Horizon cutting-room links: Monday, 23 June 2025

"Trump’s pick to lead Customs and Border Protection confirmed by Senate," Government Executive

Trump's appointed leader for Customs and Border Protection has been confirmed by the Senate , amid ongoing discussions about the Transportation Department's controversial funding directive tied to immigration enforcement. As states challenge the directive's legality, a Rhode Island federal judge expresses skepticism about the federal government's authority to impose such conditions on transportation funding.

• The Senate confirmed Trump's pick for CPB, emphasizing the administration's focus on immigration enforcement.
• A Rhode Island federal judge questioned the Transportation Department's authority to withhold funding based on states' immigration policies, signaling potential judicial challenges ahead.
• The directive has prompted a lawsuit from 20 Democratic state attorneys general, arguing that it undermines congressional authority and threatens critical transportation funding.

"Marine tapped to lead F-35 Joint Program Office," Air & Space Forces Magazine

President Trump has nominated Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Gregory L. Masiello to lead the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program. If confirmed by the Senate, Masiello will take over from Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael Schmidt and will be the first naval officer to lead the program in several years.

• With a robust background in defense management and aviation, Masiello’s leadership comes at a crucial time as the F-35 program advances through significant upgrades and transitions, including the Block 4 version enhancements.
• Masiello brings extensive experience from roles such as the head of the Defense Contract Management Agency and program executive officer for the Navy’s airborne anti-submarine warfare programs, equipping him with critical insights for the F-35 program's future.
• Under Schmidt, the F-35 program faced significant hurdles, including transitioning to the Block 4 upgrades and navigating contract negotiations, underscoring the complexities of modern military procurement and technology integration.

"Medicaid work requirements have mostly failed. The GOP is still pushing them," Wall Street Journal

Congressional Republicans are advocating for Medicaid work requirements, despite evidence from state experiments indicating limited success. Critics argue that these mandates may lead to significant loss of coverage for vulnerable populations, raising concerns about the implications for healthcare access among low-income Americans.

• Experiments in Arkansas and Georgia: Previous programs in Arkansas did not boost employment as intended, resulting in thousands losing Medicaid coverage due to bureaucratic hurdles. Georgia's current pilot program has also seen low enrollment due to cumbersome reporting requirements.
• Potential impact on coverage: The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the proposed House rules could lead to 5.2 million individuals losing their Medicaid coverage by 2034, significantly impacting low-income adults who rely on this vital healthcare program.
• Political support and opposition: While Republican leaders argue that tying Medicaid to work will enhance employment opportunities, healthcare professionals warn that such mandates could penalize those unable to work due to caregiving responsibilities or health issues, further jeopardizing their access to necessary medical care.

"EL AL resuming flights with 50-person cap, lottery system," One Mile At A Time

On 23 June 23 2025, El Al will resume limited outbound flights from Israel after a suspension due to the ongoing conflict with Iran. The airline will implement a lottery system for ticket allocation, capping each flight at fifty passengers.

• El Al will operate a limited number of “rescue” flights to eight destinations, including major cities like Los Angeles and New York, but regular scheduling remains suspended.
• Passengers must register their interest for flights through a dedicated page, with priority given to humanitarian and national security cases, as well as those holding canceled tickets.
• Each flight will have a strict cap of fifty passengers, which could lead to higher ticket prices and limited availability, raising concerns about the airline's operational efficiency and customer access.