Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates spoke about American leadership in international affairs during a virtual event hosted by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. While discussing his book, "Exercise of Power: American Failures, Successes, and a New Path Forward in the Post-Cold War World," Secretary Gates, who served under Presidents George Bush and Barack Obama, was critical of past nation building efforts saying, "you can't impose democracy." Secretary Gates also addressed what he called America's diminishing reputation abroad saying the country's leadership is "seen as incompetent," because of its inability to address issues such as the coronavirus, an economic downturn and racial disparities. The secretary also discussed China's growing influence, cyber threats facing the U.S., and the 2020 presidential election.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell testified before the House Financial Services Committee on monetary policy and the state of the economy amid the coronavirus pandemic. Chair Powell took questions from lawmakers on a variety of topics, including the low interest rates, unemployment from COVID-19 shutdowns, the coinage shortage and what the future of economic growth and recovery from the virus might look like. This was the chairman's second day testifying before a congressional committee. He appeared before the Senate Banking Committee the previous day.
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee convened a hearing to examine the U.S. and international response to the coronavirus pandemic. Witnesses included officials from the State Department's Office of Foreign Assistance, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Health and Human Services Department. Lawmakers questioned panelists about President Trump's recent decision to terminate relations with the World Health Organization (WHO), China's coronavirus response, vaccine development efforts and future pandemic preparedness and prevention measures.
The House Oversight and Reform Committee held a virtual briefing with a group of sociall justice advocates and scholars to discuss police reform. Several members acknowledged the Juneteenth holiday and the death of George Floyd, which sparked protests nationwide. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) told the committee that violent White supremacy was the "real deep state" in America. Massachusetts Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D) stressed in her opening remarks that legislative policies and the budget must value Black lives. Oversight Committee Ranking Member Jim Jordan (R-OH) said the debate over defunding the police by some members was an "insane public policy proposal." Other topics focused on systemic racism in policing, the inclusion of Black women in the discussion on police brutality, and the role of police unions.
Astrophysicist Mario Livio looked at the scientific discoveries of Galileo that challenged conventional thinking during his time. This event was hosted by Harvard Book Store in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
NASA astronaut and scientist Kate Greene recalled her experiences living in a simulated Martian environment. This event was hosted by the Library of Congress in Washington, DC.
Science writer Matt Ridley argued that America is experiencing what he calls an "innovation famine" and discussed how government policy can encourage and incentivize innovation. This event was hosted by the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, DC.
Astrophysicist Mario Livio looked at the scientific discoveries of Galileo that challenged conventional thinking during his time. This event was hosted by Harvard Book Store in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
NASA astronaut and scientist Kate Greene recalled her experiences living in a simulated Martian environment. This event was hosted by the Library of Congress in Washington, DC.
Science writer Matt Ridley argued that America is experiencing what he calls an "innovation famine" and discussed how government policy can encourage and incentivize innovation. This event was hosted by the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, DC.
Astrophysicist Mario Livio looked at the scientific discoveries of Galileo that challenged conventional thinking during his time. This event was hosted by Harvard Book Store in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
