The hottest Legislation Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Bitcoin Hits $120K. The Real Story Isn’t the Price—It’s Who Controls Your Wallet.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 500 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
🔮 Crypto Legislation
  1. Congress is about to vote on important crypto laws that could change financial freedom in America. This is a big step for the future of digital currencies.
  2. Bitcoin has transformed how we think about money since its launch in 2009, despite the ups and downs in the crypto world. It offers a sense of financial freedom amidst increasing government control.
  3. The government is now looking to support crypto technology instead of banning it. This is a significant shift from past attitudes towards cryptocurrencies.

A Fascism Sundae with Racism On Top

Design Mom • 982 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. Republicans in Tennessee expelled Black legislators for peacefully protesting, while ignoring other serious offenses.
  2. The actions taken by the Republicans were openly racist and undemocratic, revealing a growing trend.
  3. It's crucial to be aware, speak out, and vote against racists and fascists in positions of power.

What Happened Was...

SHERO • 491 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  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 Legislation
  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 Legislation
  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.
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Physiocratic Platform: Transaction Tax

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 1266 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. Transaction taxes are small fees added to all money exchanges, helping to fund government services. They can be applied to everything from buying groceries to trading stocks.
  2. A broad transaction tax could simplify the tax system by ensuring everyone contributes, especially from financial activities that often go untaxed. It aims to promote fairness among all economic participants.
  3. The proposed tax system would lower the overall tax burden for most people while ensuring that the rich and businesses pay their fair share, potentially reducing unfairness in current tax practices.

Rwanda bill passed by MPs

A Lawyer Writes • 530 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Legislation
  1. A bill concerning the safety of Rwanda was passed in the UK by MPs, despite concerns about international law
  2. There were debates about human rights and Strasbourg court injunctions during the bill's passage
  3. The bill includes a provision allowing a UK minister to potentially break international law, creating a complex situation for civil servants

The Ad That Radicalised Me

The Ruffian • 1511 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. The debate around assisted dying brings up strong feelings. Some people see the law as a way to help those who are suffering, while others worry it could hurt vulnerable people.
  2. Critics argue that individual choice shouldn't come before community values. They believe allowing assisted dying could lead to a slippery slope where life is devalued.
  3. It's important to talk honestly about the trade-offs involved. Opposing the bill means accepting that some people will continue to suffer, which is a tough reality to face.

A Law Could Give Noncitizens in NYC the Vote. Not All Immigrants Support It.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1057 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. There is a proposal in New York City to allow noncitizens to vote, which has sparked a lot of debate. Some people find the idea strange or wrong, while others think it's a matter of human rights.
  2. Not all immigrants agree with the idea of voting rights for noncitizens. This shows that the immigrant community has different opinions on political participation.
  3. The discussion around this law highlights a bigger conversation about who gets to vote in America and what that means for democracy. It raises questions about representation and rights.

Law enforcement seizures of psychedelic mushrooms skyrocket; Could psychedelics lead to better sex? And will CA be the next state to launch a psychedelics program?

The Microdose • 432 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Legislation
  1. Law enforcement seizures of psychedelic mushrooms have significantly increased over the years, indicating a potential rise in availability and use.
  2. Research suggests that psychedelics like psilocybin can lead to improvements in sexual functioning and satisfaction.
  3. California is considering launching a state-regulated program for therapeutic use of psychedelics, potentially making it the first to focus explicitly on psychedelic therapy.

A round up of New Zealand’s year of gender ideology in 2023.

A B’Old Woman • 559 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. New Zealand started a group to support women's sports, aiming to protect them from policies that allow men identifying as women to compete against women.
  2. There has been a lot of public pushback against gender ideology policies, particularly related to women's spaces and rights, with many New Zealanders expressing their concerns.
  3. A new political party focused on women's rights was formed, indicating a growing movement among women who feel unheard and want to advocate for their needs in society.

Short bill, lots of lessons

Matt’s Five Points • 179 implied HN points • 13 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. The Israel Support Assistance Act is a short bill that highlights how Congress can influence executive policy through budget control. Even though it might not become law, it shows how powerful Congress can be using funding restrictions.
  2. This bill features several types of provisions, such as appropriations limitations and fencing provisions, which directly affect how the government can use allocated funds. These techniques give Congress a way to steer or block executive actions.
  3. Even though most of the provisions may not be enforced, they're part of a strategy to make political statements and possibly create division among Democrats. It's a way for Congress members to show where they stand on issues without necessarily aiming for a law.

Price controls cause chaos

Economic Forces • 18 implied HN points • 12 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. Capping prices removes the profit signal that normally redirects supply, so small cost differences can produce all-or-nothing shipments and sudden, unpredictable flips in who gets goods.
  2. The welfare damage from misallocating scarce goods is much larger than the textbook Harberger triangle; when goods go to the wrong places the total loss can be at least double and up to an order of magnitude larger.
  3. Price controls tend to provoke more intervention (like rationing or quotas) but those fixes are also fragile and compound chaos, producing queues, quality cuts, black markets, and unstable allocations.

Profiles in poltroonery: Senator Thom Tillis

The Watch • 1037 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. Some politicians prioritize loyalty to powerful figures over their country. Senator Thom Tillis supported Donald Trump's choice for Secretary of Defense, even after serious accusations against him.
  2. Thom Tillis disregarded claims of misconduct against the nominee, including drinking problems and allegations of sexual assault. This shows how some politicians can ignore serious issues for political gain.
  3. By failing to stand up against Trump and voting to confirm the controversial nominee, Tillis put his own political ambitions above the well-being of the military and the integrity of his office.

The SAVE America Act Won't Pass the Senate

Who is Robert Malone • 16 implied HN points • 12 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. The SAVE America Act would require proof of U.S. citizenship and photo ID to register and vote in federal elections, and it passed the House but now faces a tough path in the Senate.
  2. The Senate’s 60‑vote cloture rule and the filibuster let a minority block the bill even with a bare majority, so Republicans are weighing either reviving a talking filibuster to raise the cost of blocking bills or using the 'nuclear option' to lower the threshold.
  3. The president cannot change Senate rules directly, but can pressure senators, make the issue a national priority, enforce existing election laws, and try to reshape the Senate over time by supporting sympathetic candidates.

Transcript - America This Week, December 06, 2024: "The Immaculate Pardon"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1368 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. Pardons are a hot topic right now, especially after Joe Biden pardoned his son. Many people are questioning the fairness and implications of such pardons.
  2. There's a feeling that some media figures are only now criticizing the Democrats after being quiet for years. This shift feels a bit like they’re deserting a sinking ship.
  3. Jon Stewart and others who criticize the current political landscape might not have faced the same backlash that others, like Taibbi and Kirn, experienced. It raises questions about their credibility in the current discourse.

How to (and How NOT to) Mandate Phone-Free Schools

After Babel • 1103 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🚌 Education Legislation
  1. More schools are going phone-free, which means students won't use phones during the whole school day. This helps them focus on learning and connecting with friends.
  2. Total phone bans can improve students' grades and attention in class. Teachers also feel less distracted and more engaged with their students.
  3. Policies are being created to guide schools on how to effectively limit phone use. This is often driven by parents who see the negative effects of phones on children.

Dingus of the week: Lisa Murkowski

Men Yell at Me • 488 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. LGBTQ comedians are using humor to tackle tough issues and find joy in hard times. They believe laughter helps us face serious realities without turning away.
  2. Congress passed a controversial spending bill that raises the national debt while cutting health insurance and food assistance for many. The decision was criticized for prioritizing corporate tax cuts over vulnerable populations.
  3. Wisconsin recently overturned a long-standing abortion ban, which is seen as a positive step. Also, on a lighter note, a fun family trip to Wisconsin highlighted the joy of simple pleasures like good food and laughter.

What Happened Was...

SHERO • 452 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. There were eight separate mass shooting incidents in the United States last week.
  2. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis suspended his presidential campaign and endorsed Donald Trump.
  3. The United States Supreme Court allowed federal immigration agents to remove razor wire set up by Texas state officials along the US-Mexico border.

MPs to assess Holocaust memorial bill

A Lawyer Writes • 511 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Legislation
  1. Committee of MPs to assess government plans for Holocaust memorial and learning center in public park near Palace of Westminster
  2. Objectors to the plans include campaigners seeking to maintain the park in its current state and members of the Jewish community concerned about the chosen location
  3. The committee can't consider objections to the principle of the bill, but other concerns may still be raised

Why are the "Epstein Survivors" refusing to answer questions?

Michael Tracey • 127 implied HN points • 20 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. The Epstein survivors' press conference had a no-question policy to protect their stories. This decision raised questions about transparency when the survivors are engaging in political advocacy.
  2. Many people are confused about the survivors' claims and their actual experiences. Some, like Annie Farmer, have faced legal challenges where their status as survivors was questioned, leading to skepticism about their narratives.
  3. There seems to be a lack of accountability regarding the claims made by survivors. Politicians and activists are expressing strong views without clear evidence, making it harder to discern the truth behind the Epstein case.

Can a Critic of the Deep State Run the Deep State?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1066 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. Tulsi Gabbard is being considered for a top intelligence role, but she faces questions about her stance on Edward Snowden. This has made some senators uneasy during her confirmation hearing.
  2. Gabbard has previously praised Snowden, which complicates her nomination to oversee the country's spy agencies. Her views are causing tension among both Republican and Democratic senators.
  3. Despite initial support from some senators, Gabbard's unwillingness to clearly label Snowden as a traitor is raising concerns about her leadership in national intelligence.

Misogyny in the Heartland

The View from Rural Missouri by Jess Piper • 577 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. Pregnant women in Missouri face unique legal restrictions, like being unable to finalize a divorce while pregnant, highlighting challenges faced in the state.
  2. Missouri lawmakers have proposed stringent legislation that further limits women's reproductive rights and autonomy, sparking controversy and showcasing ongoing struggles for gender equality.
  3. The existing laws in Missouri, such as complete abortion bans and restrictive divorce regulations for pregnant women, reflect a larger issue of control over women's bodies and reproductive choices in the state.

Scott Galloway Explains Why Age Gating Social Media Is Both Necessary and Doable

After Babel • 1346 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. Social media can be very harmful to kids, exposing them to risks like addiction, violence, and negative mental health effects. Just like age restrictions exist for alcohol and smoking, similar rules should apply to social media.
  2. Changing how social media platforms operate is key to protecting children. This means having laws that ensure kids can't access these platforms without parental oversight or age verification.
  3. Forcing social media companies to bear the costs of the harm they cause can help change their behavior. If they hurt someone, they should be held accountable, just like in other industries.

I'm pro-assisted dying in principle, but I'm not sure about the proposed law

Odds and Ends of History • 1407 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Legislation
  1. Assisted dying has good intentions, as it offers a choice to people in pain, but how it’s implemented is very important. We need to make sure that laws respect individual decisions and do not lead to negative outcomes.
  2. The proposed law on assisted dying could be rushed, which raises concerns about its effectiveness and potential problems. It's better to take time to create a solid law that can address all the issues carefully.
  3. Looking at examples from other countries suggests that assisted dying laws can lead to serious issues if not properly controlled. We should learn from their experiences to avoid similar mistakes.

PROOF EXCLUSIVE: Itemizing Every Violation of the Epstein Files Transparency Act By the Trump Administration

Proof • 64 implied HN points • 20 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. Major media reports say Trump is personally overseeing the Epstein files matter, which ties him directly to the administration's actions in the case.
  2. Those handling the case day-to-day are reportedly his lawyer-agents rather than standard Justice Department officials.
  3. The Epstein Files Transparency Act has been passed, and the reporting aims to itemize every alleged violation and update that list in real time.

The Shutdown Was a "Brilliant" Political Move

OK Doomer • 131 implied HN points • 12 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. The recent government shutdown didn't yield any clear victories for the Democrats. They stood up for themselves but lacked a solid plan for achieving their goals.
  2. Despite appearing to win the public opinion battle, the Democrats failed to make any real progress in negotiations with Republicans.
  3. Trump's push to eliminate the filibuster could change the game, allowing Republicans to pass laws more easily without needing Democratic support.

Smuggling hormones to Irish youth

Corinna Cohn • 805 implied HN points • 05 May 23
🌍 World Politics Legislation
  1. TENI and GenderGP worked together to subvert the Irish healthcare system
  2. GenderGP has a history of legal issues and improper practices in providing cross-sex hormones
  3. Parents in Ireland should be vigilant about groups like GenderGP and TENI influencing healthcare decisions

Nonprofits Reap Millions for Organ Transplants. Lawmakers Are Investigating Them.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 380 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. Some nonprofit organizations that handle organ transplants are being investigated for possible misuse of funds. They might have overcharged Medicare for their services.
  2. Lawmakers are concerned that these nonprofits are not acting in the best interests of the public. They want to make sure these organizations are using donations properly.
  3. The House Ways and Means Committee is looking into these potential issues to maintain trust in the organ donation system and to ensure everything is above board.

The Evolution of Marco Rubio

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1061 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. Marco Rubio is changing his approach to foreign policy, focusing on being pragmatic rather than hawkish. He wants to find practical solutions instead of just being aggressive.
  2. During his confirmation hearing, Rubio mentioned seeing opportunities in the Middle East that didn't exist before, especially relating to the situation with Israel and Hamas. He believes that current conflicts may create new possibilities for peace and cooperation.
  3. Rubio's comments suggest he is looking for ways to turn recent chaos in the Middle East into strategic advantages for the U.S. This shows a shift in how he perceives diplomatic chances amidst turmoil.

Congress Must Pass KOSA By Christmas. The Only Obstacle Seems to be Meta’s Influence

After Babel • 1221 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) aims to protect children online by introducing stronger privacy settings and reducing harmful features on social media platforms.
  2. There is significant concern over the current impact of social media on kids, including issues like sextortion and mental health problems, which KOSA seeks to address.
  3. The bill has strong bipartisan support in Congress, but its progress is hindered by lobbying from major social media companies that fear regulation.

Outlawing Price Gouging Will Only Hurt Angelenos

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1052 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. Outlawing price hikes might seem fair, but it can actually hurt people more. When prices are kept too low, it can lead to shortages of essential items.
  2. Politicians often react to disasters by blaming businesses for high prices, but this can have negative consequences. Price increases can help balance supply and demand during tough times.
  3. Making price gouging illegal might sound good, but it might actually make it harder for people to find the supplies they need during emergencies.

I’m a Disabled New Yorker. I Hope the Governor Vetoes Medical Aid in Dying.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 477 implied HN points • 15 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. The proposed Medical Aid in Dying Act in New York raises concerns for people with disabilities, who fear it could pressure them into choosing death as an option. It’s important to prioritize support for life, especially for those with severe conditions.
  2. Living with disabilities can be challenging, and the healthcare system often neglects patients' needs, making them worry about their safety and choices at the end of life.
  3. Legislation like the Medical Aid in Dying Act can change society's view on life and death, making it essential to consider how it impacts vulnerable people who rely on the system to survive.

Why Australia is Setting a Minimum Age of 16 for Creating a Social Media Account

After Babel • 1272 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. Australia plans to set a minimum age of 16 for social media accounts. This is to help protect young people from online harm and encourage them to enjoy real-life activities instead of getting lost in social media.
  2. Research shows a big increase in mental health issues among young Australians, which coincides with the rise of smartphones and social media. The government believes that limiting social media use can help improve young people's mental wellbeing.
  3. The new law will hold social media companies responsible for checking users' ages. If they fail to enforce this rule, they could face hefty fines, which will help make sure children's online experiences are safer.

Can MTG Be Trusted?

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 120 implied HN points • 17 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. Trust is difficult when it comes to someone like Marjorie Taylor Greene. People can change, but it's hard to forget their past actions.
  2. Once someone is deeply involved in a particular mindset or group, like MAGA, it can be tough for them to completely break free. They might fall back into old habits.
  3. Even if someone seems to be making positive changes, skepticism is important. It's not always clear if they will stick to their new path.

Edging Armageddon

The Dollar Endgame • 758 implied HN points • 30 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. The debt ceiling is a legal cap on how much money the US government can borrow to pay for its expenses. It's a self-imposed limit to control borrowing.
  2. A US debt default would have severe global consequences like loss of confidence in US financial stability, spike in interest rates, and turmoil in financial markets.
  3. The recent debt limit deal promises two years of complete debt limit suspension until 2025, new spending caps, and potential removal of budgetary limits on government spending post-2025.

Akin To Fraud.

News Items • 412 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. Some American states oppose ESG investing in public pension funds.
  2. New Hampshire introduced a bill to make ESG investing a felony.
  3. New Hampshire Retirement System faces financial challenges due to historical funding issues, not ESG investments.