The hottest Legislation Substack posts right now

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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Mr. Witty Goes To Washington

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 339 implied HN points • 01 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare Government Corporate Influence Public Policy Legislation
  1. Andrew Witty, the CEO of UnitedHealth Group, is facing tough questioning from Congress about a serious hacking incident that affected payments to doctors and hospitals. This is a crucial moment for him as lawmakers want clear answers.
  2. UnitedHealth's revenue has grown significantly, making it one of the largest companies in the U.S. healthcare system. Witty might downplay the company’s size, but it has grown from $87.1 billion in 2009 to $371.6 billion last year.
  3. Witty may argue that the company’s large financial resources help in recovering from incidents like the hack. However, critics suggest that such wealth is a result of harmful business practices that strain healthcare providers.

All politics is local politics.

Matt’s Five Points • 279 implied HN points • 17 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Governance Political parties Public Policy
  1. Politics at all levels looks similar. If you've been part of a local group making decisions, like a PTA or HOA, you can understand Congress better because the same dynamics are at play.
  2. Everyone hates losing in a decision-making process. Whether it's about Congress or choosing a family restaurant, people dislike the feeling of not getting their way.
  3. Members of Congress are just regular folks from your community. They're not superheroes and often deal with the same frustrations and challenges you see in local meetings.

The 'linguistic abomination' of the NZ Midwifery Council's revised Scope of Practice.

A B’Old Woman • 459 implied HN points • 31 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Cultural Issues Legislation Public Health
  1. The New Zealand Midwifery Council removed the words 'mother' and 'baby' from their Scope of Practice, which many people found problematic.
  2. There was significant pushback against this change, leading to a petition with nearly 7,500 signatures.
  3. The petition will be presented to Parliament, showing that many people care about how language is used in important areas like midwifery.

January 21, 2025

Letters from an American • 21 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Political parties Public Opinion Policies
  1. Jacob Chansley, the so-called QAnon shaman, celebrated receiving a pardon from Trump for his role in the January 6 Capitol riot, reflecting how some supporters believe the system is corrupt.
  2. Trump's recent actions, like firing a top military leader and renaming geographical features, show his intent to push a specific right-wing agenda, even as these moves lack broad public support.
  3. Trump is trying to change birthright citizenship laws, which has led to multiple lawsuits against his administration, showing a strong reaction from various states and organizations.

Revealed: The new batch of laws undermining parliament

Striking 13 • 1277 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Legislation Policy Law Democracy
  1. The government is quietly making significant changes to immigration, prisons, and drug laws without proper scrutiny or transparency, leading to severe consequences.
  2. The use of statutory instruments by the government allows ministers to create laws on the spot, bypassing normal parliamentary debates and scrutiny processes.
  3. The lack of accountability and assessment in passing new laws through statutory instruments is creating a functional and democratic problem, hindering understanding of impacts and consequences.
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Progressive “Groups”, AI, and Diminishing Returns

From the New World • 124 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Public Opinion Legislation
  1. Progressive groups can impact political outcomes by pushing unpopular ideas, but they keep existing because they operate without accountability.
  2. Recent public opinion has shifted on AI, revealing that previous beliefs about its unlimited potential might not be true. This could change how we approach AI research in the future.
  3. Past political movements often go unpunished when public opinion changes, which is a mistake. We should remember the lessons from these issues to prevent them from happening again.

Under Cover of Covid, the U.S. is Moving Toward Becoming a China-Like Checkpoint Nation

RESCUE with Michael Capuzzo • 1356 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Legislation Security Health Privacy
  1. State and federal agencies in the U.S. are collecting personal data for a potential global vaccine passport with facial recognition.
  2. Facial recognition technology is becoming widely used worldwide, including for contact tracing during the pandemic.
  3. Companies like ID.ME are obtaining government contracts, requiring facial recognition for accessing services and raising concerns about data privacy.

Trump’s TikTok Flip-Flop. A Weed Debate. Another Presidential Contender.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1252 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Bipartisanship Presidential politics Media Control
  1. The House of Representatives is voting on legislation to force ByteDance to sell TikTok due to concerns over Chinese Communist Party control, leading to an unexpected political divide.
  2. The debate over cannabis legalization includes concerns about health risks associated with marijuana use, such as an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
  3. There are bipartisan efforts in the House to address the threat of foreign propaganda and data control by the Chinese Communist Party through TikTok, with legislators pushing for a forced sale of the platform.

President Biden proposes $2,000-a-year limit on prescription drugs

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 519 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health care Legislation Insurance Public Policy Government Action
  1. President Biden wants a yearly cap of $2,000 on prescription drug costs for everyone, not just seniors. This could help many people afford their necessary medications.
  2. This proposal builds on a previous law that already caps costs for Medicare recipients, showing a commitment to reducing healthcare expenses for all.
  3. The success of this plan relies on public support and overcoming resistance from insurance companies, who may argue it could lead to higher costs elsewhere.

Saving the National AI Research Resource & my AI policy outlook

Democratizing Automation • 126 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics AI Policy Legislation Technology Regulation Public funding
  1. The National AI Research Resource (NAIRR) is crucial for connecting the government, big tech, and academic institutions to enhance AI research in the U.S. It aims to provide resources to support AI development for everyone, not just major companies.
  2. NAIRR is facing funding uncertainties, as it relies on congressional approval to continue beyond 2024. If it loses funding, it could hinder academic progress in AI, making it harder for smaller players to compete.
  3. There is a growing concern about state legislation regulating AI. As federal policies shift, states might create laws that can affect how open-source models are used, which poses risks for academic institutions.

Biden Gives Up On America

Gideon's Substack • 107 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Government Legislation Public Opinion
  1. Biden's pardon of his son Hunter shows a strong parental instinct, but it also raises questions about his priorities as a leader and the message it sends about justice.
  2. Many people feel hopeless about the political situation, thinking it's not worth trying to maintain ethical standards when the other side does not.
  3. The sense of resentment among Democrats can lead to a desire to give up on the system, which might have negative consequences for the future of the party and the country.

Balsa Update and General Thank You

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1881 implied HN points • 12 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Legislation Advocacy Funding Regulation
  1. The focus of the Balsa project is on repealing the Jones Act to make a positive impact.
  2. Another area of interest for Balsa is federal housing reform, aiming to address economic issues and expand policy reform.
  3. Balsa also plans to work on initiatives related to NEPA, aiming to replace current environmental regulations with cost-benefit analysis for development projects.

It's not easy from here

Gray Mirror • 112 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Government Structure Legislation Constitutional Law Political History
  1. Focusing on the wrong targets can lead to wasted effort. It's important to identify and direct energy towards the right problems instead of getting distracted by less significant issues.
  2. Political systems can change, but restoring the past often ignores the unique challenges of today. Acknowledging how history shapes our current situation is key to moving forward.
  3. There's a need to rethink how power is used in government. Rather than trying to go back to what worked before, it might be better to find new solutions that fit our current realities.

Why Women Rebel against Pro-Life

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 5169 implied HN points • 11 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Abortion Reproductive Health Legislation Women's Rights Political strategy
  1. The abortion issue has been a negative for Republicans and a strong issue for Democrats, impacting elections.
  2. Women experience pregnancy and childbirth with significant physical and emotional challenges, making abortion regulations a matter of personal autonomy and rights.
  3. Pro-life stances create concerns about government intervention, privacy, and the intentions of those pushing for restrictions, especially seen in the context of women's autonomy.

Saturday PITT Review - January 22 to 26, 2024

Parents with Inconvenient Truths about Trans (PITT) • 648 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Gender Ideology Legislation Activism Book recommendations
  1. The PITT weekly roundup includes posts, favorite books, social media links, and podcasts focusing on the impact of gender ideology.
  2. Support the Protect Kids California Initiative, which aims to require parental notification from schools and protect girls' sports.
  3. The Abolition of Sex book sheds light on the harms posed by the 'transgender' agenda to women and girls, highlighting the fightback by advocacy groups.

Disaffected: Episode 157

Disaffected Newsletter • 599 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Social Issues Government Education Health
  1. Woke culture has spread widely and affects many areas like medicine, education, and government, even in traditionally conservative areas.
  2. In Montana, a girl with serious trauma was taken from her parents because they disagreed with a medical procedure she was pressured to undergo.
  3. Colorado is considering a law that lets felons change their names if they identify as transgender, raising concerns about transparency for employers and parents.

Will they ban Alternative für Deutschland?

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 137 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Elections Legislation Democracy
  1. A motion has been filed in Germany to ban the Alternative für Deutschland party, which is significant politically. It shows how some politicians are trying to limit the voice of millions of voters.
  2. The attempt to ban the AfD is not just about the upcoming elections; it has been in the works for a while due to a specific politician's grudge. Many major political leaders are doubtful about it succeeding.
  3. There are more strategic efforts behind the scenes that could pose a real threat to the AfD's existence. The current politicians are not very effective, but others are planning more serious moves.

The Courts and the Will of the People

Fisted by Foucault • 123 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Judiciary Legislation Democracy Political theory Constitutional Law
  1. The judiciary holds significant power in government as it can strike down laws, which can complicate the legislative process. This means popular reforms can be blocked by court decisions.
  2. Western democracies are designed with checks and balances, but political divisions often create gridlock, preventing necessary changes. This gridlock can last for years, leaving citizens frustrated.
  3. The influence of those who control the judiciary can overshadow the elected legislative body. This raises concerns about who really has the power in a democracy.

Dingus of the Week: Nancy Mace

Men Yell at Me • 412 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Civil Rights Political Commentary Government Social Issues
  1. Nancy Mace introduced a bathroom bill targeting trans women, specifically aimed at new Congress member Sarah McBride. This move appears to prioritize political gain over inclusivity.
  2. The author criticizes Mace for claiming to protect women's spaces while potentially harming vulnerable groups, highlighting the hypocrisy in her actions.
  3. During a time when real issues, like rising costs and safety, need attention, Mace's focus on bathroom laws seems misplaced and not beneficial to the public.

January 18, 2025

Letters from an American • 19 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Government Public Policy Surveillance
  1. The FTC found that companies often change prices based on personal information about customers, like where they live and what they buy. This means people might pay different prices for the same product.
  2. Trump's team is starting mass deportations soon, aiming to focus on cities with many immigrants. However, this plan may change due to backlash after it leaked.
  3. The U.S. is facing issues like rising egg prices due to avian flu and a looming debt ceiling. Solutions will need quick action and smart politics to avoid further problems.

Stop Making Me Hit You

Disaffected Newsletter • 1059 implied HN points • 15 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Legislation Social Issues Crime Activism
  1. Hamas has committed violent acts for public attention, showing their brutality is not hidden like past war crimes. It's time to recognize that not everyone labeled as a victim is innocent.
  2. California has introduced a new law that allows children as young as 12 to decide to enter foster care, raising concerns about state intervention without the need for clear abuse.
  3. The murder of activist Josh Kruger highlights complex issues, including allegations about his relationship with a minor and the circumstances surrounding his death.

Children and Social Media Links

In My Tribe • 227 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Youth Mental Health Legislation Public Discourse Crisis response
  1. People worry that social media harms kids, just like past generations worried about things like comic books and movies. Over time, these fears might seem outdated or exaggerated.
  2. Studies show that teen depression increased significantly after the rise of smartphones and social media. This suggests that these platforms might have a big impact on mental health.
  3. Laws to verify ages online aim to protect kids, but they can also limit freedom and privacy for everyone. It's a tricky balance between keeping children safe and respecting individual rights.

The Moral Panic Over Retail Theft Is Out of Control

Discourse Blog • 1061 implied HN points • 05 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Policing Legislation Government funding Economic Impact
  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.

Sorry, it's not just difference, it is danger

Men Yell at Me • 340 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political divide Legislation Social Issues Women's Rights Identity politics
  1. Political differences can lead to real dangers, not just simple disagreements. It's important to recognize the serious implications these differences can have on people's lives.
  2. Women often face the greatest danger at home, where they are most likely to be attacked or assaulted. Laws that restrict women's rights only add to this danger.
  3. Telling marginalized groups that their lives and rights are less important is harmful. It is crucial to acknowledge and fight against these dangers rather than downplay them.

How Employers Can Easily Bend the Rx Cost Curve

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 259 implied HN points • 24 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Costs Prescription drugs Insurance Legislation
  1. Employers can save money on prescription drugs by creating a competitive environment for pharmacy benefit management (PBM) contracts. This means they should compare prices from various PBMs to find the best deal.
  2. Using objective pricing metrics helps employers understand exactly how much they are paying for drugs. By focusing on all costs including fees and ensuring transparency, they can cut down unnecessary expenses.
  3. Employers should keep track of their spending regularly and adjust as needed. This ongoing management can lead to significant savings for both the employer and employees without limiting access to necessary medications.

Bi-partisan pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform bill gets endorsement from AARP

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 439 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Reform Legislation Medicare
  1. A new bill to reform pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) is getting support from AARP, which is important for many Medicare beneficiaries.
  2. The bill aims to change how PBMs are paid, moving away from linking their fees to drug prices, which can lead to higher costs for patients.
  3. Bipartisan support for this reform shows that both political sides agree on the need to address high prescription drug prices.

Trump Wins: What a Comeback

The Reactionary • 130 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Political strategy Public Opinion Legislation
  1. Trump managed to unite a diverse group of voters, including independents and working-class individuals, which helped him win key states. This shows that many people are looking for change and support candidates who speak to their needs.
  2. Kamala Harris faced challenges as a candidate, which made it hard for her to connect with voters. Her lack of charisma and unchanging policies compared to Biden may have hurt her chances of winning.
  3. There are expectations for Trump's second term to be smoother without the chaos from his first term. This could lead to new legislation to improve the economy and other significant changes.

Jim Jordan is the "cesspool of deviancy." He cannot be allowed to be House speaker

The Signorile Report • 1119 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Legislation Election Scandal Corruption
  1. Many Republicans are against Jim Jordan being the House speaker due to his corrupt past.
  2. Jordan's association with Trump and his actions to overturn the 2020 election raise concerns among his critics.
  3. Accusations of Jordan ignoring sexual abuse scandals during his time as a wrestling coach reflect poorly on his character and qualifications.

January 15, 2025

Letters from an American • 20 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics International relations Legislation Political Commentary Government Structure
  1. Joe Biden announced a significant ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas after months of negotiations, focusing on humanitarian efforts and returning hostages.
  2. In his farewell address, Biden reflected on his administration's achievements, emphasizing job creation, healthcare improvements, and infrastructure modernization.
  3. He warned about the dangers of wealth concentration and misinformation in America, urging reforms to protect democracy and ensure fairness for all citizens.

The '24 Election and Institutional Change

Matt’s Five Points • 179 implied HN points • 24 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Congress Political Dynamics Institutional change
  1. Elections have a big impact on politics, not just for immediate decisions but for long-term institutional changes as well. The 2024 election will shape how Congress and the presidency work together.
  2. Short-term politics often drive changes in political institutions. When parties gain power, they tend to prioritize their goals over the rules, leading to shifts in how power is distributed over time.
  3. The balance of power after the 2024 elections will influence significant issues like the filibuster and how nominations are handled. Different outcomes can lead to major changes in how legislation is passed and how the government operates.

What Happened Was...

SHERO • 491 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Violence Economy Investigation Legislation Campaign Finance
  1. There were seven separate mass shooting incidents in the United States last week, resulting in seven deaths and 22 injuries.
  2. The US economy added 353,000 jobs in January 2024 despite facing the highest interest rates in two decades.
  3. Former President Trump's political fundraising group spent over $50 million on legal expenses last year due to numerous lawsuits and criminal charges.

Commentator

Castalia • 339 implied HN points • 20 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy National Security International relations Legislation Political Analysis
  1. The relationship between the US and Israel is strained, especially over the situation in Rafah. Netanyahu seems more focused on his political survival than on international alliances.
  2. The CIA has had deep involvement in Ukraine long before the full-scale invasion, which changes how we understand the war. Ukraine was actively seeking US support and sharing intelligence to strengthen its position against Russia.
  3. There's a new push in the US to ban TikTok due to national security concerns. This reflects a shift toward more government control over technology and the internet, especially regarding threats posed by foreign entities like China.

Diversity Thursday

CDR Salamander • 963 implied HN points • 13 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diversity Legislation Military Social justice Government
  1. Change can come suddenly, like the amendments to promote a cohesive and inclusive military force.
  2. A law bans using federal funds for certain divisive ideologies in the military, sparking optimism for change.
  3. Elimination of certain diversity-related positions and the restriction on funding for specific programs signal a shift in defense priorities.

Texas bill to protect detransitioners defeated by Democrats at the last minute

Corinna Cohn • 963 implied HN points • 12 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Democrats Republicans Gender Rights
  1. Texas bill to protect detransitioners (HB3502) defeated by Democrats at the last minute.
  2. Democrats in Texas prevented HB3502 from expanding insurance coverage for 'onboarding' procedures.
  3. There was bipartisan effort to push the bill, but Democrats celebrated its demise in the final hours of the 2023 Session.