The NPR Politics Podcast Weekly Roundup: July 17th
Jul 17, 2020
As Congress resumes, lawmakers grapple with urgent matters like police reform, Confederate symbol removal, and COVID-19 relief. The discussion highlights the Biden administration's expanded focus on securing protective equipment amid rising pandemic cases. Legislative debates become intricate, connecting national protests with demands for tech regulations. Humorous anecdotes of a listener's refrigerator upgrade provide levity against a backdrop of serious political discourse. Meanwhile, the challenges of balancing remote and in-person education are brought to light amidst social media chaos.
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Regulation Challenges
- Congress faces difficulty regulating popular companies due to public opinion.
- Despite some negative views, many Americans use these platforms daily, creating a political hurdle.
Protective Equipment Shortage
- The U.S. is facing a resurgence of coronavirus cases, leading to shortages in protective equipment.
- President Trump tasked the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to address the shortage.
DFC's Expanded Role
- The DFC, a new agency focused on countering China's influence, has been given additional responsibilities.
- There are concerns that this added task of handling the pandemic response may hinder the DFC's primary mission.