Hakeem Jeffries has been speaking on the House floor since approximately 5 AM.

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Hakeem Jeffries, a Democrat from New York, has been speaking on the House floor since around 5 AM in an attempt to delay the vote on the spending bill. His speech has lasted over six hours and includes accusations against Trump and the Republicans for causing "death" and taking food out of children's mouths. Despite his efforts, President Trump plans to sign the bill tomorrow. The bill is a result of the latest spending deal reached to avert a government shutdown.

Representative Jeffries has brought attention to various amendments proposed by Democrats, including one introduced by Representative Lauren Underwood of Illinois. This amendment aimed to prevent premium increases for those with insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which is commonly known as Obamacare. The intention was to protect individuals from the potential negative effects of the bill, as it is projected to lead to higher healthcare costs and result in five million people losing coverage.

Another amendment mentioned was introduced by Representative Kelly Morrison, which sought to eliminate funding for Planned Parenthood. This organization provides access to essential services such as cancer screenings and reproductive healthcare for millions of Americans. However, the Republican-majority House voted down this amendment, highlighting the ongoing political tensions surrounding healthcare and social issues.

Jeffries' speech underscores the Democrats' opposition to the bill and their efforts to draw attention to the potential negative impacts it may have on the American people. The bill's signing by President Trump tomorrow will bring these debates to a head, determining the immediate future of government funding and policy direction in the United States.

Eric Daughterty