Top Republican lawmakers are threatening to withdraw billions in federal funding from prestigious U.S. universities due to their handling of pro-Palestinian protests. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise has discussed plans with Aipac to revoke university accreditations, reflecting a growing concern among GOP leaders regarding how institutions are addressing issues related to the Israel-Hamas conflict. This move comes alongside a broader trend, as Republican lawmakers in Pennsylvania recently blocked $33.5 million in funding for the University of Pennsylvania's veterinary school, citing the university's alleged tolerance of antisemitism. The university has since initiated a task force and a presidential commission to combat hate and antisemitism on campus. Meanwhile, Aipac has invested $23 million in efforts to unseat progressive Democrats, indicating a significant political strategy aimed at influencing educational policies. In addition to these political maneuvers, Americans are grappling with economic challenges, as they now owe a record $1.14 trillion in credit card debt, marking a 5.8% increase from the previous year. Alarmingly, 6.4% of Americans are over 90 days behind on their payments, underscoring the financial strain many are facing. [5fc6b332][d63412ed]