4 chapters across the catalog
Ronald Reagan's 1980 Speech on the Department of Education
A 1980 clip of Ronald Reagan shows the then-candidate proposing the dissolution of the $10 billion Department of Education created by Jimmy Carter. Reagan argued that federal aid had become "federal interference" and that education should be returned to local districts. The hosts note that the department's budget has since ballooned to over $200 billion, far outpacing inflation.
Federal Judge Blocks USAID Dismantling, Executive Power Dispute
A federal judge issued a temporary pause on the administration's move to dismantle USAID, reinstating hundreds of employees and halting the forced return of overseas staff. The legal battle centers on whether an agency created by executive order can be summarily abolished by a successor. Meanwhile, the humanitarian aid industry reports millions in unpaid contracts due to the ongoing foreign aid freeze.
Large U.S. hospital chains used billions of dollars in federal COVID-19 relief funds to acquire smaller, weakened competitors and independent doctor practices. A New York Times report by Reid Abelson detailed how these bailouts facilitated market consolidation rather than just cushioning pandemic-related losses. Despite this, the Biden administration is slated to provide an additional $25 billion to healthcare providers.
U.S. Humanitarian Aid and Vetting Syrian Rebels
The U.S. government has allocated $1.4 billion in total aid related to the Syrian crisis, including a recent $339 million installment. Funds are distributed across Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Turkey, primarily through NGOs. A notice in the Federal Register outlines the provision of defense articles to "vetted" members of the Syrian opposition, raising concerns about the efficacy of the vetting process.
