Podcasts about Government Accountability Office

US federal government agency

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Latest podcast episodes about Government Accountability Office

Great Women in Compliance
The Compliance Pre-Mortem: Together We Can Do Hard Things Well with Jonathan Aronie

Great Women in Compliance

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2025 48:19


This GWIC episode features a “Great Gentleman in Compliance,” Jonathan Aronie, a leading expert in government investigations and organizational integrity at Sheppard Mullin. Jonathan joins GWIC co-host Hemma Lomax to discuss his career journey, the innovative compliance tool known as the compliance pre-mortem, and the importance of proactive measures in compliance and governance. He also emphasizes the significance of active bystander intervention programs, derived from law enforcement, as highly effective tools for preventing misconduct in organizations. Additionally, Jonathan offers insights into the challenges and benefits of compliance programs, highlighting the need for continuous improvement and strategic empathy in these efforts. The Psychology of Preventative Compliance The ROI of Compliance and Integrity The Concept of Pre-Mortem in Compliance Common Risks and Blind Spots in Compliance Active Bystander Programs vs. Compliance Hotlines Lessons in Compliance and Culture from Policing Building Continuous Improvement Frameworks Jonathan Aronie is a partner in and the former leader of the firm's Governmental Practice, resident in Washington, DC. Jonathan is also a founding member and current leader of the firm's Organizational Integrity Group, a cross-disciplinary team of litigators, regulatory specialists, federal monitors, and ex-prosecutors with extensive experience helping organizations prevent and defend against challenges to their organizational integrity.  Areas of Practice Jonathan counsels and represents large and small businesses in some of the country's most prominent classified and unclassified government contracts matters, including bid protests, claims, self-disclosures, internal investigations, Department of Justice investigations, and False Claims Act investigations. As the leader of the firm's Organizational Integrity Group, Jonathan also spends significant time working with clients to identify and mitigate known and unknown risks before those risks become problems. Jonathan's experience includes litigating under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act, conducting early risk-based “legal pre-mortems,” developing and implementing corporate compliance programs, conducting internal investigations (proactive and defensive), and providing advice on the FAR Mandatory Disclosure Rule as well as a variety of federal regulatory and statutory matters. He frequently represents clients before the DOJ, the Government Accountability Office, the General Services Administration, and other defense and civilian agencies. Additionally, Jonathan is cleared at the highest levels and counsels and defends clients in classified matters. Jonathan has authored more than 100 articles and co-authored what is regarded by many as the leading treatise on the GSA Multiple Award Schedule Program, published by Thomson Reuters. He is a regular speaker at national and international forums and CLE programs, including Government-sponsored symposia. He is a regular presenter at Coalition for Government Contracting programs and served on the ABA Task Force that drafted guidance regarding the FAR Mandatory Disclosure Rule. Biography https://www.sheppardmullin.com/jaronie Resources Sheppard Mullin's Organizational Integrity Group Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement Everyone Benefits When An Ethics & Compliance Program Is Integrated Throughout An Organization  Jonathan Aronie on LinkedIn

Security Clearance Careers Podcast
GAO Report Spotlights Continued Issues with Reciprocity

Security Clearance Careers Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2025 13:58


In this episode of ClearedCast, ClearanceJobs legal correspondent Sean Bigley and VP Lindy Kyzer discuss one of the federal government's most persistent personnel security challenges: security clearance reciprocity.Despite years of reform and policy promises, clearance holders continue to face delays and disruptions when moving between agencies—even when they already hold an active clearance. Sean and Lindy break down the latest GAO report, which sheds light on why reciprocity still lags and where implementation gaps persist.In this episode:What the GAO uncovered about reciprocity in practice versus policyWhy cleared professionals often get stuck in re-vetting purgatoryHow cultural, technical, and bureaucratic obstacles continue to derail seamless transfersWhat can be done—from Congress to hiring managers—to fix the systemIf you're a security-cleared professional, HR lead, or anyone navigating the federal hiring ecosystem, this conversation offers a critical reality check on one of Trusted Workforce 2.0's core promises—and why it's yet to be delivered.

時間的女兒:八卦歷史
#213 J. GAO╳達文西大戰米開朗基羅:任性大師的嘴砲史,討厭畫畫的藝術家|窺藝術03

時間的女兒:八卦歷史

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2025 84:41


一邊受人追捧,一邊手頭拮据, 年少就成名的達文西為何總被錢追到跳腳? 有錢的老闆他不要,懂他的老闆找不到, 用筆震撼歐洲的達文西, 為何煩透了作畫,寧可再三烙跑? 茹素又溫和的他,竟將真心獻給暴力狂; 廣受人崇敬的他,卻被自家人倒打一耙; 細心又求真的他,竟畫錯了耶穌的法像? 他到底還有多少才華,多少祕密? 跟我一起最後解開真正的達文西密碼。 【J.GAO全能修護UV防曬棒】~8/29

AML Conversations
Basel, Crypto, GAO, and the State Department

AML Conversations

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2025 15:17


In this episode, Elliot Berman and John Byrne discuss the U.S. legislative gridlock around crypto regulation during “Crypto Week” and the Senate's bipartisan recognition of the need for a crypto market structure. The conversation also highlights the Basel Institute's 2024 report, a GAO study on organized fraud in federal programs, and troubling staffing cuts at the State Department's anti-trafficking and counterterrorism offices. They also examine enforcement actions against Wise and other issues affecting the financial crime prevention community.

Government Accountability Office (GAO) Podcast: Watchdog Report
Which Critical Government IT Systems Are Most In Need of Modernization?

Government Accountability Office (GAO) Podcast: Watchdog Report

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2025


Each year, the federal government spends more than $100 billion on IT systems and cyber-related investments. About 80% of this funding goes to operating and maintaining existing IT, including old systems known as legacy IT. GAO identified several…

Slice of Healthcare
#511 - Dr. Michael Gao and Dr. Joshua Geleris, Founders at SmarterDx

Slice of Healthcare

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2025 25:12


Join us on the latest episode, hosted by Jared S. Taylor!Our Guests:  Dr. Michael Gao and Dr. Joshua Geleris, Founders at SmarterDx.What you'll get out of this episode:SmarterDx helps hospitals fully capture patient journeys and maximize reimbursement through advanced AI technology.The founders, Dr. Michael Gao and Dr. Joshua Geleris, leveraged their backgrounds in medicine and data science to address inefficiencies in hospital revenue cycles.A critical pivot from concurrent to pre-bill review allowed SmarterDx to prove measurable value to hospitals and align incentives.The formation of Smarter Technologies, combining SmarterDx, Thoughtful AI, and Access Healthcare, creates a platform approach to solve broader revenue cycle challenges.A customer-centric mindset and deep healthcare expertise are central to SmarterDx's and Smarter Technologies' approach.To learn more about SmarterDx:Website https://smarterdx.com/ Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/smarterdx/Our sponsors for this episode are:Sage Growth Partners https://www.sage-growth.com/Quantum Health https://www.quantum-health.com/Show and Host's Socials:Slice of HealthcareLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sliceofhealthcare/Jared S TaylorLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredstaylor/WHAT IS SLICE OF HEALTHCARE?The go-to site for digital health executive/provider interviews, technology updates, and industry news. Listed to in 65+ countries.

The Daily Scoop Podcast
VA acting CIO defends IT workforce reorg amid lawmaker pushback; Waltz brushes off SignalGate questions, points finger at CISA

The Daily Scoop Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2025 6:08


The Department of Veterans Affairs' acting chief information officer doubled down on the agency's reshaping of its IT workforce, telling lawmakers in a Monday hearing that change is “challenging” but “necessary.” Eddie Pool told members of the House VA's subcommittee on technology modernization that the agency's Office of Information and Technology (OIT) is pushing forward with workforce reductions as the division increasingly turns to automation and other technology modernization efforts. “This reorganization, reallocation of positions, is designed to cut bureaucratic overhead, accelerate decision making and focus every OIT position on delivering secure, reliable and modern IT solutions to improve veterans' lives,” Pool said in opening remarks at the hearing. Subcommittee Chair Tom Barrett, R-Mich., lauded the VA OIT's “smarter, not bigger” strategy in its fiscal 2026 budget request, asking Pool if technology improvements can alleviate the need for manual, human processes. “Absolutely,” Pool responded. “It is about automating what we can automate.” In its fiscal 2026 budget, the VA OIT requested funding to support approximately 7,000 full-time equivalent employees, marking an 11.7% decrease from its fiscal 2025 budget request, according to Carol Harris, the director of information technology and cybersecurity for the Government Accountability Office. Former White House national security adviser Mike Waltz brushed aside criticisms Tuesday that he put sensitive military operations at risk by holding discussions about military strikes in a Signal group chat, claiming the app's use was authorized by the federal government's top civilian cyber agency. In a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, Waltz — who has been nominated to represent the U.S. at the United Nations — was pressed about his short tenure as President Donald Trump's top national security official. In particular, he was grilled by Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., for his use of the end-to-end encrypted messaging application Signal to coordinate with other officials over airstrikes on Houthi rebels.While much of the initial attention was focused on Waltz adding journalist Jeffrey Goldberg to the chat, national security experts were also aghast by government officials at the highest levels coordinating highly sensitive military operations using a free application. The incident is widely viewed as contributing to Waltz's departure just months after leaving Congress to take the role, and his subsequent shuffling to a new nomination at the U.N. “The use of Signal is not only … authorized; it was recommended in the Biden-era CISA guidance,” he said. Waltz was referencing a piece of 2024 guidance put out by CISA on mobile security. He later read from a portion of the guidance, which recommended using “only end-to-end encrypted communication” and to “adopt a free messaging application to secure communications that guarantees end to end encryption, particularly if you are a highly targeted individual, such as Signal or other apps.” The Daily Scoop Podcast is available every Monday-Friday afternoon. If you want to hear more of the latest from Washington, subscribe to The Daily Scoop Podcast  on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Spotify and YouTube.

Federal Drive with Tom Temin
VA, DoD expand shared health care efforts but struggle to measure their impact

Federal Drive with Tom Temin

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2025 12:40


The Department of Veterans Affairs and the Defense Department have over 100 sharing agreements to help deliver health care services. These agreements provide greater access to health care for veterans while also saving money for the federal government. But the agencies don't evaluate their effectiveness or track opportunities to expand them for more federal news networks. Anastasia Obis spoke to the Government Accountability Office's Alyssa Hundrup,See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

MG Show
Trump Stops the Epstein Nonsense & Exposes FAKE MAGA; Victory Lap

MG Show

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2025 117:05


Charge ahead, patriots—@intheMatrixxx and @shadygrooove, the fearless truth dynamos of The MG Show, blaze into Season 7 Episode 131 "Trump Stops the Epstein Nonsense & Exposes FAKE MAGA; Victory Lap," amplifying President Trump's Truth Social rebuke against baseless attacks on Pam Bondi and Kash Patel over non-existent Epstein files, declaring the saga a dead-end hoax engineered to eclipse the administration's monumental economic achievements like soaring job creation, eased inflation, and reclaimed border security. As the engaged audience rallies with overwhelming positivity—cheering Trump's fulfillment of Agenda 47 promises through bold tariffs, deregulation, and manufacturing revivals—Jeff and Shannon, alongside a Promethean Action insider, dismantle the Epstein media psyop as a deliberate diversion from surging American economic freedom and strength, backed by GAO reports on foreknowledge patterns and reviews of exposure levels in defeated threats from a year ago. With the community showcasing sharp independence through fact-based scrutiny of primary sources and rejection of manipulative influencers, expect live breakdowns highlighting unity in victories, from debt reduction to housing equity, all underscoring the resilient spirit of self-reliant patriots standing firm against distractions. The truth is learned, never told, and the constitution is your weapon—tune in at noon-0-five Eastern LIVE to stand with Trump! Trump, Epstein psyop, fake MAGA, victory lap, economic achievements, Agenda 47, America First, Promethean Action, GAO reports, patriot community, economic freedom, @intheMatrixxx, @shadygrooove, MG Show, media distractions mgshow_s7e131_trump_stops_epstein_nonsense_exposes_fake_maga_victory_lap Tune in weekdays at 12pm ET / 9am PST, hosted by @InTheMatrixxx and @Shadygrooove. Catch up on-demand on https://rumble.com/mgshow or via your favorite podcast platform. Where to Watch & Listen Live on https://rumble.com/mgshow https://mgshow.link/redstate X: https://x.com/inthematrixxx Backup: https://kick.com/mgshow PODCASTS: Available on PodBean, Apple, Pandora, and Amazon Music. Search for "MG Show" to listen. Engage with Us Join the conversation on https://t.me/mgshowchannel and participate in live voice chats at https://t.me/MGShow. Social & Support Follow us on X: @intheMatrixxx https://x.com/inthematrixxx @ShadyGrooove https://x.com/shadygrooove Support the show: Fundraiser: https://givesendgo.com/helpmgshow Donate: https://mg.show/support Merch: https://merch.mg.show MyPillow Special: Use code MGSHOW at https://mypillow.com/mgshow for savings! Wanna send crypto? Bitcoin: bc1qtl2mftxzv8cxnzenmpav6t72a95yudtkq9dsuf Ethereum: 0xA11f0d2A68193cC57FAF9787F6Db1d3c98cf0b4D ADA: addr1q9z3urhje7jp2g85m3d4avfegrxapdhp726qpcf7czekeuayrlwx4lrzcfxzvupnlqqjjfl0rw08z0fmgzdk7z4zzgnqujqzsf XLM: GAWJ55N3QFYPFA2IC6HBEQ3OTGJGDG6OMY6RHP4ZIDFJLQPEUS5RAMO7 LTC: ltc1qapwe55ljayyav8hgg2f9dx2y0dxy73u0tya0pu All Links Find everything on https://linktr.ee/mgshow

Broeske and Musson
ONE YEAR LATER: The Assassination Attempt on Pres. Trump in Butler, PA

Broeske and Musson

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2025 31:19


John Broeske is back! The Government Accountability Office’s 2025 report on the Butler, PA assassination attempt found that the U.S. Secret Service failed to share classified threat intelligence received 10 days prior. Lapses in communication, planning, and training contributed to the attack, prompting eight reform recommendations to improve internal coordination and risk-based resource allocation. Please Like, Comment and Follow 'Broeske & Musson' on all platforms: --- The ‘Broeske & Musson Podcast’ is available on the KMJNOW app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever else you listen to podcasts. --- ‘Broeske & Musson' Weekdays 9-11 AM Pacific on News/Talk 580 AM & 105.9 FM KMJ | Facebook | Podcast| X | - Everything KMJ KMJNOW App | Podcasts | Facebook | X | Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Off the Shelf
Legal implications of the FAR overhaul

Off the Shelf

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2025 41:55


This week's guest on Off the Shelf is Jason Workmaster from Miller & Chevalier. Workmaster discusses the potential legal implications of the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO), and analyzes the key features of the RFO and the implications for contractors and contracting officers. He highlights the potential ramifications for the bid protest process and the roles of GAO and the Court of Claims. Turning to GSA's Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) program, Workmaster gives his thoughts on the expansion of Transactional Data Reporting (TDR) across the program and what contractors need to focus on during the expansion. Finally, he outlines the Department of Justice's enforcement priorities for government contractors under the new Trump administration. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The New Quantum Era
Superposition in quantum cavities with Yvonne Gao

The New Quantum Era

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2025 27:39 Transcription Available


In this episode of The New Quantum Era, your host, Sebastian Hassinger sits down with Dr. Yvonne Gao, a leading experimental physicist specializing in superconducting devices and quantum cavities. Recorded at the American Physical Society's Global Summit, the conversation explores the intersection of curiosity-driven research and technological advancement in quantum physics.Key Topics Discussed1. Research Focus: Quantum Cavities and SuperpositionDr. Gao shares her team's work on using cavities (harmonic oscillators) coupled with a single qubit to probe fundamental quantum effects.The experiments focus on quantum superposition and entanglement using minimal hardware—just one qubit and one cavity—eschewing the race for more qubits in favor of deeper scientific insights.Discussion of "cat states" as iconic demonstrations of quantum superposition, and how their properties can be engineered for robustness and sensitivity without specialized hardware.2. Experimental InnovationThe team investigates loss mechanisms in cavity-based quantum states and explores ways to make these states more resilient through state engineering rather than hardware changes.Dr. Gao describes using standard, "vanilla" qubits and cavities, making their techniques accessible to other labs.3. Fundamental Questions and Quantum PlaygroundDr. Gao emphasizes the value of the circuit QED platform as a "playground" for exploring quantum phenomena, particularly entanglement and its quantification in real hardware.The challenge of visualizing and intuitively understanding quantum phenomena is highlighted, with experiments designed to make abstract concepts more tangible.4. Device Fabrication and AdvancementsDr. Gao's lab at NUS has developed in-house fabrication capabilities, gradually building up expertise and infrastructure.The field is witnessing rapid improvements in device performance, driven by advances in materials science and process integration.5. Multipartite Entanglement and Future DirectionsPlans for multi-cavity devices: Moving from single and two-cavity systems to three, enabling the study of tripartite entanglement and richer quantum dynamics.The potential for these systems to serve as both research tools and pedagogical aids, demonstrating quantum strangeness in a hands-on way.6. Synergy Between Science and TechnologyThe conversation explores the unique moment in quantum research where fundamental science and technological objectives are closely aligned.Knowledge flows both ways: curiosity-driven experiments inform processor design, while industrial advances in fabrication and control benefit academic labs.7. The "Perfect Quantum Lab" Thought ExperimentDr. Gao shares her wish list for a hypothetical, fault-tolerant quantum computer: to directly observe textbook quantum phenomena and simulate complex quantum behaviors in a tangible way.Memorable Quotes"We're very proud that we only use one qubit and one cavity... We tried to build in creative features and techniques from control and measurement perspectives to tease out interesting dynamics and features on the harmonic oscillator.""A lot of what we do is trying to find the most intuitive picture to capture what these abstract physical phenomena actually look like in the lab.""There's this nice synergy between the drive to make practical quantum processors and the more academic, curiosity-driven research focusing on the fundamental."Find this and other episodes at New Quantum Era's website or wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoyed the episode, please subscribe and share with your quantum-curious friends!

Ones Ready
Ops Brief 072: Daily Drop - 89 July 2025 (We Let China Buy Farmland. WTF Were We Thinking?)

Ones Ready

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2025 19:52


Send us a textThe Ones Ready crew is back with a blistering Daily Drop that reads like a classified briefing laced with caffeine and outrage. Jared goes scorched-earth on the U.S. finally banning Chinese farmland buys (spoiler: it's 2025 and somehow this wasn't already illegal). Meanwhile, the Army wants to quadruple Patriot missiles—because what's deterrence without volume? The Air Force still can't decide if the F-15EX should have a roommate. Space Force gets a budget bump, but bureaucratic gatekeepers still cling to outdated classification nonsense like it's a Cold War cosplay. And don't worry, the KC-46 is still a flying contradiction—does it even have SATCOM?Oh, and if you're still here: Nashville. October. OTS. Let's go.

Federal Drive with Tom Temin
DoD struggles to bill companies as commercial space launches from federal sites surge

Federal Drive with Tom Temin

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2025 11:05


Space may be the final frontier, but it all starts with a launch. A new Government Accountability Office review looks at how the Defense Department is approaching its phase three strategy for acquiring launch services and responding to DoD growing demand for launch services and infrastructure. As the number of commercial space launches from federal ranges increases, strained infrastructure, capped cost recovery and limited payload processing capacity are all putting pressure on the system. GAO's Jon Ludwigson spoke with Federal News Network's Anastasia Obis about the need for better data and improving DoD ability to recoup launch support costs.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Federal Drive with Tom Temin
After return-to-office EO, agencies are unsure of how to update remote and telework policies

Federal Drive with Tom Temin

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2025 12:59


After President Trump's return to Office orders, some agencies are unsure how to proceed with updating their remote work and telework policies. The Government Accountability Office says the administration needs to issue new guidance to help agencies better measure the effects of their telework policies on performance. A new report from GAO also details the results of a 2024 survey, which found that remote work has a positive effect on recruitment, retention and cost savings. Federal News Network's Drew Friedman got more from GAO, Director of Strategic Issues, Dawn Locke. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Afropop Worldwide
Roots Reinvented in Mali and Egypt

Afropop Worldwide

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2025 59:04


Grammy nominated ngoni virtuoso Bassekou Kouyate and his 8 piece band Ngoni Ba wowed the crowd at Lincoln Center in 2011. Ngoni Ba re-wired the ancient ngoni to create a dense, 21st century sound. We'll hear the concert and talk with Bassekou about hunters, his precocious son, and his future plans. We hear a very different take on the ngoni from Sidi Touré who made his U.S. debut at BAM in Brooklyn. Sidi Touré is from the legendary city of Gao in northern Mali, the seat the ancient Songhai empire. Then we go to Egypt to hear how artists from Port Said are making music for instruments that go back to the time of the Pharoahs. [Produced by Sean Barlow. Originally aired 11-09-2011] APWW #626

X22 Report
Is Trump Setting Elon Free? Subsidies,Information Warfare, All Roads Lead To Obama & [CB] – Ep. 3677

X22 Report

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2025 96:50


Watch The X22 Report On Video No videos found (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:17532056201798502,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-9437-3289"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");pt> Click On Picture To See Larger PictureThe [DS]/[CB] manipulated the people into believing we were in a climate crisis, they changed the graphics to convince you it was hotter than the past, big fail. Elon is focusing in on the [CB] system and bringing attention to it. Michael Horowitz has been named IG of the Fed. Pieces are put into place. BBB passed Senate, this is just the beginning. The [DS] was distracted with the BBB, they went after the section that Trump setup to draw them away from what he wants. Trump calls for the arrest of Mayorkas. The [DS] had Elon and used his technology. They gave the tech to Iran and NK to build rockets to be used for WWIII. It seems that Trump is setting Elon free from all that by cutting all subsidies to the the green new scam. Optics are important. All roads lead to Obama and the [CB].   Economy https://twitter.com/cruadin/status/1940008358347489779   https://twitter.com/MarioNawfal/status/1939930016306942088   the mandates would be going, and he's said repeatedly in the past that the EV subsidy should end: “If you eliminated all EV incentives tomorrow, Tesla's competitive position would improve significantly. I'll say that again. If you eliminated all EV tax credits, Tesla's position would improve immediately.” S  https://twitter.com/WarClandestine/status/1939910877563490753   https://twitter.com/WarClandestine/status/1939915436943872198 https://twitter.com/KobeissiLetter/status/1940001236108918819 https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1939909939037901204 The U.S. debt ceiling has been raised, extended, or revised 78 times since 1960, according to multiple sources, including the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Council on Foreign Relations. This includes 49 times under Republican presidents and 29 times under Democratic presidents. Some sources, like USA Today, suggest it has been raised at least 100 times since 1940, but the most commonly cited figure for the modern era (post-1960) is 78. Over the years, the debt ceiling has not been an effective mechanism for stopping waste and fraud in government spending. The debt ceiling is a legislative cap on the total amount of debt the U.S. government can incur, requiring Congressional approval to raise or extend it to allow continued borrowing for existing obligations, such as funding authorized programs, servicing debt, and meeting other financial commitments. Its primary function is to limit the government's borrowing capacity, not to regulate the quality, efficiency, or integrity of spending.Why the Debt Ceiling Doesn't Stop Waste and Fraud:  The debt ceiling addresses the aggregate level of federal debt, not specific budget items or program management. It does not inherently scrutinize or eliminate wasteful or fraudulent expenditures, which occur within the budgeting and execution of individual programs.   Debt ceiling debates often serve as political leverage for broader fiscal or policy negotiations (e.g., spending cuts or tax reforms). While these discussions may occasionally highlight waste or fraud rhetorically, the ceiling itself does not directly target or address such issues. For example, during debt ceiling negotiations in 2011 or 2023, the focus was on overall spending reductions or policy concessions, not specific anti-fraud measures.  Waste and fraud are typically addressed through other processes, such as: Audits by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) or Inspectors General (IGs) within federal agencies.

Federal Drive with Tom Temin
GAO faces nearly 50% budget cut, less oversight of withheld funds in budget plan

Federal Drive with Tom Temin

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2025 7:25


A government watchdog faces a nearly 50% cut to next year's budget under a proposal from House lawmakers. The legislative branch portion of the fiscal 2026 spending bill would both cut funding for the Government Accountability Office and limit GAO from investigating whether the Trump administration unlawfully withheld funding already approved by lawmakers Federal News Network's Jory Heckman joins me with more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Federal Drive with Tom Temin
Digital identification verification is the wave of the future at IRS

Federal Drive with Tom Temin

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2025 12:11


To prevent fraud, the IRS needs to make sure that tax filers are who they say they are. a new ID-proofing approach now means that over 70% of filers can be verified digitally. But the GAO says IRS still needs to work on its privacy and program evaluation practices. Here with more details on the findings that can help many other federal agencies is Director of Strategic issues at GAO, Jay Mc TigueSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Two Minutes in Trade
Two Minutes in Trade - When the Math Isn't "Mathing", Just Change the Math

Two Minutes in Trade

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2025 3:27


The math wasn't mathing so the Joint Taxation Committee changed the math for the cost of the tax bill which halves the budget for the GAO. Listen for more on Two Minutes in Trade. 

Paranormal: The New Normal
Harnessing Harmony From Wounds to Wisdom With A Knife to the Mind Ft Gao Motsemme, Human MRI & Psychic Surgeon

Paranormal: The New Normal

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2025 64:47


That's right listeners, we're back with our regularly scheduled interviews, well shows recorded over a year ago but we'll get them all out eventually. For this one I am being joined by Gao Motsemme, Psychic Surgeon and Human MRI. We talked about all the different ways she can heal your mind, whether it be through psychic surgery, healing ancestral trauma, or dealing with your inner child. Come enjoy and hopefully Gao can help you too. Gao's Website: https://www.awakeningconfidence.com/gaomotsemme/claritysession Uncensored, Untamed & Unapologetic U^3 Podcast Collective: https://www.facebook.com/groups/545827736965770/?ref=share Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@juggalobastardpodcasts?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8xJ2KnRBKlYvyo8CMR7jMga

Security Clearance Careers Podcast
Trusted Workforce 2.0 - Is the Government's Security Transformation on Track?

Security Clearance Careers Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2025 20:19


hat's really happening with Trusted Workforce 2.0? For years, it's been billed as the game-changing reform effort to modernize how the government vets and clears its personnel. But with implementation lagging and key systems like NBIS still not fully operational, the big question remains: Are we making progress, or just stuck in process?In this episode, we talk with Alyssa Czyz, Director at the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), to unpack GAO's latest report on the federal government's personnel vetting overhaul. From the promise of Continuous Vetting to the pitfalls of missed timelines and unfinalized policies, Czyz gives a look at what's been done—and what's just been drafted.We break down:What's working (hello, Continuous Vetting) and what's stalling (looking at you, NBIS).Why critical policies like the Personnel Vetting Management Standards are still sitting on the shelf.Whether NBIS is gaining—or losing—confidence as the tech backbone of the clearance process.How close we are to a truly mobile, modern, and streamlined vetting system.Whether you're deep in the weeds of personnel security or just trying to keep up with the alphabet soup of federal reform, this episode cuts through the noise and gives you the Trusted Workforce 2.0 update you actually need.

Leaders Sport Business Podcast
Direct from Cannes: Harnessing the energy around women's sport with LOVB and Unrivaled

Leaders Sport Business Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2025 42:20


Katlyn Gao, CEO of LOVB (League One Volleyball) and Alex Bazzell, President and Co-Founder of Unrivaled Basketball join Leaders' Editorial Director James Emmett to discuss why women's sport was top of the agenda in Cannes this year. Gao charts the story so far for LOVB as it builds its own brand – and looks to attract brands - and considers the prominent role of the league's athletes in its storytelling approach. Bazzell lays out the plan to build 3x3 women's basketball property Unrivaled into sport's next billion dollar league franchise. He reviews the first year and reveals where he's looking for inspiration as Unrivaled grows. James also chats to Deirdre Lester, CEO of western sports media and entertainment company Teton Ridge, which is transforming the way cowboy culture and rodeo is packaged up and delivered to consumers.

Yo, Is This Racist?
I Contain 1.5 Multitudes with Jessica Gao

Yo, Is This Racist?

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2025 45:58


Andrew, Kevin and Jessica Gao discuss the ICE raids and protests in LA.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Daily Beans
Low Fidelity (feat. Phil Williams; Rep. Sara Jacobs)

The Daily Beans

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2025 52:05


Wednesday, June 18th, 2025Today, the 9th Circuit heard arguments over Trump's National Guard deployment to California; a federal judge has blocked Trump's passport policy targeting transgender people; Trump has left the G7 early to return to Washington as he tells everyone to evacuate Tehran; a counter protester arrested at Nashville's No Kings march has been hit with gun charges; Senator Mike Lee has taken down his tweets about the Minnesota assassin after being confronted by Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar; New York mayoral candidate Brad Lander has been arrested by ICE on trumped up charges of assaulting an agent; a federal judge has held the Florida Attorney General in civil contempt; for the second time the Government Accountability Office has found the Trump administration illegally impounded funds; the NAACP is refusing to invite the president to their annual convention for the first time in its 116 year history; Trump reverses course on arresting migrants at farms and hotel; Mike Lindell has to pay $2.3M for defaming the Dominion Voting CEO; and Allison and Dana deliver your Good News. MSW Media, Blue Wave California Victory Fund | ActBlueAllison Gill Live With Adam Klasfeld | muellershewrote.comCheck out Dana's social media campaign highlighting LGBTQ+ heroes every day during Pride Month -  Dana Goldberg (@dgcomedy.bsky.social)Guest: Phil Williams@philinvestigates.com - BlueSky, @PhilNvestigates - Twitter , News Channel 5PhilInvestigates.com Guest: Sara JacobsU.S. Congresswoman Sara Jacobs | CA 51st District@RepSaraJacobs • Blue Sky, @repsarajacobs • Instagram, @RepSaraJacobs • Twitter StoriesUS judge blocks Trump passport policy targeting transgender people | ReutersBrad Lander, NYC Mayoral Candidate, Arrested by ICE Agents at Immigration Courthouse | The New York TimesTrump calls for Iran's 'unconditional surrender' as Israel-Iran air war rages on | ReutersTrump officials reverse guidance exempting farms, hotels from immigration raids | The Washington PostWatchdog Finds Trump Administration Broke Law by Withholding Library Funds | The New York TimesDonald Trump is the first president in 116 years to not be invited to the NAACP convention | PBS NewsJudge finds Florida attorney general in contempt of court for flouting immigration order | Miami HeraldGood Trouble: We have another snitch line! This one aims to “save the military from woke culture.” So please, from an anonymous proton mail account, reach out to tips@restorethemilitary.com and let them know how you feel about having a makeup studio for Pete Hegseth inside the Pentagon and how woke that is. Or you can tell them about the outstanding service of transgender troops in the military.Proton Mail: Get a free email account with privacy and encryptionFind Upcoming Demonstrations And Actions50501 MovementNoKings.orgIndivisible.orgFederal workers - feel free to email me at fedoath@pm.me and let me know what you're going to do, or just vent. I'm always here to listen. From The Good NewsDana Goldberg (@dgcomedy.bsky.social)‘No Kings' Protest in State College Draws Hundreds | StateCollege.com'No Kings' protest in Oshkosh draws 1,500 as rallies also planned in Manitowoc, Sheboygan | the northwestern.com Reminder - you can see the pod pics if you become a Patron. The good news pics are at the bottom of the show notes of each Patreon episode! That's just one of the perks of subscribing! patreon.com/muellershewrote Federal workers - feel free to email me at fedoath@pm.me and let me know what you're going to do, or just vent. I'm always here to listen.Share your Good News or Good TroubleMSW Good News and Good Trouble Check out other MSW Media podcastshttps://mswmedia.com/shows/Subscribe for free to MuellerSheWrote on Substackhttps://muellershewrote.substack.comFollow AG and Dana on Social MediaDr. Allison Gill Substack|Muellershewrote, BlueSky|@muellershewrote , Threads|@muellershewrote, TikTok|@muellershewrote, IG|muellershewrote, Twitter|@MuellerSheWrote,Dana GoldbergTwitter|@DGComedy, IG|dgcomedy, facebook|dgcomedy, IG|dgcomedy, danagoldberg.com, BlueSky|@dgcomedyHave some good news; a confession; or a correction to share?Good News & Confessions - The Daily Beanshttps://www.dailybeanspod.com/confessional/ Listener Survey:http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=shortFollow the Podcast on Apple:The Daily Beans on Apple PodcastsWant to support the show and get it ad-free and early?Supercasthttps://dailybeans.supercast.com/Patreon https://patreon.com/thedailybeansOr subscribe on Apple Podcasts with our affiliate linkThe Daily Beans on Apple Podcasts

Federal Drive with Tom Temin
Applying best practices to speed Army fielding of new artillery and missile systems

Federal Drive with Tom Temin

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2025 10:33


It can take over 10 years to bring a new ground system to life, at a time when our adversaries' development cycle is 18 months or less. A new report from GAO suggest best practices the Army could apply now to dramatically shorten its development cycle for these critical weapons. Here with more on the recommendations in a new report from GAO is Director of the Contracting and National Security Acquisitions team, Mona Sehgal.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

All Home Care Matters
The Elizabeth Dole Foundation 10th Annual National Post-Convening Interview with Elizabeth Field

All Home Care Matters

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2025 94:26


All Home Care Matters and our host, Lance A. Slatton were honored to welcome back Elizabeth Field the Chief Operating Officer for the Elizabeth Dole Foundation for the post-Convening recap. About Elizabeth Field: recognized expert on military quality-of-life and defense policy. Prior to joining the Foundation, she held senior roles at the Government Accountability Office and the U.S. Department of State, and has testified before Congress on issues ranging from defense reform to veteran support. Her work has been featured by NPR, CNN, and The New York Times. A proud daughter of an Army veteran, she lives in Washington, D.C. with her two sons and rescue dog. About the 10th Annual National Elizabeth Dole Foundation Convening: On May 20, 2025, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation hosted its 10th Annual Convening, A Blueprint for Action: Mapping the Future of Caregiving in a Changing World. This event featured leaders from government, industry, non-profits, and academia gathered for dynamic discussions, engaging keynote speakers, and interactive working sessions focused on shaping the future of support for military and veteran caregivers. Connect with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation: Official Website: https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.org/

Sperb's Herbs Podcast
Shi Gao (Gypsum)

Sperb's Herbs Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2025 54:27


This episode we are going to be looking at another single Chinese herb: shí gāo, Gypsum fibrosum, or just gypsum. This herb is in the Chinese medical sub-category of herbs that drain fire and is among the coldest herbs in the pharmacopeia. It is useful both internally to cool various heat conditions as well as topically in many dermatological conditions. As usual, we will explore all the intricacies of this herb as well as an explanation of its category. And as always, we will look at something a little different…we are going to discuss some basic pharmacology. Each episode of the podcast will go into great depth about a single herb or formula. Besides covering the basics of herbology including category, and functions, we will explore the history, quality, science, pharmacology, evidence, and any potential interactions of each herb or formula. Please join us for this intriguing episode as we look at shí gāo, Gypsum fibrosum, or gypsum!

The GovNavigators Show
The Impoundment Saga featuring Doug Criscitello

The GovNavigators Show

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2025 27:23


This week on the GovNavigators Show, Doug Criscitello, Program Integrity Fellow at Arnold Ventures, returns to unpack the resurgence of impoundment in the federal budget discourse. Doug sheds light on the Impoundment Control Act's history and relevance, explains why the GAO is investigating 39 potential violations, and breaks down the tension between Executive authority and the Legislature's power of the purse. From rescission packages to apportionments and Anti-Deficiency Act risks, Doug offers a clear-eyed take on what lies ahead for agencies and appropriators as fiscal pressures mount.Show NotesArnold Ventures: Doug's Webinar on ImpoundmentICA: Impoundment Control Act of 1974GAO: Ruling on DOT ImpoundmentRescission Package Passed by the HouseDominic Pino's Op-Ed in the Washington PostADA: The Antideficiency Act of 1870Events on the GovNavigator's RadarJune 17th, 2025: Samuel J. Heyman Service to America MedalsJune 25th, 2025: ACT-IAC's Data & Analytics Forum

No Payne No Gain Financial Podcast
Don't Let These 3 Investment Mistakes Sabotage Your Retirement Dreams!

No Payne No Gain Financial Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2025 23:54


In this episode of Payne Points of Wealth, Bob, Ryan, Chris & Courtney dive into the critical mistakes that could derail your retirement plans. The recent market volatility caused by recent events like tariff announcements can significantly impact returns if you don't make smart decisions with your money. We'll explore three common missteps that investors often make: Doing Too Much: Reacting impulsively to market drops by pulling out investments can lead to missing subsequent recoveries. We'll discuss why staying the course with a comfortable asset allocation is often the better strategy. Did you know that from 2005 through 2024, seven of the S&P 500's 10 best days occurred within two weeks of the 10 worst days? This insight from J.P. Morgan Asset Management highlights the importance of patience. Losing Sight of the Big Picture: With money in different retirement plans from job changes to holding your savings with different financial institutions, it's easy to lose track of how your overall portfolio is allocated. We'll explain how streamlining your investment strategy can be a game-changer for reaching your financial goals. Forgetting About Fees: Many investors are unaware of the fees they pay on their respective portfolios, mainly because most of these costs can be hidden. We'll shed light on how choosing low-cost options and being mindful of fees can help maximize your returns. A U.S. Government Accountability Office report from 2021 found that 41% of 401(k) participants don't know they pay any fees in their plan. We'll help you become fee-savvy to protect your nest egg. Tune in to learn how to avoid these pitfalls and secure your financial future!

China Daily Podcast
英语新闻丨Path set out to resolve disputes

China Daily Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2025 5:25


China and the United States have mapped out a framework to implement their previously reached consensus and bring bilateral trade ties to the right track after concluding two days of "candid and in-depth" talks in London, which analysts said would help de-escalate tensions between the world's two largest economies.While it might still require some patience before a final agreement is reached, analysts said the talks were a good sign in terms of steadying bilateral ties and injecting much-needed certainty into the world economy.He Lifeng, Chinese vice-premier and lead person for China-US economic and trade affairs, said the US should resolve trade disputes with China through equal dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation, Xinhua News Agency reported on Wednesday.He made the remarks during the first meeting under the China-US economic and trade consultation mechanism, which was held in London from Monday to Tuesday with US lead person Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.During the talks, the two sides reached an agreement in principle on implementing the important consensus reached by the two heads of state during their phone call on June 5 and the framework of measures to consolidate the outcomes of the economic and trade talks held last month in Geneva, Switzerland.The trade talks in Geneva led to a temporary truce where China and the US agreed on a 90-day pause on their triple-digit tariffs to allow further negotiations.The White House, however, has since announced a range of negative measures with its new nontariff restrictions, including stopping sales of computer chip design software to China, warning against using chips made by Chinese tech company Huawei and canceling visas for Chinese students.In phone talks held at the request of US President Donald Trump on June 5, President Xi Jinping said the Chinese always honor and deliver what has been promised, urging both sides to make good on the agreement reached in Geneva.In fact, China has been seriously and earnestly executing the agreement, and the US side should acknowledge the progress already made, and remove the negative measures taken against China, Xi added.Ahead of this week's meeting in London, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said on Saturday that it had approved some applications for rare earth export licenses.Vice-Premier He noted that China's position and stance on China-US economic and trade issues are clear and consistent. The essence of China-US economic and trade relations is mutual benefit and win-win cooperation.Cooperation in the economic and trade realm brings benefits to both sides, while conflict hurts them both, He said, stressing that there are no winners in a trade war, and China does not wish to engage in one, but neither does it fear doing so.The US should work with China to honor its words with actions, and demonstrate sincerity in keeping commitments and concrete efforts to implement consensus, so as to jointly safeguard the hard-won outcomes of dialogue, He said.The two sides should maintain communication and consultation, and steer China-US economic and trade relations toward steady and sustained development, in order to inject more certainty and stability into the world economy, He added."The two largest economies in the world have reached a handshake for a framework," US Commerce Secretary Lutnick said. "Once the presidents approve it, we will then seek to implement it."The positive sentiments among Chinese and US negotiators point to a shared willingness to keep the trade talks afloat and strive for a comprehensive agreement that benefits both economies and the world at large.Gao Lingyun, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing, said, "While the road ahead may not be completely smooth, both sides understand the need to navigate their differences and address each other's concerns carefully and responsibly."The progress made during this meeting is creating the conditions for a final agreement that serves the interests of both sides and the stability and prosperity of the global economy, Gao added.Diao Daming, a professor of US studies at Renmin University of China's School of International Studies, said: "The structural complexities behind the China-US relationship are undeniable. Yet, the core of the bilateral economic relationship between China and the US remains mutually beneficial.""Far from diminishing, the scope for shared interests between the two countries is widening amidst global turbulence," Diao said. "Seeking new avenues for cooperation isn't a concession; it's a strategic necessity for both Beijing and Washington."

Federal Drive with Tom Temin
Big opportunities to improve how the nation disposes of its nuclear waste

Federal Drive with Tom Temin

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2025 10:57


The 15 nuclear waste sites, down from 107 at the end of the Cold War, remain under the control of the Department of Energy's Office of Environmental Management. A new report from GAO suggests that there are billions of dollars to be saved from optimizing the disposal plan for this waste. Here with more details is the Director for Natural Resources and Environment at the GAO, Nathan Anderson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Federal Newscast
Assessment find 67% of separating troops screen positive for a mental health condition

Federal Newscast

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2025 6:04


A separation health assessment administered to more than 50,000 service members found that about 67 percent of troops screened positive for at least one mental health condition. Post-traumatic stress disorder and depression were among the most common issues identified. A government watchdog found that over 50 percent of service members declined referrals to the DoD's inTransition program that provides mental health resources during transition periods. DoD officials told the Government Accountability Office that many factors may contribute to the high rate of positive screenings among separating service members, including that many intend to file disability claims.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

AML Conversations
GAO on AI, AUSTRC, FINTRAC, OCC, and North Dakota

AML Conversations

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2025 18:55


This week, John and Elliot discuss the recent GAO report on AI in financial services, AUSTRAC's media release about crypto ATMs and their use in scams, fraud, and illicit finance, a new Canadian proposal to strengthen its boarders, including efforts to crack down on money launderers, a new North Dakota data security law impacting financial service providers, and other items impacting the financial crime prevention community.

Practice Disrupted with Evelyn Lee and Je'Nen Chastain
198: Architecture, And: Henry Gao is Empowering Creatives with Digital Tools

Practice Disrupted with Evelyn Lee and Je'Nen Chastain

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2025 48:34


How can architects build creative careers in the creator economy?In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee speaks with Henry Gao, architect turned digital creator, educator, and founder of Draw With Gao, a platform that teaches architects and designers how to leverage iPad sketching as both a creative outlet and a new revenue stream. Henry's path offers a rare glimpse into how an architectural background can evolve beyond the profession into entrepreneurship, storytelling, and scalable creative business.Henry shares his journey from sketching historical buildings as a child in China to navigating a traditional architecture education in Canada and the U.S., and eventually stepping away from firm life after realizing it didn't align with his values. Along the way, he experimented with freelance renderings, ran an Etsy shop, studied architectural photography, and slowly built an ecosystem of content that now supports a global audience of designers.Together, Evelyn and Henry explore the challenges of leaving the traditional architecture path, the role of mentors and paid coaching, and what it takes to build a sustainable business around content, courses, and community. They also discuss Henry's evolution from side hustles to a full-time educational platform, the power of standard operating procedures (SOPs), and why he believes teaching is a form of service that architects are well-equipped to offer.“When I stopped trying to fit into traditional architecture roles, I started to see all the ways my training could serve people. Teaching, drawing, storytelling, those are still architectural skills. But now I use them to empower others, and in doing so, I've built a business that's both creative and sustainable.” - Henry GaoThe episode concludes with a reflection on ikigai - the Japanese concept of purpose, and how Henry's work sits at the intersection of what he loves, what he's good at, what people need, and what can be monetized. It's a conversation about reimagining the future of architecture as something broader than buildings - something designed to fit the life you want to live.Guest: Henry Gao is a designer, educator, and the founder of Draw With Gao, an online platform offering courses, tools, and coaching for architects and creatives interested in mastering digital hand drawing. Trained in architecture at Carleton University and Cornell, Henry transitioned from working in design firms to building a business rooted in teaching and storytelling. His work focuses on helping creatives turn their skills into impactful, scalable offerings in the creator economy.Is This Episode for You?This episode is for you if: ✅ You're an architect curious about alternative career paths ✅ You want to learn how to monetize creative skills beyond the billable hour ✅ You've considered launching an online course, product, or content platform ✅ You're exploring ways to build freedom and sustainability into your design careerWhat have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.

POLITICO Energy
Why Trump and the GAO are at odds over his EV funding pause

POLITICO Energy

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2025 8:56


The White House and the Government Accountability Office are at odds over the Trump administration's decision to pause funding for the national electric vehicle charging program, which puts $5 billion from the bipartisan infrastructure law toward building EV chargers across the country. POLITICO's Matt Daily breaks down the fight and how the pause is impacting states that were receiving funds from the program. Plus, the Congressional Budget Office forecasted the tax and spending package House Republicans passed last month would expand the federal deficit by $2.4 trillion dollars over a decade. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy.  Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer at POLITICO.  Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO. For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Minimum Competence
Legal News for Thurs 6/4 - SAP SCOTUS Antitrust Bid, Trump FEC Lawsuit Win, ICE Plans to DNA Test Migrants

Minimum Competence

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2025 6:58


This Day in Legal History: Henderson v. United States DecidedOn June 5, 1950, the United States Supreme Court issued its decision in Henderson v. United States, 339 U.S. 816 (1950), a significant civil rights ruling concerning racial segregation in interstate transportation. Elmer W. Henderson, an African American passenger, had been denied equal dining services on a train operated by the Southern Railway Company under a policy that enforced segregation. Although a dining car had a partition supposedly to accommodate Black passengers, in practice Henderson was often unable to access equivalent service due to timing and seat availability.The case reached the Supreme Court after the Interstate Commerce Commission failed to provide meaningful relief. In a unanimous opinion written by Justice Fred Vinson, the Court held that the railway's practices violated the Interstate Commerce Act, particularly its provision requiring carriers to provide equal treatment and avoid undue prejudice. Importantly, the Court based its reasoning not on constitutional grounds (such as the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment), but on statutory interpretation, finding that the carrier's conduct constituted an unjust and unreasonable discrimination.This ruling marked an early and important step toward dismantling legally sanctioned segregation in public accommodations, prefiguring later landmark decisions like Brown v. Board of Education (1954). Although not framed as a constitutional equal protection case, Henderson nonetheless contributed to the legal groundwork of the civil rights movement and challenged the legitimacy of the “separate but equal” doctrine in practical terms.SAP, Europe's largest software company, has petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a decision that revived an antitrust lawsuit brought by its competitor, Teradata. The case centers on allegations that SAP unlawfully tied its business-planning applications to a required purchase of its own database software, which competes with Teradata's products. SAP argues that such software integration benefits consumers and constitutes healthy competition, not anti-competitive conduct.The lawsuit was initially filed by California-based Teradata in 2018 after the companies ended a joint venture. SAP had prevailed in the lower court, but the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reversed that decision in December, stating a jury should decide the case. SAP's petition criticizes the appellate court's reliance on a version of the “per se rule,” under which the conduct is presumed illegal without a detailed analysis. Instead, SAP advocates for applying the more nuanced “rule of reason” standard, which considers both competitive harms and justifications.SAP also claims the ruling conflicts with how a different federal appeals court treated a similar antitrust issue in the historic Microsoft case. The Supreme Court has not yet decided whether to hear the case.This case hinges on the concept of “tying,” where a company conditions the sale of one product on the purchase of another, potentially stifling competition. It's significant because whether courts apply a strict “per se” rule or the more flexible “rule of reason” can dramatically affect the outcome in such antitrust disputes.Tech giant SAP asks US Supreme Court to reconsider rival's antitrust win | ReutersA federal judge in Washington, D.C., has dismissed a lawsuit filed by three Democratic Party committees accusing President Donald Trump of trying to undermine the independence of the Federal Election Commission (FEC). U.S. District Judge Amir Ali ruled that the Democratic National Committee, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee failed to demonstrate any “concrete and imminent injury” necessary to sustain a legal challenge.The lawsuit, filed in February 2025, contested an executive order issued by Trump that aimed to increase White House control over independent federal agencies, including the FEC. The order stated that the legal views of the president and the attorney general would be “controlling” for federal employees and prohibited them from expressing opposing positions. Democrats claimed this language threatened the FEC's independence and could deter campaign planning.Judge Ali, however, noted that administration lawyers had assured the court that the executive order would not be used to interfere with the FEC's decision-making. He also found the plaintiffs' concerns too speculative, emphasizing that the Supreme Court requires a demonstrated change in the relationship with the agency in question, which the plaintiffs had not shown.The judge's decision hinged on the plaintiffs' lack of standing, a fundamental requirement in federal court. To proceed with a lawsuit, plaintiffs must show a specific, actual, or imminent injury caused by the defendant. In this case, speculative harm and vague concerns about agency behavior were insufficient. This principle helps prevent courts from weighing in on political disputes where no direct harm can be proven.Trump defeats Democrats' lawsuit over election commission independenceThe Trump administration is pursuing a new $25 million contract to allow U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to conduct DNA testing on families facing deportation. The goal, according to ICE, is to verify family relationships—but critics warn the program could lead to unnecessary family separations, especially in cases involving non-biological caregivers like godparents. Civil rights advocates also raise concerns that the DNA data could be misused for unrelated criminal investigations and stored indefinitely.The contract was initially awarded in May to SNA International, a firm specializing in forensic identification. However, Bode Cellmark Forensics filed a protest with the Government Accountability Office, arguing the contract wasn't competitively bid. ICE subsequently issued a stop-work order on the contract pending resolution of the protest, with a decision expected by September 2.This is not ICE's first attempt at rapid DNA testing. A similar program began in 2019 during Trump's first term to detect alleged “fraudulent” parent-child relationships, often targeting migrant families. Though handed over to Customs and Border Protection in 2021, the Biden administration ended it in 2023. Reports since then have highlighted issues with consent, with some migrants mistaking DNA swabs for COVID-19 tests or feeling coerced into participation under threat of legal consequences.Privacy advocates argue that such widespread collection of genetic data lacks transparency and oversight. The Georgetown Law Center on Privacy and Technology recently sued the Department of Homeland Security for failing to provide records on how DNA samples from migrants are collected and stored.The revived DNA testing raises key legal questions about informed consent and the scope of data use by federal agencies. When individuals are unaware of what they're consenting to—or coerced into it—the practice may violate federal standards for ethical data collection, especially under the Privacy Act and due process protections.ICE Moves to DNA-Test Families Targeted for Deportation with New Contract This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

Minimum Competence
Legal News for Weds 6/4 - Tom Girardi Sentenced, 9th Circuit Hears Birthright Citizenship Attack, RFK Jr. and Musk Sued, and White House vs. GAO on Spending

Minimum Competence

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2025 9:15


This Day in Legal History: 19th Amendment Passed in SenateOn June 4, 1919, the U.S. Congress passed the 19th Amendment, marking a turning point in American constitutional and civil rights history. The amendment stated simply that the right to vote "shall not be denied or abridged... on account of sex," legally enfranchising millions of women. The road to this moment was long and contentious, spanning more than seven decades of organized activism. Early suffragists like Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony laid the groundwork in the 19th century, while a new generation, including Alice Paul and the National Woman's Party, employed more confrontational tactics in the 1910s.Although the House of Representatives had passed the amendment earlier in the year, the Senate had repeatedly failed to approve it. The June 4 vote in the Senate—passing by just over the required two-thirds majority—was the final congressional hurdle. The legislative victory came amid shifting national sentiment, in part due to women's contributions during World War I and growing pressure from suffrage organizations.The amendment was then sent to the states, needing ratification by three-fourths to become law. That process concluded over a year later with Tennessee's pivotal ratification on August 18, 1920. The 19th Amendment was certified on August 26, finally making women's suffrage the law of the land. This day marks not just a legal transformation but the culmination of one of the most significant civil rights struggles in U.S. history.Disbarred attorney Tom Girardi was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison for stealing $15 million in settlement funds from his clients. U.S. District Judge Josephine Staton also imposed a $35,000 fine and ordered Girardi to pay over $2.3 million in restitution. The sentence followed his August 2024 conviction on four counts of wire fraud. Girardi, who turned 86 on the day of his sentencing, had sought leniency due to age, liver issues, and dementia claims, but the court found him competent and sided with prosecutors who sought a significant term.Girardi's legacy was once tied to his successful pollution suit against Pacific Gas and Electric—dramatized in the film Erin Brockovich. However, his downfall involved stealing settlement funds in various personal injury cases, including millions owed to families of victims of the 2018 Boeing 737 MAX crash. A federal judge in Chicago recently dismissed related charges, citing the active California case, though the prosecution of Girardi's son-in-law, David Lira, is still set to proceed there. Lira denies wrongdoing.At trial, Girardi blamed the fraud on Christopher Kamon, his firm's former CFO, who has already been sentenced to over ten years after pleading guilty. Girardi's attorneys continue to claim cognitive decline, but the court maintained that he was mentally fit to face justice.Lawyer Tom Girardi sentenced to 87 months in prison for wire fraud | ReutersA federal appeals court is set to hear its first case reviewing the constitutionality of Donald Trump's executive order limiting birthright citizenship. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will hear arguments in Seattle as the Trump administration appeals a nationwide injunction issued by U.S. District Judge John Coughenour, who called the order “blatantly unconstitutional.” The directive, signed by Trump on January 20, his first day back in office, seeks to deny citizenship to U.S.-born children whose parents are neither U.S. citizens nor lawful permanent residents.Critics—including 22 Democratic attorneys general and immigrant advocacy groups—argue the order violates the 14th Amendment, which has long been interpreted to grant citizenship to nearly anyone born on U.S. soil. Federal judges in Massachusetts and Maryland have also issued rulings blocking the order. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court, which heard related arguments on May 15, is considering whether to limit lower courts' power to issue nationwide injunctions rather than deciding on the constitutionality of the policy itself.If implemented, the order could deny citizenship to over 150,000 newborns annually, according to the plaintiffs. The lawsuit before the 9th Circuit was filed by several states and individual pregnant women. The three-judge panel includes two Clinton-era appointees and one Trump appointee, potentially shaping the outcome. The administration maintains that birthright citizenship doesn't apply to children of undocumented or temporary-status immigrants, a stance at odds with long-standing interpretations of the 14th Amendment.To be clear, this case revolves around the Citizenship Clause of the 14th Amendment. This clause states, “All persons born or naturalized in the United States... are citizens of the United States,” forming the basis of birthright citizenship. The case centers on how this clause should be interpreted, making it the key constitutional question in this challenge. On the side of birthright citizenship is, frankly, the plain language of the amendment. On the side of the executive order are racists and racist people without basic reading comprehension – full stop. There is no “other side” here, and there is no real debate. Ultimately the courts may decide to pretend there is some nuance, but that changes nothing about the clear language of the amendment. Trump's birthright citizenship order to face first US appeals court reviewA group of former U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) employees has filed a class action lawsuit against HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Elon Musk, alleging that their departments used flawed data to justify the firing of 10,000 federal workers. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, claims that HHS and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which Musk leads, violated the 1974 Privacy Act by using inaccurate personnel records during a mass reduction in force (RIF).The plaintiffs argue that the agencies relied on data riddled with errors, including incorrect performance reviews, job descriptions, and office locations. One named plaintiff, Catherine Jackson, reportedly received an RIF notice based on false performance ratings. Another, Melissa Adams, was allegedly terminated by officials who didn't even know her work location.The lawsuit seeks at least $1,000 in damages per affected employee and a court declaration that the government's actions were unlawful. The complaint also suggests that the terminations were ideologically driven, referencing a troubling incident where an FDA employee was warned by a man invoking DOGE shortly before receiving her RIF notice.The mass firings, which began April 1, impacted key HHS agencies like the CDC, FDA, and NIH. Kennedy defended the cuts as part of a broader reorganization to address chronic disease. The plaintiffs, however, see the action as a politically motivated purge that disregarded legal safeguards.By way of brief background, the Privacy Act of 1974 mandates that federal agencies maintain accurate records when making decisions that adversely affect individuals. It is central to the lawsuit because the plaintiffs claim their terminations were based on data that was factually wrong, violating this statutory requirement.RFK Jr., Musk Accused of Using Faulty Data in Firing HHS WorkersA new conflict over federal spending power is emerging between the Trump White House and the Government Accountability Office (GAO), centered on a $5 billion electric vehicle infrastructure program. The GAO recently concluded that the Trump administration's pause of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) grants—originally authorized under President Biden's 2021 infrastructure law—violated the Impoundment Control Act of 1974, which prohibits presidents from withholding funds for policy reasons. In response, the White House issued a sharply worded memo instructing the Department of Transportation to disregard the GAO's opinion entirely.The memo, written by OMB general counsel Mark Paoletta, accuses the GAO of partisan bias and undermining President Trump's “historic and lawful spending reforms.” It signals a broader strategy to challenge the authority of congressional watchdogs and reframe presidential control over budget implementation. This dispute could serve as the first legal test of Trump's intent to challenge the constitutionality of the Impoundment Act itself.The delay in EV funding is part of a broader rollback of Biden-era policy priorities, including guidance on equity and charger placement. Meanwhile, the administration has proposed over $9 billion in spending rescissions, aimed at areas like public broadcasting and foreign aid, under Trump's Department of Government Efficiency initiative. Advisors have floated a tactic called “pocket rescission,” a timing strategy that critics argue violates legal requirements for obligating federal funds.This isn't the first time a president has clashed with GAO over spending powers—Trump and Biden both previously faced scrutiny for pauses in Ukraine aid and border wall funds, respectively. However, the White House's open defiance of GAO marks a significant escalation in an ongoing constitutional debate over who ultimately controls the federal purse.More specifically, the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 restricts the executive branch from withholding or delaying funds Congress has appropriated unless explicitly authorized. It plays a central role in this dispute, as the GAO argues Trump's delay of NEVI grants constitutes an illegal impoundment, while the administration disputes the law's constitutionality and GAO's oversight role.White House Memo on EV Grants Sets Up Fight Over Spending Power - Bloomberg This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

Federal Drive with Tom Temin
We're still documenting the benefits and challenges of telework

Federal Drive with Tom Temin

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2025 10:51


A new GAO conversation with private sector organizations documents afresh the benefits and challenges of telework and finds a great deal of agreement between workers and employers. Are there lessons here for the federal government? Joining me with more details, GAO's Director for Education, Workforce, and Income Security, John Sawyer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Feds At The Edge by FedInsider
Ep. 203 Building Zero Trust on a Sound Foundation

Feds At The Edge by FedInsider

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 58:29


The theme of the current administration is to do more with less. Today, we hear from experts on how they have assisted in implementing Zero Trust by leveraging all resources possible.  We know implementing Zero Trust is a continuous process; David Bottom from the SEC provides guidelines on what to review constantly. He suggests focusing on decreasing privileges, patching systems, and learning how to extract meaningful signals from the flood of data entering the federal government. None of this can be done without cooperation across the agency. As an example of working with others, David Bottom references the SEC's EDGAR (Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval). Jennifer Franks, GAO, recommends that listeners take advantage of federal guidelines to spend as little as possible while meeting compliance goals. For example, CISA, OMB, and NIST all offer guidance in implementation. She has an excellent eight-word summary of Zero Trust: right users, proper access, at the right time. Many agencies are understaffed. As a result, one way to meet goals is to leverage the right tools. Brian "Stretch" Meyers believes the most "bang for the buck" will be achieved by using tools to establish visibility. From there, one can identify key items to reach compliance. Zero Trust is an initiative that is here to stay. Listen to the podcast to get ideas on how to optimize the staff and resources at hand.

The Victor Davis Hanson Show
Allies Win in 1943 and Revolutionaries Pursue Trump

The Victor Davis Hanson Show

Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2025 84:34


Listen to the special weekend edition with Victor Davis Hanson and co-host Sami Winc, featuring the year 1943 of World War II and Allied progress in the middle segment. They also discuss the Government Accountability Office's effort to stop Trump, the Democrat staffers' reasons for covering up Biden, Putin's mind, Scott Pelley's speech to graduates, North Korea's nuclear capability, and Musk's critique of the Big Beautiful Bill.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Wise Decision Maker Show
#337: Federal Report Shows Remote Work Trumps RTO

Wise Decision Maker Show

Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 6:08


The GAO's 2025 report titled “Telework: Private Sector Stakeholder and Expert Views" proves that remote work trumps RTO. Flexible work boosts talent retention, cuts costs, and raises productivity, making it a smarter choice than rigid office mandates. That's the key take-away message of this episode of the Wise Decision Maker Show, which discusses the federal report that shows that remote work trumps RTO.This article forms the basis for this episode: https://disasteravoidanceexperts.com/federal-report-shows-remote-work-trumps-rto/

Morning Wire
Nashville Mayor Investigated & Europe's Speech Police | 5.29.25

Morning Wire

Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 15:25


Nashville's mayor is under federal investigation for obstructing ICE efforts to arrest criminal illegal aliens, Europe's crackdown on free speech is in focus at the EU-US Forum in Budapest, and the Government Accountability Office faces GOP backlash after undermining Congress. Plus, Elon Musk steps back from DOGE. Get the facts first with Morning Wire.GABB: Sign up today – no contract required – at https://gabb.com/WIREHelix Sleep: Go to https://helixsleep.com/wire to get an exclusive discount.

The Daily Beans
TACOs And Gumbo (feat. Adam Klasfeld)

The Daily Beans

Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 64:07


Thursday, May 29th, 2025Today, a federal judge STRIKES DOWN Trump's entire executive order targeting the Wilmer Hale law firm for political retribution; Judge Chutkan allows a lawsuit seeking to enjoin Elon Musk and DOGE's operations to proceed; another federal judge has ordered the release of the Russian scientist that brought inert frog embryos into the US; yet another judge blocks Trump's attempt to stop congestion pricing in New York; immigration courts are dismissing cases of those sent to El Salvador potentially cutting off their return; the Government Accountability Office rebuffs Trump's power grab; another SpaceX Starship launch fails while Musk cries about people not liking him; U-Haul bans Patriot Front nazis after they rented their trucks for a march in Kansas City; the Tate brothers have been charged with rape and sex trafficking in the UK; Nancy Mace's former staff claim she had them create burner accounts to promote her online; Trump gets mad about the Wall Street acronym TACO during a press conference; and Allison delivers your Good News.Thank You, Daily LookFor 50% off your order, head to DailyLook.com and use code DAILYBEANS.  Thank You, Naked WinesTo get 6 bottles of wine for $39.99, head to nakedwines.com/DAILYBEANS and use code DAILYBEANS for both the code and password.Sat June 14 10am – 12pm PDT AG is hosting NO KINGS Waterfront Park, San DiegoDonation link - secure.actblue.com/donate/fuelthemovementMSW Media, Blue Wave California Victory Fund | ActBlueGuest: Adam KlasfeldAll Rise NewsAll Rise News - BlueskyAdam Klasfeld (@klasfeldreports.com) - BlueSkyAdam Klasfeld (@KlasfeldReports) - TwitterFederal judge on Trump DOJ's defense of orders targeting BigLaw: "Give me a break" | AllRiseNewsStories:Immigration courts are dismissing cases of those sent to El Salvador, potentially cutting off their return | NBC NewsUS judge allows states' lawsuit against DOGE to proceed | ReutersUS judge grants Russian-born Harvard scientist bail in immigration case | ReutersJudge temporarily blocks Trump from retaliating against New York over congestion toll | ABC Action NewsTate brothers face rape and trafficking charges in the UK | AP NewsSpaceX launches another Starship rocket after back-to-back explosions, but it tumbles out of control | AP NewsNancy Mace's Former Staff Claim She Had Them Create Burner Accounts to Promote Her | WIREDTrump's not happy about Wall Street's name for tariff flip-flops | POLITICOCongressional Agency Rebuffs Trump Bid to Expand Power Grab | Democracy DocketU-Haul bans Patriot Front members after trucks rented in KC for march | The Kansas City StarGood Trouble: Trump's HHS urges therapy for transgender youth, departing from broader gender-affirming health care | PBS NewsLet HHS Know how you feel: Whistleblower Tips and Complaints Regarding the Chemical and Surgical Mutilation of Children | HHS.govProton Mail: free email account with privacy and encryptionFind Upcoming Demonstrations And Actions:250th Anniversary of the U.S. Army Grand Military Parade and CelebrationSchedule F comments deadline extended to June 7th Federal Register :: Improving Performance, Accountability and Responsiveness in the Civil Service50501 MovementJune 14th Nationwide Demonstrations - NoKings.orgIndivisible.orgFederal workers - feel free to email me at fedoath@pm.me and let me know what you're going to do, or just vent. I'm always here to listen. Check out other MSW Media podcastsShows - MSW MediaCleanup On Aisle 45 podSubscribe for free to MuellerSheWrote on SubstackThe BreakdownFollow AG and Dana on Social MediaAllison Gill Substack|Muellershewrote, BlueSky|@muellershewrote, Threads|@muellershewrote, TikTok|@muellershewrote, IG|muellershewrote, Twitter|@MuellerSheWroteDana GoldbergBlueSky|@dgcomedy, IG|dgcomedy, facebook|dgcomedy, danagoldberg.com, Twitter|@DGComedyShare your Good News or Good Trouble:dailybeanspod.com/goodFrom The Good NewsTurning Cereal boxes into postcards - YouTubeNew York State Democratic PartyPatrons Sponsoring Patrons - The Daily BeansReminder - you can see the pod pics if you become a Patron. The good news pics are at the bottom of the show notes of each Patreon episode! That's just one of the perks of subscribing! patreon.com/muellershewrote Federal workers - feel free to email me at fedoath@pm.me and let me know what you're going to do, or just vent. I'm always here to listen.Share your Good News or Good Trouble:https://www.dailybeanspod.com/good/ Check out other MSW Media podcastshttps://mswmedia.com/shows/Subscribe for free to MuellerSheWrote on Substackhttps://muellershewrote.substack.comFollow AG and Dana on Social MediaDr. Allison Gill Substack|Muellershewrote, BlueSky|@muellershewrote , Threads|@muellershewrote, TikTok|@muellershewrote, IG|muellershewrote, Twitter|@MuellerSheWrote,Dana GoldbergTwitter|@DGComedy, IG|dgcomedy, facebook|dgcomedy, IG|dgcomedy, danagoldberg.com, BlueSky|@dgcomedyHave some good news; a confession; or a correction to share?Good News & Confessions - The Daily Beanshttps://www.dailybeanspod.com/confessional/ Listener Survey:http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=shortFollow the Podcast on Apple:The Daily Beans on Apple PodcastsWant to support the show and get it ad-free and early?Supercasthttps://dailybeans.supercast.com/Patreon https://patreon.com/thedailybeansOr subscribe on Apple Podcasts with our affiliate linkThe Daily Beans on Apple Podcasts

RealClearPolitics Takeaway
Will Trump Sanction Russia?

RealClearPolitics Takeaway

Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 45:05


Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon discuss President Trump's increasing frustration with Vladimir Putin over the Ukraine War, and Britain's King Charles III's address to the Canadian Parliament, where he said, “Freedom and democracy are under threat.” Then, they talk about the FBI's decision to reopen cases including cocaine found in the White House during the Biden administration and the leak of the Supreme Court decision of the Dobbs case, which led to the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022. Also, they talk about Miranda Devine's new column in the New York Post calling for an investigation into the FBI agents responsible for covering up the Hunter Biden laptop story. Plus, they discuss today's GAO letter instructing federal agencies to stop doing business with Harvard University, and Trump's desire to redirect $3 billion in funding away from Harvard and toward vocational training programs. And finally, Tom Bevan talks to John Hart, CEO of Open The Books, an organization that promotes transparency in public spending, about the future of the Department of Government Efficiency and the difficulty of cutting government programs.

MoneyWise on Oneplace.com
Slipping Back into Old Financial Habits with Dr. Shane Enete

MoneyWise on Oneplace.com

Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 24:57


They say that crisis reveals character, and for a brief moment, the pandemic revealed surprising financial resilience.Many Americans experienced a rare financial reset during that season, as savings rose and debt declined. But five years later, much of that progress has unraveled. Dr. Shane Enete joins us to unpack what changed—and how believers can respond faithfully in a culture gripped by renewed financial anxiety.Dr. Shane Enete is an Associate Professor of Finance at Biola University and founded the Biola Center for Financial Planning. He is also the author of the book Whole Heart Finances: A Jesus-Centered Guide to Managing Your Money with Joy.The Unexpected Silver Lining of the PandemicWhen the COVID-19 pandemic brought life to a standstill, something surprising happened with our money. Instead of overspending, many Americans buckled down.Research from the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and the U.S. Government Accountability Office showed that people used pandemic stimulus checks to reduce credit card balances and cut spending. Simultaneously, emergency fund levels rose to 20-year highs.With fewer opportunities to spend and greater economic vulnerability, people embraced margin, paid down debt, and began saving like never before. It was a rare moment of collective financial wisdom.The Return to Old HabitsBut that moment didn't last.Fast-forward to today, and the picture looks far less encouraging. Credit card debt has now surpassed $1 trillion, and six in ten Americans are uncomfortable with their emergency savings, up from just 37% before the pandemic.The decline in financial well-being is measurable. According to the CFPB's 2024 Making Ends Meet survey, the average financial well-being score dropped from 55 to 49. This score reflects how confident households feel about meeting basic expenses, like paying bills and putting food on the table.Even more concerning: over one in three Americans now carry more credit card debt than they have saved. And 42% say they couldn't go even one month without income before falling behind.Why It Matters for ChristiansSo, what's going on? Why the backslide? The answer lies not just in behavior but also in belief.Fear takes over when Jesus isn't present in our financial decisions. We start believing that we have to carry the full weight of financial responsibility. But Scripture reminds us that we have a good Father and a faithful Shepherd who provides for His children.As believers, we're called to live differently—to manage God's resources with wisdom, margin, and generosity. This begins with a mindset shift from ownership to stewardship.Many people dread the word “budget”, but we should really see this through a new lens. If budgeting is about tracking God's provision—your daily bread, your shelter, your gas money—then it becomes an act of gratitude. It's a moment to declare God's goodness.”By embracing this spiritual practice, we open a line of communication with the Lord about our finances. Budgeting isn't just math. It's discipleship.Your Next Step Toward StewardshipWhere do you begin if you want to live this way?Start simple and track your spending. Shine a light on your habits without judgment. What you illuminate can be transformed. Ephesians 5:13 says, “But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light.”Using tools like the FaithFi app can help you begin this journey. And remember, you don't have to walk it alone.Living within your means, avoiding debt, and giving generously stand out in a culture of consumption. They testify to the Spirit's work in our lives, especially the fruit of self-control.When believers manage money wisely, they display a beautiful trait of the Holy Spirit. They model a life that's free, sustainable, and others-focused—the kind of financial light the world desperately needs.To read Dr. Enete's full article in the latest issue of our quarterly magazine, Faithful Steward, become a FaithFi Partner today with a gift of $35 a month or $400 a year. Just visit FaithFi.com/Partner to join.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:My mother, who's in her 90s, is going to be selling my house, which I've owned for over 30 years. It looks like the sale may exceed the $250,000 capital gains exemption. If the profit goes over by, say, $20,000, what happens? How is that taxed, and how soon would she have to address it after the sale?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Heart for LebanonWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money (Pre-Order)Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

Yo, Is This Racist?
I Was Asked to Be Here with Jessica Gao

Yo, Is This Racist?

Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 35:50


Tawny, Andrew and podcast CEO Jessica Gao talk about Andrew’s $14 rule, Chicago Pope and answer a few listener questions! Call or text with your questions at 323-389-RACE and watch the video of this episode at suboptimalpods.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Government Accountability Office (GAO) Podcast: Watchdog Report
The Financial Sector is Increasing Its Use of Artificial Intelligence. What's the Risk?

Government Accountability Office (GAO) Podcast: Watchdog Report

Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025


The financial services sector is increasingly using artificial intelligence to automate services and decisions. While this could provide benefits for consumers, it also comes with some risks. We learn more about this issue from GAO's Michael…

All Home Care Matters
The Elizabeth Dole Foundation's 2025 Convening Preview with Elizabeth Field

All Home Care Matters

Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 50:54


All Home Care Matters and our host, Lance A. Slatton were honored to welcome Elizabeth Field as guest to the show to preview the 10th Annual Elizabeth Dole Foundation's Convening.   About Elizabeth Field:   Elizabeth Field is the Chief Operating Officer of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation and a recognized expert on military quality-of-life and defense policy. Prior to joining the Foundation, she held senior roles at the Government Accountability Office and the U.S. Department of State, and has testified before Congress on issues ranging from defense reform to veteran support.   Her work has been featured by NPR, CNN, and The New York Times. A proud daughter of an Army veteran, she lives in Washington, D.C. with her two sons and rescue dog.   About the 10th Annual Elizabeth Dole Foundation Convening:   Join the Elizabeth Dole Foundation in Washington, D.C. on May 20 for the 10th Annual Convening, A Blueprint for Action: Mapping the Future of Caregiving in a Changing World. This full-day event will gather leaders from government, industry, non-profits, and academia for dynamic panel discussions, plenary sessions, and interactive working sessions focused on shaping the future of support for military and veteran caregivers. Attendees will engage in hands-on activities that translate cutting-edge RAND research into meaningful, real-world actions, ensuring that the collective efforts of our community align for maximum impact.   The insights and strategies developed during this convening will inform a series of blueprints—practical guides designed to help stakeholders across sectors strengthen and sustain support for caregivers in the years ahead. Be part of the movement to drive lasting change. Together, we will chart the course for America's military and veteran caregivers and the future of caregiving in a rapidly evolving world.    Date & Location: Tuesday, May 20th Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20004    Connect & Register: Registration:  https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.o... Official Website:  https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.org  

C-SPAN Radio - Washington Today
Weekend Edition: Manufacturing in the U.S., Dept. of Education resumes collection on defaulted student loans, and Air Traffic Control Systems

C-SPAN Radio - Washington Today

Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2025 36:17


In this weekend's episode, three segments from this past week's Washington Journal. First, a conversation with author Rachel Slade about her book "Making it America" about the history – and future - of manufacturing in the United States. Then, the Department of Education resumed collection on defaulted student loans this week. We speak with Rick Seltzer of the Chronicle of Higher Education about what that means – and who will be affected. Plus, a discussion about efforts to modernize the nation's aging air traffic control systems with Kevin Walsh from the Government Accountability Office. He and his team were among the first to flag problems in their report last fall. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices