Hunter Biden’s indictment and a government shutdown on the horizon
Sep 15, 2023
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Hunter Biden indicted for alleged illegal possession of a firearm. Congress races to prevent a government shutdown. Lab-grown meat gains kosher and halal certification. The podcast also announces its final episode and addresses listener questions.
Hunter Biden's indictment adds to the legal actions surrounding him and becomes a reason for an impeachment inquiry against President Biden.
The dysfunction in Congress makes it increasingly difficult to rely on them to avoid a government shutdown and highlights the challenges of getting meaningful action from Congress.
Deep dives
Hunter Biden indicted on federal gun charges
Hunter Biden has been indicted on federal gun charges, which adds to the legal actions surrounding him. These charges, dating back to 2018, become significant when combined with the four Trump indictments. House Republicans are using Hunter Biden's businesses as a reason for an impeachment inquiry against President Biden.
The role of the Justice Department in investigating presidents
The Justice Department is primarily responsible for various tasks, such as tribal justice and violence against women, rather than investigating current or former presidents and their families. The increased perception that the Justice Department's role is to target presidents and ex-presidents has skewed the public's understanding of its purpose.
Government shutdown and dysfunction in Congress
As the September 30 deadline for funding the government approaches, the issue of a potential government shutdown has become seemingly commonplace. The dysfunction in Congress makes it increasingly difficult to rely on them to accomplish anything. Partisan primary fights and symbolic shutdowns have become the norm, highlighting the challenges of getting meaningful action from Congress.
Hunter Biden on Thursday was indicted for three counts related to his alleged illegal possession of a firearm. And on Capitol Hill, time is running out for Congress to avert a looming government shutdown.
Plus, lab-grown meat goes kosher and halal.
And, for our last daily show, we answer some of your burning questions.
Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Alexandra Botti, Fonda Mwangi and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com. You can send questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.