Originally published at: https://peakprosperity.com/daily-digest/newsom-declares-state-of-emergency-government-shutdown-looming/
Health
California has declared a state of emergency as the bird flu, or H5N1, spreads, with the first severe U.S. case reported in Louisiana. Governor Gavin Newsom’s proclamation aims to provide resources and flexibility to combat the outbreak, although the risk to the public is considered low. The state has implemented measures such as distributing protective gear to dairy workers and recalling raw milk products. With 61 human cases nationwide, primarily among agricultural workers, efforts are focused on preventing further spread. Despite these measures, there have been no confirmed cases of human-to-human transmission, according to the California Department of Public Health.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s new regulations requiring dairy cattle to be tested for bird flu have sparked debate. Despite no recorded cases of bird flu transmission through milk, the USDA has allocated $200 million for testing, with additional emergency funding set aside. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack states that mandatory testing will enhance safety and control the virus’s spread. However, some critics question the necessity and financial implications of these measures, given the absence of milk-related infections. Supporters, including the World Health Organization, argue that vigilance against zoonotic diseases is crucial for global health.
Environment
The global agricultural landscape is encountering challenges as soil degradation reportedly threatens to increase grocery prices. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, 33% of the Earth’s soils are already degraded, with projections suggesting that over 90% could be compromised by 2050. This degradation, attributed to overfarming, climate change, and deforestation, is leading to reduced crop yields and increased reliance on fertilizers. The U.S. reportedly loses billions of metric tons of topsoil annually, costing $67 billion each year. Solutions such as regenerative agriculture and sustainable practices like cover cropping and reduced tillage are being proposed to restore soil health and stabilize food prices. Additionally, the European Commission has launched an initiative to promote soil health, acknowledging the economic implications of soil health on food prices.
US Politics
In the political sphere, a new omnibus spending bill has sparked debate over congressional immunity and government spending. The bill includes a provision granting Congress members immunity from subpoenas for electronic records, raising concerns about accountability. Some critics argue this could undermine principles of responsible governance. Additionally, the bill has faced criticism for its extensive provisions, including funding for biolabs and a pay raise for Congress, which some view as unjustified given the current economic climate. There are bipartisan concerns about this provision, with some members of Congress considering amendments to address these issues.
The spending bill has also faced criticism for blocking RFK Jr. from updating vaccine injury protocols. The bill stipulates that the Vaccine Injury Table cannot be revised to include new vaccines until at least one application is approved, potentially affecting compensation for vaccine-related injuries. This move has been criticized by some as a hindrance to public health transparency and accountability. However, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services states that the amendment aims to ensure vaccines are thoroughly evaluated before being added to the table.
As the government addresses these issues, the potential for a shutdown is present. House Speaker Mike Johnson is considering a “clean” Continuing Resolution to fund the government, excluding contentious provisions. This approach has met resistance from both sides of the aisle, with some Republicans demanding adherence to the 72-hour rule for reviewing the bill. The bill’s provisions, including disaster relief and agricultural funding, have been criticized for their perceived lack of transparency and rushed process. Critics, including Elon Musk, have expressed concern over the government’s spending habits, urging a more streamlined approach.
Sources
Soil Crisis: The Hidden Culprit Behind Rising Grocery Prices
Healthy soil is the foundation of our food security, yet it is increasingly vulnerable to erosion, nutrient loss, and climate change.
Source | Submitted by Shplad
USDA’s New Dairy Regulations: Testing Cows for Bird Flu Sparks Controversy
The latest crackdown on dairy farms comes from new regulations by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that demand dairy cattle be tested for the bird flu or H5N1.
Source | Submitted by bcoop
California Declares State of Emergency as Bird Flu Spreads, First Severe U.S. Case Reported in Louisiana
Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency Wednesday in response to rising cases of bird flu, the same day the U.S. Centers for Disease Control confirmed a person in Louisiana had been hospitalized with a ‘‘severe’’ case of the disease.
Source | Submitted by Jane B
Congressional Immunity: The House’s Bold Bid for Unchecked Power
This is transparently an attempt to stymie and eliminate accountability, stop all existing investigations dead in their tracks, and prevent any new ones from being brought.
Source | Submitted by richcabot
Government Funding Bill Sparks GOP Outrage Over ‘Pork-Filled’ Provisions and Pay Raises Amid Shutdown Threats
The 1,547 page funding bill includes an extension for the Global Engagement Center—a massive contributor within the Censorship Industrial Complex, who pressured social media companies to censor Americans.
Congress’s $100 Billion Holiday Shopping Spree: A Gift of Controversy and Criticism
Congress just got caught trying to put over $100 billion on our credit card.
RFK Jr. Blocked from Updating Vaccine Injury Protocols in New Spending Bill
The spending bill would have blocked RFK, Jr., from updating his HHS protocol on vaccine injuries.
In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: The Guardian, World Health Organization (WHO), California Department of Public Health, Politico, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and Elon Musk on X.