9 chapters across the catalog
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified before Senate committees regarding his agency's budget and vaccine policy. During the hearings, Kennedy appeared to shift his stance by stating he promotes the measles vaccine, a move some analysts view as a political necessity. Additionally, Kennedy discussed plans to cut 20,000 staff members from HHS and eliminate federal programs like Title 10 to address the national debt.
Congressional Budget Committee and National Debt Disaster
The House Budget Committee discusses the "catastrophic" trajectory of the U.S. national debt. Lawmakers express concern that interest payments may soon exceed the military budget, yet remain hesitant to cut entitlement programs like Social Security and Medicare. The hosts mock the proposal of a "fiscal commission" as a way for Congress to avoid direct responsibility.
Military Leaders Warn Against Sequestration in Senate Hearing
General Mark Milley and other top military leaders testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee that budget sequestration is undermining national security. Senator John McCain led the questioning, with generals unanimously agreeing that current funding levels are inadequate to meet future threats.
Agenda Project Video, Republican Budget Cuts Allegations
The Agenda Project, founded by former DNC strategist Erica Payne, released a viral video titled "Republican Cuts Kill," blaming the Ebola crisis on GOP-led budget reductions. The video claims the CDC and NIH lost nearly $1 billion in funding due to sequestration and discretionary cuts since 2010. Critics point to Payne's history with George Soros and the Roosevelt Institute as evidence that the campaign is a partisan effort to influence the upcoming elections.
Super Committee Fiasco and 99% Benefit Concert Prediction
Ron Paul's take on the Congressional "Super Committee" is reviewed, with Paul arguing that no real cuts are being made, only cuts to "projected increases." Adam Curry predicts that Obama will use an executive order to resolve the tax cut issue and that a "99% benefit concert" featuring Lady Gaga will be announced soon.
US Super Committee, Military Budget Increases
The congressional "Super Committee" faces a deadline to vote on deficit reduction measures, with automatic cuts looming if no agreement is reached. Despite talk of austerity, reports indicate the U.S. military budget is projected to exceed $600 billion for 2012. The hosts observe that the defense industry remains the primary source of economic growth in regions like Austin.
Nancy Pelosi and the Super Committee Transparency
The hosts critique a clip of Nancy Pelosi discussing the "Super Committee" and government spending. Pelosi accuses Republicans of not believing in Social Security, Medicare, or clean air. The hosts debunk her claims, pointing out that Democrats failed to pass a budget when they held a supermajority and accusing her of blatant partisan lying.
New York Times columnist David Brooks revealed that he speaks with President Obama and White House staff more frequently than many members of Congress. Brooks noted that Obama has never personally called House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan to discuss the budget. The hosts criticize Brooks for sounding like a member of the administration rather than a reporter.
Senate Budget Committee Humor, Grassley and Conrad Exchange
A sound clip from the Senate Budget Committee features Senator Chuck Grassley joking with Chairman Ken Conrad about a past political favor. The exchange concludes with Grassley mentioning that Conrad's wife said the same thing, prompting laughter and observations about the rare presence of stand-up comedy in the Senate.
