The NPR Politics Podcast The Senate Surprised Itself By Passing A Bill To Make Daylight Saving Time Permanent
Mar 18, 2022
Juana Summers, NPR's politics and racial justice correspondent, discusses Congress's recent legislative wins, including the revival of the Violence Against Women Act and making lynching a federal hate crime. Interestingly, senators surprised themselves by passing a bill to make Daylight Saving Time permanent, with some unaware of the vote. Summers also dives into the mobilization around Ketanji Brown Jackson's historic Supreme Court nomination, highlighting the significance of representation for Black women in the judicial system amid the upcoming confirmation hearings.
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Violence Against Women Act Lapse
- The Violence Against Women Act, championed by Joe Biden, lapsed in 2018 due to the "boyfriend loophole".
- This loophole concerns firearm ownership for those convicted of dating violence but doesn't include non-cohabitating partners.
Reauthorization of Laws
- Laws requiring appropriated money, like the Violence Against Women Act, often need reauthorization.
- This allows Congress to assess spending effectiveness and update laws as needed.
Lynching as Federal Hate Crime
- Congress recently passed a bill making lynching a federal hate crime, a milestone achieved after 120 years.
- The bill, supported by Bobby Rush, Tim Scott, and Cory Booker, addresses a historical wrong.