clear” to Xi that such communications between U.S. and China should be institutionalized and that they are “not done as a gift or as a favor to either side.”

Biden said the U.S. and China would talk more about artificial intelligence as well.

“We’re going to get our experts together and discuss risk and safety issues,” he said.

The agreements helped fulfill the White House’s goal for the meeting — prove to voters that Biden’s dedication to personal diplomacy is paying off.

On Sunday, national security adviser Jake Sullivan told CNN that Biden wanted “practical ways” to show that meeting with Xi can help “defend American interests and also deliver progress on the priorities of the American people.”

Zoe Liu, a fellow for China studies at the Council for Foreign Relations, described the meeting between Biden and Xi as a positive step, albeit an incremental one.

“These agreements will not change the structural challenges in the bilateral relations, but it paves the way for more detailed working-level discussions, which is more important,” she said.

BIDEN PRESSES CHINA TO ACT LIKE A SUPERPOWER IN COOLING GLOBAL TENSIONS

Beijing has long sought to be treated as an equal by Washington, and Biden sought to leverage those ambitions with Xi to address two devastating wars.

In their private session, Biden appealed to Xi to use his influence to try to calm global tensions, particularly to try to pressure Iran not to widen the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

A U.S. official said Biden did most of the talking on the matter, and that Xi mostly listened, and that it was too soon to tell what sort of message China was sending to Tehran and how it was being received.

Biden has also pressed Xi to continue to withhold military support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

A ‘CLEAR-HEADED’ EXCHANGE AND A WARNING ON TAIWAN

Biden and Xi held a “clear-headed” and “not heated” discussion on Taiwan — the most sensitive topic in the relationship with the greatest potential to spiral into wider conflict. Biden said he reaffirmed the United States’ “One China” policy and its belief that any resolution must be peaceful.

“I’m not going to change that,” Biden said. “That’s not going to change.”

He reiterated, though, that the U.S. would continue to arm Taiwan as a deterrent against any attempt by China to use force to reunify the self-governing island with the mainland. The U.S. had maintained strategic ambiguity about whether it would directly intervene to protect Taiwan in the event of an invasion by Beijing.

Xi, a U.S. official said, told Biden he had no plans to invade the island, though Biden chided him for China’s massive military build-up around Taiwan. Biden also called on China to avoid meddling in Taiwan’s elections next year.

Xi arrived in San Francisco at a time of economic challenges back in China, where an aging population and growing debt have hampered its recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Beijing’s description of the meeting, Xi pressed Biden to lift sanctions and change policies on export controls for sensitive equipment.

“Stifling China’s technological progress is nothing but a move to contain China’s high-quality development and deprive the Chinese people of their right to development,” the readout said. “China’s development and growth, driven by its own inherent logic, will not be stopped by external forces.”

There’s no indication that Biden will agree to take such steps. But even the meeting itself could calm jittery nerves back in China, where there have been signs foreign investment is tapering off.

Zhang Lei, a Chinese businessman whose company, Cheche Group, is listed on NASDAQ, said high-level meetings such as the one between Biden and Xi can help assure companies that have been hesitant to invest in China.

“Confrontations don’t work,” he said. “You don’t make money with confrontations.”

Biden and Xi go back years, and Biden often repeats the story of their meetings when they were both vice presidents.

But on Wednesday, it was Xi’s turn to reference their previous encounters during brief public remarks, although he eschewed the embellishments that Biden usually adds to the tale.

“It was 12 years ago,” Xi said. “I still remember our interactions very vividly, and it always gives me a lot of thoughts.”

Biden also emphasized the length of their relationship and the value of their interactions.

“We haven’t always agreed, which was not a surprise to anyone, but our meetings have always been candid, straightforward and useful,” Biden said. He added that “it’s paramount that you and I understand each other clearly, leader to leader, with no misconceptions or miscommunication.”

Bilateral meetings aren’t always conducive to a personal touch, and Biden and Xi were flanked by advisers on opposite sides of a long table. However, a senior administration official said they spoke about their wives, and Biden wished Xi’s wife a happy birthday.

The official, who requested anonymity to discuss a private conversation, said Xi was embarrassed, and he admitted that he had forgotten his wife’s upcoming birthday because he’s been working so hard.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700099093038.png" alt="Biden said afterwards that the meeting included “some of the most constructive and productive discussions we’ve had.”-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>Biden said afterwards that the meeting included “some of the most constructive and productive discussions we’ve had.”-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — It was a meeting a year in the making.President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-xi-apec-san-francisco-58d11e7e3902955302182c2bc41430e0" target="_blank">sat down together</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday just outside of San Francisco, where Asian leaders gathered for an annual summit. It was almost exactly one year since their last encounter in Bali, Indonesia, on the sidelines of another global gathering.In addition to a formal bilateral meeting, Biden and Xi shared a lunch with top advisers and strolled the verdant grounds of the luxury estate where their meeting took place.(Click below to watch the news conference or <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2023/11/16/remarks-by-president-biden-in-a-press-conference-woodside-ca/">click here</a> to read the remarks<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-eyN56bHf9c?si=489IZb8GyKRGEJW1" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Biden said afterwards that the meeting included “some of the most constructive and productive discussions we’ve had.” He added that they will “keep the lines of communication open” and Xi is “willing to pick up the phone” — no small thing in the world of high-risk, high-stakes diplomacy between Washington and Beijing.In another potential sign of warmer feelings, Xi signaled later in the night that China would send new pandas to the United States after the three at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington were returned earlier this month. In a speech, Xi said he wanted to “deepen the friendly ties between our two peoples.” Xi also said he learned that Americans — particularly children — were “really reluctant” to say goodbye to the rare and popular animals.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Mr. President, we have known each other for a long time. We have not always agreed. But our meetings are always candid, straightforward, and useful. Yesterday was no different. Our nations may be in competition, but that doesn&#39;t mean we can&#39;t compete responsibly. <a href="https://t.co/550epPY91b">pic.twitter.com/550epPY91b</a>&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1725188999688413443?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Here’s a look at how the rest of the day panned out.<h2>NEW AGREEMENTS</h2>Biden left the meeting with commitments on key issues.Xi agreed to help curb the production of the illicit fentanyl that is a deadly component of drugs sold in the United States. A senior administration official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a private meeting, said the shift will be a setback for Latin American drug dealers.“It’s going to save lives, and I appreciated President Xi’s commitment on this issue,” Biden said at a press conference after his meeting.In addition, Biden and Xi reached an agreement to resume&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-china-military-relations-339980a0d494bcde92905411838808a4" target="_blank">military-to-military communications</a>. That means Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will speak with his Chinese counterpart once someone is named to the job, the official said. Similar engagements will take place up and down the military chain of command.The official said Biden was “very clear” to Xi that such communications between U.S. and China should be institutionalized and that they are “not done as a gift or as a favor to either side.”Biden said the U.S. and China would talk more about artificial intelligence as well.“We’re going to get our experts together and discuss risk and safety issues,” he said.The agreements helped fulfill the White House’s goal for the meeting — prove to voters that Biden’s dedication to personal diplomacy is paying off.On Sunday, national security adviser Jake Sullivan told CNN that Biden wanted “practical ways” to show that meeting with Xi can help “defend American interests and also deliver progress on the priorities of the American people.”Zoe Liu, a fellow for China studies at the Council for Foreign Relations, described the meeting between Biden and Xi as a positive step, albeit an incremental one.“These agreements will not change the structural challenges in the bilateral relations, but it paves the way for more detailed working-level discussions, which is more important,” she said.<h2>BIDEN PRESSES CHINA TO ACT LIKE A SUPERPOWER IN COOLING GLOBAL TENSIONS</h2>Beijing has long sought to be treated as an equal by Washington, and Biden sought to leverage those ambitions with Xi to address two devastating wars.In their private session, Biden appealed to Xi to use his influence to try to calm global tensions, particularly to try to pressure Iran not to widen the conflict between Israel and Hamas.A U.S. official said Biden did most of the talking on the matter, and that Xi mostly listened, and that it was too soon to tell what sort of message China was sending to Tehran and how it was being received.Biden has also pressed Xi to continue to withhold military support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.<h2>A ‘CLEAR-HEADED’ EXCHANGE AND A WARNING ON TAIWAN</h2>Biden and Xi held a “clear-headed” and “not heated” discussion on Taiwan — the most sensitive topic in the relationship with the greatest potential to spiral into wider conflict. Biden said he reaffirmed the United States’ “One China” policy and its belief that any resolution must be peaceful.“I’m not going to change that,” Biden said. “That’s not going to change.”He reiterated, though, that the U.S. would continue to arm Taiwan as a deterrent against any attempt by China to use force to reunify the self-governing island with the mainland. The U.S. had maintained strategic ambiguity about whether it would directly intervene to protect Taiwan in the event of an invasion by Beijing.Xi, a U.S. official said, told Biden he had no plans to invade the island, though Biden chided him for China’s massive military build-up around Taiwan. Biden also called on China to avoid meddling in Taiwan’s elections next year.<h2>ECONOMIC CHALLENGES</h2>Xi arrived in San Francisco at a time of economic challenges back in China, where an aging population and growing debt have hampered its recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.According to Beijing’s description of the meeting, Xi pressed Biden to lift sanctions and change policies on export controls for sensitive equipment.“Stifling China’s technological progress is nothing but a move to contain China’s high-quality development and deprive the Chinese people of their right to development,” the readout said. “China’s development and growth, driven by its own inherent logic, will not be stopped by external forces.”There’s no indication that Biden will agree to take such steps. But even the meeting itself could calm jittery nerves back in China, where there have been signs foreign investment is tapering off.Zhang Lei, a Chinese businessman whose company, Cheche Group, is listed on NASDAQ, said high-level meetings such as the one between Biden and Xi can help assure companies that have been hesitant to invest in China.“Confrontations don’t work,” he said. “You don’t make money with confrontations.”<h2>IT’S PERSONAL</h2>Biden and Xi go back years, and Biden often repeats the story of their meetings when they were both vice presidents.But on Wednesday, it was Xi’s turn to reference their previous encounters during brief public remarks, although he eschewed the embellishments that Biden usually adds to the tale.“It was 12 years ago,” Xi said. “I still remember our interactions very vividly, and it always gives me a lot of thoughts.”Biden also emphasized the length of their relationship and the value of their interactions.“We haven’t always agreed, which was not a surprise to anyone, but our meetings have always been candid, straightforward and useful,” Biden said. He added that “it’s paramount that you and I understand each other clearly, leader to leader, with no misconceptions or miscommunication.”Bilateral meetings aren’t always conducive to a personal touch, and Biden and Xi were flanked by advisers on opposite sides of a long table. However, a senior administration official said they spoke about their wives, and Biden wished Xi’s wife a happy birthday.The official, who requested anonymity to discuss a private conversation, said Xi was embarrassed, and he admitted that he had forgotten his wife’s upcoming birthday because he’s been working so hard.<h2>___</h2>

🎥 Biden answers questions after visit with China's President

<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/11/15/pillen-appoints-fred-meyer-to-replace-tom-briese-in-nebraska-legislature/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Gov. Jim Pillen has appointed Fred Meyer of St. Paul, a former member of the State Board of Education, to a central Nebraska vacancy in the Legislature.

Meyer succeeds State Sen. Tom Briese of Albion, who was in his seventh year representing Legislative District 41. Briese resigned Oct. 31 to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/10/30/tom-briese-nebraskas-incoming-state-treasurer-eyes-spending-cuts/">step into the role of state treasurer the next day</a>. Meyer and Pillen have agreed the St. Paul resident will fill the final 13 months of Briese’s term, through 2024, but not run for election.

Former Gov. Mike Johanns appointed Meyer to the Board of Education in 1999. He was elected in 2002 and served through 2010, spending multiple years as vice president and president of the board.

“I’m just really excited, and I have a lot to learn,” Meyer said before taking his oath of office. “I have a good team to work with, with the governor’s staff, and I’m ready to get started.”

Sixteen people applied for the vacancy, Pillen said, some that he personally encouraged to apply. Pillen added that when he and Meyer sat down and talked about how they saw the world, they had a similar agreement on many issues.

Secretary of State Bob Evnen, who intersected State Board of Education service with Meyer, said Meyer’s work as president demonstrated great leadership as they didn’t all have the same opinions.

“He was able to lead us forward as a group in a very positive way, and he always was encouraging and supporting me on the state board,” Evnen said. “I am very grateful to you for that.”

In an interview with the Nebraska Examiner, Meyer said he admired lawmakers’ ability to maneuver around roadblocks in the 2023 session, notably months long filibusters.

Meyer said the leadership from Briese as chair of the Executive Board, State Sen. John Arch of La Vista as speaker of the Legislature and others stood out.

“I’m going to concentrate on building relationships and working with senators that are here,” Meyer told the Examiner.

Asked by a reporter about the pending Sports and Spaces Act, Legislative Bill 575, to restrict K-12 bathrooms, locker rooms and sporting rooms to students’ sex at birth, Meyer said the biggest issue right now is a lack of certified teachers.

Meyer said he has also briefly addressed with Pillen the idea of paying student teachers.

“Anything that we can do to encourage more young people to get into education and the state I think are things we need to work on,” Meyer said.

Pillen said he believes the voters of District 41 should decide their next state lawmaker. This includes all of Boone, Greeley, Howard, Sherman, Valley and Wheeler counties and portions of Buffalo and Hall counties.

However, this differs from past Pillen appointments,&nbsp;notably&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/01/12/pillen-as-expected-taps-former-gov-pete-ricketts-to-succeed-sasse-in-senate/">U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts</a>, R-Neb., and Lincoln&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/04/06/pillen-appoints-carolyn-bosn-former-lancaster-county-prosecutor-to-replace-geist-in-legislature/">State Sen. Carolyn Bosn of Lincoln</a>, who succeeded State Sen. Suzanne Geist. Both Ricketts and Geist are running for their respective seats in 2024.

In 2022, prior to Pillen succeeding Ricketts as governor, the two appointed&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/newest-nebraska-state-senator-very-familiar-with-lancaster-county-district/">State Sen. Beau Ballard</a>&nbsp;of Lincoln to succeed Mike Hilgers, who was elected to state attorney general. Ballard is also running in 2024.

Pillen had also&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/pillen-accepting-applications-to-replace-state-sen-tom-briese-in-legislature/">sought a candidate for treasurer</a>&nbsp;who would run for a full term in 2026; Briese has&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/10/30/tom-briese-nebraskas-incoming-state-treasurer-eyes-spending-cuts/">not publicly committed</a>&nbsp;either way.

At least two constituents have filed as District 41 candidates with the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission: Ethan Clark of Ord and Nadine Bane of Scotia.

Meyer told reporters that he’s 72 years old and he and his wife love their lifestyle. However, out of respect to his wife, Briese and Pillen and to the work started in 2023, Meyer will serve to reinforce ongoing efforts.

“I don’t have any illusions about grandiose things that I can accomplish in a 60-day session,” Meyer said.

Briese’s resignation triggered a slew of procedural changes, including his pending legislation that will carry over to 2024 and his chair on the Executive Board.

Some of Briese’s outstanding proposals that were advanced to the full Legislature are:

Briese had also proposed a constitutional amendment that would lead to the recall of constitutional officers and state senators if voters also approved the measure in 2024 (<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=49774">Legislative Resolution 14CA</a>).

Speaker Arch told the Examiner before Meyer’s ceremony that the Executive Board will decide whether all or some of Briese’s legislation can be picked up next year and determine who could do so. This could include Meyer.

Arch said the Executive Board will also revise committee assignments later this year and assign Meyer accordingly. Briese served on the Revenue and Education Committees.

State Sen. Ray Aguilar of Grand Island, vice chair of the Executive Board, is serving as acting chair. Arch said Aguilar has expressed interest in the chair position.

The Executive Board chair and vice chair positions are elected by the Legislature’s full membership, which will occur in January. If Aguilar is elevated to chair, there would be a second election for vice chair.

GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700145335726.jpeg" alt="Gov. Jim Pillen, at left, listens to newly appointed State Sen. Fred Meyer of St. Paul, at center, speak in the Warner Chamber of the Nebraska State Capitol on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, in Lincoln. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Jim Pillen, at left, listens to newly appointed State Sen. Fred Meyer of St. Paul, at center, speak in the Warner Chamber of the Nebraska State Capitol on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, in Lincoln. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Zach Wendling<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/11/15/pillen-appoints-fred-meyer-to-replace-tom-briese-in-nebraska-legislature/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Gov. Jim Pillen has appointed Fred Meyer of St. Paul, a former member of the State Board of Education, to a central Nebraska vacancy in the Legislature.Meyer succeeds State Sen. Tom Briese of Albion, who was in his seventh year representing Legislative District 41. Briese resigned Oct. 31 to&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/10/30/tom-briese-nebraskas-incoming-state-treasurer-eyes-spending-cuts/">step into the role of state treasurer the next day</a>. Meyer and Pillen have agreed the St. Paul resident will fill the final 13 months of Briese’s term, through 2024, but not run for election.Former Gov. Mike Johanns appointed Meyer to the Board of Education in 1999. He was elected in 2002 and served through 2010, spending multiple years as vice president and president of the board.“I’m just really excited, and I have a lot to learn,” Meyer said before taking his oath of office. “I have a good team to work with, with the governor’s staff, and I’m ready to get started.”Sixteen people applied for the vacancy, Pillen said, some that he personally encouraged to apply. Pillen added that when he and Meyer sat down and talked about how they saw the world, they had a similar agreement on many issues.<h2>Meyer brings educational background</h2>Secretary of State Bob Evnen, who intersected State Board of Education service with Meyer, said Meyer’s work as president demonstrated great leadership as they didn’t all have the same opinions.“He was able to lead us forward as a group in a very positive way, and he always was encouraging and supporting me on the state board,” Evnen said. “I am very grateful to you for that.”In an interview with the Nebraska Examiner, Meyer said he admired lawmakers’ ability to maneuver around roadblocks in the 2023 session, notably months long filibusters.Meyer said the leadership from Briese as chair of the Executive Board, State Sen. John Arch of La Vista as speaker of the Legislature and others stood out.“I’m going to concentrate on building relationships and working with senators that are here,” Meyer told the Examiner.Asked by a reporter about the pending Sports and Spaces Act, Legislative Bill 575, to restrict K-12 bathrooms, locker rooms and sporting rooms to students’ sex at birth, Meyer said the biggest issue right now is a lack of certified teachers.Meyer said he has also briefly addressed with Pillen the idea of paying student teachers.“Anything that we can do to encourage more young people to get into education and the state I think are things we need to work on,” Meyer said.<h2>Appointment differs from others</h2>Pillen said he believes the voters of District 41 should decide their next state lawmaker. This includes all of Boone, Greeley, Howard, Sherman, Valley and Wheeler counties and portions of Buffalo and Hall counties.However, this differs from past Pillen appointments,&nbsp;notably&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/01/12/pillen-as-expected-taps-former-gov-pete-ricketts-to-succeed-sasse-in-senate/">U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts</a>, R-Neb., and Lincoln&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/04/06/pillen-appoints-carolyn-bosn-former-lancaster-county-prosecutor-to-replace-geist-in-legislature/">State Sen. Carolyn Bosn of Lincoln</a>, who succeeded State Sen. Suzanne Geist. Both Ricketts and Geist are running for their respective seats in 2024.In 2022, prior to Pillen succeeding Ricketts as governor, the two appointed&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/newest-nebraska-state-senator-very-familiar-with-lancaster-county-district/">State Sen. Beau Ballard</a>&nbsp;of Lincoln to succeed Mike Hilgers, who was elected to state attorney general. Ballard is also running in 2024.Pillen had also&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/pillen-accepting-applications-to-replace-state-sen-tom-briese-in-legislature/">sought a candidate for treasurer</a>&nbsp;who would run for a full term in 2026; Briese has&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/10/30/tom-briese-nebraskas-incoming-state-treasurer-eyes-spending-cuts/">not publicly committed</a>&nbsp;either way.At least two constituents have filed as District 41 candidates with the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission: Ethan Clark of Ord and Nadine Bane of Scotia.Meyer told reporters that he’s 72 years old and he and his wife love their lifestyle. However, out of respect to his wife, Briese and Pillen and to the work started in 2023, Meyer will serve to reinforce ongoing efforts.“I don’t have any illusions about grandiose things that I can accomplish in a 60-day session,” Meyer said.<h2>Executive Board, legislation</h2>Briese’s resignation triggered a slew of procedural changes, including his pending legislation that will carry over to 2024 and his chair on the Executive Board.Some of Briese’s outstanding proposals that were advanced to the full Legislature are:<ul>
 <li>Setting a youth minimum wage for employees 14 to 17 years old and a training wage for employees 18 to 20 years old (<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=49885">LB 15</a>).</li><li>Providing universal recognition of workforce licenses from out-of-state and adopting a “fair chance” measure to limit how broadly individuals who were formerly incarcerated can be excluded from state licensure in occupations, according to the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://platteinstitute.org/legislature-considers-2023-version-of-workforce-licensing-reform/">Platte Institute</a>&nbsp;(<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=49705">LB 16</a>).</li><li>Requiring the Nebraska Department of Education to issue guidance for schools wishing to implement a moment of silence during the school day (<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=49754">LB 141</a>).</li><li>Implementing year-round daylight saving time, which would take effect only after the federal government allows states to do so and three neighboring states adopt similar year-round legislation (<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=50086">LB 142</a>).</li>
 </ul>Briese had also proposed a constitutional amendment that would lead to the recall of constitutional officers and state senators if voters also approved the measure in 2024 (<a target="_blank" href="https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=49774">Legislative Resolution 14CA</a>).Speaker Arch told the Examiner before Meyer’s ceremony that the Executive Board will decide whether all or some of Briese’s legislation can be picked up next year and determine who could do so. This could include Meyer.Arch said the Executive Board will also revise committee assignments later this year and assign Meyer accordingly. Briese served on the Revenue and Education Committees.State Sen. Ray Aguilar of Grand Island, vice chair of the Executive Board, is serving as acting chair. Arch said Aguilar has expressed interest in the chair position.The Executive Board chair and vice chair positions are elected by the Legislature’s full membership, which will occur in January. If Aguilar is elevated to chair, there would be a second election for vice chair.GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

Pillen appoints Fred Meyer to replace Tom Briese in Nebraska Legislature

WASHINGTON (AP) — Ending the threat of a government shutdown until after the holidays, Congress gave final approval Wednesday night to a temporary government funding package that pushes a confrontation over the federal budget into the new year.

The Senate met into the night to pass the bill with an 87-11 tally. Nebraska U.S. Senators Deb Fischer and Pete Ricketts voted in favor of the bill along with Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall of Kansas.

The legislation now goes to President Joe Biden for his signature one day after it passed the House on an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-house-republican-speaker-johnson-9cb26b703804a9e82e776e44caedcaa2">overwhelming bipartisan vote</a>. It provides a funding patch into next year, when the House and Senate will be forced to confront — and somehow overcome — their considerable differences over what funding levels should be.

In the meantime, the bill removes the threat of a government shutdown days before funding would have expired.

“This year, there will be no government shutdown,” Senate Majority Leader&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/sen-chuck-schumer">Chuck Schumer</a>&nbsp;said at a news conference after the bill's passage.

The spending package keeps government funding at current levels for roughly two more months while a long-term package is negotiated. It&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-congress-budget-mike-johnson-d942acf1a8b163f0b52f209da42953c6">splits the deadlines</a>&nbsp;for passing full-year appropriations bills into two dates: Jan. 19 for some federal agencies and Feb. 2 for others, creating two deadlines where there will be a risk of a partial government shutdown.

“Everybody is really kind of ready to vote and fight another day,” Republican Whip John Thune, the No. 2 Republican, said earlier Wednesday.

The two-step approach was not favored by many in the Senate, though all but one Democrat and 10 Republicans supported it because it ensured the government would not shut down for now. Sen. Patty Murray, the Washington Democrat who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, voted for the bill but said it would eventually “double the shutdown risk.”

The spending bill also does not include the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-ukraine-israel-budget-3762a0bdf00653e3c8a38175d3c3d3cb">White House’s nearly $106 billion</a>&nbsp;request for wartime aid for Israel and Ukraine, as well as humanitarian funding for Palestinians and other supplemental requests. Lawmakers are likely to turn their attention more fully to that request after the Thanksgiving holiday in hopes of negotiating a deal.

House Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/">Mike Johnson</a>, who crafted the plan, has vowed that he will not support any further stopgap funding measures, known as continuing resolutions. He portrayed the temporary funding bill as setting the ground for a spending “fight” with the Senate next year.

The new speaker, who told reporters this week that he counted himself among the “arch-conservatives” of the House, is pushing for deeper spending cuts. He wanted to avoid lawmakers being forced to consider a massive government funding package before the December holidays — a tactic that incenses conservatives in particular.

But Johnson is also facing pushback from other hardline conservatives who wanted to leverage the prospect of a government shutdown to extract steep cuts and policy demands.

Many of those conservatives were among a group of 19 Republicans who defied Johnson Wednesday to prevent floor consideration of an appropriations bill to fund several government agencies.

GOP leaders called off the week's work after the vote, sending lawmakers home early for Thanksgiving. It capped a period of intense bickering among lawmakers.

“This place is a pressure cooker,” Johnson said Tuesday, noting that the House had been in Washington for 10 weeks straight.

The House GOP's inability to present a united front on funding legislation could undercut the Louisiana congressman's ability to negotiate spending bills with the Senate.

Republicans are demanding that Congress work out government funding through 12 separate bills, as the budgetary process requires, but House leadership has so far been forced to pull two of those bills from the floor, seen another rejected on a procedural vote and struggled to win support for others.

When it returns in two weeks, Congress is expected to focus on the Biden administration's requests for Ukraine and Israel funding. Republican senators have demanded that Congress pass immigration and border legislation alongside additional Ukraine aid, but a bipartisan Senate group working on a possible compromise has struggled to find consensus.

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell in a floor speech pledged that Republicans would continue to push for policy changes on the U.S. border with Mexico, saying it is “impossible to ignore the crisis at our southern border that’s erupted on Washington Democrats’ watch.”

One idea floating among Republicans is directly tying Ukraine funding levels with decreases in the number of illegal border crossings. It showed how even longtime supporters of Ukraine’s defense against Russia are willing to hold up the funding to force Congress to tackle an issue that has flummoxed generations of lawmakers: U.S. border policy.

Most Senate Republicans support the Ukraine funding, said Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., but he added, “It is secondary to securing our own border."

But the U.S. is already trimming some of the wartime aid packages it is sending Ukraine as funds run low, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said from San Francisco, where he accompanied President Joe Biden for a summit of Asia-Pacific leaders.

He said the pot of money available for Ukraine is “withering away, and with it will be a deleterious effect on Ukraine’s ability to continue to defend itself."

Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., said in a statement that he voted against Wednesday's funding package because it did not include aid for Ukraine.

Schumer said the Senate would try to move forward on both the funding and border legislation in the coming weeks, but warned it would require a compromise and implored the House speaker, Johnson, to once again work with Democrats.

“I hope the new speaker continues to choose the bipartisan approach,” Schumer said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700135273249.png" alt="The Senate met into the night to pass the bill with an 87-11 tally. Nebraska U.S. Senators Deb Fischer and Pete Ricketts voted in favor of the bill -photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>The Senate met into the night to pass the bill with an 87-11 tally. Nebraska U.S. Senators Deb Fischer and Pete Ricketts voted in favor of the bill -photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Ending the threat of a government shutdown until after the holidays, Congress gave final approval Wednesday night to a temporary government funding package that pushes a confrontation over the federal budget into the new year.The Senate met into the night to pass the bill with an 87-11 tally. Nebraska U.S. Senators Deb Fischer and Pete Ricketts voted in favor of the bill along with Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall of Kansas.The legislation now goes to President Joe Biden for his signature one day after it passed the House on an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-house-republican-speaker-johnson-9cb26b703804a9e82e776e44caedcaa2">overwhelming bipartisan vote</a>. It provides a funding patch into next year, when the House and Senate will be forced to confront — and somehow overcome — their considerable differences over what funding levels should be.In the meantime, the bill removes the threat of a government shutdown days before funding would have expired.“This year, there will be no government shutdown,” Senate Majority Leader&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/sen-chuck-schumer">Chuck Schumer</a>&nbsp;said at a news conference after the bill's passage.The spending package keeps government funding at current levels for roughly two more months while a long-term package is negotiated. It&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-congress-budget-mike-johnson-d942acf1a8b163f0b52f209da42953c6">splits the deadlines</a>&nbsp;for passing full-year appropriations bills into two dates: Jan. 19 for some federal agencies and Feb. 2 for others, creating two deadlines where there will be a risk of a partial government shutdown.“Everybody is really kind of ready to vote and fight another day,” Republican Whip John Thune, the No. 2 Republican, said earlier Wednesday.The two-step approach was not favored by many in the Senate, though all but one Democrat and 10 Republicans supported it because it ensured the government would not shut down for now. Sen. Patty Murray, the Washington Democrat who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, voted for the bill but said it would eventually “double the shutdown risk.”The spending bill also does not include the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-ukraine-israel-budget-3762a0bdf00653e3c8a38175d3c3d3cb">White House’s nearly $106 billion</a>&nbsp;request for wartime aid for Israel and Ukraine, as well as humanitarian funding for Palestinians and other supplemental requests. Lawmakers are likely to turn their attention more fully to that request after the Thanksgiving holiday in hopes of negotiating a deal.House Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/">Mike Johnson</a>, who crafted the plan, has vowed that he will not support any further stopgap funding measures, known as continuing resolutions. He portrayed the temporary funding bill as setting the ground for a spending “fight” with the Senate next year.The new speaker, who told reporters this week that he counted himself among the “arch-conservatives” of the House, is pushing for deeper spending cuts. He wanted to avoid lawmakers being forced to consider a massive government funding package before the December holidays — a tactic that incenses conservatives in particular.But Johnson is also facing pushback from other hardline conservatives who wanted to leverage the prospect of a government shutdown to extract steep cuts and policy demands.Many of those conservatives were among a group of 19 Republicans who defied Johnson Wednesday to prevent floor consideration of an appropriations bill to fund several government agencies.GOP leaders called off the week's work after the vote, sending lawmakers home early for Thanksgiving. It capped a period of intense bickering among lawmakers.“This place is a pressure cooker,” Johnson said Tuesday, noting that the House had been in Washington for 10 weeks straight.The House GOP's inability to present a united front on funding legislation could undercut the Louisiana congressman's ability to negotiate spending bills with the Senate.Republicans are demanding that Congress work out government funding through 12 separate bills, as the budgetary process requires, but House leadership has so far been forced to pull two of those bills from the floor, seen another rejected on a procedural vote and struggled to win support for others.When it returns in two weeks, Congress is expected to focus on the Biden administration's requests for Ukraine and Israel funding. Republican senators have demanded that Congress pass immigration and border legislation alongside additional Ukraine aid, but a bipartisan Senate group working on a possible compromise has struggled to find consensus.Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell in a floor speech pledged that Republicans would continue to push for policy changes on the U.S. border with Mexico, saying it is “impossible to ignore the crisis at our southern border that’s erupted on Washington Democrats’ watch.”One idea floating among Republicans is directly tying Ukraine funding levels with decreases in the number of illegal border crossings. It showed how even longtime supporters of Ukraine’s defense against Russia are willing to hold up the funding to force Congress to tackle an issue that has flummoxed generations of lawmakers: U.S. border policy.Most Senate Republicans support the Ukraine funding, said Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., but he added, “It is secondary to securing our own border."But the U.S. is already trimming some of the wartime aid packages it is sending Ukraine as funds run low, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said from San Francisco, where he accompanied President Joe Biden for a summit of Asia-Pacific leaders.He said the pot of money available for Ukraine is “withering away, and with it will be a deleterious effect on Ukraine’s ability to continue to defend itself."Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., said in a statement that he voted against Wednesday's funding package because it did not include aid for Ukraine.Schumer said the Senate would try to move forward on both the funding and border legislation in the coming weeks, but warned it would require a compromise and implored the House speaker, Johnson, to once again work with Democrats.“I hope the new speaker continues to choose the bipartisan approach,” Schumer said.

Fischer, Ricketts vote to avert gov't shutdown; funding bill headed to Biden

WASHINGTON (AP) — A U.S. Navy warship shot down a drone that was heading toward the ship as it sailed in the southern Red Sea, U.S. officials said Wednesday.

The USS Thomas Hudner, a naval destroyer, was sailing toward the Bab-el-Mandeb strait when the crew saw the drone, which originated in Yemen. The ship shot down the drone over the water. The officials said the crew took action to ensure the safety of U.S. personnel, and there were no casualties or damage to the ship. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss ongoing military operations.

According to a initial intelligence assessment, the drone was likely targeting the ship, said one of the officials. The U.S. did not directly blame the Iran-backed Houthi rebels for launching the unmanned aircraft. But the early Wednesday incident comes less than a week after Houthis shot down a U.S. drone over the Red Sea. Officials said the MQ-9 Reaper was in international airspace. The Houthis said it was in Yemeni airspace and was shot down by air defenses.

The Houthis have launched at least six aerial attacks against Israel since Oct. 7 and, according to the group’s leader, Abdul Malik al-Houthi, have vowed to target ships operating in the Red Sea.

Another Navy destroyer, the USS Carney, took similar strikes on drones coming from Yemen on Oct. 19. The ship took out three missiles and several drones. It wasn’t certain if they were aimed at Israel. One of the officials said the U.S. does not believe the missiles were aimed at the ship.

The Houthi are staunch foes of Israel and regularly hold huge demonstrations in support of Palestinians, during peacetime and wartime.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696803172229.png" alt="The USS Gerald R. Ford and its approximately 5,000 sailors and deck of warplanes are in the Eastern Mediterranean-photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>The USS Gerald R. Ford and its approximately 5,000 sailors and deck of warplanes are in the Eastern Mediterranean-photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A U.S. Navy warship shot down a drone that was heading toward the ship as it sailed in the southern Red Sea, U.S. officials said Wednesday.The USS Thomas Hudner, a naval destroyer, was sailing toward the Bab-el-Mandeb strait when the crew saw the drone, which originated in Yemen. The ship shot down the drone over the water. The officials said the crew took action to ensure the safety of U.S. personnel, and there were no casualties or damage to the ship. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss ongoing military operations.According to a initial intelligence assessment, the drone was likely targeting the ship, said one of the officials. The U.S. did not directly blame the Iran-backed Houthi rebels for launching the unmanned aircraft. But the early Wednesday incident comes less than a week after Houthis shot down a U.S. drone over the Red Sea. Officials said the MQ-9 Reaper was in international airspace. The Houthis said it was in Yemeni airspace and was shot down by air defenses.The Houthis have launched at least six aerial attacks against Israel since Oct. 7 and, according to the group’s leader, Abdul Malik al-Houthi, have vowed to target ships operating in the Red Sea.Another Navy destroyer, the USS Carney, took similar strikes on drones coming from Yemen on Oct. 19. The ship took out three missiles and several drones. It wasn’t certain if they were aimed at Israel. One of the officials said the U.S. does not believe the missiles were aimed at the ship.The Houthi are staunch foes of Israel and regularly hold huge demonstrations in support of Palestinians, during peacetime and wartime.

US Navy warship shoots down drone over the Red Sea

WOODSIDE, Calif. (AP) — U.S. President Joe Biden and China’s Xi Jinping emerged Wednesday from their first face-to-face meeting in a year vowing to stabilize their fraught relationship and showcasing modest agreements to combat illegal fentanyl and re-establish military communications. But there were still deep differences on economic competition and global security threats.

The two leaders spent four hours together – in meetings, a working lunch and a garden stroll – intent on showing the world that while they are global economic competitors they’re not locked in a winner-take-all faceoff.

“Planet Earth is big enough for the two countries to succeed,” Xi told Biden.

The U.S. president told Xi: “I think it’s paramount that you and I understand each other clearly, leader-to-leader, with no misconceptions or miscommunications. We have to ensure competition does not veer into conflict.”

Their meeting, on the sidelines of the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference, has far-reaching implications for a world grappling with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-trade-asia-us-pacific-economy-tariffs-ddfdbfd267a8dabb1138a8157b7c88ea">economic cross currents</a>, conflicts in the Middle East and Europe, tensions in Taiwan and more.

They reached expected agreements to curb illicit fentanyl production and to reopen military ties, a senior U.S. official said after the meeting ended. Many of the chemicals used to make synthetic fentanyl come from China to cartels that traffic the powerful narcotic into the U.S., which is facing an overdose crisis.

Top military leaders will resume talks, increasingly important particularly as unsafe or&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-south-china-sea-military-jet-bomber-0af848de95db435276e7642a4a401939">unprofessional incidents</a>&nbsp;between the two nations’ ships and aircraft have spiked, said the official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the agreements ahead of Biden's remarks.

The U.S. official described a significant back and forth between the two leaders over Taiwan, with Biden chiding China over its massive military build-up around Taiwan and Xi telling Biden he had no plans to invade the island.

Biden, the official said, said the U.S. was committed to continuing to help Taiwan defend itself and maintain deterrence against a potential Chinese attack, and also called on China to avoid meddling in the island’s elections next year. The official described the Taiwan portion of the talks as “clear-headed” and “not heated.”

Biden also called on Xi to use his influence with Iran to make clear that Tehran, and its proxies, should not take steps that would lead to an expansion of the Israel-Hamas war.

During the exchange on Iran, Biden did most of the talking and Xi mostly listened, according to the U.S official. Foreign Minister Wang Yi has assured the U.S. that the Chinese have communicated concerns to Iran on the matter. But the official said the U.S. has not been able to ascertain how seriously the Iranians are taking concerns raised by Beijing.

According to a statement released by China Central Television, the state broadcaster, Xi was most focused on Taiwan and the U.S. sanctions and restrictions against Chinese products and businesses.

Xi urged the U.S. to support China’s peaceful unification with the self-governed island, calling Taiwan "the most important and most sensitive issue” in the bilateral relations. He also raised Beijing’s concerns over export controls, investment screenings, and sanctions imposed by the U.S., which he said “have severely harmed China’s legitimate interests."

“We hope the U.S. side can seriously treat China’s concerns and take actions to remove unilateral sanctions and provide a fair, just, non-discriminatory environment for Chinese businesses.”

Xi said he and Biden also agreed to establish dialogues on artificial intelligence and stressed the urgency for the two countries to cope with the climate crisis, the state broadcaster reported.

Both leaders acknowledged the importance of their relationship and the need for better coordination. But their differences shone through: Xi indicated he wants better cooperation — but on China's terms. And he sought to project strength to his domestic audience in the face of U.S. policies restricting imports from China and limiting technology transfers to Beijing.

Biden, meanwhile, will also spend time this week in California working to highlight new alliances in the Indo Pacific and efforts to boost trade with other regional leaders.

Xi, speaking through an interpreter, declared it “an objective fact that China and the United States are different in history, culture, social system and development.”

The presidents and their respective aides on trade, the economy, national security and regional diplomacy gathered across from one another at a single long table, the culmination of negotiations between the two leaders' top aides over the past several months. It was Biden and Xi's first conversation of any kind since they met last November in Bali.

They're seeking to build back to a stable baseline after already tense relations took a nosedive following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-united-states-government-china-antony-blinken-51e49202f2a0a50541cde059934c4cfb">the U.S. downing of a Chinese spy balloon</a>&nbsp;that had traversed the continental U.S., and amid differences&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taiwan-apec-chang-lai-china-economy-7963548073776bf839eeb66b66316568">over the self-ruled island of Taiwan</a>, China’s hacking of a Biden official’s emails and other matters.

For Biden, Wednesday's meeting was a chance for the president to do what he believes he does best: in-person diplomacy.

“As always, there's no substitute for face-to-face discussions,” he told Xi. With his characteristic optimism, Biden sketched a vision of leaders who manage competition “responsibly,” adding, "that's what the United States wants and what we intend to do.”

Xi, for his part, was gloomy about the state of the post-pandemic global economy. China’s economy remains in the doldrums, with prices falling due to slack demand from consumers and businesses.

“The global economy is recovering, but its momentum remains sluggish,” Xi said. “Industrial and supply chains are still under the threat of interruption and protectionism is rising. All these are grave problems."

The relationship between China and the U.S. has never been smooth, he said. Still, it has kept moving forward. "For two large countries like China and the United States, turning their back on each other is not an option,” he said.

More pointedly, Xi also suggested it was not up to the U.S. to dictate how the Chinese manage their affairs, saying, “It is unrealistic for one side to remodel the other, and conflict and confrontation has unbearable consequences for both sides.”

Robert Moritz, global chairman for the consulting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers, said business leaders are hoping for signs of more cooperation and a firmer commitment to free trade between the world’s two largest economies following the Biden-Xi talks.

“What we are looking for is a de-escalation and a bringing of the temperature down,” Mortiz said during a CEO summit being held in conjunction with the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum that has brought together leaders from 21 member economies.

“Discussion isn’t good enough, it’s the execution on getting things done” that will matter, he said.

The Biden-Xi meeting and broader summit events attracted protests around San Francisco, but the demonstrations were kept at distance. A large crowd loudly condemning Xi marched from the Chinese Consulate toward the summit venue at the Moscone Center nearly two miles away. Speakers implored the Biden administration to stand up to Xi and China's human rights violations.

Late Wednesday, Xi was to address American business executives at a $2,000-per-plate dinner that will be a rare opportunity for U.S. business leaders to hear directly from the Chinese leader as they seek clarification on Beijing’s expanding security rules that may choke foreign investment.

Foreign companies operating in China say that country's tensions with Washington over technology, trade and other issues and uncertainty over Chinese policies are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-foreign-companies-investment-trade-a47887e2c89050d291ebd169b0989cc4">damaging the business environment</a>&nbsp;and causing some to reassess their plans for investing in the giant market.

Even before Biden and Xi met, there were some signs of a thaw: The State Department on Tuesday announced that the U.S. and China -- two of the world's biggest polluters -- had agreed to pursue efforts to triple renewable energy capacity globally by 2030, through wind, solar and other renewables.

There were also light moments between the two leaders who have logged much time together over the last decade. Biden asked Xi to extend his early birthday wishes to Xi’s wife, who will be celebrating next week. Xi thanked the president for reminding him. The Chinese leader said that he’s been so busy working he had forgotten the big day was nearing.

Biden and Xi held their talks&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/xi-biden-china-us-relations-filoli-787627c22f7825467e8edffafd8b4149">at Filoli Estate,</a>&nbsp;a bucolic country house and museum about 25 miles (40 kilometers) south of San Francisco. The event was carefully staged, Biden first to arrive at the grand estate, then Xi. After their handshake and smiles they sat down with aides for talks that lasted more than two hours.

Next came a working lunch with inner-circle members from both administrations. They ate ravioli, chicken and broccolini, with almond meringue cake and praline buttercream for dessert.

Before they parted, the two strolled the property along a red brick path through impressive topiary and knotted gothic trees. Asked by reporters how the meeting went, the president said “well” and flashed a thumbs up.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed Wednesday to restore some military-to-military communications between their armed forces&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-xi-apec-san-francisco-58d11e7e3902955302182c2bc41430e0">as the two leaders met for hours</a>&nbsp;on the sidelines of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/apec-biden-xi-china-san-francisco-931284ccc2bf1b1dd9a1e437c5fc508f">Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit</a>&nbsp;in San Francisco.

Both sides pledged cooperation that would bring the U.S and China closer to resuming regular talks under what’s known as the Military Maritime Consultative Agreement, which until 2020 had been used to improve safety in the air and on the sea.

A senior U.S. official said after the Biden-Xi meeting ended that the military communication agreements mean that U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin can meet with his Chinese counterpart once that person is named. The official spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity to discuss a private meeting.

This also opens the door for agreements at less-senior levels, including allowing the Hawaii-based commander of U.S. Pacific forces to engage with counterpart theater commanders, the official said. The agreement further will likely mean operational engagements between ship drivers and others at a much lower levels in each country.

Xi said after the meeting that he and Biden agreed to resume high-level military dialogues on the basis of equity and respect, according to a statement released by China Central Television, the state broadcaster.

The agreement comes after U.S. military leaders had expressed repeated concerns about the lack of communications with China, particularly as the number of unsafe or&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-south-china-sea-military-jet-bomber-0af848de95db435276e7642a4a401939">unprofessional incidents</a>&nbsp;between the two nations’ ships and aircraft has spiked.

According to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-south-china-sea-military-jet-bomber-0af848de95db435276e7642a4a401939">Pentagon's most recent report</a>&nbsp;on China's military power, Beijing has “denied, canceled or ignored” military-to-military communications and meetings with the Pentagon for much of last year and this year. The report warns that the lack of such talks “raises the risk of an operational incident or miscalculation spiraling into crisis or conflict.”

The U.S. views military relations with China as critical to avoiding any missteps and maintaining a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-singapore-defense-minister-xiangshan-forum-f5baaacf56ab971fbc1c6d7bdf9e5cfd">peaceful Indo-Pacific</a>&nbsp;region. Here's a look at the often fraught relationship between the U.S. and Chinese militaries.