Daijiworld Media Network – Washington

Washington, Sep 14: The Trump administration has asked Congress for an additional $58 million to strengthen protection for the executive and judicial branches, a move prompted by the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at a Utah university event earlier this week.

According to a White House official, the request would be folded into an upcoming stopgap spending bill that must pass before September 30, when current federal funding expires. Punchbowl News first reported the proposal.

The administration also expressed support for increasing resources to safeguard members of Congress but said details would be left to the legislative branch. Kirk’s killing has revived concerns over public-official safety, especially after last year’s assassination attempt on Donald Trump during the presidential campaign.

Meanwhile, a budget standoff looms: Republicans back a short-term funding bill to avert a government shutdown but have rejected Democratic demands to include health-care provisions such as expiring Obamacare subsidies. Democrats warn they will block any measure that omits those protections, while some moderate Republicans indicate openness to a compromise to prevent sharp premium hikes.