Morning Wire Podcast Summary Episode: Schumer Supports GOP Budget & California Needs Money | Afternoon Update | 3.14.25
Release Date: March 14, 2025
Hosts: John Bickley & Georgia Howe
Podcast: Morning Wire by The Daily Wire
Senate Approves Funding Bill with Schumer's Support
The episode opens with Georgia Howe reporting that the Republican-led Senate is on the verge of passing a crucial funding bill backed by former President Donald Trump. This stopgap measure is designed to avert a government shutdown slated to occur at midnight. The House's approved resolution is set for a procedural vote in the Senate today. Notably, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has shifted his stance to support the bill, a move that is likely to secure its passage despite significant backlash from many Democrats.
Notable Quote:
Chuck Schumer [00:55]: “I knew I'd get criticized, but I felt obligated for the country, for my Democratic caucus to the people to explain how bad a shutdown would be. And if we had if we went into a shutdown and everything bad happened, I had to give people this warning.”
Schumer defended his decision on MSNBC, emphasizing his responsibility to prevent the adverse effects of a shutdown on the nation.
Hamas Agrees to Release Last Living US Hostage
Georgia Howe continues with international news, highlighting a significant development in the Gaza conflict. Hamas has agreed to release Eden Alexander, a 21-year-old Israeli-American who has been held captive for 525 days. Additionally, the bodies of four dual national hostages will be returned as part of this agreement. This deal represents progress in ongoing negotiations, pressured by President Trump’s administration, which has prioritized the liberation of all hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to convene with his team to strategize the next steps as ceasefire discussions persist in Qatar.
California Faces $3.5 Billion Medi-Cal Shortfall
Transitioning to state-level politics, Daily Wire senior editor Ash Short reports on California's impending budget crisis. The state plans to borrow approximately $3.5 billion to address a shortfall in Medi-Cal funding. This move, however, only provides temporary relief, covering expenses until the end of the month.
The crisis stems from an unexpected surge in costs related to undocumented immigrants receiving healthcare services. Originally estimated at $3 billion, the actual expenditure has ballooned to $8.4 billion, sparking intense debate.
Notable Quote:
Carl DeMaio [02:01]: “I was thrown off the Budget Committee after exposing the massive cost for illegal immigrant health care and the three plus billion dollar loan.”
Assemblymember Carl DeMaio, who voiced concerns over the escalating costs, was removed from the Budget Committee following his revelations. An unnamed committee member elaborated on the issue:
Unnamed Budget Committee Member [02:38]: “We're talking about one out of four dollars in the medical program in the state general fund in California is being handed out to an illegal immigrant. And that's why it is insolvent.”
This significant overrun has intensified scrutiny over California’s financial management and its commitments to undocumented residents.
New Air Restrictions Implemented Near Reagan National Airport
Georgia Howe reports on enhanced aviation safety measures in Washington, D.C., following a tragic mid-air collision in January. US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will permanently restrict non-essential helicopter operations around Reagan Washington National Airport. These new restrictions are a response to the 85 near-miss incidents recorded over the past two and a half years.
Notable Quote:
Sean Duffy [04:01]: “When this data comes in, how did the FAA not know, how did they not study the data to say, hey, this is a hotspot, we're having near misses and if we don't change our way, we're going to lose lives.”
Duffy criticized the FAA for prior inaction and highlighted the administration’s commitment to prioritizing safety. The integration of AI tools by the FAA aims to proactively address potential hazards before they result in tragedies.
President Trump's Tax Plan to Eliminate Income Taxes Below $150k
As tax day approaches, Ash Short discusses President Trump's ambitious tax proposal, which aims to eliminate income taxes for Americans earning less than $150,000 annually. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick introduced this plan during an interview with CBS, positioning it as a transformative economic strategy.
In response, Chuck Schumer criticized the plan’s breadth and feasibility.
Notable Quote:
Chuck Schumer [05:08]: “How about no tax on tips? How about no tax on overtime? How about no Social Security? These are the kind of thoughts that will change America. I know what his goal is no tax for anybody who makes less than $150,000 a year. That's his goal. So yes, that's what I'm working for.”
Schumer’s remarks underscore the opposition’s skepticism regarding the tax plan’s implications and its comprehensive nature.
Upcoming Massive Storm System to Impact 100 Million Americans
Amanda Presto Giacomo provides a weather forecast warning of a formidable storm system set to impact over 100 million Americans from Texas and Alabama extending to Minnesota and Wisconsin over the weekend. The storm is expected to bring:
- Severe Tornadoes: Over two dozen tornadoes predicted.
- Flash Floods: Significant flooding risks accompanying the storm.
- Blizzards: Up to a foot of snow in regions like the Dakotas and Minnesota.
- Wildfires: Increased wildfire risks despite the incoming storms.
The central states, including Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, and Tennessee, will bear the brunt, with high winds and flash floods anticipated along the Eastern seaboard from Florida to Massachusetts by Sunday.
Notable Quote:
Amanda Presto Giacomo [05:37]: “Meteorologists are predicting over two dozen tornadoes, golf ball sized hail and 80 mile per hour winds as the storm rolls east Saturday into Sunday.”
Residents in the affected areas are advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions in anticipation of the severe weather conditions.
Versace Appoints New Creative Director
In the world of fashion, Georgia Howe shares that Versace is undergoing a significant leadership change. After three decades at the helm, Donatella Versace is stepping down as the creative director of the iconic Italian luxury brand. Donatella, who took over after the tragic murder of her brother Gianni Versace in 1997, was instrumental in expanding the brand into various industries, including hospitality and automotive sectors. She also played a key role in the brand’s $2.1 billion sale to Michael Kors.
Notable Quote:
Georgia Howe [06:21]: “Donatella is credited with expanding the luxury brand into hotels and even automobiles, and for brokering its $2.1 billion sale to Michael Kors.”
Dario Vitale, formerly associated with Prada’s Miu Miu line, has been announced as the new creative director. His appointment marks a new chapter for Versace as it seeks to continue its legacy of luxury and innovation under fresh leadership.
Additional Updates
Ash Short concludes the episode with a brief roundup of other significant stories covered that morning, including:
- Democrats’ Shutdown Threats: Ongoing political maneuvering and threats related to government funding.
- Death of the Green New Deal: Developments impacting environmental policy and legislative efforts.
- Anti-Fluoride Movement: Rising opposition and movements against fluoride usage in public utilities.
Listeners are encouraged to visit dailywire.com for more in-depth coverage of these stories and more.
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