The hottest Legislation Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top U.S. Politics Topics

Insider Details: The Race for the Senate!

COVID Reason • 218 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Voting Political strategy Campaigns
  1. The Senate race is getting tight, with many states that seemed safe for Democrats now becoming potential wins for Republicans.
  2. In important states like Ohio and Wisconsin, both parties are fighting hard as the races are seen as toss-ups.
  3. Some unexpected races, like in Nebraska, are showing strong competition for Republicans, indicating this election could lead to surprising results.

A Zionist Onslaught Against Freedom of Speech [Part 1]

Karlstack • 380 implied HN points • 02 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Free speech Civil Rights Political Activism Government Policy
  1. Many U.S. states have passed laws that make it illegal to boycott Israel, which some people see as a threat to free speech. These laws can lead to serious penalties, even for simply expressing dissent.
  2. There have been cases where individuals faced job loss or discrimination for refusing to sign pledges relating to boycotting Israel. This includes teachers and disaster relief recipients who had to prove their loyalty.
  3. New legislation is being introduced that highlights growing restrictions on free speech, particularly around criticism of Israel. Critics argue this violates constitutional rights and threatens open discussion.

Trump’s Very Good, Very Bad Week on Ukraine

Nonzero Newsletter • 316 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Policy Foreign Relations Public Opinion
  1. The week had both good and bad moments regarding Ukraine. The good news was that discussions began to find peace between Ukraine and Russia.
  2. On the negative side, Trump made harsh comments about Ukraine's president and pressured Ukraine for valuable resources, which could harm international relations.
  3. Overall, while there's a push for peace, Trump's approach may undermine the trust and legality needed in such negotiations.

THE SHOW NOTES: Harris is Imploding, Milton Surges, & The Crumbling Blue Wall

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1099 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Public Opinion Political strategy Legislation
  1. Kamala Harris is struggling with support among working-class voters in key states like Michigan, which is causing concern for her campaign.
  2. Democrats want Harris to focus more on economic issues to better connect with blue-collar workers and union members.
  3. The ongoing violence in the Middle East is causing Arab American voters in Michigan to feel disconnected from the Democratic Party.

Will New York Soon Make It Too Easy to Die?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1136 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Health Policy Medical Ethics Social Issues
  1. New York is considering a law that would allow assisted dying with no waiting period. This is different from other states that have waiting times.
  2. Some people worry that making it too easy to die could turn suicide into a medical choice for those in crisis.
  3. A family member shared their experience, saying they didn't want to suffer if diagnosed with a terminal illness. This highlights the personal impact of such laws.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

THE SHOW NOTES: Kamala's Bad Answer, Hurricane Milton, & Why Kids Can't Read

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 879 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Legislation Media Public Opinion
  1. Kamala Harris struggled to explain what she would do differently than President Biden, raising concerns about her leadership skills.
  2. Hurricane Milton is extremely powerful, causing serious evacuation challenges for many residents in Florida, with some areas facing significant storm surges.
  3. There is a worrying trend of elite college students struggling to read, which could have serious implications for education and literacy.

TikTok Is Harming Children at an Industrial Scale

After Babel • 3575 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Child safety Social media Mental health Public Opinion
  1. TikTok is known to harm kids by being highly addictive, making them spend hours on the app, which can lead to mental health issues.
  2. The platform exposes users to harmful content like drugs, violence, and sexual exploitation, often without proper moderation.
  3. Many young people actually wish TikTok didn't exist due to its negative effects, but feel stuck using it to keep up with trends.

Ten States Have Held Out on Medicaid Expansion. It's Left Millions of Americans Without Health Coverage.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 439 implied HN points • 23 Sep 24
🏥 Health Politics Medicaid Legislation Public Health
  1. Ten states have not expanded Medicaid, leaving millions of people without health coverage. These states have some of the highest rates of uninsured residents.
  2. Many people in the coverage gap are working but still can't afford health insurance. Their incomes are too high for Medicaid but too low for ACA subsidies.
  3. The refusal to expand Medicaid often comes from political choices, not a lack of need. Many residents want the expansion, but their state governments are not listening.

The NIMBYs strike back

Odds and Ends of History • 67 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Infrastructure Urban planning Political Advocacy Public Policy
  1. NIMBYs, or 'Not In My Backyard' groups, are causing issues for the Planning and Infrastructure Bill in Parliament. They often oppose new developments near their homes, which can hinder progress.
  2. Criticism is directed at major media and environmental organizations like The Guardian and Natural England for their views on housing and development. This shows a clash of opinions on how to manage land use and development needs.
  3. A former Conservative cabinet minister, Sir Simon Clarke, argues that his party must focus on building and development to stay relevant. This highlights the need for political parties to adapt their policies to current societal demands.

What I Saw on an ICE Operation. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 820 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Legislation Supreme Court Protests
  1. There were big protests against ICE raids in Los Angeles, with clashes happening between protesters and law enforcement. The situation has highlighted strong feelings about immigration policies in the area.
  2. In a notable Supreme Court decision, the court made a ruling that could change how discrimination laws work in America, questioning the idea of protected groups. This could have major implications for affirmative action.
  3. New proposals in New York aim to fast-track assisted dying laws, raising concerns about making it too easy for individuals to choose death. This has sparked a debate about the ethics of such legislation.

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 Healthcare Disability Rights Ethics
  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.

A Brief Note on Today's House Hearing

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 16460 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Elections Legislation Political parties Free speech
  1. There was a House hearing that showed a lot of disagreement, especially about digital censorship. Democrats seemed to treat the issue lightly, while Republicans were more serious about it.
  2. Many politicians seem to think truth can be easily defined, which is a troubling view. Polls show that many people now support laws against misinformation, but this raises questions about who gets to decide what is true.
  3. There was a time when members of Congress mainly respected each other and did quality investigations. Now, that sense of respect seems to be fading, which is disappointing for the institution.

Nation Shrugs as Godzilla Eats Washington

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 18122 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Policy Governance Administration
  1. There's a lot of chaos happening in Washington with Trump's return, and many people are indifferent to the changes he's making. It feels like he's causing a big stir, but some see it as a refreshing shake-up.
  2. People are questioning the work and spending of groups like USAID, suggesting some of their projects aren't justifiable. There's a debate about whether funds for certain programs are worth it, especially concerning national security.
  3. The political atmosphere is tense, with ongoing legal challenges to Trump's actions and many officials rushing to defend policies that many find controversial. The situation is creating a lot of friction and public spectacles in politics.

Judicial Notice (10.13.24): October Surprises

Original Jurisdiction • 459 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Judiciary Legislation Elections Campaigns Civil Rights
  1. Gentner Drummond, Oklahoma's Republican Attorney General, is pushing for a retrial in a controversial death penalty case, which has created division among state officials.
  2. The Supreme Court is looking into a key case about 'ghost guns,' with arguments taking place this week, indicating the court's interest in regulating new gun technologies.
  3. Judge Stephen Higginson from the Fifth Circuit is becoming known for his support of DACA, standing out amidst contrasting views on immigration policy within his court.

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

After Babel • 1103 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🚌 Education School Policy Child development Mental health Legislation Technology impact
  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.

Monthly Roundup #26: January 2025

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1747 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political News Government Legislation Public Opinion Political Commentary
  1. The writer plans to post more frequently, with shorter articles focused on specific topics or events. This means the monthly summaries will be shorter going forward.
  2. There is a discussion on how people perceive resources like love and trust, showing that many understand these things as renewable rather than zero-sum, meaning sharing them doesn't take away from others.
  3. The New York City congestion pricing has shown a reduction in traffic, with some positive economic effects, like increased taxi use. It indicates that such policies might work better than expected.

Tim Walz And Free Speech

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 939 implied HN points • 02 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Political Debate Legislation Public Discourse
  1. Tim Walz argued that there should be limits on free speech, using the example of shouting fire in a crowded theater. This example is often misunderstood and complicated.
  2. Many people believe that free speech should have boundaries to protect others, but the debate is often more complex than it seems.
  3. It is important to critically evaluate arguments about free speech, understanding the nuances behind different perspectives.

Links For January 2025

Astral Codex Ten • 15898 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Legislation Political Behavior Public Policy
  1. Running for Congress can be really tough. You often spend a lot of your own money and have to pause your job for a long time.
  2. The debate around AI's progress is heating up. Some people worry that if AI makes a big breakthrough but not everything it was supposed to, it could lead to misunderstandings about its true capabilities.
  3. There's a new dating site idea that matches people based on their chats with an AI helper. It's still in the early stages, but it's an interesting concept.

Does watching gun sports increase gun sales?

Random Acts of Medicine • 99 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Control Legislation Public Policy Social Issues Cultural Trends
  1. Watching gun sports at events like the Olympics might lead some people to try shooting sports, but it doesn't seem to cause a big overall increase in gun sales.
  2. Gun sales usually go up during certain seasons, like hunting seasons or holidays, and they've also spiked after events that cause fear, like elections or mass shootings.
  3. Even if there were an increase in sales due to the Olympics, it would be hard to tell if it was because of the games or other events happening at the same time, like presidential elections.

Bipartisan Coalition Finally Tells Europe, and the FBI, to Shove It

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 11592 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation National Security Bipartisanship Privacy Technology Policy
  1. A bipartisan group in the U.S. is pushing back against foreign demands for encrypted user data. This marks a significant change in the way American leaders view privacy and security.
  2. The UK's Investigatory Powers Act allows its authorities to access encrypted data, making it easier for them to monitor citizens. This has raised concerns about privacy and government overreach.
  3. For years, there wasn't much opposition to government requests for encryption access. Now, key politicians are rekindling the debate, which could lead to stronger protections for user privacy.

July 2, 2025

Letters from an American • 21 implied HN points • 03 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Elections Political parties Public Policy Government
  1. The Senate passed a budget bill that many Americans dislike because it cuts taxes for the wealthy and removes support for programs like Medicaid and food assistance. People are protesting to change lawmakers' minds.
  2. Donald Trump is pressuring Republicans to pass the bill before the Fourth of July, but some lawmakers are worried about how it will affect their chances of getting re-elected.
  3. There is a struggle within the Republican Party, as Trump tries to gather votes for the bill while facing threats from Elon Musk about forming a new political party if lawmakers don't support it.

The Georgia Ballot

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 239 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Governance Taxes Public Policy
  1. Voting yes on the constitutional amendment helps protect homeowners from having their property values tied to inflation. This means more consistent property taxes for everyone.
  2. Creating a statewide tax court will provide independent, expert help on tax issues, making the tax process fairer and more efficient.
  3. Raising the personal property tax exemption from $7,500 to $20,000 can provide financial relief to property owners. It's a good move for many families.

Would America's Wealthy Elite Kill A Couple Of Democrats To Rehab The Democrats? Yes They Would!

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 30 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Legislation Political theory Political Economy
  1. Wealthy elites may manipulate politics to maintain power, even if it means harming political figures. They want to avoid changing tax policies that could hurt their income.
  2. Both Democrats and Republicans are failing to meet the needs of everyday Americans, leading to distrust in elections and the political system. Many people feel left behind and want real change.
  3. To achieve true political reform, it's essential to challenge the current political system. Americans need to push for verified voting methods to ensure their voices are heard.

California Lawmakers Admit Their Plastic Bag Ban Backfired

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 257 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Environmental Policy Regulation Legislation Public Health
  1. California's ban on plastic bags didn't work as planned. Instead of reducing waste, plastic bag trash increased significantly.
  2. When states copy California's ban, they often see similar problems, like using more heavy-duty plastic bags that aren't recycled properly.
  3. New policies can have unexpected effects, like increased energy use from washing reusable bags, which might lead to health issues if not maintained correctly.

Why on Earth does Trump want to cancel the CHIPS Act??

Noahpinion • 23823 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Foreign Policy Manufacturing Bipartisanship
  1. The CHIPS Act is important because it helps the U.S. regain its manufacturing capacity in the semiconductor industry, crucial for technology and defense.
  2. If Trump cancels the CHIPS Act, it could weaken America's ability to compete with China, especially as China grows its manufacturing and military power.
  3. Many people are worried that this move would create greater risks for the U.S. in a time when it needs strong alliances and manufacturing capabilities to face external threats.

July 1, 2025

Letters from an American • 22 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Immigration Government Elections Political parties
  1. The Senate passed a budget bill that cuts social welfare programs while giving a lot of money for immigration enforcement. This means less support for low-income Americans but more funding for border security.
  2. A year ago, the Supreme Court decided that the president has 'absolute immunity' from certain criminal prosecutions. This ruling could harm democracy by letting a president act without accountability.
  3. Trump is continuing to spread ideas that put political opponents at risk and is pushing for more detention facilities. This raises concerns about a potential police state and disregard for the law.

Trump on Latest School Shooting: ‘Get over it’

Steady • 27850 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gun Control School Shootings Donald Trump Legislation
  1. Former President Donald Trump's response to the latest school shooting was to 'get over it', sparking controversy.
  2. The issue of school shootings is a significant concern, with an increase in incidents and the need for stronger gun laws.
  3. Individuals can take action by advocating for stronger gun laws, engaging with elected officials, and participating in peaceful protests.

Dingus of the week: “A big beautiful bill”

Men Yell at Me • 301 implied HN points • 23 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Legislation Public Policy Political Commentary
  1. Finding humor in tough situations can help us cope and maintain our sanity. Laughter can take the power out of serious issues.
  2. Sometimes, government actions seem silly or harmful, like cutting essential services to save money. It's important to recognize the real impact of these choices.
  3. Good news can still happen amidst the bad, like legal wins for marginalized groups and positive changes in work-life balance. Celebrating these wins is important.

June 30, 2025

Letters from an American • 27 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Healthcare Social Welfare Tax policy Government spending
  1. A new bill is cutting healthcare for millions and giving tax breaks to the wealthy, which many senators are calling immoral and cruel. They argue this will lead to more children going hungry and losing essential healthcare.
  2. Senator Angus King shared a personal story about how health insurance saved his life, emphasizing the importance of access to healthcare for everyone. He criticized the push to take away health insurance from people who need it.
  3. The recent tax cuts mainly benefited the rich and led to increased national debt, while the government is now trying to cut social support for the needy. Senators are speaking out, calling the legislation corrupt and harmful to the public.

Exclusive: Trump Targets Biden’s $42 Billion Broadband Boondoggle

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 398 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Government Elections Policy Administration
  1. Trump plans to change a $42 billion broadband program created by Biden because it hasn't successfully connected anyone to the internet yet.
  2. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration is looking to remove rules that are seen as burdensome, which could speed up the program's goals.
  3. This broadband program was started to provide internet access to 25 million Americans, but the proposed changes can happen without needing Congress's approval.

Repeal the Jones Act of 1920

Don't Worry About the Vase • 3494 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Trade policy Regulatory issues National Security Economic Impact
  1. The Jones Act, enacted in 1920, restricts shipping between U.S. ports to American-built and operated ships, but it has led to a decline in U.S. shipbuilding and maritime trade. After a century, the country ships very little between its own ports, resulting in higher prices for consumers.
  2. Repealing the Jones Act could significantly reduce shipping costs, increase trade, and boost the economy. It would create more jobs and provide essential supplies more efficiently during emergencies, which often cannot be met due to current shipping constraints.
  3. Opponents of the Jones Act argue that it protects a limited number of jobs at the expense of overall economic growth. They believe that allowing competition from foreign ships would enhance the maritime industry and lead to better outcomes for consumers and the economy as a whole.

Judicial Notice (10.06.24): Changing Of The Guard

Original Jurisdiction • 339 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Judiciary Legislation Government Elections Law enforcement
  1. Gurbir Grewal, the former director of the SEC's Enforcement Division, had a successful tenure, overseeing many enforcement actions that brought back billions to investors. He is now joining Milbank law firm.
  2. Dorothy Roberts from Penn Law received a MacArthur Fellowship, also known as a 'genius grant,' for her work on racial issues in social services. This grant will provide her with $800,000 over five years.
  3. Former Brooklyn DA Eugene Gold, known for prosecuting the 'Son of Sam' killer, passed away at age 100. His work in the criminal justice system left a lasting impact.

The GOP Walkout That Ended Badly

The Status Kuo • 18632 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Political parties Elections Government State Politics
  1. Oregon GOP Senators boycotted the state senate to prevent a quorum, violating a voter-approved measure banning officials with 10 or more absences from reelection.
  2. Voters passed Measure 113 to disqualify legislators with unexcused absences, leading to a Supreme Court ruling against the GOP Senators.
  3. The GOP Senators' walkout impacted their ability to run for office again, causing disruptions in the state senate and a potential shift in power dynamics.

Finding the devil in legislative details

Disaffected Newsletter • 1518 implied HN points • 09 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Policy Advocacy Governance Civil Rights
  1. Legislative language can be complicated and confusing, making it hard for everyday people to understand what laws really mean. It's important to break down legal terms into simple language so everyone can grasp their implications.
  2. Some laws might have hidden meanings that could cause major issues, like how definitions in legislation can change the way we understand terms like 'sexual orientation.' This can lead to unintended consequences that affect society.
  3. Activists sometimes downplay the real effects of laws, which can be alarming. It's crucial to stay informed and critically assess what legislation truly entails to protect the rights and safety of all individuals.

False Flag Attack

KERFUFFLE • 35 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Protests Legislation Political Opinion Public Reaction
  1. Waving Mexican flags in protests can symbolize pride and solidarity among immigrant communities, especially during challenging times.
  2. In past protests, the visibility of Mexican flags was criticized, but the current environment shows a shift in focus from seeking acceptance to defending against aggressive policies.
  3. Protesters aren't waving flags to win over public opinion but to affirm their identity and resist what they see as an attack on their community.

Whiplash

Doomberg • 6597 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Executive orders Energy Policy Environmental Issues Political strategy Legislation
  1. Trump has signed many executive orders that impact energy policy, and there are concerns about the long-term effects on the industry. Any decisions made now could shape the future of energy production for years.
  2. The recent orders have put a halt to wind energy leasing in many areas offshore, which might affect the growth of the wind sector. This means companies focused on wind energy could struggle moving forward.
  3. The orders also focus on exploring resources in Alaska, which may become a major point of attention. If successful, this could show how effective Trump's new policies could be for energy resources.

“Don’t put ‘gender’ into law - it’s a terrible idea”, the Women’s Rights Party & Mana Wāhine Kōrero tell NZ’s Law Commission.

A B’Old Woman • 1119 implied HN points • 17 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Rights Human Rights Legislation Social Issues Activism
  1. Adding 'gender' to the law could harm women's rights. Many believe it could create confusion about sex-based rights.
  2. The process to submit opinions on this issue isn't fair. Not everyone has equal access to technology or the ability to express their views clearly.
  3. There's a call for more attention to the negative impacts of letting men identify as women in women's spaces, and a need for women's voices to be heard.