The hottest Legislation Substack posts right now

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

Polio Ravaged My Family. Forget Its Horror at Your Peril.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1052 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Public Health Legislation Activism Family Health
  1. The polio vaccine has been very successful in the U.S., with no new cases since 1979. This shows how important vaccines are for public health.
  2. Polio had a devastating impact on families, as seen in personal stories of loss. Such experiences highlight the real dangers of the disease before the vaccine.
  3. There are concerns about vaccine skepticism today, especially with influential figures promoting misinformation. It's crucial to remember the history of diseases like polio and the importance of vaccination.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce: From Fighting Obamacare to Defending Big Pharma

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 559 implied HN points • 20 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare policy Lobbying Legislation Insurance Industry
  1. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has a history of opposing health care reforms like Obamacare, fighting to protect the insurance industry's profits. Their actions have often prioritized big business over the needs of everyday people.
  2. Recently, the Chamber has also opposed Medicare's efforts to negotiate lower drug prices. They claim it will harm the pharmaceutical industry, but many seniors could benefit from cheaper medications.
  3. Overall, the Chamber does not represent small businesses or local interests as much as it represents large corporations. Their lobbying efforts highlight how some businesses prioritize profit over the well-being of the public.

Election Exclusive: British Advisors to Kamala Harris Hope to "Kill Musk's Twitter"

The DisInformation Chronicle • 2465 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Strategy Foreign influence Political Campaigns Disinformation Legislation
  1. A group of British advisors is working with Kamala Harris to undermine Elon Musk's Twitter. They plan to do this by attacking its advertising revenue and promoting censorship.
  2. The Center for Countering Digital Hate, linked to these advisors, has been active in U.S. politics, attempting to influence legislation and public perception about misinformation online.
  3. There are concerns about the legality of the CCDH's actions, especially since they may violate rules for tax-exempt organizations by engaging in substantial lobbying efforts.

Eight is Enough

Doomberg • 6392 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Environmental Policy Political strategy Legislation
  1. Gavin Newsom, the governor of California, is a strong political figure and is positioning himself for future opportunities as he cannot serve another term as governor. He has a powerful background and significant financial support.
  2. California has special rules that allow it to set stricter vehicle emissions standards than the rest of the U.S., which has major impacts on the auto industry across the country.
  3. The Biden administration has been slow to approve California's recent emissions waiver applications, and this could give California a lot more power in setting its own environmental rules, especially after Trump's election.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Their Democracy

Doomberg • 7077 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Environmental Policy Public Opinion
  1. Washington state has a very green energy mix, relying heavily on hydroelectric power, nuclear energy, and clean natural gas. This means they produce a lot of electricity without creating much pollution.
  2. Residents in Washington mostly heat their homes with electricity, and there is a push for using heat pumps instead of traditional heating methods. This shows a trend toward using more electric options for home heating.
  3. Recently, voters in Washington supported a measure to protect the use of natural gas despite the state's general lean towards environmental initiatives. This reflects a growing divide between urban and rural opinions on energy policies.

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 Social media Child safety Lobbying Free speech
  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.

Did Trump Just Take the First Steps Toward Civil War? & Backlash for NYT Essay Speculating on Taylor Swift’s Sexuality

kareem • 8982 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Legislation Social Issues Media Critique Cultural analysis
  1. Donald Trump is seen as both a flawed individual and a symbol by his followers.
  2. Historians support Colorado's effort to bar Trump from running, citing the 14th amendment.
  3. Speculating on someone's sexuality without clear evidence can be harmful and irresponsible.

"America last."

Today's Edition Newsletter • 8333 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Policy Immigration Election Legislation
  1. Senate Republicans blocked funding for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, prioritizing Trump and Putin's interests over America's.
  2. The GOP is being surreptitiously controlled by Vladimir Putin through Trump, as seen through Tucker Carlson's actions.
  3. Immigration actually contributes a lot to the US economy, as reported by the CBO, despite common misconceptions.

The least we can do

Popular Information • 9139 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Tax policy Social programs Legislation Bipartisanship Opinion Pieces
  1. The Child Tax Credit was expanded in 2021, leading to a significant drop in child poverty.
  2. There are efforts to extend and expand the Child Tax Credit again, but face opposition from corporate lobbyists.
  3. The proposed expansion of the Child Tax Credit is tied to extensions of business tax cuts, which are critiqued for benefiting profitable companies.

The Ad That Radicalised Me

The Ruffian • 1511 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Ethics Healthcare Public Opinion Social Issues
  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.

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 Social media Public Health Consumer Rights
  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.

X Is A Bully Whip

Points And Figures • 932 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Legislation Government spending Political Accountability Elections
  1. The recent failure of a big spending bill in Congress shows that there's a shift in how people view government spending. Many believe it's time to cut spending and start fresh.
  2. Social media platforms like X are giving people a way to hold Congress accountable. Now, politicians can't hide their actions as easily and are feeling pressure from their voters.
  3. There's a call for more transparency and accountability in Congress, like linking spending bills to the responsible lawmakers. Some even suggest changing how Congress members are paid based on their budget cuts.

Trump déjà vu: It's always about him

Today's Edition Newsletter • 8019 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Impeachment Foreign Policy Environmental Policy Legislation Party Politics
  1. During Trump's presidency, actions were often evaluated based on advancing his personal interests.
  2. President Biden is taking a measured approach against Iran-backed militias to avoid widening a war in the Middle East.
  3. House Republicans seem focused on political maneuvers, such as risking a government shutdown, rather than addressing significant issues like immigration reform.

The immigration "compromise"

Popular Information • 7527 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Legislation Bipartisanship Border Security Asylum
  1. A bipartisan "immigration compromise" bill is met with mixed reactions from politicians and experts.
  2. The bill creates severe restrictions on asylum-seekers, resembling policies from the Trump administration.
  3. House Republicans may prefer legislation like Remain in Mexico and more detention authority over the current bill's provisions.

Anti-migration bill fails German Bundestag after Merkel denounces CDU cooperation with AfD and the left break out in widespread protests

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 205 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Elections Governance Political parties Public Protests
  1. An anti-migration bill in Germany failed to pass, highlighting deep divisions between political parties. Many protests erupted against the CDU after Angela Merkel criticized their cooperation with the AfD.
  2. The failed bill has hurt CDU leadership, particularly Friedrich Merz, who faces backlash from both leftist groups and critics within his own party. His inability to deliver on migration policy raises questions about his future.
  3. The political climate is tense, with leftist parties seeing an opportunity to rally against the CDU. The situation suggests growing support for the AfD as more voters may lean towards right-wing parties due to migration issues.

The Shape of Things to Come

Bulwark+ • 8628 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Candidates Policies Legislation Political Behavior
  1. Donald Trump is likely to be the Republican nominee for the 2024 election, with strong support from the party base.
  2. Joe Biden's candidacy is characterized by hidden strengths, legislative accomplishments, and a focus on governance.
  3. There is a concern about a segment of society motivated by a desire for chaos, which could impact the political landscape.

Could Trump Buy TikTok?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 324 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Legislation Government Social media
  1. Trump, who initially started the anti-TikTok movement, now supports a plan to save the app. This shows how opinions can change based on circumstances.
  2. There is a looming deadline for TikTok's future, which has sparked conversations about its potential sale or shutdown. Time is running out for a resolution.
  3. Supporting independent journalism is important, and it helps provide access to in-depth stories and commentary on significant issues. Subscribing can help maintain this kind of journalism.

Scholastic's "bigot button"

Popular Information • 14151 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship Education Bias Diversity Legislation
  1. Scholastic faces criticism for potentially excluding books featuring people of color and LGBTQ characters from book fairs.
  2. Scholastic claims to segregate books due to pending legislation in U.S. states, risking exclusion for teachers and librarians.
  3. There is a backlash against Scholastic from publishers like Brave Books that promote different values and books for children.

Supreme Court poised to appoint federal judges to run the US economy.

Today's Edition Newsletter • 8078 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Supreme Court Government Economy Elections Legislation
  1. Supreme Court might overturn Chevron deference doctrine, changing how US economy is regulated
  2. Conservatives aim to diminish power of executive branch and Congress, while empowering the courts
  3. Federal regulations in the US ensure safety, honesty, transparency, and accountability in the large economy

Getting serious about wage theft

Popular Information • 6918 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Legislation Labor Rights Oversight
  1. Over $203 million in wages were stolen from workers in New York between 2017 and 2021, with the most theft happening in industries like restaurants, health care, and construction.
  2. New York lawmakers are introducing bills to combat wage theft by suspending licenses, certificates, and issuing stop-work orders for businesses that violate wage laws.
  3. States like California and Colorado are also taking action against wage theft by holding accountable large companies and subcontractors who exploit workers by stealing wages.

US Gun Stupidity

Diane Francis • 1059 implied HN points • 15 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Political violence Media Public Opinion
  1. An attempted assassination on a political figure can change the course of an election campaign. It can lead to dramatic reactions and rhetoric from involved parties.
  2. Political leaders may use such events to appeal to their supporters and create narratives that serve their agendas. This includes ascribing blame to political opponents in a bid to rally their base.
  3. The complexities of political violence highlight how individuals involved may have their own motivations, which can sometimes contradict the broader political stories being told.

Fauci is pardoned

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 311 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Government Public Policy Health Policy
  1. Biden's last pardons included Anthony Fauci, which raises questions about his past actions related to pandemic research.
  2. Fauci might face consequences for his alleged past actions, especially if questioned again about funding controversial research.
  3. His handling of the pandemic was criticized, as he oversimplified responses and made many incorrect recommendations that impacted public health and schools.

North Carolina Republicans create "secret police force"

Popular Information • 13718 implied HN points • 02 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Government oversight Transparency Accountability Partisanship
  1. North Carolina Republicans have created a 'secret police force' through a legislative committee with extraordinary investigative powers.
  2. The new rules by North Carolina Republicans could potentially compromise privacy, attorney-client privilege, and accountability.
  3. Changes in public records laws in North Carolina give lawmakers more authority over what documents are considered public, raising concerns about transparency and accountability.

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 Internet Safety Mental health Social media
  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.

Backlash to Tulsi Gabbard, Kash Patel in top intel jobs falls flat

Aaron Mate • 193 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Political Analysis Political parties Public Opinion
  1. Tulsi Gabbard referenced whistleblowers who challenged a cover-up related to chemical weapons in Syria. This shows her willingness to address controversial issues.
  2. Kash Patel, known for exposing FBI wrongdoing, has faced little serious backlash despite his previous criticisms. This reflects a shift in the political landscape regarding intelligence roles.
  3. The reactions to Gabbard and Patel's positions indicate a change in public perception towards more open discussions of past intelligence controversies. It suggests that people might be more receptive to their viewpoints now.

Over 90,000 Satisfied Responses In Trans Survey; Largest Detrans Survey Only Had 100

Erin In The Morning • 6584 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Transgender Survey Regret Legislation
  1. A recent survey of over 90,000 transgender individuals shows high levels of satisfaction post-transition.
  2. The survey results challenge prevailing narratives of transgender regret prevalent in anti-trans media.
  3. The largest detrans survey had only 100 responses, highlighting the rarity of detransition and regret among transgender individuals.

GOP Tries to Keep Abortion Rights Off the Ballot & The Divorce Rate for Couples Over 65 Has Tripled!

kareem • 6839 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Abortion rights Democracy Patriotism Legislation
  1. Abortion rights are under threat with GOP efforts to keep them off the ballot, impacting many victims of rape.
  2. The divorce rate for couples over 65 has tripled since 1990, with financial and emotional repercussions.
  3. Republican legislators in some states are hindering democracy by avoiding voter input on key issues like abortion.