Reuters US Domestic News Summary

In North Carolina, the Republican-controlled state Senate voted to override Democratic Governor Roy Cooper's veto of a bill banning most abortions after 12 weeks.

Following is a summary of current US domestic news briefs.

US House Democrat to force vote to expel embattled Republican George Santos

Democratic U.S. Representative Robert Garcia on Tuesday started the process of forcing a vote on a motion to expel Republican George Santos, the congressman from New York facing federal charges of fraud, money laundering and theft of public funds. Two-thirds of the House of Representatives would have to vote in favor for Santos to be expelled, a bar unlikely to be reached in a chamber that Republicans control by a narrow 222-213 margin. But the vote will put many Republicans in the difficult position of defending a colleague with a history of lying about his work experience and biography.

Massachusetts US attorney to resign amid Justice Dept ethics probe

Massachusetts U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins will resign her post by Friday, her lawyer said on Tuesday, after the prosecutor became the subject of a wide-ranging ethics investigation by the Justice Department inspector general's office. Rollins, the first Black woman to serve as the top federal prosecutor in Massachusetts, is a prominent figure in the "progressive prosecutor" movement that supports policies designed to eliminate racial disparities in the justice system.

Biden, McCarthy hopeful on debt ceiling deal, US president cuts Asia trip short

Democratic President Joe Biden and top congressional Republican Kevin McCarthy edged closer to a deal to avoid a looming U.S. debt default Tuesday, as the threat of an economic nightmare prompted Biden to cut short an Asia trip this week. After an hour of talks, McCarthy, the speaker of the House of Representatives, told reporters the two sides remained far apart on an agreement to lift the debt ceiling. But he said, "It is possible to get a deal by the end of the week. It's not that difficult to get to an agreement."

Kentucky Republicans choose Cameron to challenge Democratic Gov. Beshear

Republican voters in Kentucky on Tuesday chose Daniel Cameron, the state's popular conservative attorney general, to challenge Democratic Governor Andy Beshear, setting up one of the most closely watched elections of the year, according to an early call of the race by the Associated Press. Cameron, who is Black and has a rising national profile among conservatives, was endorsed by former President Donald Trump. With 39% of votes counted Tuesday night, he led his nearest opponent by more than 20 points.

North Carolina state senators override veto of 12-week abortion ban

North Carolina's Republican-controlled state Senate on Tuesday voted to override Democratic Governor Roy Cooper's veto of a bill banning most abortions after 12 weeks, sending it to the state House where another override vote would make it law. The vote followed party lines, with all 30 Republicans voting to make most abortions illegal after 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Biden maintains edge over Trump in 2024 US election -Reuters/Ipsos poll

President Joe Biden continues to hold an edge over potential Republican challengers Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis as the 2024 U.S. presidential election draws closer, according to the latest Reuters/Ipsos poll. But there are potential hazards ahead for Biden should the situation at the U.S. southern border worsen, the poll shows.

Lawmakers in three states consider abortion bans at 12 weeks or less

South Carolina's state House on Tuesday began a days-long debate over a bill to ban most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, while state lawmakers in North Carolina and Nebraska took up separate legislation to restrict abortion in those states. In North Carolina, the Republican-controlled state Senate voted to override Democratic Governor Roy Cooper's veto of a bill banning most abortions after 12 weeks. The state House was expected to override the veto later on Tuesday evening.

Ahead of 2024 bid, DeSantis challenges Trump on abortion limits

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said on Tuesday he was proud to have signed a six-week abortion ban, after seeming initially reluctant to embrace the recently passed law in Florida that outlaws almost all abortions in the state. As DeSantis prepares to formally announce a 2024 White House run in the coming weeks, he is increasingly trumpeting the measure to help him draw more of a contrast with former President Donald Trump, the front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination.

New Mexico teen bought AR-style rifle legally before shooting spree, police say

The gunman who shot dead three elderly women as he prowled a New Mexico neighborhood firing at cars this week had legally purchased an assault-style rifle, one of three weapons he used in the rampage, a month after he turned 18, police said on Tuesday. The suspect, whose shooting spree on Monday morning through a residential area of Farmington, New Mexico, ended when police shot him dead, was publicly identified on Tuesday as 18-year-old Beau Wilson, a student at Farmington High School.

US lawmakers, Biden aides invoke China competition in debt fight

Three of U.S. President Joe Biden's top aides warned on Tuesday that budget cuts would undermine the country's ability to compete militarily, diplomatically and economically with China, a rare joint appearance in Congress underscoring Washington's focus on competing with the Asian power. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo appeared at a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on Biden's budget request and the U.S.-China relationship amid intense negotiations on a deal to raise the $31.4 trillion debt ceiling and avert an economically catastrophic default.