Congress is only halfway through its session, and the Senate is working on a federal regulatory framework that would allow crypto businesses and investors to prosper in the United States. After the holidays, Washington is facing government funding confrontations and foreign aid standoffs. The upcoming presidential election will bring different views on handling the economy, immigration, and abortion rights. Congress, led by a divided Republican House, is entering 2024 with big fights over immigration policy, U.S. aid to Ukraine and Israel, and preventing a government shutdown. South Africa is preparing for national elections, with analysts predicting a need for multi-party coalitions, and former president Jacob Zuma's endorsement of the Umkhonto weSizwe party is causing a stir within the governing ANC party.