Congressional Dish
In this episode, you’ll hear what actually happened in Congress during October 2025, a month dominated by a record-breaking shutdown. While the House was on vacation, the Senate enacted mass confirmations of over 100 Trump-aligned nominees—many with extreme views, conflicts of interest, or industry ties—as well as the surprising bipartisan pushback against Trump’s global tariff abuses. We also examine the Senate’s failed attempt to stop Trump’s unauthorized overseas boat strikes. Please Support Congressional Dish – Quick Links Contribute monthly or a lump sum via ...
info_outlineCongressional Dish
After months of chaos under Trump’s second term, a shocking Senate hearing exposes how HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has politicized the CDC—firing scientists, silencing evidence, and demanding blind approval of vaccine changes. This episode dives into testimony from former CDC leaders and the rare moment of bipartisan oversight that could mark a turning point for accountability in Congress. Please Support Congressional Dish – Quick Links Contribute monthly or a lump sum via Support Congressional Dish via (donations per episode) Send Zelle payments to:...
info_outlineCongressional Dish
A summary of September 2025. From new laws on veterans’ health, privacy, and export controls to a wave of Trump-era nominees confirmed in bulk — including several with jaw-dropping conflicts of interest — this month was a mess. In addition to new laws and confirmations, there were failed censure stunts, a delayed swearing-in that’s blocking a vote on the Epstein files, and yet another avoidable government shutdown. Both parties are playing games while regular people pay the price. Please Support Congressional Dish – Quick Links Contribute monthly or a lump sum via Support...
info_outlineCongressional Dish
Congress is once again playing with fire, and this time it’s the Democrats holding the match. In today’s episode, I’m sounding the alarm about a looming government shutdown that could hit at midnight on September 30th. History tells us shutdowns backfire on the party that demands partisan add-ons to must-pass funding bills, yet Democrats are betting they can use that same failed strategy and escape the blame. I’ll walk you through the shutdown showdowns of the past decade, explain what’s different—and more dangerous—about this moment, and lay out the real costs to workers,...
info_outlineCongressional Dish
Since the beginning of this Congress, there have been 24 new laws signed and dozens of confirmations shaping our government in President Trump’s second term. From the Laken Riley Act’s attack on immigrant rights, to the One Big Beautiful Bill’s devastating effects on healthcare and the environment, to quiet but powerful confirmations of billionaires, bankers, and loyalists into positions that control our economy and foreign policy, this is a moment when Congress is rewriting the rules of our democracy. If you want to understand how decisions made in Washington are enriching corporations,...
info_outlineCongressional Dish
Part 2 of the “Big Beautiful Bill”. In this episode, we examine tax cuts and tax increases for the wealthy, the corporations, and for the rest of us. We examine the winners and losers chosen by the Republicans and what it all means for you. Please Support Congressional Dish – Quick Links Contribute monthly or a lump sum via Support Congressional Dish via (donations per episode) Send Zelle payments to: Donation@congressionaldish.com Send Venmo payments to: @Jennifer-Briney Send Cash App payments to: $CongressionalDish or Donation@congressionaldish.com Use your bank’s online bill pay...
info_outlineCongressional Dish
The One Big Beautiful Bill is now officially law, ushering in a sweeping wave of reforms that promise to reshape the nation. In this episode, we unpack the concerning changes it brings to immigration policy, environmental protections, and health care coverage—three pillars that will directly impact millions of lives. Please Support Congressional Dish – Quick Links Contribute monthly or a lump sum via Support Congressional Dish via (donations per episode) Send Zelle payments to: Donation@congressionaldish.com Send Venmo payments to: @Jennifer-Briney Send Cash App payments to:...
info_outlineCongressional Dish
Drones have become a powerful tool in modern warfare—used effectively by our allies against enemy forces, and, more controversially, against unarmed captives. But is the United States ready to defend itself against drone threats? In this episode, we bring you testimony from five recent congressional hearings, featuring high-ranking military and DHS officials, as well as top experts, sounding the alarm on the growing dangers in our skies. Please Support Congressional Dish – Quick Links Contribute monthly or a lump sum via Support Congressional Dish via (donations per episode) Send Zelle...
info_outlineCongressional Dish
The House version of the “Big, Beautiful Bill” includes a 10-year moratorium on state and local regulation of AI models and systems. In this episode, listen to highlights from a congressional hearing held the day before the bill passed — including discussion of this sneaky little dingleberry. Please Support Congressional Dish – Quick Links Contribute monthly or a lump sum via Support Congressional Dish via (donations per episode) Send Zelle payments to: Donation@congressionaldish.com Send Venmo payments to: @Jennifer-Briney Send Cash App payments to: $CongressionalDish or...
info_outlineCongressional Dish
The House of Representatives has passed their version of the "Big, Beautiful Bill" and parts of it are extraordinarily dangerous and must be stopped. As the Senate prepares to edit the BBB, discover the hidden dangers so that you can take action against the parts that threaten you the most. Please Support Congressional Dish – Quick Links Contribute monthly or a lump sum via Support Congressional Dish via (donations per episode) Send Zelle payments to: Donation@congressionaldish.com Send Venmo payments to: @Jennifer-Briney Send Cash App payments to: $CongressionalDish or...
info_outlineThe 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund is being rationed due to a lack of funding and an approaching end date for the program. In this episode, learn about the shocking, growing number of 9/11 victims, understand why these victims are in danger of having to bear the financial consequences of their injuries on their own, and examine the details and status of H.R. 1327, the bill that would solve this problem for good. Jamie Kilstein joins Jen for the thank you's.
_________________________________________________
Please Support Congressional Dish – Quick Links
- Click here to contribute monthly or a lump sum via PayPal
- Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon
- Send Zelle payments to: Donation@congressionaldish.com
- Send Venmo payments to: @Jennifer-Briney
- Send Cash App payments to: $CongressionalDish or Donation@congressionaldish.com
- Use your bank's online bill pay function to mail contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North, Number 4576, Crestview, FL 32536
Please make checks payable to Congressional Dish
Thank you for supporting truly independent media!
____________________________________________________
Recommended Podcast Episodes
_____________________________________________________
Additional Reading
- Article: Schumer calls for Senate vote on 9/11 victim fund by Jordain Carney, The Hill, June 12, 2019.
- Bill: House Bill 1327 Never Forget the Heroes: Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act by 116th Congress, June 12, 2019.
- Article: After emotional testimony from 9/11 responders, House panel votes to replenish victims fund by Devlin Barrett, Washington Post, June 12, 2019.
- Bill: House Bill 1327 extend authorization for the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001 through fiscal year 2090, and for other purposes. by 116th Congress, February 25, 2019.
- Document: Federal Register Docket: 911 Victim Compensation Fund: Compensation of Claims by Department of Justice, October 3, 2018.
- Article: Former EPA head admits she was wrong to tell New Yorkers post-9/11 air was safe by Joanna Walters, The Guardian, September 10, 2016.
- Bill: House Bill 1786 James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act, 114th Congress, Congress.gov, June 11, 2015.
- Bill: House Bill 2029 Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016 by 114th Congress, Congress.gov, April 24, 2015.
- YouTube Video: 911 Airport Hijackers by Mcdlover4, March 23, 2012.
- Article: EPA Regulators Say They've Learned From 9/11 Blunders, but Critics Remain Unconvinced by Jeremy P. Jacobs, New York Times, September 9, 2011.
- Article: Ex-EPA Chief Is Ruled Not Liable for 9/11 Safety Claims by Robin Shulman, Washington Post, April 23, 2008.
- Document: EPA’s Response to the World Trade Center Collapse by Office of Inspector General, August 21, 2003.
- Bill: House Bill 2926 Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act by 107th Congress, Congress.gov, September 21, 2001.
Sound Clip Sources
Hearing: The Need to Reauthorize the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, June 11, 2019
Witnesses:
- Rupa Bhattacharyya: Special Master of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, Department of Justice
- Dr. Jaqueline Moline M.D.: Chair of Occupational Medicine, Epidemiology and Prevention at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell
- Lila Nordstrom: 9/11 Survivor
- Anesa Maria St. Rose Henry: Widow of Candidus Henry, Construction Worker and 9/11 Responder
- Thomas Mohnal: Special Agent, FBI and 9/11 Responder
- Michael O’Connell: Retired Lieutenant and 9/11 Responder, FDNY
- Luis Alvarez: Retired Detective and 9/11 Responder, NYPD
- Jon Stewart: 9/11 Responders and Survivors Advocate
YouTube: This is a clip from the documentary: 911, Toxic Legacy which aired on Canadian CBC 9/10.2006, September 10, 2006
Cover Art
Design by Only Child Imaginations

Music Presented in This Episode
Intro & Exit: Tired of Being Lied To by David Ippolito (found on Music Alley by mevio)