In this episode, we break down a key congressional hearing on the economic challenges facing American seniors. Lawmakers and experts debated the causes of inflation—from government spending to corporate price gouging—and its impact on retirement savings, healthcare, and essential programs like Social Security and Medicare. With solutions ranging from fiscal restraint to stronger safety nets, we explore what’s at stake for seniors and the economy. Tune in for a clear, fact-based analysis!

Watch the full Senate Committee meeting here: https://citizenportal.ai/Search/View?key=2165955-3bae7e05089c091575e61b0a6ccfb4b5&start=6948&end=7078 

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In this episode, we break down the Senate Banking Committee’s hearing on the nomination of Scott Turner to lead HUD. Lawmakers addressed the nation’s housing affordability crisis, homelessness, and potential solutions—from federal investment to regulatory reform and the role of private investors. We also explore bipartisan support for homeownership initiatives and the unique challenges facing underserved communities. Tune in for a clear, fact-based analysis of this critical issue!

Watch the full U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs here: https://citizenportal.ai/Search/View?key=2136501-b1779b59f341733dd56d632034e3b43a&start=2848&end=3447 

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In this episode, we unpack the latest Wyoming House committee meeting where two bills sparked significant debate. House Bill 164 seeks to protect prescribers using FDA-approved drugs for off-label purposes, with exceptions for controlled substances and procedures related to gender transition and abortion. Meanwhile, House Bill 269 proposes the creation of a naturopathic medicine licensing board, merging it with the acupuncture board to regulate naturopathic physicians and define their scope of practice. Public testimony revealed strong opinions on both sides, raising questions about licensing, board composition, and healthcare access. Join us as we explore the outcomes—HB 164's passage and HB 269's tabling—and what they mean for Wyoming's medical landscape.

Watch the full Wyoming Legislature meeting here: https://citizenportal.ai/Search/View?key=2152953-13360c5082b5a7dd4217224f56f8436b&start=4906&end=5302 

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In this episode, we explore a congressional hearing that delves into the impacts of federal telework policies, with a particular focus on the Social Security Administration (SSA). Witnesses shared diverse perspectives, highlighting telework’s positive effects on productivity and customer service, while raising concerns about reduced in-person office presence, economic repercussions for Washington D.C., and the potential for misuse. The hearing also examined a newly negotiated collective bargaining agreement at the SSA and accusations of limiting the Trump administration's ability to reform telework practices. Join us as we unpack the heated debate over whether the benefits of telework outweigh its drawbacks, and the political dynamics influencing the conversation.

Watch the full U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Accountability meeting here: https://citizenportal.ai/Search/View?key=2114746-cec41daaaf136cc2c316d47129da8841&start=2726&end=2963 

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In this episode, we dive into the contentious Senate nomination hearing for Pam Bondi as Attorney General. Senators from both parties questioned Bondi extensively on her qualifications and potential conflicts of interest. Republicans largely praised her experience and called for a depoliticized Department of Justice, while Democrats raised concerns about her ties to Donald Trump and her past lobbying activities, particularly around the 2020 election. The hearing also touched on a range of policy issues, including crime, immigration, the opioid crisis, and the weaponization of law enforcement. Tune in for an in-depth look at the key moments from the hearing and the partisan divides shaping this nomination.

Watch the full U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary meeting here: https://citizenportal.ai/Search/View?upcc=1&key=2136602-32b896887e67cef259a4dd3bd01b2f83&start=16114.1&end=16164.1 

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In this episode, we delve into a House Homeland Security subcommittee hearing examining the effects of open border policies on law enforcement. Witnesses, including sheriffs and police commissioners, shared alarming accounts of rising crime rates and the growing influence of transnational criminal organizations like Tren de Aragua, shedding light on the strain these issues place on local resources and officer safety. A contrasting perspective came from a Cato Institute representative, who challenged the notion that mass deportation would enhance public safety. The hearing also sparked debate over border security strategies, sanctuary cities, and Homeland Security grant funding. While no clear solutions emerged, this episode unpacks the key arguments and challenges surrounding one of today’s most pressing issues.

Watch the full U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security meeting here: https://citizenportal.ai/Search/View?upcc=1&key=2060326-a06f71c9f92e48629c1b5c81dc52b6f2&start=2519.1&end=2699.1 

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In this episode, we delve into the Utah State Legislature’s heated debate over HB 269, a bill addressing housing policies for transgender students in university dormitories. The discussion brought forth passionate arguments about privacy, safety, and the rights of transgender students versus the concerns of cisgender students. Stakeholders from all sides shared their perspectives during an extensive public comment period, reflecting broader societal divides on these sensitive issues. With emotions running high and the bill's fate still uncertain, we unpack the key points, challenges, and implications of this controversial proposal. Tune in to stay informed on this critical topic.

Watch the full Utah State Legislature meeting here: https://citizenportal.ai/Search/View?key=2145241-e89dcf2b20710be2f1c8581fc4440703&start=7145&end=9897 

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In this episode, we dive into the U.S. Senate hearing on the nomination of Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security. The hearing covered critical topics such as bipartisan immigration reform, the alarming rise in domestic terrorism—including anti-Semitic violence—and concerns about transparency and accountability within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Noem outlined her priorities, including strengthening border security, combating terrorism, improving cybersecurity, and enhancing disaster response efforts. Senators raised pressing questions about resource allocation, particularly for northern border security, and DHS's actions under the Biden administration. Tune in for a comprehensive look at the challenges, commitments, and discussions shaping the future of Homeland Security.

Watch the full U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs hearing here: https://citizenportal.ai/Search/View?key=2136560-54ea67a3b393d303ed24e9ebe9359cb8&start=9794&end=9946 

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In this episode, we break down the U.S. Senate Finance Committee hearing on the nomination of Scott Bessent for Secretary of the Treasury. The hearing saw heated exchanges as senators from both parties scrutinized Bessent's past tax practices and his ties to the Trump administration's economic policies. Key debates revolved around extending the 2017 tax law, the effects of tariffs, and the need for equitable tax reform. Concerns about conflicts of interest and the tax system’s fairness for working-class Americans took center stage, exposing sharp partisan divides over the nation’s economic priorities and the future of the Treasury Department. Tune in for an inside look at the high-stakes discussions shaping fiscal policy.

Watch the full U.S Senate Committee on Finance hearing here: https://citizenportal.ai/Search/View?key=2136523-fa4ea220815da6635883de2535937f34&start=1573&end=2019 

Want to be a sponsor of your state and local news? Visit https://try.citizenportal.ai/sponsor to learn more!

This episode explores key takeaways from a U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure hearing, where lawmakers and stakeholders tackled pressing issues like streamlining environmental reviews, increasing investment to address aging systems and inflation, and advancing workforce development in skilled trades. Featuring testimony from state officials, business leaders, and a city mayor, the discussion highlighted challenges and solutions related to regulations, funding mechanisms, disaster response, and supply chain efficiency. With bipartisan cooperation at the forefront, this episode sheds light on the future of America’s infrastructure.

Watch the full U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure meeting here: https://citizenportal.ai/Search/View?key=2124397-2239eb8b2a6ab2c26ab698086cd83027&start=4273&end=4287 

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