4 chapters across the catalog
Biden Administration Chinese EV and Battery Tariff Hikes
The Biden administration finalized a decision to significantly increase tariffs on Chinese imports, including a jump from 25% to 100% on electric vehicles. Additional hikes target lithium-ion EV batteries and solar cells, effective September 27th. The move is framed as a measure to protect American workers from unfair trade practices, mirroring previous Trump-era policies.
The hosts deconstruct the legislative strategy used to pass fast-track authority after it initially failed in the House. By decoupling worker assistance from the trade bill and attaching it to a popular African trade deal, leadership secured the support of the Black Caucus. The hosts argue that Democrats used the assistance bill as a political excuse while ultimately favoring the trade deal.
Ron Kirk, US Trade Representative Bureaucracy
US Trade Representative Ron Kirk is criticized for his use of bureaucratic jargon and "aspirational" language during international summits. Audio clips from his speeches at APEC are used to illustrate the perceived lack of real-world business experience within the Obama administration's cabinet. The segment also features a satirical "The Onion" clip mocking the repetitive nature of cable news "bullshit" reporting.
The House of Representatives passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act, commonly known as the cap and trade bill. Representative John Boehner utilized a "magic minute" privilege to deliver a speech lasting over an hour, criticizing the 300-page amendment added at 3:09 a.m. Representative Henry Waxman is criticized for his attempts to interrupt the speech and his inquiries regarding parliamentary time limits.
