The hottest Government funding Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

1911-1943: Continued non-existence of legal provisions directing federal agencies to establish and enforce biological product definitions and standards.

Bailiwick News • 1783 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government funding
  1. From 1911 to 1943, U.S. Congress didn't create laws to establish clear definitions or standards for biological products, like vaccines and toxins. This meant there were no guidelines for safety or labeling requirements.
  2. The 1902 Virus-Toxin Act only focused on the licensing of manufacturers, not the products themselves. This led to a lack of oversight on what was in those products and whether they were safe to use.
  3. Even with new regulations in later years, there was still confusion and gaps in laws about the safety and efficacy of biological products, allowing manufacturers to operate without strict requirements.

A Federalism Bottleneck?

Can We Still Govern? • 242 implied HN points • 27 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government funding
  1. Immigration enforcement depends as much on local governments and private contractors as it does on federal law and funding. ICE’s day-to-day capacity is enabled by contracts, supply chains, and 287(g) agreements, not just Washington directives.
  2. States and localities can meaningfully shape or limit federal enforcement by restricting access to state property, ending jail contracts, withdrawing personnel, or banning 287(g) partnerships. Those local actions change how and where enforcement can be carried out.
  3. Congressional budgetary and statutory fixes have limits because American federalism creates operational chokepoints. That layered system gives local officials and activists real leverage to influence enforcement and hold agencies accountable.

The Censorship Industrial Complex's Power Grip in Germany

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 4064 implied HN points • 24 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics Government funding
  1. Germany has an extensive, mostly government-funded network of organizations and grants that monitor and control online content, involving hundreds of groups and millions in public funding.
  2. Government-certified "trusted flaggers" and funded NGOs actively report and push for removal of speech, sometimes triggering police action or prosecutions for insults or dissenting views.
  3. The combined effect is a chilling atmosphere where many people avoid expressing political opinions and public debate is narrowed, with high-profile firings and raids showing real consequences.

My Statement to Congress

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 23995 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government funding
  1. The government should not control media or information. Instead of helping people decide what is true, it can weaken public trust in journalism.
  2. Censorship laws in other countries are becoming stricter, and many American citizens are currently facing repercussions for their speech abroad.
  3. Taxpayer money is being used to promote propaganda instead of real journalism, which can distort the truth and undermine democracy.

An Ominous Sign

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 9902 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government funding
  1. The Global Engagement Center (GEC) may not be shut down and could receive a one-year extension. This was part of a deal between Senate Democrats and Republicans.
  2. The GEC has been criticized for funding efforts that involved blacklisting conservative media. This issue continues to raise concerns about free speech.
  3. If the Republican party gives up on standing up for free speech, it could lead to serious consequences for voters. It's important to monitor how this situation develops.
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Allow Me A Brief Burst Of Angry Moralizing

Singal-Minded • 2246 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government funding
  1. Cutting funding to programs like USAID can lead to serious harm, like people getting sick or even dying. This shows that spending decisions need to be thought out carefully.
  2. It's important for people in power to understand what their cuts will affect, especially for vulnerable groups relying on aid. Making big changes without warning causes unnecessary suffering.
  3. Making cuts for cost savings can backfire and end up costing more in the long run. Leaders should focus on thoughtful policy instead of quick-fix solutions that create more problems.

Suffer the little children...

Break Free with Karen Hunt • 746 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Government funding
  1. Tech companies are using data from babies to teach AI common sense abilities.
  2. China and the United States are developing AI that mimics human behaviors, like intuitive physics and common sense.
  3. Artificial children like Tong Tong, created by AI scientists, raise ethical questions about the future of AI and its impact on humanity.

The Moral Panic Over Retail Theft Is Out of Control

Discourse Blog • 1061 implied HN points • 05 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government funding
  1. Retailers are using the narrative of organized theft to justify store closures, blame financial downturns, and push for harsher laws and increased police funding.
  2. There is doubt and skepticism about the actual extent and impact of organized retail theft, despite widespread media coverage and corporate claims.
  3. The response to the perceived rise in theft includes enhanced security measures, stricter laws, and significant funding for law enforcement, generating concerns about over-policing and reinforcing damaging narratives.

January 29, 2026

Letters from an American • 29 implied HN points • 30 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government funding
  1. Senate Democrats forced the Senate to separate DHS funding for two weeks to press for accountability after violent actions by ICE and Border Patrol, demanding warrants for roving patrols, body cameras, no masks, and independent investigations.
  2. Republicans agreed to the short delay but internal fights—like Lindsey Graham pushing to add a provision letting senators sue over seized records—and a razor-thin House majority make whether the funding measure will ultimately pass uncertain.
  3. President Trump has sued the IRS over leaked tax documents and amplified election-related conspiracy claims while shifting intelligence resources to investigate 2020 election fraud, increasing political tension and drawing sharp criticism.

NIH Dissolving Pricey Infectious Disease Centers as Scripps’ Kristian Andersen Prepares to Flee the US for Norway

The DisInformation Chronicle • 590 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Government funding
  1. The NIH is shutting down its expensive Infectious Disease Centers, which were started to handle emerging diseases. This move means that some funded researchers might lose their grants.
  2. Kristian Andersen, a researcher involved in the controversial 'Proximal Origin' paper, is leaving the US to take a position at the University of Oslo. His past work has sparked serious scrutiny about its ties to grant funding.
  3. There are ongoing investigations into whether Andersen misled intelligence agencies regarding the origins of COVID-19. This has raised concerns about academic integrity and accountability.

California Pumped Tens of Millions into Immigration NGOs that Fight Deportation, Track ICE and more…

OpenTheBooks Substack • 270 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government funding
  1. California has invested a lot of money, around $73.6 million, into nonprofits that help immigrants and fight deportation. These organizations aim to provide legal support and advocacy for immigrant rights.
  2. Some of these groups not only offer legal help but also encourage activism and political engagement among immigrants. They focus on changing laws and policies that affect immigrant communities.
  3. The spending on these organizations has raised concerns about whether taxpayer money should support efforts that challenge federal immigration laws and enforcement.

Free Money

Points And Figures • 799 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government funding
  1. Many people wrongly believe that money from the government is free and doesn't have really costs associated with it. Government money actually comes from taxpayers, and there's no such thing as a free lunch.
  2. Loans and financial incentives, like student loan forgiveness, can create bad economic expectations and lead to bigger problems down the road. When the government gives money without a clear plan to pay it back, it burdens future generations.
  3. There are better solutions for improving education and the economy, like school choice and reducing government involvement in funding. Allowing the market to dictate provides more opportunities and encourages personal responsibility.

How the U.S. State Department spends millions of dollars to coordinate Western media and direct investigative journalism against its geopolitical rivals and enemies

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 211 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government funding
  1. The U.S. State Department spends a lot of money to influence media coverage against its rivals. This shows how powerful and coordinated media can be.
  2. Many journalists and media outlets may not realize they are being funded or influenced by the U.S. government. This raises questions about the independence of journalism.
  3. People notice that despite having many different media outlets, they often share the same viewpoints. This suggests there might be stronger connections among them than we think.

Universities are falling short again

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 150 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government funding
  1. Universities didn't hold important debates during the COVID-19 pandemic. Topics like school closures and mask mandates were never discussed, leading to a loss of trust from the public.
  2. There's a call for universities to address issues around NIH funding reform. Instead of promoting fear about funding cuts, they should engage in constructive discussions to improve the system.
  3. The general public feels disconnected from universities, especially regarding how taxpayer money is spent. Universities need to listen to these concerns and actively involve diverse opinions to regain public support.

Appearing on The Space Show

Planetocracy • 58 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🔬 Science Government funding
  1. Dr. Peter Hague will be appearing on The Space Show on January 28th
  2. Topics that may be discussed include government funding in space, competition with China, and petition for Starship flights in the UK
  3. Listeners are encouraged to subscribe and tune in for the insightful conversation

The media is getting Trump's biomedical policy decisions wrong b/c it refuses to discuss the big picture

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 118 implied HN points • 01 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government funding
  1. The media often overlooks the larger issues in biomedical policy and fails to connect the dots in their reporting. They focus too much on individual actions instead of discussing significant systemic problems.
  2. There is a need for reform in the current biomedical system, particularly regarding how funding and resources are allocated. Many aspects of this system are outdated and not effectively serving public health needs.
  3. It's important to have honest discussions about proposed changes in biomedical policies, rather than framing them as attacks on science. Constructive debate can lead to better solutions and improvements in healthcare.

Ukraine "foreign aid" bills are taxpayer-funded stimulus packages for the parasites of the D.C. Beltway

The Dossier • 354 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government funding
  1. American 'foreign aid' to Ukraine is mostly spent in the United States, benefiting Beltway corporations
  2. Government spending on defense does not create real jobs or value, but adds to the national debt and inflation
  3. These 'foreign aid' bills serve as stimulus for the Beltway elite rather than enhancing national security

Frequently Asked Questions About US Government Funding for R&D

New Things Under the Sun • 96 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government funding
  1. The US government spent about $160 billion on research and development (R&D) in 2022, but this is a declining share of overall GDP. In contrast, the private sector spends significantly more on R&D.
  2. Averaging across sectors, every dollar spent on R&D can generate about $5.50 in economic growth, with some estimates suggesting even higher benefits when considering broader impacts.
  3. Government funding is important because it explores research areas that might be overlooked by private companies, ensuring that valuable scientific knowledge is developed for public benefit.

On Traffic Fines

Something to Consider • 139 implied HN points • 26 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government funding
  1. Speeding is harmful because it puts others at risk, so fines are necessary to discourage it. Fines should be proportional to the danger caused, but not excessively punitive to allow for justified speeding in some situations.
  2. Traffic fines should not depend on a driver's income. A speeding rich driver harms others just as much as a poor driver, and fines should reflect that without deterring all speeding, especially in cases where it's efficient.
  3. Instead of relying on fines for profit, speeding should be treated like a toll based on the risk caused. This way, the focus is on protecting others rather than just generating revenue.

Government-Funded Stanford Group Successfully Urged Censorship Of Republicans But Not Democrats For Equivalent Claims

Public • 287 implied HN points • 16 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government funding
  1. The Government-backed Stanford group censored Republicans for claims but not Democrats.
  2. Republicans faced censorship for election fraud claims while similar claims by Democrats went unchecked.
  3. Stanford's biased censorship efforts raise concerns about government influence on freedom of speech.

The State of UK Space

Planetocracy • 58 implied HN points • 19 Feb 23
🔬 Science Government funding
  1. UK has a history of missed opportunities in developing indigenous launch capabilities
  2. UK space industry focuses on small satellites and lacks state support for larger projects
  3. UK could consider increasing contributions to ESA, seeking niche contributions to NASA, or developing heavy lift rockets for Moon missions

A CLOSER LOOK: The Mid Year Earnings of 7 Big For-Profit Insurance Companies

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 219 implied HN points • 16 Aug 22
🏥 Health Politics Government funding
  1. The largest for-profit insurance companies made $43.8 billion in profits and had $620.6 billion in revenue, mostly from taxpayer money. This shows how much they benefit financially from government programs.
  2. Three major insurers control 80% of the pharmacy benefit market. This means they have a huge influence over how prescription medications are managed and priced.
  3. A large number of Americans are underinsured, with 43.4% lacking sufficient coverage. This highlights a growing issue in healthcare, where many people struggle to afford medical care despite having insurance.

Invent Your Own Gender. Governor Gavin Newsom Encourages Youth With Millions In Taxpayer Support

OpenTheBooks Substack • 234 implied HN points • 29 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government funding
  1. California schools are teaching that genders are limitless and encourage inventing new genders.
  2. Governor Newsom's administration is funneling millions of taxpayer dollars into promoting neogenders.
  3. Gender Spectrum organization's initiatives can exclude parents and keep them in the dark about their child's gender transitions.

The Podcast Tax: If You’re Paying Taxes, You’re Paying For Government Podcasts!

OpenTheBooks Substack • 108 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government funding
  1. The federal government has funded numerous podcasts on various topics, including agriculture, linguistics, and religious life, some with ideologically charged content.
  2. The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) have primary roles in funding podcasts for artistic and cultural expression.
  3. Many Americans might view the government-funded podcasts as wasteful spending, especially in light of the increasing national debt and the questionable topics covered.

The Biggest, Most Corrupt News Organization You Have Never Heard of

Who is Robert Malone • 30 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government funding
  1. The Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) claims to fight corruption globally but is heavily funded by the US government, which raises questions about its true motives.
  2. OCCRP focuses on investigating foreign governments deemed hostile to US interests and now appears to influence political situations in allied countries as well, like India.
  3. There are concerns that OCCRP and similar organizations act as tools for the US government, potentially pushing for regime change and affecting the reputation of nations without them realizing it.

February 10, 2025

Letters from an American • 20 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government funding
  1. President Trump's administration has frozen government funding, causing problems for farmers who relied on promised financial aid. This has left them in tough situations after they've already made investments based on those promises.
  2. The courts are stepping in to challenge Trump's actions by enforcing the rule of law. Judges are ordering that frozen funds be released and blocking some of his controversial policies.
  3. There are growing concerns about Trump's approach to government and law, including his recent firings of key officials. Many are worried that this could undermine the system designed to keep checks and balances in place.

December 20, 2024

Letters from an American • 17 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government funding
  1. The House of Representatives passed a temporary funding measure to keep the government running and provide disaster relief. This shows ongoing division within the Republican Party and their struggle over government spending.
  2. Elon Musk influenced Republican lawmakers to reject a bipartisan agreement, which raises concerns about an unelected billionaire having significant power over government decisions. Many people worry about what this means for democracy and accountability.
  3. Despite challenges, House leadership found enough support to pass the funding measure with both Republican and Democratic votes. This situation reveals that cooperation is necessary to prevent a government shutdown and support important programs.

How "I Might Be Wrong" Will Change Now That Our USAID Funding Has Been Cut Off

I Might Be Wrong • 10 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government funding
  1. Funding cuts can greatly affect projects and initiatives. Losing a major funding source can lead to the cancellation of planned activities and changes in future goals.
  2. Creative and provocative content can be put on hold or altered when financial realities change. This can include unique or controversial series that rely on funding to be produced.
  3. Adapting to new circumstances often requires scaling back ambitions. Organizations may need to rethink their events and outreach programs when facing budget constraints.

Should the Government Fund the Hottest Technology of 1895?

I Might Be Wrong • 4 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government funding
  1. There is a debate about whether the government should fund public media like PBS and NPR due to differing opinions on the role of government in media.
  2. Supporters say public funding allows for content that isn't driven by profit, whereas opponents often want cuts to fund other priorities.
  3. Some argue that public funding for traditional media spaces is outdated in a digital age where new forms of communication are emerging.

I have some questions for Elon Musk

Weaponized • 51 implied HN points • 17 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government funding
  1. Elon Musk needs to take responsibility for his decisions, especially if he associates with controversial figures.
  2. Proper interviews with Elon Musk should provide challenging questions about his platform management, decision-making, and claims.
  3. Elon Musk should be held accountable for actions such as re-platforming neo-Nazis and dismantling Twitter's verification system.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 01.03.2025

steigan.no • 8 implied HN points • 01 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government funding
  1. The relationship between NATO allies is currently in crisis, caused by conflicts involving leaders like Trump and Zelensky. The situation suggests a breakdown in what was once a united West.
  2. There are discussions about the potential for a ban on COVID-19 vaccines in the U.S., with concerns growing about their safety and effectiveness as new evidence emerges.
  3. Greece is experiencing unprecedented strikes and protests in response to political corruption and a tragic train accident, reflecting a deep public dissatisfaction with the government.

Would the bad guys fund this?

Sex and the State • 4 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government funding
  1. Naivety can be a strength because it encourages people to take action and try new things. When people know how hard something is, they might not even attempt it.
  2. The CIA reportedly supports left-leaning voices in arts and media, which can shape cultural perspectives. This might make some ideas less popular among the wider public.
  3. Addressing social inequalities is challenging because it's hard to see and understand the existing hierarchies. Making real progress requires careful thought and effort to avoid creating new problems.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 07.02.2025

steigan.no • 7 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government funding
  1. There are strong calls from many medical professionals and organizations to remove COVID-19 vaccines from the market due to concerns about safety and significant health risks.
  2. Recent discussions between Russia and the USA regarding Ukraine suggest a potential shift in strategy, with the USA looking for new elections in Ukraine to facilitate negotiations.
  3. CRISPR technology is being considered in Norway for gene editing in agriculture, but there are ongoing debates about the risks and regulations surrounding its use.

The National Parks Service is a Successful Program that Proves Government Works Well

JoeWrote • 29 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government funding
  1. The National Parks Service is a successful government program that shows government can work well.
  2. National Parks Service has a clear mission and funding that leads to exceeding expectations and building a better society.
  3. The NPS is effective, with high visitation rates, economic benefits, and professional services that showcase the value of government programs.

NIH and March-In Rights under Bayh-Dole

The Good Science Project • 18 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Government funding
  1. The debate around NIH's march-in rights intersects with concerns over potentially overpriced pharmaceuticals developed with NIH funding.
  2. Empirical evidence suggests that very few drugs could be subject to NIH's march-in rights due to limited NIH funding directly impacting drug development.
  3. The application of march-in rights under Bayh-Dole is complex legally and practically, with challenges such as potential lawsuits over arbitrary interpretation and limited impact on drug pricing.