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Rapper turned civic leader Luther Campbell plans Florida Congressional run
Luther Campbell, the rap music icon, free-speech advocate and civic activist, launched a primary challenge Sunday against U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick.
Partial government shutdown drags on amid immigration oversight battle
A partial government shutdown began Saturday after congressional Democrats and President Donald Trump’s team failed to reach a deal on legislation to fund the department through September.
San Diego Politics Show: Episode 2
Breaking down how the races for California governor and the 48th Congressional District are shaping up, and City Hall's biggest fights.
A consequential presidential debate, and a years-long investigation (Politics+) : The NPR Politics Podcast
In today's bonus episode, Claudia Grisales (congressional correspondent) and Barbara Sprunt (congressional correspondent) each share the "most" memorable story they've worked on. Barbara talks about being in the "press pool" at a pivotal moment in the 2024 presidential election, the Biden-Trump debate in Atlanta. Claudia talks about an investigative project she worked on for years that helped expose systemic corruption at the largest member-owned electric utility in the country. Listen to find out how you can submit a most-type question for us to answer in a future bonus episode! To unlock this and other bonus content, and get sponsor-free listening, sign up for NPR Politics Podcast+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Regular episodes haven't changed and remain available every weekday!
Politics Unplugged (Full Episode) February 15, 2026
This week on Politics Unplugged, former state GOP boss Gina Swoboda announces she is leaving the congressional race in CD1 to run for Secretary of State. Then, Republican consultant Marcus Dell’Artino and former Democratic lawmaker Reginald Bolding discuss Karrin Taylor Robson pulling the plug on her run for governor and Senator Mark Kelly winning his legal fights against Pete Hegseth.
A look back at this week in politics and what to expect for the upcoming legislative session
The headline across the state, and country, is that the Trump Administration plans to draw down the number of federal agents in Minnesota. There were also multiple hearings on Capitol Hill involving congressional and state lawmakers.
Virginia redistricting election will go forward while court considers appeal
Virginia voters will get to cast ballots on a congressional redistricting plan benefiting Democrats while a court battle plays out over the legality of the effort.
Virginia Supreme Court allows redistricting special election to move forward
Democrats placed a voter referendum on the ballot in April that could pave the way for a new congressional map that heavily favors their party.
A D.H.S. Shutdown Looms. Bruised Minnesotans Urge Their Parties to Dig In.
Congressional Democrats say they will approve no money for the Department of Homeland Security without guardrails on immigration agents. Their voters in Minnesota are demanding no less.
Partial Federal Shutdown Shrinks Congressional Presence in Munich
In a moment of frayed trans-Atlantic relations, Speaker Mike Johnson abruptly canceled the House delegation to Europe’s biggest annual security summit.
Did Bondi Spy on Lawmakers’ Epstein Search History?
At her congressional hearing, the attorney general was seen with a document listing a Democrat’s searches of the DOJ’s Epstein files.
Republican lawmakers' early retirement rumors send shockwaves through House GOP
House Republican Rep. Neal Dunn of Florida has announced his plan to retire at the end of this congressional term, but rumors of an early departure are swirling.
Health Subcommittee Examines Prescription Drug Supply Chain to Lower Costs for American Patients
The Committee on Energy and Commerce is the oldest standing legislative committee in the U.S. House of Representatives and is vested with the broadest jurisdiction of any congressional authorizing committee.
Chairman Griffith Delivers Opening Statement at Subcommittee on Health Hearing Inviting Representatives of Our Prescription Drug Supply Chain
The Committee on Energy and Commerce is the oldest standing legislative committee in the U.S. House of Representatives and is vested with the broadest jurisdiction of any congressional authorizing committee.
Chairman Griffith Delivers Opening Statement at Subcommittee on Health Hearing Inviting Representatives of Our Prescription Drug Supply Chain
The Committee on Energy and Commerce is the oldest standing legislative committee in the U.S. House of Representatives and is vested with the broadest jurisdiction of any congressional authorizing committee.
How Palantir and AI money is shaping the midterms
Palantir executives and leaders from OpenAI and venture capital are wading into the political fray, with more than $100 million already pledged by Leading the Future to boost candidates friendly to AI. They’re also cutting big checks to congressional leaders and President Donald Trump’s political network.
This is the type of politics Americans ‘HATE’: Florida lawmaker
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., discusses a contentious congressional immigration hearing where Democrats strongly criticized I.C.E. on ‘The Bottom Line.’
Takeaways from a tense House hearing with Trump immigration officials
With the Trump administration’s mass deportation push under intense scrutiny, the heads of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border Protection, and US Citizenship and Immigration Services faced tough questions during a congressional committee hearing on Tuesday.
Virginia Democrats quickly send proposed redistricting map to Spanberger
Democrats in the Virginia General Assembly sent proposed congressional maps that favor their party to Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) Tuesday as part of a budget package.
Congressional Researchers Analyze Whether Denying Marijuana Business Tax Deductions Under 280E Is Unconstitutional
As a federal marijuana rescheduling decision remains pending, congressional researchers have released an analysis of tax implications for cannabis businesses under current law—including a review of the idea that depriving the industry of the ability to take federal tax deductions amounts to a constitutional violation. In a report published on Friday, the Congressional Research Service […]
Dem lawmaker slams Ilhan Omar probe as 'playing politics'
Fox News chief congressional correspondent Chad Pergram has the latest on the probe into Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar's personal wealth on 'The Faulkner Focus.'
Legality of Trump’s $400M private funding for White House ballroom at issue
A federal judge weighing whether the project may proceed has focused on whether the administration can use private donations to bypass congressional approval.
House Oversight launches probe into Rep. Ilhan Omar’s finances, husband’s business dealings
Fox News chief congressional correspondent Chad Pergram reports as House Oversight launches an investigation into Rep. Ilhan Omar over questions about her finances and her husband’s income.
Vault: The unsteady state of credit card politics
A critical mass of congressional Republicans remains skeptical of policies that would cap credit card interest rates at 10% for one year.
‘It does not make any sense to me,’ Gov. Moore on Democratic resistance to redrawing Maryland’s Congressional maps
Congressional Black Caucus chair says Trump's post on the Obamas shows a 'bigoted and racist regime'
The chair of the Congressional Black Caucus says the Trump administration has a chance to change after President Donald Trump posted a racist video depicting former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama as primates in the jungle
How fights over ICE funding are playing out on the Hill and in midterm races : The NPR Politics Podcast
Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are running out of time to reach an agreement over funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which includes Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection. We discuss the state of negotiations, plus how calls to “abolish ICE” are playing out in congressional races.This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, congressional reporter Sam Gringlas, political correspondent Ashley Lopez, and political reporter Elena Moore.This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.
Virginia Democrats Propose New Congressional Maps Ahead of Midterms
As they appeal a ruling blocking their redistricting efforts, the state’s Democrats proposed redrawing districts in a way that would strongly favor them.
Lawsuit challenges DeSantis' authority to call special session for redistricting
A lawsuit claims Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis lacks the authority to call a special session to redraw congressional maps mid-decade
Live updates: N.J. holds special primary election for Mikie Sherrill's former congressional seat
Live updates: N.J. holds special primary election for Mikie Sherrill's former congressional seat
Supreme Court allows California to use congressional districts that favor Democrats
No justices dissented from the brief order denying the appeal without explanation, as is common on the court's emergency docket.
Supreme Court lets California use new Democrat-friendly congressional map
The Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed California to use a new congressional map that will undermine President Donald Trump’s effort to keep control of the House of Representatives, marking a defeat for Republicans who claimed one of the new districts was redesigned based on race rather than politics.
Supreme Court allows new California congressional districts that favor Democrats
The Supreme Court has allowed California to use a new voter-approved congressional map that is favorable to Democrats in this year’s elections, rejecting a last-ditch plea from state Republicans and the Trump administration
Supreme Court Clears Way for California Voting Map
The state’s Republican Party had asked the justices to step in and block the new congressional maps, which give an advantage to Democrats, before the midterms.
Supreme Court refuses to block new California congressional districts
Filing for congressional primaries in California begins Feb. 9
Supreme Court allows California to use new congressional map, giving Democrats a boost
The map, which voters approved last year, could allow Democrats to gain up to five House seats in this year’s midterm elections.
Supreme Court lets California use congressional map that favors Dems
In a move that will make it harder for the GOP to keep control of Congress, the Supreme Court said the state can use a congressional map that favors Democrats.
GOP congressman says he doesn’t see how Trump could avoid subpoena in congressional Epstein probe
Republican incumbents maintain fundraising leads in Alaska’s congressional races
U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan and U.S. Rep. Nick Begich had millions of dollars each in their campaign accounts heading into the election year.
Clintons try to reach agreement for Epstein testimony with contempt of Congress vote looming
Rep. James Comer, the chair of the House Oversight Committee, was advancing criminal contempt of Congress charges against both Clintons Monday evening for defying a congressional subpoena when a spokesman for the Clintons, Angel Ureña, suggested they would testify, posting on social media that the pair “will be there.”
In Houston, the thorny politics of succession are on display in the primary for this redrawn congressional seat
Fresh off of a special election victory, Rep.-elect Christian Menefee now faces a primary with longtime Rep. Al Green and his runoff foe, Amanda Edwards, for a redrawn version of the district.
Oliver Bateman: Conor Lamb shares hard-won lessons about modern politics
In March 2018, Democrat Conor Lamb defeated Republican Rick Saccone by 627 votes in a special election for Pennsylvania’s 18th Congressional District,...
Expanded SNAP work requirements are kicking in for more states
The new requirements are expected to reduce the average monthly number of SNAP recipients by about 2.4 million people over the next 10 years, according to the Congressional Budget Office
Another government shutdown looms -- what you need to know : The NPR Politics Podcast
After immigration officials killed two people in Minneapolis this month, congressional Democrats demanded funding for immigration action be separated from other government funding. That's leading to a potential, partial, government shutdown. We unpack the latest from Capitol Hill.Then, why did the FBI raid Fulton County, Ga.'s election center this week, and what does it have to do with President Trump's continued false claims that the 2020 presidential election was stolen?And, we bid a fond farewell to one of our podcast stalwarts.This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, congressional reporter Sam Gringlas, immigration policy correspondent Ximena Bustillo, political reporter Stephen Fowler, senior political editor & correspondent Domenico Montanaro, and political correspondent Sarah McCammon.This podcast was produced and edited by Casey Morell & Bria Suggs.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.
Government shutdown looms as Senate deal stalls amid heated political rhetoric
Fox News congressional correspondent Bill Melugin reports on Capitol Hill efforts to avoid another government shutdown amid tense debates over new DHS funding. Fox News contributor Marc Thiessen reacts on ‘Fox & Friends.’
Trump’s National Guard deployments have cost taxpayers nearly $500 million dollars
President Donald Trump’s sweeping deployment of National Guard troops to several major cities across the United States cost taxpayers approximately $496 million from June through December last year, according to an estimate from the Congressional Budget Office.
Top Five Moments: Budget Committee Hearing on Skyrocketing Health Care Costs
The Official U.S. Congressional website of The Republican Budget Committee
Investment and Statecraft: The International Politics of Sovereign Wealth Funds - Georgetown Journal of International Affairs
In 1953, Kuwait established the world’s first sovereign wealth fund to invest the country’s oil revenues and generate returns that would reduce its reliance on a single resource. Since then, over 100 separate funds have been created to preserve national wealth and ensure long-term fiscal sustainability. Today, they manage over $10 trillion in global assets. In this discussion with GJIA, political economist Kathryn Lavelle explains the increasingly novel dynamics that surround fund behavior and what the world can come to expect from their growing presence in international financial markets. GJIA: When it comes to the roles sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) play in global markets and politics, what would you say makes them unique? Kathryn Lavelle: Sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) operate on behalf of governments as investors. That in itself is a strange relationship. Within them, a core contest takes place between the state’s interests (or sovereign) part of the dynamic, and the money interests (or wealth) part of it, and these two aspects are frequently in contradiction, serving fundamentally different goals. SWFs are also quite fascinating because when you talk to the people who manage these funds, they have an interest in convincing you that the decisions are made almost exclusively on a financial basis—they really will go to great lengths to differentiate their government owners and those who make the management decisions. At the same time, these people ultimately answer to someone in power. Therefore, for most SWFs, it remains deeply unclear who is actually making the investment decisions and for what purposes. Of course, it is not always clear how other vehicles, such as hedge funds and private equity make the decisions they do, but I think what a lot of people find particularly disconcerting about SWFs is that they seem to act on behalf of people who have a different identity from their own. People who could be trying to manipulate politics and markets in a way that would have a long-term effect on their own populations. Regular investors come and go at will, and they only share an interest in profit as far as most of us understand. However, SWFs have that extra “sovereign” part right behind them that obscures their true interest. GJIA: These funds can be found in countries all across the globe, in both authoritarian states and democracies. Would you say SWFs differ in their goals and structures between regime-type? KL: It is not necessarily regime type that makes the goals and structures of SWFs different. It has to do with their economies. Let’s look at a country like China. There’s going to be a debate about exactly how to characterize the regime, but it is a country with many different kinds of sovereign wealth funds, and a particularly opaque state connection to each. At one time, some of the state-owned Chinese oil companies created specialized investment vehicles listed outside Chinese markets that excluded parts of the firms that were more associated with human rights violations. At the same time, the China Investment Corporation (CIC)—China’s largest SWF—draws a lot of concern, not necessarily because of its investment activities, but because of the dynamics of global politics. So, I wouldn’t really tie differences to regime types themselves in a wholesale way, but rather to how such funds are perceived and how they are structured. Saudi Arabia’s SWF is getting all kinds of attention for its involvement in Hollywood, and this takes me right back to when I was a student in the 1980s, when people were concerned about Japanese investment entities buying assets in Hollywood. They aren’t quite the same in financial terms, but it’s the same kind of concern about foreign investment that drives people to be suspicious, and the whole idea that “foreigners are influencing Hollywood.” This holds true across industries, and it reflects where politics are in places like the United States right now. One metric we can try to look at is transparency, where all the funds will tell you, “we are transparent.” The problem you’ll keep running into with this approach is how you value things. When trying to do comparative studies of equity markets, you’ll find that every country doesn’t use Generally Accepted Accounting Principles like we do in the United States. A fund may appear opaque politically and not want people to show what they’re invested in or what their intent with that investment is, but they could also just not be able to report it because of the way it was purchased, or the kinds of shares they purchased. There are some assets out there that really are difficult to put a monetary value on. GJIA: To what extent do domestic politics shape SWF behavior in both the investing “home” country and the recipient “host” country? KL: This depends on the type of fund present and also on the extent to which voters’ political views are able to influence the fund. For example, in a democratic home state like Norway, the SWF doesn’t invest in nuclear weapons or tobacco because of social concerns, but there is a continuing debate over whether it should invest in oil, even though that’s where most of the money comes from. The degree to which Norway will continue to make those investments, and whether they contradict the government’s overall climate goals, is an open question in Norwegian politics. Because of the way the fund’s governance is structured, it may not be easy to resolve. On the other hand, some people consider pension funds, like the State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) in Ohio, to be quasi-SWF. They have a very strict separation between the people who make up the management division and the fund owners. No teacher or professor would want to invest in things that may harm the future of their students. At the same time, a fund manager might see an opportunity in a diversified multinational corporation that offers a good return, despite it deriving part of its revenue from e-cigarettes. These contests are very apparent. Domestic politics can work in host countries too. A good example is Singapore’s SWF, Temasek, investing in Thailand’s telecommunications sector. If you study political economy, you already know that countries everywhere are uncomfortable with foreign ownership of their telecom sectors because a foreign entity could monitor or manipulate our communications with each other. In the case of Temasek, there was significant pushback from Thai citizens surrounding the deal, which went on to influence national political sentiment toward Singapore as a whole, underscoring the risks some SWFs may face with their investment choices. In this case, fund behavior led to the dissolution of the entire Thai government in 2006 and a subsequent coup d’état. GJIA: To address some of this unease, the Santiago Principles were established in 2009 to ostensibly promote trust and transparency. From your perspective, have these mechanisms actually changed fund behavior? KL: In international relations theory, we always like to have a clear set of norms and best practices—the orientation we want the proverbial ship to be going in. In that regard, the Santiago Principles at least got the discussion going about which direction SWFs should take at a time when people were very skittish about the growing size of these funds. Nobody wanted them to be out there and potentially destabilizing economies, so talks about disclosure, conditions for withdrawal, and the independence of managers were helpful when initiated. The biggest stumbling block was that there wasn’t exactly a good way to measure compliance with the Principles, let alone how to hold funds to them. If you read the Principles, they’re overall quite vague. In general, a fund doesn’t want to reveal how and why they make certain investment decisions because that information is proprietary—a fund makes money off of how and why it makes decisions—so how do you reconcile that with loosely-defined ideas of openness? Some decisions might have a political purpose. The bottom line is that trying to figure out and assign a score to compliance is not easy, and it is therefore the reason why the Santiago Principles never really got off the ground to the point where they could truly direct fund behavior. GJIA: Many emerging markets are looking to build their own SWFs from mineral and oil revenues. Historically, have funds shaped development trajectories in these countries? KL: I think the big story in international emerging markets investment is that the investment is increasingly no longer unidirectional. In the past multinational corporations of primarily Western background were the main form of foreign direct investment in a country. That has changed dramatically, to the point where you have companies from so-called “developing countries” taking over companies in the United States. Therefore, the landscape of international investment has changed, and I think SWFs are certainly a possibility to be the next step in the game. Historically, you didn’t need an entire financial vehicle to reinvest commodity revenues in your country, but as emerging markets get more financially sophisticated, their capacity to operate such funds has increased. SWFs would allow treasuries to move from relying on holding foreign exchange assets like cash or government bonds to having broader financial markets and targeted growth areas, while easing pressure on welfare expenditures. GJIA: With their increasing financial weight, do you see the presence of SWFs being a factor in the political choices leaders will have to make with regard to domestic and foreign policy? KL: It will depend on just how big the funds get. One of the reasons people are already apprehensive is because of their scale, and if certain SWFs in certain countries achieve a large-enough size, the presence will absolutely be cause for concern. The other factor political leaders will have to consider are their objectives. It’s not always clear how to define a SWF, or even where its activity is concentrated, but it is certainly a worry from the perspective of national security of opaque external investment. More than that, I think one of the most interesting questions going forward is whether the United States, the home to the world’s largest financial markets, will develop its own fund, for which the Trump administration announced a plan. There have also been several proposals in Congress. Were it to come into being, it would have tremendous weight. At the same time, one of the hallmarks of U.S. capitalism is a lack of government ownership of shares, so it would not be clear how such a fund would be received in domestic politics, or which direction it would take. Given how politically fragmented the country is, a Democratic administration would likely be concerned about different sectors of the economy, such as healthcare, and want investment there, rather than a Republican administration, which might prefer defense industries. No investment vehicle could thrive under conditions of such instability. Moreover, it remains unclear where the money to fund a theoretical U.S. SWF would come from. It would be a fundamentally different entity depending on whether it is financed with debt, economic surplus, commodities, or the sale of state companies, as in the case of Singapore. If it is debt, or government borrowing of some form, then the fund would have to outperform whatever the cost of that debt is, which is not an easy thing to do. I think our political leaders have enough on their plate. Our system has worked well keeping political and investment functions generally separate. We have seen different forms of business rise and fall, and even the perception of different countries, all of which funds are tied to. Unless a major SWF either starts—like in the case of the United States—or collapses—an issue that concerns the Saudis, I don’t see any political tsunamis on the horizon. . . . Kathryn Lavelle is the Ellen and Dixon Long Professor of World Affairs at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Her research explores the exchange between domestic and international and political institutions with a particular emphasis on political economy and multilateralism. Dr. Lavelle’s first book, The Politics of Equity Finance in Emerging Markets, explored the political circumstances that surround large issues of stock in the developing world. After being granted tenure at Case Western, she was awarded an American Political Science Association Congressional Fellowship and named the William A. Steiger fellow, a designation given to the most promising political scientist in her class of fellows. While in Washington during 2006-2007, she worked on the staff of the House Committee on Financial Services on issues related to domestic and international monetary policy. Dr. Lavelle holds a PhD in political science from Northwestern University; an M.A. in government and foreign affairs from the University of Virginia; and a bachelor’s degree in international economics from Georgetown University. She is a permanent member of the New York Council on Foreign Relations. This transcript has been lightly edited for clarity and length. Interview conducted by Sid Mehrotra. Image Credit: Jason Leung, Unsplash Content Licenses, via Unsplash
Virginia Democrats’ redistricting push is dealt a setback by state court
A state court on Tuesday blocked Virginia Democrats’ redistricting effort, delivering a setback to the party’s plans to redraw congressional lines ahead of November’s midterm elections.
Senate Dems demand immigration enforcement reforms before funding DHS : The NPR Politics Podcast
Congress may be headed toward a partial government shutdown. After a federal immigration officer fatally shot Alex Pretti last weekend in Minneapolis, Senate Democrats say they won’t vote to fund the Department of Homeland Security without changes to how the federal government enforces immigration laws. We discuss what Democrats want, what Republicans are offering, and the political risks of another government shutdown. This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, congressional reporter Sam Gringlas, and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro.This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.
New Orleans leaders, congressional Democrats condemn Trump’s anti-immigrant campaign
The hearing follows ICE killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. It's one of several the group of Democratic Congress members plans to hold across the country to hear from immigrant and civil rights advocates and call attention to the treatment of people during the crackdowns.
Another shutdown appears likely after Minnesota shooting prompts revolt by Democrats
The standoff has also revealed fractures among GOP lawmakers, who have called for a federal and state investigation into the shooting and congressional hearings.
These 3 Policy Moves Are Likely To Change Health Care for Older People
By Paula Span | KFF Health News Month after month, Patricia Hunter and other members of the Nursing Home Reform Coalition logged onto video calls with congressional representatives, seeking support for a proposed federal rule setting minimum staff levels for nursing homes. Finally, after decades of ...
Trump Changes Tack in Minnesota After Rare GOP Pushback
Trump is sending border czar Tom Homan to Minnesota as Congressional Republicans call for an investigation into the murder of Alex Pretti.
Michael Smolens: San Diego life science industry still faces ‘headwinds,’ despite reversal of Trump cuts
Biocom CEO says congressional budget action is “encouraging” but great uncertainty still exists in the science world.
Politics: Hinson's bill supporting pregnant students passes House
A bill introduced by a local congressional representative to support college students who are pregnant passed the U.S. House of Representatives last week.
How a court win could help the Democrats pick up a House seat in New York
A judge’s decision to toss out the boundaries of the only Republican-held congressional district in New York City could help Democrats notch a win in the national redistricting wars — but for now, the outcome remains uncertain
Trump endorses Spartz, other Indiana members of Congress for re-election. Here's who else
"Congressman Jim Baird is a Tremendous Champion for the Great People of Indiana’s 4th Congressional District!," Trump wrote.
These 3 Policy Moves Are Likely To Change Health Care for Older People
Two Trump administration regulatory rollbacks affect nursing home staffing and home care workers, and a new AI experiment in Medicare has alarmed eldercare advocates and congressional Democrats.
Big Insurers Try to Shift Blame for High Health Costs to Hospitals and Drug Makers
At two congressional hearings, lawmakers slammed executives of major companies, saying they were failing to rein in the cost of medical care for consumers.
Key moments from Jack Smith's House testimony
Former Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith on Thursday defended his investigations of Donald Trump at a public congressional hearing in which he insisted that he had acted without regard to politics and had no second thoughts about the criminal charges he brought.
Frustration over U.S. health costs erupts at congressional hearing
Democrats and Republicans are divided on many things, but they joined in pillorying health care executives at a committee hearing on Thursday.
Alarm as US mulls prioritising citizens in research funding
A senior White House official said the Trump administration is considering ways to prioritise research funding to American citizens, triggering alarm in the research community that the country could destroy its century-long status as a magnet for overseas talent.Michael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), said last week that it is “important for us to continue to emphasise the use of federal R&D dollars towards American scientists and technologists that are staffed by Americans in their labs.” Asked about support for Chinese students during a Congressional hearing, Kratsios went on to say that in future funding announcements, the OSTP would “emphasise” that “we're funding American students.”The precise meaning of his impromptu comments, and what they could mean in policy terms, isn’t yet clear. The OSTP did not respond to multiple requests for clarification from Science|Business.But given that US science and technology has relied on overseas talent for the past century, Kratsios’s words have alarmed former US science officials.Immigrants have made up around 30-40% of US Nobel Prize winners since the 1940s, for example. Except for some sensitive projects, countries typically grant research funding on a nationality-blind basis, lest they deter foreign scientists from immigrating. “If director Kratsios’s statements are taken literally and become official policy of the White House, [research-intensive] universities will likely have to close labs if not entire research divisions,” said David Biggs, a former science and technology official in the US State Department. In their most extreme interpretation, Kratsios’s comments would imply that foreign scientists established in the US would see access to funding curtailed. This would “result in many world-leading professors who work in the United States in fields that this administration considers a priority (like fusion energy, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing) leaving the country,” said Cole Donovan, a former US science diplomat, and now associate director at the Federation of American Scientists.CripplingHowever, given the context of the conversation, Kratsios may have been referring more narrowly to funding for doctoral or postdoctoral students. At the hearing, he said he wanted to see labs staffed by US citizens. But even this would have devastating consequences for the US science system, say former officials, because the country is so dependent on early-career foreign researchers. Recent statistics show that nearly half of those in the US with a PhD in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) are considered short-term visitors, or non-residents in the official terminology. If this included residents who are not yet citizens, the proportion would likely be even higher. “Foreign PhD students are really a significant and core part of the university STEM workforce, and postdocs is similarly large,” said Donovan. Preventing US-based academics from hiring them from overseas would be a serious blow, he said. “If it's the case that this administration intends to limit funding to labs staffed only with US citizens, the effect will be to cripple the American scientific enterprise,” said Chris Marcum, a former OSTP official. “To think that these researchers can simply be replaced is a pipe dream. The labs will close,” said Marcum. Go elsewhereAround half of US-trained postdocs are foreign-born, said Biggs. “If these top international students cannot get funding to do their research, or even if they hear that funding for foreign students has been greatly restricted and will be super competitive, they will no longer choose to study in the US and will go elsewhere.” It’s unclear for now if Kratsios’s comments will translate into a real policy shift. But they could add to turmoil in the US science system since Donald Trump took over as president one year ago. Related articlesNIH turmoil risks reciprocal EU-US access to health research fundingUS set to close office responsible for global science and technology dealsTrump halts new NIH grants to international health-research partnersSince then, nearly 8,000 grants at the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation have been frozen or terminated, Naturereports. Courts have overturned most of these cancellations, but the disruption caused remains significant. Both those agencies have also dished out around a quarter fewer grants this year than normal, the journal reported. International student enrolment is also down by 17%. The Trump administration also proposes to cut research budgets by around a third, although Congress may mollify the cuts.
Chairman Griffith Delivers Opening Statement at Subcommittee on Health Hearing Examining Health Insurance Affordability
The Committee on Energy and Commerce is the oldest standing legislative committee in the U.S. House of Representatives and is vested with the broadest jurisdiction of any congressional authorizing committee.
Alarm over US plan to prioritise citizens in research funding
The US’s leading science official has said the country will focus its research spending on scientists with US citizenship, triggering alarm that the country could destroy its century-long status as a magnet for overseas talent.Michael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), said last week that it is “important for us to continue to emphasise the use of federal R&D dollars towards American scientists and technologists that are staffed by Americans in their labs.” Asked about support for Chinese students during a Congressional hearing, Kratsios went on to say that in future funding announcements, the OSTP would “emphasise” that “we're funding American students.”Kratsios’s precise meaning, and what it could mean in policy terms, isn’t yet clear. The OSTP did not respond to multiple requests for clarification from Science|Business.But given that US science and technology has relied on overseas talent for the past century, Kratsios’s words have stunned former US science officials.Immigrants have made up around 30-40% of US Nobel Prize winners since the 1940s, for example. Except for some sensitive projects, countries typically grant research funding on a nationality-blind basis, lest they deter foreign scientists from immigrating. “If director Kratsios’s statements are taken literally and become official policy of the White House, [research-intensive] universities will likely have to close labs if not entire research divisions,” said David Biggs, a former science and technology official in the US State Department. In their most extreme interpretation, Kratsios’s comments would imply that foreign scientists established in the US would see access to funding curtailed. This would “result in many world-leading professors who work in the United States in fields that this administration considers a priority (like fusion energy, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing) leaving the country,” said Cole Donovan, a former US science diplomat, and now associate director at the Federation of American Scientists.CripplingHowever, given the context of the conversation, Kratsios may have been referring more narrowly to funding for doctoral or postdoctoral students. At the hearing, he said he wanted to see labs staffed by US citizens. But even this would have devastating consequences for the US science system, say former officials, because the country is so dependent on early-career foreign researchers. Recent statistics show that nearly half of those in the US with a PhD in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) are considered short-term visitors, or non-residents in the official terminology. If this included residents who are not yet citizens, the proportion would likely be even higher. “Foreign PhD students are really a significant and core part of the university STEM workforce, and postdocs is similarly large,” said Donovan. Preventing US-based academics from hiring them from overseas would be a serious blow, he said. “If it's the case that this administration intends to limit funding to labs staffed only with US citizens, the effect will be to cripple the American scientific enterprise,” said Chris Marcum, a former OSTP official. “To think that these researchers can simply be replaced is a pipe dream. The labs will close,” said Marcum. Go elsewhereAround half of US-trained postdocs are foreign-born, said Biggs. “If these top international students cannot get funding to do their research, or even if they hear that funding for foreign students has been greatly restricted and will be super competitive, they will no longer choose to study in the US and will go elsewhere.” It’s unclear for now if Kratsios’s comments will translate into a real policy shift. But they could add to turmoil in the US science system since Donald Trump took over as president one year ago. Since then, nearly 8,000 grants at the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation have been frozen or terminated, Naturereports. Courts have overturned most of these cancellations, but the disruption caused remains significant. Both those agencies have also dished out around a quarter fewer grants this year than normal, the journal reported. International student enrolment is also down by 17%. The Trump administration also proposes to cut research budgets by around a third, although Congress may mollify the cuts.
Can a bipartisan health deal pass?
Congressional leaders announced Tuesday that they had reached a bipartisan deal to address some aspects of the health care system.
Defiant Trump continues calls for acquiring Greenland : The NPR Politics Podcast
The president continued his fight to acquire the Danish self-governing territory of Greenland during a speech billed as an address related to domestic affordability issues. We explain what happened.Then, members of Congress met with Danish and Greenlandic officials in Copenhagen last week to discuss the increased tensions with the U.S. We talk about how the meetings went, and what Danes are thinking about it all.This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, White House correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben, congressional correspondent Barbara Sprunt, and senior political editor & correspondent Domenico Montanaro.This podcast was produced and edited by Casey Morell & Bria Suggs.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.
House takes step closer to referring Clintons for criminal charges with Democratic support
House Republicans vote to advance contempt votes against Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton for refusing to comply with congressional subpoenas in the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
Comprehensive energy permitting reform benefits Colorado, the mountain west
By Ron Dickson Thank you, U.S. Reps. Gabe Evans and Jeff Hurd, for your participation in the Congressional Problem Solvers Caucus and your support of comprehensive energy permitting reform. We also appreciate U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper’s continued efforts to enhance our national electricity grid. The energy demands of the mountain west are rapidly growing. Data […]
Wes Moore targets Maryland’s only GOP congressman with redistricting, but a powerful Democrat stands in his way
A commission convened by Maryland’s Democratic Gov. Wes Moore recommended a new congressional map Tuesday that targets the state’s lone Republican in the US House.
Doctor who treated Dick Cheney calls for congressional inquiry into Trump’s presidential fitness
Dr. Jonathan Reiner, cardiologist to the late former Vice President Dick Cheney, called on Monday for a congressional inquiry into President Trump’s fitness. Reiner, a CNN medical analyst, cited T…
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Gershom Faulkner returns to Charlie Crist orbit, as new Vice Chair of St. Pete Shines PC
Faulkner previously worked in Crist's Congressional office.
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How abortion coverage threatens to prevent a congressional deal on health care subsidies
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Congress, content creators, and Can't Let It Go : The NPR Politics Podcast
There's another fight on Capitol Hill as lawmakers work to get four more spending bills passed before the end of the month. We talk about what's at stake and how both parties are navigating the high cost of health care.Then, a look at how the Trump administration is using social media content to sway public opinion & influence governance, and what our panelists can't stop thinking about this week.This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, congressional reporter Sam Gringlas, White House correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben, and political reporters Stephen Fowler & Jude Joffe-Block.This podcast was produced and edited by Casey Morell & Bria Suggs.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.
Congressional redistricting effort in N.H. effectively dead, as sympathetic GOP lawmaker cites lack of ‘political will’
A key Republican state lawmaker in New Hampshire came out against a mid-decade redistricting proposal Wednesday, all but guaranteeing an end to the push to redraw the state’s congressional maps ahead of the 2026 election.
Why Wesley Hunt is risking it all in his longshot bid to oust John Cornyn
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Push for ICE reforms could impact government funding effort
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Pirro says Federal Reserve ignored US attorney outreach on Powell testimony, alleged cost overruns
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ICYMI: Smucker Applauds New Dietary Guidelines for Americans to Improve Health
WASHINGTON – On Thursday, Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), co-chair of the Congressional Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Caucus, joined Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert Kennedy to announce the release of the updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA), which focuses on a simple message: eat real food – a diet consisting of whole foods, including protein-rich foods, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats.
Trump says he may veto extension of Obamacare subsidies
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Lawsuits by Trump allies could shape how the 2030 census is done
The U.S. Census Bureau is used to determine congressional representation and federal aid to states.
Trump faces headwinds on Venezuela, health care as some Republicans break rank
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Trump’s iron grip on congressional Republicans is weakening
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Week in politics: Minneapolis ICE shooting and congressional Republicans defect : The NPR Politics Podcast
This week, a fatal shooting by an immigration enforcement officer in Minneapolis inflamed tensions. Meanwhile in Washington, congressional Republicans bucked President Trump and their party leaders. We discuss what to make of it all.This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, congressional correspondent Claudia Grisales, Minnesota Public Radio host Clay Masters, and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro.This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.
Congress seeks to reign in Trump's military power in Venezuela
The Senate voted to advance a measure that would require him to seek congressional authorization for additional military operations in Venezuela.
Chairman Griffith Delivers Opening Statement at Subcommittee on Health Hearing to Improve Medicare Payment Policies for Seniors
The Committee on Energy and Commerce is the oldest standing legislative committee in the U.S. House of Representatives and is vested with the broadest jurisdiction of any congressional authorizing committee.
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Gov. DeSantis calls April Special Session to tackle congressional redistricting
'People deserve equal representation.'
Analysis: Congressional Republicans are running out of powers to give Trump
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Another Democrat — this one the son of Somali immigrants — is running for Utah’s new left-leaning congressional seat
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Trump’s lies and policies make health care less affordable
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