The hottest Legislation Substack posts right now

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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Of Snakes, Deep Swamps, and Kevin McCarthy’s Bid to Govern From the Middle

Peter Navarro's Taking Back Trump's America • 2338 implied HN points • 01 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. Kevin McCarthy's deal with President Joe Biden may trigger a potential vote to oust him as Speaker.
  2. The deal lacks guarantees for deficit reductions and neglects relief for America's fossil fuel producers.
  3. McCarthy's political sin was agreeing to kick the debt limit can past the 2024 elections, prioritizing his own fortunes over his Party.

Deb's petition against the NZ Midwifery Council’s dog of a revised Scope of Practice gets presented to Parliament.

A B’Old Woman • 639 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. Deb Hayes has presented a petition to Parliament against changes made by the NZ Midwifery Council. She wants to investigate why the words 'woman' and 'baby' were removed from important documents.
  2. Two MPs supported Deb during her petition presentation, showing they are willing to engage with controversial topics. This kind of support is pretty rare these days.
  3. The Midwifery Council quickly updated their Scope of Practice document after learning about the petition. This raised concerns about transparency and the process used to create such documents.

Welcome to Hamassachusetts

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2652 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. There is a growing concern about antisemitism in Massachusetts public schools. Lawmakers are highlighting this issue during discussions and hearings.
  2. A recent event featured a state representative showing a folded dollar bill as a symbol of antisemitism, sparking reactions from teachers and union leaders.
  3. The leader of the Massachusetts Teachers Association did not make a judgment when asked if that imagery was antisemitic, reflecting a complex conversation around these topics.

New Zealand’s hate speech laws get kicked to the kerb; Rex Landy makes the news; and the woman who got trespassed from a supermarket for wearing a truth-telling t-shirt tells her story.

A B’Old Woman • 759 implied HN points • 22 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. New Zealand has decided not to proceed with its proposed hate speech laws, which many people welcomed. They felt these laws could lead to more problems than solutions, despite the good intentions behind them.
  2. Rex Landy made headlines for her frank comments during a governmental hearing about prisons. She criticized a current MP for not listening adequately, which sparked controversy and was labeled as an 'anti-trans rant' by media.
  3. A woman named Phillippa was banned from a supermarket for wearing a t-shirt that stated 'men are not women, even if you squint.' She shared her experience, highlighting her belief in free speech and planned a protest against the supermarket.

How To Curb Illegal Immigration—And Why It Won't Happen

The Liberal Patriot • 1139 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. Undocumented immigrants impact wages in various industries, particularly affecting working-class Americans and black Americans without higher education.
  2. Illegal immigration causes fiscal strain on cities, demanding federal action and jeopardizing American democracy's foundation.
  3. Proposals like E-Verify may help curb illegal immigration, but broader solutions require comprehensive approaches incorporating border security, asylum, and pathways to legal employment.
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The Vibe Shift Comes to the Super Bowl. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2582 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. This year's Super Bowl showed a shift in culture with new messages like 'Choose Love' in the end zone. The halftime show featuring Kendrick Lamar mixed patriotism with social commentary.
  2. Democrats are trying to defend USAID amid controversies, but many people believe foreign aid is excessive, which could backfire on their political support.
  3. American public education continues to struggle, with students falling behind, and some educators are allegedly trying to obscure the problem instead of fixing it.

Britain’s War on Speech Comes for the Pub

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1038 implied HN points • 20 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. The UK is passing a law that could punish people for comments made in public, which includes places like pubs and restaurants. This could change how people interact and joke with each other in social settings.
  2. The law is informally called the 'Banter Bill,' highlighting how serious concerns about free speech are being treated lightly. Many believe this shows a growing problem with free expression in Britain.
  3. The situation is becoming a topic of debate, as some politicians and commentators criticize the government's actions and advocate for the importance of free speech in society.

Repeal the Jones Act of 1920

Don't Worry About the Vase • 3494 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  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.

America This Week - Livestream Tonight at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 2542 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. There's a livestream event called 'America This Week' happening tonight at 8 PM ET. It's a chance to catch up on current topics in America.
  2. The hosts will discuss various issues, including Tulsi Gabbard's and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Senate votes and Trump's comments about Gaza.
  3. They'll also cover recent media controversies and how traditional news outlets are changing or declining in relevance.

EXCLUSIVE: U.S. Imposes Travel Ban On Brazil Supreme Court Justices Persecuting Former President Bolsonaro

Michael Shellenberger • 966 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. The U.S. has placed a travel ban on Brazilian Supreme Court Justices who are seen as persecuting former President Jair Bolsonaro. This is a significant move that could impact the justices' ability to travel freely.
  2. The ban comes after Brazilian police raided Bolsonaro's home, showing a serious escalation in conflict between him and the Brazilian government. Bolsonaro's legal troubles are making headlines right now.
  3. Brazilian elites, who often travel to the U.S., might feel the effects of this ban, especially because it could affect their social lives and connections abroad. Travel restrictions can be a powerful form of pressure.

New York Democrats Go Socialist. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1168 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. Zohran Mamdani, a socialist, won the Democratic primary for mayor of New York City. His proposals include big changes like government-run grocery stores and a freeze on rent.
  2. Mamdani has strong views on police and foreign policy, proposing to defund the NYPD and calling Israel 'apartheid'.
  3. His surprising victory against former governor Andrew Cuomo shows changes happening in New York's political landscape.

Don't wreck the Planning Bill!

Odds and Ends of History • 1005 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. The Planning and Infrastructure Bill aims to make it easier to build homes and infrastructure in Britain. This is important for addressing problems like the housing crisis.
  2. Recent amendments to the Bill could weaken its effectiveness by adding more legal hurdles for developers. This may slow down the building process instead of speeding it up.
  3. The government should avoid compromising on the Bill and focus on its original goals. If it does not work effectively, it won't solve the issues it aimed to address.

The Intra-MAGA fight over AI

Nonzero Newsletter • 338 implied HN points • 07 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. There's a growing divide in the MAGA movement about AI. Some people want to move forward quickly with AI, while others are more cautious and worried about its risks.
  2. Billionaires contribute a lot to carbon emissions, much more than people in lower income brackets. This shows a big inequality issue in how climate change is caused and faced by different groups.
  3. The Department of Homeland Security wants to collect more biometric data from many people, including US citizens. This means more personal information will be needed for things like immigration applications.

The Donald Trumped

Diane Francis • 839 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. Donald Trump was ordered to pay $355 million for lying to financial institutions, highlighting that even powerful people can face consequences for their actions.
  2. New York's strict financial laws help maintain its reputation as a leading financial center, protecting investors from fraud.
  3. Trump compared his legal troubles to the struggles faced by political prisoners, while there are concerns he may be under foreign influence regarding his debts.

Congress Asks Better Questions

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1075 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. Congress is starting to ask smarter questions about AI. This is good because they are realizing the serious risks and issues involved.
  2. There are concerns about how AI could affect jobs in the future. Some people worry that AI might make humans unemployable, which is a big problem that needs attention.
  3. The race for AI is not just about winning against other countries like China, but also about ensuring safety and ethical use. It’s important to build AI that is safe and beneficial for everyone.

Defending USAID Is Political Suicide for Democrats

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2304 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. Defending USAID could be a risky move for Democrats, especially after a tough election loss. They might need to rethink their approach to avoid alienating voters.
  2. Many voters are frustrated with government bureaucracy and foreign aid spending, which could hurt Democrats politically. USAID, with its large budget, is a prime example of this.
  3. Despite concerns about waste, USAID does provide essential services like health and nutrition aid to those in need. Balancing this may be key for Democrats as they consider their next steps.

This is why we can’t have nice laws

Open Philanthropy farm animal welfare research newsletter • 799 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Legislation
  1. Many people support farm animal welfare laws, but politicians often fail to pass them due to strong opposition from factory farmers and their powerful lobbying efforts.
  2. Advocates have been successful in passing farm animal welfare laws through citizens' initiatives, cross-party support, compromise, and engaging with political candidates and parties.
  3. The farm lobby, with its wealth, government subsidies, and strong influence on politicians, poses a significant challenge to the progress of farm animal welfare laws.

Farewell to Canada’s Golden Boy. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2633 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. Justin Trudeau's resignation marks the end of his nearly decade-long term as Canada's prime minister. His fall from grace is attributed to controversial ideas on various issues like the economy and immigration.
  2. There are ongoing discussions about the safety and stability of New York City, with ideas on how to restore order amid rising lawlessness. Some suggest that banning masks could help reduce crime-related anonymity.
  3. Recent tragedies have sparked a debate about the impact of language and narratives on societal safety. Conversations are emerging about the consequences of divisive rhetoric, especially in light of recent violent events.

How Democrats' Rotating Villain Strategy Backfired

JoeWrote • 64 implied HN points • 30 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. Many elected Democrats are corporate-friendly and more conservative than the party's progressive voters, creating a big gap between leaders and the base.
  2. Party leaders use a “rotating villain” tactic—shifting blame and using fake polls, election maneuvers, and distractions—to hide conservative policy choices and suppress the left.
  3. That tactic backfired when it was used to push funding for ICE, exposing several corporate Democrats as dishonest and further hurting trust and approval.

The Curious Case of Luigi Mangione. Plus...

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2921 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, was from a wealthy background and seemed normal to those who knew him. His social media showed no extreme political views but did include a controversial book.
  2. Mangione went through a tumultuous time after back surgery, which might have contributed to his change in behavior. His arrest and the context surrounding it have led to public speculation about his motives.
  3. Despite his serious charges, some people online celebrated Mangione, seeing him as a kind of anti-hero against the healthcare system, illustrating the complex reactions to his actions.

New York Presbyterian's Anti-Competitive Maneuver Cost the 32BJ Health Fund $25 Million

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 299 implied HN points • 31 May 24
🏥 Health Politics Legislation
  1. The conflict between the 32BJ Health Fund and New York Presbyterian shows how strong hospitals can pressure unions for money. This kind of influence can hurt efforts to keep healthcare affordable.
  2. There are specific unfair contract practices, like forcing insurers to include all services or keeping prices secret, that are hurting competition in healthcare. These practices usually benefit powerful hospital systems at the expense of smaller payers.
  3. Legislators need to work harder to protect consumers and unions from these unfair practices. Recent attempts to create stronger laws against such actions were weakened by hospital lobbyists.

Disaffected, Episode 162

Disaffected Newsletter • 699 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. The WPATH Files reveal that the World Transgender Health Association is aware of the possible harm done to children but continues with their practices.
  2. Mainstream media often fails to accurately report on controversial topics, like the Moms4Liberty group's efforts to remove certain books from school libraries.
  3. President Biden's recent speech included tense remarks aimed at the Supreme Court and addressed serious issues, like a murder case involving an illegal alien.

Shutdown Winnings: Billions in Earmarks for Coke-Driven Moby Dick Theatre, Horse Therapy, “Gay Utopia,” and More

OpenTheBooks Substack • 228 implied HN points • 24 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. Lawmakers kept slipping earmarks into spending bills during the shutdown, with the signed stopgap containing 862 earmarks worth $2.4 billion and roughly $10.7 billion more under consideration.
  2. A large share of the funding goes to local or quirky projects far from core federal duties — things like restoring a giant elephant statue, supporting dance festivals, horse therapy, and youth squash programs.
  3. Earmarks were paused for a decade and are credited with big savings, but their return has rapidly increased spending while transparency and oversight remain weak, prompting concerns about fiscal discipline.

The Death of the Public Library. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 932 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. Public libraries are facing significant decline, often becoming homeless shelters, which discourages families and students from using them. It's sad to see a place that was once a community hub turn into something else.
  2. People are becoming victims of identity theft, and this issue is tied to illegal immigration as some migrants need fake Social Security numbers to work. This adds another layer to the ongoing immigration debate.
  3. Mark Swidan, who was wrongfully detained in a Chinese prison, is struggling to rebuild his life back in America after his release. His story highlights the challenges faced by people who have endured long imprisonments.

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
  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.

Trump’s Tariffs at the Supreme Court

David Friedman’s Substack • 278 implied HN points • 14 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. Trump's tariffs might not deliver the economic benefits he claims and could actually make people poorer. The reasons supporting the tariffs don't fully grasp trade economics.
  2. Congress, not the president, has the power to impose tariffs, and Trump’s emergency claims for them don't seem to meet legal standards. A long-term trade deficit isn't really an unusual threat.
  3. The court may rule against Trump because the tariffs he imposed likely aren’t allowed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. They don't fit the definition of emergencies stated in the law.

Settled, Not Immigrant

Points And Figures • 879 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. America is described as a 'settled' country where earlier settlers established a foundation for future immigrants. It's important to recognize this difference in how we think about immigration.
  2. The original settlers faced many risks to create their new lives, and their successes made it more appealing for immigrants to come later. This history shapes our understanding of what it means to immigrate.
  3. While valuing the contributions of immigrants, it's essential for them to integrate and adopt American culture. The focus should be on becoming American rather than maintaining ties to their countries of origin.

What American Students Aren’t Taught About Slavery. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1043 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. Many American students do not learn that slavery was not just an American issue but a global one. This limited perspective means they miss out on important historical truths.
  2. There is a call for a better way to teach about slavery that recognizes its worldwide existence without downplaying the horrors of American slavery.
  3. Juneteenth serves as a reminder to reflect on the legacy of slavery and the importance of educating young people about history accurately.

Help make local meat affordable again!

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 1697 implied HN points • 12 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. Support for the PRIME Act can lead to more affordable and accessible local meat options by allowing farmers to use local butchers without costly USDA intermediaries.
  2. Passage of the PRIME Act would increase access to local slaughterhouses, improve food safety, boost food security, and contribute to the local economy.
  3. Taking action by calling or emailing legislators to support the PRIME Act, meeting with representatives, and spreading awareness can make a significant impact on the future of local meat production.

No Kings

Points And Figures • 1065 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. Fringe Democrats showed anger on Flag Day instead of celebrating the Army's anniversary and the American value of having no kings. Celebrating independence is a big deal in July, but they missed the point.
  2. There are long-serving politicians in both parties, but more in the Democratic party. If people want no kings, they should support term limits and new blood in politics.
  3. Legacy politicians, like those whose families have held power for generations, look a lot like royalty. It's worth questioning why this continues in a democracy.

You don't hate Congress. You hate losing.

Matt’s Five Points • 319 implied HN points • 16 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. Congress is not popular, and its approval ratings are quite low, often under 20%. This means many people express frustration with it, but it often stems from deeper feelings of losing in the political system.
  2. Losing in a democracy can feel terrible. Whether it's in Congress or at a local meeting, people often get upset when their views aren't prioritized or when they don't get their way.
  3. Everyone is capable of feeling like losers in politics because decisions often have winners and losers. This frustration is common and can lead to heated feelings about politicians and government processes.

Next for Ukraine

Diane Francis • 1179 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation
  1. Ukraine is facing challenges in getting the military aid it needs as political obstacles grow in both the U.S. and Europe. Leaders are rushing to resolve these issues since aid is crucial for Ukraine's defense.
  2. There are fears that without adequate support, Ukraine could experience severe consequences, including more refugees and a potential military collapse. Historical experts are worried about the broader impact on global stability.
  3. Despite political delays, some military aid is still being provided to Ukraine. The Ukrainian leaders remain determined to continue fighting for their country and not to give up any territory.

As Medicare Advantage's shortcomings echo in the press, key legislators still push to privatize traditional Medicare

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 639 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Legislation
  1. There are concerns about the move to privatize Medicare, especially with more seniors being pushed towards Medicare Advantage plans. Many seniors might not know the downsides of these plans, which can include delays in care and unexpected out-of-pocket costs.
  2. Medicare Advantage plans often have strict rules that can limit care for patients, and these plans are favored because they make profits for private insurance companies. Some patients have difficulty getting necessary treatments due to these limitations.
  3. There's a push from certain lawmakers to make Medicare Advantage the default option for new Medicare recipients, which could make traditional Medicare less accessible. This raises worries that Medicare as we know it could disappear in favor of profit-driven plans.