UNBIASED Politics (2/13/25): Bribery Law on Pause, SAVE Act and Married Women, States Sue Over Disability Discrimination Law, FEMA Paying for 'Luxury' Hotels for Migrants, Kanye’s Super Bowl Ad & More.
Feb 13, 2025
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Dive into the recent halt on the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act enforcement and its impact on U.S. foreign dealings. Discover the implications of a lawsuit challenging disability discrimination protections. Hear about FEMA's controversy over funding for luxury migrant accommodations. Unpack Kanye West's divisive Super Bowl ad and its fallout. Plus, learn about the SAVE Act's misunderstood effects on voter registration for married women. This discussion brings clarity to urgent legal and political challenges gripping the nation.
The executive order halting the enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act raises concerns about potential increased corruption in international business practices.
A lawsuit from Texas and several states argues that recent expansions of disability protections violate federal authority, threatening existing rights for individuals with disabilities.
Deep dives
Executive Order on Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
An executive order has paused the enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), temporarily halting investigations into U.S. businesses engaging in activities that might violate this anti-bribery law. The FCPA aims to prevent U.S. citizens and firms from bribing foreign officials, but the current administration argues that it hinders American competitiveness abroad. Although the president's order allows for special circumstances where the FCPA may still be enforced, it raises concerns about the potential for increased corruption without penalties. Critics warn that while firms might benefit from relaxed scrutiny, this move could also undermine the integrity of international business practices.
Release of Mark Fogel from Russian Detention
Mark Fogel, a 63-year-old American history teacher who was detained in Russia for possessing medical marijuana, has been released after spending nearly two years in custody. Fogel's case drew attention due to comparisons with Brittany Griner's wrongful detention, which sparked public outcry and calls for equal treatment. His designation as wrongfully detained came five months after his original arrest, leading to efforts from the Biden administration to negotiate his release. The U.S. is reportedly exchanging him for Alexander Vanek, a figure allegedly involved in laundering money through a cryptocurrency exchange.
Lawsuit Against Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
A lawsuit initiated by Texas and 16 other states challenges Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, claiming it is unconstitutional and an overreach of federal authority. Section 504 prohibits discrimination based on disability in programs receiving federal funding, aiming to protect individuals with various impairments. Critics of the new final rule, which expands the definition of disability to include gender dysphoria and other conditions, argue that it violates the Administrative Procedure Act and surpasses the government's authority. If successful, the lawsuit poses a risk to protections currently afforded to individuals with disabilities, although the Americans with Disabilities Act remains in effect to safeguard these rights.
FEMA's Allegations of Mismanaging Funds
FEMA has fired four employees for allegedly mismanaging $59 million intended for housing immigrants in luxury hotels in New York City, an action that has sparked significant controversy. Reports claim these payments violated legal guidelines and involved miscommunication regarding the reasons for accommodations provided to migrants. While some luxury hotels were identified, the actual costs and specific hotels utilized were not clearly defined, prompting skepticism regarding the claims. New York City officials assert they are owed funds seized by the federal government, which complicates the financial repercussions of FEMA's actions.
Get the facts, without the spin. UNBIASED offers a clear, impartial recap of US news, including politics, elections, legal news, and more. Hosted by lawyer Jordan Berman, each episode provides a recap of current political events plus breakdowns of complex concepts—like constitutional rights, recent Supreme Court rulings, and new legislation—in an easy-to-understand way. No personal opinions, just the facts you need to stay informed on the daily news that matters. If you miss how journalism used to be, you're in the right place.
In today's episode:
Trump Pauses Enforcement of Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (0:21)
Marc Fogel Released From Russian Prison Four Years After Arrest (4:47) (**Correction: Fogel had 0.6*** ounces of medical marijuana in his possession at the time of his arrest.)
States Sue Over Section 504; Here's What It Means for Americans With Disabilities (8:03)
Four FEMA Employees Fired After DOGE Claims $59M Was Spent on 'Luxury Hotels' for Illegal Immigrants (15:33)
DOJ Recommends All Charges Against NYC Mayor Eric Adams Be Dropped (19:32)
Kanye West Airs Antisemitic Super Bowl Ad (21:47)
Court Says CDC, FDA, and HHS Webpages Must Go Back Online After Executive Orders (23:56)
Education Dept. Agrees to Temporarily Prohibit DOGE From Accessing Records After Being Sued (27:05)
Senate Judiciary Democrats Request Second Patel Hearing After Accusing Him of Lying Under Oath (28:54)
Quick Hitters: RFK Jr. Confirmed, FBI Finds News JFK Files, Trump's Order on Paper Straws, Trump Pardons Former Illinois Governor, Appeals Court Keeps Funding Freeze Pause in Place, Federal Buyout Offer Can Proceed, Bannon Pleads Guilty, Sotomayor Comments on Recent Judicial Threat, Inflation Jumps, Disney and Google Do Away With DEI Programs (31:36)
Rumor Has It: Does the SAVE Act Ban Married Women From Voting? Is Trump Lifting the Death Penalty Moratorium to Execute Illegal Immigrants? Did Google Remove Black History Month and Pride Month from Calendar? (37:56)