Originally published at: https://peakprosperity.com/daily-digest/bidens-autopen-used-without-approval-ghislaine-maxwell-willing-to-testify-about-epsteins-network/
US Politics
A report from The New York Times stated that White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients approved the use of President Biden’s autopen, including for Dr. Fauci, without direct presidential consent. Emails cited in the report indicate staffers managed pardon lists without individual approval from Biden, leading to an Oversight Committee investigation. Key aides have not responded to related questions, per the report. Some are defending the practice, stating that the autopen is a common tool across administrations and that Biden was involved in the decision-making process.
Separately, Ghislaine Maxwell, serving a 20-year sentence for child sex trafficking linked to Jeffrey Epstein, is reportedly willing to testify before Congress about his network, though no official request has been confirmed. Some Republicans are said to oppose her testimony, while the Department of Justice has stated that no further prosecutions related to Epstein are planned, leaving questions about his files unresolved. The DOJ has reiterated that there is no official Epstein ‘client list’ and maintains his death was a suicide.
Economy
Congress is set to hold “Crypto Week” starting July 14, focusing on three blockchain-related bills. The Digital Asset Market Clarity Act aims to define regulatory roles for the SEC and CFTC, the GENIUS Act proposes strict reserve requirements for stablecoin issuers, and the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act reportedly seeks to prevent the Federal Reserve from issuing a central bank digital currency due to privacy concerns. Bipartisan support and lobbying from companies like Coinbase are reported to be driving the bills, though some observers express doubt about passing all three in one week, citing potential risks of deregulation. Critics, including Senator Elizabeth Warren, warn that the Clarity Act could allow major firms to evade SEC oversight, posing risks to investors.
In other news, a federal judge in Texas overturned a Biden-era rule banning medical debt from credit reports, ruling that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau exceeded its authority. Trade groups supported the decision, while advocacy organizations expressed concern over potential financial harm to individuals with medical debt. Groups like the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty have criticized the ruling, arguing it could disproportionately burden those facing health crises.
Health
Millions of Americans may be at risk from arsenic levels in rice, with over 25% of products exceeding FDA limits for infant cereal, according to a report by Healthy Babies Bright Futures (HBBF). The report indicates that brown rice from the southeastern U.S. has the highest arsenic levels, while California white rice and varieties like Indian basmati show lower levels. Cooking rice in excess water and draining it can reduce arsenic content by up to 60%, per the report. The HBBF also notes that infants in Asian American and Latino communities may face higher exposure due to dietary patterns. The U.S. Rice Producers Association, however, has stated that arsenic levels in most rice are within acceptable limits for consumers and emphasized ongoing efforts to improve farming practices to reduce contamination.
Energy
ExxonMobil has accessed up to 1 million barrels of crude from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to prevent disruptions at its Baton Rouge refinery, one of the largest in the U.S., as authorized by the Department of Energy (DOE). The DOE states that the move addresses issues with contaminated Mars crude from the Gulf of Mexico, which reportedly contains high zinc levels that could damage refinery equipment. Exxon has reduced production and attempted to resell affected cargoes, according to reports. The DOE clarifies that this loan aims to maintain fuel supply stability during peak demand, with Exxon required to return the borrowed oil plus additional barrels at no cost to taxpayers. Environmental groups, such as the Sierra Club, have raised concerns about using the SPR for corporate issues, arguing it should be reserved for national emergencies.
Geopolitics
Ukraine faced a significant overnight assault from Russia, with over 620 drones and missiles launched, resulting in at least six deaths and dozens of injuries in regions including Chernivtsi and Lviv, according to Ukrainian officials. President Zelensky stated that decoy drones were used to overwhelm defenses and emphasized the need for advanced anti-air systems like U.S. Patriots. The Russian Ministry of Defense, however, claimed the operation targeted military infrastructure and denied indiscriminate civilian attacks.
Meanwhile, Senator Lindsey Graham predicted a notable increase in weapons shipments to Ukraine under President Trump in the coming days, citing nearly $4 billion in Presidential Drawdown Authority. Graham also mentioned potential tariffs and sanctions on Russia, as well as increased European support. NATO discussions in Washington this week may address further arms transfers, according to sources familiar with the talks. Some U.S. officials, as reported by The New York Times, caution that increased shipments could prolong the conflict and risk deeper U.S. involvement.
Sources
U.S. Rice Contamination: Millions Exposed to Dangerous Arsenic Levels
More than 1 in 4 rice products sold in the U.S. now exceed the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) arsenic limit for infant cereal.
Source | Submitted by Barbara
Exxon Taps Strategic Petroleum Reserve to Dodge Refinery Crisis Amid Contaminated Crude Woes
Under the exchange agreement, DOE will provide up to 1 million barrels of crude oil from the SPR.
Federal Judge Strikes Down Biden-Era Ban on Medical Debt in Credit Reports
“People who get sick shouldn’t have their financial future upended.”
Senator Graham Predicts Record Weapons Surge to Ukraine Under Trump in Coming Days
I expect in the coming days you will see weapons flowing at a record level to help Ukraine defend themselves.
Ukraine Under Siege: Six Dead as Russia Unleashes Over 620 Drones and Missiles in Overnight Assault
“Russia continues its strategy of terror, striking specific cities and regions with concentrated attacks.”
‘Crypto Week’ in Congress: Can Three Pivotal Blockchain Bills Make the Cut?
America is ready for crypto.
Biden Autopen Scandal Deepens: White House Chief of Staff Approved Pardons Without President’s Direct Consent
“I made every decision,” Biden insisted during his phone interview with The Times.
Ghislaine Maxwell Ready to Expose Epstein’s ‘Truth’—Why Are Republicans Blocking Her Testimony?
Ghislaine would be willing to speak before Congress and tell her story.
In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: Healthy Babies Bright Futures (HBBF) Report, U.S. Rice Producers Association, New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty, Sierra Club, Russian Ministry of Defense, The New York Times, Senator Elizabeth Warren, The White House, and Department of Justice.
