The Breakdown: Disaster Aid Deal Passed By Senate, But Stalls In The House (For Now)

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The One Big Thing

$19.1 Billion Disaster Aid Deal Passed By Senate, But Stalls In The House (For Now)

Last week, a bill that would provide $19.1 billion in disaster relief for Americans -- including up to $900 million for Puerto Rico -- was shot down by a lone GOP congressman. Aid for Puerto Rico is still desperately needed in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, which left at least 2,975 people dead and left much of the island unrecognizable. The bill passed the Senate easily and required the consent of every House member as a result of Democrats aiming to rush the legislation through a special session before lawmakers began their Memorial Day recess. Texas Rep. Chip Roy said he chose to block the bill because it "spends $19 billion of taxpayer money without members of Congress being present in our nation's Capitol to vote on it." Nonetheless, the bill is still expected to pass when Congress returns on June 3. As Congress waits to revisit this bill, legislation such as the Climate Action Now Act is also being considered by the Senate. This could have an important impact on future disaster aid, as climate change is reported to be a significant factor in the recent increase in natural disasters.

(Pop) Culture Shock

Lil Nas X’s Wrangler Collab Sparks Outrage From “True Cowboys”

Wrangler has come under fire for its recently announced clothing line partnership with Lil Nas X. The new collection is built around the rapper’s #1 hit “Old Town Road,” which includes the line, “Wrangler on my booty.” Detractors have cited the inability for rappers to be authentically country, as the driving force for their opposition. Some have blamed racism for the backlash, citing in part the fact that many Black country musicians struggle for acceptance in the industry. Regardless, the controversy doesn’t seem to bother Lil Nas X too much, as he recently tweeted “y'all really boycotting wrangler?? is it that deep.” Oh, and he’s still got the #1 song in the country. Can’t nobody tell him nothin’.

The Good News Is...

Maine Becomes First State To Outlaw Native American Mascots in Public Schools

Last week, Maine Governor Janet Mills signed legislation that will make her state the first to ban Native American mascots at any of its public schools. “We have heard clearly and unequivocally from Maine tribes that (Native American mascots) are a source of pain and anguish,” Mills said. This is undoubtedly a huge win for advocates who have protested the use of racist imagery in American sports (looking at you, Washington Redskins), though there’s plenty more work to be done for a population that is hardly seen by the rest of the country. From an exploitation of natural resources to a youth suicide epidemic and much more, we need to do much better for our fellow citizens. Learn how you can support the First Nations Development Institute, which aims to strengthen Native American communities and economies.

That's What She Said

“There are more Asian actors than just John Cho. John Cho can’t play every role.”

-Actor Jake Choi, speaking on the lack of visibility for Asian American actors in Hollywood. Choi recently starred as older brother Daniel Bae in the film The Sun Is Also A Star.

Quick Hitters

Why aren’t more people talking about… how recent flooding in Oklahoma has affected over 1,000 homes?

Meanwhile, in Rwanda... the country is on the verge of becoming the first nation in the world to wipe out cervical cancer.

My heroes today are… the group of girl scouts in western Ohio who fought to put a locker for menstrual hygiene products in their school restrooms. They even used some of the money they made from selling cookies to fund it!

I’m obsessed with… DoSomething office style. Here’s a photo of my coworkers and I being suuuuper fashionable last week. (Met Gala 2020 anyone???)