Trump Era: Federal Judge Blocks Aid Suspension; Medicaid Work Requirements Proposed; Durbin Decries Cuts; Ueland Nominated

A federal judge ruled the Trump administration's foreign aid suspension violated constitutional separation of powers and the Administrative Procedure Act. The government was ordered to pay for work completed before February 13. However, the judge didn't reinstate canceled contracts, citing court entanglement in executive decisions. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated 83% of foreign-aid programs were canceled after a six-week review, affecting 5,200 contracts. Republicans are proposing Medicaid work requirements, mandating 80 hours per month of work or volunteering for recipients aged 16-59, with exemptions. The House Budget Committee estimates this could save $120 billion over 10 years. Senator Dick Durbin criticized federal agency cuts and layoffs, particularly at a USDA facility in Peoria, Illinois, and the potential dismantling of the Department of Education. He also highlighted the end of reimbursements for local food purchase programs. Eric Ueland was nominated for a top management post at the White House budget office (OMB). Ueland previously served in senior roles in the Trump administration and Senate GOP leadership.