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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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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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...
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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,...
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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,...
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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...
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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:...
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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...
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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...
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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_outline“FISA 702” allows the government to spy on foreigners and store the information that they collect about American citizens incidentally. After more than a decade of FBI officials inappropriately searching the database of our information without warrants, Congress just reauthorized the program and made some changes - some reigning the program in and some expanding it. In this episode, learn what those changes are and how they are likely to affect you.
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Background Sources
Recommended Congressional Dish Episodes
CD289: The Not A TikTok Ban Bill
CD285: The Indicteds: Rep. George Santos and Sen. Robert Menendez
CD098: USA Freedom Act: Privatization of the Patriot Act
FISA
“US Senate votes to reauthorize surveillance program, Biden to sign swiftly.” Jasper Ward. April 20, 2024. Reuters.
“Reformers Narrowly Lose on FISA Reform, Now Get Patriot Act 2.0.” Luke Goldstein. April 12, 2024. The American Prospect.
“FBI misused intelligence database in 278,000 searches, court says.” Zeba Siddiqui. May 19, 2023. Reuters.
“Document re: Section 702 2021 Certification.” April 21, 2022. U.S. Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court.
“Review of Four FISA Applications and Other Aspects of the FBI’s Crossfire Hurricane Investigation.” December 2019. U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General.
“Surveillance of Foreigners Outside the United States Under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA),” [R44457].” Edward C. Liu. April 13, 2016. Congressional Research Service.
History of Surveillance
“Domestic Surveillance and AT&T.” Mark Klein. November 8, 2007. C-SPAN Washington Journal.
“Bush Lets U.S. Spy on Callers Without Courts.” James Risen and Eric Lichtblau. December 16, 2005. The New York Times.
NSA Spy Center
“Surprise Visitors Are Unwelcome At The NSA's Unfinished Utah Spy Center (Especially When They Take Photos.)” Kashmir Hill. March 4, 2013. Forbes.
“The NSA Is Building the Country's Biggest Spy Center (Watch What You Say.)” James Bamford. March 15, 2012. Wired.
PRISM program
“Everything you need to know about PRISM.” T.C. Sottek and Janus Kopfstein. July 17, 2013. The Verge.
Laws
H.R.7888 - Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act
Vote Breakdowns
Amendments
H.R.6304 - FISA Amendments Act of 2008
Audio Sources
Senate Session
April 19, 2024
House Session
April 12, 2024
Speakers:
Domestic Surveillance and AT&T
November 8, 2007
C-SPAN Washington Journal
Music
Tired of Being Lied To by David Ippolito