The hottest Federal Agencies Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top U.S. Politics Topics
OpenTheBooks Substack 303 implied HN points 20 Feb 25
  1. Government spending has been growing much faster than the number of employees and inflation. This shows that more money is being spent without a proportional increase in personnel.
  2. Many federal agencies are outdated or no longer exist, making it hard for the public to track government activities and spending. There's a push to create a better record of how taxpayer money is being used.
  3. Specific agencies, like the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Education, have seen huge increases in spending while sometimes cutting staff or having poor performance in their services.
Tom Renz’s Newsletter 5753 implied HN points 05 Oct 24
  1. FEMA's response to disasters has faced serious criticism, especially in recent events. Many feel that the organization is not doing enough to help those in need.
  2. The situation in the North Carolina area after the hurricane is extremely bad, with reports suggesting a very high death toll. It highlights the urgency and severity of the crisis.
  3. It's important to support those affected by disasters through prayer and community efforts, as many feel let down by government responses. There's a call for individual action in times of need.
OpenTheBooks Substack 343 implied HN points 13 Feb 25
  1. The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) has spent over $22.6 billion since 2020 to help immigrants and refugees with various services. This includes financial aid, legal assistance, and help with housing.
  2. There are concerns about transparency and accountability within ORR, especially regarding the awarding of grants to certain non-profits that have ties to former leadership. People are questioning if these organizations are getting special treatment.
  3. The issue of missing unaccompanied children from ORR programs highlights a significant problem. Reports suggest that around 300,000 children could be unaccounted for, raising serious concerns about their safety and the effectiveness of the agency's vetting process.
The Good Science Project 107 implied HN points 14 Feb 25
  1. The Department of Education recently canceled many important research contracts worth millions, which could hurt understanding of U.S. education performance. It's like throwing away progress that’s already been made.
  2. Some of the canceled projects were mandated by Congress, meaning they were created to meet specific educational goals. Stopping them now is not only wasteful but also goes against legislative intentions.
  3. High-quality education research is crucial for making informed decisions about teaching and learning. Canceling these studies may leave educators and policymakers without the data they need to improve education.
Richard Hanania's Newsletter 4193 implied HN points 05 Feb 25
  1. Trump is changing how the executive branch works, using power in new ways that could impact future presidents. He wants to control parts of the government, like USAID, and has plans for the Department of Education.
  2. There's a long history of presidents not spending money that Congress gives them, called impoundment. This can change how money is spent and can lead to a stronger executive branch.
  3. The balance of power in the government is shifting. Just like how the Supreme Court influenced laws in the past, Trump's actions could redefine what future presidents can do.
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Letters from an American 27 implied HN points 04 Feb 25
  1. Elon Musk is gaining unprecedented control over U.S. government functions, bypassing Congress and making cuts to important programs. This raises concerns about the concentration of power in the hands of a private citizen.
  2. Recent actions by Musk's team have compromised security in various government departments and accessed sensitive information about citizens and businesses. This could threaten both privacy and national security.
  3. Trump’s announcement of tariffs has caused economic turmoil, with market reactions showing significant concern. This has led to uneasy agreements with neighboring countries to avoid immediate crisis, highlighting the unpredictable nature of his economic strategies.
OpenTheBooks Substack 146 implied HN points 04 Dec 24
  1. Kelisa Wing, who was involved in the controversial DEI efforts at the Department of Defense Education Activity, has moved to the Department of Education and is earning a higher salary. This raises concerns about her continuing influence on education policies for a wider audience.
  2. The Pentagon's DEI office was dissolved amid controversy, but a new DEI Steering Committee was created, suggesting ongoing DEI initiatives behind the scenes. There's frustration about the lack of transparency regarding these efforts.
  3. Federal education policies must be clearer and free from objectionable ideologies. There's a push for both transparency in government contracts and for ensuring that education content aligns with American values.
The Good Science Project 33 implied HN points 10 Dec 24
  1. The National Science Foundation (NSF) offers small, fast grants that can jumpstart new research ideas, but they aren't used as much as they could be. It's important to increase funding for these types of grants to support innovation.
  2. Philanthropists and foundations should avoid copying the processes of big federal agencies like the NSF and instead focus on their strengths, which can lead to better outcomes in research funding.
  3. Scientists are encouraged to take on roles as science funders, creating opportunities for small grants that can lead to impactful research. This approach can greatly benefit the scientific community.
OpenTheBooks Substack 252 implied HN points 13 Jun 23
  1. Federal agencies have admitted to $3 trillion in improper payments since 2004
  2. The largest offenders are the Departments of Human Services, Treasury, Labor, and Education, along with the Small Business Administration
  3. Government waste is prevalent, with examples including billions in improper payments from various federal agencies
Gordian Knot News 161 implied HN points 10 Sep 23
  1. Implement firm emission triggers with strict pass/fail enforcement for nuclear plants.
  2. Establish a fixed compensation system based on individual radiation harm profiles and a clear compensation model.
  3. Consider moving the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to be under the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for better oversight and regulation.
Think Future 39 implied HN points 17 Aug 23
  1. The federal government departments and agencies serve as defenses and insurance policies against disasters, as well as engines for future growth through infrastructure and economic development.
  2. We need to appreciate the role of civil servants and government agencies in preventing disasters and providing for the general welfare of citizens.
  3. Understanding the importance of well-funded and functional disaster prevention agencies is crucial for forecasting potential future disasters and their impacts.