Pulitzer Prize-winning historian David McCullough talks about how the founders, particularly John Adams, valued education, viewed slavery, and persevered in the face of hardship. McCullough then discusses how these ideals shaped American society. Following his talk, Mr. McCullough sits down to discuss why he thinks studying history is important, what his writing process is like, and how he started writing books. He also previews his upcoming work about the pioneers of the Northwest territory.This event was part of a series on the Founders hosted by the Society of the Four Arts in Palm Beach, Florida.
Pulitzer Prize-winning historian David McCullough sits down to discuss why he thinks studying history is important, what his writing process is like, and how he started writing books. He also previews his upcoming work about the pioneers of the Northwest territory. This hour and forty minute event was part of a series on the Founders hosted by the Society of the Four Arts in Palm Beach, Florida.
Dr. Scott Gottlieb testified before the Senate Health & Education Committee about his nomination to be commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Dr. Gottlieb said, if confirmed, his top priority would be combating the nation's opioid epidemic. Ranking member Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) and democratic members voiced their concerns about the nominee's financial ties to medical companies. In response, Dr. Gottlieb pledged to be impartial as FDA commissioner and uphold the standards of the agency. Other topics addressed included prescription drug prices, e-cigarette regulations, food safety and implementation of the 21st Century Cures Act.
The Institute of World Politics and the Foreign Policy Initiative hosted a discussion on women in combat. Naval Postgraduate School Professor Anna Simons talked about the challenges and changes to the military since the 2015 decision to allow women in combat units.
The Washington International Trade Associaton hosted a discussion on trade deficits and whether they are good or bad for the U.S. economy. Robert Shapiro, former under secretary of Economic Affairs at the Commerce Department during the Clinton administration was among the experts on the panel.
Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly faced tough questions from the Senate Homeland Security Committee. Issues centered on President Trump's wall along the Mexican border and American citizens returning to the U.S. from abroad being asked to allow federal agents to search their cell phones before being allowed back in the country. Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO) warned Sec. Kelly that Congress would not give President Trump a "blank check" for a border wall that would never get built. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) called the searching of the cell phones of American citizens "obscene."
The House Transportation & Infrastructure Subcommittee on Highways & Transit convened a hearing to examine the needs of states relating to the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. The mayor of Atlanta, the executive director of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, and the president and executive director of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit system testified on the importance of federal funding. Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO) chairs the subcommittee while Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) serves as the ranking member.
The Senate Homeland Security Committee held a hearing examining the planning, designing and cost of President Trump's proposed fence for the U.S. - Mexico border. Former Customs & Border Protection Acting Commissioner David Aguilar said that infrastructure, technology and personel are critical aspects to stopping illegal border crossings. He also said border walls that are properly designed, placed and supported enhances border patrol efforts.
