Suspending the Rules

With less than three weeks left before government funding runs out, negotiators from the Republican-led Senate and Democratic-controlled House have agreed to topline spending figures for the 12 annual appropriations bills. Lawmakers will work to finalize details in the bills before a potential government shutdown begins after Dec. 20. On this episode of “Suspending the Rules” from Bloomberg Government, budget and appropriations reporter Jack Fitzpatrick breaks down the state of budget negotiations and previews what's to come. Contact the BGOV podcast team at BGOVpodcast@bgov.com. Listen and subscribe to Suspending the Rules from your mobile device:  Via Apple Podcasts | Via Overcast | Via Stitcher | Via Spotify Hosts: Adam M. Taylor, Sarah Babbage Audio Editor: RJ Jewell

Congress plans to vote this week on a continuing resolution to fund the government through Dec. 20. The move buys time for Democrats and Republicans to, potentially, conclude negotiations over spending allocations and the details of the 12 annual appropriations bills. On this episode of “Suspending the Rules,” Bloomberg Government's podcast, budget and appropriations reporter Jack Fitzpatrick breaks down the state of play in the spending fight. Legislative analyst Michael Smallberg also joins the show to discuss a few other bills the House has scheduled for this week. Contact the BGOV podcast team at BGOVpodcast@bgov.com. Listen and subscribe to Suspending the Rules from your mobile device:  Via Apple Podcasts | Via Overcast | Via Stitcher | Via Spotify Hosts: Adam M. Taylor, Sarah Babbage Audio Editor: RJ Jewell

Congressional campaigns are taking stock of off-year election results in Kentucky, Virginia, and Mississippi as they ramp up their plans for the next 12 months. They'll also be watching how Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards fares in Louisiana's Nov. 16 runoff election.   On this episode of “Suspending the Rules” from Bloomberg Government, in-house elections experts Greg Giroux and Kyle Trygstad discuss the races that will make or break the parties' majorities and the effects President Donald Trump is having on the races.  Contact the BGOV podcast team at BGOVpodcast@bgov.com. Listen and subscribe to Suspending the Rules from your mobile device:  Via Apple Podcasts | Via Overcast | Via Stitcher | Via Spotify Hosts: Adam M. Taylor, Sarah Babbage Audio Editor: RJ Jewell

Artificial intelligence, digital privacy, and other technology policy debates are all issues Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-Calif.) plans to address as a leader of the Congressional AI Caucus and a member of the House committee with jurisdiction over tech. On this episode of “Suspending the Rules” from Bloomberg Government, technology policy reporter Rebecca Kern sits down with McNerney to discuss AI, privacy legislation, the “Section 230” liability shield for tech companies, and Twitter's recent decision not to accept political ads on its platform. Contact the BGOV podcast team at BGOVpodcast@bgov.com. Listen and subscribe to Suspending the Rules from your mobile device:  Via Apple Podcasts | Via Overcast | Via Stitcher | Via Spotify Hosts: Adam M. Taylor, Sarah Babbage Audio Editor: RJ Jewell

The House this week will vote on condemning the Ottoman Empire's slaughter of 1.5 million Armenians during and after World War I under a nonbinding resolution. The event is widely known as the Armenian Genocide, a term Turkey disputes. On this episode of “Suspending the Rules,” a podcast from Bloomberg Government, legislative analyst Naoreen Chowdhury and congressional reporter Emily Wilkins discuss the resolution, why it's coming up now, and why Turkey objects. The two also break down a separate bill the House will vote on this week which would impose sanctions on Turkish officials in response to attacks on Kurdish forces in Syria. Contact the BGOV podcast team at BGOVpodcast@bgov.com. Listen and subscribe to Suspending the Rules from your mobile device:  Via Apple Podcasts | Via Overcast | Via Stitcher | Via Spotify Hosts: Adam M. Taylor, Sarah Babbage Audio Editor: RJ Jewell

Foreign offers of assistance to federal campaigns would have to be reported to law enforcement under a bill the House plans to take up this week. Other provisions in the “SHIELD Act” would require disclosures on online political ads similar to those in print or on television and would make social media platforms keep records of ad requests. On this episode of Bloomberg Government's “Suspending the Rules” podcast, legislative analyst Michael Smallberg and senior editor for money and politics Ken Doyle break down the bill, Republicans' opposition to it, and its prospects in the Senate. Contact the BGOV podcast team at BGOVpodcast@bgov.com. Listen and subscribe to Suspending the Rules from your mobile device:  Via Apple Podcasts | Via Overcast | Via Stitcher | Via Spotify Hosts: Adam M. Taylor, Sarah Babbage Audio Editor: RJ Jewell

Hong Kong Protests Poised for Boost from House (Podcast) The House plans to show its support for ongoing protests in Hong Kong by considering two bipartisan bills. The measures would block sales of crowd control equipment, impose sanctions, and require an annual certification that Hong Kong is sufficiently independent from Beijing to justify the city's special treatment under U.S. trade law. On this episode of Bloomberg Government's “Suspending the Rules” podcast, Bloomberg News congressional reporter Daniel Flatley and BGOV legislative analyst Naoreen Chowdhury discuss the protests and congressional action, as well as China's response to the House bills. Contact the BGOV podcast team at BGOVpodcast@bgov.com. Listen and subscribe to Suspending the Rules from your mobile device:  Via Apple Podcasts | Via Overcast | Via Stitcher | Via Spotify Hosts: Adam M. Taylor, Sarah Babbage Engineer: RJ Jewell

Voters in Louisiana will go to the polls Saturday for the state's open gubernatorial primary, as incumbent Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) tries to hold off two Republican challengers. President Donald Trump will hold a rally in the state Friday ahead of the election in an attempt to keep Edwards from winning 50% of the vote tally and force a runoff election next month against the top Republican vote-getter. On this episode of “Suspending the Rules” from Bloomberg Government, deputy news director Loren Duggan and staff correspondent Jennifer Kay preview the election and its potential national implications. Contact the BGOV podcast team at BGOVpodcast@bgov.com. Listen and subscribe to Suspending the Rules from your mobile device: Via Apple Podcasts | Via Overcast | Via Stitcher | Via Spotify Host: Adam M. TaylorEngineer: Nico Anzalotta

Reps. Derek Kilmer (D-Wash.) and Tom Graves (R-Ga.) are leading a bipartisan panel of lawmakers developing recommendations to improve the workings of the Capitol. The House Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress is looking at improvements in areas ranging from staffing and technology to members' relationships across the partisan divide. On this episode of Bloomberg Government's “Suspending the Rules” podcast, congressional reporter Emily Wilkins sits down with Kilmer and Graves to discuss their work. Also on this episode, BGOV budget and appropriations reporter Jack Fitzpatrick breaks down the stopgap funding measure signed by President Donald Trump last week to keep the government open through Nov. 21, as well as the status of full-year appropriations bills and how they could be affected by the House's impeachment inquiry. Contact the BGOV podcast team at BGOVpodcast@bgov.com. Listen and subscribe to Suspending the Rules from your mobile device: Via Apple Podcasts | Via Overcast | Via Stitcher | Via Spotify  Hosts: Adam M. Taylor, Sarah Babbage; Engineer: Nico Anzalotta  

Tech needs a made-in-America data privacy standard, House Energy and Commerce ranking member Greg Walden (R-Ore.) told the audience at the Bloomberg Law Leadership Forum in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 18. On this episode of “Suspending the Rules” from Bloomberg Government, hear Walden's conversation with technology policy reporter Rebecca Kern, discussing the progress lawmakers are making on nascent privacy legislation. Also on this episode, BGOV legislative analyst Michael Smallberg breaks down two bills the House has teed up that would impose additional oversight requirements for border enforcement and immigration detention. Contact the BGOV podcast team at BGOVpodcast@bgov.com. Listen and subscribe to Suspending the Rules from your mobile device: Via Apple Podcasts | Via Overcast | Via Stitcher | Via Spotify Hosts: Adam M. Taylor, Sarah BabbageEngineer: Nico Anzalotta

Companies wouldn't be able to require employees or consumers to resolve disputes through arbitration rather than court under a bill the House plans to take up this week. On this episode of “Suspending the Rules” from Bloomberg Government, legislative analyst Adam M. Taylor and Bloomberg Law congressional labor policy reporter Jaclyn Diaz break down the bill, the debate around it, and its prospects moving forward. Contact the BGOV podcast team at BGOVpodcast@bgov.com. Listen and subscribe to Suspending the Rules from your mobile device: Via Apple Podcasts | Via Overcast | Via Stitcher | Via Spotify Hosts: Sarah Babbage, Michael SmallbergEngineer: Nico Anzalotta

Congress faces a long to-do list as it returns from its summer recess this week. Lawmakers will need to extend federal funding past Sept. 30 to avoid a government shutdown, and could take up legislation to address recent shootings, drug pricing, and trade. On this episode of Bloomberg Government's podcast “Suspending the Rules,” budget and appropriations reporter Jack Fitzpatrick joins legislative analysts Danielle Parnass, Sarah Babbage, and Adam M. Taylor to preview the fall slate. Download the Fall 2019 Hill Watch for a closer look at the wide range of policy issues that could arise in Congress. Contact the BGOV podcast team at BGOVpodcast@bgov.com. Listen and subscribe to Suspending the Rules from your mobile device: Via Apple Podcasts | Via Overcast | Via Stitcher | Via Spotify Hosts: Adam M. Taylor, Sarah Babbage, Danielle ParnassEngineer: Nico Anzalotta 

A special election in North Carolina is being watched as a potential bellwether for the 2020 campaign. The state's 9th Congressional District will vote on Sept. 10 to fill a vacant seat in the House after the 2018 results were nullified following evidence of absentee ballot fraud.  On this episode of “Suspending the Rules” from Bloomberg Government, BGOV campaigns and elections reporter Greg Giroux and Andrew Ballard, a staff correspondent based in Raleigh, break down the race between Democrat Dan McCready and Republican Dan Bishop. Contact the BGOV podcast team at BGOVpodcast@bgov.com. Listen and subscribe to Suspending the Rules from your mobile device: Via Apple Podcasts | Via Overcast | Via Stitcher | Via Spotify Hosts: Adam M. Taylor, Danielle ParnassEngineer: Nico Anzalotta

Legislation to regulate autonomous vehicles got hung up in Congress last year, but that hasn't stopped developers from rolling test vehicles onto the streets. This special episode of Bloomberg Government's “Suspending the Rules” looks at how the industry is evolving without firm federal rules. The episode features Senate Majority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.) and Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.), who are looking to restart momentum for an autonomous vehicle bill that stalled in the last Congress, as well as stakeholders from Toyota Motor Corp. and safety advocate groups. It also includes a trip to a pilot project in Houston delivering Kroger Co. groceries in autonomous vehicles. Hosts: Sarah Babbage, Shaun Courtney Supervising Producer: Adam Schank Audio Editor: Nico Anzalotta Executive Producer: Josh Block Contact the BGOV podcast team at BGOVpodcast@bgov.com. 

Republicans and Democrats are increasingly discussing potential changes to the law that protects social media platforms and other internet companies from liability for their users' content. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has said that companies should face more accountability for their privacy practices and moderation of harmful content, while conservative lawmakers have introduced bills to prevent what they say is censorship of conservative voices. The White House is also reportedly drafting a proposal to require social media companies not to censor viewpoints in a politically biased way. On this special episode of Bloomberg Government's “Suspending the Rules,” technology reporter Rebecca Kern speaks with Elizabeth Banker, vice president and associate general counsel at the Internet Association, about the law, known as "Section 230," and her group's views on proposed changes. The association represents online companies like Facebook, Google, and Yelp. This is the second of two episodes in a series looking at Section 230 liability protections. The first, an interview with Public Knowledge Legal Director John Bergmayer, was released on Aug. 6. Contact the BGOV podcast team at BGOVpodcast@bgov.com. Listen and subscribe to Suspending the Rules from your mobile device:  Via Apple Podcasts | Via Overcast | Via Stitcher | Via Spotify Hosts: Adam M. Taylor, Rebecca KernEngineer: Nico Anzalotta

With public and congressional attention increasingly focused on social media companies, lawmakers and other stakeholders are discussing changes to the obscure provision of law that's been credited with the rise of online companies. The “Section 230” shield protects online platforms from liability for user-generated content. Members of Congress including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Senate Judiciary Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said they're open to changes to create more accountability for companies' privacy and moderation practices. On this special episode of “Suspending the Rules” from Bloomberg Government, technology reporter Rebecca Kern sits down with Public Knowledge Legal Director John Bergmayer to discuss how Section 230 helped create the current internet landscape and his group's views on proposed changes to the law. Contact the BGOV podcast team at BGOVpodcast@bgov.com. Listen and subscribe to Suspending the Rules from your mobile device: Via Apple Podcasts | Via Overcast | Via Stitcher| Via Spotify Hosts: Adam M. Taylor, Rebecca KernEngineer: Nico Anzalotta 

With the House scheduled to leave town for a six-week recess Friday, Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin are negotiating a budget deal to address spending caps and the debt ceiling. On this episode of Bloomberg Government's “Suspending the Rules,” budget and appropriations reporter Jack Fitzpatrick breaks down the talks and issues at stake in the deal. He also previews what to look for when the annual appropriations process resumes this fall. Contact the BGOV podcast team at BGOVpodcast@bgov.com. Listen and subscribe to Suspending the Rules from your mobile device: Via Apple Podcasts | Via Overcast | Via Stitcher| Via Spotify Hosts: Danielle Parnass, Adam M. TaylorEngineer: Nico Anzalotta

The House last week easily passed a bill to eliminate the per-country cap on employment-based green cards, a move that would reduce the backlog of applicants from China and India. The measure faces a rockier road in the Senate, however, where concerns over specific occupations and the broader system of legal immigration are holding up action. On this episode of “Suspending the Rules” from Bloomberg Government, legislative analyst Adam Taylor and Bloomberg Law immigration reporter Laura Francis break down the legislative proposals and prospects moving forward. Contact the BGOV podcast team at BGOVpodcast@bgov.com. Listen and subscribe to Suspending the Rules from your mobile device: Via Apple Podcasts | Via Overcast | Via Stitcher| Via Spotify Hosts: Danielle Parnass, Michael SmallbergEngineer: Nico Anzalotta

The House this week will take up its version of the annual National Defense Authorization Act amid opposition from Republicans and potential defections from progressives. The Senate passed its version of the bill, which will need to be reconciled with the House's version. On this episode of “Suspending the Rules,” Bloomberg Government defense reporters Roxana Tiron and Travis Tritten break down the House bill, highlight key difference with the Senate's bill, and preview the measure's prospects. Contact the BGOV podcast team at BGOVpodcast@bgov.com. Listen and subscribe to Suspending the Rules from your mobile device:  Via Apple Podcasts | Via Overcast | Via Stitcher| Via Spotify Hosts: Adam M. Taylor, Adam SchankEngineer: Nico Anzalotta

Lobbyists have been just as busy as lawmakers halfway through 2019, as industries and interest groups mobilize around drug pricing, mergers, and other hot-button topics. Democratic proposals like “Medicare-for-All” have spurred industry groups to hire lobbyists to oppose or blunt those initiatives. On this episode of “Suspending the Rules” from Bloomberg Government, lobbying reporter Megan Wilson breaks down the biggest stories in the industry, including the effects of candidates forgoing lobbyist donations and how some influence peddlers are finding new ways to sway the Trump administration. Contact the BGOV podcast team at BGOVpodcast@bgov.com. Listen and subscribe to Suspending the Rules from your mobile device:  Via Apple Podcasts | Via Overcast | Via Stitcher| Via Spotify Hosts: Adam M. Taylor, Adam SchankEngineer: Nico Anzalotta 

The Senate passed a series of joint resolutions blocking 22 separate arms deals, worth more than $8 billion, with Saudi Arabia and other countries. The House could consider those measures as early as this week, sending them to the White House, which is near certain to veto them. On this episode of Bloomberg Government's “Suspending the Rules,” defense reporter Roxana Tiron and legislative analyst Naoreen Chowdhury explain why lawmakers want to block these weapons sales and how the rising tensions with Iran figure into the debate.  Contact the BGOV podcast team at BGOVpodcast@bgov.com. Listen and subscribe to Suspending the Rules from your mobile device: Via Apple Podcasts | Via Overcast | Via Stitcher| Via Spotify Hosts: Adam M. Taylor, Danielle Parnass Engineer: RJ Jewell

The Senate this week will consider its fiscal 2020 National Defense Authorization Act, a must-pass piece of legislation that has been enacted for the last 58 consecutive years. The House advanced its version through committee last week over objections from Republicans, who want a larger topline budget figure and oppose provisions related to border funding and the naval prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. On this episode of Bloomberg Government's “Suspending the Rules” podcast, defense reporters Roxana Tiron and Travis Tritten dive into the bill and preview the sticking points among the Trump administration, the Republican-led Senate, and the Democratic majority in the House. Contact the BGOV podcast team at BGOVpodcast@bgov.com. Listen and subscribe to Suspending the Rules from your mobile device: Via Apple Podcasts | Via Overcast | Via Stitcher| Via Spotify Hosts: Adam M. Taylor, Danielle ParnassEngineer: Nico Anzalotta

The House will consider a five-bill minibus spending package totaling nearly $1 trillion this week, while Senate Republicans and the White House plan to huddle on budget caps and the debt limit. Bloomberg Government budget and appropriations reporter Jack Fitzpatrick and senior congressional reporter Nancy Ognanovich break down the budget debate state of play on this episode of BGOV's “Suspending the Rules.” Contact the BGOV podcast team at BGOVpodcast@bgov.com. Listen and subscribe to Suspending the Rules from your mobile device: Via Apple Podcasts | Via Overcast | Via Stitcher | Via Spotify Hosts: Adam M. Taylor, Sarah BabbageEngineer: Nico Anzalotta

A bill to provide a pathway to citizenship for more than 2 million people who came to the country illegally as children tops the agenda this week, as the House is scheduled to vote on the “American Dream and Promise Act.” It's the latest development in the ongoing immigration debate, a week after President Donald Trump announced tariffs on goods imported from Mexico that will escalate until the country stems the flow of migrants from Central America to the U.S. On this episode of “Suspending the Rules,” Bloomberg Government homeland security reporter Michaela Ross and legislative analyst Adam M. Taylor dive into the immigration debate and break down the proposals in Congress and from the administration. Contact the BGOV podcast team at BGOVpodcast@bgov.com. Listen and subscribe to Suspending the Rules from your mobile device:Via Apple Podcasts | Via Overcast | Via Stitcher | Via Spotify Hosts: Adam Schank, Danielle ParnassEngineer: Nico Anzalotta 

A last-minute objection to the disaster aid deal reached between Democrats and President Donald Trump means it'll be back on the House's to-do list after the Memorial Day recess. Lawmakers will also resume the fight over humanitarian aid and wall funding for the southern border when they return.   On this episode of "Suspending the Rules" from Bloomberg Government, budget and appropriations reporter Jack Fitzpatrick previews Congress's remaining work on emergency and fiscal 2020 spending. Deputy news director Loren Duggan chimes in on how escalating tension between Trump and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi could affect action on drug pricing, enactment of the new NAFTA, and other areas of potential bipartisan agreement.  Contact the BGOV podcast team at BGOVpodcast@bgov.com. Listen and subscribe to Suspending the Rules from your mobile device: Via Apple Podcasts | Via Overcast | Via Stitcher | Via Spotify Hosts: Adam Schank, Sarah BabbageEngineer: Nico Anzalotta

The House plans to vote this week on the “Consumers First Act,” which would undo several recent changes made by the Trump administration to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). On this episode of Bloomberg Government's “Suspending the Rules,” legislative analyst Michael Smallberg breaks down the legislation, which includes rolling back moves to reorganize the agency and limit its enforcement efforts. Contact the BGOV podcast team at BGOVpodcast@bgov.com. Listen and subscribe to Suspending the Rules from your mobile device: Via Apple Podcasts | Via Overcast | Via Stitcher| Via Spotify Hosts: Adam M. Taylor, Danielle ParnassEngineer: Nico Anzalotta

House Democrats have started moving fiscal 2020 appropriations bills at the committee level despite the lack of agreement on topline spending levels with Senate Republicans. On this episode of “Suspending the Rules” from Bloomberg Government, budget and appropriations reporter Jack Fitzpatrick sets the stage for the spending fight, which will be President Donald Trump's first full-year appropriations process facing a Democratic House majority. Contact the BGOV podcast team at BGOVpodcast@bgov.com. Listen and subscribe to Suspending the Rules from your mobile device: Via Apple Podcasts | Via Overcast | Via Stitcher | Via Spotify Hosts: Adam M. Taylor, Danielle Parnass Engineer: Nico Anzalotta

The Trump administration's plan to give states wider latitude to pursue changes to the Affordable Care Act will be under the microscope this week, as the House is scheduled to vote on a bill to block recent guidance on the law's "state innovation waivers." On this episode of “Suspending the Rules” from Bloomberg Government, legislative analyst Danielle Parnass and senior health care reporter Alex Ruoff break down the waiver issue amid the ongoing battle over the ACA, as well as parallel efforts to lower drug prices. Contact the BGOV podcast team at BGOVpodcast@bgov.com. Listen and subscribe to Suspending the Rules from your mobile device: Via Apple Podcasts | Via Overcast | Via Stitcher | Via Spotify Hosts: Adam M. Taylor, Adam Schank  Engineer: Nico Anzalotta

President Donald Trump would be barred from pulling the U.S. out of the 2016 Paris Climate Agreement under a bill the House will consider this week. On this episode of Bloomberg Government's “Suspending the Rules,” legislative analyst Adam M. Taylor and Bloomberg Environment reporter Tiffany Stecker break down the bill and Democrats' climate agenda ahead of the 2020 elections. Contact the BGOV podcast team at BGOVpodcast@bgov.com. Listen and subscribe to Suspending the Rules from your mobile device: Via Apple Podcasts | Via Overcast | Via Stitcher| Via Spotify Hosts: Danielle Parnass, Adam SchankEngineer: Nico Anzalotta

States' continuing push to legalize marijuana use – and the businesses that serve users – has sparked the interest of lawmakers on Capitol Hill. On this episode of “Suspending the Rules” from Bloomberg Government, legislative analysts Sarah Babbage, Michael Smallberg, Adam M. Taylor, and Adam Schank cut through the haze to break down cannabis-related measures Congress could take up. Proposals include full-scale legalization, as well as smaller bills that would allow states to regulate it, give pot businesses access to the financial system, and relax regulations on medical research and veterans' use, among other things. Contact the BGOV podcast team at BGOVpodcast@bgov.com. Hosts: Adam M. Taylor, Adam Schank Engineer: RJ Jewell

A report coming this week on the economic effects of the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA, could set congressional consideration of the USMCA in motion this spring. On this episode of "Suspending the Rules" from Bloomberg Government, legislative analyst Sarah Babbage highlights Democrats' critiques of the deal and its path forward in the three trading partners' legislatures. Once the Trump administration submits the deal to Congress, it will be considered under expedited fast-track procedures with no opportunity for amendments. Before House Democrats consider it, they're calling for changes to the deal's labor and environment enforcement, pharmaceutical protections, and more.  Contact the BGOV podcast team at BGOVpodcast@bgov.com. Hosts: Adam M. Taylor, Loren Duggan.Engineer: Nico Anzalotta.

The House this week is scheduled to vote on a bill to raise the statutory spending caps for two years. On this episode of "Suspending the Rules" from Bloomberg Government, budget and appropriations reporter Jack Fitzpatrick and legislative analyst Michael Smallberg break down the state of play in the fiscal 2020 budget debate. With Tax Day just around the corner, House leaders have also teed up a vote on a tax administration bill, while Ways and Means Chairman Richard Neal (D-Mass.) has formally requested President Donald Trump's tax returns from the Treasury Department. In the second segment, BGOV legislative analyst Sarah Babbage and Bloomberg News reporter Laura Davison discuss the tax agenda in the House. Contact the BGOV podcast team at BGOVpodcast@bgov.com. Hosts: Adam M. Taylor, Danielle Parnass.Engineer: Nico Anzalotta.

The House this week will consider a bill to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act, which lapsed on Feb. 15. The measure would also make changes to gun laws, prisoner placement, and housing assistance programs. On this episode of Bloomberg Government's "Suspending the Rules," Naoreen Chowdhury and Adam Schank from the legislative analyst team discuss the state of play. Last week, the Justice Department asked a federal appeals court to invalidate all of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. In the second segment, BGOV legislative analyst Danielle Parnass and senior health-care reporter Alex Ruoff break down the potential implications and next steps in Congress. Please send any feedback, questions, or comments to BGOVpodcast@bgov.com. Hosts: Adam M. Taylor, Danielle Parnass, Adam SchankEngineer: Nico Anzalotta

The House this week will vote on a nonbinding resolution opposing the Trump administration's move to ban transgender troops from serving in the military. The Pentagon said it plans to implement the policy in April, after several temporary injunctions were lifted. On this week's episode of Bloomberg Government's "Suspending the Rules," Pentagon reporter Travis Tritten examines the ban and what comes next. The House has also scheduled votes on several bills targeting the regime of disputed Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and Russian influence in Europe. Another addresses Medicaid drug rebates and other program changes. In the second segment, BGOV legislative analysts Naoreen Chowdhury and Michael Smallberg break down those measures. Hosts: Adam M. Taylor, Danielle Parnass.Engineer: Nico Anzalotta.

President Donald Trump issued the first veto of his presidency on Friday, rejecting a resolution that would overturn his national emergency declaration at the southern border. Another resolution he opposes, this one to end U.S. involvement in Yemen's civil war, could land on his desk soon. On this episode of "Suspending the Rules" from Bloomberg Government, legislative analysts Michael Smallberg and Naoreen Chowdhury discuss the resolutions and what's next. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that the House could consider a bill to reinstate Obama-era net neutrality rules when lawmakers return from their March recess. In the second segment, BGOV legislative analyst Adam M. Taylor and Bloomberg Law technology reporter Jon Reid break down the net neutrality debate. Hosts: Danielle Parnass, Adam M. Taylor, Michael SmallbergEngineer: Nico Anzalotta 

The White House officially kicked off the fiscal 2020 spending fight today with a budget that proposes aggressive cuts to domestic spending and increases for the Defense Department. On this episode of Bloomberg Government's "Suspending the Rules," budget and appropriations reporter Jack Fitzpatrick and legislative analyst team lead Adam Schank look at the big picture of the budget and what comes next. The House is scheduled to take up several measures this week focused on transparency. They include calling for the Mueller report to be made public, investigating the assets of Russian president Vladimir Putin, and addressing financial crimes. In the second segment, legislative analysts Naoreen Chowdhury, Michael Smallberg, and Adam M. Taylor look at what's on the docket. Hosts: Danielle Parnass, Adam M. Taylor.Engineer: Nico Anzalotta.

House Democrats are poised to bring their signature elections and ethics package (H.R. 1) to the floor this week. On this episode of "Suspending the Rules" from Bloomberg Government, legislative analysts Michael Smallberg, Naoreen Chowdhury, and Adam M. Taylor break down some of the bill's key campaign finance and voting rights provisions. Last week, House Republicans used an obscure parliamentary tool to insert language opposed by most House Democrats into a gun-buyer background check bill. The "motion to recommit" is the subject of the second segment, which features BGOV deputy news director Loren Duggan. Hosts: Adam M. Taylor, Danielle Parnass.Engineer: Nico Anzalotta.

Democrats in the House have introduced a joint resolution to undo President Donald Trump's emergency declaration, which he's using to divert funding for his border wall. On this episode of Bloomberg Government's "Suspending the Rules," legislative analyst Michael Smallberg and team lead Adam Schank break down the issues involved and process moving forward. Among the dozens of committee and subcommittee hearings scheduled for this week are several examining data security, privacy laws, and corporate practices. In the second segment, BGOV legislative analyst Adam M. Taylor joins Smallberg to discuss the legislative push to enact the first comprehensive federal data security law. Hosts: Danielle Parnass, Adam M. Taylor, Adam SchankEngineer: Nico Anzalotta

President Donald Trump signed an agreement on Friday to keep the government open while issuing an emergency declaration to reprogram funding for a border wall. On this episode of Bloomberg Government's "Suspending the Rules," homeland security reporter Michaela Ross and legislative analyst Michael Smallberg break down the spending deal and Trump's emergency maneuver. House Democrats plan to take up two bills after the Presidents Day recess to close what they describe as loopholes in the nation's gun buyer background check system. In the second segment, legislative analyst Adam M. Taylor dives into both bills and the changes they'd make. Michael R. Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg L.P., which operates Bloomberg Government, serves as a member of Everytown for Gun Safety's advisory board and is a donor to the group. Everytown for Gun Safety advocates for universal background checks and other gun control measures. Hosts: Danielle Parnass, Adam M. Taylor, Michael Smallberg.Engineer: Nico Anzalotta.

As of Monday morning, talks to keep the government open stalled over disagreement on the number of immigration detention beds.  On this episode of "Suspending the Rules" from Bloomberg Government, budget and appropriations reporter Jack Fitzpatrick and legislative analyst team lead Adam Schank discuss the dynamics and possible paths forward to avoid a shutdown on Friday. House Democrats are starting to unveil health-care bills and hold committee hearings. In the second segment, BGOV health care reporter Alex Ruoff and legislative analyst Danielle Parnass discuss the latest health-care agenda in Congress, including on the Affordable Care Act and "Medicare-for-All" legislation.  Hosts: Adam M. Taylor, Danielle Parnass, Adam Schank. Engineer: Nico Anzalotta.

President Donald Trump will attempt to thread the needle in his State of the Union address Tuesday, demanding money for a border wall while calling for bipartisan compromise on other issues, Bloomberg Government White House reporter Cheryl Bolen says on this week's episode of "Suspending the Rules." She previews the speech alongside BGOV legislative analyst Michael Smallberg, who also discusses the latest on spending negotiations. Democrats last week reintroduced the Paycheck Fairness Act, which would expand penalties for wage discrimination based on sex. In the second segment, legislative analyst Danielle Parnass breaks down that measure, while legislative analyst Adam M. Taylor discusses a 100-bill lands package, S. 47, that the Senate has teed up for floor action. Hosts: Adam M. Taylor, Danielle Parnass, Michael Smallberg. Engineer: Nico Anzalotta.

Senate Republicans have no appetite for another government shutdown, Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) told Bloomberg Government homeland security reporter Michaela Ross at BGOV's 2019 Hill Watch event on Jan. 30. He spoke about congressional budget negotiations and his plans for military cybersecurity as chairman of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Cybersecurity.  Hear their conversation and questions from the live audience on this special episode of "Suspending the Rules." The event also included budget and appropriations reporter Jack Fitzpatrick's interview with House Budget Committee Chairman John Yarmuth (D-Ky.), as well as a panel discussion among members of the BGOV legislative analyst team. Both conversations are available as special episodes in this podcast feed.

Democrats oppose linking the debt limit to the border debate.   Rep. John Yarmuth (D-Ky.), the new chairman of the House Budget Committee, outlined that position and Democratic priorities -- including on "Medicare for All" -- in an interview with Bloomberg Government budget and appropriations reporter Jack Fitzpatrick at BGOV's 2019 Hill Watch event on Jan. 30. This special episode of "Suspending the Rules" includes that conversation and the audience questions that followed. Following the interview, Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) spoke with BGOV homeland security reporter Michaela Ross. That conversation will be available in an upcoming special episode. The event also included a panel discussion among members of the BGOV legislative analyst team, which is available in a previously released episode in this podcast feed.

Congress could tackle a host of policy issues this year, once the spending fight is resolved, including infrastructure, tax, health care, climate, and more.  Members of the Bloomberg Government legislative analyst team took the stage at BGOV's Hill Watch event on Jan. 30 to discuss the outlook for those issues. Hear their panel discussion, including audience questions, in this special episode of "Suspending the Rules." Earlier in the event, House Budget Chairman John Yarmuth (D-Ky.) and Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) spoke one-on-one with BGOV reporters on their priorities for the year. Those interviews will be available in upcoming special episodes. Panelists: Adam Schank, Sarah Babbage, Danielle Parnass, Adam M. Taylor.

Congressional Democrats and President Donald Trump reached agreement to reopen the government until Feb. 15. On this episode of "Suspending the Rules" from Bloomberg Government, budget and appropriations reporter Jack Fitzpatrick and legislative analyst team lead Adam Schank discuss the prospects for full-year appropriations bills, the debate over border security, and the new dynamics of the spending fight. House and Senate committees will hold hearings this week on drug pricing, renewing a push to address the high costs Americans pay for medicine. In the second segment, health policy reporter Alex Ruoff and legislative analyst Danielle Parnass break down the efforts and potential legislation around drug prices. Hosts: Adam M. Taylor, Danielle Parnass, Adam Schank.Engineer: Nico Anzalotta. 

The Senate will act on legislation to open the government, fund the border wall, and make changes to asylum and other immigration programs. Democrats have rejected that proposal and the House is planning votes on a separate funding package this week. Adam Schank and Michael Smallberg from the Bloomberg Government legislative analyst team discuss the state of play on this week's episode of "Suspending the Rules." In the second segment, Bloomberg Law labor policy reporter Tyrone Richardson and BGOV legislative analyst Danielle Parnass discuss Democrats' recent proposal to increase the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour, and the outlook for the legislation in Congress. Hosts: Adam M. Taylor, Danielle Parnass.Engineer: Nico Anzalotta.

Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.) is the new top Republican on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, assuming the mantle as his party moves into the minority. In this special episode of Bloomberg Government's "Suspending the Rules," transportation policy reporter Shaun Courtney sits down with Graves to break down his goals for the next two years and plans to work with new chairman Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.) and the White House. This is the second of two special episodes focused on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Our interview with DeFazio was released on Jan. 11. Hosts: Adam M. Taylor, Sarah Babbage. Engineer: Nico Anzalotta.

The partial government shutdown that began Dec. 22 is now the longest in U.S. history. Bloomberg Government budget and appropriations reporter Jack Fitzpatrick discusses the impasse and options President Donald Trump has floated -- such as an emergency declaration to build a wall on the southern border –- that could lead to a solution. In the second segment, Fitzpatrick breaks down the reasons why the Senate hasn't taken up the House-passed spending bills, which are nearly identical to Senate bills from last year, and how the dynamic has led to a standstill in the chamber. Hosts: Adam M. Taylor, Danielle Parnass. Engineer: Nico Anzalotta.

Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.) has been elevated to chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee under the Democrats' new House majority. In this special episode of "Suspending the Rules," Bloomberg Government transportation policy reporter Shaun Courtney sits down with DeFazio to discuss his priorities and plans for the committee during the 116th Congress. This is the first of two special episodes focused on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. An interview with the new ranking member, Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.) will follow. Hosts: Adam M. Taylor, Sarah Babbage Engineer: Nico Anzalotta

House Democrats unveiled their first signature piece of legislation in the majority: H.R. 1, which would impose new ethics rules on federal officials, expand access to voting, and make changes to the campaign finance system. On this edition of "Suspending the Rules" from Bloomberg Government, legislative analysts Sarah Babbage and Michael Smallberg break down the bill and discuss the motives behind it, as well as its prospects. The House plans to take up two health-related bills this week, and the new House rules package allows the chamber to intervene in a lawsuit that could strike down the Affordable Care Act. Meanwhile, the Senate has teed up a bill focused on security in the Middle East. Legislative analysts Danielle Parnass and Naoreen Chowdhury discuss both topics in the second segment. Hosts: Adam M. Taylor, Adam Schank. Engineer: Nico Anzalotta.

House Democrats unveiled a spending package that will be considered this week to end the partial government shutdown. On this episode of Bloomberg Government's "Suspending the Rules," deputy news director Loren Duggan breaks down the spending debate and the state of play of the shutdown as it nears the end of its second week. The spending fight could offer a preview of the forthcoming debate over federal debt limit, which is scheduled to come back into effect on March 19, and discretionary spending caps. Those issues and the new rules for the House under the Democratic majority are discussed in the second segment. Hosts: Adam M. Taylor, Danielle Parnass Engineer: Nico Anzalotta