CD333: January 2026 — Big Tests, Minimal Action
Congressional Dish
January 2026 put the 119th Congress to the test—and once again, it barely showed up. This episode tracks how sudden vacancies shrank the Republican majority, why that paralysis explains one of the quietest legislative months in years, and what actually made it into law when Congress finally finished half of its long-overdue government funding. 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...
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CD332: Controlling Venezuela
Congressional Dish
Secretary of State Marco Rubio testified before the Senate to defend the U.S. seizure of Venezuela’s president—and his answers raised more questions than they settled. This episode features highlights from the testimony, discussion of possible further military action, and an examination of the Trump administration’s efforts to reshape and control Venezuela’s oil sector and contracts. 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...
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CD331: December 2025 — Authorizing Future Disasters
Congressional Dish
This episode breaks down major provisions of the newly passed National Defense Authorization Act, including how Congress quietly weakened air-traffic safety rules, expanded counter-drone authorities for law enforcement, loosened protections against toxic “forever chemicals” for firefighters, and repealed outdated Iraq war authorizations while leaving broader war powers intact. It also covers new laws affecting taxes, veterans, and public lands, Trump’s vetoes of bipartisan bills, and a wave of confirmations placing industry-connected figures in powerful regulatory and defense roles. ...
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CD330: Prosecutor Jack Smith’s Deposition
Congressional Dish
Special Prosecutor Jack Smith gave a closed-door, eight-hour deposition to the House Judiciary Committee that was later—surprisingly—made public. In this episode, hear highlights from his testimony about the investigation into Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election, including the fake electors scheme, key prosecutorial decisions, and why members of Congress chose to scrutinize the investigation rather than the alleged crimes. Please Support Congressional Dish – Quick Links Contribute monthly or a lump sum via Support Congressional Dish via (donations per episode) Send...
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CD329: Citizens Detained
Congressional Dish
In this episode, hear testimony that Republican leadership refused to make part of the official Congressional Record—stories from U.S. citizens who were violently arrested and jailed by agents of the Department of Homeland Security, often while clearly identifying themselves as Americans. This is not rhetoric, speculation, or partisan spin; it is sworn testimony, backed by a Senate investigation, and it raises a terrifying question: if this can happen to them, what stops it from happening to any of us? Please Support Congressional Dish – Quick Links Contribute monthly or a lump sum via ...
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CD328: November Laws & Vaccine Chaos
Congressional Dish
In this two-topic episode, we break down what became law in November—including the shutdown deal that reopened the government and the dingleberries that were quietly slipped into it. Then we revisit the hearing on the firing of the CDC Director, focusing on a politicized vaccine advisory committee that has changed its recommendation for the hepatitis B vaccine for newborns. 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...
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CD327: 23AndMe and the Sale of Your DNA
Congressional Dish
Millions of people have trusted 23andMe with their most intimate data—but what happens when a company holding 15 million DNA profiles goes bankrupt? In this episode, you’ll hear highlights from bipartisan House and Senate hearings exposing how genetic data can be hacked, shared, retained, and even sold under current U.S. law. Using testimony from lawmakers, legal experts, and 23andMe leaders, this episode uncovers the alarming gaps in federal privacy protections and explains why your genetic information—and even your relatives’—may be far less secure than you think. Please Support...
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CD326: October 2025 — Slippery Barnacles
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 ...
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CD325: Politics Trump Science at the CDC
Congressional 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:...
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CD324: Sept 2025: Destruction of Norms
Congressional 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_outlineWe just lived through the craziest lame duck period - the time between when the President and members of Congress keep their power after being fired in an election - in United States history. In this episode, we look at everything that happened, from start to finish. That was literally one Hell of a ride.
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Recommended Episodes
CD221: Kicking the Funding Can
Bills
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H.R. 1520 (116th): Further Extension of Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 Congress.gov
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H.J.Res. 110 (116th): Extension of Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 Congress.gov
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H.J.Res. 107 (116th): Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 Congress.gov
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H.R. 8900 (116th): Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021, and Other Extensions Act Congress.gov
Articles/Documents
- Article: Democrats ask ethics panel to investigate Sens. Cruz, Hawley, By Kevin Freking, AP, January 21, 2021
- Article: Lawmakers Were Feet and Seconds Away From Confrontation With the Mob in the Capitol, By Ted Mann, Dustin Volz, Lindsay Wise and Chad Day, The Wall Street Journal, January 12, 2021
- Article: How A Snap Impeachment Could Shatter Our Constitutional Balance, By Jonathan Turley, January 11, 2021
- Article: Yes, It Was a Coup Attempt. Here’s Why., By Fiona Hill, Politico, January 11, 2021
- Article: Censure resolution filed against Rep. Mo Brooks, WSFA News, January 11, 2021
- Article: Trump and his allies tried to overturn Pennsylvania’s election results for two months. Here are the highlights., By Jeremy Roebuck and Jonathan Lai, Inquirer, January 7, 2021
- Article: I Hate Federal Commissions, But Americans Need One To Look Into The 2020 Election, By Jonathan Turley, January 7, 2021
- Article: Here are the Republicans who objected to certifying the election results, By Jenny Gross and Luke Broadwater, The New York Times, January 7, 2021
- Article: We Must Talk About Constitutional Issues In The Election Certification, By Jonathan Turley, January 6, 2021
- Article: Chip Roy challenges seating of House members from six presidential battleground states, By Juliegrace Brufke, The Hill, January 3, 2021
- Article: McCarthy says he supports effort to challenge Electoral College results, By Juliegrace Brufke, The Hill, January 3, 2021
- Article: 117th Congress: Breaking down the historic numbers, By Ethan Cohen, Liz Stark and Adam Levy, CNN, January 3, 2021
- Article: Pelosi wins Speakership for fourth time in dramatic vote, By Mike Lillis and Scott Wong, The Hill, January 3, 2021
- Article: Appeals court dismisses Gohmert's election suit against Pence, By John Kruzel, The Hill, January 2, 2021
- Article: Congress overrides Trump veto for the first time, By Jordain Carney, The Hill, January 1, 2021
- Article: Frustrations flare as $2,000 checks blocked for fourth straight day, By Jordain Carney, The Hill, January 1, 2021
- Article: Congressman-elect Luke Letlow dies after battling Covid-19, By Jim Acosta, Jamie Gangel and Paul LeBlanc, CNN, December 30, 2020
- Article: Pelosi presses McConnell to allow vote on bill for $2,000 stimulus checks, By Tal Axelrod, The Hill, December 30, 2020
- Article: GOP senator says he'll block consent for $2,000 stimulus checks, By Alexander Bolton, The Hill, December 29, 2020
- Article: Louisiana Rep.-elect Luke Letlow dies of COVID-19, By Juliegrace Brufke, The Hill, December 29, 2020
- Article: McConnell blocks vote on $2K checks, signals new package, By Jordain Carney, The Hill, December 29, 2020
- Article: Sanders to slow down NDAA veto override in bid to get vote on $2K checks proposal, By Jordain Carney, The Hill, December 28, 2020
- Article: House overrides Trump veto of defense bill, By Rebecca Kheel, The Hill, December 28, 2020
- Article: House GOP rejects unanimous consent on $2,000 direct payments, By Naomi Jagoda and Juliegrace Brufke, The Hill, December 24, 2020
- Article: Republicans scramble to prevent year-end legislative disaster, By Alexander Bolton and Juliegrace Brufke, The Hill, December 24, 2020
- Article: Republicans vent over surprise Trump move on COVID-19 relief, By Juliegrace Brufke, The Hill, December 23, 2020
- Article: Congress unveils $2.3 trillion government spending and virus relief package, By Niv Elis, The Hill, December 21, 2020
- Article: Congress to pass seven-day stopgap to buy time for COVID-19 funding deal, By Jordain Carney, The Hill, December 21, 2020
- Article: Congress passes one-day stopgap bill ahead of shutdown deadline, By Jordain Carney, The Hill, December 21, 2020
- Article: Congress passes $2.3T coronavirus relief, government funding deal, By Jordain Carney, The Hill, December 21, 2020
- Article: Senate GOP absences snag Trump nominees, By Jordain Carney, The Hill, December 19, 2020
- Article: Senators reach deal on Fed powers, setting stage for coronavirus relief passage, By Alexander Bolton and Mike Lillis, The Hill, December 19, 2020
- Article: Trump signs bill to keep government open amid relief talks, By Brett Samuels, The Hill, December 18, 2020
- Article: GOP senator backs down from shutdown threat, By Jordain Carney, The Hill, December 18, 2020
- Article: Congress passes bill to avert shutdown as coronavirus talks drag into weekend, By Jordain Carney, The Hill, December 18, 2020
- Article: GOP senator blocks bill for $1,200 stimulus checks for second time, By Jordain Carney, The Hill, December 18, 2020
- Article: GOP senator blocks bill to provide $1,200 stimulus checks, By Jordain Carney, The Hill, December 18, 2020
- Article: McConnell tees up weekend votes on nominations as coronavirus talks drag, By Jordain Carney, The Hill, December 17, 2020
- Article: Explaining how Congress settles electoral college disputes, By Scott Bomboy, Constitution Daily, December 15, 2020
- Article: Senate confirms two more Trump judicial nominees, By Harper Neidig, The Hill, December 15, 2020
- Article: McConnell congratulates Biden on White House win, By Jordain Carney, The Hill, December 15, 2020
- Letter: Addressed to President Trump, By William P. Barr, December 15, 2020
- Article: More than 100 House Republicans sign brief backing Texas lawsuit challenging election results, By Juliegrace Brufke and Scott Wong, The Hill, December 10, 2020
- Article: House approves defense policy bill despite Trump veto threat, By Rebecca Kheel, The Hill, December 8, 2020
- Article: Supreme Court rejects GOP bid to nullify Biden win in Pennsylvania, By John Kruzel, The Hill, December 8, 2020
- Article: Texas sues states Biden won in Supreme Court, seeking to delay Electoral College vote, By Harper Neidig, The Hill, December 8, 2020
- Article: Supreme Court tosses GOP bid to throw out PA mail ballots without hearing it, By Edmund DeMarche, Morgan Phillips | Fox News, December 7, 2020
- Article: Barr says DOJ hasn't uncovered widespread voter fraud in 2020 election, By Brett Samuels, The Hill, December 1, 2020
- Article: Disputing Trump, Barr says no widespread election fraud, By Michael Balsamo, December 1, 2020
- Article: Trump’s Election Attack Ends December 14—Whether He Knows It or Not, By Lily Hay Newman, Wired, November 27, 2020
- Article: Trump's election fight includes over 50 lawsuits. It's not going well., By Pete Williams and Nicole Via y Rada, NBC News, November 23, 2020
- Document: Counting Electoral Votes: An Overview of Procedures at the Joint Session, Including Objections by Members of Congress, Congressional Research Service, December 15, 2016
- Article: Congress Ratifies Bush Victory After Challenge, By Sheryl Gay Stolberg and James Dao, The New York Times, December 17, 2005
Additional Resources
- Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors, U.S. House of Representatives
- Roll Call 17 | Bill Number: H. Res. 24, Clerk of U.S. House of Representatives, January 13, 2021
Sound Clip Sources
Video: @keithboykin, Twitter, Newsmax January 12, 2021
Debate: Counting of Electoral College Votes, Part 3, U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, C-SPAN, January 6, 2021
Transcript: Proceedings and Debates of the 117th Congress, First Session, U.S. House of Representatives, January 6, 2021
Debate: Senate Debate on Arizona Electoral College Vote Challenge, Part 2, U.S. Senate, C-SPAN, January 6, 2021
Debate: Senate Debate on Arizona Electoral College Vote Challenge, Part 2, U.S. Senate, C-SPAN, January 6, 2021
Debate: Senate Debate on Arizona Electoral College Vote Challenge, Part 1, U.S. Senate, C-SPAN, January 6, 2021
Debate: House Debate on Pennsylvania Electoral College Vote Challenge, U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, C-SPAN, January 6, 2021
Debate: House Debate on Arizona Electoral Challenge, Part 3, U.S. House of Representatives, C-SPAN, January 6, 2021
Debate: House Debate on Arizona Electoral Challenge, Part 1, U.S. House of Representatives, C-SPAN, January 6, 2021
Counting of Electoral College Votes, Part 2, U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, C-SPAN, January 6, 2021
Video: House Chamber During Joint Session, U.S. House of Representatives, C-SPAN, January 6, 2021
Debate: House Debate on Pennsylvania Electoral College Vote Challenge, U.S. House of Representatives, C-SPAN, January 6, 2021
Debate: Senate Debate on Pennsylvania Electoral College Vote Challenge, U.S. Senate, C-SPAN, January 6, 2021
News Address: President Trump tells rioters at Capitol to 'go home', CNN, January 6, 2021
Footage: Shooting and Storming Of The US Capitol In Washington DC, Youtube.com, January 6, 2021
Debate: Senate Debate on Pennsylvania Electoral College Vote Challenge, The Washington Post, January 6, 2021
That Louie Gohmert lawsuit, The Hill, January 6, 2021
Video: Rally on Electoral College Vote Certification, White House, C-SPAN, January 6, 2021
Video: Donald Trump spoke at a “Save America” rally in Washington, D.C. on January 6 before Congress was set to confirm the election results. “We will never concede,” he said. Read the transcript of his speech remarks here., White House, rev.com, January 6, 2021
Call between Trump and Raffensperger, The Washington Post, January 5, 2021
Document: Court Document, U.S. District Court For The Eastern District of Texas, December 27, 2020
News Clip: McConnell congratulates President-elect Biden, Youtube, Reuters, December 15, 2020
News Clip: Stimulus: President Trump says stimulus checks need to be $2000, threatens to veto stimulus bill, Youtube, Yahoo Finance, December 11, 2020
News Clip: Meet the Press Blog: Latest news, analysis and data driving the political discussion, NBC News, December 11, 2020
News Clip: Sen. Rand Paul Condemns the 2021 NDAA for Prolonging War in Afghanistan - Dec. 10, 2020, Youtube, Senator Rand Paul, December 10, 2020
Ballot Count: Electoral College Ballot Count, U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, C-SPAN, January 6, 2005
Senate Session, U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, C-SPAN, January 6, 2005
Debate on Ohio Electoral Vote Objection, U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, C-SPAN, January 6, 2005
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)