The hottest Congress Substack posts right now

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Top U.S. Politics Topics

State Department Defies Congress, Revives Infamous Censorship Office in Absurd Prank

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 9043 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Censorship Congress Disinformation Foreign Policy
  1. The State Department has reopened a controversial office that was previously shut down, which aims to monitor and respond to foreign disinformation efforts. This move has raised concerns about censorship and government overreach.
  2. This new office, named the Counter Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference Hub, is expected to have a similar mission to its predecessor, despite Congressional efforts to stop it. It signals ongoing government attempts to control information.
  3. Critics worry that the revival of this censorship office reflects a lack of accountability and transparency in government actions. Many believe it poses a threat to free speech and independent journalism.

1924 Rathbone hearings, US Congress.

Bailiwick News • 1803 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Legislation Health Policy
  1. In 1924, Congress held hearings to improve regulations on the sale of viruses and serums, aiming to prevent misleading claims about their effectiveness.
  2. Before 1924, some biological products didn't have clear standards showing their potency or effectiveness, which created confusion.
  3. The discussions back then highlighted the need for better protection for people using these products, similar to what was already in place for animals.

A ‘Museum of Terror’ at Columbia. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2147 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Social Issues Media influence National Security Public Opinion Government Policy
  1. Columbia University is struggling with a rise in antisemitism, with numerous reports of Jewish students feeling unsafe on campus. Recent events and exhibits have fueled tension, highlighting serious concerns for student safety.
  2. A new report has raised alarms about TikTok's influence on American youth, suggesting the platform is used to promote pro-China views. This has serious implications for national security and the upcoming Supreme Court case regarding its future in the U.S.
  3. The portrayal of body image is changing again, as many celebrities at the Golden Globes showcased thin figures possibly aided by weight loss drugs like Ozempic. This raises questions about the effectiveness of the body positivity movement and societal beauty standards.

It’s Not Just Kay Granger. All of Congress Is an Old Age Home.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1604 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Government Elections Legislation Public Policy
  1. Kay Granger, an 81-year-old congresswoman, is living in an assisted care facility while still serving in Congress. This raises questions about the ability of elderly politicians to effectively represent their constituents.
  2. Many older members in Congress may not be fully engaged or capable of performing their duties. This situation suggests a broader issue with age and effectiveness within government.
  3. There are calls for reevaluation of compensation for lawmakers who are not actively participating in their work as public representatives. This brings up the debate about taxpayer money and how it's spent on elected officials.

Jonathan Rauch on Disinformation

In My Tribe • 668 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Disinformation Congress Media Trust
  1. Disinformation is more about the actions and tactics used to manipulate people, rather than just labeling certain information as false. It's like a tricky game where bad actors twist the facts to confuse us.
  2. Fixing Congress could help heal divisions in society because it's the place where different groups can come together to negotiate and make compromises. When Congress isn't working well, everyone suffers.
  3. To reduce disinformation, we need better civic education so people understand how government works and how to engage in constructive discussions. But it's also important to recognize that the failures of elites can be a bigger problem than populism.
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X Is A Bully Whip

Points And Figures • 932 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Legislation Government spending Political Accountability Elections
  1. The recent failure of a big spending bill in Congress shows that there's a shift in how people view government spending. Many believe it's time to cut spending and start fresh.
  2. Social media platforms like X are giving people a way to hold Congress accountable. Now, politicians can't hide their actions as easily and are feeling pressure from their voters.
  3. There's a call for more transparency and accountability in Congress, like linking spending bills to the responsible lawmakers. Some even suggest changing how Congress members are paid based on their budget cuts.

Scripps Institute’s Kristian Andersen Cannot Tell the Truth, But You Already Knew That

The DisInformation Chronicle • 690 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress COVID-19 Disinformation Health Policy
  1. Kristian Andersen, a researcher at the Scripps Institute, has been accused of lying in his statements to Congress about COVID-19 origins. His past actions have raised questions about his credibility.
  2. Emails show that Andersen initially thought the COVID-19 virus might be genetically engineered, but changed his stance after discussions with influential figures like Tony Fauci. This shift has led to scrutiny over his motivations.
  3. The recent House Select Committee report suggests possible attempts to cover up the true origins of the virus. Andersen is accused of misleading the public and Congress, which could potentially lead to legal consequences.

congressional immunity

bad cattitude • 327 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Legislation Accountability Government Policy
  1. The new funding bill includes a hidden section that grants Congress members immunity from legal oversight. This means they can ignore subpoenas and investigations, making it hard to hold them accountable.
  2. This immunity is retroactive, which could stop ongoing legal cases from gathering important data from Congress. It's like they're protecting themselves from any scrutiny of their actions.
  3. Such actions go against the idea that public officials should be accountable to the people. If Congress can avoid investigation, it's a big problem for democracy.

Just for Xeets and Giggles (2.10.24)

The Status Kuo • 12539 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Policy Congress Media
  1. In a political event, candidate Dean Phillips experienced unexpected setbacks, despite his initial high expectations.
  2. The talk in the media about Black voters shifting support didn't translate into actual votes for other candidates.
  3. House Speaker MAGA Mike Johnson compared himself to Moses leading the GOP, sparking humor and mockery in response.

Congressional Republicans to Defund the Antitrust Division?

BIG by Matt Stoller • 22689 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Budget Justice Department Legislation
  1. Antitrust Division's budget may be at risk of defunding by Congressional Republicans, impacting its ability to pursue cases against big corporations like Apple and Ticketmaster.
  2. Challenges in Antitrust Division's budget in recent years resulted in limitations on taking action against big tech monopolies like Google and Apple due to lack of resources.
  3. The bipartisan antitrust reform legislation of 2022 aimed to boost Antitrust Division resources for more effective enforcement, but current budget debates, including potential cuts, pose a threat to this progress.

Monopoly Round-Up: Congress to Undermine Antitrust Division Budget?

BIG by Matt Stoller • 15241 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Monopoly
  1. There is a proposal to cut $45 million from the Antitrust Division's budget, reducing it by roughly 20%, which could impact their enforcement efforts against monopolies.
  2. The Antitrust Division's funding comes partially from fees paid by corporations involved in mergers, and a recent proposal could subject the Division to the normal appropriations process instead.
  3. The current bill is still subject to modifications, so there is a possibility of adjustments to the proposed budget cut for the Antitrust Division.

State Department Threatens Congress Over Censorship Programs

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 11152 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship Transparency Funding Congress
  1. The State Department is threatening Congress over their censorship programs funding, showing resistance to disclosing details on how taxpayer money is being spent.
  2. The Global Engagement Center (GEC) has been involved in anti-disinformation work, which includes backing a UK-based agency that creates digital blacklists for disfavored media outlets.
  3. There is growing pushback against agencies like the GEC that operate with secrecy, with calls for more transparency and oversight, especially in programs that target American media consumers.

CROSSPOST: Josh Marshall: State of Play on Capitol Hill

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 99 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Elections Leadership Political parties Current Events
  1. Elon Musk has become a major player in government discussions, shaking things up in ways even Donald Trump can't control. It's like Musk is the new chaos agent, and everyone has to deal with the mess he creates.
  2. Trump is trying to lead the charge but is struggling because Musk's influence is unpredictable and strong. This situation shows that Trump doesn't have the same grip on power as he used to.
  3. The recent events in Congress highlight the rising tension within the Republican Party. Many Republicans are defying Trump's wishes, which is unusual and suggests a shift in loyalty and power dynamics.

January 6, 2025

Letters from an American • 17 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Democracy Congress Political parties
  1. The electoral votes were counted smoothly, marking the peaceful transfer of power as a key aspect of democracy. Vice President Kamala Harris emphasized the importance of counting votes and respecting the election results.
  2. Despite the peaceful transfer, former President Trump, who previously attempted to overturn the election results, is set to take office again. This highlights a shift in attitudes among some Republicans who previously condemned his actions.
  3. A Supreme Court ruling has granted Trump immunity from legal accountability as a sitting president, raising concerns about fairness and the rule of law. This decision signals a significant change in how laws may be applied to powerful individuals.

Speaker Mike Johnson’s Days Might Be Numbered

Bulwark+ • 6309 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Republicans Government shutdown
  1. Speaker Mike Johnson's position as Speaker of the House may be in jeopardy due to conflicts within the House Republican Conference.
  2. Far-right House Freedom Caucus members and allies are upset over compromises in negotiations, leading to disruptions in regular proceedings.
  3. Rep. Chip Roy from Texas is considering a motion to vacate to potentially remove Speaker Johnson from his position.

A choice Republicans will regret.

Today's Edition Newsletter • 8549 implied HN points • 26 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Congress Legal Foreign Relations Scandal
  1. The House Republicans elected an extreme MAGA candidate, which may backfire for the GOP heading into the 2024 elections.
  2. A New York judge fined Trump $10,000 for violating a gag order, which may jeopardize his legal situation further.
  3. President Biden's stance on Israel may impact his support among certain voters, highlighting the challenge of balancing different interests as a leader.

Why Even Democrats Should Care About the “Cooked Intelligence” Russiagate Scandal

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 7737 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Scandal Intelligence Corruption Congress Security
  1. Intelligence reports can heavily influence policy decisions, as seen in past conflicts like the Iraq war, showing the importance of accurate and unbiased information in governance.
  2. The use of selective release of classified information for political purposes, as seen in the Russiagate scandal, highlights the dangers of manipulating intelligence for agenda-driven decisions.
  3. Corruption in intelligence agencies impacts all political ideologies, making it a non-partisan issue that concerns citizens of all affiliations.

January 3, 2025

Letters from an American • 18 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Elections Political parties Government Legislation
  1. A new Congress has started with Republicans in control of both the House and Senate, but they are facing challenges in electing a speaker and uniting their party.
  2. Speaker Mike Johnson is caught between the demands of far-right members and the Democrats, making it unclear how he will navigate upcoming budget decisions.
  3. President Biden awarded several honors today to recognize bravery and exceptional service, focusing on the contributions of military personnel and public safety officers.

With Russia ‘on the march’ in Ukraine, the US pulls away

Aaron Mate • 207 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Affairs Congress Political strategy International relations
  1. The US government initially believed that its support for Ukraine would effectively counter Russia's advances. However, their recent admission shows that this support did not yield the expected results.
  2. After a significant funding boost, officials now realize that Russia is still making territorial gains in Ukraine, contrary to their earlier predictions.
  3. The situation has prompted discussions about the need for negotiations with Russia, a shift from previous views that such talks would be premature.

Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About the Immigration Mess

The Liberal Patriot • 1749 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Congress Border Asylum Legislation
  1. Immigration in the US is a complicated mess, with conflicting views between parties on how to manage it.
  2. The surge in illegal immigration has strained the country's resources and sparked a political debate.
  3. Proposals to toughen asylum criteria and reform the use of parole are being discussed in Congress, but facing challenges.

They Call It Unconstitutional, But Don't Impeach

husseini • 1257 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Constitution Impeachment Congress Foreign Policy War Powers
  1. Both Democrats and Republicans in Congress have called Biden's bombing of Yemen unconstitutional, but no one is pursuing impeachment.
  2. Impeachment is a significant legal remedy that can be used by Congress to address presidential actions that are unconstitutional.
  3. Even with just one member of Congress, introducing an impeachment resolution can have a significant impact on the conversation and uphold the rule of law.