Podcasts about Ranking member

Listen to the recent CSIS Bipartisan Alliance for Health Security discussion with Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, on his experience leading a Congressional delegation to China in late September 2025. Rep. Smith's bipartisan delegation—the first House delegation to travel to China since 2019—pressed for high-level military-to-military dialogue between the world's leading superpowers. What reception did they receive from their Chinese counterparts, what messages did they impart, and how has the dialogue with his colleagues evolved since his return to Washington? What did the trip reveal and how does he expect to see the bilateral relationship evolve—including on key issues such as the debate over fentanyl—into the new year?  Following welcoming remarks from John J. Hamre, CSIS CEO and Langone Chair in American Leadership, J. Stephen Morrison, Senior Vice President and Director of the CSIS Global Health Policy Center, moderates the discussion.

The El-Wak stampede is tragic. All recruitment exercises across the country should be stopped until a thorough investigation into the incident is completed. - Ntim Fordjour, Ranking Member of the Defence and Interior Committee in Parliament”

MeidasTouch host Ben Meiselas reports on Donald Trump and Republican Speaker “MAGA Mike” being in full panic mode as the discharge petition to release the Epstein files is about to receive its final signature, and interviews Ranking Member of the House Oversight Committee, Congressman Robert Garcia, about the latest news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The mental health and substance use disorders that challenge veterans are not unusual, and they occasionally lead to homelessness. Recently in Wisconsin, funding for the Veterans Housing and Recovery Program (VHRP) was removed from the two-year state budget, and, as a result, two transitional homes for veterans were closed. Wisconsin State Senator Jeff Smith has introduced legislation to reopen — and keep open — those homes. He discusses those efforts, political obstacles, and other issues around mental health and substance use disorders that veterans are facing. Senator Jeff Smith (D-Brunswick) currently serves as the 31st Senate District State Senator and is the Senate Democratic Assistant Leader. He also serves as the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health. Senator Smith can be reached at Senator Jeff Smith | Senate District 31. The State of Wisconsin's Dose of Reality campaign is at Dose of Reality: Opioids in Wisconsin. More information about the federal response to the ongoing opiate crisis can be found at One Pill Can Kill. The views and opinions of the guests on this podcast are theirs and theirs alone and do not necessarily represent those of the host or Westwords Consulting. We're always interested in hearing from individuals or organizations who are working in substance use disorder treatment or prevention, mental health care and other spaces that lift up communities. This includes people living those experiences. If you or someone you know has a story to share or an interesting approach to care, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Subscribe to Our Email List to get new episodes in your inbox every week!

A state auditors' report just revealed more purchasing card (P-Card) noncompliance instances in the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) system. What can be done to fix this ongoing problem? We asked Ranking Member on the Higher Education Committee, Senator Henri Martin. To read the full report: https://wp.cga.ct.gov/apa/wp-content/cgacustom/reports/Southern%20Connecticut%20State%20University_20251105_FY2021,2022.pdf Image Credit: Getty Images

Ranking Member of the Public Accounts Committee, Samuel Atta-Mills, says the Attorney General has assured the Committee of refunds and the arrest of individuals responsible for financial losses. He, however, expressed concern that not a single person referred to the Attorney General in the previous parliament was prosecuted, urging authorities to take stronger action

Synopsis:  The Trump administration's aggressive use of ICE agents and National Guardsmen has sparked outrage among lawmakers like Rep. Pramila Jayapal and veteran activists such as Janessa Goldbeck; they join forces to discuss what can be done now.This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donateDescription:  The U.S. military is sworn to serve the Constitution, but that's getting complicated under Donald Trump. The President has deployed National Guard troops to half a dozen U.S. cities against the wishes of local officials and ICE agents are roaming around communities acting under unclear rules. Now the President is threatening to invoke the Insurrection Act. What difference would that make? Laura's guests are U.S. House Representative Pramila Jayapal and Marine veteran Janessa Goldbeck, who say it's time to reject authoritarianism and uphold the Constitution. Congresswoman Jayapal is the Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement and represents Washington State's 7th Congressional District. She has been at the forefront of congressional oversight and opposition to the Trump administration's immigration policies. Captain Goldbeck is CEO of Vet Voice, a national nonprofit that mobilizes veterans and military families to shape American democracy and defend the values they swore to protect. What can Congress, veterans and the general public do to stop the militarization of our cities? Join us for this powerful conversation, plus a commentary on the other times that the U.S. government has turned its military inward.“What law enforcement should be doing — of any kind, whether it's ICE, National Guard, whoever — is trying to deescalate. What we clearly see this set of military actors doing is escalate, right? When you crack down brutally, when you shoot a rubber bullet at a faith leader in Chicago, or when you violently push someone down to the ground, who by the way happens to be the father of three U.S. Marines . . . I think that is really an attempt to suppress any kind of dissent.” - Rep. Pramila JayapalGuests:•  Captain Janessa Goldbeck: Marine Corps Veteran; CEO, Vet Voice Foundation•  Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal: D-WA, 7th Congressional DistrictWatch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel November 3rd, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio November 6th  (check here to see if your station is airing the show) & available as a podcast.RESOURCES:Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:•  Another January 6 Insurrection? 'War Game' Film Asks if We're Ready: Watch / Listen:  Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversation•  Community Safety in a Time of Insurrection: Watch / Listen:  Episode Cut•  Inside the MAGA Movement: What Happens Now?:  Watch / Listen:  Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversation Related Articles and Resources:•  The Resistance Lab, grassroots trainings led by Pramila Jayapal and thought leaders from across the movement. •  Pentagon orders states' national guards to form ‘quick reaction forces' for ‘crowd control' by Aaron Glantz, October 29, 2025, The Guardian•  Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal at No Kings protest Seattle:  ‘We are the people's movement that will save our democracy', October 18, 2025 - Watch - King5.com•. We Found That More Than 170 U.S. Citizens Have Been Held by Immigration Agents.  They've Been Kicked, Dragged and Detained for Days. by Nicole Foy & photography by Sarahbeth Maney,  October 16, 2025, ProPublica•  FAQ on Refusing Illegal Orders, by JMB, June 18, 2025, Military Law Task ForceFull Episode Notes are located HERE.Music Credit: "Steppin" by Podington Bear, “Of Peace” by Galliano from the album Halfway Somewhere Expanded released on Brownswood Recordings and original sound design by Jeannie HopperSupport Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O'Conner-Senior Consulting Producer. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

Synopsis-  US Cities Under Siege: National Guard Deployed Despite Local Opposition: Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal and Marine veteran Janessa Goldbeck join us to discuss the implications of Trump's actions and what Congress, veterans, and the public can do to stop the militarization of American cities.This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donateDescription:  The U.S. military is sworn to serve the Constitution, but that's getting complicated under Donald Trump. The President has deployed National Guard troops to half a dozen U.S. cities against the wishes of local officials and ICE agents are roaming around communities acting under unclear rules. Now the President is threatening to invoke the Insurrection Act. What difference would that make? Laura's guests are U.S. House Representative Pramila Jayapal and Marine veteran Janessa Goldbeck, who say it's time to reject authoritarianism and uphold the Constitution. Congresswoman Jayapal is the Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement and represents Washington State's 7th Congressional District. She has been at the forefront of congressional oversight and opposition to the Trump administration's immigration policies. Captain Goldbeck is CEO of Vet Voice, a national nonprofit that mobilizes veterans and military families to shape American democracy and defend the values they swore to protect. What can Congress, veterans and the general public do to stop the militarization of our cities? Join us for this powerful conversation, plus a commentary on the other times that the U.S. government has turned its military inward.“What we're seeing now is the president attempting to reshape the U.S. military into a tool of his own domestic political control . . . And then to deploy uniformed service members and the National Guard across the country against the wishes of local elected leaders . . . I feel a lot of sadness and frustration on behalf of those who are serving in uniform today who are being put into this very partisan political position by the United States president.” - Janessa Goldbeck“What law enforcement should be doing — of any kind, whether it's ICE, National Guard, whoever — is trying to deescalate. What we clearly see this set of military actors doing is escalate, right? When you crack down brutally, when you shoot a rubber bullet at a faith leader in Chicago, or when you violently push someone down to the ground, who by the way happens to be the father of three U.S. Marines . . . I think that is really an attempt to suppress any kind of dissent.” - Rep. Pramila JayapalGuests:•  Captain Janessa Goldbeck: Marine Corps Veteran; CEO, Vet Voice Foundation•  Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal: D-WA, 7th Congressional DistrictFull Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel November 3rd, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio November 6th  (check here to see if your station is airing the show) & available as a podcast.RESOURCES:Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:•  Another January 6 Insurrection? 'War Game' Film Asks if We're Ready: Watch / Listen:  Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversation•  Community Safety in a Time of Insurrection: Watch / Listen:  Episode Cut•  Inside the MAGA Movement: What Happens Now?:  Watch / Listen:  Episode Cut and Full Uncut Conversation Related Articles and Resources:•  The Resistance Lab, grassroots trainings led by Pramila Jayapal and thought leaders from across the movement. •  Pentagon orders states' national guards to form ‘quick reaction forces' for ‘crowd control' by Aaron Glantz, October 29, 2025, The Guardian•  Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal at No Kings protest Seattle:  ‘We are the people's movement that will save our democracy', October 18, 2025 - Watch - King5.com•  Former Military Leaders Decry National Guard Deployment in Illinois, by Hannah Meisel, Capitol News Illinois, October 16, 2025, WTTW-PBS•  Where has Trump suggested sending troops?  In cities run by Democratic mayors, by Juliana Kim, October 16, 2025, NPR•. We Found That More Than 170 U.S. Citizens Have Been Held by Immigration Agents.  They've Been Kicked, Dragged and Detained for Days. by Nicole Foy & photography by Sarahbeth Maney,  October 16, 2025, ProPublica•. Trump open to invoking the Insurrection Act, by Irie Sentner, October 6, 2025, Politico•  FAQ on Refusing Illegal Orders, by JMB, June 18, 2025, Military Law Task Force Full Episode Notes are located HERE.Music Credit: original sound design by Jeannie HopperSupport Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O'Conner-Senior Consulting Producer. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

In 2016, Jamie Raskin was elected to Congress from Maryland just as Donald Trump was first elected president. Raskin, a former constitutional law professor, and Trump, a real estate developer who flouts rules and shatters norms, have been locked in a struggle ever since.When Congress impeached Trump in 2021 for inciting an insurrection, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi tapped Raskin to be lead impeachment manager, essentially Trump's chief prosecutor. He subsequently served on the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol. Raskin is now the Ranking Member of the powerful House Judiciary Committee and has been a vocal adversary of the Trump administration. In the past few weeks, he has accused U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Krisi Noem of “unlawfully detaining U.S. citizens,” demanded that Trump explain “a blatantly illegal and unconstitutional effort to steal $230 million from the American people” and denounced “military-style tactics” in Chicago. Jamie Raskin represents Maryland's 8th Congressional District, which borders Washington, D.C. He has authored several books, including the bestseller “Unthinkable: Trauma, Truth and the Trials of American Democracy,” a searing exploration of the death of his son and the struggle to defend democracy under Trump. I spoke with Rep. Raskin on Tuesday as the government shutdown approached the one month mark. 

Congresswoman Angie Craig, the Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee, discusses some of the hardships that are impacting farmers and ranchers across the country. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

X: @MarshaBlackburn @ileaderssummit @americasrt1776 @NatashaSrdoc @JoelAnandUSA @supertalk Join America's Roundtable (https://americasrt.com/) radio co-hosts Natasha Srdoc and Joel Anand Samy with U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn, senior senator for Tennessee and the first woman to represent the Volunteer State in the United States Senate. She serves on the Deputy Whip Team and is a member of the Finance Committee; the Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee; the Veterans' Affairs Committee; and the Judiciary Committee. Senator Marsha Blackburn serves as the Ranking Member on the Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Data Security and on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Human Rights and the Law. Before her election to the Senate, Marsha represented Tennessee's 7th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives. americasrt.com (https://americasrt.com/) https://ileaderssummit.org/ | https://jerusalemleaderssummit.com/ America's Roundtable on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/americas-roundtable/id1518878472 X: @MarshaBlackburn @ileaderssummit @americasrt1776 @NatashaSrdoc @JoelAnandUSA @supertalk America's Roundtable is co-hosted by Natasha Srdoc and Joel Anand Samy, co-founders of International Leaders Summit and the Jerusalem Leaders Summit. America's Roundtable (https://americasrt.com/) radio program focuses on America's economy, healthcare reform, rule of law, security and trade, and its strategic partnership with rule of law nations around the world. The radio program features high-ranking US administration officials, cabinet members, members of Congress, state government officials, distinguished diplomats, business and media leaders and influential thinkers from around the world. Tune into America's Roundtable Radio program from Washington, DC via live streaming on Saturday mornings via 68 radio stations at 7:30 A.M. (ET) on Lanser Broadcasting Corporation covering the Michigan and the Midwest market, and at 7:30 A.M. (CT) on SuperTalk Mississippi — SuperTalk.FM reaching listeners in every county within the State of Mississippi, and neighboring states in the South including Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Tennessee. Tune into WTON in Central Virginia on Sunday mornings at 6:00 A.M. (ET). Listen to America's Roundtable on digital platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, Google and other key online platforms. Listen live, Saturdays at 7:30 A.M. (CT) on SuperTalk | https://www.supertalk.fm

Today we're talking about housing. The ROAD to Housing Act passed the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee 24-0 in late July. Last week — despite the shutdown — it cleared the Senate. It's a package of 27 pieces of legislation to boost housing supply, improve affordability, reduce regulatory roadblocks, and reduce homelessness.When you zoom out a bit, what's happened here is pretty surprising. The chair of the committee, Republican Tim Scott, and the Ranking Member, Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat, co-sponsored the bill. The bill is the committee's first bipartisan housing markup in over a decade. Passing through committee unanimously doesn't happen often for serious bills of this sort. I wanted to understand how this bill happened, and came to have a serious shot at passing. And I also wanted to get a better sense of what's actually in the bill, and why it matters for housing. If you're like me, most of the debates you hear about housing policy focus on zoning, which is a local issue — very little federal say. So what are all these pieces of legislation? Do they matter?Joining me is an unorthodox trio:* Will Poff-Webster was legislative counsel for Senator Brian Schatz, a Democrat from Hawaii. He's our inside guy today: he worked on the bill within the Senate. And today, he covers housing policy here at IFP.* Alex Armlovich is Senior Housing Policy Analyst at the Niskanen Center. He has been working on housing issues for a long time, and his fingerprints are on parts of this bill package. He's my advocate from the outside.* Brian Potter is Senior Infrastructure Fellow at IFP and author of Construction Physics, which I very much enjoy editing. If I can make one newsletter recommendation to you besides Statecraft, it's Construction Physics. He has a background in private-sector home building. And has written about several of the proposals in this package.Table of contents:* What's the federal role in housing policy?* What's in the bill?* Regulatory reform* Technical assistance plus incentives* Funding and financing reform* A brief sidebar on manufactured home chassis* Will the bill matter?* How did the bill happen, politically speaking?* The policy wonk success storyThank you to Harry Fletcher-Wood and Katerina Barton for their judicious transcript and audio edits.For the full transcript of this conversation, go to www.statecraft.pub. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.statecraft.pub

Today, Thursday, October 16 on Urban Forum Northwest:*Congressman Robert (Bobby) Cortez Scott (D) VA-03, Ranking Member, House Education and Workforce Development Committee is the first person of Filipino ancestry to serve as a Voting Member of the US Congress, his grandfather was Filipino. He comments on the government shutdown and indicates that Democrats are in DC ready to work on this perplexing issue.*Former Washington State Representative Velma Veloria was the first Filipino to be elected to the Washington State Legislature. She comments on the significance of Filipino American History Month.*Burien City Councilman Jimmy Matta talks about the anxiety that's being perpetuated by the war on immigrants across the country and what he and others are doing with the anticipation that federal ICE agents and possibly National Guard troops coming to his city.* John Yasutake, Talk Show Host for Rainier Avenue Radio comments on the documented racism that was exposed by several reporters that infiltrated young Republican organizations in several states. Racist statements like "if I want to see Blacks play basketball I will go to the zoo and watch monkeys play basketball".See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today, Thursday, October 16 on Urban Forum Northwest: *Congressman Robert (Bobby) Cortez Scott (D) VA-03, Ranking Member, House Education and Workforce Development Committee is the first person of Filipino ancestry to serve as a Voting Member of the US Congress, his grandfather was Filipino. He comments on the government shutdown and indicates that Democrats are in DC ready to work on this perplexing issue. *Former Washington State Representative Velma Veloria was the first Filipino to be elected to the Washington State Legislature. She comments on the significance of Filipino American History Month. *Burien City Councilman Jimmy Matta talks about the anxiety that's being perpetuated by the war on immigrants across the country and what he and others are doing with the anticipation that federal ICE agents and possibly National Guard troops coming to his city. * John Yasutake, Talk Show Host for Rainier Avenue Radio comments on the documented racism that was exposed by several reporters that infiltrated young Republican organizations in several states. Racist statements like "if I want to see Blacks play basketball I will go to the zoo and watch monkeys play basketball".

10/08/25: Congresswoman Angie Craig represents Minnesota's Second Congressional District, and is a Ranking Member on the House Committee on Agriculture. She is also running for the U.S. Senate in Minnesota in the 2026 election. She and Joel Heitkamp speak mainly about the government shutdown and the demands for affordable healthcare. (Joel Heitkamp is a talk show host on the Mighty 790 KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. His award-winning program, “News & Views,” can be heard weekdays from 8 – 11 a.m. Follow Joel on X/Twitter @JoelKFGO.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Record-breaking sums of money are pouring into American politics — from billionaires spending hundreds of millions to dark money groups hiding their donors. These sums have given wealthy interests outsized access and influence — while the Federal Election Commission (FEC), created to enforce campaign finance laws, has become unable to fulfill its mission.In this episode, host Simone Leeper speaks with former FEC Commissioner Ellen Weintraub, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and Campaign Legal Center President Trevor Potter. Together, they trace how court rulings like Buckley v. Valeo, Citizens United v. FEC and SpeechNOW v. FEC opened the floodgates to unlimited political spending — and explore reforms that could restore transparency, strengthen the Federal Election Commission and curb the outsized role of big money in our democracy.Timestamps:(00:01) — Why was an FEC commissioner suddenly removed?(03:14) — How much money was spent in the 2024 election cycle?(07:00) — What campaign finance lessons came out of Watergate?(09:35) — What was the McCain-Feingold Act, and why did it matter?(10:45) — How did Citizens United and SpeechNow change U.S. elections?(13:41) — What is dark money and why is it dangerous?(15:18) — Why has the FEC failed to enforce campaign finance laws?(21:48) — How did Elon Musk become the biggest mega-donor in U.S. history?(24:14) — What government power did Musk gain after funding Trump?(30:03) — How has campaign finance evolved since Watergate?(33:41) — What reforms could reduce dark money and strengthen transparency?(40:57) — What must Congress do now to curb big money in politics? Host and Guests:Simone Leeper litigates a wide range of redistricting-related cases at Campaign Legal Center, challenging gerrymanders and advocating for election systems that guarantee all voters an equal opportunity to influence our democracy. Prior to arriving at CLC, Simone was a law clerk in the office of Senator Ed Markey and at the Library of Congress, Office of General Counsel. She received her J.D. cum laude from Georgetown University Law Center in 2019 and a bachelor's degree in political science from Columbia University in 2016.Ellen L. Weintraub served as Commissioner and four-time Chair of the U.S. Federal Election Commission from 2002 to 2025. There, she advocated for meaningful campaign-finance law enforcement and robust disclosure and strove to combat "dark money" and foreign influence in our elections. She has been a critic of the system that gives disproportionate influence to billionaire donors and has refuted unfounded claims of voter fraud. On February 6, 2025, she was informed that the President was removing her from office.A graduate of Yale College and Harvard Law School, Weintraub has published articles in The New York Times, The Washington Post and leading law reviews and is a frequent speaker on news shows and at conferences at home and abroad. Previously, she practiced law at Perkins Coie LLP and was Counsel to the U.S. House of Representatives Ethics Committee. Sheldon Whitehouse represents Rhode Island in the U.S. Senate. Senator Whitehouse serves as a senior member of the Judiciary Committee and the Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Courts Subcommittee.Trevor Potter is President of the nonpartisan Campaign Legal Center. A Republican former Chairman of the Federal Election Commission (FEC), Trevor was general counsel to John McCain's 2000 and 2008 presidential campaigns and an adviser to the drafters of the McCain-Feingold campaign finance law. To many, he is perhaps best known for his recurring appearances on The Colbert Report as the lawyer for Stephen Colbert's super PAC, Americans for a Better Tomorrow, Tomorrow, during the 2012 election, a program that won a Peabody Award for excellence in reporting on money in politics. The American Bar Association Journal has described Trevor as “hands-down one of the top lawyers in the country on the delicate intersection of politics, law and money.” He has provided testimony and written statements to Congress on federal election proposals, campaign finance regulation and, recently, the effects of the January 6th attack on our democracy. During the 2020 election season, Trevor was named to the cross-partisan National Task Force on Election Crises. Links:Democracy Decoded: Season 1, Episode 4 – CLC How Does the Citizens United Decision Still Affect Us in 2025? – CLC Dark Money Groups Are Pumping Millions Into the 2024 Election – CLC Elon Musk Stands to Gain Even More Wealth by Serving in Trump's Administration – CLC New CLC Report Examines FEC's Role in Letting Big Money Dominate Elections – CLC From Dysfunctional to Destructive (FEC Report) – CLC The Impact of Big Money and Secret Spending on Trump's Second Inauguration – CLC Have Wealthy Donors Bought the Trump Administration? – CLC Preventing Wealthy Special Interests from Using Shell Companies to Keep Their Political Spending Secret (Case Page) – CLC Opposing Special Interest Loopholes in Campaign Finance Law Enforcement — ECU v. FEC (Rick Scott Appeal - Case Page) – CLC CLC Steps Up to Promote Enforcement of Federal Campaign Finance Law (Case Page) – CLC Defending Federal Limits on Corporate Spending in Elections (Citizens United v. FEC - Case Page) – CLC Campaign Legal Center Releases New Report on the FEC's Deregulatory Trend – CLC The Agency That's Supposed To Provide Election Oversight Badly Needs Oversight – CLC Campaign Legal Center Letter Responds to President Trump's Unlawful Attempt to Exert Control Over the FEC – CLCAbout CLC:Democracy Decoded is a production of Campaign Legal Center, a nonpartisan nonprofit organization dedicated to solving the wide range of challenges facing American democracy. Campaign Legal Center fights for every American's freedom to vote and participate meaningfully in the democratic process. Learn more about us.Democracy Decoded is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hon. Samuel Nartey George will run at a loss if he runs his own company like how he's running the Ministry - Matthew Nyindam, Ranking Member, Information and Communications Committee

Some new laws that were recently passed by the state legislature are taking effect today. We talked about street takeovers, e-bikes and laws to support veterans with state Senator Jeff Gordon. He serves as a Ranking Member on the Veterans' Affairs Committee. Image Credit: Getty Images

Ranking Member of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Communications, Matthew Nyindam, has accused Communications Minister Sam Nartey George of deceiving Ghanaians with an irrelevant DSTV price review. He insists that the Minister must render an unqualified apology to the Ghanaian people.

Two Meta whistleblowers testified this month before the Senate Judiciary Committee on allegations that the company, which includes social media giants Facebook and Instagram, suppressed research about the safety of child users. Senator Blumenthal is the Ranking Member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations and has grilled big tech over these issues consistently. He shared key takeaways from the hearing. Image Credit: Reuters

MeidasTouch host Ben Meiselas reports on Donald Trump forcing the government into a potential shutdown as his lies about bringing in $17 trillion have been utterly exposed and Meiselas interviews Democratic Congressman Brendan Boyle who is the Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee who discusses the economic disaster Trump has caused. Visit https://meidasplus.com for more! Remember to subscribe to ALL the MeidasTouch Network Podcasts: MeidasTouch: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/meidastouch-podcast Legal AF: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/legal-af MissTrial: https://meidasnews.com/tag/miss-trial The PoliticsGirl Podcast: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-politicsgirl-podcast The Influence Continuum: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-influence-continuum-with-dr-steven-hassan Mea Culpa with Michael Cohen: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen The Weekend Show: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-weekend-show Burn the Boats: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/burn-the-boats Majority 54: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/majority-54 Political Beatdown: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown On Democracy with FP Wellman: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/on-democracy-with-fpwellman Uncovered: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/maga-uncovered Coalition of the Sane: https://meidasnews.com/tag/coalition-of-the-sane Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The August jobs report shows a slowdown in the labor market and an increase in unemployment. National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett joins Meet the Press NOW to discuss the state of the U.S. economy. Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) reacts to President Trump's decision to rebrand the Department of Defense to the Department of War.

Don is in Washington, D.C., and today he's meeting with Rep. Robert Garcia, Ranking Member of the House Oversight Committee, for a wide-ranging conversation on the biggest challenges facing the country. From the fight to release the Epstein files, to the fragile state of American democracy, to what Democrats must do to push back against MAGA overreach, nothing is off the table. It's a candid discussion about truth, accountability, and the urgent work ahead. This episode is brought to you by DeleteMe. Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you text DON to 64000. Message and data rates apply. This episode is sponsored by Mint Mobile. Get this new customer offer and your 3-month Unlimited wireless plan for just 15 bucks a month at https://MINTMOBILE.com/DONLEMON. Upfront payment of $45 required (equivalent to $15/mo.). Limited time new customer offer for first 3 months only. Speeds may slow above 35GB on Unlimited plan. Taxes & fees extra. See MINT MOBILE for details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, Thursday, July 31 on Urban Forum Northwest:*Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (D) MS-02 is the Ranking Member, House Homeland Security Committee. He was Chair, House Select Committee on the January 6, 2021 attack on the United States Capitol. He will also speak to the current political climate in Washington DC.*Attorney Jesse Wineberry, Co Founder Washington Equity Now Alliance (WENA) comments on the status of the efforts to get Reparations for 400,000 African Descendants of chattel slavery who reside in Washington state.*Lyle Quasim, Chair, Tacoma Pierce County Black Collective, the organization is fifty-two years old and has met every Saturday of the month, that includes holidays. There are several committees that undergird the organization and elected an appointed officials are on the call every week.*Reverend Dr. Leslie D. Braxton, Pastor, New Beginnings Christian Fellowship (NBCF) is celebrating twenty years of spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ, feeding the hungry, providing scholarships, hosting a technology training program (Americans 4 Equality/ MLK Gandhi Empowerment Initiative). The 20th Anniversary Dinner will be held Saturday evening at the Bellevue Hyatt.*Randolph Cross, Executive Secretary, Seattle's Royal Esquire Club will provide a snapshot of activities for the month of August. They will all begin with First Friday tomorrow on August 1.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Connecticut Insurance Department will hold a hybrid public informational meeting on Monday, August 18th to discuss the 2026 health insurance rate filings submitted by seven health insurers. The requested rates apply to individual and small group plans offered both on and off the state-sponsored exchange, Access Health CT. We spoke with Senator Tony Hwang. the Ranking Member of the Insurance Committee in Connecticut. To make public comment on these proposed rate hikes: https://www.catalog.state.ct.us/cid/portalApps/RateFilingDefault.aspx Image Credit: Getty Images

Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, Ranking Member of Parliament's Defence and Interior Committee and MP for Assin South, has criticised President John Dramani Mahama and Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa for what he describes as a failure to defend Ghana's longstanding position on LGBTQ+ matters at the United Nations.

Send us a textThis special edition honors three figures we lost in May of 2025. Two political figures who loomed large on the national scene, Charlie Rangel and Gerry Connelly, and one of the stars of our hosts second favorite show of all time "CHEERS" , George Wendt aka "Norm!!" Charlie Rangel served in Congress for 40 years out of Harlem in New York. He was a major player in Watergate on the House Judiciary Committee, and later served as the Chairman of Ways and Means. He was a lot of things through out his tenure on the National stage but boring was not one of them. We will look back on this great character of politics , his impact, and some of his ethical troubles too. But one thing was for sure he was a tough partisan with guts and we will show his famous moment on the House floor when he told his investigators to put up or shut up in their long winding investigation. Gerry Connelly, was as quiet and reserved as Charlie Rangel was not but still Connelly had an impact on a variety of issues our nation faced through out his many years in Congress. His Obituary wrote : "He spent a decade working as a staffer for then-Senator Joe Biden on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee where he developed his deeply-honed knowledge of foreign policy before entering the private sector. His elected life of service spanned 13 years on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, including 5 as Chairman, and 16 years in the U.S. House of Representatives. While serving in Congress, he was elected as the Ranking Member of the Oversight Government Reform Committee, and President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly twice."He also held a special friendship with his Republican Counterpart on his Committee , Representative James Comer, and here we will hear Comer honor his friend. Finally, we will shift gears and leave the world of politics to honor a comedic actor, and huge part of our childhood, as we also lost "Norm Petersen" in May. The lovable barfly accountant, that helped make the TV Show "CHEERS" a hit for 11 years on NBC. Actor George Wendt passed away in his sleep in May but he left an enormous body of work that will keep us smiling for decades to come. We wanted to honor him here on this podcast too.  Questions or comments at , Randalrgw1@aol.com , https://twitter.com/randal_wallace , and http://www.randalwallace.com/Please Leave us a review at wherever you get your podcastsThanks for listening!!

In this episode of Building the Base, Hondo Geurts and Lauren Bedula sit down with Ranking Member Jim Himes (D-CT), who serves on both the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the House Financial Services Committee. Drawing from his unique background spanning Wall Street and public service, Congressman Himes discusses the critical intersection of technology innovation, national security, and America's industrial base. He shares candid insights on the challenges of government innovation, the evolving threat landscape from China, and why immigration remains America's secret weapon in the global competition for technological supremacy. The conversation also explores the cultural shifts needed within both Congress and the defense establishment to embrace the iterative, failure-tolerant approach essential for modern software development and emerging technologies.Five key takeaways from today's episode:The shift from hardware to software has fundamentally changed defense acquisition, Rep. Himes explains, requiring iterative development through failure and constant end-user contact—a capability traditional defense primes weren't prepared for, though progress is being made through innovative programs like DIU and Kessel Run.America's two greatest advantages over China in innovation, according to Rep. Himes, are immigration and a chaotic entrepreneurial ecosystem that treats failure as graduate-level education for the next venture, advantages that must be preserved and leveraged.Congressional culture remains risk-averse toward failure, Rep. Himes notes, with members more focused on finding the next "Solyndra" to investigate rather than creating the psychological safety necessary for breakthrough innovation.Supply chain vulnerabilities exposed by COVID-19 and the Ukraine conflict have created new appreciation for defense industrial base resilience, but Rep. Himes argues the tension between economic efficiency and strategic security requires nuanced thinking.Emerging threats like biosynthesis and quantum computing pose existential risks that require both cutting-edge research investment and a return to shared empirical truth, Rep. Himes warns, making the intersection of technology policy and national security more critical than ever.

Don Lemon sits down with Congressman Robert Garcia, newly elected Ranking Member of the House Oversight Committee. They dive into Garcia's bold plans to push back on Trump-era policies, hold the line on democracy, and steer the Democratic Party forward. Plus, they break down that painfully awkward Pete Hegseth press conference because someone has to talk about it. If you're wondering who's ready to fight back in Congress, this conversation is one to watch. This episode is brought to you by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Go to FFRF.US/Freedom or text DON to 511 511 and become a member today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Jessica talk through the aftermath of the weekend's airstrikes in Iran — the lack of coordination in the lead-up, differing accounts of the damage, and confusion about a ceasefire. They're joined by Rep. Jim Himes, Ranking Member on the House Intelligence Committee, to discuss possible consequences for Iran's regime, citizens, and nuclear capabilities. Plus: Trump publicly lashes out at Israel, Iran, and… one of the hosts of Raging Moderates. Follow Jessica Tarlov, @JessicaTarlov.  Follow Prof G, @profgalloway. Follow Raging Moderates, @RagingModeratesPod. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

MeidasTouch host Ben Meiselas reports on the latest breaking news of Iran retaliating in Qatar against American interests and Meiselas interviews Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries and Democratic Congressman Himes who is the Ranking Member on the Intelligence Committee. Visit https://meidasplus.com for more! Remember to subscribe to ALL the MeidasTouch Network Podcasts: MeidasTouch: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/meidastouch-podcast Legal AF: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/legal-af MissTrial: https://meidasnews.com/tag/miss-trial The PoliticsGirl Podcast: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-politicsgirl-podcast The Influence Continuum: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-influence-continuum-with-dr-steven-hassan Mea Culpa with Michael Cohen: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen The Weekend Show: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-weekend-show Burn the Boats: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/burn-the-boats Majority 54: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/majority-54 Political Beatdown: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown On Democracy with FP Wellman: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/on-democracy-with-fpwellman Uncovered: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/maga-uncovered Coalition of the Sane: https://meidasnews.com/tag/coalition-of-the-sane Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's guest knows endurance—on the trail, in public service, and in life.Congressman Mark DeSaulnier of California has run 23 marathons, including Boston, New York, Napa, and even Paris.A former lacrosse player turned lifelong runner, Mark once pursued a sub-3-hour marathon while simultaneously trying to bench press twice his bodyweight. He came heartbreakingly close—twice clocking a 3:04—and carried that same grit with him into politics, business, and recovery from a life-threatening illness.In March 2020, Mark fell during a run in D.C. and sustained broken ribs. What followed was a terrifying cascade: a damaged spleen, undiagnosed pneumonia, organ failure, and five weeks in the ICU—four of them on a ventilator. His odds of survival? Just 10 percent; one doctor told his sons he wouldn't make it. But he beat them.Now serving in his 11th year in Congress, Rep. DeSaulnier brings that same sense of perseverance to his work on transportation, education, and mental health. He currently serves as Ranking Member of the House Ethics Committeeand is a senior member of the Education & the Workforce Committee.But this episode isn't about politics. It's about what happens when we lace up and head out the door—what running teaches us, what it heals, and how it transforms who we are.In today's conversation, Mark takes me through his running journey and pursuits, insights from his 23 marathons, running a 3:04 marathon back in the day, becoming known as the “running politician,” how he used to train back in the day, and how running saved his life - literally. Tap into the Representative Mark DeSaulnier Special.  If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I'll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W  N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-BUY MERCH BEFORE IT'S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz

MeidasTouch host Ben Meiselas reports on Republicans losing all control as Democrats go on the offense and expose their disaster budget bill and Meiselas interviews Democratic Congressman Brendan Boyle who is the Ranking Member of the Budget Committee. Visit https://meidasplus.com for more! Remember to subscribe to ALL the MeidasTouch Network Podcasts: MeidasTouch: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/meidastouch-podcast Legal AF: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/legal-af MissTrial: https://meidasnews.com/tag/miss-trial The PoliticsGirl Podcast: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-politicsgirl-podcast The Influence Continuum: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-influence-continuum-with-dr-steven-hassan Mea Culpa with Michael Cohen: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen The Weekend Show: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-weekend-show Burn the Boats: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/burn-the-boats Majority 54: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/majority-54 Political Beatdown: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown On Democracy with FP Wellman: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/on-democracy-with-fpwellman Uncovered: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/maga-uncovered Coalition of the Sane: https://meidasnews.com/tag/coalition-of-the-sane Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Congressman Jamie Raskin represents Maryland's 8th Congressional District. He is the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability. he was the lead impeachment manager in Donald Trump's second impeachment trial and served on the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol. Prior to his time in Congress, he was a three-term State Senator in Maryland, and was also a professor of constitutional law at American University's Washington College of Law for more than 25 years. He has authored several books, including the Washington Post best-seller Overruling Democracy: The Supreme Court versus the American People, the highly-acclaimed We the Students: Supreme Court Cases For and About America's Students, and the New York Times #1 best-seller Unthinkable: Trauma, Truth and the Trials of American Democracy. The congressman and I discuss the Trump/Musk break-up, the House's Big Ugly Bill, the rise in antisemitic rhetoric and hate crimes, and his awesome "BiPAWtisan" Bark Act, which helps animal shelters receive donations for dog and cat food, leashes, blankets and other items. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

This week's Open Mic guest is U.S. Representative Angie Craig, Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee. The Minnesota Democrat stands in strong opposition to the House Reconciliation Act that took billions of dollars from the SNAP program to make room for tax cuts and adds to the nation's budget deficit. Craig opposes the Trump administration's use of tariffs and doesn't believe the nation's farm economy can withstand the economic challenges presented by reciprocal tariffs from offended trading partners. Craig says change to farm and food programs should come from regular order in Congress and not from the MAHA Commission. 

In the midst of the terrible Trump tax bill moving through Congress, Ralph invites Sarah Anderson who directs the Global Economy Project at the Institute for Policy Studies to discuss the massive tax loopholes huge companies like Amazon get that allow them to pay far less in taxes than ordinary working people. Then, Greg LeRoy from Good Jobs First joins us to discuss how state taxpayers are footing the bill for these massive data centers companies like Google are building all over the country. Plus, Ralph has some choice words for passive unions and responds to listener feedback about our guest last week, Nadav Wieman.Sarah Anderson directs the Global Economy Project at the Institute for Policy Studies and is a co-editor of the IPS website Inequality.org. Her research covers a wide range of international and domestic economic issues, including inequality, CEO pay, taxes, labor, and Wall Street reform.They're (Congress is) planning to give huge new tax giveaways to large corporations like Amazon and wealthy people like Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. And partially paying for those tax cuts for the wealthy by slashing programs that mean so much to so many Americans like Medicaid and food assistance.”Sarah AndersonWe're not going to have a healthy, thriving society and economy as long as we have the extreme levels of inequality that we have today.Sarah AndersonDubbed “the leading national watchdog of state and local economic development subsidies,” “an encyclopedia of information regarding subsidies,” “God's witness to corporate welfare,” and “the OG of ensuring that state and local tax policy actually supports good jobs, sustainability, and equity,”* Greg founded Good Jobs First in 1998 upon winning the Public Interest Pioneer Award. He has trained and consulted for state and local governments, associations of public officials, labor-management committees, unions, community groups, tax and budget watchdogs, environmentalists, and smart growth advocates more than 30 years.Public education and public health are the two biggest losers in every state giving away money to data centers right now.Greg Le RoyWe know of no other form of state spending that is so out of control. Therefore, we recommend that states cancel their data center tax exemptions. Such subsidies are absolutely unnecessary for an extremely profitable industry dominated by some of the most valuable corporations on earth such as Amazon, Microsoft, Apple, Facebook, and Google.Good Jobs First report: “Cloudy With a Loss of Spending Control”They've (Congress has) known for years that the ordinary worker pays a higher tax rate than these loophole-ridden corporations.Ralph NaderIn my message to Trump, I ask him, "Why is he afraid of Netanyahu? And doesn't he want to come to the rescue of these innocent babies by saying, ‘Mr. Netanyahu, the taxpayers in this country are paying for thousands of trucks stalled at the border of Gaza full of medicine, food, water, electricity, fuel, and other critical necessities? We're going to put a little American flag on each one of these trucks, and don't you dare block them.'”…No answer.Ralph NaderNews 5/23/251. It seems as though the dam in Israeli politics against acknowledging the horrors in Gaza is beginning to break. In an interview with the BBC this week, former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert stated that what Israel "is currently doing in Gaza is very close to a war crime. Thousands of innocent Palestinians are being killed.” He went on to say, “the war has no objective and has no chance of achieving anything that could save the lives of the hostages.” These quotes come from the Jerusalem Post. And on May 21st, Haaretz reported that opposition party leader Yair Golan warned that Israel could become a “pariah state, like South Africa once was,” based on its actions in Gaza. Speaking a truth that American politicians appear incapable of articulating, he added, a “sane state does not wage war against civilians, does not kill babies as a hobby, and does not set goals for itself like the expulsion of a population.”2. Confirming this prognosis, the Cradle reports “The Israeli military has admitted that more than 80 percent of the people killed in the attacks on Gaza since Israel breached the ceasefire two months ago are…civilians.” This fact was confirmed by the IDF in response to a request from Hebrew magazine Hamakom, wherein “the military's spokesperson stated that 500 of the 2,780 killed in the Gaza Strip as of Tuesday are ‘terrorists.'” Leaving the remaining 2,280 people killed classified as “not suspected terrorists.” The Cradle compares this ratio, approximately 4.5 civilians killed for every combatant, to the Russia-Ukraine war – a ratio of approximate 2.8 to one. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has “claimed that the ratio is just one civilian killed for each combatant killed.” At the same time, AP reports that while Israel has allowed a minimum of humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, under immense international pressure, “none of that aid actually reached Palestinians,” according to the United Nations spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric. The renewed offensive coupled with the barring of humanitarian aid has raised the alarm about mass starvation in Gaza.3. Developments on the ground in Gaza have triggered a new wave of international outcry. On May 19th, leaders of the United Kingdom, France and Canada issued a joint statement, reading in part, “We strongly oppose the expansion of Israel's military operations in Gaza. The level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable… The Israeli Government's denial of essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable and risks breaching International Humanitarian Law…We will not stand by while the Netanyahu Government pursues these egregious actions. If Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take further concrete actions in response.” The Parliament of Spain meanwhile, “passed a non-binding motion calling on the government to impose an arms embargo on Israel,” per Anadolu Ajansı. This potential ban, supported by all parties except the conservative People's Party and the far-right Vox, would “ban the exports of any material that could strengthen the Israeli military, including helmets, vests, and fuel with potential military use.” Left-wing parties in Spain are now pushing for an emergency session to impose a binding decree to this effect.4. The United States however seems to be moving backwards. Drop Site news reports Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff made a deal with Hamas ensuring that, “the Trump administration would compel Israel to lift the Gaza blockade and allow humanitarian aid to enter the territory…[and] make a public call for an immediate ceasefire,” in exchange for the release of Edan Alexander. Of course, once Alexander was released Trump reneged completely. Basem Naim, a member of Hamas's political bureau, told Drop Site, “He did nothing of this…They didn't violate the deal. They threw it in the trash.” Besides prolonging further the charnel house in Gaza, this duplicity undermines American credibility in the region, particularly with Iran at a time when Trump is seeking a new deal to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.5. Democrats in Congress are inching towards action as well. On May 13th, Senator Peter Welch introduced Senate Resolution 224, calling for “the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid to address the needs of civilians in Gaza.” Along with Welch, 45 Democrats and Independents signed on to this resolution, that is the entire Democratic caucus except for John Fetterman. On May 14th, Rashida Tlaib introduced House Resolution 409, commemorating the Nakba and calling on Congress to “reinstate support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, which provides life-saving humanitarian assistance to Palestinians.” This was cosponsored by AOC and Reps. Carson, Lee, Omar, Pressley, Ramirez, Simon, and Coleman. And, on May 21st, a group of eight senators – Welch, Sanders, Kaine, Merkley, Murray, Van Hollen, Schatz, and Warnock – sent a letter urging Secretary of State Rubio to reopen the investigation into the death of Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu-Akleh, per Prem Thakker. The Biden administration ruled the death “unintentional,” but a new documentary by Zeteo News reveals a “Biden cover-up.”6. More action is occurring on college campuses as well, as students go into graduation season. At NYU, a student named Logan Rozos said in his graduation speech, “As I search my heart today in addressing you all…the only thing that is appropriate to say in this time and to a group this large is a recognition of the atrocities currently happening in Palestine,” per CNN. NYU announced that they are now withholding his diploma. At George Washington University, the Guardian reports student Cecilia Culver said in her graduation speech, “I am ashamed to know my tuition [fee] is being used to fund…genocide…I call upon the class of 2025 to withhold donations and continue advocating for disclosure and divestment.” GWU issued a statement declaring Culver “has been barred from all GW's campuses and sponsored events elsewhere.” The moral clarity of these students is remarkable, given the increasingly harsh measures these schools have taken to silence those who speak up.7. Moving on, several major stories about the failing DOGE initiative have surfaced in recent days. First, Social Security. Listeners may recall that a DOGE engineer said “40% of phone calls made to [the Social Security Administration] to change direct deposit information come from fraudsters.” Yet, a new report by NextGov.com found that since DOGE mandated the SSA install new anti-fraud checks on claims made over the phone, “only two claims out of over 110,000 were found to likely be fraudulent,” or 0.0018%. What the policy has done however, is slow down payments. According to this piece, retirement claim processing is down 25%. Meanwhile, at the VA, DOGE engineer Sahil Lavingia, “found…a machine that largely functions, though it doesn't make decisions as fast as a startup might.” Lavingia added “honestly, it's kind of fine—because the government works. It's not as inefficient as I was expecting, to be honest. I was hoping for more easy wins.” This from Fast Company. Finally, CBS reports, “leaders of the United States Institute for Peace regained control of their offices Wednesday…after they were ejected from their positions by the Trump administration and [DOGE] in March.” This piece explains that On February 19th, President Trump issued Executive Order 14217 declaring USIP "unnecessary" and terminating its leadership, most of its 300 staff members, its entire board, installing a DOGE functionary at the top and transferring ownership of the building to the federal government. This set off a court battle that ended Monday, when U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell ruled that the takeover was “unlawful” and therefore “null and void.” These DOGE setbacks might help explain Elon Musk's reported retreat from the political spotlight and political spending.8. On May 21st, Congressman Gerry Connolly passed away, following his battle with esophageal cancer. Connolly's death however is just the latest in a disturbing trend – Ken Klippenstein reports, “Connolly joins five other members of Congress who also died in office over the past 13 months…Rep. Raúl Grijalva…Rep. Sylvester Turner…Rep. Bill Pascrell…Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee…[and] Rep. Donald Payne Jr.” All of these representatives were Democrats and their deaths have chipped away at the close margin between Democrats and Republicans in the House – allowing the Republicans to pass Trump's “Big Beautiful Bill” by a single vote. Connolly himself prevailed over AOC in a much-publicized intra-party battle for the Ranking Member seat on the House Oversight committee. It speaks volumes that Connolly was only able to hold onto that seat for a few short months before becoming too sick to stay on. This is of course part and parcel with the recent revelations about Biden's declining mental acuity during his presidency and the efforts to oust David Hogg from the DNC for backing primaries against what he calls “asleep-at-the-wheel” Democrats.9. Speaking of “asleep-at-the-wheel” Democrats, Bloomberg Government reports Senator John Fetterman “didn't attend a single committee hearing in 2025 until…May 8, about a week after an explosive New York Magazine story raised questions about his mental health and dedication to his job.” Fetterman, who represents Pennsylvania on the Commerce, Agriculture, and Homeland Security committees skipped the confirmation hearings for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Budget Director Russ Vought, some of the most high-profile and controversial Trump appointments. Fetterman still has yet to attend a single Agriculture committee hearing in 2025.10. Finally, in more Pennsylvania news, the state held its Democratic primaries this week, yielding mixed results. In Pittsburgh, progressives suffered a setback with the ouster of Mayor Ed Gainey – the first Black mayor of the city. Gainey lost to Allegheny County Controller Corey O'Connor, the son of former Mayor Bob O'Connor, the Hill reports. In Philadelphia however, voters approved three ballot measures – including expanding affordable housing and adding more oversight to the prison system – and reelected for a third term progressive reform District Attorney Larry Krasner, per AP. Krasner has long been a target of conservatives in both parties, but has adroitly maneuvered to maintain his position – and dramatically reduced homicide rates in Philly. The Wall Street Journal reports Philadelphia homicides declined by 34% between 2023 and 2024, part of substantial decline in urban homicides nationwide. Kudos to Krasner.This has been Francesco DeSantis, with In Case You Haven't Heard. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe

This week Mike speaks to Congressman Ami Bera, who represents California's Sixth Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Representative Bera is a senior Democrat serving as Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. They discuss the role of Congress in determining U.S. Indo Pacific Strategy.

Senator Ron Johnson serves as Senator from Wisconsin. Senator Johnson was first elected in 2010. Senator Johnson currently serves as Ranking Member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations and is also a member of the Budget and Finance committees. Senator Johnson was previously the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.FOLLOW Senator Ron Johnson's Official Senate Account on X: @SenRonJohnsonFOLLOW Senator Ron Johnson on X: @RonJohnsonWIREAD: https://www.wsj.com/opinion/the-ugly-truth-about-the-big-beautiful-bill-writes-senator-ron-johnson-budget-reconciliation-fbc44dc4SUPPORT OUR WORK https://www.judicialwatch.org/donate/thank-youtube/ VISIT OUR WEBSITE http://www.judicialwatch.org

This week is mainly devoted to listener questions and feedback. First, Ralph answers some of the questions you have submitted over the past few weeks. Then we invite back last week's guest, Erica Payne, of Patriotic Millionaires, to respond to your very thoughtful comments on the interview we did with that group's plan for preserving democracy by taxing the rich. Plus, Ralph highlights the outrages of the Trump/Musk assault on government programs that help ordinary people.Erica Payne is the founder and president of Patriotic Millionaires, an organization of high-net-worth individuals that aims to restructure America's political economy to suit the needs of all Americans. Their work includes advocating for a highly progressive tax system, a livable minimum wage, and equal political representation for all citizens. She is the co-author, with Morris Pearl, of Tax the Rich: How Lies, Loopholes and Lobbyists Make the Rich Even Richer.The real reason for taxation is democracy protection.Erica PayneI think the question is not: do we need to fix the estate tax? The question is: what is the best, most defensible mechanism through which you can tax the transfer of wealth from one generation to the other in order to protect American democracy from dynastic wealth—that is sufficient that you find five generations from now Elon Musk's kid isn't spending as much money on these elections as their great great great great great granddaddy is.Erica PayneAusterity applied at a federal level to a society that is in distress does the exact opposite of what the proponents of austerity are saying it should do. The tightening of the belt actually cuts off the circulation of the society.Erica PayneNews 5/9/251. While the Catholic clergy convene in Rome for the Papal Conclave, Pope Francis graces the world with one final gift. Vatican News reports, “His popemobile, the very vehicle from which he waved and was close to millions of faithful all around the world, is being transformed into a mobile health unit for the children of Gaza.” This article states this was Francis' “final wish,” and quotes his refrain that “Children are not numbers. They are faces. Names. Stories. And each one is sacred.” The vehicle is reportedly being outfitted with equipment for “diagnosis, examination, and treatment – including rapid tests for infections, diagnostic instruments, vaccines, suture kits, and other life-saving supplies,” and it will be staffed by doctors and medics. Yet, given Israel's track record for the destruction of medical facilities in Gaza, it is unclear how long this mobile health unit itself will survive.2. In more distressing news from Gaza, CNN reports that “A Gaza-bound activist aid ship [part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition] caught fire and issued an SOS, after what its organizers claimed was an Israeli drone attack off the coast of Malta…[on] Friday.” Per CNN, the ship was due to make port in Malta and pick up “a large contingent of activists” there before departing for Gaza. These included environmental activist Greta Thunberg and retired US Army Colonel Mary Ann Wright. Thunberg said this flotilla “is one of many attempts to open up a humanitarian corridor and…[try] to break Israel's illegal siege on Gaza,” adding “for two months now, not a single bottle of water has entered Gaza…it's a systematic starvation of 2 million people.” The United Nations World Food Programme said this week “its warehouses are…empty; soup kitchens that are still running are severely rationing their last stocks; and what little food remains in Gaza's markets is being sold for exorbitant prices that most cannot afford.”3. Pro-Palestine activists scored a major victory in Michigan this week. The Guardian reports, “Michigan's attorney general, Dana Nessel, announced on Monday that she was dropping all charges against seven pro-[Palestine] demonstrators arrested last May at a University of Michigan encampment.” As this report notes, “The announcement came just moments before the judge was to decide on a defense motion to disqualify Nessel's office over alleged bias.” The Guardian itself published a major report “detailing Nessel's extensive personal, financial and political connections to university regents calling for the activists to be prosecuted,” last October. Defense attorney Amir Makled is quoted saying “This was a case of selective prosecution…rooted in bias, not in public safety issues…We're hoping this sends a message to other institutions locally and nationally that protest is not a crime, and dissent is not disorder.”4. In another legal victory, Prem Thakker reported on May 6th that “A federal court has [denied] the Trump administration's attempt to move Mahmoud Khalil's case…out of New Jersey.” The government attempted to move the venue to Louisiana, where they have Khalil detained. A press release by the ACLU, their New York and New Jersey affiliates, and the Center for Constitutional Rights states, “It is the fundamental job of the judiciary to stand up to…government manipulation of our basic rights. We hope the court's order sends a strong message to other courts around the country facing government attempts to shop for favorable jurisdictions by moving people detained on unconstitutional immigration charges around and making it difficult or impossible for their lawyers to know where to seek their immediate release.”5. Trump has released his budget for Fiscal Year 2026. This budget cuts nondefense spending by 23%, per Reuters, while allocating 75% of discretionary spending to military and police, per Stephen Semler of the Cost of War Project. This includes a 13% increase in military spending that tips the Pentagon budget over $1 trillion for the first time. So much for increasing government efficiency.6. At the same time, this country's infrastructure and transportation safety agencies continue to crumble. Just this week, NPR reported “Hundreds of flight delays and cancellations…[hit]… Newark Liberty International Airport at once: [due to] air traffic controller staffing shortages, aging technology, bad weather and the closure of one of the airport's busiest runways.” The air traffic controller staffing shortages, a chronic issue, has been compounded in recent months by the mass layoffs initiated by the Trump administration. NBC News reports that one air traffic controller handling Newark airspace said, “Don't fly into Newark. Avoid Newark at all costs.”7. It might be nice to have competent, energetic leadership among the Democrats on the House Oversight Committee right about now. Unfortunately, the party opted to install 75-year-old, cancer-ridden Gerry Connolly to serve as Ranking Member on that committee instead of AOC. Now, Axios reports Connolly is stepping down from this position after just four months and will not seek reelection to his seat in Congress, citing his declining health. AOC, once-bitten, has opted not to seek the position a second time, the Hill reports. Instead, the top contenders emerging to fill Conolly's seat are Stephen Lynch, a 70-year-old Congressman who won his seat in 2001 and is currently filling Conolly's role on an interim basis, and Eleanor Holmes-Norton, the non-voting delegate representing Washington D.C. Norton is the most senior Democrat on the committee at 87-years-old, having assumed office in 1991.8. Another ghost is coming back to haunt the Democrats: former Senator Bob Menendez. The New Jersey Globe reports, “The New Jersey Attorney General's office will seek a court order to permanently bar…Menendez from ever holding public employment in the state following his conviction on federal corruption charges last year.” Critically if a Superior Court judge approves the action, Menendez could lose his state pension. Menendez still draws over $1,000 per month from his New Jersey public employee pension, even after being sentenced to 11 years in prison for corruption last July. More recently, Menendez has sought to cozy up to Trump in an effort to obtain a pardon. So far, no dice.9. In some positive news, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum continues an unbelievable run. Back in April, KJZZ reported that Mexico will invest nearly $3 billion in “food sovereignty,” to “produce more staples like corn, beans and rice in Mexico over the next five years.” This money will be directed at small and medium sized farms in Mexico and is intended to anchor both the rural economy and the nation's food supply amidst the growing uncertainty of trade with the United States vis a vis Trump's erratic trade policy. Then, after May Day, Labor Minister Marath Bolaños said that “before the end of President Claudia Sheinbaum's term…the government would gradually install a…40-hour workweek,” Mexico News Daily reports. The standard workweek in Mexico currently sits at 48 hours. As this report notes, the 40-hour workweek is Number 60 on Sheinbaum's list of 100 promises. Americans can only dream of having a government that even makes that many promises, let alone keeps them. Perhaps the most impressive of Sheinbaum's recent actions however is her recent rejection of Trump's attempt to strongarm her into allowing American troops to enter Mexico. Democracy Now! reports Sheinbaum told the American president, “The territory is sacrosanct. Sovereignty is sacrosanct. Sovereignty is not for sale.”10. Finally, on the other end of the presidential spectrum, there's Trump furiously posting on Truth Social about the “Movie Industry in America…DYING a very fast death,” deeming that this is “a concerted effort by other Nations and, therefore, a National Security threat,” and threatening a “100% Tariff on any and all Movies coming into our Country that are produced in Foreign Lands.” Obviously, this screed is basically nonsensical and it remains to be seen what will actually come of this threat, but what is notable is the response from organized labor. The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) issued a statement threading the needle between supporting Trump's effort to “return and maintain U.S. film and television jobs, while not…harming the industry overall.” On the other hand, the Teamsters – led by Sean O'Brien who has tied himself to Trump more and more since he spoke at the 2024 RNC – issued a statement “thank[ing] President Trump for boldly supporting good union jobs when others have turned their heads.” Would such a policy truly revitalize the workforce of the American entertainment industry? We'll have to wait for the sequel to find out.This has been Francesco DeSantis, with In Case You Haven't Heard. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe

About fifty years ago, multiple environmental disasters forced a reckoning with how we care for the Earth. President Richard Nixon signed numerous environmental protection bills into law in the 1970s, including what is considered to be the nation's green Magna Carta: the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).   Among many other moves to eliminate or weaken federal environmental regulations and laws, the Trump administration is trying to fundamentally change NEPA, a bedrock rule that requires federal agencies to analyze environmental and cultural impacts of any major development. Critics point out these changes will result in fewer protections for citizens, natural resources and communities. What other regulations are being rolled back and going unnoticed?  Guests:  Sam Wojcicki, Senior Director, Climate Policy, National Audubon Society  Olivia N. Guarna, Climate Justice Fellow, Sabin Center for Climate Change Law Jared Huffman, U.S. Representative (D-CA 2nd District) and Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee On June 4, Climate One is hosting a special screening of the documentary “Good Grief: The 10 Steps” to be followed by a climate anxiety workshop. Join us for this intimate conversation about the importance of mental health live at The Commonwealth Club. Tickets are available through our website. Support Climate One by going ad-free! By subscribing to Climate One on Patreon, you'll receive exclusive access to all future episodes free of ads, opportunities to connect with fellow Climate One listeners, and access to the Climate One Discord. Sign up today. For show notes and related links, visit our website. Ad sales by Multitude. Contact them for ad inquiries at multitude.productions/ads Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

About fifty years ago, multiple environmental disasters forced a reckoning with how we care for the Earth. President Richard Nixon signed numerous environmental protection bills into law in the 1970s, including what is considered to be the nation's green Magna Carta: the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).   Among many other moves to eliminate or weaken federal environmental regulations and laws, the Trump administration is trying to fundamentally change NEPA, a bedrock rule that requires federal agencies to analyze environmental and cultural impacts of any major development. Critics point out these changes will result in fewer protections for citizens, natural resources and communities. What other regulations are being rolled back and going unnoticed?  Guests:  Sam Wojcicki, Senior Director, Climate Policy, National Audubon Society  Olivia N. Guarna, Climate Justice Fellow, Sabin Center for Climate Change Law Jared Huffman, U.S. Representative (D-CA 2nd District) and Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee On June 4, Climate One is hosting a special screening of the documentary “Good Grief: The 10 Steps” to be followed by a climate anxiety workshop. Join us for this intimate conversation about the importance of mental health live at The Commonwealth Club. Tickets are available through our website. Support Climate One by going ad-free! By subscribing to Climate One on Patreon, you'll receive exclusive access to all future episodes free of ads, opportunities to connect with fellow Climate One listeners, and access to the Climate One Discord. Sign up today. For show notes and related links, visit our website. Ad sales by Multitude. Contact them for ad inquiries at multitude.productions/ads Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rep. Jared Huffman has represented California's 2nd District — from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Oregon border — for over a decade. During that time, he has championed climate issues and fought to protect California's public lands, prevent offshore drilling, pushed for financial institutions to divest from fossil fuels, and introduced legislation to tackle plastic pollution. Now, turmoil in the federal government is putting all those protections at risk. Advocating for climate action is pretty challenging when terms like "climate change” are being erased from government websites. How can Rep. Huffman advance his climate agenda when those who hold the most power are going hard in another direction? Guest: Rep. Jared Huffman, U.S. Representative (D-CA 2nd District) and Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee Support Climate One by going ad-free! By subscribing to Climate One on Patreon, you'll receive exclusive access to all future episodes free of ads, opportunities to connect with fellow Climate One listeners, and access to the Climate One Discord. Sign up today. For show notes and related links, visit our website. Ad sales by Multitude. Contact them for ad inquiries at multitude.productions/ads Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are deeply saddened to share that Congressman Gerry Connolly has resigned as Ranking Member of the House Oversight Committee, citing his ongoing battle with esophageal cancer. Congressman Connolly has been a dedicated public servant throughout his career, and we send him and his family strength and support during this difficult time. But as Don warned back in December, the Democratic Party missed an important opportunity. Instead of selecting a younger, more dynamic leader like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, they stuck with the "safe" choice, and now find themselves scrambling for new leadership at a critical moment. Join Don as he revisits the warning he gave months ago, and breaks down what this moment means for the future of Democratic leadership, and why bold choices matter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rep. Jared Huffman has represented California's 2nd District — from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Oregon border — for over a decade. During that time, he has championed climate issues and fought to protect California's public lands, prevent offshore drilling, pushed for financial institutions to divest from fossil fuels, and introduced legislation to tackle plastic pollution. Now, turmoil in the federal government is putting all those protections at risk. Advocating for climate action is pretty challenging when terms like "climate change” are being erased from government websites. How can Rep. Huffman advance his climate agenda when those who hold the most power are going hard in another direction? Guest: Rep. Jared Huffman, U.S. Representative (D-CA 2nd District) and Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee Support Climate One by going ad-free! By subscribing to Climate One on Patreon, you'll receive exclusive access to all future episodes free of ads, opportunities to connect with fellow Climate One listeners, and access to the Climate One Discord. Sign up today. For show notes and related links, visit our website. Ad sales by Multitude. Contact them for ad inquiries at multitude.productions/ads Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode I discuss my thoughts on Gerry Connolly's announcement today that he will be stepping back as Ranking Member of the Oversight Committee. Gerry has also announced he will not be seeking re-election, which means the 11th Congressional District in Virginia will have a new face. VanMeterforVirginia.com Music-Scott Buckley-Monomyth, The Fury

MeidasTouch host Ben Meiselas reports on Donald Trump getting hit with the devastating news from the Atlanta Federal Reserve and Meiselas interviews Congressman Brendan Boyle, Ranking Member of the Budget Committee. Visit https://meidasplus.com for more! Remember to subscribe to ALL the MeidasTouch Network Podcasts: MeidasTouch: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/meidastouch-podcast Legal AF: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/legal-af MissTrial: https://meidasnews.com/tag/miss-trial The PoliticsGirl Podcast: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-politicsgirl-podcast The Influence Continuum: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-influence-continuum-with-dr-steven-hassan Mea Culpa with Michael Cohen: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen The Weekend Show: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-weekend-show Burn the Boats: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/burn-the-boats Majority 54: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/majority-54 Political Beatdown: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown On Democracy with FP Wellman: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/on-democracy-with-fpwellman Uncovered: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/maga-uncovered Coalition of the Sane: https://meidasnews.com/tag/coalition-of-the-sane Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Melissa Murray is in for Ali Velshi and is joined by Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA), fmr. FTC Commissioner Rebecca Kelly Slaughter, Professor of Law at the University of Michigan Law School Leah Litman, Professor of Philosophy at Yale University Jason Stanley, White House Correspondent with The New York Times Luke Broadwater, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), Associate Professor of Law at the University of Pittsburgh Greer Donley, Professor of Law at Drexel University David Cohen

House Budget Committee ranking member Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.) joins the show to discuss how his Democratic colleagues should respond to California Gov. Gavin Newsom's recent pivot on trans athletes in sports, President Donald Trump's joint address to Congress, the looming government shutdown and the GOP's possible cuts to Medicaid in reconciliation. Rachael Bade is Capitol Bureau Chief and Senior Washington Correspondent for POLITICO. Brendan Boyle is the Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee. Kara Tabor is a producer for POLITICO audio.  Alex Keeney is a senior producer for POLITICO audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Where is the Democratic “resistance” for Trump's second term? Chief Playbook Correspondent Eugene Daniels asks Rep. Jamie Raskin, a longtime nemesis of President Trump's and the current House Judiciary Committee ranking member, why the Democrats have been slow to counter the president's aggressive governing, and what the plan is going forward to rebuild the party and its message. Eugene Daniels is a Playbook co-author for POLITICO. Rep. Jamie Raskin is the Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee Kara Tabor is a producer for POLITICO audio.  Alex Keeney is a senior producer for POLITICO audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

House Democrats choose not to elevate Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, arguably the party's most compelling messenger, to Ranking Member on the House Oversight Committee—instead selecting 74-year-old Gerry Connolly, a committee lifer with no national reach. Jon and Dan discuss the magnitude of this missed opportunity, House Republicans laying the groundwork for an FBI investigation of Liz Cheney, whether Democrats should play ball on government funding, and a new effort to clamp down on progressive fundraising spam. Then, longtime immigration advocate Cecilia Muñoz stops by to talk with Jon about how Democrats found themselves out of the mainstream on the issue, and how we can win back voters' trust without compromising our values.