In the latest episode of C-SPAN's podcast "The Weekly" -- we mark Henry Kissinger's 100th birthday -- but not with him talking about himself -- with him talking about milestone birthdays of other famous statesmen.
White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan addressed nuclear deterrence during his remarks at the Arms Control Association's annual meeting in Washington, DC. He said, "some of the major cracks in our nuclear foundation have come from Russia," pointing to several areas of concern, including Russia's attack on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine and the suspension of their implementation of the New START Treaty. Mr. Sullivan also addressed challenges posed by China, reducing nuclear risk around the globe, and the modernization of the U.S. nuclear program.
Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and other House Republican leaders held a news conference after the House passed the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 by a vote of 314-117. The speaker said, "Tonight, we all made history, because this is the biggest cut and savings this Congress has ever voted for." The bill raises the debt ceiling and limits discretionary spending for fiscal years 2024-25; it was negotiated by House Republican leadership and the Biden administration just days before the U.S. was at risk of defaulting on its debt.
Senator Majority Leader Chuck Schumer spoke to reporters on Captiol Hill after the passage of legislation to lift the nation's debt ceiling and avoid default. The bill, which was approved by a vote of 63 to 36, now heads to President Biden's desk, where he is expected to sign it.
Republican presidential candidate Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) spoke at a campaign kick-off event in Clive, Iowa. It was his first campaign event since announcing his candidacy in a Twitter Spaces conversation. He was introduced by local GOP leaders and Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA). During his remarks, he talked about his agenda as Florida governor, including efforts to ban gender-affirming care for trans youths and changes in the state's regulation of public schools. His wife, Casey, also spoke briefly. This event was a part of a multi-day swing through early primary and caucus states, including Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina.
Biden administration officials discussed cyber plans for protecting critical infrastructure such as pipelines, rails, and aviation. Deputy National Security Adviser for Cyber and Emerging Technology Anne Neuberger said the Colonial Pipeline hack was a "transformative moment" for cybersecurity in the United States. According to the FBI, the criminal hacking group DarkSide was responsible for the attack on the oil pipeline, which occurred May of 2021. The Center for Strategic and International Studies hosted this event.
Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence and Research Brett Holmgren discussed foreign surveillance and intelligence gathering and its impact on U.S. diplomacy abroad during an event hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Much of the conversation focused on Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which authorizes the intelligence community to access the communications of non-U.S. persons outside of the United States. Mr. Holmgren touched on the importance of Section 702 as an integral tool in intelligence gathering, privacy protections, and how Section 702 enhances diplomatic relations with friends and allies. He also urged Congress to renew Section 702, which is set to expire on December 31, 2023.
Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA), author of "Lost and Broken," talks about his decades-long struggle living with chronic pain and anxiety and discusses his efforts to find the right treatment.
Taiwanese Representative to the U.S. Hsiao Bi-khim spoke about Taiwan's security and current relations with China during a breakfast conversation with reporters hosted by the Christian Science Monitor. The representative also touched on relations with the U.S. and how it's crucial to Taiwan's peace, prosperity, and security. Other topics included trade with the U.S. and Taiwan's military readiness.
Israel Missile Defense Organization (IMDO) Director Moshe Patel discussed Israel's security strategy and missile defense operations during a discussion hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Several topics were discussed, including Israel's Iron Dome air-defense system and its effectiveness, regional challenges, Israel's defense systems integration, and challenges posed by the war in Ukraine.
Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA), author of "Lost and Broken," talks about his decades-long struggle living with chronic pain and anxiety and discusses his efforts to find the right treatment.
Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA), author of "Lost and Broken," talks about his decades-long struggle living with chronic pain and anxiety and discusses his efforts to find the right treatment.
