The chaotic conclusion of the 118th Congress took center stage, spotlighting the last-minute drama that prevented a government shutdown. Elon Musk surprisingly influenced key legislative actions. The failure to pass essential appropriations revealed deep political rifts, while unexpected bipartisan efforts emerged amidst discord. Critical issues like national security, consumer protection, and overlooked health programs also surfaced. With a new Congress on the horizon, there's a palpable tension about the future and a call for greater community engagement.

U.S. military whistleblowers have told Congress about secret programs related to non-human piloted aircraft and submersibles. In this episode, listen to testimony from additional whistleblowers who add more information to what we have already learned, listen to the response from the person at the Defense Department in charge of investigating these claims, and learn about a secret program called Immaculate Constellation, which allegedly has a hidden treasure trove of evidence that we are not alone. Please Support Congressional Dish – Quick Links Contribute monthly or a lump sum via Support Congressional Dish via (donations per episode) Send Zelle payments to: Donation@congressionaldish.com Send Venmo payments to: @Jennifer-Briney Send Cash App payments to: $CongressionalDish or Donation@congressionaldish.com Use your bank’s online bill pay function to mail contributions to: Please make checks payable to Congressional Dish Thank you for supporting truly independent media!

Immediately after we published the Freaky Food episode, the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration testified to the Senate and provided valuable insights into why our food supply is concerning for all the reasons exposed in episode 305. In this episode, listen to testimony from two hearings with FDA officials as we finish this series looking into the hidden dangers inside our food. Please Support Congressional Dish – Quick Links Contribute monthly or a lump sum via Support Congressional Dish via (donations per episode) Send Zelle payments to: Donation@congressionaldish.com Send Venmo payments to: @Jennifer-Briney Send Cash App payments to: $CongressionalDish or Donation@congressionaldish.com Use your bank’s online bill pay function to mail contributions to: Please make checks payable to Congressional Dish Thank you for supporting truly independent media!

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., an environmental activist and attorney, joins Dr. Chris Palmer, a psychiatrist focused on metabolic health, along with food advocates Calley and Dr. Casey Means, and Vani Hari, known as "The Food Babe." They delve into alarming food safety issues, discuss the dangers of unregulated chemicals in our food supply, and highlight the influence of corporate lobbying on health policies. The conversation emphasizes the urgent need for transparency in food labeling and advocates for systemic health reforms to combat chronic diseases.

After a brief analysis of what we currently know about the 119th Congress, we process the return of President Trump. Please Support Congressional Dish – Quick Links Contribute monthly or a lump sum via Support Congressional Dish via (donations per episode) Send Zelle payments to: Donation@congressionaldish.com Send Venmo payments to: @Jennifer-Briney Send Cash App payments to: $CongressionalDish or Donation@congressionaldish.com Use your bank’s online bill pay function to mail contributions to: Please make checks payable to Congressional Dish Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Background Sources Reconciliation Rebecca Goldman. September 1, 2022. League of Women Voters. Richard Kogan and David Reich. May 6, 2022. Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Lisa Desjardins. April 7, 2021. PBS News. House Race Results The New York Times. 2020 vs. 2024 Presidential Results The New York Times. The New York Times. Audio Sources November 5, 2024 justinryoung on Twitch November 7, 2024 We’re Not Wrong Music by Editing Production Assistance

During the RNC and DNC, Jen interviewed nine members of Congress about Congress itself. What is it like to work there? Do they think Congress is dysfunctional? If so, how do they think it could be fixed? In this episode, listen to the most interesting responses from all of the interviews. Please Support Congressional Dish – Quick Links Contribute monthly or a lump sum via Support Congressional Dish via (donations per episode) Send Zelle payments to: Donation@congressionaldish.com Send Venmo payments to: @Jennifer-Briney Send Cash App payments to: $CongressionalDish or Donation@congressionaldish.com Use your bank’s online bill pay function to mail contributions to: Please make checks payable to Congressional Dish Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Background Sources David Daley. October 4, 2024. The Guardian. OpenSecrets. OpenSecrets. Accessed October 30, 2024. Congressional Research Service. Accessed October 30, 2024. Congressional Research Service. Music by Editing Production Assistance

This discussion dives deep into the complexities of the U.S. immigration system. The hosts break down legislative proposals, contrasting Republican and Democratic approaches to border security. Key insights on the backlog in immigration courts reveal challenges faced by asylum seekers. The episode also touches on the fluctuating admission rates for refugees and the ethical concerns related to detention facilities. Personal anecdotes about beach volleyball underscore the importance of mental health amidst political stress.

Discover how to evaluate your Congress members' performance ahead of the 2024 elections! The discussion covers crucial single-issue votes and the impact of bipartisan foreign policy laws. It also delves into environmental legislation controversies and the struggles between military support and accountability. Get insights into energy policies and consumer rights amidst a Senate stalemate. Plus, learn about the importance of listener contributions in supporting independent media!

Explore the contentious struggle over the right to repair your belongings. Discover the debate surrounding legislation aimed at empowering consumers against restrictive corporate policies. Learn how these issues impact everything from military repair processes to agricultural practices. Delve into the cybersecurity concerns raised by current intellectual property laws and how they affect independent repair shops. Finally, uncover the ongoing advocacy efforts that aim to reform outdated copyright laws and boost consumer rights.

The podcast dives into the disillusioned atmosphere at the Democratic National Convention, revealing a facade of unity amidst internal discord. It critiques the nomination process and discusses protests over U.S. military aid to Israel, highlighting the complexity of Middle Eastern conflicts. The lack of Palestinian representation within the party is emphasized, alongside contrasts in organization between the Democratic and Republican conventions. Personal reflections on voting choices advocate for exploring third-party options in a polarized political landscape.