Senate Passes Budget Resolution on a Party-Line Vote
In a closely contested decision, the Senate adopted a budget resolution with a narrow 52-48 party-line vote on February 21, 2025, as reported by Korva Coleman at 00:00. The resolution, identified as 5248, was swiftly passed after Senators worked through the night. This move is part of the Republican strategy to advance President Trump's agenda, although the President has publicly stated his preference for the House's approach over the Senate's method.
Barbara Sprunt elaborates on the differing strategies between the House and Senate at 00:24. While the House aims to bundle funding for the southern border and the extension of the 2017 tax cuts into a single comprehensive bill, the Senate opts to expedite the process by dividing these into two separate bills—one immediate and another slated for later in the year. Additionally, the Senate is engaging in a "votarama", a tactic involving numerous amendments intended to challenge and potentially delay votes from the opposing party.
Controversial Confirmation of Cash Patel as FBI Director
The Senate also confirmed Cash Patel as the new director of the FBI in a narrowly divided vote of 51-49, as detailed by Ryan Lucas at 00:50. Patel's nomination was contentious, facing substantial opposition from Democrats and even crossing party lines with Republicans Maine's Susan Collins and Alaska's Lisa Murkowski opposing his appointment.
Patel, a former prosecutor and national security official under Trump’s first term, is known for his staunch loyalty to President Trump and his criticisms of the FBI. "He will fix what they argue is the politicization of the FBI against conservatives," stated Patel’s Republican supporters. However, critics express concerns over his lack of experience and temperament required for leading the bureau, fearing that he might leverage the FBI’s powers against perceived adversaries, aligning with his and Trump’s previous threats (01:02).
Federal Judge Allows Mass Firings of Federal Workers
In another significant development, a federal judge has permitted the Trump administration to proceed with the mass termination of federal employees. Coleman reports at 01:48 that the court determined it lacks jurisdiction over the lawsuit challenging these firings. Concurrently, several unions have initiated a separate lawsuit addressing the issue in a different court.
Judicial Pressure on USAID Over Unpaid Funds
Frank Langfit provides an update at 02:15 regarding U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). For the second time within a week, District Judge Amir Ali urged USAID to fulfill its financial obligations to global partners, emphasizing, "Failing to pay the many millions of dollars owed to aid organizations is doing irreparable harm." Although the judge stopped short of declaring the government in contempt, the administration maintains its stance to terminate USAID programs on a contract-by-contract basis. Lauren Bateman of Public Citizen Litigation Group warns, "The government is running out of road," highlighting the severity of the situation.
Barbara Sprunt summarizes the stakes involved at 02:43: "So now the government's choice is comply immediately or risk constitutional crisis." Judge Ali expects a response from the government by Friday (02:48).
Hamas Violates Ceasefire Agreement by Handing Over Incorrect Body
On the international front, NPR’s Korva Coleman reports at 02:54 that Israeli authorities have identified a body handed over by Hamas as not belonging to hostage Shiri Bibas. While the bodies of Bibas's two young sons and a fourth hostage were correctly identified, this discrepancy marks a severe violation of the ceasefire agreement by Hamas. The Israeli military has condemned the act as a "violation of the utmost severity." Additionally, Hamas is scheduled to release six living hostages the following day, intensifying the conflict dynamics.
Trump Administration Revokes TPS Extension for Haitians
Jasmine Garsd covers immigration developments at 03:38, noting that the Trump administration has rescinded the temporary protected status (TPS) extension for approximately half a million Haitians residing in the U.S. Originally granted an additional 18 months of protection by President Joe Biden, this reversal by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem places these individuals on a path toward potential deportation by the summer. TPS was established to provide refuge to individuals from nations experiencing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or political instability.
New York Governor Defends Mayor Eric Adams Amid Corruption Allegations
In local politics, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has publicly stated she will not remove Mayor Eric Adams from office despite ongoing corruption allegations, as reported by Korva Coleman at 04:11. Governor Hochul commits to establishing "guardrails" around Mayor Adams, who denies the charges. The situation is further complicated by the Trump administration's decision to drop federal corruption cases against Adams, leading to accusations that the administration is leveraging these decisions in exchange for Mayor Adams' cooperation on immigration matters. This move has prompted several federal prosecutors to resign, pointing to potential misconduct within the administration.
Market Movements and Broader Economic Indicators
On Wall Street, stock futures showed an upward trend, signaling investor optimism amid the day's political and judicial developments (02:54).
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the February 21, 2025 episode of NPR News Now, providing listeners with a detailed overview of the day’s pivotal events and their broader implications.