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Janet Mills, Governor of Maine, Suspends Senate Campaign
Her withdrawal paves the way for Graham Platner to challenge Senator Susan Collins, and reflects the energy of the Democratic Party’s left as well as voters’ unease with older candidates.
Hegseth faces further grilling over Iran war strategy and costs
Defense secretary to be quizzed by lawmakers on Senate armed services committee after bad-tempered session in House yesterday
Delaware bill looks to tackle insurance hurdles for mental health care
Lawmakers in Dover recently introduced a bill focused on making mental health and substance use disorder care more accessible for Delawareans.
Minnesota Senate approves funding to rescue Hennepin Healthcare from closure
Who was invited to dinner with King Charles: Justices, business leaders and Palm Beach friends
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump hosted a white-tie dinner at the White House with King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Nearly 130 guests enjoyed Dover sole meunière and a beehive-shaped chocolate dessert on Tuesday night. The guest list included business leaders, tech CEOs and friends from Palm Beach, Florida. The six conservative justices on the Supreme Court also attended, despite Trump’s recent criticism over tariffs. Fox News stars and other conservative media figures were present, along with three of Trump’s children, his father-in-law, sports figures and lawmakers, including House and Senate leaders.
WATCH LIVE: EPA's Zeldin testifies on Trump's budget request in Senate Environment hearing
Rally for Science Funding
Official website of Senator Scott Wiener, representing California Senate District 11.
Lawmakers urged by AHA to support key health initiatives in FY 2027 appropriations bill
The AHA April 29 urged House and Senate appropriations committee leaders to fund health care programs that have been successful in improving access to care for patients and communities nationwide, as the committee begins drafting the fiscal year 2027 appropriations bills. The AHA encouraged Congress to support various programs focusing on the health care workforce, maternal and child health, rural health, disaster preparedness, medical research and behavioral health. Additionally, the AHA urged legislators to include specific bill language that would bar the use of funds for the implementation of a 340B Rebate Model Program at the Department of Health and Human Services.
Kevin Warsh moves one step closer to becoming next Fed chair
Kevin Warsh moves closer to replacing Jerome Powell as Fed chair after the Senate Banking Committee voted to advance his nomination to the full Senate.
Proposal exempting some IT equipment from Colorado’s ‘right to repair’ law fails
A bill proposing an exemption to Colorado’s “right to repair” laws for “critical infrastructure” failed to pass its first committee in the House after clearing the Senate. Senate Bill 090 would have exempted information technology equipment considered “critical infrastructure” — defined by the federal government as physical and information systems and assets essential to the […]
‘Make me miss California’: In deleted tweets, Senate candidate Mallory McMorrow disparaged Middle America
As Democrats brace for a bruising primary in Michigan’s US Senate race, Mallory McMorrow, one of the party’s top contenders, has quietly deleted thousands of old tweets — including posts in which she took jabs at the rural Midwest, lamented ever leaving California, and said she continued to vote there after she said she’d moved permanently to Michigan.
A voters guide to the 2026 primary in Lancaster County
Democratic and Republican voters in Lancaster County are preparing to select candidates for state and national offices, including state House and Senate, Pennsylvania governor and lieutenant governor and a member
U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow has overcome tragedy. Now she has Trump’s backing for the Senate.
Can President Trump’s endorsement help carry Letlow to victory?
What's on the Ohio ballot for the May 5 primary election?
Ohio voters face big choices May 5 with races for governor, U.S. Senate, attorney general, treasurer, secretary of state and the state Supreme Court.
Incumbent Democrat resigns, leaving a vacancy in one of the Triangle's most competitive NC Senate districts
Democratic N.C. Sen. Terence Everitt announced Tuesday night that he's resigning his seat and dropping out of one of this year's most hotly contested legislative races.
Senate Republicans reject attempt to end Trump's blockade of Cuba
The vote on the war powers resolution showed how Republicans continue to stand behind Trump as he acts unilaterally to exert American force in a range of global conflicts, including Venezuela, Iran and Cuba.
Senate Republicans block measure to curb Trump's power to invade Cuba
Trump has been hinting at military action in Cuba, prompting anxiety among Democrats, who tried to block him with a war powers vote.
Trump wants to turn Fed into another 'political animal': Sen. Warren
The Senate Banking Committee will vote on Wednesday, April 29, over whether to confirm Kevin Warsh's nomination as the next chair of the Federal Reserve. This comes on the same day as Jerome Powell's last FOMC meeting as the head of the US central bank. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Ma.) — the ranking member of the Senate Banking Committee — speaks with Yahoo Finance Senior Fed Reporter Jennifer Schonberger about her questioning of Warsh, the likelihood that Powell will stay on the Fed's Board of Governors, and her perspective on President Trump's economic agenda.
Peters, Slotkin, Walberg, and Huizenga Call on Small Business Administration to Approve Disaster Declaration to Assist Communities Impacted by Southwest Michigan Tornadoes
WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), alongside U.S. Representatives Tim Walberg (R-MI-05) and Bill Huizenga (R-MI-04), are urging the Small Business Administration (SBA) to support Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s request for an administrative disaster declaration following the devastating tornadoes in Southwest Michigan this […]
N.Y. Senate majority leader: 'Making good progress' on state budget policy items
The state budget was due on April 1.
Ashley Hinson says gala shooting shows need for White House ballroom
Republican U.S. Senate candidate Ashley Hinson said a shooting at at a gala targeting President Trump shows the need for a secure White House ballroom.
Holland & Knight Health Dose: April 28, 2026 | Insights
The U.S. Senate adopted U.S. Con. Res. 33, a concurrent resolution that details the shell of the reconciliation package will fund the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
State Treasurer John Fleming proudly waves the MAGA flag as he campaigns for Senate
John Fleming plays up his White House role in President Donald Trump’s first term and the fact that he is a founding member of the House Freedom Caucus. Can he unseat Sen. Bill Cassidy?
Talarico torched after pastor's 'disgusting' Trump shooting remark as Cornyn says 'Texans should be outraged'
Sen. Cornyn demands Texas Senate candidate James Talarico condemn his pastor, who Cornyn says made light of the Trump assassination attempt at a sermon.
Michigan Senate bill would require insurance to cover IVF and IUI fertility treatments
Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate touts business background, integrity in fight for Kansas seat
Sandy Spidel Neumann is running to take Sen. Roger Marshall's seat, focusing on the need for accountability in politics.
Reauthorizing the Small Business Innovation Research Program Isn’t Enough | The Foundation for American Innovation
In late February, after a five-month stalemate, the US Senate reached a compromise on reauthorizing funding for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, one of the country’s most important innovation pipelines. The House followed up on the S
Hear from the candidates running for Iowa's open US Senate seat
Two Republicans and two Democrats are competing in Iowa's June 2 primary election for the U.S. Senate. Meet the candidates.
Clash over Trump family businesses entangles Senate crypto bill
Democrats want a provision in a landmark crypto bill that would crack down on the Trump family.
Rep. Erica Layon: Don't let politics stifle biotech innovation in Granite State
Forty-five minutes from the world’s largest biotech hub, New Hampshire has a chance to lead a medical revolution. Two bills before the Senate this month would make that happen. Democrats
Morrisey celebrates passage of Rural Health bill
CHARLESTON – West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey celebrated the bill giving state health officials spending authority to use the $199 million federal Rural Health Transformation award in a ceremonial bill signing Thursday. Morrisey traveled to Princeton Community Hospital in Mercer County Thursday morning to hold a ceremonial signing for Senate Bill 570, a supplemental appropriation […]
I want to run for US Senate. Motherhood is why I won't.
Being a mom is the core of my life. Is the risk to my family worth it if America isn't ready for women at the highest level of government?
Senate budgeters advance overhauled public pension bill, setting up floor vote
The Senate Finance Committee made changes to the bill that could have far-reaching impacts for municipalities and school districts.
This week in politics: How Schuylkill County’s legislators voted
The PA Senate was back in session this week and passed six bills. The U.S. Congress was also in session — the House of Representatives passed 14 bills and the U.S. Senate passed two. Let’s take a look at how Schuylkill County’s legislators …
Hung Cao said the military should be filled with ‘alpha males and alpha females.’ Now he’s Trump’s acting Navy secretary
As undersecretary of the Navy, Hung Cao, a retired Navy captain and former Republican Senate candidate in Virginia, was supposed to have a broad portfolio as the service’s No. 2 civilian, which included personnel issues and safeguarding the Navy’s “warfighter ethos.”
Democrats could actually retake the Senate. Here are the races to watch.
The map still favors Republicans, but Trump’s declining popularity --- particularly on the economy --- makes Democrats’ once long-shot bid to retake the Senate more feasible than ever before.
Ohio Senate race fundraising points to political headwinds for Republicans
This week, a Bowling Green State University poll found Husted leading Brown by three points, within the poll’s 3.9% margin of error.
U.S. Democrats look to rein in Trump's war powers, this time on Cuba
The U.S. Senate will vote as soon as next week on a Democratic-led effort to prevent Trump from launching an attack on Cuba.
House, Senate Advance Budget Proposals; MHA-Supported Bills Move - MHA | Michigan Health & Hospital Association
Budget proposals from the House and Senate advanced in their respective chambers, while MHA-supported legislation saw action during the week of April 20. House Bill (HB) 5619, sponsored by Rep. Ann Bollin (R-Brighton), passed the Michigan House April 22. The bill contains all state funding for fiscal year 2026-27, including…
Politics Friday: Will Michele Tafoya's public profile transfer to politics?
It has been 20 years since Republicans last won a statewide race in Minnesota. Friday at noon, former sports broadcaster Michele Tafoya makes her case for why she can prevail in the U.S. Senate race.
No. 2 on the list of Tampa Bay's Most Powerful Politicians: Jim Boyd
'His leadership as Senate President will be tremendously important for our area.'
Congress keeps holding all-nighters. Lawmakers say it’s a symptom of dysfunction
It's a scenario that is playing out again and again as the House and the Senate fracture and careen from one crisis to the next.
Trump endorsement just part of the political drama in this Indiana Senate primary
Drama surrounds the May 5 Republican primary where Sen. Greg Goode of Terre Haute is trying to prevail despite defying Trump last year
Sam Mead, son of Wyoming politics, will run for U.S. Senate.
The candidate grew up with a political heritage and honed skills at Wyoming Whiskey, Blue Origin, in Kirby and on the family ranches.
Former councilman rallies against bill defunding sports complex
In a letter to the Minnesota House and Senate Taxes Committees, Bransford argues the state should not interfere with the result of a 2023 ballot measure, which approved a sales tax extension to raise $65 million for indoor and outdoor sports facilities.
Republicans fail to attach SAVE America Act to party-line funding package
Senate Republicans Tom Tillis, Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins and Mitch McConnell voted against a voter ID amendment to the GOP immigration enforcement funding bill.
ICYMI: U.S. Senator John Fetterman Joins Meghan McCain to Talk Family Life, Mental Health, Psychedelics, Politics - U.S. Senator John Fetterman
Watch the full interview here. WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) joined Meghan McCain on Citizen McCain for a conversation around mental health and his own struggles with depression, being a family man, what it means to represent all Pennsylvanians, and working across the aisle at a time when politics has become […]
‘FBoy Island’ star’s bet on his own Senate bid exposes perils of Kalshi
A former reality TV contestant turned candidate in Virginia and two U.S. House hopefuls in Texas and Minnesota have been banned from the prediction market for five years.
Trump picks former SC Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer for Belize ambassadorship
President Donald Trump is once again nominating South Carolina’s André Bauer to be the U.S. ambassador to Belize. Now it’s up to the Senate to confirm him to the post.
Senate Democrats Unveil Agenda to Lower Health Care Costs
Senate Democrats Unveil Agenda to Lower Health Care Costs
Missouri Senate rejects increase to school funding
Revenue from the Missouri Lottery and casino taxes are not meeting projections
Budget coming: House and Senate agree on allocations, Session expected in May
Allocations pave the way for budget conferences to begin.
US Senate passes $70bn funding plan for ICE, Border Patrol
Senate votes 50-48 early on Thursday morning to advance the plan to reopen the Department of Homeland Security.
U.S. Senate votes to advance $70 billion funding plan for ICE, Border Patrol
Two Republicans - Senators Rand Paul and Lisa Murkowski - opposed the measure.
Senate Republicans bypass Democrats to advance $70bn ICE and border patrol plan in ‘vote-a-rama’– US politics live
Republicans deploy measure known as budget reconciliation to push through plan without backing from Democrats during lengthy late-night vote
Democrats dominate midterm fundraising, but Republicans have a huge cash advantage
The latest campaign finance reports show Democratic enthusiasm in key House and Senate races, but national Republican groups have far more in the bank to potentially spend down the road.
Senate takes key step toward funding ICE and border patrol with only GOP votes
With Congress still at a stalemate over how to end the Department of Homeland Security shutdown, Senate Republicans took a key step to tee up a party-line measure funding the most controversial immigration programs — and eventually reopen the government completely.
Senate GOP rams through blueprint to bankroll ICE, Border Patrol through end of Trump era
Senate Republicans adopted a budget resolution funding ICE and Border Patrol for President Donald Trump's full term, advancing the reconciliation process to fund immigration enforcement.
Iowa Senate sends bills on speed limits, disruptive students to governor
DES MOINES — The Iowa Senate on Wednesday spent a good portion of the afternoon discussing a swath of bills, several of which have now moved to the desk of
Senate Plunges Into Vote Marathon as G.O.P. Advances ICE Funding Boost
Republicans pressed to pass a budget plan with a $70 billion increase for immigration enforcement. But first, in an overnight session, they beat back Democratic proposals aimed at lowering costs.
Senate rejects measures meant to lower the cost of gas, groceries
Senate Democrats, in a fierce political battle over immigration enforcement funding, forced Republicans to vote on measures meant to lower costs.
Two Republicans break with party as GOP defeats budget amendment to lower health care costs
Senate Republicans on Wednesday voted against an amendment sponsored by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) to create a point of order against any future budget reconciliation bill that d…
John Seymour, California’s last Republican US senator, dies at 88
After losing his Senate race, the Orange County politican returned to housing work with renewed intensity.
4 takeaways from Health Secretary RFK Jr.'s gauntlet of congressional hearings
In his testimony to various committees in the Senate and the House over multiple days, Kennedy was tasked with defending President Donald Trump’s proposed 2027 budget, which would boost defense spending while cutting more than 12% of funding from the Department of Health and Human Services.
4 takeaways from Health Secretary RFK Jr.'s gauntlet of congressional hearings
In his testimony to various committees in the Senate and the House over multiple days, Kennedy was tasked with defending President Donald Trump’s proposed 2027 budget, which would boost defense spending while cutting more than 12% of funding from the Department of Health and Human Services.
Senate eyes AI expansion for congressional business - Live Updates
The Senate’s top cybersecurity official is requesting a $2.8 million funding boost to support AI expansion.
Oklahoma Senate says no to sports betting
The Oklahoma Senate on Wednesday rejected a bill that would have legalized sports betting.
Sean Plankey, Trump’s Pick to Lead Cybersecurity Agency, Withdraws His Nomination
Confirmation for the nominee, Sean Plankey, had been pending in the Senate for over a year.
Senate committee rejects plan to cut key NH business tax
Citing concerns about lost revenue, the panel instead backed lifting the filing threshold for the Business Enterprise Tax.
Measure to legalize sports betting fails in Oklahoma Senate
A measure that would legalize sports betting in the Sooner State failed to pass the Oklahoma Senate.On Tuesday, Sen. Bill Coleman filed new bill language throu
Health Secy. Robert F. Kennedy Testifies on 2027 Budget Request
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testifies before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee on President Trump's 2027 budget request for the department.
Senate Passes Ward Bill to Protect Fairness in Women’s Sports
Sens. Judy Ward (R-30) and Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-28) announced today the Senate approved legislation to preserve opportunities for female athletes at public schools and colleges by requiring scholastic sports teams to be designated based on biological sex.
Pa. Senate makes another attempt at passing transgender sports ban
While 27 states have passed transgender sports bans since 2020, these proposals have repeatedly faltered in Pennsylvania.
WATCH LIVE: Senate meets as Republicans try to secure DHS funding through budget reconciliation
With Midterms Coming Up, G.O.P. Is Bogged Down in Congress
Republican majorities are at odds on big issues as the Senate resorts to extraordinary measures to pass homeland security funding over a Democratic blockade.
Iowa Senate blocks confirmation of Larry Johnson as director of Health and Human Services
Iowa Senate Democrats voted against confirming Gov. Kim Reynolds' pick to lead the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, citing transparency concerns.
California Lawmakers Seek Protections for Patients in ICE Custody
Moving through the California Senate are two bills, informed by KFF Health News reporting, that would strengthen protections for patients brought to health facilities by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
WATCH LIVE: RFK Jr. testifies on Trump's HHS budget request before Senate committees
WATCH LIVE: RFK Jr. testifies on Trump's HHS budget request before Senate committees
RFK Jr. faces Senate health committee in final, decisive hearing for MAHA movement
All eyes are on Senate HELP Committee Chair Bill Cassidy, a Republican who has been critical of the Health and Human Services secretary’s vaccine policy.
Senate hopeful Graham Platner calls to investigate Trump and impeach two Supreme Court justices
The underdog Maine candidate, who has risen in polls, told NBC News he wants to carry on the legacy of Bernie Sanders and push Democrats to be more aggressive.
RFK Jr. set to face Cassidy in back-to-back Senate hearings
Cassidy cast the key vote to confirm Kennedy last year after securing a series of promises from Kennedy. The health secretary has not kept those promises.
Senate hearings with RFK Jr. put Cassidy’s competing loyalties to Trump and science on display
Sen. Bill Cassidy faces a tough situation as he prepares to question Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in two Senate hearings | WWL
Senate hearings with RFK Jr. put Cassidy’s competing loyalties to Trump and science on display
Sen. Bill Cassidy faces a tough situation as he prepares to question Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in two Senate hearings | 97.3 The Sky
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Defends Spending Cuts to Health Agencies
Kennedy appeared before a Senate Appropriations subcommittee about the President’s 2027 budget.
Morrisey holds ceremonial signing for Small Business Growth Act
CHARLESTON – Gov. Patrick Morrisey held a ceremonial signing Tuesday for a bill – the first to pass the West Virginia Legislature during the recent session – that focuses on benefiting existing small businesses in the state. Morrisey held a ceremonial bill signing Tuesday afternoon for Senate Bill 1, creating the West Virginia First Small […]
Proposed ban on sports prop bets dies amid state budget woes
State lawmakers voted Tuesday morning to remove a proposed ban on prop bets from Senate Bill 131, a larger sports gambling reform measure.
Republicans launch a new effort to fund the Department of Homeland Security
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate voted on Tuesday to launch a new effort to reopen the Department of Homeland Security and end the longest partial government shutdown in history. The 52-46 vote was the first step in a budget process that Republicans hope will unlock the funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol. […]
The key areas to watch in Virginia tonight as voters weigh Democrats' redistricting plan: From the Politics Desk
Plus, Georgia's Republican primary for Senate is heating up.
Five Things Learned at Fed Nominee Warsh's Senate Hearing
April 21 (Reuters) - In testimony Tuesday at the Senate Banking Committee, Federal Reserve Chair nominee Kevin Warsh never said if he agrees with President Donald Trump's view that the Fed's policy rate is too high and should be cut. No lawmaker asked him that directly. But Warsh's two and a half ...
WATCH: Padilla Slams Energy Secretary Wright on Cuts to Science Funding in Proposed Budget, Political Cancellation of California Hydrogen Hub Funding
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, questioned Energy Secretary Chris Wright about President Trump’s Fiscal Year 2027 proposed budget for the Department of Energy and its drastic cuts to science funding. “Your budget cuts the Office of Science’s funding by $1.1 billion. […]
Warsh vows to keep monetary policy independent of politics
STORY: :: Fed chief nominee Warsh vows to keep monetary policy independent of politics:: Washington, D.C. / April 21, 2026:: Kevin Warsh, Federal Reserve chief nominee“Monetary policy independence is essential. Monetary policymakers must act in the nation's interest. Their decision is the product of rigor, deliberation and unclouded decision-making. And as Senator Warren said, I do not believe that independence of monetary policy is threatened when elected officials state their views on rates. Fed independence is up to the Fed." // :: Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Ranking Democrat on Senate Banking Committee“So, independence takes courage. Let's check out your independence and your courage. We'll start easy. Mr. Warsh, did Donald Trump lose the 2020 election?”WARSH: “Um, we try to keep politics, if I’m confirmed, out of the Federal Reserve.”WARREN: “I’m just asking you a factual question. I need to know. I need to measure your independence and your courage.”WARSH: “Senator, I believe that this body certified that election many years ago.”WARREN: “That’s not the question I’m asking. I’m asking did Donald Trump lose in 2020?”WARSH: “And I’m suggesting to you in 2020…”WARREN: “I’m suggesting you can’t answer that.”WARSH: “… the Fed had a huge inflation problem, and you certified the election…[crosstalk]… let’s keep the politics out of monetary policy.” //WARREN: "Just one little place where you disagree with Donald Trump.”WARSH: “Well, I do have a disagreement actually, Senator, with the president. I think even this morning, he said that he thought I was out of central casting. I think central casting, I'd look older, grayer, maybe show up here with a cigar of sorts.”WARREN: “Quite adorable. But, you know, we need a Fed chair who is independent. That's the only way we preserve the independence of the Federal Reserve. If you can't answer these questions, you don't have the courage and you don't have the independence.”In a confirmation hearing before the Senate Banking Committee that quickly hinted at major changes to come at a Warsh-led Fed, the 56-year-old lawyer and financier blamed the central bank for an inflation surge in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic that continues to hurt U.S. households.Warsh's hearing quickly turned contentious. Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren pressed Warsh on his independence and "courage", saying President Donald Trump had made clear Warsh would be his "sock puppet".
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill endorses Julia Letlow for U.S. Senate
Murrill joins Gov. Jeff Landry and President Donald Trump in backing Letlow. It’s a rare case of prominent Republican officials supporting a challenge against a member of their own party.
Big Sky Democrats Battle Over ‘Poison’ Brand
Montana Democrats thought they found a novel way to win control of the U.S. Senate—until the party faithful started fighting back.
Holland & Knight Health Dose: April 21, 2026 | Insights
Senate HELP Committee Chair Bill Cassidy released a healthcare agenda to expand TrumpRx, increase price transparency and regulate pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs).
The Death of Public Health
During the recent measles outbreak, the largest in more than 30 years, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. refused to clearly recommend the measles vaccine, saying instead that it was a “personal decision,” and that parents should “do their own research.” Similarly, during her recent confirmation hearing for United States Surgeon General, Casey Means was questioned by Senator William Cassidy (R, La). “You’re the nation’s doctor,” said Cassidy. “Would you encourage [a mother] to have her child vaccinated!” “I’m not an individual’s doctor,” Means said. “And every individual needs to talk to their doctor before putting a medication in their body.” In June 2025, Marty Makary, Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), said that COVID vaccines for pregnant women should be a “personal choice”, even though every other country in the world recommended the COVID vaccine during pregnancy due to a higher risk for severe disease. It doesn’t end there. On January 5, 2026, RFK Jr. reduced the number of routinely recommended vaccines from 18 to 10. For vaccines that protected against influenza, COVID, and rotavirus, parents were urged to speak with their doctors—to make an individual choice. (On March 16, 2026, in a ruling by a federal court in Boston, RFK Jr.’s revised schedule was invalidated.) What’s happening? Why are public health officials moving away from making recommendations for the public? The origin of this change might be rooted in the first two years of the COVID pandemic. In 2020, during the first year on the pandemic, we didn’t have anything to stop a virus that was killing hundreds of people a day and could be spread asymptomatically. We didn’t have antivirals until October, monoclonal antibodies until November, and vaccines until December. All we could do was restrict travel, close businesses, shutter schools, and mask, isolate, quarantine, test, and social distance. During the second year of the pandemic, when we had vaccines to prevent COVID, people couldn’t go anywhere without their vaccine cards. They couldn’t go to their favorite bar or restaurant or sporting event or place of worship without proof of vaccination. Some people were fired from their jobs for refusing to get vaccinated. For many, this was seen as massive government overreach and energized what has been called the “medical freedom movement.” Indeed, a headline in the New York Times declared, “How Health Freedom Became a Winning Rally Cry.” As expressed in the comments of RFK Jr., Casey Means, and Marty Makary, the medical freedom movement focuses on the individual not the community—the opposite of public health. In an article titled “Ethics and Social Value Judgments in Public Health,” ethicists from Yale University distinguished public health from medical freedom. “Public health policies,” they wrote, “are population oriented. Because individual health affects the health of others, public health measures regulate individual behavior to achieve population health goals. All raise questions about how individual autonomy and freedom should be balanced against public health interests…which respects individuals’ sovereignty over their bodies and actions as long as their actions do not harm others.” The medical freedom movement fails to recognize that it often limits the freedom of others. For example, a parent who is afraid to send a child to school where many of the students are unvaccinated. Or immune compromised children who depend on those around them to for protection. The question then becomes “Freedom for whom?” Is it your right, in the name of medical freedom, to catch and transmit a potentially fatal infection—and in so doing, take away the freedom of others? In Four Essays on Liberty, Isaiah Berlin sums it up best. “Liberty for the wolves,” he wrote, “is death to the lambs.” Thanks for reading Beyond the Noise! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. Subscribe
'We've been sold out': Punters Politics fronts inquiry into gas export tax
Konrad Benjamin, a former school teacher who is behind the social media account Punters Politics, tells a Senate inquiry into taxing gas that the issue has fired up his near million followers
Kevin Warsh to say Fed independence not threatened by political pressure
Donald Trump’s pick for chair will tell powerful Senate committee that central bank must ‘stay in its lane’
Graham Platner nets another endorsement in high-interest Maine Senate race
Sen. Elizabeth Warren calls Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner "a real fighter" who's ready shake things up and make changes in DC.