Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) and Andy Biggs (R-AZ) discuss the GOP's "Parents Bill of Rights" bill, legal issues facing former President Trump, and congressional news of the day.
Army Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville discussed readiness and modernization efforts during a conversation hosted by the Brookings Institution. Topics included the Russia-Ukraine war, capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region and retention and recruitment.
"I had the opportunity to speak with President Trump this morning," said House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (NY) as she shared her support amidst news of a potential upcoming indictment of the former president. She discussed this news and the party's agenda with Punchbowl News Founder Jake Sherman on the sidelines of the House GOP retreat in Orlando, Florida. Topics included the debt ceiling, the banking system, and immigration. When asked about the Republican presidential nominee, she said, "I think you are going to see President Trump continue to solidify his position in the Republication nomination."
Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra discussed the importance of mitigating racial inequities in the health care system, and how his agency is leading this effort. He was joined by several other health policy professionals, including Harvard University professor David Williams, who explained the factors contributing to such inequities. The event, which was hosted by the Urban Institute, occurred amid the 20th anniversary of the landmark report, "Unequal Treatment: Confronting Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care." Participants said little progress has been made since the report was first published and more work needs to be done.
President Biden announced two new national monuments in the Southwest, in order to protect the Spirit Mountain area in Nevada and Castner Range in Texas from development. Spirit Mountain, also known as Avi Kwa Ame, would be the largest protected area so far under the Biden administration. Moreover, he said he directed the secretary of commerce to designate 777,000 square miles of the Pacific Ocean, southwest of Hawaii, as a new national marine sanctuary. The president gave the remarks during a White House summit on conservation at the Interior Department.
Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra discussed the importance of mitigating racial inequities in the health care system, and how his agency is leading this effort. He was joined by several other health policy professionals, including Harvard University professor David Williams, who explained the factors contributing to such inequities. The event, which was hosted by the Urban Institute, occurred amid the 20th anniversary of the landmark report, "Unequal Treatment: Confronting Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care." Participants said little progress has been made since the report was first published and more work needs to be done.
Senate and House Democratic leaders and members warned of "catastrophic" consequences should Republicans decide to vote against a debt ceiling increase. These consequences, they say, are highlighted in a new Joint Economic Committee report. Democrats urged Republicans not to default on the federal government's debt.
President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff delivered remarks at a reception at the White House marking Women's History Month. They acknowledged the women who are "firsts" in government today and discussed what his administration is doing to support women's rights across the world, including their economic and physical security.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell during a news conference announced another interest rate hike after some experts speculated there might be a pause after two recent bank failures. Chair Powell told reporters the board did consider a pause but there was consensus to move forward with an increase. He reiterated the U.S. banking system is safe, sound and resilient.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen reassured lawmakers the U.S. banking system remains sound as she testified before congress for the first time following two recent bank failures. The secretary appeared before the Senate Finance Committee to discuss President Biden's 2024 budget request for the agency. Other topics included inflation, the debt ceiling and IRS operations during tax season.
Members of the House Energy & Commerce Committee grilled TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew on his social media company's relationship with the Chinese government, with particular focus on the app's data security practices and algorithms as well as its potential harm to children. The CEO pushed pack against criticism that TikTok is under control of the Chinese government, though admitted that the Chinese Communist Party has the ability to manipulate data. TikTok's parent company is ByteDance, a Chinese-based company. Moreover, Mr. Chew promoted "Project Texas," TikTok's proposed plan to give the U.S. more oversight of its data and algorithms.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken testified on his agency's foreign policy priorities and its 2024 budget request before a Senate Appropriations subcommittee. Senators asked Secretary Blinken about Russia-China relations amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the State Department's review of its role in the withdrawal from Afghanistan, and Mexican drug cartels trafficking fentanyl into the U.S. On the cartels, Secretary Blinken said the department would consider designating them as foreign terrorist organizations when questioned on the matter by Ranking Member Lindsey Graham (R-SC).
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) called the Manhattan investigation into former President Trump "politics" and one that lacked equal justice. Speaker McCarthy spoke about the investigation and other topics during a news conference at the House Republican retreat in Orlando, Florida. Three other Republicans joined the speaker to highlight issues including China, public education and parents' rights.
President Biden marked the 13th anniversary of the Obama-Biden administration's Affordable Care Act during an event at the White House. The president claimed some Republicans remain committed to repealing the so-called ACA, saying saving lives "doesn't mean much to our Republican friends." Several lawmakers, including former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), attended the event.
Timothy Heaphy, former chief investigative counsel for the January 6 Committee, discussed the body's investigation and final report in a discussion hosted by the University of Virginia. He also gave personal insights including, if given the opportunity, what he'd ask former President Trump in an interview. Other topics included the rule of law, the public hearings produced for television audiences and where the evidence and data from the investigation is kept currently.
Bestselling author and journalist Jeff Hobbs discussed his book "Children of the State," which looks at the workings of the juvenile justice system in the United States.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak fielded questions from members of the House of Commons on a range of domestic and international issues during the weekly Question Time session. Among the topics discussed between lawmakers were the national government's support for local police forces, inflation for food & fuel, and the trade agreement impacting Northern Ireland & the European Union.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken called out China for its meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin amid the war in Ukraine. The secretary argued that following the International Criminal Court (ICC) issuing an arrest warrant for President Putin, President Xi's trip to Russia gives Moscow "diplomatic cover" for the alleged atrocities and crimes in Ukraine. Secretary of State Blinken also highlighted the new Human Rights Report. The annual report which is mandated by law and submitted to Congress, outlines human rights conditions in countries and regions across the globe.
Bestselling author and journalist Jeff Hobbs discussed his book "Children of the State," which looks at the workings of the juvenile justice system in the United States.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak fielded questions from members of the House of Commons on a range of domestic and international issues during the weekly Question Time session. Among the topics discussed between lawmakers were the national government's support for local police forces, inflation for food & fuel, and the trade agreement impacting Northern Ireland & the European Union.
Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel testified on the increase in price for the company's COVID-19 vaccine before the Senate Health Committee. Topics included the partnership between Moderna and the federal government during the pandemic, the impact on taxpayers, accessibility to the vaccine, and profit margins for the company. Moderna's CEO and others affiliated with the company became billionaires in 2020. In addition, medical and law scholars analyzed the private-public partnership and testified on the impact of the decision to raise prices after the pandemic.
The Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing to address the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen Supreme Court decision on the right to carry a concealed weapon in public and the impact the decision would have on gun safety regulations. Topics included historical reference in court cases, gun-ownership demographics, public safety, common sense gun measures, domestic violence and repeat criminal offenders.
Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Rand Paul (R-KY) spoke about their amendments to a bill repealing the authorization for use of military force against Iraq.
Bestselling author and journalist Jeff Hobbs discussed his book "Children of the State," which looks at the workings of the juvenile justice system in the United States.
