GEOFF BENNETT: Good evening.

I'm Geoff Be AMNA NAWAZ: On the "News several detained Americans home.

GEOFF BENNETT: Colorado's Supreme Cour primary ballot, setting up a high-stakes legal battle.

AMNA NAWAZ: And Israel continues ground operations in Gaza and puts back on the table as families of hostages plead for their release.

NOAM PERI, Daughter of Hamas Hostage: We need to pressure them harder to make this agreeme and to release my father and others, because we don't have this time to wait.

Any day -- any day can be his last day now.

(BREAK) GEOFF BENNETT: Welcome to the "NewsHour."

In a high-profile prisoner swap, 10 Americans are heading home tonight after the U.S. freed a top ally of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

Six of the Americans were judged wrongfully detained by the U.S. State Departme AMNA NAWAZ: As part of the deal, the Maduro government also agreed to free 20 Venezuelan political prisoners and a fugitive defense contractor, Leonard Francis, will be returned to the United States.

He fled before sentencing President Biden, returning to the White House tonight, took questions on the swap.

QUESTION: (AUDIO GAP) Venezuela?

Why is it OK for the Justice Department (OFF-MIKE) JOE BIDEN, Presi who are held illegally.

And we made a So far, they have maintained their requirements.

And that's it.

AMNA NAWAZ: For more on the sign He's an expert on crisis management and has worked on the successful release of several other Americans detained overseas.

Jon, welcome back.

It's good to You represen What can you tell us about the timing, about why he and the others were released today?

JONATHAN FRANKS, Founder, Lucid Strategies: Thanks for having me.

I'm not sure exactly why today came.

I mean, I imagine just the negotiations came to a conclusion.

But this is obviously a great day both for my clients in that Savoi is back and also for our whole hostage community.

I mean, I think we lost four or five families today ou and I'm really excited about that, because that means there's four more, five more families that have been made whole.

AMNA NAWAZ: We know Savoi was held since October, I believe, ri He was the most recently detained American, but the others What can you tell us about what happened to those negotiations over time?

JONATHAN FRANKS: I -- honestly, I'm not privy to it.

I mean, I have got to give the administration credit.

They have done an amazing job.

This is a historic deal.

I think that they -- those who do n't know much about what Mr. Saab is accused of or the collateral damage that that prosecution caused.

So, a 10-for The president had a moral obligation, and I'm proud of him for doing it.

AMNA NAWAZ: So what about that businessman, Alex Saab?

I'm sure you have seen there are some folks criticiz This is a man who was awaiting trial in Miami on federal money launder He's a supporter and an ally of the Maduro government.

There are those that say this exchange incentivizes foreign governments, esp ones, to take more Americans' hostage because it means they can free their allies and friends.

What do you say to that?

JONATHAN FRANKS: It's a complex situation.

There's no actual evidence that that is true, that it incentivizes more hostag But, obviously, I concede that it logically follows.

I think what we have to keep in mind, right, is Mr. Saab was a white-collar criminal.

He's a Colombian national that allegedly stole from Venezuelans, right?

He was arrested in the Cape Verde, and we extradited him.

There were real-world consequences to that decision on hostages It turned the Maduro regime into the leading collector in the world of American hostages.

So I think there's a -- it's a double-edged sword, right?

In a sense, we incentivized a lot of hostage-tak And, no, I don't think that bringing Americans home today incentivizes more hostage-taking.

AMNA NAWAZ: What about Leonard Francis?

We know he's more widely known by his nickname Fat He's behind a $35 million bribery scheme.

It's the largest corruption scandal in U.S. military history.

As part of this deal, Venezuela is returning him to the United States.

What does that part of this negotiation tell you about the deal?

JONATHAN FRANKS: I think there was a desire to clear the decks, right?

And Mr. Francis, or Fat Leonard, as he goes, needs to face justice for what he's done.

And it's my understanding he's already convicted.

So, he needs to face responsibility.

So, I think it's another positive to this deal and a piece o isn't getting credit for.

AMNA NAWAZ: Finally, we client, Savoi, were deemed wrongfully detained by the U.S. government.

That means four of the other Americans who were freed were not deemed wrongfully detained.

What should people understand about that?

Does that mean that their detention in Venezue JONATHAN FRANKS: I think it doesn't necessarily.

Just the -- the process to be designated wrongfully detained is diffic And in countries like Venezuela, the government often prohibits defendants from getting copies of court documents.

And it is really h to qualify for designation under the Levinson Act when the person holding your loved one refuses to provide you even one document.

We didn't even have a charging document in Sa AMNA NAWAZ: What else can you tell us about how Savoi is JONATHAN FRANKS: The last time I talked to his family, they hadn't heard from him yet, but they are incredibly excited.

It has been a difficult several months.

And when I entered this case, this family was being actively extorted for a very healthy five-figure sum.

And there -- just nobody w So I very much enjoyed getting to know his family.

I can't wait to meet Savoi.

He sounds like a And I think, if he's guilty of anything, it's fa AMNA NAWAZ: It's a good day for that family and many others.

Jon Franks, thanks for speaking to us tonight on this historic prisoner U.S. and Venezuela.

I appreciate your time.

JONATHAN FRANKS: Thanks for having me.

GEOFF BENNETT: It's an historic court decision that could have a major impact on the 2024 race for the White House.

A divided Colorado Sup president under the Constitution's insurrection clause.

And it barred him from that state's primary ballot.

The ruling sets up a likely showdown at the U.S. Supreme The ruling by the Colorado Supreme Court was the first to say that Donald Trump's efforts to overturn Joe Biden's 2020 election victory disqualify him from running again under a post-Civil War era provision of the Constitution that bans insurrectionists from holding public office.

The justices point 6.

DONALD TRUMP We fight.

We fight lik And if you d GEOFF BENNETT: Attorney Eric Olson argued th Colorado ballot.

ERIC OLSON, be a Coloradan and an American law, where you're given a fair shake.

GEOFF BENNETT: Four of the court's that the January 6 assault on the U.S. Capitol was an insurrection, that Mr. Trump engaged in that insurrection, and that the 14th Amendment's ban on insurrectionists holding public office applies to the former president.

They wrote: "Because he is disqualifi code for the Colorado secretary of state to list him as a candidate on the presidential primary ballot."

The dissenting jus states, to determine who is an insurrectionist."

Justice Carlos Samour wrote that: "A patchwo "This can't possibly be the outcome the framers intended."

Republican reaction from the campaign trail was swift.

FMR.

GOV.

CHRIS CHRIST from being president of the United States by any court I think he should be prevented from being president of the Unite of this country.

GOV.

RON DESANTIS They basical Could we just say that Biden can't be on th GEOFF BENNETT: The ruling in Colorado stands in contrast to challenges to Mr. Trump's eligibility elsewhere.

Courts in Arizon in the former president's favor, as cases in other states are still playing out.

The Colorado ruling will be placed on hold until January 4, pending Mr. Trump's appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, which could settle the matter for the entire country.

To discuss the ruling, we're joined now by constitutional law expert and former acting U.S.

Solicitor General Neal Katyal.

Neal, welcome back to the program.

So the Colorado Supreme Court rule Donald Trump has forfeited his right to run for president again.

In your estimation, did that court get it right?

NEAL KATYAL, Former Acting U.S.

Solicitor General: I I mean, it's obvious a momentous holding.

It's a very solemn day.

In many ways, it's a horribl in which the courts have to come in and say someone is disqualified for, of all things, being an insurrectionist.

But that is, aft And people like me kind of would much prefer to beat Trump at the ballot box.

But our founders did have this absolute constitutional requirement that you can't be an insurrectionist, just like you have to be 35 years old and a natural-born citizen.

GEOFF BENNETT: When this question came before the Minnesota Supreme Court in November chief justice there raised the concern that there would be chaos, that some states keep Trump off the ballot, while others allow him on.

And she asked the question, should we do it even if we could do it?

How do you see it?

NEAL KATYAL: shouldn't say what it says.

But the truth is, it does.

And I don't think these ki constitutional question.

I think, at this point, Donald Trump had his chance in Colorado t an insurrectionist.

He lost that And given that finding by the Co delay any sort of criminal adjudication into the question, I think the finding that the Colorado Supreme Court made yesterday is right.

GEOFF BENNETT: And the Colorado Supreme Court, as we reported, effect, so that Donald Trump can appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, which is seen as the inevitable arbiter as to whether the 14th Amendment applies to him.

How quickly will the court take this up?

NEAL KATYAL: I think the court can ac I mean, in Bush v. Gore, which I was involved in, it was a I think the court here can act on a similar timetable.

Right now, they actually are in their winter recess, with about six w arguments at all.

So I think they can GEOFF BENNETT: Is there anyt would be of interest to the conservative majority on the U.S. Supreme Court?

NEAL KATYAL: Most of it is not actually of interest, Geoff.

Most of it's about Colorado state law and what it means.

And they disagreed with the majority that you could go into Colorado court and this kind of action.

But when it goes to the Supreme Court's decision about matters of Colorado law.

So you only have some of the arguments Trump was making, which weren't persuasive to the Colorado Supreme Court, available in the U.S. Supreme Court, the argument that he's not an officer of the United States, which is just texturally absolutely wrong, or that he hasn't been adjudicated in a criminal case guilty of insurrection, which I think is also wrong.

I mean, this at the text of the Constitution, and the text of the Constitution is as clear as day.

Insurrectionists can't hold office, and presidents are officers, and that the text of the Constitution basically just says this is an ironclad requirement, and it's got to be enforced.

GEOFF BENNETT: Well, a question about that, because Donald Trump's political fate now rests with the court that he helped shape.

Is success for him guaranteed, given that three of the justice are justices that he appointed and helped shift that court to the right?

NEAL KATYAL: Oh, I think that's absolutely the wrong way to look at this.

I mean, first of all, historically, the United States Supreme Court is often, in these situations -- Richard Nixon's case about executive privilege had three of his own appointees on it, but it was an 8-0 decision against Richard Nixon, which ultimately led to his impeachment.

With Donald Trump, this is the court that rejected in 2020 time and time again Donald Trump coming before the court to try and say there was election fraud and the like.

It's the court that rejected his executive privilege claims and sided with the January 6 Committee 8-1 in the decision last year, and it's a court that in Moore v. Harper case that I argued about the Republican independent state legislature theory threw that out on a 6-3 vote as well, despite people like John Eastman pushing that theory.

So this is a court that is very much capable of doing the right thing.

And here, when the text of the Constitution is so clear and doesn't have anything like, oh, you got to be convicted in order to be subject to the 14th Amendment, I think it's a very hard case for Donald Trump's lawyers.

GEOFF BENNETT: Neal Katyal, always appreciate NE AL KATYAL: Thank you.

AMNA NAWAZ: In the day's other headlines: The European Union announced a breakthrough agreement on new, tougher rules for migration.

It came after overnight talks in Brussels and after a major influx of asyl in recent years.

E.U.

leaders hail of all arrivals at the bloc's borders.

MARGARITIS SCHINAS, Vice President, Europea we are opening a new chapter of a European migration that we want to be proud of.

Every member state has issues that need to be addressed on a comprehensive, holistic European migration policy.

Everyone's concerns need to be recognized, acknowledg AMNA NAWAZ: Opponents of the pact argued it will weaken the rights of migrants and lead to lengthy detentions of minors.

Meanwhile, lawmakers in France approved greater deemed to be criminals or undesirable in other ways.

It's subject to a final review before becoming law.

Security and logistical challenges in Congo caused disruptions in today's presidential election.

Almost 44 mi Crowds grew agitated after poll openings were delayed for hours in the capital city of Kinshasa.

And smudged ink on voting cards slowed the process.

As a result, balloting will be extended until tomorrow.

In England so-called junior doctors began a three-day strike against the National Health Service.

It's part of Doctors in the early stages of their careers are demanding a for inflation.

The government is of Back in this country, new vehicles had a record high fuel economy rating in 2022, aver 26 miles a gallon.

The Environmental Protection Agen that increase.

It says the impr And on Wall Street, disappointing corporate profits stopped the ongoing rally in its tracks.

Major indices were down 1 to 1.5 percent.

The Dow Jones industrial average lost 476 points to close at 37082.

The Nasdaq fell 225 points.

The S&P 500 dropped 70.

Still to come on the "NewsHour": Congress leaves for the holid funding deal for Ukraine and the Southern border; pilots and air traffic controllers warn of growing burnout in the airline industry, with risks of a major disaster; we examine the nationwide shortage of workers who support people with disabilities; plus much more.

The top leader of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, was in Cairo today speaking with Egyptian officials who are one set of mediators in talks that could renew a deal for a cease-fire and hostage swap in Gaza.

In the meant The death toll among Palestinians, according to the Hamas-led Health Ministry, topp people there since those terror attacks of October 7.

MAN: The Security Council has agreed to continue negotiations today to allow fo time for diplomacy.

AMNA NAWAZ: a bid for a humanitarian cease-fire, with hopes of avoiding a U.S. veto.

Earlier, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the U.S. was working to -- quote -- "resolve outstanding issues in the resolution."

ANTONY BLINKEN, U.S. Secretary of Sta countries that put it forward, is to facilitate and help expand humanita getting into Gaza.

And we fully suppo In fact, the country to make sure that that could happen.

AMNA NAWAZ: Advocates for a cease-fire s reach the Palestinians who need it most.

In a grim assessment, UNICEF now estimates that each displaced has access to just 1.5 to two liters of water a day, far less than what's needed as a bare minimum for survival.

SAMAR ABU LOULY, D We already lack electricity, water, gas, food and drink.

We have nothing.

AMNA NAWAZ: Just north o sprawling city blocks, the backdrop to the crisis on the ground in Rafah huge plumes of smoke.

An Israeli a ferried away in ambulances.

In Khan Yunis, children cling to their parents and outside overwhelmed with bodies being prepared for burial.

Yesterday, the IDF called the southern city the -- quote -- "new city of terror" and today released this video from the north showing a spiral staircase leading down to a massive network of underground tunnels.

They claimed it runs directly into the homes Sinwar's.

Prime Minister BENJAMIN NETANYAHU, Israeli Prime Minister (through translator): We continue the war until the end.

Those who think we will stop We will not stop fighting until we achieve all of the g of Hamas, the release of our hostages, and the removal of the threat from Gaza.

We are attacking Hamas with infernal fire.

AMNA NAWAZ: Meanwhile, in the Red Sea, Houthi if the U.S. fires towards Yemen.

ABDEL-MALEK AL-HOUTHI, Houthi Leader (thro the Americans are tempted to escalate further and commit foolishness by targeting our country or waging war against it.

Any American targeting of our country will AM NA NAWAZ: The rebel group also warned countries not to join the U.S. attacks on commercial vessels, as well as stunting a wider regional conflict.

Back in Israel, months after October 7, families of hostages held in Gaza still wait in agony.

A pause could lead to another round of hostage deals, as videos released by Hamas this week sparked hope their loved ones were at least still alive.

Joining us now is one of the family members of the loved ones still held hostage.

Noam Peri father, Chaim Peri, is 79 years old and was one of the three men featured in a video released by Hamas alongside 84-year-old Amiram Cooper and 80-year-old Yoram Metzger.

We are not showing the hostage video, as part of our editorial policy.

Noam joins us now from outside Tel Aviv.

Noam, welcome back.

It's good to NOAM PERI, D AMNA NAWAZ: So what was it like NO AM PERI: First and foremost, it's -- I was so happy to just see him and know that he's OK and know that he's alive.

It's the first time that I saw him since October 6.

And even if it's within this video, it was really great just seeing him.

AMNA NAWAZ: How did he look to you?

How did he seem?

NOAM PERI: He doesn't look good He looks thin and tired and not himself.

He looks sad.

It was hard.

It was hard to see him like th AMNA NAWAZ: And did you have I mean, how did you find out about the video?

NOAM PERI: No, just saw it in the medi Actually, Hamas send it out on Telegram.

So it's just out in a minute.

And we didn't have any prior notice.

AMNA NAWAZ: Your father speaks in the video.

He shares a message.

Obviously, this We should stress that.

But he does I wonder if you understand that or if you share Do you feel like the hostages who are still there have been abandoned in some way?

NOAM PERI: I don't take the content of this video as -- I'm sure my father has not said it in his own words.

So I don't want to use any content of But I can say that it's obvious that we cannot accept that a person like my father or his friends, that an 80-year-old man kidnapped from his home and being kept more than 70 days in tunnels in Gaza, it's unacceptable in any way.

AMNA NAWAZ: It has been more than two months, as you mentioned.

And you have told me before your father relies on medication.

He is 80 years old.

What is your sense among the government officials you talk to of why it's NOAM PERI: I don't have an exact answer for this.

I know it's complicated.

I know Hamas doesn't necessarily want t his own needs.

And I am aware of it.

Everything needs to happen together to allow his release.

And yet I say again, it's just -- it can't continue like this.

I don't know how many days my father can survive in his age, in his health cond I heard just a couple of hours ago President Biden and others saying, it's not going to happen soon.

And I can't I can't accept it.

So if the sides are make this agreement and to release my father and others, because we don't have this time to wait.

Any day -- any We're so thankful for President Biden and the U.S. governmen and committed.

But we genuinely ask to before Christmas.

We don't hav We don't hav AMNA NAWAZ: I know there's talk of a possible p a war that's being waged in your name, in your family's name, in your country's name.

The death toll in Gaza is now nearing 20,000, mostly women and children.

And I just wonder how you process all of that as it unfolds.

NOAM PERI: We talked before, and you know that my father is a ma is how I grew up.

And I definitely would not wan But, again, we need to remember that we haven't chose this situation.

My father was at his home.

His friends that were slaughtered in Nir Oz were just living the 7.

We didn't ch So we can't continue the situation as it was before.

That's clear.

I wish that we sides.

AMNA NAWAZ: Noam, it's always good to see you.

Thank you.

We're thinki NOAM PERI: Thank you, Amna.

AMNA NAWAZ: After returning to Washington for a day, in hopes of reaching a border deal, the U.S. Senate instead decided last night to close up shop and head home for a holiday break.

This means c security and keeping the government itself open will all get jammed into what looks to be a very intense January on Capitol Hill.

Lisa Desjardins is here with me in studio to make sense of it all.

Hi, Lisa.

Good to see LISA DESJARD (LAUGHTER) AMNA NAWAZ: LISA DESJARDINS: W AMNA NAWAZ: border negotiations all week.

What does it mean that we have still not LISA DESJARDINS: This is a Rorschach test.

There are a couple ways You could say they haven But you can also say this is, as the negotiators li U.S. law.

The fact tha but the leaders.

Let's look a It is DHS Secretary Mayorkas, along with the three senators, independent Sinema, Republican Lankford.

They have decided now not to do in-person for a few days They're going to continue to meet virtually so they can go home, celebrate al l of that.

But I think it's We're seeing the surge at the border.

You have covered it.

We have been in U.S. policy that was not equipped for this.

So they're tackling nothing less than perhaps an incredibl to name other things.

So it makes However, they are going to be jammed up agains They wanted a deal by now, and they don't have it.

AMNA NAWAZ: So what about January?

This does kick a deal They have other deadlines that What does the timeline look like?

LISA DESJARDINS: I, as I really have not seen this kind of stack of major issues coming together at one time.

It is a basic calendar nightmare.

Let's look at what's ahead.

So January 8, that's government funding January 19.

That is when funding for Ag Department, Housing, Veterans runs out.

Then there's a second government funding deadline coming up February 2.

So while they're trying to process this border deal, they also have to figure out how to fund government in two separate deadlines.

And oh, Amna, by the way, what else is How about the presidential elections?

January 15, Iowa caucuses, and the 23 So think of it this way.

The Senate generally needs a Th ey're going to come back, within two weeks, already have a funding deadline, and they're trying to, oh, accomplish the biggest immigration deal in perhaps 20 years at th It's really hard to get my head around how they do this, but they say they're going to try.

AMNA NAWAZ: inexperienced speaker of the House in Representative Mike Johnson.

How critical is he to moving all of this forward?

LISA DESJARDINS: He is a linchpin, because, obvi And he is the head of not just any Republican Conference, but one of the trickies Conferences in modern history to navigate.

He has members of his conference that are ardently for parts the border deal, and some who are ardently against it.

And underneath all of this, as he also tries to negotiate spendin sword where any single member of the Republican Conference can still move to oust him from his job.

His job is o to handle.

What's more, i Why?

The former s He leaves office officially at the end of this year.

By leaving, that means their very slim margin is now even smalle George Santos, also a Republican now out of office.

So, essentially they have got three votes, one way or the other, th And all of this is something that this brand-new speaker, who's never been chairman of a Hous committee, has to figure out in a very short period of time.

The stakes are incredibly high.

It's hard to see how he An d there has to be some kind of bipartisan deal, I think, on all of this AM NA NAWAZ: Busy January for Congress and for you.

Lisa Desjardins... LISA DESJARD AMNA NAWAZ: Thank you so LISA DESJARDINS: You're welcome.

GEOFF BENNETT: It's been described as the airline industry's silent struggle, the issue of pilot mental health, which was pushed into the spotlight this fall when an off-duty pilot was charged with trying to crash an Alaska Airlines flight from inside the cockpit.

That pilot later told police he hadn't slept in 40 hours and was experimenting with psychedelic mushrooms to help deal with depression.

Earlier this month, the National Transportation Safe to mental health in aviation.

And commercial pilot Troy Merritt shared why he sou the potential cost to his career.

TROY MERRITT, United Airlines Pilot: I basis and ultimately no longer fit to fly.

And that's when I knew I needed to take the next step to address my heal For many, including myself, the choice to use an antidepressant can be a very difficult one.

It was espec I faced months to years out of work navigating the complicated certification proces my medical back and the possibility of being told I could never fly again.

These prospects only worsened my anxiety and depression and made an important personal health decision even more difficult.

GEOFF BENNETT: We're going to talk National Transportation Safety Board.

It's good to see you.

Thanks for c JENNIFER HOM GEOFF BENNET clip, he says his treatment has gone well.

He hopes to begin flying again soon.

But so many pilots say the system is The FAA relies on them to self-report mental health i to do that, for fear of losing their licenses.

That presents a major safety risk.

JENNIFER HOMENDY: It does present a ma A lot of pilots and air traffic controllers and others in aviation have it 's work or seek help.

You should be able to seek professional mental health car your job.

We're talking about And it's usually, at least for the pilots, fly or get denied.

GEOFF BENNETT: And pilots who do seek care say they face long waits, expensive evaluations to prove that they meet the FAA's standards of fitness.

And they say the process to get back in the cockpit is opaque.

How actively are you working with the FAA to modify its position and this process wh also maintaining safety?

JENNIFER HOMENDY: Well, I'm to look at the issue, but I hope there is action.

I have had a lot of conversations with Mike Whitaker, and the secr has been very supportive of mental health care and has said some great things with respect to pilots and others in the aviation community.

So, I hope that we are headed in the right direction to some help for GE OFF BENNETT: There are more demands than ever on pilots right now.

What particular pressures and stressors do pilots face?

JENNIFER HOMENDY: They have an extremely stressful job.

I mean, they have safety in the skies.

They have so much on their shoulders, not to mention everyth personal lives.

And we expect pilots to be supe difficult times in life.

They should be no different than you, for the safety of others, surgeons and others, where they are able to get the care that they deserve.

GEOFF BENNET especially given the uptick in the near-miss collisions, as reported recently by The New York Times?

JENNIFER HOM And we know on runway incursions.

We have a shortage among air tr That shortage has led to mandatory overtime for a number of workers.

We're talking six-day workweeks, supervisors that are doing controller jobs.

They aren't able to receive the training that they should be able to receive right now because they are on duty all the time.

That leads to a lot of stress.

It leads to fatigue.

And so I get very concerned GEOFF BENNETT: Changing what it means to need mental health care and aviation, transforming the process is one thing, but it strikes me that this requires sort of a wholesale cultural shift.

Am I right i JENNIFER HOM It does.

And we have here.

We know that We know how prevalent mental health needs are.

We know that one in five people have a mental health condition, and we know over 50 percent of them are not able to seek care.

And so, we know in aviation that they should be able to seek help, and we in tervention ensures safety for all.

GEOFF BENNETT: While you're here, I also wan you well know, it's recalling nearly all two million of its cars to limit the use of i autopilot feature.

And this follows a t in which this feature was engaged.

How big a problem is this?

And why didn't regulators catch JE NNIFER HOMENDY: Well, how big a problem It 's two million vehicles, to be exact.

But this is a problem that goes back to 2016, when we investigated a Florida, and we said right then that this technology leads to driver disengagement and that NHTSA had to take it seriously, that Tesla had to take it seriously, and they had to address it.

Here we are seven ye came up with seven years ago, after several investigations and several deaths.

So, if they had acted sooner, I think that would have prevented some fatalities.

But here we are.

And, hopefully, Tesla is taking GE OFF BENNETT: Is there a way to prevent that in the future, that sa you spotted years ago is now finally being addressed?

JENNIFER HOMENDY: This happens a lot.

We issue safety reco aimed at preventing that tragedy from reoccurring.

And, sometimes, we're ignored.

And, sometimes, we're igno One recently that was implemented was ignored We need action, whether it's Tesla or any other vehicle manufacturer or entity, to ensur safety.

GEOFF BENNET JENNIFER HOMENDY: Thank you AM NA NAWAZ: They are the largest work force in the United States, the nearly five million direct care workers who support older adults and people with disabilities.

But despite high demand, many are paid little more than minimum wage.

As Judy Woodruff reports, a longstanding work force shortage means people with disabilities who depend on those workers to live independently and access their community are left without the support they need.

It's part of our series Di JUDY WOODRUFF: For the past 14 years, Luciana (ph) Offlee has been by Tyler si de.

The 33-year- He mostly communicates using sounds and hand gestures.

CHINA OFFLEE, Direct Support Professional: That's some good bacon?

TYLER CORKIN, Louisiana Resident: Yes.

CHINA OFFLEE JUDY WOODRUF part of life in his Maurepas, Louisiana home.

CHINA OFFLEE: Feeding him, transporting him back and forth out of his chair, bat giving him medication, his medication, and just keeping him comfortable.

JUDY WOODRUFF: So you do pretty much everything for him?

CHINA OFFLEE: Yes.

And I also wash Yes, I do a lot.

JUDY WOODRUFF: She says the with Tyler.

CHINA OFFLEE JUDY WOODRUFF: Who loves music and being around CH INA OFFLEE: Just being able to take him out and just doing things with him is e for him.

And it's giv JUDY WOODRUFF: But for each hour China is with him as a direct support professional, or DSP, she's paid $9.

She works seven days a week, and even with overtime pay, still has to hold to support her family.

There's a shortage of people CHINA OFFLEE: Yes.

JUDY WOODRUF CHINA OFFLEE: Because th That's why they're leaving.

It's no benefits, not enough pay.

You have got to have a heart to do t JUDY WOODRUFF: What's the hardest thing about it?

CHINA OFFLEE: Just being away fr JUDY WOODRUFF: There's been a national shortage of DSPs like China f state officials have limited Medicaid funding that helps cover their wages and career advancement has been difficult.

The national turnover rate for DSPs 50 percent in some states.

Advocates say a lack of investment in Medicaid nationwide d It is the largest funding source for the services that many DSPs provide.

In Louisiana, those who hire DSPs say there is simply not enough money to pay them more.

Those employers are expected to cover a range of costs that include wages, health insurance and training, typically paid for by Medicaid, at rates that state officials ultimately decide.

Two years ago, the Louisiana state legislature allocated the money that allowed for a $9-an-hour wage floor for direct support professionals, a work force that helps to sustain some of the more than one million people in this state with disabilities.

STATE SEN. FRANKLIN FOI you have a rate that low.

So we need to get the JUDY WOODRUFF: Louisiana Republican State Senator disabilities, including a son with autism and a sister with Down syndrome.

From Louisiana's capital, Baton Rouge, Foil has pushed to increase the state's Medicaid rates and for DSPs to be paid more.

What do you think it would take to persuade some of your colleagues in the state legislature that they needed to improve the Medicaid reimbursement rate in Louisiana?

STATE SEN. FRANKLIN FOI more money.

It's an easy to get them on board.

But it does cost money.

And when you But this, in my opinion, is not an option.

It's something that we have to do, because these people have no other way to get the support they need.

JUDY WOODRUFF: This is it.

STATE SEN. FRANKLIN FOI JUDY WOODRUF seen the DSP work force shortage firsthand.

Abdullah was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in high school and has chronic back pain af a surgery left him without feeling in his right leg.

He uses a cane to get around the city and the community college where he take in game design.

JAKEEL ABDUL I can feel the pain constantly.

JUDY WOODRUFF: He says he's struggled to find a known in Louisiana, to help with basic physical needs, including personal hygiene and transportation to school and social activities.

JAKEEL ABDULLAH: Finding someone you can tr on the line to have them around you daily, it has been a struggle that makes me not even want to live here, honestly.

JUDY WOODRUFF: Abdullah also thinks t that all DSWs in the state should go through a certification program.

JAKEEL ABDULLAH: I have had DSWs tell me, this is more of a resume filler or a stepping-stone to more real work, such as working in hospitals and nursing homes.

No one wants this to feel like a part-time job or it's not a career.

JUDY WOODRUFF: Over 1,000 miles away, in Brooklyn, New York, 25-year-old Fatimah Howard i starting her career.

The mother of three was hired She works in a day habilitation program, where people with disabilities attend exercise classes, volunteer and visit community sites.

Today, they're going to the library.

It's where Fatimah and her co-worker Nate teach a sign language class so their group can learn to communicate with a deaf peer.

FATIMAH HOWARD, Direct Support Professional: Exactly.

I love to do day.

So, the days They're like, am I coming, when I'm coming back.

They depend on you.

And I let them k I take it seriously.

I love it.

JUDY WOODRUF FATIMAH HOWARD: I mean, it doesn't surprise me, because companies li and the people who make decisions on how much we get paid doesn't see it.

They don't play the role that we play every day, so they don't know how much work we actually do, which is sad for the people we support, because they love their staff.

They want to continue to hire the same staff, not just people come and go.

JUDY WOODRUFF: In her spare time, Fatimah takes courses as part of the E- a DSP certification program.

She says it gives her the chance to refine her skills.

FATIMAH HOWARD: It makes a difference, because we learn how t And that's important.

You learn about the safety.

You learn advocating with and for the people themselves as well.

KERRI NEIFEL These are pr They're doin that people can continue to grow and dev JUDY WOODRUFF: Kerri Neifeld is the commissioner of the New York state Office for People with Developmental Disabilities.

Last year, her office partnered with a DSP ad who do this work in New York state and bonuses up to about $2,000.

KERRI NEIFELD: What's happening for our providers is, it's changing the culture within provider organizations.

It's letting doing, treat DSPs as professionals and want to see them succeed.

JUDY WOODRUFF: Back in Maurepas, Louisiana, DSP China Offlee says she doesn't always feel that respect for her work.

China, what would you say to people who don't no t sure if more money should go into paying higher wages?

CHINA OFFLEE: I think they know.

They know that we should be pa It's just that they're not giving it.

JUDY WOODRUFF: Money she says she and so many other DSPs n to more fully live their lives and be part of their communities.

How would you describe your relationship with Tyler after all these years?

CHINA OFFLEE: Well, he considers me his person.

He really does.

Don't you, Tyler?

Yes.

JUDY WOODRUF CHINA OFFLEE: Yes.

JUDY WOODRUF CHINA OFFLEE: Well, I JUDY WOODRUFF: And she says she will keep caring for Tyler as long as she can.

For the "PBS NewsHour," I'm Judy Woodruff in Maurepas, Louisiana.

GEOFF BENNETT: The songs and sounds of the holiday season are upon us.

"NewsHour" digital associate producer Tim McPhillips reports on a concert that celebrates one booming brass instrument.

TIM MCPHILLIPS: It wasn't the famed Rockefelle Fifth Avenue, or the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall that brought hundreds of people out in a downpour to celebrate the holiday season in New York.

It was the tuba.

This year marked the 50th anniversary of TubaChristmas, a yearly gathering of enthusiasts who play the season's favorite songs exclusively on this booming brass instrument.

MICHAEL SALZMAN, Coordinator, New York City TubaChristmas: They have come from all over the country.

I have peopl Carolina.

There are close to 3 this is the granddaddy of them all.

This is where it all began.

TIM MCPHILLIPS: This TubaChristmas is his 49th.

MICHAEL SALZMAN: I started playing the tuba di d, because the band needed a tuba player.

TIM MCPHILLIPS: To the untrained ear, it may be har bass of a song or the important anchor to a harmony.

MATHIAS OLDHAM, Tuba Player: We really help make things run.

We might not be the flashiest, but we're defini TIM MCPHILLIPS: When he started TubaChristmas, famed tuba instrument to have its own moment in the spotlight.

The tradition began in 1974 as a tribute to Phillips' own tu J.

Bell.

The event no and the world, like Honolulu, Costa Rica, Vancouver, and Washington, D.C. CHRIS WILHJELM, Conductor, New York City TubaChristmas: It's amazing.

These people bringing their little children, 11-, 12-year-old kids here playing in the ensemble, what it means to them, oh, my goodness.

TIM MCPHILLIPS: Chris Wilhjelm has been the New York City TubaChrist 20 years.

Rehearsal starts jus do a quick test run.

CHRIS WILHJELM: We h Yes, I guess you could say it's a little b TIM MCPHILLIPS: After rehearsal, the players swarm Rockefeller Pl finest holiday styles, showcasing the tuba's unexpected range.

MICHAEL SALZMAN: It's really such a very, very beautiful sound.

We equate it to a big warm hug.

TIM MCPHILLIPS: And while the wa s still delightful.

For the "PBS NewsHour," I'm Tim McPhillips.

AMNA NAWAZ: Like a big warm hug.

(LAUGHTER) AMNA NAWAZ: Remember, th canine respiratory illness that's been reported in more than a dozen states.

You can read about that at PBS.org/NewsHour.org.

(LAUGHTER) GEOFF BENNETT: Clooney about the new film he's directed called "The Boys in the Boat."

And that is the "NewsHour" for tonight.

I'm Geoff Bennett.

AMNA NAWAZ: On behalf of the entire