The Federal Election Commission (FEC) is urging Congress to close a loophole in federal law that allows foreign corporations to finance ballot measures. The FEC has recommended legislative changes to prohibit foreign nationals from spending on state and local ballot initiatives, referenda, and recall elections. Several states have already enacted their own bans, and Congress is considering multiple bills to address the issue. The FEC faces challenges in regulating foreign campaign contributions due to limited resources and an increasing workload.

The Biden administration's plan to impose minimum staffing levels on nursing homes is causing division among Democrats, particularly those in rural areas facing reelection in 2024. Senators like Jon Tester and Joe Manchin, along with some House members, argue the proposal is too strict and could lead to nursing home closures due to workforce shortages. The American Health Care Association claims 95 percent of nursing homes do not meet the proposed requirements. However, other Democrats and advocates are pushing for stronger requirements, emphasizing the need for high-quality care. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services plans to invest $75 million in workforce recruitment and training, but experts suggest this may not be sufficient. The proposal, which has attracted nearly 50,000 comments, includes provisions for 24/7 RN staffing and minimum direct care hours per resident. Some experts believe the administration may modify the rule to accommodate rural areas, while others advocate for stronger enforcement and support for nursing homes to comply.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to ban certain semi-automatic guns, a move driven by recent mass shootings and supported by Democrats, including Speaker Nancy Pelosi and President Joe Biden. The bill faces opposition from Republicans and is likely to stall in the Senate. The legislation aims to revive a ban that expired in 2004, with Democrats arguing it will save lives and Republicans viewing it as an infringement on Second Amendment rights. The bill's passage reflects shifting voter opinions on gun control ahead of the fall elections.

A mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, resulted in 18 deaths and 13 injuries, with the suspect, Robert Card, found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The incident prompted a large-scale manhunt involving multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and Department of Homeland Security. President Joe Biden and other political figures called for action to address gun violence, with some advocating for an assault weapons ban. The community is in mourning, and officials are working to provide support and closure to the victims' families.

Building Back Together, a political organization supporting President Joe Biden's Build Back Better plan, has maintained a consistent advertising strategy despite the challenges in passing the infrastructure policies. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer set an October 31st deadline for the plan's passage, but disagreements within the Democratic Party have slowed progress. The group has spent millions on campaigns targeting House Democrats in competitive races, regardless of their stance on the policies. Other PACs have been more confrontational towards moderate Democrats, but Building Back Together has not altered its approach significantly as the deadline approaches.

Michael Oren, former Israeli ambassador to the U.S., leads a delegation of displaced Israelis from northern Israel to Washington to raise awareness about the escalating conflict with Hezbollah. The delegation, organized by the Israel Advocacy Group, meets with U.S. lawmakers and administration officials to highlight the plight of Israelis near the Lebanon border, who have been affected by Hezbollah's attacks. The group seeks to differentiate the northern conflict from the southern conflict with Hamas, emphasizing the need for a solution to the Hezbollah threat. The article highlights the personal stories of the delegation members and their call for international attention and action.