The president additionally designated the Venezuelan "regime" as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO) and charged government officials with exploiting oil revenues for personal enrichment and funding drug terrorism. This action further amplifies the pressure Trump has applied against Venezuela as Washington attempts to compel Maduro's departure and warns of potential military intervention if he refuses.

Should Trump intend to classify the Maduro government as a foreign terrorist organization – a designation legally implemented by the State Department rather than the White House – Venezuela would become the first country ever to receive such status. Venezuela's government is already "blocked," a measure Trump enacted during his first term that prohibits any US person or entity from conducting business with it, according to the report.

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The Norfolk District Attorney's Office identified the victim as Nuno F.G. Loureiro, a 47-year-old fusion scientist who passed away at a hospital on Tuesday after being shot Monday night in Brookline, Massachusetts, according to the outlet. Per the prosecutor's office, investigators had not taken any suspects into custody as of Tuesday afternoon, and the inquiry is ongoing, AP stated. Despite social media being rife with speculation on Iran potentially being involved in the murder as revenge against Israel's assassination of key scientists from its nuclear program in the 12-day war, there is no credible information on this. Likewise, there is no indication that he was Jewish or that he held pro-Israel views, despite some commentators saying that.

The homicide probe in Brookline comes as police in Providence, Rhode Island, located approximately 50 miles away, continue their search for a gunman responsible for killing two students and injuring nine others at Brown University on Saturday, AP noted. The FBI confirmed on Tuesday that it was aware of no connection between the crimes, according to the report.

Loureiro joined the university in 2016 and was appointed last year to direct the Plasma Science and Fusion Center, a leading facility focused on clean energy advancements, AP reported. The lab employed more than 250 people across seven buildings at the time he took charge, according to the report.

MIT noted that the professor, who was married, was raised in Viseu, central Portugal, and completed his studies in Lisbon before earning a doctorate in London, AP stated. The outlet added that he served as a researcher at a nuclear fusion institute in Lisbon prior to his tenure at the US institution.

Speaking to a campus publication, Dennis Whyte, an engineering professor and former leader of the Plasma Science and Fusion Center, honored his successor, AP reported. "He shone a bright light as a mentor, friend, teacher, colleague and leader, and was universally admired for his articulate, compassionate manner," Whyte said.

AP reported that MIT President Sally Kornbluth described Loureiro's death in a statement as a "shocking loss."

A 22-year-old Boston University student who resides near Loureiro's apartment told The Boston Globe that she heard three loud noises on Monday evening, fearing they were weapon discharges. "I had never heard anything so loud, so I assumed they were gunshots," Liv Schachner said, according to the newspaper. "It's difficult to grasp. It just seems like it keeps happening."

According to The Boston Globe, some of Loureiro's students visited the three-story brick building on Tuesday afternoon to pay their respects, AP noted.

John J. Arrigo, the US ambassador to Portugal, shared an online tribute honoring Loureiro for his leadership and contributions to science, AP reported.

Reflecting on the institute's role upon his appointment to lead the plasma science lab last year, the physicist emphasized its global impact, according to AP. "It's not hyperbole to say MIT is where you go to find solutions to humanity's biggest problems," Loureiro stated. "Fusion energy will change the course of human history."

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The president opened with a reference to the antisemitic attack that occurred during Hanukkah in Sydney, saying it was "an antisemitic attack, exactly what it is," and added that "all nations must stand together against the forces of radical Islamic terror." According to him, the US "joins in mourning the dead and prays for the speedy recovery of the wounded."

Trump then moved to sharp criticism of the American political system, warning of a profound shift in the balance of power. "The Jewish and Israeli lobby used to be the strongest in Washington. That's no longer the case. Today you have to be very careful," he said. According to him, "You have a Congress, especially the House of Representatives, that is becoming antisemitic," and added that there are members of Congress "who don't like Israel. They hate Israel." Trump noted that such a phenomenon would have been "unthinkable 15 years ago."

The president linked the growing antisemitism to the denial of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack. "There are people who deny it even happened – just like they deny the Holocaust. This didn't happen many years ago; this happened now," he said. According to him, he himself was exposed to footage from the attack, and said, "I saw the tapes. I wish I hadn't seen them." Trump emphasized that his administration will not allow the spread of such phenomena, but called on Jews in the US to be vigilant.

During the event, Dr. Miriam Adelson, publisher of Israel Hayom, was invited to the stage. Trump noted that Adelson contributed to his campaign, "indirectly and directly, $250 million," and described her as "an amazing woman, with a wonderful husband, a man who loved Israel." Adelson, in turn, recalled that she came to the Knesset in October specifically "with a scooter... just to hear you, I wanted to hear you live." She later noted that she recently spoke with attorney Alan Dershowitz, who raised with her the legal thing about "four more years," referring to the possibility of a third term for President Trump.

The president then quipped about Adelson, suggesting she offered to give him "another $250 million" if he ran for a third term.

Later in his speech, Trump sent a clear threat to Hamas. "If Hamas plays games, they will be in big trouble," he said, emphasizing that his administration acted decisively to return all the hostages, both living and fallen, and responded to the call of the families of fallen hostages. According to him, this was an effort that even he thought was impossible, but was completed.

Toward the end, the president addressed the Jewish audience directly and said, "You are protected. You are a special people." He concluded with a symbolic message for the holiday. "The Hanukkah story reminds us that light will always triumph over darkness."

Earlier, during a Hanukkah reception at the White House, US President Donald Trump hosted the Neutra and Alexander families, the parents of late Captain Omer Neutra, killed while held hostage by Hamas, and Staff Sergeant Edan Alexander, who was released from Hamas captivity and re-enlisted in the IDF.

According to Ronen Neutra, Omer's father, "President Trump spoke about the release of the hostages with emphasis on the fallen and called us to the stage, where we emphasized that there is still a fallen hostage, Ran Gvili, who must be returned."

Full disclosure: The Adelson family owns the company that is the primary shareholder in Israel Hayom. Dr. Miriam Adelson is the publisher of Israel Hayom.

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The FBI told Fox News that the suspects identified themselves as members of a radical branch of the Turtle Island Liberation Front, or TILF, an extremist group driven by pro-Palestinian, anti law enforcement and anti government ideology. "Turtle Island" is a term used by some Native Americans to describe the territory of the US and North America more broadly, a name that until recently was rarely used and has since been adopted by radical organizations.

According to the FBI, the suspects allegedly planned to carry out coordinated attacks on New Year's Eve using improvised explosive devices aimed at five separate locations across Los Angeles. The agency said the four were arrested in the Lucerne Valley area, where they were believed to be preparing to test explosive devices ahead of the planned attacks. Each of the suspects was charged with conspiracy and possession of an explosive device.

The FBI said on that a fifth individual allegedly linked to the same TILF extremist group was arrested in New Orleans on suspicion of planning a separate attack.

An Instagram account affiliated with TILF reported that its founding chapter is based in Los Angeles and that its goal is to "liberate Turtle Island," a term used by Indigenous activists to refer to North America, from what it calls the "illegal American empire." "Free Palestine. Free Hawaii. Free Puerto Rico," the account said.

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Beginning Wednesday, a department representative stated that all papers must utilize 14-point Times New Roman to satisfy the president's "One Voice for America's Foreign Relations directive," asserting the older style is "more formal and professional."

CNN noted that this decision overturns the Biden administration's 2023 initiative to enhance document accessibility. Then-Secretary of State Antony Blinken originally approved the transition to Calibri following guidance from internal disability and diversity groups.

A December 9 cable sent to US diplomatic outposts, cited by Reuters, declared the adjustment was meant to "restore decorum and professionalism to the Department's written work products and abolish yet another wasteful DEIA program."

Typography experts explain that sans-serif fonts like Calibri lack the extending features of Times New Roman, creating a cleaner look that often aids individuals with dyslexia or vision challenges.

While the Americans with Disabilities Act recommends sans-serif formats, the American Psychological Association permits serif options like Times New Roman, recognizing that modern assistive technologies allow users to adjust display settings.

"Serif typefaces remain the standard in courts, legislatures, and across federal agencies where the permanence and authority of the written record are paramount," the spokesperson explained to CNN.

Lucas de Groot, the original designer of the Calibri typeface, expressed astonishment at the reversal on Wednesday.

In an interview with CNN on the program "What We Know," de Groot remarked, "I was a little bit shocked by the news. I think it's hilarious and also a bit of a sad decision. I mean, Calibri was designed to be very well readable on screen in small sizes."

The creator added that he failed to understand why the font has been categorized as "woke."

"I have no idea," de Groot laughed. "I don't know what the woke thing in it is."

He emphasized that his design philosophy prioritized clarity for people suffering from visual impairments.

"Designing a typeface in general is for me always a task to make it as well readable as possible and also to give it a sympathetic voice, a friendly voice," de Groot told CNN. "I think Times is a step back into the past."

This stylistic pivot coincides with President Donald Trump's targeted dismantling of diversity, equity, and inclusion mandates across federal agencies.

In January, Trump executed an order to eliminate "radical and wasteful government DEI programs and preferencing." While the administration has since sidelined staff working on these initiatives and pressured private companies to follow suit, courts have struck down some measures, specifically regarding DEI in schools, CNN reported.

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Outgoing Mayor Bhalla issued an official statement later in the day, clarifying that the initiative was undertaken at the request of residents of Palestinian descent and that it reflects a longstanding tradition in the city. "I want to be clear that the act of raising this flag is not, in any way, shape or form, intended as a political statement by the City of Hoboken," he wrote. "Celebrating diversity is a part of Hoboken's character." Bhalla emphasized that no one at city hall noticed the sensitive date on which the event was scheduled and that the flag was removed immediately after the matter was brought to his attention. "I want to state unequivocally that this association was not known when the scheduling was approved."

According to reports, the flag was raised in the morning hours and removed later in the day after the city hall received concerned inquiries from residents and community activists. Jabbour, who was elected mayor and will assume office next year, wrote on social media that the decision was made without public discourse. "An official flag raising outside City Hall should be a message of welcome and celebration," she wrote. "However, today we see the consequences of decisions made without broad community dialogue and without any involvement from my council colleagues."

#Hoboken pic.twitter.com/lyj20zUxIH

— Tiffanie Fisher, Councilwoman (@Tiffanie_Fisher) December 9, 2025

She further emphasized that the fact that the flag was raised on the day marking the outbreak of the First Intifada is "insensitive" and pledged to reexamine the city's flag-raising policy in the future.

Jewish City Council member Phil Cohen also addressed the incident. He emphasized that "neither I nor any of my council colleagues were updated about the decision" and noted that "December 9 is the anniversary of the First Intifada, something that would have been revealed had there been more transparency or dialogue with community leaders." According to him, "Had they asked me, I would have urged the mayor not to raise the flag today, especially when the Israeli flag was not raised at city hall this year." Cohen added that he spoke with Mayor-elect Jabbour, and they both agreed there is a need "to rethink flag-raising ceremonies and cultural events, in a transparent and unifying manner for all parts of the community."

Roy Feuerstein, a Hoboken resident, described a large, cohesive, and growing Israeli and Jewish community in the city. According to him, "There is currently an estimate of approximately 400 Israeli families" and he describes entire areas in the city where dozens of families are concentrated. "We live in an area called 'the kibbutz,' we're talking about roughly fifty Israeli families." Feuerstein emphasized that there is extensive community activity such as children's groups, Independence Day events with participation of more than a thousand people, and a close connection that has strengthened since October 7 between Israelis and the local Jewish community. "A kind of connection was created, there is a joint WhatsApp group of Jews and Israelis, and the community is very mobilized."

Regarding the flag incident, Feuerstein recounted that "someone posted a picture that suddenly a Palestinian flag was placed at the City Hall building" without advance notice, which sparked "a flood in all the Israeli groups." He describes a massive outreach from residents to city hall, and after a few hours "suddenly someone announced that the flag came down."

Feuerstein described the community's response as unequivocal. "There was relief because we managed within two to three hours to reverse such a thing." According to him, the incident reflects not local hatred toward Israelis but politics. "This is purely about a mayor thinking about his political career... he finishes this month and moves to be in the county representative in New Jersey, and is trying to court the Arab vote." Roi emphasizes that despite the event, Hoboken is still "a place where the Israeli community is very established, the environment is very supportive" and that it is "a very nice place to live."

Nevertheless, this move continues a series of controversies surrounding flags in the city. In November 2024, a ceremony of raising the PLO flag sparked public debate, and an Israeli flag raised at city hall about two months after October 7 was stolen three times, according to reports in local media.

Ahead of the change of administration at city hall, Jabbour promises to formulate a transparent and clear policy that will prevent recurrence of such incidents and allow Hoboken residents to celebrate their heritage without harming other communities.

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The policy paper opens with sharp criticism of the administrations that preceded Trump. According to the White House, since the end of the Cold War, American "elites" convinced themselves that permanent American dominance worldwide was good for the country but in practice were mistaken. They overestimated Washington's ability to finance both a sprawling welfare state and an enormous military diplomatic machine at the same time, bet on "globalization" and "free trade" that hollowed out the middle class and industrial base, and allowed allies to shift their defense costs onto the American public.

Under the new approach, the United States seeks to remain "the greatest and most successful nation in human history." It aims to protect its own sovereignty and exercise full control over its borders. Among the goals listed are a military that is "the strongest, deadliest and most advanced in the world," a modern nuclear deterrent, a dynamic economy, a robust industrial base and leadership in energy. Abroad, Washington seeks stability in the Western Hemisphere, to keep the Pacific free and open, to support allies in protecting Europe, to prevent any hostile power from dominating the Middle East, and to preserve America's technological leadership in fields such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

The Monroe Doctrine and China

The strategy reasserts the Monroe Doctrine, articulated by President James Monroe in 1823, which held that the Western Hemisphere is the natural sphere of US influence and that any foreign interference would be seen as hostile. Trump adds his own extension to that doctrine that outside competitors must be prevented from controlling strategic assets in the region. This view has been reflected in the administration's public interest in buying Greenland from Denmark, in escalating tensions with Nicolás Maduro's regime in Venezuela, and in friction with Panama over Chinese activity in ports near the canal.

Competition with China also features prominently, though without surprise. Past administrations frequently spoke of a "pivot to Asia" as they shifted strategic attention away from the old Cold War and Middle East theaters toward rising confrontation with Beijing. China is defined as a major economic threat, and the White House promises to end "unfair trade practices," "large scale intellectual property theft and industrial espionage," and "propaganda, influence operations and other forms of cultural subversion."

At the same time, a key goal is preventing military conflict. The document calls for "strong and sustained deterrence to prevent war" in the region and states that "deterring conflict over Taiwan, ideally by maintaining military superiority, is a priority."

"Civilizational erasure"

What has generated the strongest reaction among experts is the section addressing Europe, which sets out what appears to be a US national security interest in Europe's internal political trajectory.

The document warns of Europe's potential "civilizational erasure" and cites several contributing factors. These include policies of the European Union and other multinational bodies that it says undermine political freedom and sovereignty, migration policies that change the continent and fuel tensions, censorship of free speech and suppression of political opposition, collapsing birth rates, and the loss of national identities and self-confidence.

It adds that Washington should work to "cultivate resistance to Europe's current trajectory from within European states." These themes echo the speech US Vice President J. D. Vance delivered at the Munich Security Conference in February, where he said that "the threat that most worries me in the context of Europe is not Russia, not China, not any external actor. What concerns me is the threat from within." Vance also urged European governments to remove the "firewalls" that block parties seen as far right from joining governing coalitions. He met with Alice Weidel, leader of the Alternative for Germany party (AfD). Across Europe, these statements are widely viewed as blatant interference in domestic politics.

Security demands of Europe

The document also addresses more conventional expectations of Europe, chief among them bearing its own defense burden. The White House cites the "Hague Commitment," under which NATO members agreed to raise defense spending to 5 percent of GDP, and calls on Europe "to stand on its own feet and act as a coordinated group of sovereign states, including by taking primary responsibility for its own defense."

In this context, Reuters reported Friday that the Pentagon has presented European governments with a deadline requiring them to assume most of NATO's conventional defense capabilities by 2027, ranging from intelligence capabilities to missile systems. The message was delivered during a meeting in Washington this week between the Pentagon officials overseeing NATO policy and European delegations.

According to the report, American defense officials warned that if Europe fails to meet the deadline, the United States may stop participating in some of the alliance's coordination mechanisms. European officials at the meeting told Reuters the timeline is unrealistic because Europe needs far more than money and political will to replace certain American capabilities in the near term. These include unique intelligence and information gathering assets that proved crucial during the war in Ukraine.

The pressure is already being felt in Europe. In March, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled an 800 billion euro rearmament plan and declared that "we are in an era of rearmament." Germany announced a new recruitment model to expand its military to 260,000 soldiers and Chancellor Friedrich Merz set a goal to make the Bundeswehr "the strongest conventional military in Europe." France also announced the creation of a voluntary military service program for young people.

The document addresses the war in Ukraine as well and defines as a US "core interest" the achievement of a "rapid cessation of hostilities" to stabilize European economies, prevent unintended escalation or broader war, "restore strategic stability with Russia," and allow Ukraine to rebuild "as a viable state." Among Washington's policy objectives is "to end the perception, and prevent the reality, of NATO as an alliance that expands endlessly," a clear signal of US opposition to admitting Ukraine, which has been a central Russian demand.

The Middle East and Israel

The document defines Washington's core regional interests as ensuring that Gulf energy supplies do not fall into hostile hands, that the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea remain open to shipping, that the region does not serve as a platform for exporting terrorism to the United States, and finally and explicitly that "Israel remains secure."

The White House presents the Middle East as a success story for the Trump administration. "The days when the Middle East dominated American foreign policy have fortunately ended," it states. "Not because the Middle East is no longer important, but because it is no longer the constant irritant and source of potential disaster it once was. It is becoming a place of partnership, friendship and investment." The strategy pledges to avoid "endless wars" of nation building, such as in Iraq and Afghanistan, and to encourage reforms "when they grow organically, without trying to impose them from the outside."

Israel appears in the document five times, always in a positive context. Along with defining its security as an American interest, the White House cites the Abraham Accords from Trump's first term as a historic achievement and sets a goal of expanding them "to additional states in the region and the Muslim world." As for the Israeli Palestinian conflict, the document says the situation "remains complicated," but thanks to the ceasefire and the release of hostages that Trump brokered, "progress has been made toward a more lasting peace."

The paper also lists the regional accomplishments the administration credits to itself. These include "Operation Midnight Hammer" in June 2025, which damaged Iran's nuclear enrichment capabilities, "peace between Israel and Iran," the end of the Gaza war and the return of all living hostages to their families. It adds that Iran, described as "the central destabilizing force in the region," has been significantly weakened by Israeli actions since 7 October 2023 and by the American operation.

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Their visit included meetings with about 20 senators and 20 members of the House of Representatives from both the Republican and Democratic parties. "Throughout the entire struggle we insisted on maintaining a nonpolitical approach," the families said. "We worked with the Biden administration during an election year and, after the transition, with the Trump administration as well."

The families also held a reception attended by numerous figures, including leaders of Jewish and evangelical organizations, global groups dedicated to freeing hostages, journalists and advisers who were involved in efforts to secure the return of Omer and Itay and all the remaining hostages. At the White House, they met with members of the National Security Council and the president's adviser on counterterrorism.

"On our way to Washington we visited former president Biden at his home. It was important for us to thank him personally for his dedication to freeing the hostages during his presidency," the families added.

Orna and Ronen Neutra said that, beyond their gratitude, the purpose of the trip was to promote the release of  Ran Gvili, whos remains in the hands of Hamas . "This is deeply important to all of us. We understand the longing and the hope families feel to bring their loved ones home for burial. We explained how much it matters," they said.

Ronen described the difficulty of explaining to American officials why returning fallen soldiers for burial is so significant. "It was not simple to convey the importance of bringing our children home. The case of Hadar Goldin was an example of a wound that remained open in Israeli society. There was no way to leave him there. Hamas has shown they know where everyone is, so why would they not know where Ran Gvili is," he said.

When asked about the next stage of coping with their son's death, the parents said, "We need to begin dealing with our grief. Our mourning was suspended for more than two years. We pushed it aside and did not engage with it because we were occupied around the clock with the fight to free all the hostages, mainly in the US."

"Now that there is a grave in Israel, we need to understand that this is it, that it is final, that Omer has been brought to burial, and that we have moved from being parents of a hostage to bereaved parents," Ronen added.

Asked why they chose to bury Omer in Israel rather than in their Long Island community, the parents said, "There was no hesitation about burying Omer in Israel. Omer loved Israel with every fiber of his being, fought on October 7 and was killed for it."

They explained that their only question was where in Israel he should be laid to rest. "We debated whether to bury him on Mount Herzl, a central site visited by groups from Israel and abroad, or in the Kiryat Shaul military cemetery, which is also highly respected. In the end, we chose Kiryat Shaul because it is more accessible for the family, most of whom live in central Israel."

Regarding their future public activity, the parents said, "We need to make personal decisions about where and how our efforts will shift. Omer was a hostage who in many ways was different from the others because he was an American who grew up in Long Island, chose to immigrate on his own to serve, and became a leader both in New York and as an armored corps officer in the IDF."

They described the inspiration their son continues to provide. "There is an entire community that wants to remember him here and many young people who look up to him. Recently a new garin, a group of lone soldiers in Kibbutz Hanaton in the Lower Galilee, decided to call themselves the Neutra Group in his memory. Twenty eight young men and women, all college graduates, immigrated to Israel and are now enlisting in the army."

"We understand the importance of young Zionist leadership and the critical bond between the US and Israel. Advocacy and leadership development may be areas we choose to pursue in Omer's spirit and in his memory," they concluded.

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The F-35 was developed as part of an international project that included several countries, among them Turkey, but it was removed from the program in 2019 after purchasing S-400 air defense systems from Russia. Since then, Turkey has been trying to return to the project and acquire the advanced aircraft for its aging fighter fleet.

Burke said in Abu Dhabi that the fact that the systems in question are not operationally active has eased some of the US concerns, but they remain in Ankara's possession, which makes resolving the issue difficult.

"I believe these issues will be resolved within four to six months," Burke was quoted as saying, and when asked whether Turkey is close to removing the Russian air defense system, he answered "yes." Since Trump returned to the White House, he has demonstrated close friendship with Erdoğan, despite growing tensions between Ankara and Jerusalem, which he promised to resolve.

Trump has expressed willingness to sell the advanced aircraft to Turkey, but during Erdoğan's visit to Washington in September, he said Erdoğan "will have to do something for us" to bring the deal to fruition.

Since its removal from the program, Turkey has been working on several parallel tracks to renew its fighter fleet: a deal to purchase 40 Eurofighter Typhoon jets from Britain and Germany, purchasing new F-16 aircraft and upgrading existing ones, and developing its own fighter jet – the KAAN – which is expected to enter service by 2028, according to Turkey.

Turkey and the US are the two owners of NATO's largest militaries, and on Turkish territory is located Incirlik Base – one of America's most important bases in the Middle East. Nevertheless, Turkey has maintained balanced relations with Russia over the years, even after the invasion of Ukraine, and frequently presents itself as a possible mediator in talks and has hosted them in the past.

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The proposal, led by Republican Representative Tom McClintock of California, passed by voice vote without any opposition, an unusual development in Washington's sharply polarized political climate surrounding Israel.

According to McClintock, there are still issues on which the House is capable of uniting, and one of them is opposition to Hamas and the terrorism unleashed on civilians in Israel. He added that the bill classifies individuals involved with Hamas on October 7 in the same category as Nazi collaborators under existing sections of US immigration law.

About two months ago, US authorities arrested Mahmoud Amin Yaqub al-Muhtadi, a 33-year-old Gaza resident living in Louisiana, on suspicion of involvement in the October 7 attack. His case drew public attention and was referenced during deliberations on the bill.

Automatic loss of immigration rights

The legislation defines as not eligible for entry anyone who carried out, planned, financed, supported or assisted in any way the attacks against Israel that began on October 7, 2023. It also expands the list of terrorist organizations for immigration purposes to explicitly include Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. In addition, the bill states that anyone involved in the attack would automatically lose any possible eligibility for legal relief under immigration law, including asylum claims.

A report by the House Judiciary Committee emphasizes that the bill is intended to streamline and accelerate the handling of individuals seeking entry or residency who are suspected of involvement in terrorism, reducing reliance on the more complex procedures currently used under provisions related to terrorist activity. The report also notes that Hamas was responsible for a brutal massacre that included the killing of 1,200 Israeli civilians, as well as torture and the kidnapping of more than 240 people, data on which US lawmakers relied.

In parallel with the House process, a matching initiative has already been introduced in the Senate by Senator Jacky Rosen, a Democrat, and Senator Marsha Blackburn, a Republican. McClintock expressed hope that the Senate will advance the bill this time, after it passed the House in the previous term but stalled in the upper chamber. He said the proposal is essential both to prevent a future president in the mold of Joe Biden from allowing such individuals to enter, and to enable a future President Donald Trump to bar them from entering.

The bill now moves to the Senate, where lawmakers will decide whether to approve it and send it to the president for signature.

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