legislation
The bills that Congress reject are as informative as the ones it does. Reviews of all the legislation that meet their fate in government halls.
The Map, the Myth, and the Math: What Texas’s New District Plan Really Shows
When the public hears racial inequality claims in politics, like Texas Rep. Vince Perez (D, El Paso, District 77) saying “Latino citizens count for one-third, Black citizens for one-fifth, of a white resident,” the words sound urgent and even righteous. But rhetoric without precision is not public service; it is stagecraft. When numbers are presented without the actual mechanics of representation, they do not enlighten anyone. They construct a narrative.
By Mike Barvosa5 months ago in The Swamp
US national debt surges to record breaking 37 trillion
US debt rises to a record-breaking 37 trillion dollars. The US Treasury Department confirmed on August 12, 2025, that the national debt has reached 37 trillion dollars. According to pre-pandemic forecasts, this level was not expected to be reached until after 2030. This milestone demonstrates the rapid pace of borrowing in recent years, driven by unprecedented spending responses to the COVID 19 pandemic and recent tax and spending legislation that has widened the federal deficit. The new tax cuts and spending programs that were enacted earlier this year will, according to the Congressional Budget Office, generate more than four trillion dollars in additional borrowing over the next ten years. While supporters of these measures argue that they stimulate growth and competitiveness, opponents warn that they deepen fiscal imbalances and make the nation more susceptible to economic shocks. The country has added trillions at a record pace in just over five years, which is particularly striking when compared to the previous quarter century, when the debt grew more gradually. In the past two years alone, the federal government has been adding roughly one trillion dollars to the debt every five months, more than double the historical average rate. This acceleration is particularly striking when compared to the previous quarter century, when the debt grew more gradually. Before 2020, debt projections showed a steady but slower rise, with the 37 trillion mark coming much The Peter G. Peterson Foundation's chief executive officer, Michael Peterson, has expressed concern about the consequences of such a rapid debt accumulation. He points out that large and growing federal borrowing puts upward pressure on interest rates, raises costs for consumers and businesses, reduces private sector investment, and creates a cycle that results in more borrowing, higher interest payments, and an ever-increasing debt load. The Government Accountability Office has also outlined the real-world effects of rising debt on Americans. Rising national debt can raise borrowing costs for consumers, making credit cards, mortgages, and car loans more expensive. Businesses may have less access to capital, which could limit hiring, wage growth, and investment. Rising debt also contributes to inflationary pressures, making everyday goods and services more expensive. Beyond the dollar figure, analysts point to the debt to GDP ratio as a crucial indicator of fiscal health. As of the middle of 2025, this ratio is still historically high, and if current trends continue, it is on track to surpass the peak reached during World War II by 2027. Mandatory programs like Social Security and Medicare consume a significant portion of the budget, and rapidly rising interest costs make it difficult for lawmakers to reduce deficits without deeply affecting politically sensitive areas. Despite these concerns, the United States still has advantages that a lot of other countries don't have. The US dollar is still the world's primary reserve currency, and there is still a strong demand for Treasury bonds all over the world. This demand has historically allowed the federal government to borrow at relatively low rates. However, some economists warn that if debt continues to grow unchecked, investor confidence could weaken over time, which could force the government to pay higher interest in order to attract buyers. Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, says that she hopes the milestone will awaken policymakers to the urgency of the problem. She argues that changes will need to be made quickly to prevent the debt from spiraling further out of control. Looking ahead, many fiscal experts hope that crossing the 37 trillion dollar threshold will spark serious discussions in Washington about long-term debt reduction. However, the path forward is uncertain due to political polarization and competing priorities. Both major parties have proposed fiscal reforms, but there are still deep disagreements about whether to focus on spending cuts, revenue increases, or a combination of the two. Without bipartisan agreement, a comprehensive debt reduction is unlikely to occur soon. The federal government is currently carrying the largest debt load in its history and growing at an unprecedented rate. In the coming years, it will be up to policymakers to decide whether they will take decisive steps to slow this growth or whether the country will continue along its current trajectory, which could result in higher costs and less flexibility to respond to future crises. The upcoming debates in Washington will determine whether the 37 trillion mark becomes a turning point toward fiscal discipline or simply another waypoint on the path to even higher levels of national debt. This latest milestone is not just a symbolic number on a balance sheet; rather, it represents a mounting fiscal challenge with real implications for interest rates, wages, inflation, and the overall economic resilience of the United States.
By GLOBAL NEWS5 months ago in The Swamp
U.S. Government to Take Cut of Nvidia and AMD A.I. Chip Sales to China
**U.S. The government will reduce AMD and Nvidia's AI budgets. China Chip Sales** The leading semiconductor companies Nvidia and AMD must give China 15% of sales revenue from specific AI products sold in the Chinese market in exchange for permission to export those chips. The chips in question are Nvidia's H20 model and AMD's MI308, both of which are designed to deliver high performance in AI training and inference workloads. These models were previously restricted under U.S. export rules due to concerns that their capabilities could enhance China's artificial intelligence and military technologies. This arrangement marks a significant departure from traditional export control practices The U.S. government halted sales of these chips to China earlier this year, citing national security risks. The freeze put a lot of pressure on both Nvidia and AMD because the Chinese market is so important to their revenue streams. China is one of the biggest consumers of AI hardware in the world, and a long sales ban would have cost billions of dollars. A compromise between the companies and the government allows limited exports but comes with a 15% revenue cut that goes to the U.S. Treasury. Officials argue that permitting some level of controlled exports keeps U.S. technology integrated into Chinese systems, preventing complete reliance on alternative suppliers such as domestic Chinese chipmakers or competitors from other nations. This foothold could in theory preserve long-term influence in the global AI technology ecosystem. Critics, on the other hand, view the decision as contradictory. They argue that if the chips are truly a security risk, then no percentage of revenue should justify allowing their sale. Additionally, the precedent of monetizing access to sensitive For Nvidia alone, Chinese demand for the H20 could reach several billion dollars per year, making the government's cut a substantial source of revenue. AMD's exposure is less certain, but still potentially significant given the growing demand for high-end AI accelerators in China. This revenue may benefit federal coffers, but the lack of clarity over how it will be used has raised transparency concerns among lawmakers and policy experts. Industry analysts have calculated that the 15% levy could result in billions of dollars flowing to the U.S. The ability to reenter the Chinese market and offset the lower profitability of Chinese sales will determine the financial impact on Nvidia and AMD. Stock market reactions have been mixed up to this point, with some shareholders welcoming any return to sales while others worry that the terms of the agreement could serve as a model for future government demands in other markets or industries. Observers speculate that the agreement may be part of a larger negotiation package, possibly involving concessions on rare earth minerals or other strategically important resources. While no formal link has been established, the timing suggests it may be a factor. The agreement comes amid broader U.S. China trade discussions. The decision raises fundamental questions about whether the best way to manage competition with China is through outright restrictions or through controlled engagement that simultaneously serves economic and strategic goals. How this policy plays out will shape not only the balance between these two global powers but also the rules of the game for technology trade in the years ahead. It reflects the increasingly complex intersection of commerce, technology, and geopolitics in the age of artificial intelligence. It underscores how strategic technologies are now both tools of national power and valuable commodities.
By GLOBAL NEWS5 months ago in The Swamp
Frightening Reality? 5 Insights on “Soon No Liberal Will Be Able to Live in Israel”
The provocative assertion that “Soon no liberal will be able to live in Israel. The IDF has already fallen to messianism” captures a deeply anxious sentiment within segments of Israeli society. Here, I explore its meaning, analyze current data and commentary, and assess what it reveals about Israel’s political and military trajectory.
By Kageno Hoshino5 months ago in The Swamp
The Redistricting Scam Nobody Wants to Fix
Everyone’s talking about gerrymandering again, but almost no one is talking about the bigger structural flaw baked into the system. And if you think this is just about Republicans or Democrats, you are already missing the point.
By Mike Barvosa5 months ago in The Swamp
Box Office Battle: Weapons Roars to the Top, Freakier Friday Follows in Strong Second
Start ## Box Office Competition: "Weapons" Takes First, "Freakier Friday" Comes in Second Strongly The horror-thriller "Weapons" has taken a commanding lead in a thrilling summer box office battle, opening with an impressive $18.2 million on Friday. In contrast, Disney's "Freakier Friday" had a strong debut, debuting in second place with $12.7 million. ### All of the cylinders are hit by "weapons." *Weapons*, directed by Zach Cregger, smashed into more than 3,200 theaters and made $5.7 million just from previews on Thursday. After just a few recent standouts, it ranks among the highest-grossing opening days for original horror films in the post-pandemic era with its combined Friday total. In a market that is frequently dominated by sequels and superhero blockbusters, industry analysts are now projecting a domestic opening weekend in the range of $42–47 million, a remarkable achievement for an original title. The film is already well on its way to profitability with a production budget of approximately 38 million dollars. The response from critics and the public has been particularly strong. CinemaScore users gave the movie an A–, a remarkable achievement for a horror movie. More than 60% of viewers would "definitely recommend" it to others, according to post-screening polls. Critics have praised the story because of its combination of tense atmosphere, shocking twists, and deeper emotional themes. They see it as more than just another entry in the genre. Cregger, best known for the surprise hit "Barbarian," has once more demonstrated his ability to combine originality and suspense. Not only does "Weapons" provide a few moments of pure terror, but it also tells a multilayered story about grief, loss, and how people deal with their deepest fears. ### "Freakier Friday" Strikes a Sadistic Note Even though "Weapons" took the top spot, "Freaker Friday" also made a big splash. Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis are back in the beloved comedy sequel, which brought the story to a new generation and pleased longtime fans. The movie opened on Wednesday in a few markets and made 3.1 million dollars in previews before it did well on Friday. It now has weekend projections of $30–32 million, which is a great return for a family comedy with a reported $40 million production budget. The film received a positive response from audiences, earning an "A" CinemaScore and high audience ratings across major review platforms. The film has received praise from viewers for retaining the original's charm while introducing new comedic setups and heartfelt scenes. The body-swapping antics that drive the plot are bolstered by the emotional weight of Lohan and Curtis's chemistry, which is still as engaging as ever. Reminiscence-based marketing also contributes to the film's popularity. In its marketing campaign, Disney used callbacks, Easter eggs, and cast photos side-by-side to evoke fond memories of the 2003 film. Many theaters reported sell-out performances on Friday night, indicating that the strategy worked. ### Two Different Routes to Achievement There is no greater contrast between the two films. *Weapons* is aimed squarely at thrill-seekers and fans of horror, and it thrives on atmosphere, dread, and shocking narrative turns. On the other hand, "Freaker Friday" attracts audiences of all ages with its warmth, humor, and family-friendly appeal. Both are thriving at the box office despite their differences. *Weapons* should continue to gain momentum in the coming weeks due to strong word-of-mouth from horror enthusiasts and genre critics. Family audiences and repeat viewers are likely to support "Freakier Friday" throughout its run. *Weapons* has already begun to amass a respectable international following, with its initial day of sales bringing in more than $11 million from international markets. In just 24 hours, it has reached nearly $30 million globally in addition to its domestic haul. In the coming weeks, "Freakier Friday" will expand internationally, where its appeal to people of all generations could generate additional revenue. ### Summer box office increases The results this weekend show how different moviegoers' tastes will be in 2025. When done with care and creativity, original, high-concept horror can still sell out theaters, and a well-executed sequel with a strong nostalgic pull can attract a sizable audience. *Weapons* is a clear win for Warner Bros.' investment in original, director-driven projects and another summer success story. "Freaker Friday" demonstrates for Disney the value of providing audiences with a satisfying continuation of a story they already love and the enduring power of beloved properties. *Weapons* is expected to win the weekend with just over $43 million, while *Freakier Friday* is likely to come in second place with $31 million. Both films win in the end, demonstrating that in today's competitive box office environment, there is room for heartwarming laughs as well as terrifying scares. writing...
By GLOBAL NEWS5 months ago in The Swamp
Gold futures trade off highs as White House to issue clarification on bullion tariffs
After the White House indicated that it would issue a formal clarification regarding the tariffs that are affecting imported bullion, gold futures saw a decline from their record intraday highs on Friday. The move followed a volatile morning in which U.S. gold futures briefly surged past three thousand five hundred thirty dollars per ounce, driven by confusion over whether certain gold bars would be subject to new import duties.
By GLOBAL NEWS5 months ago in The Swamp
Junk Food Bans Miss the Point
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently floated the idea of banning “junk food” from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), better known as food stamps. On paper, the move is pitched as a way to improve the health of low-income Americans. In reality, it’s a sound bite that ignores the structural problems baked into the SNAP system itself.
By Michael Phillips5 months ago in The Swamp
Rachel Reeves’ New HMRC Crackdown: Why Your Savings Could Soon Cost You More Than You Think
In a bold and controversial move aimed at tightening tax enforcement, UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves has approved new regulations that could drastically reshape how your savings are monitored — and taxed. Starting in April 2027, banks will be legally required to collect and share customers’ National Insurance numbers with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). This sweeping change, part of a broader government strategy, is meant to clamp down on individuals who exceed their Personal Savings Allowance (PSA) — potentially exposing millions to unexpected tax bills.
By Waqar Khan5 months ago in The Swamp
Intel’s CEO, Under Attack From Trump, Is Already at Odds With His Board
**The Trump-attacked CEO of Intel Already Disagrees With His Board** Trump's attacks on Intel's CEO have already put him at odds with his board. Intel’s CEO, under attack from Trump, is already at odds with his board. Trump's attacks on Intel's CEO have already put him at odds with his board. Intel’s CEO, under attack from Trump, is already at odds with his board. Intel’s CEO, under attack from Trump, is already at odds with his board. Intel’s CEO, under attack from Trump, is already at odds with his board. Intel’s CEO, under attack from Trump, is already at odds with his board. Intel’s CEO, under attack from Trump, is already at odds with his board. Intel’s CEO, under attack from Trump, is already at odds with his board. Intel’s CEO, under attack from Trump, is already at odds with his board.
By GLOBAL NEWS5 months ago in The Swamp
Wednesday Season 2’s Surprising Rotten Tomatoes Score
Wednesday Season 2 has arrived on Netflix and the reaction from critics has been unexpectedly positive with a Rotten Tomatoes score that surprised both fans and industry insiders alike Early reviews have given the season a fresh rating in the low 80s surpassing Season 1’s score of 73 percent and signaling that the show is finding stronger footing with critics The season began with Part 1 of its new story arc released on August 6 2025 consisting of the first four episodes of the season With just over 50 reviews counted the critical consensus places Wednesday Season 2 between 79 and 84 percent depending on the source Some publications report an 81 percent score while others cite 82 or even 84 giving the season a Certified Fresh label on Rotten Tomatoes This improvement may not seem dramatic at first glance but in the world of streaming television where sequels often struggle to retain freshness and originality a jump of 8 to 11 percent is considered a notable achievement For fans of the series the news confirms what they have long believed Wednesday is not just a viral sensation but a show capable of critical growth and narrative depth Jenna Ortega once again anchors the show with a performance that critics are calling darker sharper and more emotionally nuanced than her breakout in Season 1 Her portrayal of Wednesday Addams continues to be the soul of the series with many reviews praising her command of dry wit combined with increasingly complex emotional stakes The second season leans more heavily into horror elements and expands its world with more Addams family involvement which reviewers have described as bold creative and sometimes even gothic in scope Despite the acclaim not all reviews are glowing Some critics argue that the pacing remains uneven and that the show occasionally buckles under the weight of its multiple plotlines One review called the story formulaic another said the tone sometimes shifts too quickly from quirky to grim But these critiques are currently outweighed by the praise as evidenced by the overall Rotten Tomatoes score which suggests broad approval across a diverse group of outlets Compared to Season 1 which debuted in late 2022 with 105 critic reviews and a 73 percent score the early momentum for Season 2 suggests it could ultimately finish with a higher overall average especially once Part 2 of the season drops in September The structure of Season 2 split into two parts has also helped build anticipation Netflix confirmed that Part 2 will premiere on September 3 2025 offering viewers the rest of the season and likely prompting another wave of reviews and possibly an updated Rotten Tomatoes rating Interestingly Netflix renewed the show for a third season in July 2025 before Season 2 was even released indicating strong internal confidence in the series The early Rotten Tomatoes performance only reinforces that bet with many outlets already referring to Season 2 as a creative success and a sign of growth not decline The Rotten Tomatoes score has become an increasingly influential benchmark for streaming success and while viewership numbers remain important critical reception can significantly impact the longevity of a series In this case Wednesday has managed to both retain its massive fan base and improve its standing among critics an increasingly rare feat for serialized streaming content where second seasons often falter Wednesday’s Season 2 has proven it can evolve beyond its debut season’s novelty embracing more ambitious storytelling and deeper character development while still delivering the macabre humor and stylistic flair that fans love Jenna Ortega’s performance remains a centerpiece but stronger ensemble work more dynamic writing and more daring creative risks appear to be paying off With only half the season released the critical conversation is likely just beginning but based on the current Rotten Tomatoes score Wednesday Season 2 is off to a better than expected start and could cement the show as one of Netflix’s most valuable original properties in the long term Whether the final episodes sustain or elevate the early praise remains to be seen but for now Wednesday’s return is not just successful it’s surprisingly well received by critics too
By GLOBAL NEWS5 months ago in The Swamp
