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Category Archives: Legislation

OpenSecrets unveils new online ads database

“With the digital-dominated 2020 election shifting into high gear, OpenSecrets is releasing a new searchable, sortable online ads database that provides comprehensive details about political ad spending on Google and Facebook.  OpenSecrets is tracking over 80,000 online political advertisers, more than four times the number of committees registered with the Federal Election Commission. Each advertiser has its… Continue Reading

A Low-Yield, Submarine-Launched Nuclear Warhead: Overview of the Expert Debate

CRS – A Low-Yield, Submarine-Launched Nuclear Warhead: Overview of the Expert Debate Updated September 9, 2020 – “The Trump Administration has developed a new low-yield version of the W-76 warhead for existing submarine-launched Trident II (D-5) missiles. Unclassified sources state that the current W76-1 warhead has an explosive yield of around 100 kilotons. The National… Continue Reading

Report – Regulating Social Media

The Fight Over Section 230 and Beyond by Paul M. Barrett is the deputy director of the New York University Stern Center for Business and Human Rights. “Recently, Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996 has come under sharp attack from members of both political parties, including presidential candidates Donald Trump and Joe… Continue Reading

How Libraries Can Save the 2020 Election

The New York Times Opinion – Eric Klinenberg: “As states rush to adapt their election systems amid the coronavirus pandemic, officials estimate that 80 million Americans plan to vote by mail this fall, twice as many as in 2016. Because of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy’s decision to remove or cripple key components of America’s mail system… Continue Reading

FDA’s Role in the Medical Product Supply Chain and Considerations During COVID-19

CRS report via LC – FDA’s Role in the Medical Product Supply Chain and Considerations During COVID-19, September 1, 2020: “The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected the medical product supply chain globally and domestically. Although concerns about the U.S. medical product supply chain predate the emergence of COVID-19, the ongoing pandemic has underscored… Continue Reading

CRS – The Federal Reserve’s Main Street Lending Program

The Federal Reserve’s Main Street Lending Program, August 27, 2020. IF11632, Marc Labonte, Lida R. Weinstock. “In response to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Federal Reserve (Fed) created a series of emergency lending programs, including the Main Street Lending Program (MSLP). The MSLP supports lending to eligible businesses and nonprofits and marks the first time… Continue Reading

Fourth Report of Congressional Oversight Commission on CARES Act

“The members of the bipartisan Congressional Oversight Commission have published their fourth report. It is available for review here. The Commission’s three previous reports are also available for review at the Congressional Oversight Commission’s website. Earlier this month, the Congressional Oversight Commission hosted its first public hearing, examining the Main Street Lending Program. You may… Continue Reading

Explore the Bound Congressional Record on Congress.gov

In Custodia Legis – Library of Congress: “We are excited to start adding the volumes of the Congressional Record (Bound Edition) (also referred to as the “Bound Congressional Record”) to Congress.gov. If you’re not familiar with the Congressional Record, it is a record of the debate and proceedings that occur on the floor of Congress. It… Continue Reading

The Other Way Trump Could Destroy the Next Presidency

The Atlantic [paywall] – via MSN [no paywall]: “…Presidential transitions are the connective tissue of the American political process. Past presidents and members of Congress have recognized the importance of a smooth transition through legislation and norms established in past handovers. Outgoing President George H. W. Bush underlined this point in his valedictory note to… Continue Reading

Library of Congress Virtual Public Forum

“The Library of Congress will be hosting a Virtual Public Forum on September 10, at 10:00 to 12:00 EST focusing on Congress.gov and the Library’s role in providing access to congressional information. This forum is part of the Library’s response to a congressional request to facilitate public input into the Library’s legislative information services and… Continue Reading

As COVID-19 Tanks the Economy Eviction Moratoriums Expire

Pew Stateline: “It’s the beginning of the month, rent is due, the $600 in federal unemployment relief has lapsed and Congress seems far from agreeing on another coronavirus aid package. Meanwhile, the federal moratorium on evictions has ended, and similar mandates in many cities and states have expired or soon will. This week, as pressure… Continue Reading

Trump’s radical lawsuit against Nevada’s vote-by-mail law, explained

Vox: “On Monday [August 3, 200), Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) signed legislation intended to ensure that voters in his state can still cast a ballot during the Covid-19 pandemic. Among other things, the new law (known as AB4) provides that registered Nevada voters will automatically receive a ballot in the mail, a common practice… Continue Reading