By Attorney Raven Beach
Now, it’s worth turning our attention to what’s happening at the federal level and how it affects our daily lives. Some key issues right now are the war in Iran, the ongoing government shutdown, and even tariffs.
Let’s look at each of these in more detail.
The War in Iran: The 2026 conflict, also known as the Second Iran War or Operation Epic Fury, began on February 28, 2026. It was said to have been caused by the breakdown of communication between the US and Israel, with both countries citing a serious security threat from Iran. Many experts, including international law specialists, believe the US strike was illegal because the UN Security Council did not authorize it, and the attack was unprovoked. The ACLU argues that the president lacks the authority to start a war without Congress’s approval, calling the action unconstitutional. Unfortunately, we are now seeing higher prices, especially for gas, and inflation is expected to affect many goods.
Partial Government Shutdown: The first partial government shutdown this year lasted from January 1 to February 3, 2026. The second shutdown has been ongoing since February 14, 2026. It is mainly affecting the Department of Homeland Security, including agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The shutdowns happened because of disagreements over immigration reform after several ICE-related deaths, including Alex Peretti. The shutdown is still affecting thousands of federal employees who are working without pay, especially TSA agents and air traffic controllers. This has caused staffing shortages and long delays at airports. The Senate is expected to vote on the shutdown in the coming days.
Tariffs: On February 20, 2026, the Supreme Court ruled that many of the tariffs imposed by President Trump were unconstitutional. The Court said the President relied on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) for authority. However, the Court found that the IEEPA does not allow the use of tariffs. The Court also emphasized that the U.S. Constitution clearly states that only Congress has the power to tax, including the power to set tariffs.
As these national issues continue to unfold, their impacts will undoubtedly shape the daily lives of Alabamians and Americans across the country.
Raven Perry-Beach, Esq.
107 Jefferson St.
Suite 14
Huntsville, AL 35801
(256) 799-0292
*Licensed in Alabama, Tennessee, Massachusetts, and DC
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