Center for Election Innovation & Research's David Becker discusses election reform and Vox's Jonquilyn Hill discusses her podcast, "The Weeds" and political news of the day.
House lawmakers debated an defense bill amendment offered by Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-TX) that prohibits the Defense Department from paying for or reimbursing expenses for abortion services.
House lawmakers debated an defense bill amendment offered by Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-MT) that prohibits funding of medical procedures for transgender servicemembers.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and other House Republican leaders spoke to reporters following the passage of a defense authorization bill, split along party lines over an anti-abortion provision supported by the GOP. They said the bill would boost national security by increasing pay for servicemembers, and chastised House Democrats for their opposition to the legislation over its anti-abortion language. Speaker McCarthy also answered questions from reporters, including on potential reforms for the FBI.
PGA Tour executives Ron Price and Jimmy Dunne testified on the controversial merger with Saudi-owned LIV Golf during a hearing before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Investigations. Both told lawmakers the two sports leagues are currently in a framework deal that sets parameters for ongoing negotiations for a finalized partnership. LIV Golf is funded by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF), a state-owned fund controlled by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The partnership has garnered much criticism from the public as well as lawmakers because of Saudi Arabia's long-standing issues with human rights violations.
David Becker of Center for Election Innovation & Research discussed election integrity and a recent survey that found fewer than half of Americans have high confidence that votes in the next presidential election will be counted accurately.
2024 Republican presidential candidate Gov. Ron DeSantis (FL) was featured in conversation with Tucker Carlson at the 2023 Family Leadership Summit in Des Moines, Iowa. They discussed a number of issues, including his work tightening Florida's abortion laws, his approach to environmental stewardship, and how he would lead the Executive Branch if elected president. Gov. DeSantis was one of six Republican presidential hopefuls who spoke at the summit.
2024 Republican presidential candidate Sen. Tim Scott (SC) was featured in conversation with Tucker Carlson at the 2023 Family Leadership Summit in Des Moines, Iowa. They discussed a number of issues, including growth of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) under the Biden administration and Senator Scott's Christian faith. He was one of six Republican presidential hopefuls to speak at the summit.
2024 Republican presidential candidate Asa Hutchinson was featured in conversation with Tucker Carlson at the 2023 Family Leadership Summit in Des Moines, Iowa. They discussed a number of issues, including an anti-transgender care bill the former Arkansas governor vetoed, border security and fentanyl trafficking and overdoses.
2024 Republican presidential candidate and former Vice President Mike Pence was featured in conversation with Tucker Carlson at the 2023 Family Leadership Summit in Des Moines, Iowa. While discussing the events of January 6th, he called the day tragic, but said he has never used the word "insurrection," instead calling it "a riot that took place at the Capitol that day." He was one of six Republican presidential hopefuls to speak at the summit.
National Governor's Association (NGA) Chair Gov. Phil Murphy (D-NJ) and his wife, first lady of New Jersey Tammy Murphy, discussed efforts made in strengthening youth mental health and maternal health care during the NGA's annual meeting in Atlantic City. They were joined by medical and health care professionals from CVS Health and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Among the topics discussed were the importance of investing in community services and resources, including mental health care alongside the physical care of children, equity and accessibility, and training and educating the mental health workforce.
Gen. Charles "CQ" Brown Jr., nominee to be joint chiefs of staff chair, highlighted his military career and said he "is mindful of the security challenges" facing the nation as he testified at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee. Several topics were discussed, including military readiness and recruitment, modernization efforts, diversity and equity policies, munitions shortages, and threats posed by adversaries, such as China, Russia and Iran. When asked about the recent blockade of military leadership promotions and assignments, the general said it not only creates uncertainty with leadership and readiness, but it also impacts military families, recruitment and retention efforts, and the career potential for junior officers.
Incoming National Governors Association Chair Gov. Spencer Cox (R-UT) held a panel on political polarization during the 2023 annual meeting in Atlantic City, New Jersey. As the new incoming chair, Gov. Spencer created a new initiative, "Disagree Better," which hopes to address divisiveness in politics as well as in society. He said everyone needs to do a better job at listening to each other's differences while still being respectful and treating people with dignity.
Governors Roy Cooper (D-NC) and Kevin Stitt (R-OK) were joined by executives from the energy, public utilities, and telecommunications industries to discuss infrastructure investment during the National Governor's Association (NGA) annual meeting in Atlantic City. Among the topics discussed were electric grid modernization, community investment, streamlining the permitting process, and broadband access.
First lady Jill Biden spoke about workforce training programs at the National Governors Association conference in Atlantic City, New Jersey. She was introduced by the association's chair, Governor Phil Murphy (D-NJ).
Maria Muyad and Elise Cataldo, two young girls living with Type I Diabetes, testified on their experience living with the disease before the Senate Appropriations Committee, the 12th Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) children's Congress. They appeared alongside music producer James "Jimmy Jam" Harris, whose son was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at a young age. Also testifying were Aaron Kowalski, president and CEO of JDRF, and Dr. Griffin Rodgers, director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, who urged Congress to renew the Special Diabetes Program (SDP), which expires on September 30. Topics discussed included research funding, advancements in therapies and treatments, environmental and nutritional factors, and the rise of diabetes among children.
