From ongoing conflict in the Middle East to U.S. government shutdown to military policy advocacy to election news to Hurricane Helene – there was lots in the news and here are some of what we read (September 22, 2024-September 28, 2024).
1. Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah kill hundreds across Lebanon (CNN; September 24, 2024). Earlier strikes Monday appeared to be the widest in geographic range simultaneously conducted by Israel in Lebanon since the war in Gaza began, after the two sides exchanged their most intense fire of the conflict over the weekend.
2. Thousands Flee Southern Lebanon, as Israel Presses Air Attack on Hezbollah (New York Times; September 24, 2024). Lebanese health officials said Israeli attacks since Monday have killed hundreds, including women and children. Israel claimed it had killed one senior Hezbollah commander with an airstrike Tuesday on a building in the southern suburbs of Beirut.
3. US and allies call for 21-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah (Financial Times; September 26, 2024). The US and France have led international calls for a 21-day ceasefire between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hizbollah, hours after an Israeli military chief told troops to prepare for a potential ground offensive in Lebanon.
4. ‘Significant Consequences’: Army Secretary Warns Congress over Short-Term Funding (Military.com; September 24, 2024). Army Secretary Christine Wormuth warned key lawmakers that the plan for yet another short-term funding cycle for the federal government could have a significant impact on the service, ranging from delays in construction projects to weapons acquisition. Projects include a machine gun range, rail yard construction, barracks upgrades, new weapons, missiles acquisition, and more.
5. Live updates on the Conflict (CNN). The news is changing rapidly with continued military strikes across the region.
6. A government shutdown was once again averted, temporarily. We will continue to monitor. Senate, House pass bill to avert government shutdown, setting up December fight (Washington Post; September 25, 2024). Congress passed legislation on Wednesday to fund the government into December and send more than $230 million in emergency funding to the Secret Service. Lawmakers had a deadline of Monday to pass new financing bills and avoid a government shutdown. The new legislation extends that deadline to Dec. 20 and funds the government at current levels until then.
7. Sailors can now choose housing allowance based on family location (Military Times; September 20, 2024.) The Navy will offer sailors basic allowance for housing, or BAH, based on where their dependents are located if they choose to leave their settled families at their previous duty station, under a new policy announced Wednesday.
8. Opinion: DoD is making an effort to rebuild trust. We have to try, too. (WeAreTheMighty.com; September 20, 2024). While these efforts may not immediately solve the deep, systemic issues military families face, they do represent genuine progress. The DoD knows it’s not doing enough yet, but it’s trying to move despite the constraints of a massive, complex system that our nation was built on to provide checks and balances and the voice of the people. Progress matters.
9. 5 Unique challenges Latinx military families face (WeAreTheMighty.com; September 16, 2024). As many know, the U.S military has been known historically to be one of the most diverse institutions in our country. Our military is now more racially and ethnically diverse in comparison to previous decades. This is something we should be proud of as our force keeps growing and troop readiness is a priority. Sadly, within the amazing diversity that encompasses our military, unique challenges impact our Latinx military families community.
10. The Myth of Voter Fraud (The Brennan Center). Extensive research reveals that fraud is very rare. Yet repeated, false allegations of fraud can make it harder for millions of eligible Americans to participate in elections.
11. We’re thinking of everyone impacted by Tropical Storm Helene. Helene’s Wrath: North Carolina Towns Isolated, Dozens Dead (The Weather Channel; September 29, 2024).
Voting and Election News
Multiple resources have verified the security of our elections (see: The Myth of Voter Fraud), and voting is one of the most fundamental rights we have as Americans. As always, Secure Families Initiative and our Voting Ambassadors around the world are poised to help you out.
Should you encounter any challenges with voting, we want to know about it! Things like not receiving your absentee ballot, your voter registration was removed from your state’s voting rolls, your ballot got rejected, and everything in between. Fill out our Voting Pain Points survey so we can track the issues and advocate on your behalf.
Did your Voting Assistance Officer (VAO) help you during this election cycle? Do you know who your VAO is? We want to know what your experience has been with this federally mandated assistance program. Let us know about your experience — good, bad, or non-existent — with your VAO – takes just a few minutes.
Mail-in ballots for military and overseas U.S. voters have gone out as of September 21! Make sure you complete and mail in your ballot as soon as possible; track and ensure your vote was recorded. (If you encounter issues – let us know through our Voting Pain Points survey.)
Keep an eye on Voter Registration Deadlines! Make sure you don’t miss your opportunity to have your voice heard.