6 chapters across the catalog
President Joe Biden's promise of a return to normalcy by July 4th is linked to the scheduled end of several Phase 2 and Phase 3 vaccine trials for Pfizer and AstraZeneca. Analysis of the 1.9 trillion dollar stimulus bill reveals an 86 billion dollar bailout for multi-employer pension funds, guaranteed through 2051. This financial provision is characterized as a major win for unions and a primary driver behind the push to reopen schools.
Eric Holder, Lori Robinson Resignation
Attorney General Eric Holder is scheduled to testify regarding Operation Fast and Furious. Simultaneously, Assistant Attorney General Lori Robinson, who managed billions in justice funds, has resigned. The hosts attempt to identify Robinson, noting a lack of clear information and a potential "cult" of similar names in government positions.
The CEO of Ammonix, a solar power manufacturer that received $25 million in federal stimulus and grant funding, died in a twin-engine Cessna crash in Northern California. The crash occurred during a "long final" approach after the pilot reported engine trouble. The hosts speculate on the timing of the accident given the company's involvement with government funds.
Cash for Clunkers Program, Engine Destruction Videos
The federal Cash for Clunkers program faces criticism as auto dealers struggle to receive government reimbursements, leading some to opt out of the initiative. Viral videos showing the intentional destruction of functional vehicles, such as Volvos, using sodium silicate to seize engines are described as a painful waste of resources. While the program spurred a quarter-million car sales, skeptics argue the funds would be better spent on direct job creation.
Recovery.gov Transparency, California Stimulus Fund Trading
The transparency of Recovery.gov is questioned, with the hosts describing it as a news blog that redirects users to other agencies. A Mother Jones report is cited, revealing that various California counties are trading and selling their federal stimulus funds to one another at a discount to bypass earmark restrictions.
Recovery.gov Updates and Small Business Aid Delays
The official stimulus tracking website, Recovery.gov, has been updated with new charts regarding highway infrastructure funds, but the hosts criticize the lack of detailed reporting on where the money is going. Similar issues are noted in the UK, where promised aid for small and medium businesses has been delayed by bureaucratic paperwork.
