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Top Dem Calls for Abandoning $895B Defense Bill Due to Transgender Treatment Ban

2024-12-09

Rep. Adam Smith, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, has sparked a significant debate with his stance on the latest version of the annual defense policy bill. The 1,800-page, $895.2 billion NDAA, which outlines U.S. national security and defense priorities for the fiscal year, includes a provision that prohibits most transgender medical care for minors. This has drawn sharp criticism from Smith and others.

Smith's Disapproval and Johnson's Response

Smith, a Democrat from Washington, leads the committee involved in crafting the NDAA each year. In a Sunday night statement, he emphasized the bipartisan efforts that typically go into the bill but criticized the final text for including the controversial transgender provision. He argued that denying health care to those in need based on biased notions is wrong.On the other hand, Speaker Mike Johnson praised the NDAA for the same measures that Smith is critiquing. Johnson's office pointed to his initial statement lauding the compromise NDAA, stating that it includes provisions to restore military focus and end radical ideology.The hesitation from defense hawks like Smith could pose a challenge to the passage of the entire NDAA. The legislation usually passes with wide bipartisan approval, but expected opposition from progressives and conservatives on various issues may complicate matters.Its first test will occur late on Monday afternoon when the NDAA is debated before the House Rules Committee. If it fails to pass in committee, House leaders may be forced to send it to the House floor under suspension of the rules, raising the threshold for passage.

Details of the Transgender Provision

The provision in question specifically states that "medical interventions for the treatment of gender dysphoria that could result in sterilization may not be provided to a child under the age of 18," referring to the transgender children of U.S. service members. This has sparked intense discussions about the balance between medical care and ideological stances within the defense policy bill.Smith believes that this provision injects a level of partisanship not traditionally seen in defense bills and that Speaker Johnson is pandering to extreme elements of his party. He urges Johnson to abandon this effort and return to a more traditional bipartisan process that supports troops and their families.

Impact on the Bipartisan Process

The NDAA is typically a product of bipartisan House and Senate negotiations. However, the inclusion of this controversial provision has disrupted the usual process and raised questions about the future of such legislation. Defense hawks like Smith's concerns highlight the potential for ideological differences to undermine the consensus-building that is essential for the passage of important defense policies.If the NDAA fails to pass, it could have significant implications for U.S. national security and defense priorities. It remains to be seen how the House Rules Committee will handle the debate and what the ultimate outcome will be.

Looking Ahead

As the NDAA faces its first test, the outcome remains uncertain. The defense policy bill is a crucial piece of legislation that shapes the future of the U.S. military and its role in the world. The controversy surrounding the transgender provision has added an additional layer of complexity to an already important and politically charged process.Whether the bill can overcome these challenges and secure passage remains to be seen. The decisions made in the coming days will have a significant impact on U.S. defense policy and the political landscape.

The final form of Tuscaloosa's Saban Center, an interactive learning campus set to grace downtown Tuscaloosa in the coming decade, took on a more distinct shape on Tuesday. During a luncheon hosted by Nick and Terry Saban, a new rendering was unveiled, shedding light on this remarkable educational project.

"Saban Center: Transforming Education in Tuscaloosa"

Honoring Educators and Their Impact

Each year, the former head coach and first lady of the Crimson Tide football program, along with their Nick's Kids Foundation, pay tribute to area educators at the Teacher Excellence Award Luncheon. This year marked the 13th such ceremony, where 70 teachers from various schools in Tuscaloosa and its surrounding counties were honored. Each teacher received a certificate from the foundation and $500 in gift cards for the holiday season. Terry Saban emphasized, "We are honored to recognize these amazing teachers at the 13th Annual Teacher Excellence Awards Luncheon. As a teacher myself, I know how hard they work."These educators play a crucial role in shaping the future of students, and their dedication is truly remarkable. They inspire and educate the next generation, laying the foundation for a better world.

The Saban Center: A Hub of Learning and Innovation

The Saban Center is more than just a building; it is a place of learning and innovation. It will include space for the Tuscaloosa Children's Theatre and Ignite, formerly known as the Children's Hands-On Museum. Early plans envision moving into a renovated Tuscaloosa News headquarters on Nick's Kids Avenue.Governor Kay Ivey's pledge of $25 million has significantly expanded the scope of the Saban Center. It will now feature a STEM learning hub for teachers and students across the state, connecting with various institutions such as the Alabama Water Institute, Shelton State Community College, Stillman College, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.Nick Saban explained, "The Saban Center is a passion project for Mrs. Terry and me. We're building Saban Center to support these teachers and all the teachers in Alabama. Education provides opportunities, and our life's work is about providing opportunities for kids. Saban Center will allow us to continue that mission, providing opportunities for students, teachers, families and visitors to Alabama for generations to come."This center will offer a unique learning environment, combining STEM, arts, and cultural activities. The curved facades crafted from recycled Alabama marble add a touch of elegance and sustainability to the design.

The Construction Journey and Future Outlook

Instead of renovating the 20-year-old newspaper building, it will be demolished to make way for the Saban Center. The new renderings give a glimpse of what the new construction will look like. Bidding for the project will take place next spring, with a groundbreaking planned for April 2025. The completed Center is expected to open to the public in 2027, marking a significant milestone in Tuscaloosa's educational landscape.Malcolm Holzman of the architecture firm Steinberg Hart expressed, "It has been an honor to collaborate with Saban Center stakeholders on the design of this project, a place which will inspire visitors of all ages. Home to a multitude of interactive and energizing STEM, arts and cultural environments, the Saban Center will feature curved facades crafted of recycled Alabama marble, at once enclosing and presenting these engaging activities to the world beyond its walls."Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox added, "The Saban family's commitment to education is unparalleled, and Saban Center will serve as a testament to their transformative impact not only in Tuscaloosa but throughout the entire state of Alabama. The City of Tuscaloosa is profoundly grateful for their vision and generosity. We eagerly anticipate seeing these remarkable renderings brought to life, as well as the lasting benefits the Saban Center will bring to students, educators and families across our state and beyond."For updates on the project as they become available, stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread.

Những hình ảnh đầu tiên của Xiaomi YU7 đã xuất hiện trên mạng, mang lại nhiều thông tin thú vị. Đây là mẫu xe mới của Xiaomi, có phong cách độc đáo và các đặc điểm đáng chú ý.

Thông Tin Básic Về Xiaomi YU7

Mẫu xe này của Xiaomi giống crossover hơn là SUV, sở hữu công suất 681 mã lực. Nó có hình thức tổng thể giống Ferrari Purosangue, nhưng phần mũi giống phong cách McLaren. YU7 SUV là mẫu xe thứ hai của Xiaomi sau SU7 sedan và dự kiến sẽ có mặt trên thị trường từ giữa năm sau.Phiên bản SUV của mẫu sedan Xiaomi SU7, YU7 có kích thước tương đương với SU7 sedan, nhưng cao hơn và cơ bắp hơn do追 sự theo đuổi phân khúc SUV. Không khó để thấy YU7 có nét tương đồng về phong cách với Ferrari Purosangue khi nhìn ngang, với vòm bánh xe phình to, đuôi xe vạm vỡ và cửa sổ hẹp. Tuy nhiên, ở phía trước, cụm đèn chiếu sáng trước LED lấy cảm hứng từ McLaren khiến cho chiếc SUV thuần điện Trung Quốc có diện mạo cá tính, còn phía sau là dải đèn LED chạy vắt ngang, kết hợp với cánh gió kiểu đuôi vịt.Về kích thước, mẫu SUV điện Trung Quốc dài 4.999mm, rộng 1.996mm, và cao 1.600mm, với chiều dài cơ sở 3.000mm. Xiaomi chưa công bố ảnh nội thất của YU7, nhưng dự kiến sẽ có màn hình thông tin – giải trí cảm ứng cỡ 16,1 inch giống mẫu sedan, cùng các màn hình cho người ngồi ghế sau. Nội thất khả năng cao cũng theo phong cách tối giản và đậm chất công nghệ. Giống ở mẫu sedan, cảm biến LiDAR được gắn trên nóc xe, và nhiều khả năng xe được trang bị một số tính năng tự lái nâng cao.

Thông Tin Chi Tiết Về Công Năng

Theo số liệu trong hồ sơ lưu tại Bộ Công nghiệp và Công nghệ thông tin Trung Quốc (MIIT), tân binh YU7 sẽ vận hành nhờ hai mô-tơ điện; bộ phía trước có công suất 295 mã lực, còn bộ phía sau cho công suất 386 mã lực. Kết hợp lại, hệ thống cho công suất cực đại lên tới 681 mã lực ở bản tiêu chuẩn và 664 mã lực ở bản YU7 Max. YU7 sử dụng pin do CATL cung cấp, nhưng Xiaomi chưa tiết lộ thông số chính xác. Với mẫu SU7 sedan, tập đoàn công nghệ Trung Quốc đưa ra 3 tùy chọn pin: 73,6kWh, 94,3kWh, và 101kWh, với phạm vi hoạt động cao nhất theo tiêu chuẩn CLTC là 800km.

So Sánh Với Các Thương Hiệu Khác

Như đã đề cập, ngoại hình của YU7 khá đẹp, nhưng thiếu bản sắc do pha trộn phong cách của nhiều thương hiệu khác. Tuy nhiên, Xiaomi YU7 sẽ cạnh tranh trực diện với Tesla Model Y tại thị trường Trung Quốc. Xiaomi chưa tiết lộ giá của YU7, nhưng truyền thông Trung Quốc dự đoán giá xe sẽ ở trong khoảng 250.000 - 300.000 nhân dân tệ (tương đương 875 triệu đồng đến hơn 1 tỷ đồng, theo tỷ giá hiện tại), đặt nó vào vị trí cạnh tranh trực diện với Tesla Model Y. Hiện tại, mẫu Xiaomi SU7 sedan có giá khởi điểm 215.900 nhân dân tệ (755 triệu đồng), cạnh tranh với Tesla Model 3.