Explainer

April 16, 2018

Explainer: House GOP proposes changes to ‘food stamp’ program

  What just happened? Last week the House Agriculture Committee introduced the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018, more commonly known as the Farm Bill. The new Farm Bill makes significant changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the “largest program in the domestic hunger safety net.” Continue Reading...

April 12, 2018

Explainer: What You Should Know About Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s Senate Hearings

What just happened? On Tuesday, Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg gave testimony (though not officially under oath) before a joint hearing of the Senate Judiciary and Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation committees. Continue Reading...

March 26, 2018

Explainer: What you should know about the 2018 omnibus spending bill

On Friday, Congress passed—and President Trump signed into law—a massive new omnibus spending bill. Here are some key points you should know about this legislation: What is an omnibus spending bill? Continue Reading...

February 12, 2018

Explainer: What you should know about Trump’s infrastructure plan

Earlier today, President Trump released his new $200 billion infrastructure plan. Here is what should know about the 53-page legislative outline: What is infrastructure? The Federal government has defined infrastructure as the framework of interdependent networks and systems comprising identifiable industries, institutions (including people and procedures), and distribution capabilities that provide a reliable flow of products and services essential to the defense and economic security of the United States, the smooth functioning of governments at all levels, and society as a whole. Continue Reading...

January 17, 2018

Explainer: What you should know about a government shutdown

Why is there talk about a government shutdown? In December Congress passed the Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (H.R. 1370) which provides non-discretionary funding through January 19, 2018. Because that Act expires at midnight on Friday, Congress must pass a new continuing appropriations act to keep the government operating. Continue Reading...

December 18, 2017

Explainer: Christmas 2017 by the Numbers

As the most widely observed cultural holiday in the world, Christmas produces many things—joy, happiness, gratitude, reverence. And numbers. Lots of peculiar, often large, numbers. Here are a few to contemplate this season: $74.70 – Average amount U.S. Continue Reading...

November 02, 2017

Explainer: What you should know about the GOP tax plan

Earlier today, Congressional Republicans introduced the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the House version of their long-promised tax reform legislation. Here is what you should know about the bill: How does the plan affect individual taxpayers? Continue Reading...

September 27, 2017

Explainer: What you should know about Trump’s tax reform framework

Later today in a speech in Indiana, President Trump will outline his tax reform framework. Here’s what you should know about the president’s plan: What are the goals of the tax reform framework? Continue Reading...

September 21, 2017

What you should know about the Graham-Cassidy Obamacare repeal bill

What is Graham-Cassidy? Graham-Cassidy is the shorthand title for a proposal introduced by Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) to repeal and replace Obamacare. Does this legislation “repeal and replace” Obamacare? Continue Reading...